LAHORE TO BAGHDAD OVERLAND EXPEDITION

Our tour begins in Lahore, a blend of modern city chaos and historical tranquillity where we will hold a pre-departure meeting at our hotel at 1800 on day 1 before heading out for a welcome dinner to meet your fellow travellers, tour leader and driver.

On our 2nd day in Lahore you have the opportunity to join us on a guided tour to explore the Old Walled City’s impressive Lahore Fort, get the perfect sunset picture at Badshahi Mosque and wander through the galleries of the superb Lahore Museum.

Please note that we depart Lahore 2 days after the tour starts so if you would like more time here we advise you to arrive a few days early.

After a short stop at the imposing Rohtas Fort we arrive in Rawalpindi where a highlight is a visit to the truck workshops where you can watch artists decorate local vehicles with the vibrant art that typifies Pakistani road transport. We also have 2 evenings here to sample traditional Pakistani cuisine.

We now start our drive along the spectacular Karakoram Highway and follow the alpine Kaghan Valley route into Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park where keen hikers have the option to do an 18 km day trek to Dudipat Lake which is spectacularly encircled by snow-clad peaks.

The road winds its way past the impressive Lulusar Lake and continues over Babusar Pass (4170 m) before dropping down to Raikot Bridge where we swap our truck for jeeps small enough to take us along the narrow roads to the beautiful Fairy Meadows offering unsurpassed views of Nanga Parbat (8120 m). Here we have a free day for hikers to explore the area on foot.

Our jeeps now take us along the scenic Astore Valley to the tiny village of Tarishing on the opposite side of Nanga Parbat from where you have the option to trek to Herrligkoffer base camp.

Travelling through the high altitude Deosai National Park we have the chance of spotting brown bear, marmot, fox and ibex on the world’s 2nd highest plateau before arriving at Satpara Lake and its famous rock carved Buddha.

From our base in the town Skardu we have a day to explore the fertile Shigar valley and visit the Amborik Mosque and Shigar Fort. A hike up to Kharpocho Fort at sunset will give you an impressive view over the town.

The lively town of Gilgit is situated amongst spectacular peaks offering us an amazing view of Rakaposhi (7780 m) as well as a first taste of Hunza cuisine and it is here that we rejoin our truck and say goodbye to the jeeps.

The quaint town of Karimabad is a real gem in this area from where you can visit Altit and Baltit forts, hike up to Eagles Nest for an incredible view of the surrounding 7000 metre peaks as well as take a trip to the nearby village of Duiker for a sunset view of the stunning Hunza Valley.

We continue our journey up the KKH and visit Passu where you have the opportunity to hike alongside the Passu Glacier to reach a beautiful viewpoint. Nearby the Hussaini Suspension Bridge offers a thrilling walk high above a raging river to anyone who dares cross!

We continue north along the world’s highest paved road to Sost where we will seek permission to travel to the iconic Chinese border gate at Khunjerab Pass, the highest border in the world. Please note that this is a sensitive area and permission is never guaranteed but we will do our best.

We now turn around and head south where our route takes us to Lake Attabad which was formed by a massive landslide in 2010 and is now considered by locals to be the bluest lake in the world.

During the next couple of days of our descent down the KKH we will stop at the junction of the world’s 3 highest mountain ranges (Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush), visit over 700 petroglyphs near Chilas and stop off at Taxila (City of Cut Stone) for a wander around this 3000 year old archaeological site.

In the modern city of Islamabad you have the chance to explore attractions such as the beautiful Shah Faisal Mosque, the National Pakistan Monument and cultural Lok Virsa Museum.

Our final destination in Pakistan is Peshawar, a frontier town with a rich tapestry of history, vibrant markets and wild-west atmosphere standing as a testament to the endurance of tradition in the face of modernity.  Explore its streets, savour its flavours and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this ancient city.

It is also here that we obtain our Afghanistan visas before heading to the Afghanistan border.

We now continue up and over the iconic Khyber Pass, cross the border into Afghanistan and spend our first night in Jalalabad, a dusty outpost where we get our first taste of this thrilling country.

Our next 2 nights are spent in Kabul, a city filled with a storied history and resilient spirit. Your guides will show you around this amazing city and give you time to haggle at the Birds Market, marvel at the Sakhi Shrine and wander the timeless streets of the old city.

We continue to Bamyan, a picturesque province in central Afghanistan renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Nestled within these central highlands you will discover a landscape containing many caves where the remnants of Buddhist carvings and monasteries can be found.

We now visit the Band-e Amir Lakes, a series of stunning alpine lakes surrounded by the dramatic Hindu Kush mountains. Known for their vivid blue colour these lakes form one of Afghanistan's first national parks.

Heading south we make our next stop at Ghazni, a city which was once the seat of the Ghaznavid Empire over a millennium ago. Here we can observe what remains of this medieval splendour in the city’s intricately designed minarets and the ancient fortress of Bala Hisar.

Kandahar is the second largest city in the country, with a long history since being founded by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, it is now regarded as the birthplace of modern Afghanistan. We will have the chance to explore this cultural and historical hub visiting sights such as Kherqa-ye Sharif shrine, the Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani, Baba Wali shrine, King Mirwais Neka shrine and Chil Zena. 

From Kandahar we continue onwards, spending a night in Delaram before arriving at our last stop in Afghanistan.

In Herat you will find the largest collection of ancient buildings in the country. Here we take a time to explore the city and its surroundings including the Friday Mosque, Tomb of Gowar Shad, the Masullah Complex and the atmospheric shrine of Khoja Ansari at Gazar Gah.

We now continue to the Iranian border.

Our first destination in Iran is Mashhad, one of the world's holiest cities with a captivating blend of religious significance and cultural richness. Here you have the option of visiting the stunning Imam Reza Holy Shrine, dazzling Goharshad Mosque and the ancient village of Kang.

We continue to the small town of Yazd where you have the opportunity to visit the abandoned Towers of Silence, the still active Zoroastrian Fire Temple and the magnificent Jameh Mosque which is graced with an intricately tiled mosaic dome and flanked by the tallest minarets in all of Iran bearing inscriptions from the 15th century.

The Zagros mountains provide a stunning backdrop on our trip to the intriguing ruins of Persepolis. Once the summer capital of the Persian Empire, this is the site where Alexander the Great famously conquered the Persian army's stronghold.

Once famed for its vineyards Shiraz is now the celebrated heartland of Persian culture where echoes of the revered poet Hafez linger amongst the splendid gardens and exquisite mosques that make this town such a pleasure.

Highlights include a visit to the exquisite Nasir-Al-Molk (PInk Mosque), Narenjestan Gardens, the Tomb of Hafez, Karim Khan Citadel and the bustling Vakil Bazaar.

Today we travel from Shiraz to the iconic city of Isfahan and along the way we visit the historic Izadkhast complex which houses a fabulous castle, an ancient caravanserai and a Safavid-period bridge.

Isfahan is the crowning jewel in Islam’s crown with an impressive city square full of intricately decorated mosaic Mosques, leisurely tea-shops and lavish carpet emporiums. Plenty of bargains can be found in the myriad of bazaars that lead off from the square and the city’s gorgeous bridges deserve all the time you can spare.

On our route to Kashan we will now visit  the ancient village of Abyaneh, a warren of twisting lanes and crumbling red-brick homes where the elders still speak an old form of Persian and dress in wide-bottomed trousers and black waistcoats. This is a step back in time!

In Kashan we then have the rest of the day to explore this often overlooked gem that is home to the delightful UNESCO recognized Fin Gardens, an authentic Bazaar and a cluster of historic architectural wonders that include ancient caravanserais, hammams, madrasas and mosques.

On our way to Tehran today we will first visit Qom, Iran’s 2nd-holiest city where we get the chance to see the stunning Fatima Masumeh Shrine, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with intricate tile work and a great golden cupola that distinguishes this shrine from all others.

In Tehran you have the opportunity to explore Iran’s modern capital city attractions such as the bustling Grand Bazaar, the lavish Treasury of National Jewels and the historic Persian Carpet Museum.

We now cross into the Kurdistan region of Iraq where in the town of Sulaymaniyah we visit the Red Prison, a sombre reminder of the brutality of Saddam’s regime where thousands of Kurds were tortured and murdered. Sulaymaniyah also has the largest bazaar in Kurdistan where you will find traditional shops selling handcrafted jewellery, indigenous sweets and Kurdish rugs.

On our way to Erbil today we will first visit Dokan Lake where you have the opportunity to take a boat trip around Kurdistan’s largest lake and visit the dam wall.

We continue to the town of Koya, a hidden gem known for its modest mosques and 18th century caravanserai. 

In Erbil we have 2 nights for you to enjoy Erbil Citadel, the oldest continually inhabited settlement in the world. The bazaar here gives us a glimpse of ancient Mesopotamia with its colourful carpet displays, the Jalil Khayat Mosque stuns us with its beautifully decorated interior and the Erbil Civilizations Museum gives us a good insight into the history of Kurdistan. In the evenings head down to the famous Iskan Street, the locals' choice for the best kebabs in the country!

A drive along the winding Hamilton Road takes us through the Rawanduz area which is considered to have the most beautiful landscapes in all of Kurdistan with highlights including the deepest gorge in the Middle East, the stunning Gali Ali Beg waterfalls, the Korek Mountain Resort panoramas and the impressive Khanzad Castle.

Our journey now takes us through the Barzan region where you can take a short hike to swim in the cool blue Gali Sheran river and visit the 40,000 year old Shanidar and Bestoon caves which are more commonly referred to as the Neanderthal Caves.

In the magnificent Gara Mountains we find the ruins of Saddam Hussein’s summer palace and the ancient Assyrian city of Amedi which dates back to 2500 BC. Perched high up on the plateau to avoid attack this city is also known as the ‘City In The Sky’.

In the Duhok region we will visit the bustling bazaar, scenic Duhok Dam, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Chwarstoon fire worship cave and fascinating Inishke cave which now houses a popular coffee shop.

We continue to the mountain village of Lalish, the archeological site of Khanis, the Assyrian town of Alqosh, the Rabban Hormizd Monastery and the Mar Mattai Monastery.

We now visit Akre, a picturesque town with steep winding streets that offer a glimpse into its rich history, a visit to Akre Citadel will reward you with stunning views of the valley.

Mosul is a vibrant city that is rebuilding itself into its former glory where we get to visit highlights such as the Great Mosque of Al Nuri, Old Mosul Souk and ancient Nineveh Assyrian ruins.

In Hatra we discover the ruins of the Arab Kingdoms first capital, a large fortified city where Hellenistic and Roman architecture blend beautifully with Eastern decorative features.

We continue to Samarra and visit the Grand Mosque complex where the spirited can climb the 52 m iconic spiral minaret.

In Baghdad we get a truly welcoming taste of Iraqi hospitality by meeting the locals on our guided excursions which include visiting several museums, mosques, markets and squares, of which the most famous landmarks include the Martyr’s Monument, the bustling Al Rasheed Street markets, the treasures of the National Museum, the iconic Victory Arch and the beautiful Al-Kadhimiya Mosque.

On our way south we visit the ruins of the old imperial capital Ctesiphon where we get to see the Taq Kasra arch, the world’s largest single-span vault of unreinforced brickwork.

Today we will also visit the ancient city of Babylon where you have the chance to explore the ruins of this legendary kingdom where the Hanging Gardens were once one of the 7 wonders of the world. Highlights here include the remains of the Tower of Babel, Ishtar Gate replica, iconic Lion Statue and the more modern palace of Saddam Hussein which is now a famous tourist attraction.

At the Temple of Nabu in Borsippa you can explore the vividly identifiable ziggurat, a religious edifice built in honour of the local god Nabu.

We spend the night in the charming city of Hillah, the capital of the Babylon province.

We start the day in the holy city of Karbala where you have the opportunity to learn about the religious significance of this town by visiting the Holy Shrines of Al Abbas and Imam Hussain.

We now travel to Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, an outstanding defensive construction where caravans and travellers would stop on the important Arabian trade route.

In the town of Najaf you can visit the Shrine of Imam Ali which many Muslims believe contains the tomb of Ali, cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The nearby Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery is the biggest cemetery in the world containing more than 6 million people including the bodies of prophets, kings, princes and sultans.

We also have the chance to explore the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a towering sacred ruin that was once the centre of civilisation and today one of the best preserved ziggurats in all of Mesopotamia.

The Mesopotamian Marshes are an unusual stop on this tour where we discover the swampy wetlands of the Tigris- Euphrates river system which is home to the Marsh Arabs who have preserved their traditional way of life. After a boat tour through the marshes we get to spend an evening in a traditional reed guest house known as a ‘mudhif’ and sample the delicious grilled fish and Arabic coffee that the marsh region is famous for.

Our next stop in Iraq is Basra, a port city lying on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab River where you can take the opportunity to enjoy the bustling bazaars, architectural wonders and fabulous dining options that this cultural city has to offer.

Start the day by visiting the Garden of Eden, eat lunch at Basra Times Square and end the day with a sunset boat tour on the Persian Gulf!

On our journey back north we stop in Al-Hay, where you may choose to visit the bazaar which offers a variety of local goods, including fresh produce, spices, textiles, and traditional crafts.

The following day we return to Baghdad where we can take a final opportunity to walk the streets of a city where the weight of its history and the warmth of its people are sure to leave a lasting impression. On the final evening of the tour you will be invited to attend a farewell dinner to say goodbye to your fellow travellers, tour leader and driver.

This tour ends in Baghdad after breakfast on the final day of the trip so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.

If you can’t do the whole tour it may be possible to book a shorter section of your choice. Please get in touch and if this option is available we will be happy to work out a bespoke itinerary and reduced price for you.

HOW TO BOOK

To make a booking please fill in our online booking form and then pay a £300 deposit by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Once we receive your online booking form and deposit we will confirm your booking by email and send you all relevant information necessary for your tour preparations.

TOUR PAYMENT

The Tour Payment of £4588 is the main bulk payment for your tour and is payable in the UK in GBP (£ Sterling). In order to reserve a place on this tour you must pay a £300 deposit. Eight months prior to the tour start date a further payment of £2200 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Tour Payment £2088 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the tour start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the tour start date a deposit of £2500 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the tour start date the full Tour Payment of £4588 should be paid upon booking.

The Tour Payment can be paid by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Credit and Debit Card Payments (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

You can use the following link to pay by credit or debit card:

Dragoman Tour Payment

Or feel free to call us on +44 7858 468 953 in order to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone.

Bank Details for Direct Transfers (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Bank: HSBC

Account name: Madventure Ltd.

Sort code: 400810

Account number: 91618415

IBAN : GB14HBUK40081091618415

Swift/Bank BIC: HBUKGB4B

Branch BIC: HBUKGB4116A

Bank address: HSBC Bank, 6 High Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 5AZ, United Kingdom

Revolut (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Revolut offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Revolut account? Create one now - www.revolut.com 

Wise (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Wise offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Wise account? Create one now - www.wise.com

Paypal (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Paypal account name: info@madventure.co.uk

Don’t have a Paypal account? Create one now - www.paypal.com

LOCAL PAYMENT

This is a cash payment of USD $3300 that must be paid to your expedition leader at the beginning of your trip and will be used to pay for cash expenses while you are on the road such as food, accommodation, fuel and included activities.

Please bear in mind that this is not a kitty and is not refundable. The local payment is simply a way for us to get cash to the expedition leaders so they can run the trip.

Please bring your local payment in new unmarked $100 bills if possible.

Although all local payment amounts are advertised in USD you may be asked to bring the equivalent amount in either EUROS or GBP.

INCLUDED

Services of your Dragoman tour leader and driver

Local guides when required

Transportation in our custom built Dragoman overland truck and jeeps

Use of all equipment on the truck

Diesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicle

Local transportation costs (if required)

Ferry tickets (when travelling together as a group)

73 breakfasts and 2 evening meals

All accommodation costs (100% hotels, guest houses and hostels)

National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle

Lahore guided tour, Pakistan

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

Taxila guided tour, Pakistan

Islamabad guided tour, Pakistan

Kabul guided tour, Afghanistan

Bamyan guided tour, Afghanistan

Minaret of Jam guided tour, Afghanistan

Mashhad guided tour, Iran

Persepolis guided tour, Iran

Shiraz guided tour, Iran

Isfahan guided tour, Iran

Red Prison, Iraq

Erbil guided tour, Iraq

Rawanduz, Iraq

Mosul guided tour, Iraq

Hatra, Iraq

Samarra Grand Mosque, Iraq

Baghdad guided tour, Iraq

Taq Kasra arch, Iraq

Babylon ruins, Iraq

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, Iraq

Great Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq

Mesopotamian Marshes overnight trip, Iraq

NOT INCLUDED

International and domestic flights (no domestic flights expected during tour)

Airport transfers

Personal travel insurance

Personal spending money (£120 – £150 per week recommended)

Visas (budget approximately £400 for your visas)

Lunch and evening meals

Accommodation upgrades

Entrance fees to optional sites and national parks

Any optional activities and excursions

Tips (USD $80 per crew member recommended)

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Dragoman so please use the list below as an approximate guide only. Prices are shown in GBP.

PAKISTAN

Lahore Fort £1

Lahore museum £2

Badshahi Mosque £1

Dudipat day hike guide fee £10

Nanga Parbat base camp hike guide fee £25

Herrligkoffer base camp hike guide fee £15

Shigar Fort £1

Kharpocho Fort £1

Altit Fort £3

Baltit Fort £3

Duiker Hunza Valley sunset trip £10

AFGHANISTAN

Friday Mosque £1

IRAQ

National Museum £5

You will spend 100% of the time on this expedition staying in locally owned hotels, guest houses and hostels.

We always try to use clean and comfortable locally owned hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of all genders.

There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.

We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland expedition vehicle 90% of the time on this tour. A standard bus simply wouldn’t be able to tackle many of the roads we travel on. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 24 travellers and 2 crew. The other 10% of the time we will be travelling in jeeps on the smaller tracks of the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan.

Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.

Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.

Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.

There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.

We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, barbecue grate, tables, etc.

Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.

Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels we stay at.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the hotel. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. In the evenings after you are checked into the hotel you are free to choose where you want to eat. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.

73 breakfasts and 2 evening meals are provided during this expedition.

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader and 1 driver on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Local guides will accompany us when required by law, usually in Afghanistan and Iran.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions and guides that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of that for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want at the price you are happy to pay.

Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.

Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $80 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.

PERSONAL BUDGET

We recommend a budget of £120 – £150 per person per week to live comfortably during this expedition. This budget should cover day to day things like lunch, snacks, soft drinks and the odd few beers, etc.

Budget approximately £400 for your visas.

Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying souvenirs you should budget for it.

Please also have a look at our Optional Excursions list as you may want to budget for a few of those activities too.

TRAVEL MONEY

We recommend you bring all of your spending money in cash US Dollars and have a credit/debit card for the odd time when you are able to use it.  

They generally accept all major currencies for exchange but US Dollars are accepted everywhere.

ATM’s are not widely available so cash is the best option on this tour.

To keep your money/credit cards/ipad/camera/laptop safe we recommend you purchase a ‘Pacsafe Travelsafe’ product. They offer various size portable anti-theft bags that can be attached to a fixed feature on the vehicle when travelling and also attached to a fixed feature in your hotel room when off the vehicle.

Below is general information and recommendations regarding visas and passports according to the most recent information we have from previous tours. Visas are ultimately your own responsibility to obtain and visa requirements may vary according to your nationality and place of application, so use the information below as a guide only and if you are unsure please check with your local consulate. Dragoman is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports.

Approximately 3 months prior to departure you will be sent the information required in order to complete your applications and apply for your visas (there are often time restrictions on visas so you can not apply earlier). We recommend that you make your passport available 2 months before departure in order to obtain your visas comfortably.

Budget approximately £400 for all your visas and letters of invitation.

Please ensure you have 4 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.

You will need approximately 4 passport photos for the duration of the expedition.

You will need a digital colour copy of your passport and a digital colour passport photograph (both 5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded onto your phone/tablet/laptop in order to apply for some visas and to cross some borders.

Pakistan visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand an e-visa is required to enter Pakistan which you should apply for online prior to departure. In order to apply for the Pakistan e-visa you will require a Letter of Invitation which Dragoman will provide for you.

Afghanistan visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand a visa is required to enter Afghanistan. We usually obtain this visa in Pakistan during the tour.

Iran visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand a visa is required to enter Iran. Iran has a system whereby you need to apply for an Authorisation Code prior to applying for the actual visa. Our agent in Iran can apply for the code for you for a fee. Once you have your Authorisation Code we will then all collect our actual visas from an Iranian consulate in Islamabad or Kabul.

Kurdistan visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many EU countries an e-visa is required to enter Kurdistan which you can apply for online during the tour.

Iraq visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, USA, EU, Australia and New Zealand an e-visa is required to enter Iraq which can be obtained online during the tour and may require a Letter of Invitation which Dragoman will provide for you.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination requirements are constantly changing so we recommend you seek the latest professional medical advice at least 8 weeks before departure to ensure you allow yourself enough time to obtain all necessary vaccinations. Nomad Travel’s website has up-to-date information on vaccinations, malaria and other general medical advice for all the countries we will be visiting and they also administer vaccinations at their travel clinics in various locations in the UK.

www.nomadtravel.co.uk

Alternatively speak with your local health professionals for current accurate information. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic and take a list of the countries you are visiting with the approximate dates when you will be there.

It is not necessary to be vaccinated against covid to join this tour.

An up to date Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate should be brought with you as it is required to enter certain countries on this tour.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

You need to be in good general health for this expedition and be reasonably fit and able. You need to be able to carry your bags from the vehicle to the hotels, do the short walks to the sites we visit, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

FIRST AID KIT

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit aboard the vehicle but it is recommended that you bring your own basic first aid kit for general use.

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Dragoman obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.

You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.

There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for people based in the UK seeking a comprehensive and reliable policy that includes Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, +44 20 7938 1734, http://www.campbellirvine.com/Madventure

Campbell Irvine are familiar with what we do so if you mention Dragoman and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.

For people based in North America a company named Allianz offers good cover, +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com

If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and if possible make sure your policy includes Medical Repatriation.

Backpack/sports bag/suitcase: We recommend you carry your luggage in a backpack but irrespective if you prefer a sports bag or a suitcase you are restricted to a maximum 100 litre volume.

Day bag: You are also permitted to bring a day bag with a maximum 40 litre volume that you can carry in the overhead luggage rack or under your seat on the expedition vehicle with you.

Pacsafe: In order to keep your valuables safe we recommend a Pacsafe product. They make a range of anti-theft bags which vary in sizes and can accommodate your money, credit cards, passport, camera, laptop, etc. They can be attached to a fixed part on the back of the expedition vehicle when travelling and/or to a fixed feature in your hotel room. 

Headtorch: An invaluable investment! Check out the Petzl range of USB rechargeable headlamps. 

Water purifier: Quite a handy thing to have to purify contaminated water and avoid stomach bugs. Check out the range of Lifestraw products.

Kindle: Optional but great to keep all your travel guides and books in one place.

Ipad/Tablet: not a necessity but most places have WiFi available these days so having your own Ipad or Tablet will enable you to stay connected.

Smartphone:  It is highly recommended that you bring a smartphone with you as the majority of the tour communications are sent via WhatsApp. It is also very convenient for storing all your digital documents, emailing, taking and sharing photos, mapping and calling home.

E-sim: Airalo has an affordable digital E-sim that you can use while travelling abroad which means you can stay connected and be online without having to constantly buy local physical sim cards to connect to the internet. Just make sure your phone is E-sim compatible before buying any E-sim.

Camera: Completely up to you but most people use their phone.

Toiletries: Available everywhere but start with some toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap and shampoo.

Sunblock: Minimum SPF 15 recommended.

Towel: A microfibre travel towel is a good option as it dries quickly and packs down small.

Sunglasses: Polarised lenses offer great protection.

First aid kit: Only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.

Passport: Please ensure you have 4 blank pages in your passport to accommodate all the visas and stamps required on this tour, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your expedition end date.

Digital passport copy: Please have a digital colour copy of your passport (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.

Passport photos: You will need approximately 4 passport photos for the duration of the expedition.

Digital passport photo: Please have a digital colour passport photograph (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: An up to date Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is sometimes required to enter certain countries.

Clothes & shoes: 

1 x flip flops

1 x walking shoes, trainers or boots

7 x socks

7 x underwear

4 x t-shirts

1 x collared shirt for the men

1 x lightweight long sleeve top that hangs down to mid thigh level for the ladies

1 x fleece top or fleece jacket

1 x waterproof jacket

1 x plastic poncho

2 x zip-off  trousers which can be worn long or short

1 x swimwear

1 x ‘abaya’ for the ladies

1 x headscarf for the ladies

1 x thermal beanie or woolly hat

1 x baseball cap

In general all the countries we visit on this expedition are very friendly and hassle-free destinations. If we all respect local traditions, culture and religion we will have an unforgettable experience in some of the most welcoming regions of the world. Below is some information about dress code and cultural awareness that will help you stay safe and feel comfortable during this tour.

As a female tourist in Afghanistan and Iran you are expected to wear a headscarf, long trousers and a long loose shirt that covers your arms and hangs down to mid-thigh level. We do however recommend females bring along an ‘abaya’ as certain tourist sites require females to wear one to gain entry.

As a male tourist in Afghanistan and Iran you are expected to wear long trousers and a shirt.

Alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan and Iran and they enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession so don’t be fooled into thinking you can sneak a couple of bottles of wine into these countries because you could get yourself into serious trouble. If you are offered alcohol in Afghanistan and Iran please do not accept as you not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group.

Public displays of affection in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq are uncommon and it would also be deemed unusual to shake a woman's hand when meeting her.

OVERVIEW

Overlanding with Dragoman in Central Asia is all about taking the road less travelled in a custom-built overland expedition vehicle with a group of up to 24 travellers of all ages and nationalities. This overland tour moves at a relaxed pace and visits remote areas as well as the highlights of all the countries we travel through, with many of the main activities included in the price!

Overland travel affords you the time to really immerse yourself in the culture of the local communities we visit and gives you the opportunity to truly explore off the beaten track destinations. This overland tour may sometimes take you out of your comfort zone as it involves different climates, high altitudes and remote regions but to truly discover Central Asia’s beauty we feel that you need to get back to nature and travel slowly amongst its spectacular scenery. We believe it is these experiences that make overlanding in Central Asia so rewarding. So if you are looking for a unique adventure shared with a group of like-minded travellers on a journey of a lifetime then a Central Asia overland tour may be the trip for you because with overlanding it's all about the journey, not just the destination!

At Dragoman we like to go through every aspect of the tour with you to ensure that you are as informed and prepared as possible. We believe in not only telling you about the highlights of the tour but also providing you with all the small details of what to expect as we know these are just as important. We want to explain the tour in as much detail as possible so that you are sure you are suited to one of our overland group adventures. If after reading the information below you decide that this tour is not for you then, as long as it is within 14 days of your initial booking, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

We have no age restrictions on our overland tours and if there is one thing we have come to realise, it’s the mental attitude that counts the most. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 24 travellers and 2 crew of all ages and nationalities so you can expect to share this experience with a wide variety of characters from all walks of life. 

WEATHER

The weather on this tour is generally dry and hot but you may experience cold nights at high altitude in Pakistan so be prepared for these elements and you will be comfortable.

ALTITUDE

We travel up to 4700 metres above sea level on this tour so if you suffer from altitude sickness be prepared for it and have altitude-sickness tablets with you.

HYGIENE

As wonderful as Central Asia is, some places do not have a western infrastructure and their acceptable level of hygiene standards may be very different to ours, so be prepared to accept that things may not be as clean as they are back home.

You must maintain your own personal hygiene and ensure that you and your clothes are washed regularly. If anyone smells bad or is noticeably unclean the tour leader will have a word with that person to ensure a decent level of personal hygiene is maintained by everyone aboard the vehicle.

SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

On this expedition we include a lot of the main activities in the tour price but we do however understand that you won’t want to visit every site or take part in every activity along the way so we have left some of the activities as optional and therefore kept the tour price to a minimum. 

With regards to all the activities that require forward planning and/or a guide your tour leader will arrange this and let you know all the options before arriving at a destination. Your tour leader however is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions and guides that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of that for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want at the price you are happy to pay.

On this tour you are completely free to do as you choose and you can be as active or inactive as you like.

YOUR ATTITUDE

A friendly, easy-going attitude will help you enjoy this trip and ensure you are liked by your fellow travellers as well as the locals. The one thing that is extremely detrimental to any tour are people that constantly moan. It has nothing to do with age, gender or nationality, some people just like to find fault in everything and it’s always got to be someone’s fault. This type of constant negativity can be extremely detrimental within a group so it may sound a bit harsh but by weeding out any moaners early on we can have a chat with them to try and ensure your tour is as good as it can be. We don’t hide anything so people who travel with us usually know exactly what to expect on this tour which makes for an enjoyable group experience.

Please be aware that if any particular person is constantly causing the rest of the group (or the crew) grief due to their behaviour they will be warned and then asked to leave the tour if nothing improves and no refund will be given. This is obviously the most extreme case but we will not let one or two rude individuals spoil it for everybody else. This is a once in a lifetime experience so let’s all enjoy it!

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

The one thing we can guarantee is that at some point things will not go according to plan! We have to follow the legislation of each individual country and they all have different regulations which can sometimes slow us down. It is however usually obstacles such as bad roads, border closures, breakdowns and natural disasters that have a bearing on the expedition. Expect the unexpected and accept that things will go wrong from time to time.

These instances are usually the stories that remain with everyone so enjoy the experience. An easy-going approach will help the situation immensely. Moaning about every little thing that doesn’t go our way will not! When situations arise where we can’t please everybody we always aim to please the majority of the group, not the individual. 

TRAVEL TIMES & ITINERARIES

This trip is designed to allow plenty of free time in all the places of interest but we are driving a fair distance across Central Asia so yes, there are going to be a lot of drive days and some of them will be long. This is where you have to be able to take pleasure in the scenery or a good book from time to time.

Generally on a drive day we leave in the morning after breakfast, around 7 - 8 AM, and arrive at our destination before dusk in daylight, but this really depends on the distance between destinations and the road conditions.

Sometimes it will be a full day’s drive between destinations and you'll have the following day or two free. On rare occasions it may be 2 or 3 drive days in a row where you'll leave early, stop overnight at a hotel and then continue early again the next morning. Some areas are remote and the pleasure is in the scenery. Sometimes however it's only a few hours drive between destinations.

Our proposed itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition so please be prepared to take an alternative route in the event we encounter any problems. If a border closes unexpectedly then we have to try and find a safe alternative route which may not be to everyone’s liking. In the worst case scenario we may get stuck with no way forward and at that point we would have to decide whether to fly over the obstacle and continue on local transport or abandon the trip. We have never had to abandon any trip before but we want you to be aware of the worst case scenario.

Please note that we may be placed under military or police escort when travelling through troubled areas. If this does occur then we follow their directions and they make the decisions with regard to driving hours and routes. We do not argue with those who are trusted to ensure our safety, so please be aware that if this happens the pace may be faster or slower than we would personally choose and the route they pick will be the one we follow, regardless of our proposed itinerary.

We always strive to arrive at our destinations on time but our itinerary can change if an area of our route becomes off-limits for any reason, so when we do experience delays we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in Central Asia and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. Never carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession.

If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to.

Please also note that alcohol is banned in Afghanistan and Iran so please never buy or carry alcohol on the vehicle while we are in Afghanistan. If you are caught buying or carrying alcohol on the vehicle in Afghanistan and Iran you will be asked to leave the tour and no refund will be given.

Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

You need to be in good general health for this expedition and be reasonably fit and able. You need to be able to carry your bags from the vehicle to the hotels, do the short walks to the sites we visit, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

ACCOMMODATION

You will spend 100% of the time on this expedition staying in locally owned hotels, guest houses and hostels.

We always try to use clean and comfortable locally owned hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of all genders.

There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.

TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT

We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland expedition vehicle 90% of the time on this tour. A standard bus simply wouldn’t be able to tackle many of the roads we travel on. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 24 travellers and 2 crew. The other 10% of the time we will be travelling in jeeps on the smaller tracks of the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan.

Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.

Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.

Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.

There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.

We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, barbecue grate, tables, etc.

Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.

Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels we stay at.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.

FOOD 

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the hotel. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. In the evenings after you are checked into the hotel you are free to choose where you want to eat. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.

73 breakfasts and 2 evening meals are provided during this expedition.

DRESS CODE & CULTURAL AWARENESS

In general all the countries we visit on this expedition are very friendly and hassle-free destinations. If we all respect local traditions, culture and religion we will have an unforgettable experience in some of the most welcoming regions of the world. Below is some information about dress code and cultural awareness that will help you stay safe and feel comfortable during this tour.

As a female tourist in Afghanistan and Iran you are expected to wear a headscarf, long trousers and a long loose shirt that covers your arms and hangs down to mid-thigh level. We do however recommend females bring along an ‘abaya’ as certain tourist sites require females to wear one to gain entry.

As a male tourist in Afghanistan and Iran you are expected to wear long trousers and a shirt.

Alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan and Iran and they enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession so don’t be fooled into thinking you can sneak a couple of bottles of wine into these countries because you could get yourself into serious trouble. If you are offered alcohol in Afghanistan or Iran please do not accept as you not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group.

Public displays of affection in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq are uncommon and it would also be deemed unusual to shake a woman's hand when meeting her.

CREW

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader and 1 driver on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Local guides will accompany us when required by law, usually in Afghanistan and Iran.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions and guides that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of that for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want at the price you are happy to pay.

Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.

Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $80 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.