Overland to India
Aug 14th 2004, 7:30 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
"Knight of the Road" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
news:[email protected]...
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
> Pakistan, which both have political problems.
> However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite,
and/or
> who can offer advice.
Don't know about driving but travelling by public transport, mostly by rail
and a section with bus is possible without much trouble.
All borders from Turkey to India are open for the moment but as there's a
permanent tense situation between Pakistan-India it's possible that border
may be locked at short notice.
I've also seen reports from people travelling the Iran-Turkmenistan border
without problems.
The Armenia-Iran border is the most troublesome and maybe impossible.
news:[email protected]...
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
> Pakistan, which both have political problems.
> However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite,
and/or
> who can offer advice.
Don't know about driving but travelling by public transport, mostly by rail
and a section with bus is possible without much trouble.
All borders from Turkey to India are open for the moment but as there's a
permanent tense situation between Pakistan-India it's possible that border
may be locked at short notice.
I've also seen reports from people travelling the Iran-Turkmenistan border
without problems.
The Armenia-Iran border is the most troublesome and maybe impossible.
Aug 14th 2004, 8:13 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Overland to India
I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
India.
My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
Pakistan, which both have political problems.
However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
who can offer advice.
Vince
--
Truck Driving In Russia- www.coventon.co.uk
India.
My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
Pakistan, which both have political problems.
However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
who can offer advice.
Vince
--
Truck Driving In Russia- www.coventon.co.uk
Aug 14th 2004, 9:54 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
>I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
>India.
>My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
>Pakistan, which both have political problems.
>However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
>who can offer advice.
One difficult part is getting the vehicle across borders, since a lot
of countries require all kinds of documents to make sure you're not
trying to sell your car in their country without paying import duties
and taxes, and that you're not trying to bring in a stolen car to
sell. Even assuming you were able to get the necessary documents,
what would you do if the vehicle broke down in the middle of nowhere
in somewhere like Iran or Pakistan? Many cities in the developing
world have horrendous traffic, or have areas of the city that are
simply inaccessible by car - what do you plan on doing with the car in
that case?
>India.
>My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
>Pakistan, which both have political problems.
>However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
>who can offer advice.
One difficult part is getting the vehicle across borders, since a lot
of countries require all kinds of documents to make sure you're not
trying to sell your car in their country without paying import duties
and taxes, and that you're not trying to bring in a stolen car to
sell. Even assuming you were able to get the necessary documents,
what would you do if the vehicle broke down in the middle of nowhere
in somewhere like Iran or Pakistan? Many cities in the developing
world have horrendous traffic, or have areas of the city that are
simply inaccessible by car - what do you plan on doing with the car in
that case?
Aug 14th 2004, 11:26 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the
> UK to India.
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through
> Iran and Pakistan, which both have political problems.
Well, hundreds of trucks cross those countries every day so it has to
be just a amtter of getting the paperwork right.
Do you seriously want to drive across the Baluchistan desert at this
time of year without being paid for it, though? Climate has a way of
overruling politics, as the people who voted for the Global Warming
Party in Florida have just found out...
========> Email to "j-c" at this site; email to "bogus" will bounce <========
Jack Campin: 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU; 0131 6604760
<http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/purrhome.html> food intolerance data & recipes,
Mac logic fonts, Scots traditional music files and CD-ROMs of Scottish music.
> UK to India.
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through
> Iran and Pakistan, which both have political problems.
Well, hundreds of trucks cross those countries every day so it has to
be just a amtter of getting the paperwork right.
Do you seriously want to drive across the Baluchistan desert at this
time of year without being paid for it, though? Climate has a way of
overruling politics, as the people who voted for the Global Warming
Party in Florida have just found out...
========> Email to "j-c" at this site; email to "bogus" will bounce <========
Jack Campin: 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU; 0131 6604760
<http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/purrhome.html> food intolerance data & recipes,
Mac logic fonts, Scots traditional music files and CD-ROMs of Scottish music.
Aug 15th 2004, 10:26 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
Knight of the Road <[email protected]> wrote:
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
Trying to take your own car would probably be extremely difficult and
not worth the hassle. I do know someone who travelled overland from
Greece to Pakistan, riding in buses, on the backs of convoy and
transport trucks, etc. This was in about 1999. People have done it by
bicycle, too, in particularly I remember someone rode from Sweden
to Nepal. Google Göran Kropp (IIRC) for the details. So it can be done.
Is there any reason why you want to have your own vehicle? It will only
serve to make things more difficult for you than going without one.
K.
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
Trying to take your own car would probably be extremely difficult and
not worth the hassle. I do know someone who travelled overland from
Greece to Pakistan, riding in buses, on the backs of convoy and
transport trucks, etc. This was in about 1999. People have done it by
bicycle, too, in particularly I remember someone rode from Sweden
to Nepal. Google Göran Kropp (IIRC) for the details. So it can be done.
Is there any reason why you want to have your own vehicle? It will only
serve to make things more difficult for you than going without one.
K.
Aug 15th 2004, 6:09 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
Well, dont know about the borders and such, but your first difficult bit is
that piece of water between you and France......
If you managed that overland, the rest should be a breeze
;-)
"Knight of the Road" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
> Pakistan, which both have political problems.
> However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite,
and/or
> who can offer advice.
> Vince
> --
> Truck Driving In Russia- www.coventon.co.uk
that piece of water between you and France......
If you managed that overland, the rest should be a breeze
;-)
"Knight of the Road" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
> Pakistan, which both have political problems.
> However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite,
and/or
> who can offer advice.
> Vince
> --
> Truck Driving In Russia- www.coventon.co.uk
Aug 16th 2004, 2:45 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
"Daniel" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
news:[email protected]...
> Well, dont know about the borders and such, but your first difficult bit
is
> that piece of water between you and France......
> If you managed that overland, the rest should be a breeze
> ;-)
In fact it's possible, at least theoretically, as there's a service tunnel
for vehicles between the railway channel tunnels. Negotiate the
administration for a such permit is possibly close to the paper works for
travelling with a car to India :-)
news:[email protected]...
> Well, dont know about the borders and such, but your first difficult bit
is
> that piece of water between you and France......
> If you managed that overland, the rest should be a breeze
> ;-)
In fact it's possible, at least theoretically, as there's a service tunnel
for vehicles between the railway channel tunnels. Negotiate the
administration for a such permit is possibly close to the paper works for
travelling with a car to India :-)
Aug 16th 2004, 9:06 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
Knight of the Road schrieb:
>
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
>
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
> Pakistan, which both have political problems.
>
> However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
> who can offer advice.
I forward your message to rta.
Regards, ULF
>
> I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
> India.
>
> My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
> Pakistan, which both have political problems.
>
> However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
> who can offer advice.
I forward your message to rta.
Regards, ULF
Aug 18th 2004, 4:50 pm
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
Hi,
it's possible but tough.
instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
and china can be a problem.
but it's doable... especially with academic credentials for "cultural
studies" or something for the visas etc.
when younger (the 70s) I often fantasized about overlanding to nepal...
to Katmandoooo (any bob seger fans here?).
but it's still doable for somebody with extensive travel experience,
some language skills, and LOTS of pre-planning along with the
ability/faith to wing it when neccessary.
I've headed to europe with a passport, a bike, a couple of cc/atm cards,
a car rental, and first and last day hotel reservations.
but I was prepared to spend the night sleeping rough if I had to and
came close 2 nights (got a room after 8pm)....no problem... could always
sleep it out on the motorway in the car.
on another trip I missed a train and later ferry connection and ended up
taking a cab several towns over to find a room at almost midnight...(was
traveling tourist class...no supplies/support other than cash) it was
the only time I've -EVER- hit the in-room minibar.
the questions are...
"are you experienced? have you ever been experienced?"
and....
do you have faith and confidence in YOURSELF and are you willing to bet
your LIFE on it?
-I- know -I- can get myself out of anything -I- will get myself into and
have the scars to prove it.
-I- know -I- could drive from the UK to india...
first I'd get one of the indian built jeeps and go over it with a fine
tooth comb, mount extra gas tanks, extra spares, go over the manual
again and check the vehicle again, safety wire everything, figure out
what spare parts and tools you'll need, equipment/clothing/etc, FINANCES
and how to get money when you're in the middle of bumfrick nowhere,
visas/permits/bribes/etc., routing, maps, communications (satelite
phone), gps......................
it's done every year but nobody said it was easy.
ttyl
akia
ttyl
akia
Ulf Kutzner wrote:
>>I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
>>India.
>>My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
>>Pakistan, which both have political problems.
>>However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
>>who can offer advice.
>
>
> I forward your message to rta.
>
> Regards, ULF
--
To live outside the law, you must be honest...
(Absolutely Sweet Marie - Blonde on Blonde - 1966)
it's possible but tough.
instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
and china can be a problem.
but it's doable... especially with academic credentials for "cultural
studies" or something for the visas etc.
when younger (the 70s) I often fantasized about overlanding to nepal...
to Katmandoooo (any bob seger fans here?).
but it's still doable for somebody with extensive travel experience,
some language skills, and LOTS of pre-planning along with the
ability/faith to wing it when neccessary.
I've headed to europe with a passport, a bike, a couple of cc/atm cards,
a car rental, and first and last day hotel reservations.
but I was prepared to spend the night sleeping rough if I had to and
came close 2 nights (got a room after 8pm)....no problem... could always
sleep it out on the motorway in the car.
on another trip I missed a train and later ferry connection and ended up
taking a cab several towns over to find a room at almost midnight...(was
traveling tourist class...no supplies/support other than cash) it was
the only time I've -EVER- hit the in-room minibar.
the questions are...
"are you experienced? have you ever been experienced?"
and....
do you have faith and confidence in YOURSELF and are you willing to bet
your LIFE on it?
-I- know -I- can get myself out of anything -I- will get myself into and
have the scars to prove it.
-I- know -I- could drive from the UK to india...
first I'd get one of the indian built jeeps and go over it with a fine
tooth comb, mount extra gas tanks, extra spares, go over the manual
again and check the vehicle again, safety wire everything, figure out
what spare parts and tools you'll need, equipment/clothing/etc, FINANCES
and how to get money when you're in the middle of bumfrick nowhere,
visas/permits/bribes/etc., routing, maps, communications (satelite
phone), gps......................
it's done every year but nobody said it was easy.
ttyl
akia
ttyl
akia
Ulf Kutzner wrote:
>>I have been asked if it is still possible to drive overland from the UK to
>>India.
>>My guess is that it would not, since it involves driving through Iran and
>>Pakistan, which both have political problems.
>>However, I would welcome opinions from anyone who knows for definite, and/or
>>who can offer advice.
>
>
> I forward your message to rta.
>
> Regards, ULF
--
To live outside the law, you must be honest...
(Absolutely Sweet Marie - Blonde on Blonde - 1966)
Aug 19th 2004, 2:05 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
"Anonymous" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
news:[email protected]...
> Hi,
> it's possible but tough.
> instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
more or less impossible to negotiate. Possibly better is Turkmenistan but
nevertheless you need to go through Iran and Pakistan.
> and china can be a problem.
> but it's doable... especially with academic credentials for "cultural
> studies" or something for the visas etc.
> when younger (the 70s) I often fantasized about overlanding to nepal...
> to Katmandoooo (any bob seger fans here?).
I did the trip from Sri Lanka up to Europe 1975 through India (side trip to
Nepal) Pakistan,Afghanistan,Iran and Turkey by bus and rail. Was almost
troublefree and I think it's doable also today,except for Afghanistan, going
by public transport.
Don't think you've any advantage of academic credentials though.
news:[email protected]...
> Hi,
> it's possible but tough.
> instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
more or less impossible to negotiate. Possibly better is Turkmenistan but
nevertheless you need to go through Iran and Pakistan.
> and china can be a problem.
> but it's doable... especially with academic credentials for "cultural
> studies" or something for the visas etc.
> when younger (the 70s) I often fantasized about overlanding to nepal...
> to Katmandoooo (any bob seger fans here?).
I did the trip from Sri Lanka up to Europe 1975 through India (side trip to
Nepal) Pakistan,Afghanistan,Iran and Turkey by bus and rail. Was almost
troublefree and I think it's doable also today,except for Afghanistan, going
by public transport.
Don't think you've any advantage of academic credentials though.
Aug 19th 2004, 2:56 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
"Lennart Petersen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Anonymous" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi,
> >
> > it's possible but tough.
> >
> > instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> > through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
> Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
> There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
> more or less impossible to negotiate. Possibly better is Turkmenistan but
> nevertheless you need to go through Iran and Pakistan.
Specifically the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed
and the border area, especially around Nagorno-Karabakh
is heavily mined. Would be travellers are arrested , if they
are lucky !
In Georgia there are clashes in South Ossetia and also Abkhazia
that make those regions extremely hazardous.
Keith
----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! >100,000 Newsgroups
---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =---
news:[email protected]...
> "Anonymous" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi,
> >
> > it's possible but tough.
> >
> > instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> > through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
> Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
> There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
> more or less impossible to negotiate. Possibly better is Turkmenistan but
> nevertheless you need to go through Iran and Pakistan.
Specifically the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed
and the border area, especially around Nagorno-Karabakh
is heavily mined. Would be travellers are arrested , if they
are lucky !
In Georgia there are clashes in South Ossetia and also Abkhazia
that make those regions extremely hazardous.
Keith
----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! >100,000 Newsgroups
---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =---
Aug 19th 2004, 8:32 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
"Lennart Petersen" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> "Anonymous" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi,
> >
> > it's possible but tough.
> >
> > instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> > through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
> Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
> There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
> more or less impossible to negotiate.
Not according to LP (not you, the other LP..). They enumerate the
different ways you can cross the Azerbaijan-Armenia border overland.
And in any case, you don't really need to go through Armenia or
Georgia, since you could travel the route Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran
instead (LP states that both borders are open).
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinat...baijan/get.htm
On the other hand, the only effect of choosing a Caucasian route over
a southern route is that you avoid Turkey. I'm not sure what the
advantage of that would be.
Bjorn
> "Anonymous" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi,
> >
> > it's possible but tough.
> >
> > instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> > through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
> Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
> There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
> more or less impossible to negotiate.
Not according to LP (not you, the other LP..). They enumerate the
different ways you can cross the Azerbaijan-Armenia border overland.
And in any case, you don't really need to go through Armenia or
Georgia, since you could travel the route Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran
instead (LP states that both borders are open).
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinat...baijan/get.htm
On the other hand, the only effect of choosing a Caucasian route over
a southern route is that you avoid Turkey. I'm not sure what the
advantage of that would be.
Bjorn
Aug 19th 2004, 8:36 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Overland to India
"Lennart Petersen" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> "Anonymous" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi,
> >
> > it's possible but tough.
> >
> > instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> > through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
> Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
> There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
> more or less impossible to negotiate.
Oops! Modification to my previous message: Yes, the Azerbaijan-Armenia
border is closed, but the Azerbaijan-Georgia border is open.
Them little Caucasian republics all look the same, don't they..
Bjorn
> "Anonymous" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi,
> >
> > it's possible but tough.
> >
> > instead of the southern route through pakistan/iran/etc you go north
> > through the former Soviet Union since it's "more" stable.
> Don't say the republics of Armenia,Azerbaijan and Georgia are stabile.
> There are wars between them and civil wars inside them. Those borders are
> more or less impossible to negotiate.
Oops! Modification to my previous message: Yes, the Azerbaijan-Armenia
border is closed, but the Azerbaijan-Georgia border is open.
Them little Caucasian republics all look the same, don't they..
Bjorn
