Crossing Iran and Pakistan
 

Hi!!

In may 2014 my boyfriend and I will begin a trip in bike from Spain to Vietnam.
It´s the first time we do this route and we would like cross Iran and Pakistan. I have read a lot of information of travelers who have crossed these countries but in all cases are men traveling alone. In many cases the people sleeps in the check points.

I would like to know the experiences of women who have crossed these countries. If anyone can give me information, I would greatly appreciate it.

Best regards,
Diana

Hello and welcome to site. Hope you enjoy being here.
Happy New Year Also...


What kind of information you need. Please ask your questions more detailed so people can help you better/easier.

Don't be skeptic and pessimist about Iran. Even though you are not married.
Only don't trust everyone, behave cool, be yourself and behave normal.
You need to cover your hair when not have your helmet, not needed to cover full. You can check how women dress in Iran on the net...

About sleeping in checkpoints! If you have your sleeping gear with you, think no problem at all...

Hope this helps...

Hi Sammy!
Happy new year you too!!

Thank you very much for your answer, It´s helpful :) This is my first time in a forum.

I talked with a couple that crossed Iran and they said me the same as you, That in Iran there is no problem.
You know the situation for woman in Pakistan?
I worry about to cross this country because I don´t find stories about women who have been in this country. The most likely it´s my concern unfounded due my ignorance about this country.

My question is, for example, if we have to sleep in a check point and no women´s toilets, is there a problem to use the same bathrooms as men? or it may be an offense? I don´t know if it is right that my boyfriend and me we can sleep in the same tent.

Sorry if someone can bother these questions, in no case is my intention to offend.

Best regards,
Diana

Toilet Trouble
 

Diana
It sounds like a fantastic trip and I know you'll have a great time.
I have slept at checkpoints in Iran and there were NO toilets for male or female- you just go somewhere discreet for example behind some rocks or whatever.
I'm trying to remember if I ever saw public toilets at all! if there only appear to be toilet for men, get your boyfriend to ask where his "wife" can go. It might be that they will say you can use their toilet but your boyfriend guards the door.

It is quite a few years since I went to Pakistan- we were two women travelling alone and had no problems at all, people were very welcoming and friendly everywhere and I know it is a similar situation now. The everyday people are very different from how attitudes are portrayed in the media. There are people here on the HUBB who have recently travelled there and can also reassure you.

No-one will know if you're married or not unless you tell them- In Muslim countries I wear a wedding ring and pretend to be married to give me an air of respectability (even though I don't have a male companion in sight) - often a single woman will be viewed as a prostitute, if I was you I would give people the impression that you are married. I'm aware that others might differ with their opinions.:cool4:

Good luck

Tiffany

Hi Dianna,
Welcome to Pakistan. Tiffany addressed most of your concerns very well however I would like to add a few points,
Pakistan is one of the most welcoming country for women that I am aware of. Just try to go with the flow and avoid short or revealing clothes and you should be fine. Head scarves are optional.
Don't worry about issues like toilet as everyone would be more than helpful. Pakistani men might be a bit too gentlemanly.
Feel free to ask for any questions or assistance. You might like to join the biking community of Pakistan at,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MAPakistan/
This might help you find answers.
A solo New Zealander biker Daniella spent some time here and her experience might interest you. Her HUBB identity was Maximondo or something like this.
I am sure youre gonna have great time here.
Cheers
Omar

Hi Omar – The missus and I will be riding through Pakistan (from India) this May.

After crossing the border I am not yet certain which direction we will then head, i.e. north to Islamabad → KKH | or south to Balochistan → Iran.

We are not legally married. Therefore we have different surnames in our passports etc. Could this be a problem anywhere in/around Pakistan?

Secondly, a brief question not necessarily related to this thread [my apologies to the OP]: In view of the diplomatic circumstances between your country and neighbouring India, do you know if it is better to apply and obtain our Indian visas before approaching the Pakistan Consulate here in England for visas into your country, or does the other way around work best?

Thanks

Keith

Tiffany, thank you very much for your tips. Your experience is very important for me :)

Omar, thanks for your warm welcome, I will folllow the facebook group ;)

Keiht, it's possible that we met along the way. We will leave for Spain in May. I hope we can see you!

Best regards
Diana

Hi Keith,
Nice to know that youre planning to visit the world's best kept secret. As regards your questions,
1. You can enter/exit Pakistan either from Taftan in Balochistan or Khanjerab on the KKH. Even if you plan to take the Taftan route you just cant afford to miss the KKH along with its adjacent valleys like Deosai and Shamshal. The only drawback taking Khanjerab-China route is the extra money that Chinese government charges.
2. Having different last names shouldn't matter but please don't announce your marital status unnecessarily. Here usually they call you by your first name even addressing you formally like "Mr. Keith"
3. Indian visa shouldn't be any problem. Do as it suites you

Have a nice trip.
Cheers
Omar