Kerman-Quetta : Iran-Pakistan border overland
Replies: 20 - Last Post: Dec 21, 2011 1:52 AM Last Post By: ocean_pacific
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Kerman-Quetta : Iran-Pakistan border overland
I am looking to travel to Pakistan overland from Iran. Arriving in Kerman on the sleeper train from Tehran and then make my way through Bam, across the border into Pakistan, to Quetta.Can anyone offer any advice on the practicalities of this route and if it is possible for westerners at the moment?
Xenslo
2
As mentioned @ 1 that you would be escorted as soon as you arrive to Pakistani side of the border (Taftan).Take a public bus from Taftan to Quetta which 'll take around 13 hours on a bumpy road. The bus 'll cost you about 1200 Rs.
When you re in Quetta do not venture out of the city as security situation is not very stable in the city.
Take a train from Quetta to Multan,Lahore or where ever you want to go.
Enjoy your trip.
4
The Swiss couple was kidnapped because they were traveling in their camper (driving their private vehicle) not by public transport.5
Bam and Baluchistan are two areas in Iran that the Britiish Foreign Office warn absolutely not to go to. They do not say this for other areas, so caution may be adviseable!6
Thanks for the replies and information about this border crossing and transport.@ Ocean_Pacific: You mention about transport from the Pakistani border (Taftan) to Quetta is by 13hr bus. Do you know how frequent this service is?
Futhermore, can anyone advise on the best means of transport from Kerman to the Pakistan border. I am thinking about arranging for a taxi, but perhaps there is a bus? Any idea on frequency and costs?
Xenslo
7
Security of transiting Bam@nomadfan (no.5) - I am aware that Bam and Baluchistan are against the FCO advice, however, my maps indicate that to travel from Kerman to the Pakistan border by road it is necessary to transit Bam.
Perhaps a local guide or escort can be arranged for the journey to the border, whilst travelling via Bam?
With the Afghanistan/Pakistan border a no-go area, as well as now being closed, the route to Pakistan from Iran via Turkmenistan and Afghanistan is not an option. This leaves the Kerman-Bam-Taftan route the only reasonable way to go from Iran to Pakistan overland.
Xenslo
9
" The Swiss couple was kidnapped because they were traveling in their camper (driving their private vehicle) not by public transport. "I'm a little surprised that driving his car is less secure than using buses: You can't stay in the bus all day and all night long.
These days 2 people were kidnapped in their hotel in Mali and same thing can happen in Pakistan.
RR.
10
Thanks. Does the Taftan-Quetta bus have a police escort? Furthermore, is a private taxi car the best and most secure way of getting from Kerman to the Pakistan border?Xenslo
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i took the bus from kerman to Bam (stay one night there and visit the old city) the people are very helpfull and friendly in Bam.stay at Akbar's Tourist Guest House.
from Bam take the bus to zahedan. and from the bus station in zahedan you can take a privat or a shared taxi to the border.
don´t worry ;)
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Yes,roro,being a foreigner,driving a private car lot less secure then taking a public bus because its quite deserted area from Taftan to Quetta,if there re 4/5 people in a car its very easy kidnap but when there re 50 to 60 people around you in the the bus they act differently & don't dare to do it.@ 10,
Yes,the police escort will accompany you even in the public bus.
14
But when you arrive in your hotel (or in the street) you can be kidnapped very easily: if they have guns nobody can do something for you....It's not a question of transportation, it's a question of whole security in the country.
In Pakistan, remember the French workers died in a bombed bus...
And, I think it's possible to go across Pak. but don't forget that there are some risks and don't believe you are secured because your in a bus (or in cab, or in an hotel, etc...).
RR.
