Vlad to W. Europe via Stans in 4-5 months?
 

Hello,

I'm in the early stages of planning a Vladivostok to western Europe trip for 2017.

I originally thought I could have the whole summer to do the trip but recent new information regarding work makes it so that I could not leave before early July (I can take up to 5 months off from work). This would make me leave Vladivostok around the second week of July.

I want to ride through Mongolia and the Pamir highway. Since I want to avoid the cold season in the high mountains I would prefer to have passed through the Pamir highway by the end of September. That would give me a little less than 3 months to ride from Vladivostok to Ulaanbaatar, trough Mongolia and the Pamir Highway. The rest of the trip is not planned but I thought I could continue on to Istanbul and then maybe across Europe if weather allows or finish in Greece.

Of course I know that this is doable, but my question is rather would it be enjoyable or would it be like a race? I don't mind (I like) riding everyday, but I like to finish some days early to spend some time exploring the region on foot or sometime stopping for a day or two to explore a city or go hiking. Also I would like to account for possible mishaps like mechanical problems and whatnot.

I'm 38 yo and I ride a DR650.

Thank you for reading and for any enlightened opinions :)

p.s: Also looking for a partner

Hi,

The pavement from Vlad'k to UB should be all done by now, and fairly nice.

I was on a similar route on 2010-2011 (also late 30s & on a DR650), and spent around 3 weeks in Mongolia. My usual mode was to ride & camp for a few days in the sticks, then find an aimag capital and hotel it for a night, shower, internet & resupply. My route went south from UB to the Gobi, then generally NW to exit at Tsagaannuur/Tashanta.

As for pace, I am by no means fast in the dirt (and Mongolia is really nothing but that). I just putt-putted along, stopped to take lot of photos, and enjoyed myself.

I think if you're leaving Valid'k by mid-July would have you exiting Mongolia by mid-August easily. Then entering the 'Stans shortly thereafter. I didn't ride the Pamir Highway so I'll leave others to offer those opinions.. But to me, sounds like you are OK.

Don't forget the multi-entry visa for Russia.

Safe travels!
Sean

Hello,
My RTW plan is: I leave india 1st april and westbound through VLADIVOSTOK russia enter europe and then crossover the Atlantic to northam and then down to southam and then crossover the Pacific to Australia and from there ride back to India. Ths is planned as a single 12 month trip. I ride a royal enfield 500cc and shall be 60 years old. Keep this in your mind if you plan to ride parts together. Cheers!!!<br />
<br />
'Bike on a Hike'. Available at WWW.Amazon.com

'Bike on a Hike'. Available at WWW.Amazon.com

Thanks for the reply Sean, it is quite appreciated.

Aditya raj kapoor, I think our schedule are a bit different, but if you feel you would be around Vladivostok and heading west by mid-July, I would be glad to ride with you :)