As some are worried to travel overland to India crossing Pakistan, I inform about the most "tricky" part: from Bam to Quetta. *

Bam to Taftan border.
Security: several checkpoints but I could travel without escort passing Zahedan untill about 45 kilometers from the border. There I got an escort to Mirjaveh.
Road: good quality
Environment: the road crosses the western part of the Dasht-e Lut desert. Strong wind and dusty.
Accomodation: Tourist Inn in Mirjaveh. The police brought me there. I was not allowed to leave the premisses. Close to the border but certainly not the best place to stay. Bedbugs. I would suggest a hotel in Zahedan. *

Taftan Border.
At both sides of the border I got assistance (and escort) of a member of the border police. It took me about two hours to cross. The last office at the Pakistani side is that of the Balochistan Levies. They are responsible for my escort. It took again two hours to arrange the escort. I changed money in Taftan bazar for a reasonable price. For those who travel from Pakistan to Iran: the rate you find on the internet is not correct! At the time of writing: 1 euro is about 42.000 real, 1 US dollar is about 32.000 real. *

Taftan border to Dalbandin. Dalbandin is 350 km from the border and half way to Quetta.
Security: after two hours waiting at the border I got my escort: two old guys on Honda moped! They escorted me about 20 km and then waved goodbey. I got again an escort at Nok Kundi which is half way Dalbandin. Between Taftan and Dalbandin are several checkpoints were I had to register.
Road: quality is moderate untill Nok Kundi. The top layer of tarmac is partly missing and several sand dunes on the road. Very few traffic. Between Nok Kundi and Dalbandin the road is in good condition. Environment: desert. I had a severe sand and dust storm untill Nok Kundi!
Accomodation: Dawood hotel in Dalbandin. Very friendly and helpful but there was no electricity, so the fan in my room didn't work and it was unbearably hot. Warm too! *

Dalbandin to Quetta.
Security: many checkpoints and changes of escorts. I got water, tea and melons. Quite nice.
Road: not as good as between Nok Kundi and Dalbandin, but still OK. Mostly uneven tarmac and some short sections in poor condition.
Environment: steppe on plateau. Many villages. *

Quetta
Security: very strict. From the entrance of Quetta untill the city centre I was escorted by armoured vehicles. Escort changed at each checkpoint. From the centre to Bloom Star hotel escort by police pickup. I was not allowed to leave Bloom Star without prior notice and only escorted by police.
Accomodation: Bloom Star hotel is very good. Friendly and helpful staff, comfortable room, good food, cold . *

Summarizing. Security: between Taftan and Quetta I regard the security risk as low, considering the quality of escort. Many times old blokes on a moped. In Quetta the situation is quite tense; combat zone. Other dangers: sand and dust storms between Taftan and Dalbandin. According to locals storms occur frequently.

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Voorbij de horizon / beyond the horizon: www.wonderfultravels.nl

Thanks for the usefull Infos

Riding the other direction in about one week

Heiko

About to head through this way in about a week or so. We are coming from Iran through to Lahore (possibly also including a loop up through the KKH if we have time).

Have you got any further advice Beemer76?

What was the cost of escorts and how are they arranged? Are they issued at checkpoints?

Any other advice you have would be much appreciated!!

The government websites have a lot of strong warnings out for these areas at the moment so trying to get as prepared as possible!

Iran has been really safe so far and we have mostly been camping through out the west/central areas with no issues.

You don't have to pay for the escorts. The escorts are obligatory but free. The escorts are organized by local police and by checkpoints. It will take some time. Be patient. The duration of your trip to Quetta is already fixed at two days. Have a good trip!

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Voorbij de horizon / beyond the horizon: www.wonderfultravels.nl

Hi All,

I'm heading into Pakistan from India on the 24/10. I'm interested to hear about the latest experiences heading across Baluchistan from Lahore to Taftan/Iran border. Especially in and around Quetta. I'm crossing Pakistan from Lahore to the Iran border btw 13/11-18/11.

Martheijnens, sounds like I need 2 days from Quetta to the border?

Beemer76/ktharrison, got any tips / advice?

Jon

Hello,

Same question as BigO... I ll be doing the same trip a bit later, entering Pakistan from India around the 15th December, probably on a Nepalese registered bike, if I can get a Carnet de Passage in Nepal.

Tips and advices would be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Safe trip to you, BigO
Xavier

marthiejnans

how r u sir?
hope you enjoyed Pakistan

regards

''Same question as BigO... I ll be doing the same trip a bit later, entering Pakistan from India around the 15th December probably on a Nepalese registered bike, if I can get a Carnet de Passage in Nepal''..........................................

It is possible to get a CDP for a Nepal bike, but you will have to arrange it through your home country, likewise your Pak visa will only be issued in your home country (place of residence). It is doable, but a bit more complicated than just turning up in Nepal and buying a bike, also I would think you will need a couple of mths to arrange the paperwork, so not December and riding through Iran in Jan, brrrrrrrr !!!!!
UB.