Suggestions and companions required for a road trip to Europe through Turkey & Iran

[Fraz87]

Dear Pak Wheelers & Travellers,

Salam,

I have been a member of PW for four years now and I have been using it before becoming a member. Earlier I used PW only for cars but later I came across the Road Trips / Vacations thread. Though I have liked travelling (mostly driving) for quite some time but this forum and the members were a source of inspiration for me to always try to do something more. My introduction is available at the following thread

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/227218-whos-who-road-trips-vacations-6

Last year I went on a road trip to Chitral from Rawalpindi on a 1999 Suzuki Khyber. I was advised by most people against this notion, however as almost of all of them lack the zeal and enthusiasm of travelling, I disregarded their advice and went on the arduous journey on a 15 year old suzuki hatchback. The details of the trip are available on the following thread:

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/238321-spontaneous-road-trip-rawalpindi-chitral-back-1999-suzuki-khyber#post4446312

I have also been to Mahudand lake Kalam on the same Khyber in 2012.

It was always my wish to embark on a road trip from Pakistan to Europe through Turkey but as always people come up with the same logic, "this is not possible, hallat theek nahi hain, so on and so forth". And once again I have thought that if i have the intention (neeyat) to make this journey a reality it would become a reality. I have defined a time line for this journey so that I may plan accordingly and then after getting all requisite information and resources including a few reasonable companions I would want to materialise this dream. I intend to go on this trip in August to October 2016 time frame. Suggestions and inputs are welcome from all members. I hope to find encouragement here because only travellers can support such ideas.

Regards

[Fraz87]

and i forgot to mention that this trip would not be on the khyber, would have to deliberate on something else

[say942]

Well, the idea is great but rest assure the security situation while travelling via E80 within Pakistan would not be same as it was a decade ago. Passing through Kuchlak, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Nok Kundi, and Taftan on motor car means taking risks. BLA is active in most of these areas as we all know already, courtesy to our pessimist media. You should have some serious security arrangements while keeping International Border rules in consideration. Then of course the ride has to be sorted out. Once you're out of Balochistan then it would be a fine journey as E80 avoids Iraq.

[Fraz87]

Well, the idea is great but rest assure the security situation while travelling via E80 within Pakistan would not be same as it was a decade ago. Passing through Kuchlak, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Nok Kundi, and Taftan on motor car means taking risks. BLA is active in most of these areas as we all know already, courtesy to our pessimist media. You should have some serious security arrangements while keeping International Border rules in consideration. Then of course the ride has to be sorted out. Once you're out of Balochistan then it would be a fine journey as E80 avoids Iraq.

Thanks for the valuable input, I'll keep in mind the security concerns. But mostly it is the fear of unknown and media hype. If you speak to relatives living abroad you will find out that the media portrays a war torn image of Pakistan, which is not the case. Anyhow I would plan before hand, this is the reason for starting the thread.

[driveking]

Well I am also interested in this kind of trip. I can acompany you but main problem would be getting visas!

|('}__ {Awargi!}
|(_/\_

[Fraz87]

Well I am also interested in this kind of trip. I can acompany you but main problem would be getting visas!

|('}__ {Awargi!}
|(_/\_

Visas should not be much of a problem as we would be requesting for by road travelling through different countries, which is not so strange for goras. I think getting a suitable transport would be a bigger problem.

[driveking]

Well it would be strange for goras as we have a tag of "pakistani's" with us.
But I am in. Do a complete research before planing. Vehicle would not be much pblm. Visa's would be. Consult someone experienced before. We would be requiring multiple visas. Eg. Iran, Turkey, shengen visa

|('}__ {Awargi!}
|(_/\_

[capsat]

Traveling with a Pakistani Passport by AIR is gradually becoming TOUGH let alone traveling by road. VISA regimes have drastically changed for Pakistani Passport holders with no or very low travel history. - [ my nephew now 18, with travel history since age of 4 was declined entry in France on April 21st despite a USA & UK visa stamped on Pakistani passport, several French & Schengen visas and a current valid french visa stamped on his Pakistani passport, he was put in safe area for 6 hours before returning to abu dhabi. He was going to Marseille for some science project under student exchange program from his school in UAE & French school request was also denied by the French immigration, rest of Non-Pakistani students were allowed entry ]

For travel by road - you need to obtain Carnet'De Passage fr your vehicle, a customs clearance from Pakistan. Passports stamped with correct visa type plus proof of sufficient funds & insurance covering the total duration & number of countries on-way.

if you start to process paper work NOW - June - July 2015 with Feb-Mar 2016 as tentative start of journey, am sure you can complete the requisite paper work with all embassies, Govt of Pakistan in time and take upon the adventure - Good Luck.

[Fraz87]

OK, i have another friend who is in this plan with me, il speak to him and let you know. we can discuss this further in PM. Regards

[Fraz87]

Dear brother, We would at least try and see what happens with our dream Thank you for bringing to light the actual things which would be necessary for the trip. Can you please tell what is carnet' De Passage and what type of custom clearance would be required from Pakistan? Insurance is not much of an issue, I foresee that an insurance should cost around PKR 10K per person at the most.

Regards

[makpak]

Good luck with your planning. May I suggest you get your hands on "Safarnama-Turkey" by Mubashir Nazir? It is available on internet in PDF format ... It should be helpful.

[sufian_noshad]

Salam brother and wishing you good luck with your planning. Just wanted to add one thing that it won't be possible for you to travel through Eastern Europe in those months as it's extreme winter. One of our fellow pwer was planning Pakistan to Germany last year I will post the thread here you go through that and try getting in touch with him hopefully he will have loads of up to date information. Wishing you good luck again.
https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242381

[Fraz87]

Good luck with your planning. May I suggest you get your hands on "Safarnama-Turkey" by Mubashir Nazir? It is available on internet in PDF format ... It should be helpful.

Thank you Brother

[Fraz87]

Salam brother and wishing you good luck with your planning. Just wanted to add one thing that it won't be possible for you to travel through Eastern Europe in those months as it's extreme winter. One of our fellow pwer was planning Pakistan to Germany last year I will post the thread here you go through that and try getting in touch with him hopefully he will have loads of up to date information. Wishing you good luck again.
Pakistan to Germany - 242381

Thank you for the detailed input brother, I shall get in touch with @sheran brother. I was planning for August, Sep Oct. I can also shift it to Apr-Jun 2016. Lets see how things turn out. Regards

[hasanimam]

Hey fraz87, I'm seriously interested. How do I get in touch with you? I have been thinking on the same lines as you and I want to embark on this adventure as soon as I am able! Let's talk!

[yjunejo]

I am up for this trip. Please contact me and share details.

[Fraz87]

Hey fraz87, I'm seriously interested. How do I get in touch with you? I have been thinking on the same lines as you and I want to embark on this adventure as soon as I am able! Let's talk!

I am up for this trip. Please contact me and share details.

Dear brothers you may contact me through personal messages on the forum, at the moment there are not much details, everything needs to be worked on. Sorry for the late reply as I was caught in work.

Regards