I would be very grateful for any up to date info from people who have recently travelled to/live in this area.I plan to visit Kerman, and surrounding areas such as Bam, the Kaluts, Mahan etc in a couple of months time. How is the security situation since the Japanese tourist was kidnapped and subsequently released?Any problems visiting these areas? including sleeping out at night in the desert? Any updates would be much appreciated. Many thanks Caroline
1
tomsfourthattempt
Havent been myself but met several who had in April this year. Aparently Kerman and Bam are fine.
As reagrds places nearby, one foreign group had their van stoned in Zahedan (jumping off point for Pakistani border) and all my Iranian friends warn against visiting smaller places in Sistan-ye Baluchistan. That siad, they also warn about everywhere south of Tehran so maybe take the latter with a pinch of salt!
2
different_steve
{quote:title=carolinenixon wrote:}{quote}
How is the security situation since the Japanese tourist was kidnapped and subsequently released?{/quote}
I have yet to discern from the news reports whether the Japanese tourist was kidnapped at the Pakistani border - on his way to Bam, 5 hrs by public transport - or in Bam itself. Can anyone clarify?
4
nomadic4ever
Drove through the area in autumn 2007 coming from Pakistan. Moving between Bam and Zahedan involves getting to deal with police and military escorts. From Bam west / southwards it's no problem.
I got through without any escorts - but had to stay at checkpoints several times and talk my way out.
IMHO, because of the hard stance of the Iranians against trafficking in the east of Iran, local gangs try to gain leverage on them in any way possible. Many Iranians in other parts of Iran will tell you not to go there. The baluchistan area gets a lot of negative press in Iran - so the pinch of salt is valid!
People are friendly and helpful, in my opinion there are far more dangerous places in Europe.
Good luck!
5
goldenoldie
You mustn't sleep out in the desert - at all!! Drug smugglers make it too dangerous. When the police seize either a smuggler or their contraband the smugglers retaliate - and you won't know when/if, so it's too dangerous to even try to outguess them.
However - if you go north as far as Yazd you might be able to link up with a group on a tour and spend a night out. No further south, though.
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