Pakistan & Iran Overland Tour
The Pakistan & Iran Overland Tour is a 21-day route from Lahore through Pakistan to the Taftan border and across Iran to Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis. It is currently available on request only, depending on security advice.
- Duration21 Days
- CountriesPakistan & Iran
- BorderTaftan – Mirjaveh
- Best SeasonOctober – April
- StatusPaused / on request
The Old Overland Road to Persia
For decades, the route from Pakistan through Balochistan into Iran was part of the famous overland trail between Asia and Europe. Iran's desert cities, Persian gardens and the ruins of Persepolis are among the great sights of the Middle East.
The Pakistan Iran Overland route begins with Lahore and Islamabad, travels to Quetta and, under the required security arrangements, to the Taftan border, then crosses Iran via Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan and Shiraz. Because of current security conditions, this route is on request only.
Trip Highlights
- Lahore, Islamabad and Taxila
- The Balochistan route to Taftan (with required escort)
- Kerman and the desert city of Yazd
- Isfahan's great square and bridges
- Shiraz and its Persian gardens
- The ruins of Persepolis
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Lahore
Our team meets you at the airport.
Overnight: HotelDay 2–3Lahore
Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, the Walled City and Wagah ceremony.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Drive to Islamabad
Via Rohtas Fort to Islamabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Islamabad and Taxila
Faisal Mosque and Taxila.
Overnight: HotelDay 6Fly to Quetta
Fly to Quetta and complete permit formalities.
Overnight: HotelDay 7–8Quetta to Taftan
Travel to Taftan under the required security arrangements.
Overnight: HotelDay 9Cross into Iran
Cross at Taftan–Mirjaveh and continue to Zahedan.
Overnight: HotelDay 10–11Kerman
Kerman bazaar, the Shahzadeh garden and Rayen citadel.
Overnight: HotelDay 12–13Yazd
The old city, windcatchers and Zoroastrian sites.
Overnight: HotelDay 14–16Isfahan
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, its mosques and the old bridges.
Overnight: HotelDay 17–19Shiraz and Persepolis
Persian gardens, the Pink Mosque, Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam.
Overnight: HotelDay 20Free day in Shiraz
Rest and shopping.
Overnight: HotelDay 21Depart Shiraz
Transfer to Shiraz airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Overland routes depend on border status, visas and security advice. If a border is closed, we adjust the route or connect by flight. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off at the start and end
- Hotels in Pakistan and Iran
- Domestic flight Islamabad–Quetta, or road transport
- Licensed Iranian guide (required for some nationalities)
- Private vehicle with experienced drivers in Pakistan, and partner vehicles abroad
- English-speaking guides in each country
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Entry fees to sites in the itinerary
- Visa support letters (LOI) for Pakistan and help with the second country
Not Included
- International flights to the start and from the end of the tour
- Visa fees for all countries
- Travel insurance valid in all countries visited
- Lunches and drinks
- Security escort fees in Balochistan, if charged
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Pakistan Iran Overland Tour?
The Pakistan Iran Overland route revives part of the legendary overland trail. When conditions allow, it is a fascinating journey through two very different cultures.
At present we offer it on request only. In the meantime, enjoy the Pakistan section on our Lahore & Mughal Heritage Tour or the Gandhara Heritage Tour.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our overland tours from Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Border Status
Foreigners need a No Objection Certificate for Balochistan, and travel between Quetta and Taftan is only allowed in organised security convoys. Because of the current regional conflict, many governments advise against travel to Iran, so this route is on request only and runs only when it is safe and permitted.
Visas
You need visas for Pakistan and Iran in advance; some nationalities must travel with a licensed guide in Iran.
Partners Abroad
In Pakistan our own team runs your trip. In the second country we work with trusted local partners, so you have guides, drivers and hotels arranged on both sides of the border.
When to Go
October to April is the best time, avoiding the summer heat in the deserts. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
This route is currently on request only. Message us and our team will advise on the latest situation and possible alternatives.
