Getting Iranian visas can be a frustrating process for applicants from western countries.

The situation is the same for Pakistani and Indian embassies and consulates almost everywhere, although there are a few exceptions. The embassy of Iran in Ankara and the consulate in Istanbul now refuse to deliver visas if you are not a resident in the country. Iran, Pakistan and India require a visa for most travelers, so you have to get that beforehand. India is a favourite with travelers, so in most cities you will get all the facilities you expect as a tourist. The land borders have been closed at times during the Afghan war and when diplomatic relations with India were suspended. There have always been tourists in Pakistan, although many fewer at times when the country is making news. People are eager to meet foreigners and if you get used to the local way of life you will enjoy your trip.Дue to the civil war and the Taliban regime, almost nobody goes there unless they have a good reason to visit. Iran is not much visited by tourists, and that is one of the main reasons to go there. However, this should not prevent you from visiting those places. So people there won't be so accustomed to tourists. But the further east you go, the fewer travelers you will meet, especially if you go away from the main transport facilities. Western Turkey is visited by tourists from all over the world, so you will find all usual facilities here. The easiest way to link up with that route from Istanbul might be to get a boat to a Black Sea port. Keep a low profile while dealing with them.ДЄvoid reaching a place in the middle of the night.ДЄn alternate route to India is through Russia and/or Central Asia, described in Europe to South Asia over land. Police and officials in Eastern Turkey, Iran and Pakistan are quite touchy.

For details on places to visit along the way, see the specific pages.ДЄvoid going during Ramadan, unless you are muslims or you are prepared to fast. Only information specific to this itinerary is available here. Going through Afghanistan may be possible or not depending on the changing political situation there and your evaluation of your personal safety and comfort. This route involves crossing three countries from one extremity to the other, namely Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, and some parts of India. The route is also part of the Silk Road used throughout ancient times from Europe to Asia. Some places are no longer accessible for ordinary travelers without great risks for their safety. Borders between countries (India-Pakistan) are closed from time to time. Today it is a bigger challenge than it was before these political events and depending on the local political situation it may be possible or not. Also known as the Hippie Trail, this was a legendary route since the sixties and was followed by thousands of travelers until the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the beginning of the civil war in Afghanistan, both in 1979. This itinerary describes the overland route from Istanbul, Turkey, to New Delhi, India.

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