Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
UK to Oz Route Options

Only a whim at the moment, but any suggestions of a rough outline (i.e. countries and not-possibles/hops)? But these things often snowball quickly soon after

Probably starting with a fairly direct route as afraid I don't have unlimited time!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Dec 2011
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Hi Ian, met you back in 2007 in La Paz, Bolivia...seems a very long time ago now!

Did this route in reverse from Oz to UK in 2008 though getting Iran visas maybe looking a bit iffy thanks to our excellent foreign relations policies..have a look at my blog site below for the rough route, think it was around 5 months in total but could/should have taken much longer.
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Hi Mike, how you doing? Yes I remember it well, you gave me some tracklogs of what actually turned out to be one of the most exhilarating sections of the whole Trans-Americas trip - certainly the highest altititude!

I'll take a look later. Did you do that one solo? Or with Michelle(?)?

Would you say this trip is similar in time/distance to Prudhoe/Ushuaia?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
You´re not saying when, and for about how long?

Getting a visa for Iran with a UK passport could be tough right now. Not advisable to go through Afghanistan either, so it is likely that you´ll run into the dilemma of ´can I go to China´, which is in fact a widely discussed topic on these boards (the short answer seems to be, that you can, but it has to be arranged well in advance, and costs several hundred euros per day – going from the Stans to the Karakoram Highway and Pakistan, however, only necessitates a relatively short stay inside China).

You´ll also need the carnet, if you plan to enter Pakistan or India (or later Indonesia or Oz) with the bike. Burma is also practically a no-go, so once again you pay big time to go through China to Laos (crossing the Himalayas, so it´s not possible 12 months a year) or, like most people do, you ship the bike across the Bay of Bengal by ship or by air. There are no ferries. The most common route here seems to be Kathmandu to Bangkok by plane, where you can avoid the horrible Indian bureaucracy, but you can also ship out of India, if you like – I did that, but I don´t recommend it!!

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia are also do-able on your own bike, and all very highly recommended, too (warm climate, nice people, great food, beautiful roads and sceneryl!)... but Vietnam unfortunately is a pain to get your own motorcycle into. Easier to leave your bike somewhere, fly in and rent locally.

And how to get the bike from one of the island nations to Australia is yet another slight problem (once again no ferries)... the most widely used option seems to be cargo ships, run by Perkins shipping, that go between Singapore - Dili (East Timor) - Darwin. You could also send by air or by sea from the bigger cities/ports in Indonesia, but it is probably complicated. Some smaller boats from Kupang (West Timor) might also be an option, when the weather permits, but there probably isn´t any solid information about them, you´d need to go there and ask (...and basically the same goes for most ferry boats operating inside Indonesia – do not expect to travel very fast there, unless you fly!)

I did Europe to Oz with my girlfriend about 4 years ago, and we spent 6 months. That was okay, but sometimes I wished we´d had a few more months, mainly to rest a bit in some nice places along the way, so maybe 8-9 months would´ve been sort of ´optimum´ for us. It was some 34.000 road kilometers, though we did some 9.000 out of that in Australia... and actually I would not start off on that route (or I would cut the trip shorter), if I had less time than what we had. If you really wanted, I guess you could do it in just 2-3 months, but that means rushing a lot.

More about our trip here:
MOTO1 - Matkalla
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Perth West Australia
Posts: 151
Going same way next summer/autumn

Hi

Im intending same route, well going from Perth Scotland to Perth in australia. China was the original plan but others have dropped out so its way too expensive now to go alone, although a few days avoiding Iran into Pakistan sounds not too bad an idea for me.
I'll fly across to BKK then head to Singapore and shipping straight to Darwin. Indonesia will have to wait until year after when I have more time.

Im looking to leave UK in late august so interested in anyone else going same way, your thoughts perhaps.

Cheers
Steven
__________________
Steven
Perth to Peru 2014 | Perth to Perth 2012
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Dec 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevenkirk View Post
Hi

Im intending same route, well going from Perth Scotland to Perth in australia. China was the original plan but others have dropped out so its way too expensive now to go alone, although a few days avoiding Iran into Pakistan sounds not too bad an idea for me.
I'll fly across to BKK then head to Singapore and shipping straight to Darwin. Indonesia will have to wait until year after when I have more time.

Im looking to leave UK in late august so interested in anyone else going same way, your thoughts perhaps.

Cheers
Steven
Hi Steven

If you leave UK in Late August, and avoid Iran, I'm guessing you'll be taking the Karakorum Highway from Kyrgyzstan-China-Pakistan. The border as far as I've read is only open from the 1st May to about 15th November. I wonder how cold it will be by late autumn?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: England
Posts: 17
Hello all,

The relatively short stay in China you speak of to get from Kyrgyzstan to the KKH, roughly how many days would that be?

When applying for the China transit/guide permit thingy I assume they ask for an entry date. Is this set in stone, arrive late and you've missed your slot type of thing, or, given the unpredictability of overland travel, do they allow some flexibility.

Is the 'popular' routing Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, China, Pakistan or do people miss out Kyrgyzstan? Until I get more detailed maps with marked roads/tracks I'm left wondering.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
Long Road Home

Hi
Just to let you know I will be leaving John O Groats in the last few days of July 2012 heading home to Thailand, meeting up with various riders on the way.
I think it will take me approx 11/12 weeks to get back home, I plan to meet some more riders who plan to enter China 1st or 2nd week in September from Kyrgyzstan to Kashgar then follow route 219 to Lhasa then into Laos, looking approx 35 days in China I will spend approx 7 days in Laos then leave either at Mukdahan or Ubon Rachathani into Thailand.
Neil from the UK is planning Cambodia then Thailand then into Malaysia.
We are still waiting for quotes and the ones we have had, it’s not cheap to do China, but feel it’s worth it as it will be once in this life time for me.

My planned route is;

UK
France
Germany
Austria
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Turkey
Georgia, {may decide to enter Azerbaijan and sail Caspian sea to Turkmenistan then Uzbekistan
Russia
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
China
Laos
Thailand

I estimate;
12000km from the top of Scotland to the China border
6500km in China Kashgar to Mohan
1000km in Laos.

Eric
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revenue View Post
Hi
then follow route 219 to Lhasa then into Laos, looking approx 35 days in China
Revenue,

I hope you have an alternative to China if you are unable to cross it either because of cost or red-tape.

Many have tried (without paying the incredibly exhorbitant prices) to cross China and more specifically Route 219 and abandoned the idea. Maybe you don't know (through ignorance ore otherwise) but unless you have some very special military priviledges I don't know about, the route 219 is a restricted zone and is not open to tourism. The heavy military presence along this route has meant that those who have travelled along any part of it were just as soon stopped and turned around, sent back the way they came. You may have a better chance on a bicycle or a chinese registered motorbike...

But don't trust my word. Look it up for your self.

Let me google that for you
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Has somebody (who is not Chinese, and/or on a Chinese-registered bike) actually travelled the whole length of that Hwy 219 before?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
Aliens in China

Well i guess i must have been talking to two Aliens here in Mukdahan, these people had just arrived from Laos here, they had just taken that same route!! But they sure looked and acted like humans
This is why i very rarely post on forums as there are the Arm Chair experts everywhere.

Sometimes best in life to keep your mouth shut and people think you are a FOOL as to open it and prove you are a FOOL.

Last edited by Revenue; 18 Dec 2011 at 04:52. Reason: To many arm chairs experts.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Perth West Australia
Posts: 151
cost to hire guide in China

Quote:
Originally Posted by Revenue View Post
Hi

My planned route is;

UK
France
Germany
Austria
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Turkey
Georgia, {may decide to enter Azerbaijan and sail Caspian sea to Turkmenistan then Uzbekistan
Russia
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
China
Laos
Thailand



Eric
Hi Eric

The reason Im not going through china was the hassle of guides and so on. Im not experienced but assumed that this would have to be well organised in advance meaning dates to adhere to, cost & so on. Hence the more southerly although hotter route.

Im looking at set off dates and it looks like you're two weeks in front of me. I did look at doing the KKR Hwy instead of Turkey so its similar to yours up to that point.

I've been sifting through other peoples blogs and so on looking at other possible routes. My preference would be to make it all the way to Singapore by road but as Burma is closed that isn't going to happen too soon.

I was quoted $1000 for a week. How much is it going to cost you for a guide through China? Are you meeting up with others going same way to save money?

Cheers
Steven
__________________
Steven
Perth to Peru 2014 | Perth to Perth 2012
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
Hi Steven
yes we have had quotes but with massive differences, i feel the final figure will be 120000 RMB for 35 days, this includes for the Vehicle Guides and all the paper work involved, then devide that by how many travellers, i was talking to some guys who just came through Mukdahan on their way to Singapore, they had 7 riders, and he said this was to many especially at fuel stops as it could take nearly 90 minutes to fill the bikes with small buckets. So if we worked on 4 riders the cost would be 30000 RMB or 3000 quid plus fuel plus Lodgings, nothing is fixed but would like to think in the next 10 days its all confirmed.

Regards
Eric
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 Dec 2011
Tiffany's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lands End, Cornwall, UK
Posts: 675
Thumbs up Route 219

Hi Ian and the rest of the posse trying to plan their trips,

Route 219 is a bloody fantastic ride and a tough one(due to the prolonged high altitude).

Here's the 1200GS I was riding stuck in Bull Dust



There is a lot of red tape to go through, of which although I was the tour guide for GlobeBusters I wasn't part of the process but had to send off passport details and driving licence stuff three months before we set off- with the other prior planning and preparation with the chinese tour agency starting well before that. Our company always uses Navo and they were excellent- I know there are quite a few companies that offer this type of assistance.

We were told that ours was the ONLY motorcycle group to get permission to travel that route in 2010. In fact we saw no other foreigners for weeks. the situation regarding Tibet and the tourist permits is particularly fluid and volatile (we got chucked out) and so it's a tricky one to predict.
And ditto about the fuelling up process - small kettles were used at many garages as bikes are not allowed near the pumps


Although our 13 bikes split up and used separate garages wherever possible to speed up the process.
Have fun and good luck.
__________________
Tiffany
On the road from...I'm not sure any more
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAUhV1r-kUo
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Perth West Australia
Posts: 151
how much road/off road

Tiffany

I was going to Singapore with Globebusters through China but due to lack of numbers Kev cancelled it sadly. Hence my alternate route via India etc.

I need to organise bike so knowing how much road / off road is expected will help me decide. Going the way you did, how much off road/ road riding was there?

Eric what bike you taking?

Regards
Steven
__________________
Steven
Perth to Peru 2014 | Perth to Perth 2012
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
London To Australia - The Non Direct Route Rixxy's Ride Tales 77 8 Jun 2015 14:59
Route advice Panny Australia / New Zealand 7 10 Dec 2011 15:51
Suggested route from Italy to England itchyfeet38 Route Planning 5 9 Dec 2011 12:20
Dakar to Nairby - best route? Wheelie sub-Saharan Africa 0 17 Nov 2011 13:39
Plotting a route through West / Central Africa Equatorial Matty sub-Saharan Africa 2 6 Nov 2011 08:36

 
 

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 07:40.