Around the Caspian sea

[Haakonbj]

Hi,
Next summer I am planning a trip from Norway around the Caspian sea. Russia, Kasakstan, Usbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran etc. Anyone been around on a bike or what?

Even if you havent done it all, I would very much apreciate tips and tricks for the area.

Cincerely
Haakon

[Fantastic Mister Fox]

We're going to be riding in that area next summer (around june) riding up from turkey through Georgia up to Volgagrad, then down into Kazakhstan.

[ilpo]

Been there, done that. More on my blog from summers 2010 and 2011.

[Haakonbj]

Great, I will have look at your blog Ilpo

To Mr. fantastic, we will be coming with the nortwind in the beginning of July.

Will there be more of us..

Haakon

[spooky]

Originally Posted by Haakonbj

Will there be more of us.. Haakon

Been in Gerorgia this year coming from Turkey... planing to go that way again next year but pushing it even further... the area is on my screen too

[Belle]

Did a bit of that too this summer......lovely. But round the edge, and esp in Kaz, fuel stations were a bit few and far apart so make sure you carry a stash on the bike for those occasions when you've got to ride a bit to top up. And we made the mistake of not changing money at the border (we crossed from Astrakhan) thinking we could do so in a town. But we couldn't - which also meant we couldn't fuel up. A stressful time and a silly mistake which we should have avoided had we had our heads switched on at the border.

And one other thing .....take a mossie net for your head. The midges and mossies and flies in the Caspian region are something else, particularly in June, swarms of the bastards, and not being able to keep them away from your head is the pits. Really.

[Haakonbj]

I will bear that in mind Belle. How would you characterize general traffic in Kask and so on? And what obout bordercrossings?

You all put a big grim on my face, looking forward to a new region.

I mean grin on my face :-)

Haakon

[ilpo]

What comes to money, keep some USD with your (1$ or 5$ notes are the best). All around the *stans people will understand this money if you don't have local currency. And leave EUR back home, not so well established.

[Haakonbj]

- Ilpo, what about bordercrossings?

Haakon

[ilpo]

Nothing special.

*Normal* filling of dozens of useless papers and getting those stamped, especially Turkmenistan border.

[underscore_]

Rode down the Caspian coast in Iran from Astara to Rasht. Nice bit of the country. Highly recommend Masuleh (spelling?) in the mountains near Rasht. Otherwise the coast road is pretty uninspiring. If you are heading inland from Astara (ie not crossing the border into Azerbaijan) the road up towards Ardabil is pretty spectacular. If you plan on going into Azerbaijan remember that you only have 72 hours (to the minute) in the country with a motorcycle...
Regarding money in Iran: while you will be able to exchange USD pretty easily you won't be able to pay for much with them. Especially not fuel. Most border towns in Iran seemed to have exchange places though.
And if you are ever in need of directions or advice just find a town and pull over. Whenever we stopped, within about 2-3 minutes we had someone who spoke at least some English approach us and ask us if we needed help (or tea). Such friendly people!
Hope this helps
Marty

[Haakonbj]

Thanks for sharing Underscore

Had a look at GE, and it looks like great dessert on the east side of the Caspian, through Kasakhstan, Usbekistan and Turkmenistan. Comments anyone?


Haakon

[Belle]

Yes it is....but very soon it gets very tedious, with appalling roads and no shade, and very few towns. make sure you are adequately prepared food, water and fuel wise.

Oh and with regards to border crossing, we (me and Nadsicles) were arrested at the border leaving Kaz for Russia because we had not got our visas 'reiterated'. What they meant was 'verified' in every place we stayed - although we had been told we didn't need to do this, and we'd been wild camping most of the way anyway. Its an old soviet thing which even the Russians don't do now, but apparently the Kazakhs do - or at least some of them. So get a few stamps as and when, or if you do end up as we did, act bewildered and out bore them. Once they realise you're clueless, they will let you go!

[Haakonbj]

Sounds like what I am looking for, except for the jailstuff )
Great info from you guys.

Thanx

Haakon

[exrm193]

I'm hoping to do this trip in 2014. Great thread. Thanks. I'll be in touch with you by personal message to pick your brains.