Uk to India
 

How much time would you allow to get to India from London? I know this is an open ended question so sarcastic replies unnecessary please. Realistically, through Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan... not gunning it Boorman and McGregor style but not dragging your heels with an open return.
Any ideas?
Thanks

I did Manchester to New Delhi in 21 days, if that helps.

Well, I haven't done it yet, as I am considering it for 2013. But I can take 3 months off from work and that would be my time, so approx. 10 weeks but I would also include ALL the 'stans etc.

I think it is more a question about how many km do you want to drive a day?

For me, I found out that an average of 200-300km a day is enough, depending of the roads you take. Last trip I did 13hrs for a mere 220km... but if you stay on the "boring" straight roads you could do a lot more a day of course.

I am more interested about the weather from EU to there, to pick the right 10 weeks of the year. I prefer to hot vs to cold. So I guess I would start somewhere between March and August...

Just to know, did you SEE anything?
Seems pretty fast... but perfect doable!

When did you do this (month?) and did you ship the bike back to UK afterwards?

Pretty much the same here - Kathmandu to London in a Land Rover took me 21 days but didn't see a lot.
I'd say allow 10 weeks if you can as there's lots to see in Turkey, Iran and India.

I'd say 21 days is far too fast. Three months sounds better but, of course, you need to get a visa for Iran which, if you are British is very hard at the moment.

It really depends on how many side roads you want to take, and how much sightseeing along the way. I took some 6-7 weeks from Germany to the Indian border, about 10.500 kms. Main roads are quite good for the most part.

I'm exploring the idea for 2013 as well so we should share info etc...
The grand plan is to ride to India in circa 2 months, then allow 1-2 months in India...down to Goa, then ship/fly bike back to London. I don't know if this is naive or what the major obstacles will be (carnets/visas/getting bike back to uk...etc)
I was originally planning to ride back to SA where I grew up (now live in the sunnier climes of Cornwall!!) but the West coast seems too much of a mission with too many countries/visas etc and the East has Egypt standing in the way...so now I'm looking at India. Thought Ukraine Russia China was the way forward but someone on ABR forum put me dtraight and said Iran Pakistan due to China costs. So, anyone who can help me make a pipe-dream a reality would be much appreciated.

Hi Jonaball -

I've got similar plans. I'd have love to have done Europe/Turkey/Russia/Mongolia/China and then south to Kuala Lumpur and then ship to Kolkata in India, but unfortunately the rules and regulations of the Chinese appear to make driving through China costly and a real hassle.

At the moment I think for British Citizens visas for Pakistan and Iran are possible, so long as you apply for them in the UK. You should also do the Indian Visa in London as well - remember it is valid from the date of issue, not the date of entry. But a 6 month visa is easily obtained.

As from my limited understanding; you'll need a Carne for Iran/Pak/India. I shouldn't think it would be a problem shipping back form Bombay/Mumbai if you have all the paperwork. I was there in March this year and met a Swiss guy who just shipped his BMW to Iran (couldn't get access to Pak for some reason or another).

My idea is to leave Belgium around mid april and then head East.
I would make it a 3 months trip to reach an Indian (air?)port and go back home. Primary idea is to visit all the 'stans of course. So I don't know if this fits your plans or ideas but if it does, I would gladly contact anyone who is interested to ride along. I would do it on my BMW GSA. Get in touch in interested!

I shall be keeping a keen eye on this thread, I'm planning the same trip Edinburgh to India leaving mid-April 2-up. Can't wait!!! Now, what's a carnet !

75 days for me to cross at Amritsar (from UK), including going to the end/top and back of the KKH. Southern route i.e. Greece, Turkey, Iran and Pak.

Cheers
Pete

leave as much time in any location to stay, talk, drink coffee or beer and lap it up. For every 500kms add a day, if you can, to be blown by the wind. those are the best bits, not the goals. I can guarentee it!:D

The minimum time taken that I know of was 11 days in a car; but that was a long time back, and maximum depends upon the traveller. Still I feel 2 months is the most popular speed.

In my experience it is best to travel without any detailed plans.
Have a nice trip.

Cheers
Omar

ok, getting a good idea of time. I think 10-12 weeks sounds about right with some rest days and site seeing.
So now on to visas etc. Realising the biggest hurdle will be Iran... so going to try organise that one first, then Pakistan, then India. Turkey at the border I believe? Anyone have info on insurance requirements or such like for this route?
cheers

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You mean like insurance for your motorcycle?

My info is almost 5 years old, but in 2007 my bike´s insurance from my home country was valid all the way through Europe, Turkey and Iran (perhaps surprisingly Iran is, or at the very least was, in the Green Card system, that´s why).

But then after crossing to Pakistan, and onwards from there – just hope your vehicle doesn´t get stolen, and try your best not to hit anything :rofl:

(my bike was uninsured in Pakistan & India, but maybe it would be a good idea to buy some "insurance" at the borders or closest towns after crossing.. still, do NOT expect, that such insurance will give you ANY real cover, if you have an accident; its biggest upside may be, that you´re able to show it to the cops, so they don´t get an excuse to get bribes from you..)

Yes, i mean bike insurance. Is it compulsory like it is in the UK?

Actually I was partly driving the 2 vehicles coming from Manchester. It was June 1977, before the Iranian revolution when no one could imagine Shah of Iran could be over thrown.

I was student of 1st year in Medical school and went to Iran. In Tehran I met 2 Pakistani factory workers on 1. Toyota Corona 1968 and 2. Datsun 120Y, 1974 coming from UK. They were delighted to know that I could drive and we started from Tehran-Mashhad-Herat-Kahdhar-Kabul and Peshawar. In those days Afghanistan was very popular with western hippie tourists.

The cars didnt have ACs and would reach 90mph on the Russian built roads of Afghanistan. I was 18 then and loved driving both cars.

These 2 people took 11 days till Islamabad.
Things might have changed a bit, afterall 35 years have passed :~)

Cheers
Omar

Does any one know if there is a time limit on Iranian/Pakistani visa i.e. if I apply for one now but don't intend to enter Iran until August 2013 will the visa still be valid? I'm just worried that the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran may make it difficult/impossible to obtain a visa prior to my planned departure from the UK circa April next year

Yes there is, normally 90 days from issue, that is, you can enter up to 90 days from issue date and stay for the length of your visa ( usually 30 days ).

i've just found out some info on this...
You have to apply for acceptance to get a visa, nominating where you will collect it from (no embassy in uk). When you get this, you have 90 days to collect it from the embassy in nominated country. You then have 90 days to enter Iran.
Pakistan, not sure yet....

Bump!

Anyone know of a good map which covers Turkey, Iran, Pakistan? Something which I can tack to my wall to plan my course

I'm on the verge of leaving from UK to Thailand, same route as you've been plotting.

Waiting anxiously to get my passport back from Pakistan High Commission, and also (anxiously) watching the weather slip into the crutches of winter each day.

I'm going to have to blitz through Europe (which I'm OK with) and get to Turkey ASAP to pass through the Turkey/Iran border which apparently gets tottallly freeeeeeeeeZING.

Totally overwhelmed this week. So much to sort out! Knocking on the Pakistan High Commission door tomorrow for an update, wish me luck.

some Information
 

Hello dear biker

Regarding your Queries:
about visa for Iran visit this :Iran Visa Application Form & Travel Information | London UK
visa for pakistan:you must get it in your home country its impossible in another country
visa for india:you can get it in tehran as well

finally insurance:in iran you will need to have insurance for your bike

any question is welcome

hosseinthebiker@yahoo.com

good luck!