England to India...
- Thread starter darkstar
- Start date
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Sounds like an interesting journey. I know of someone who did a similar trip in a 4x4. I would say the biggest issue would be avoiding parts of Iran & maybe parts of Pakistan.
i did this..albeit in a VW camper in 1994..during the balkan war..so had to travel down italy and ferry across to greece..one the way back I was able to get in via Romania/Bulgaria.
Iran was ok then..I would go as fas as say very welcolming..you have/had to get visas in a certain order..ie..get your Pakistan one first to prove to Iran that you can get throught the country...even then I only got a 7 day transit visa on the way there..but got a 14 day visa on the wayback
not on a pushbike Iknow..but any questions.ask away
Iran was ok then..I would go as fas as say very welcolming..you have/had to get visas in a certain order..ie..get your Pakistan one first to prove to Iran that you can get throught the country...even then I only got a 7 day transit visa on the way there..but got a 14 day visa on the wayback
not on a pushbike Iknow..but any questions.ask away
Ticktockmy
Guru
- Location
- Crawley, West Sussex
If I recall correctly, I believe Mark Beaumont, travelled through Europe to India, on his round the world recored breaking attempt, might be worth reading his book
HJ
Cycling in Scotland
- Location
- Auld Reekie
Mark Beaumont book "The man who cycled the world" will give you an insight into cycling in Iran and Pakistan. It is quite a good read too...
Check out there two girls
They cycled London toIndia (then the bikes got nicked) in 2005
http://kiraaskaroff.blogspot.com/2005/10/map-and-newsletter-2.html
They cycled London toIndia (then the bikes got nicked) in 2005
http://kiraaskaroff.blogspot.com/2005/10/map-and-newsletter-2.html
Creamcrackered
Über Member
- Location
- 2,000' above Gloucestershire
It's not that difficult to plan and the logistics aren't complicated. The main issue is time - you need 6-9 months depending on the route and speed. Most people set our from Europe in late winter or early spring. From the UK to Turkey is very straightforward. It can be a little difficult to get an Iranian Visa, but persistence pays off. I think there is one section on the Iran-Pak border that is a little dodgy security wise.
Really, it boils down to commiting to do it, getting the kit and then startiing pedalling.
Really, it boils down to commiting to do it, getting the kit and then startiing pedalling.
hubbike
Senior Member
- Location
- Edinburgh, Scotland
creamcrackered has offered the best advice so far...
Working out a time frame can help. Assume you will pedal slower rather than faster. you'll want time to enjoy yourself. (say 9 months then.)
Then work out how much you'll want to spend each day. (15 pounds a day in western europe for 3 months and 10 pounds a day elsewhere) alowing for unforeseen problems, repairs, occassional luxuries and unmissable oppotunities...(wang in another 500 quid)
Then multiply your daily budget by the time span, add "comfort zone", and you'll have your figure. (that works out at just less than 4000 pounds which seems about right.)
if you have that much, or more, already, just quit your job and go. if not, keep putting at least 10% of your wages in an ISA, live as frugaly as you expect to on the road, and get some more touring in close to home while you save up...
best of luck!!
Working out a time frame can help. Assume you will pedal slower rather than faster. you'll want time to enjoy yourself. (say 9 months then.)
Then work out how much you'll want to spend each day. (15 pounds a day in western europe for 3 months and 10 pounds a day elsewhere) alowing for unforeseen problems, repairs, occassional luxuries and unmissable oppotunities...(wang in another 500 quid)
Then multiply your daily budget by the time span, add "comfort zone", and you'll have your figure. (that works out at just less than 4000 pounds which seems about right.)
if you have that much, or more, already, just quit your job and go. if not, keep putting at least 10% of your wages in an ISA, live as frugaly as you expect to on the road, and get some more touring in close to home while you save up...
best of luck!!
OP
OP
darkstar
New Member
Thanks all for your advice, the idea of this trip is looking more and more favorable due to the likelihood finding a good graduate job is going to be tough. Not only will it be a fantastic experience, as traveling has been a passion of mine, it will allow me to experience so many cultures, away from the beaten tourist track. I also believe it will teach me so much, may graduates don't learn. I would collect money for charity, b setting up a web page and look to get some exposure. I would then hope that once completed, this may open some doors, and look good on my CV, providing potential employers something different to look at whilst wading through the numerous candidates.
The timeframe will be important, I suppose I would aim to reach India around christmas time, avoiding the rainy season.
The timeframe will be important, I suppose I would aim to reach India around christmas time, avoiding the rainy season.
Obviously you will run your CV through the spell checker ....
As an aside India for Xmas might mean Iran in November and Turkey in October.
They are both mountainous countries, where it snows in the winter and would be very cold and some major roads will impassible until the spring.
You ideally want to avoid both countries mid summer and mid winter
OP
OP
darkstar
New Member
Haha of course, spelling has never been one of my strong points...
Good point re weather. I will have to invest time into the subject, I just need to concentrate on getting the bloody degree first
jay clock
Massive member
- Location
- Hampshire UK
and look here before you do anything.... www.crazyguyonabike.com