Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Jan 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Is turkmenistan worth it?

OK, so we were planning to go Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, Russia, having already given up hope of Iran due to the costs. We're leaving UK at the end of April, initially heading through the balkans.

Turkmenistan is looking like a potential sticking point. It seems there is a questionmark over the possibility of a tourist visa, and potential difficulties if the ferry is delayed.

We have the option of a tourist visa but only by paying £500 or so for the guided tour.

Now, everything I've read about Turkmenistan, and the stans in general, has me utterly convinced that this is the way to go, but my travel partner isn't willing to pay the £500.

That leaves going via Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine into Russia, then back into the stans to do the Pamir highway. My view on that route is that it is as boring as hell and largely ugly, featureless industrial wasteland, especially Ukraine, and will give us none of the satisfaction, achievement and adventure of going through Turkmenistan.

So I'd be really interested in your thoughts.

What would we be missing by avoiding Turkmenistan?

How would Bulgaria-Romania-Ukraine-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan compare to Turkey-Georgia-Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan? What we would miss? Is it just as nice? What are the roads like? What are the people like? What is the experience like? Is there even any contest?

Is there a way to get from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan by ferry so that we skip Turkmenistan but everything else is the same?

Most grateful for your thoughts.

Cheers,
Al
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Iran

Hi Al,

Can't help on the actual question, but am curious as to why you see Iran as expensive? Apparently it is cheap as chips once you get in, including fuel at 10c a litre or similar ...

Cheers
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Jan 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Just the carnet. Will cost us the best part of £1000. Although we'd get back £375 on returning the carnet my travel partner isn't willing to bet on successfully returning the carnet, so it's £1000 for 10 days in Iran which doesn't add up. If it were down to me I'd probably go for it, but then I'm not traveling alone. It gives us £1000 to spend elsewhere (which I'd be happy to spend on the tourist thing through Turkmenistan, but again, I'm not travelling alone....)


I suppose that's another part of the question. From what I've read the "guided tour" across Turkmenistan sounds like fun. Chance to meet some other adventurous travellers, get shown around, have a bit of a breather from doing everything independently and get an introduction to traveling in the Stans. To me it actually sounds ideal. Staying a few nights in hotels won't be an entirely unpleasant change from camping. Just the comfort factor of having 5 days all worked out in advance would appeal to me.

But can anyone who's "been there, done that "say what's it really like? Is it a good time or is it a pain in the arse not being free to make your own way?

Cheers,
Al
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Ahhh

Ahh - all makes sense now. We need our Carnet for other countries onwards, so it is not a singular iten for us.

You can alaways go for the bank guarantee mind. This is going to cost us about £100. But there is a nother £250 for the RAC on top of that ...
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...question-33620

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...hi-ferry-29768


The above threads deal with the ferry questions...take a peek....search the HUBB or try using google with your search terms and the HUBB...plenty of archived info on the HUBB...

Laslty, I can't begin to tell you whether its worth it as I'm not sure what you value during your trip...but I definitely found it to be a pleasant surprise.

Hope that helps...
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Jan 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Yup, read all that, and everything else I can find. Really looking for opinions on routes from people who've been there.

What do I value? I guess I'm looking for breathtaking scenery, interesting architecture, the chance to experience unfamiliar cultures, and to have an experience worth remembering. The things that make the difference between a life changing experience versus a long bike ride.....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Turkeystan is a historical oddity and like no other stan...but I guess you could say that about each stan...

Its one of the dirt cheapest Stans to visit if you do it on a transit visa...quite a bot of unique things to see...like the Darvasa crater, Marie, their very ancient market outside Ashgabat...and the best looking ladies in all the Stans!!

The last point is worth the visit
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
Get a transit visum...

Try to get a longish transit visum. We got a 7 day transit Visum in brussels (trough visum.be They have a very good service/relationship with most embassy that make things work) last year which gives some time for sight seeing without the need for a compulsory guide.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Jan 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Robbert - So you were able to get a transit visa in advance without problems? Was that recently?


MotoEdde - You've convinced me!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
... Iran as expensive? Apparently it is cheap as chips once you get in, including fuel at 10c a litre or similar...
Fuel has been gone up lately. Now if you don't have chip ration card locals use then you need to pay black market rate that is 4 times more, 4000 rials per liter. That makes something like 35c.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 22 Jan 2009
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
Quote:
Originally Posted by todderz View Post
Robbert - So you were able to get a transit visa in advance without problems? Was that recently?


MotoEdde - You've convinced me!
That must have been June/July 2007 (for the Visum), and crossed TM end of September 2007

time flies... It's 2009 already
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
I was there May 2007...
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 25 Jan 2009
fernan_ci's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Spain
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by todderz View Post
OK, so we were planning to go Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, Russia, having already given up hope of Iran due to the costs. We're leaving UK at the end of April, initially heading through the balkans.

Turkmenistan is looking like a potential sticking point. It seems there is a questionmark over the possibility of a tourist visa, and potential difficulties if the ferry is delayed.

We have the option of a tourist visa but only by paying £500 or so for the guided tour.

Now, everything I've read about Turkmenistan, and the stans in general, has me utterly convinced that this is the way to go, but my travel partner isn't willing to pay the £500.

That leaves going via Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine into Russia, then back into the stans to do the Pamir highway. My view on that route is that it is as boring as hell and largely ugly, featureless industrial wasteland, especially Ukraine, and will give us none of the satisfaction, achievement and adventure of going through Turkmenistan.

So I'd be really interested in your thoughts.

What would we be missing by avoiding Turkmenistan?

How would Bulgaria-Romania-Ukraine-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan compare to Turkey-Georgia-Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan? What we would miss? Is it just as nice? What are the roads like? What are the people like? What is the experience like? Is there even any contest?

Is there a way to get from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan by ferry so that we skip Turkmenistan but everything else is the same?

Most grateful for your thoughts.

Cheers,
Al
I´m very interested in your post, because I´m planning the same travel for 2010. If I find something I´ll let you know.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Turkmenistan embassy - UK nmanno Northern and Central Asia 8 22 Jan 2009 20:34
Transitvisa Turkmenistan Milestogo Northern and Central Asia 25 4 Oct 2008 22:27
Turkmenistan malmoerik Northern and Central Asia 6 15 Jul 2004 20:44
Turkmenistan usl West and South Asia 1 2 Nov 2003 22:19
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan pietro.spera West and South Asia 4 24 Apr 2003 02:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:44.