From Iran to Pakistan: Crossing Borders and Bumpy Beginnings

January 13, 2025

As the sun rises, Stephen packs his belongings and bids farewell to his host in Iran. Reflecting on his time in the country, he recalls the warmth and hospitality of the people, the breathtaking sights, and the memorable experiences he’s had. With a mix of gratitude and anticipation, he sets off toward the border with Pakistan, roughly 88 kilometers away.

Arriving at a compound near the border, Stephen prepares to spend the night before his crossing the next day. The facility is basic and dusty, with no showers and occasional power cuts. Despite the sparse conditions, Stephen maintains a positive outlook, knowing it’s only for one night. During his stay, he befriends a Dutch couple traveling on their bikes with their dog, Dobby. The shared camaraderie and adventure brighten the otherwise modest accommodations.

The next morning, Stephen and his new friends are escorted across the border into Pakistan. The crossing involves several checkpoints and thorough processing, but the group finally makes it through and begins the long journey toward Quetta. The ride is escorted and spans over a day, with an overnight stop in Dalbandin to rest before continuing.

Upon arriving in Quetta, the trio is taken to a facility to complete the necessary paperwork for traveling through Pakistan. They also secure local SIM cards to stay connected during their journey. Running errands in the bustling city, they pause to enjoy a local delicacy, paratha, a delicious flatbread popular throughout South Asia.

Their next task involves purchasing train tickets for themselves and their bikes to reach Islamabad. A mix-up at the ticket counter causes some confusion, but after a bit of negotiation, the trio leaves feeling the issue has been resolved. However, the next day at the train station, they’re surprised by a hefty additional charge of over 200 euros for transporting their bikes, a frustrating twist in their  plans.

Despite the ordeal, they successfully board the train, and the journey toward Islamabad continues. With new challenges behind them and the road ahead full of possibilities, Stephen and his companions press forward, ready for whatever lies next on their epic adventure.

Join Stephen’s journey again next week to see what experiences lay ahead in this epic journey! New episodes of Dinja Mutur will be airing on ONE every Friday at 10:00pm, and if you missed an episode, you can watch the episode on demand on one.com.mt, or on repeat:

– Saturday at 11:40am

– Sunday at 11:00pm

– Tuesday at 11:00am

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