Pakistan to Turkey
 

Hello All,

Looking for some advice on going from Pakistan to Turkey.

Would be leaving Lahore, Pakistan early June.

Option 1. Taftan Iran crossing option, then to Turkey. Reading through these threads, cheap but a nightmare? Hot as well?? But straight forward.....ish.

However, it appears possible currently. Is this correct?

Option 2. Lahore to Tajikistan then onwards through the Stans, ferry from Aktay to Baku.

Lahore to Tajikistan through Sost (PAKISTAN-CHINA BORDER CROSSING AT KHUNJERAB PASS) through China. I'm thinking this is a minefield of paper and politics? Is it possible? Expensive?

Shipping the bike from Lahore to Dushanbe. Is it possible? Any recommendations on a shipping agent in Lahore?

Other options?

Looking forward to any advice from the brains trust on this site.

Regards

Baz

My understanding is that Iran is possible but much easier if you do not have a UK, US or Canadian passport, not a bad route, I have done it the other way and believe the road has got better since then.

Option 1 is easy (what nightmare?), and very hot in summer. Southern Pakistan can easily hit 50ºC between June and September. If you can't stand heat then don't go to Pakistan/Iran in summer. Not possible if you travel on a US, British or Canadian passport.

Option 2: Chinese land borders are currently closed, until that is reversed, the only way through would be via Afghanistan which is doable but probably not recommended for a novice in the region.

Shiiping to Tajikistan would, I imagine, be outrageously expensive. Easier to ship from Europe and start again from there.

There is a huge amount to see in Pakistan (though police escorts may make that difficult), it's really in my opinion the highlight of an overland journey in Asia. But right now it's not a good place for getting to Central Asia. Better make them two separate trips.

EO

Yes the information from China is a bit conflicting. China has opened it's borders Jan 8, assuming by air but tourist visas are still currently suspended. There may be some changes to this by the second quarter....allegedly. Then there's quarantine requirements which appears to have been relaxed. Still, 5 days in a hotel detracts from the enthusiasm of crossing into China.

Appears Iran is currently a better option.

Thanks Gents for your input.

Regards
Baz

Hi Barry,
1. Travelling via Iran should be easy and wonderful for Australians although not for those travelling with US or British passports. In addition Iran is pretty and hospitable, something not to be missed.
Southern Pakistan can, rather is, scorching hot in summers and we either travel after dark or cross by train.

2. Khanjerab border is closed for 4-5 months every winter and your information about paperwork and expense is correct.

3. According to my information travelling via Afghanistan/Uzbekistan is the shortest and inexpensive route. It is safe too and I would be travelling solo this spring.

Have a great trip and keep us posted.

Cheers

Thanks Omie

Is the Police escort just required for the Balochistan region or is it for the entirety of Pakistan at the moment?

India to Europe
 

Hi Barry,

We are planning a similar route (India to Turkey, ideally via Pakistan) some 6 - 8 months later than you so will watch your travels with great interest. We will leave Melbourne mid year.

Plan A for us is Pakistan-Iran-Turkey depending on the political situation at the time.

Plan B will be through the Middle East. Possibilities include freighting bikes from India to UAE or Oman if possible, or from Pakistan to UAE or Oman. I need to get further information on these options to see how viable they might be.

Plan C originally included Russia and we have ruled that out for the time being.

Good luck with your travels and we will be interested to see which way you go.

Cheers,
Rowan