Shall we go or shall we postpone? Canceling is not an option, that’s for sure. My Iranian visa application is still being processed, if we decide to go, we will have to think about an alternative route.

… but this novel corona virus does not look good. We are preparing alternative routes through Russia, should the Iran visas be declined.

• Vladivostok is not going to happen, too far away for 5 weeks. We are planning to finish in Ulan Ude and to fly back from there.
• We have a long list of sights to visit, agreed to do sightseeing during the day and to drive during the night
• For 5 of the 13 countries along the route we have to obtain visas and permits in advance, Iran being the most difficult one.
• Janos’ daughter is interested in joining for the 2nd half of the trip
• In Tajikistan we are planning to meet a friend of mine who is driving a 30 year old Trabant to the Tokyo olympics. On the way back he could pick up our car in Ulan Ude and drive it back home to Vienna.
• Estimated cost of the whole trip: 3,500.- EUR per person. Of course not including car repairs 😉