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Old 19 Feb 2012
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Manchester to Bangkok via the stans and China
Hello to all I am in the early planning stages of arranging a trip from Manchester to Bangkok. I know all the drawbacks of going through China costs paperwork etc, and am actually looking forward to organising that. My main reason for posting at the moment is to ask if anyone has any experience of travelling through the Irkeshtam pass in Kyrgyzstan to China? The weather is going to be my main problem I think due to work commitments I cannot set off until September so I will not be at the pass until mid to late October everything I have read heard states that the roads at the actual pass should still be ok right up until December but what are the roads likeley to be like leading to the pass from Kaz/Uzb into Krygyzstan? My aim is to leave the UK in September and beat the worst of the weather in Europe mid Asia and down into sunny climes in Laos and Thailand. Obviously if the situation changes with Burma and we can travel through there then my planned route will change dramatically. As it stands however the only option to truly overland it is China and all the hassles and expenses that comes with it.
Also anyone interested in joining me at this border in October to bring down the costs are more than welcome as is anyone who wishes to join me along the way.
keep upright Bill
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Old 20 Feb 2012
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when are you going, October which year?
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Old 20 Feb 2012
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Sorry forgot to say I am going in October this year 2012. Its a treat for myself as I will hit the big 5 0 while I am away and I cant think of a better way of celebrating your 50th than touring SEA in December and January on your motobike especially when it's freezing back home. lol I really do plan to get through Europe ASAP as I not only is it expensive but it will be getting colder the longer I wait.
Keep Upright Bill
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Old 20 Feb 2012
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Originally Posted by THEHAPPYWANDERER View Post
Sorry forgot to say I am going in October this year 2012. Its a treat for myself as I will hit the big 5 0 while I am away and I cant think of a better way of celebrating your 50th than touring SEA in December and January on your motobike especially when it's freezing back home. lol I really do plan to get through Europe ASAP as I not only is it expensive but it will be getting colder the longer I wait.
Keep Upright Bill
thanks for letting me know, but a year too early, have a great time and happy 50th on the road
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Old 21 Feb 2012
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This is a completely random question, but are you from Bolton? I just wondered because of where you're setting off from and the "Wanderer" part of your name. If you are, then I am too, which is quite funny because I'm planning a similar trip earlier on in the year!
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Old 21 Feb 2012
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I met an overlander in Chiang Mai, Thailand in Summer 2009. He was from Bolton, was a mechanic and was riding a BMW R100GS PD. It wasn't you was it? I have a Buell Ulysses and remember telling the buy about it...
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Old 22 Feb 2012
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I am actually from Blackpool but my partner is from Manchester so I will be setting off from her house, hence Manchester to Bangkok. Come on Hubbers give me some info on what to exect from the Stans? Ie weather at that time of year, what are the roads like, how safe is wild camping? I have struggled to find affordable or even any hotels/ hostels throughout Kazakhstan. So i would really appreciate it if someone could give me the benefit of their experience. When are you actually setting off and whats your route?
Stay upright Bill
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Old 22 Feb 2012
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Freezing!
Hi mate

We were up the Touragat Pass in late May 2011. It was freezing. At about 3000 metres it can be pretty unpredictable at any time of year. Have fun now!

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Old 23 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THEHAPPYWANDERER View Post
Hello to all I am in the early planning stages of arranging a trip from Manchester to Bangkok. I know all the drawbacks of going through China costs paperwork etc, and am actually looking forward to organising that. My main reason for posting at the moment is to ask if anyone has any experience of travelling through the Irkeshtam pass in Kyrgyzstan to China? The weather is going to be my main problem I think due to work commitments I cannot set off until September so I will not be at the pass until mid to late October everything I have read heard states that the roads at the actual pass should still be ok right up until December but what are the roads likeley to be like leading to the pass from Kaz/Uzb into Krygyzstan? My aim is to leave the UK in September and beat the worst of the weather in Europe mid Asia and down into sunny climes in Laos and Thailand. Obviously if the situation changes with Burma and we can travel through there then my planned route will change dramatically. As it stands however the only option to truly overland it is China and all the hassles and expenses that comes with it.
Also anyone interested in joining me at this border in October to bring down the costs are more than welcome as is anyone who wishes to join me along the way.
keep upright Bill
Hi Bill
I will be leaving Scotland in July and hope to arrive in Thailand 12/13 weeks later wont be going as far as Bangkok as i live on the Thai/ Laos border. The Chinese part as you said is the most expensive but at 1500 quid for 37 days, the other big cost is visas at 740 quid, we are entering China the first week September before the cold weather arrives in the Stanz and China. Weather will be a big factor but seems very hard to predict seems to go from extream to extream each year, PM me if you want the tour companys details in China.

Eric
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