What maps for Iran and Central Asia?
 

What, in people's experience are the best maps for Iran, the Stans and Pakistan? We don't intend on using SatNav so want to make sure we've got maps that will be up to the job.

Also, what scale do people find to be the best compromise between having enough detail of smaller roads/features etc, yet not having to carry round a library with us?

We've heard that it's hard to get maps in some of the more paranoid countries on our route, though I'm not sure how true this is so want to prepare ahead of time.

thanks

maps for Iran
 

Hi Bobduro, even at Stanfords in London there is not much choice. I used Reise Know-How, german, 1:1,5 mill. for Iran. Is good for a overall view (big country) but hopeless for smaller roads. Pakistan is also more restricted, the police like to know where you are, don't let you wander, and sometimes escort turists from point to point, so you really only need a large scale map.
You will be very lucky to find any maps at all in most Middle East and Asian countries that I have been, and they may reflect the ruler's wishfull thinking. I have a beauty from Syria that has annexed a large lump of Turkey. Buy what you need in Europe, anything you can pickup along the way is bonus.
Safe travels
Peter, in Oslo