India to China by road??

boru207 · Apr 16th, 2009, 20:51

Ok so i need some help and this was the only site that looked likely to be able to so...a few questions.

Firstly; Is it possible?
I'm planning a trip, driving from Ireland across to china. So far I've only been looking up visas and planning the route. Getting as far as India is pretty easy but I'm not sure what the best way into china is from there. Any suggestions? I should mention that all I have is a 1978 air-cooled VW bus and I really don't think it'd survive the Himalayas.

Also, i read in another thread that it's possible to get a visa for China in Delhi. How hard is it to get a visa on the road? I've been warned off so many times by people who've never been to most of the countries i'm passing through and most embassies just brush the question off with "Well you're already here! Why apply from somewhere else?" so any first hand experiences you guys have could really help. Since I'm going so far time's a big factor, especially where visas are concerned, I dont want to have to rush through every country because of impending expiry dates. I'd ideally like to get my Indian visa in Pakistan or Turkey so i have more time to enjoy everything India has to offer. So any info an applying for visas while abroad would be great.

Thanks for any info,

Dan.

Kido · Apr 16th, 2009, 20:58

Hey,

I can't really answer your questions but I am sure someone definately will...!!
But I am kinda excited by your idea of travelling by road, so how long do you reckon will take you to reach China.

kullukid · Apr 16th, 2009, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by boru207

Ok so i need some help and this was the only site that looked likely to be able to so...a few questions.

Firstly; Is it possible?
I'm planning a trip, driving from Ireland across to china. So far I've only been looking up visas and planning the route. Getting as far as India is pretty easy but I'm not sure what the best way into china is from there. Any suggestions? I should mention that all I have is a 1978 air-cooled VW bus and I really don't think it'd survive the Himalayas.

Take plenty of spare head gaskets!

KK

boru207 · Apr 16th, 2009, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kido

so how long do you reckon will take you to reach China.

I'm not too sure yet. At the moment i'm stuck on a visa timetable. Traveling through Europe is easy, i've seen most of it already and i dont need visas for anywhere in the EU. Greece is my last EU country, after that it starts to get complicated; I can get into greece with very little effort, they've applied for membership to the EU so there's no problem there. I'm going to travel through Iran and Pakistan, then into india. That's where the trouble starts. I can get a visa for iran that lasts 30 days. That's enough time to pass through but i wont see much (and that's only based on the shortest route to Pakistan). I can also get a visa for Pakistan to last me three months from date of issue. If i head straight there with no waiting around then i should have loads of time left to look around and slowly work my way across the country. If i cant get a visa outside of Ireland i'll only have about three to four months left on my Indian visa at this stage, so i can do the same, work my way across (probably only northern) india and head to china. If i can apply for visas in other countries without any great difficulty i'll obviously extend the trip but if not i expect to be home within a year.

And yes kullukid i'll be packing bags of parts for this one. The bus's in good condition mostly but at this stage i'm thinking it might be cheaper to put in a water cooled engine rather than have to rebuild everything when i get home...but then again, air cooled engines have always been useful in hot climates if they're driven right...ah decisions decisions...

Kido · Apr 16th, 2009, 22:12

camelgirl · Apr 17th, 2009, 00:44

What is the TOTAL time you have for this adventure? Is it open ended--no specific time to return, very flexible in case you run into a giant problem like Pakistan becoming too dangerous to attempt (it's getting there)?

I know you are planning to do this by car, but this link shows how it's done by train & maybe it will help you figure out your route.

http://www.seat61.com/Trans-Siberian.htm#Route map

Also, we just had a similer IMer ask some similar questions about taking a van overland.

See, page 7 post #93 Travelling Overland From Europe to India

I may be wrong (I have been before) but I think the only way overland from India to China is through Nepal & Tibet (see map in above link). You will have to have a vehicle that can manage extremely high mountain passes.

Shiver me Timbers · Apr 17th, 2009, 06:28

The most direct way is to back-track to Pakistan and travel up the Karakorum Highway to Xinjiang.

boru207 · Apr 17th, 2009, 07:57

Camelgirl, departure's extremely open ended at the moment, as in, i dont intend to leave this year, but the overall trip lenght once i get on the road is dependent on how easy/hard it is to get visas while in foreign countries. If i could apply for a visa on the boarder of every country i go to it could take me years before i decide to come home. Nepal and Tibet sounds great. I've always wanted to see Tibet...

Shivers, doesn't the Karakorum Highway go through northern Pakistan? I thought that was where the worst problem areas in Pakistan were? I don't mind passing through Pakistan at the moment but i'd really rather not go north if i'm right, and as camelgirl mentioned it's likely to get worse too... Unless i'm wrong, i am only learning about Pakistan's dangerzones.

Shiver me Timbers · Apr 17th, 2009, 08:20

It's understandable to be nervous about northern Pakistan right now, and it's really a personal decision to make, and go with your own instinct. Some good news though...

The Karakorum Highway does cut through Northern Pakistan - but the good parts. The current problems are located in the North-West Frontier Province, and most notably in Swat Valley. While the highway does cut through some parts of the NWF, it avoids Swat and the tribal areas. Although it's a small enough area, the landscape means that one valley can literally be a world away from the next - in this part of Pakistn, many valleys have their own language. Here a link to a detailed map, not sure if it'll help you though...

http://pamirtours.pk/maps/NORTHERN%20AREAS%20PAKISTAN%20 MAP.jpg

The Northern Areas would actually count as one of the safer parts of Pakistan right now - the area north of Giglit is primarily Ismaili, the people pratice a very relaxed and tolerant Islam in comparison with the rest of the country.

Of course if you don't feel comfortable with it, than I would say leave it - but don't rule it out! There's a Pakistani IM member here, Imran the trekker, who sometimes posts, I'll try get in touch with him to see what he thinks.

(Edit) - Just checked, Imran's account here is closed now. If you want I can contact him by e-mail - he's from Chitral, and has family in Peshawar - very reliable guy for up to date information on northern Pakistan.

steven_ber · Apr 17th, 2009, 12:45

A thought about Tibet.....

Are you allowed a visa/permit to pass through in your own transport?

I think the permits are only issued to tour groups, but I could be wrong, I looked into it a few years ago and things may have changed.

Speaking of change, Tibet has just been re-opened to tourists, and it's borders can be closed (to foreign tourist) again without any notice if the Chinese choose to do so.

Either way, you'd have to time your whole journey so that you pass through Tibet at the right time of year.

You're not allowed to cross into Myanmar by road, so if Tibet is closed, the Karakorum Highway will be your only option.

How are you getting home?

amarshah · Apr 17th, 2009, 13:26

Just my 2 bits... might be totally wrong but why can't you go via Nathula Pass to Tibet onwards to China ...

For Visa's, i am made to believe consulates give extended one on request for such excursions. I had come across these 2 chaps from South Africa who had sailed to India and onwards to SE Asia and had got extended visa for various countries en-route.. Guess its a option to explore and discuss with the embassy's in your country !

steven_ber · Apr 17th, 2009, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by amarshah

Just my 2 bits... might be totally wrong but why can't you go via Nathula Pass to Tibet onwards to China ...

I heard Nathu La is only open for trade and can't be used by foreign tourists.

AwayFromHome · Apr 17th, 2009, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by boru207

Unless i'm wrong, i am only learning about Pakistan's dangerzones.

Not much to offer in terms of visas etc.....

but.... if I were you I'd advoid Pakistan right now. No inside information - just a gut feeling.

rajiveanand · Apr 17th, 2009, 17:07

I was in Sikkim when the pass opened and as far as I know, it's not only open only to traders, but also only to Sikkimese- and to qualify as one, you must show direct lineage.

Was thinking that a trip to Beijing, Mongolia, and Tibet would be great for this year- good infrastructure, new hotels (post olympics), but the conditions are very bad right now. No plans on ending up in a Chinese secret jail.

boru207 · Apr 20th, 2009, 05:52

There has been a bit of interest from a few friends who want to join me so i might be able to get a tour group permit if we work up enough of a convoy. Down side of this is that it means putting off the trip a little longer. But maybe by the time we leave the Tibetan border will be open and any problems in Pakistan will be done with?
We're hoping to drive home after a few months exploring Asia but presumably that'd mean getting more visas to pass through again? Does anyone know what the situation for getting a second visa for India, Pakistan or Iran is?

Shivers, i looked into the Karakorum Highway and it looks like a great drive. I have enough time now to really study up on the tribal situation and territories so i'll know all there is to know before we leave. I might ask you to put me in touch with Imran the trekker a few months before we go, for an up to date insight...

Thanks for all your advice guys, it's really great.

Apr 16th, 2009, 20:51	#1
boru207 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ireland Posts: 4	India to China by road?? Ok so i need some help and this was the only site that looked likely to be able to so...a few questions. Firstly; Is it possible? I'm planning a trip, driving from Ireland across to china. So far I've only been looking up visas and planning the route. Getting as far as India is pretty easy but I'm not sure what the best way into china is from there. Any suggestions? I should mention that all I have is a 1978 air-cooled VW bus and I really don't think it'd survive the Himalayas. Also, i read in another thread that it's possible to get a visa for China in Delhi. How hard is it to get a visa on the road? I've been warned off so many times by people who've never been to most of the countries i'm passing through and most embassies just brush the question off with "Well you're already here! Why apply from somewhere else?" so any first hand experiences you guys have could really help. Since I'm going so far time's a big factor, especially where visas are concerned, I dont want to have to rush through every country because of impending expiry dates. I'd ideally like to get my Indian visa in Pakistan or Turkey so i have more time to enjoy everything India has to offer. So any info an applying for visas while abroad would be great. Thanks for any info, Dan.

Apr 16th, 2009, 20:58	#2
Kido Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Granite City Posts: 83	Hey, I can't really answer your questions but I am sure someone definately will...!! But I am kinda excited by your idea of travelling by road, so how long do you reckon will take you to reach China. __________________ Don't Follow Me, I Am Already Lost...!!!

Apr 17th, 2009, 00:44	#6
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 2,048	What is the TOTAL time you have for this adventure? Is it open ended--no specific time to return, very flexible in case you run into a giant problem like Pakistan becoming too dangerous to attempt (it's getting there)? I know you are planning to do this by car, but this link shows how it's done by train & maybe it will help you figure out your route. http://www.seat61.com/Trans-Siberian.htm#Route map Also, we just had a similer IMer ask some similar questions about taking a van overland. See, page 7 post #93 Travelling Overland From Europe to India I may be wrong (I have been before) but I think the only way overland from India to China is through Nepal & Tibet (see map in above link). You will have to have a vehicle that can manage extremely high mountain passes. __________________ My selected India photos http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...r/7030/cat/500

Apr 17th, 2009, 12:45	#10
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: South of England. Posts: 11,569	A thought about Tibet..... Are you allowed a visa/permit to pass through in your own transport? I think the permits are only issued to tour groups, but I could be wrong, I looked into it a few years ago and things may have changed. Speaking of change, Tibet has just been re-opened to tourists, and it's borders can be closed (to foreign tourist) again without any notice if the Chinese choose to do so. Either way, you'd have to time your whole journey so that you pass through Tibet at the right time of year. You're not allowed to cross into Myanmar by road, so if Tibet is closed, the Karakorum Highway will be your only option. How are you getting home? __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information. RAC & Waitlists explained.

Apr 17th, 2009, 13:26	#11
amarshah Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 844	Just my 2 bits... might be totally wrong but why can't you go via Nathula Pass to Tibet onwards to China ... For Visa's, i am made to believe consulates give extended one on request for such excursions. I had come across these 2 chaps from South Africa who had sailed to India and onwards to SE Asia and had got extended visa for various countries en-route.. Guess its a option to explore and discuss with the embassy's in your country ! __________________ Cheers Amar Himalayan Trips - http://amards14.googlepages.com/

Apr 16th, 2009, 22:12	#5
Kido Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Granite City Posts: 83

Apr 17th, 2009, 06:28	#7
Shiver me Timbers Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Asia Posts: 1,874	The most direct way is to back-track to Pakistan and travel up the Karakorum Highway to Xinjiang.

Apr 17th, 2009, 07:57	#8
boru207 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ireland Posts: 4	Camelgirl, departure's extremely open ended at the moment, as in, i dont intend to leave this year, but the overall trip lenght once i get on the road is dependent on how easy/hard it is to get visas while in foreign countries. If i could apply for a visa on the boarder of every country i go to it could take me years before i decide to come home. Nepal and Tibet sounds great. I've always wanted to see Tibet... Shivers, doesn't the Karakorum Highway go through northern Pakistan? I thought that was where the worst problem areas in Pakistan were? I don't mind passing through Pakistan at the moment but i'd really rather not go north if i'm right, and as camelgirl mentioned it's likely to get worse too... Unless i'm wrong, i am only learning about Pakistan's dangerzones.

Apr 17th, 2009, 08:20	#9
Shiver me Timbers Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Asia Posts: 1,874	It's understandable to be nervous about northern Pakistan right now, and it's really a personal decision to make, and go with your own instinct. Some good news though... The Karakorum Highway does cut through Northern Pakistan - but the good parts. The current problems are located in the North-West Frontier Province, and most notably in Swat Valley. While the highway does cut through some parts of the NWF, it avoids Swat and the tribal areas. Although it's a small enough area, the landscape means that one valley can literally be a world away from the next - in this part of Pakistn, many valleys have their own language. Here a link to a detailed map, not sure if it'll help you though... http://pamirtours.pk/maps/NORTHERN%20AREAS%20PAKISTAN%20 MAP.jpg The Northern Areas would actually count as one of the safer parts of Pakistan right now - the area north of Giglit is primarily Ismaili, the people pratice a very relaxed and tolerant Islam in comparison with the rest of the country. Of course if you don't feel comfortable with it, than I would say leave it - but don't rule it out! There's a Pakistani IM member here, Imran the trekker, who sometimes posts, I'll try get in touch with him to see what he thinks. (Edit) - Just checked, Imran's account here is closed now. If you want I can contact him by e-mail - he's from Chitral, and has family in Peshawar - very reliable guy for up to date information on northern Pakistan.

Apr 17th, 2009, 17:07	#14
rajiveanand RAJIVE SADA ANAND, MFA Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bronx, NY, USA Posts: 281	Nathu-La I was in Sikkim when the pass opened and as far as I know, it's not only open only to traders, but also only to Sikkimese- and to qualify as one, you must show direct lineage. Was thinking that a trip to Beijing, Mongolia, and Tibet would be great for this year- good infrastructure, new hotels (post olympics), but the conditions are very bad right now. No plans on ending up in a Chinese secret jail. __________________ www.rajiveanand.com

Apr 20th, 2009, 05:52	#15
boru207 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ireland Posts: 4	There has been a bit of interest from a few friends who want to join me so i might be able to get a tour group permit if we work up enough of a convoy. Down side of this is that it means putting off the trip a little longer. But maybe by the time we leave the Tibetan border will be open and any problems in Pakistan will be done with? We're hoping to drive home after a few months exploring Asia but presumably that'd mean getting more visas to pass through again? Does anyone know what the situation for getting a second visa for India, Pakistan or Iran is? Shivers, i looked into the Karakorum Highway and it looks like a great drive. I have enough time now to really study up on the tribal situation and territories so i'll know all there is to know before we leave. I might ask you to put me in touch with Imran the trekker a few months before we go, for an up to date insight... Thanks for all your advice guys, it's really great.

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