Great report! Like bensyd, I too have been in the process of getting all those same visas (plus Iran, Turkmenistan, Russia, Mongolia, China, Vietnam etc.) as part of the planning for the Mongol Rally, plus some subsequent travel. It's a major hassle and expense. Right now I am going through the joyful process of securing a carnet du passage as we will be driving our own vehicle through Iran.

We plan to see quite a bit of Central Asia, including the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan, which I'm insanely excited about. I just hope our tiny Renault can make it. I look forward to reading more of your account, hauteboy.

Shameless plug: you can find out more about our adventure in my trip report thread, or you can read about it in more detail at our team website or follow us at our facebook page. Plus, we're raising money for two very worthy charities, and we'd love your support. Find out more here.

hauteboy, back to you...