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How soon we forget those hikers that wandered into Iran by mistake.
Illegally crossing a country's borders will generally get you in trouble in any country in the world, whether it be the US or Iran.
The lesson to be learned is don't hike along border crossings with ill-marked boundaries, especially if said country does not have friendly relations with your country of residence.
I've heard a lot of really good things about Iran and the people there - however, there is still a hostile element to it and you are pretty much there without a safety net where you could be fine one day then be a target the next due to something that is happening in some other nation
there are many fine nations - i don't think the risk/reward makes much sense at this time
This one dutch girl I know went skiing there and she said she couldn't wait to get out of the country. She is a very experienced world traveler who been to every continent/many countries and iran was the worst for her.
I've also read a lot of trip reports from motorcyclists and their reaction is mixed. There is a lot of bureaucracy and state security to deal with it and lots of rules and regs to deal with. Getting visas for US citizens is very hard and you open yourself up to a lot of issues if you run afoul of rules you might not even be aware of. I think the problem is less from the people, more from the government.
I spent a week there, in the 70s, driving through in my car. Iran is one my favorite countries in the world. Thee people are wonderful, generous, hospitable. They take very good care of their country, and love beautiful things. Towns are very neat and tidy and well kept, green and shady with lots of flowers, in contrast to the stark countryside.
But a visa is nowadays, difficult to get for Americans. All other nationalities are free to enter and move about, mostly with a visa issued at the border. But Americans have to jump through a lot of hoops to get a visa, and travel with a pre-planned itinerary.
Generally, not too many customs to worry about. They've seen plenty of foreigners, and pretty well know how they behave. Never use your left hand while eating, especially if there are Muslims at your table. There might be a few who will want to express displeasure with the presence of an American, but they will be greatly outnumbered by those who want you to see why they are so proud of their country, and make your visit pleasantly memorable. Never ask anybody in uniform (police, etc.) for help, or directions or anything. Just avoid them if at all possible.
I am thinking of traveling from Chechnya to Baghdad, then head over to Iran, with my final stop in Kabul. Maybe, I will stop off in Syria.
Yes, Iran has some good skiing.
Well good luck. And good luck with getting those visas.
I know many people on the ground in iraq and afghanistan that deal with security and while yes there are some grateful, hospitable people, there are also some that if given the opportunity will snatch you and that will be that.
Northern iraq right now is safer, but going to baghdad and kabul on foot by yerself is asking for it.
Let us know how it goes.
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