India, Nepal and Onward? What bike?
 

I just did Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and soon Laos. We did it on shitty Honda Win 100cc and Honda GL-Max 125cc

Because the Chinese and Burmese borders don't allow bikes across the borders we're dumping the bikes and taking a flight from Bangkok to Kolkata.

What kind of bike should we look to buy in India? I'm looking for something $500 or less.

We're planning to ride from Kolkata -> Nepal -> Back into India -> Jammu and Kashmir in northern india



I want to continue riding from there to Europe, but since we're US citizens we can't get into Iran.

Is there any way to travel from Northern India to Europe without crossing Iran?:scooter:

It seems possible to go to Pakistan, Karakoram Highway into China, and then on to Kyrgyzstan. But that route is not year-round, and arranging entry to China is expensive. Another thing is you'll need the carnet for Pakistan, I remember reading that there's a problem to get it for bikes bought in India.

Not sure, if you can find a bike that'll get you to Europe from there for 500 usd.

You cannot get a CDP for an Indian reg bike, end of story. If you want to ride the bike back to EU, you will have to buy one in Nepal ( and you will need a lot more than $500). Whilst it is possible to ride back through China ( from Pakistan ) and the 'Stans', the cost,time and hassle of arranging all the permits,guides etc is enough to deter all but the most determined. Also there is a small matter of visas, if you do not allready have your Pak visa, then you are not going to get one on the road. I would suggest that you pick up a bullet, use it for your Indian trip, and then sell it on and think about other options.

You will need to stay in Nepal for a minimum of 2 months before re-entering India.
(That is no hardship, I would add):-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ted-bike-65244

''You will need to stay in Nepal for a minimum of 2 months before re-entering India''

Hi Dave, actually you don't. I've crossed Nepal-India 3 times in the last two years usually get a 30 day Nep visa and then return India, never had a problem. As long as your Indian visa is Multiple entry, you will not have problems crossing land borders. I have entered/exited at Saunali and Mahendranagar and have also been in and out of Pak twice, staying 4/5 weeks and then returning India, it comes under the' exemption for neigbouring countries rule'.

Thanks for the personal experience, much appreciated!
This thing about "not re-entering India" has been discussed elsewhere and it is something I had in the back of my mind when I was in Nepal on a single entry visa. From what you say about neighbouring countries, I surmise that it does not apply at the land borders - just for air travel??

Most of the cases I've heard of, it seems to be overzealous airline staff who are causing the problems, refusing to allow people to board, but as I haven't tried to re-enter by air I can only relate my own experience of crossing land borders.