India to Europe or Thailand (Early May - Late July)
 

Hello HUBBers,
I'm new to the board but happy to find like minded people.

My story: I left the US almost three months ago after working very long days at an NGO, and have been traveling and working (I consult remotely) first in Thailand and now India for the past two months. I am finally ready to cut the cord completely and will be done with my work in late April. My lease is up in New Delhi then too and I am ready to take off on a Royal Enfield (I know the risks) either west to Europe or East to Thailand. Alternatively I would be happy, though less enthused about traveling around northern India and Nepal. I have a very sever case of wanderlust and need a cure before I go back to the US in August for 3 friends weddings.

I absolutely love travel, but love it even more with the freedom of the open road. I am looking to see new things, experience new cultures, cause some mischief, and generally have a great time. I don't mind spending time in the places along the way and taking in some of the local flavor. I have traveled a lot but always have more fun traveling while meeting new people.

As a newbie on the board I cant PM but you can find out more about me and my contact info on my site robemrich.com - Bio. If you have similar interests get in touch with me.

Best regards,

-Rob

Hi, sorry I wont be able to join you, as Ive just returned from a six-month trip from Europe to Australia - and that was bloody great, by the way!!!

Will you have a carnet for your Enfield, if you decide you will head towards Europe? Pakistan will require it, and so does Iran, even though they might not be as absolute about it as the Pakistanis. I believe you will have to be able to cross into Pakistan, no matter which route west you will be taking after that.

And about getting into Thailand, surely you are aware that you wont be able to go to Burma on your bike? Which means, from India you will have to either go to Pakistan, then China then Laos then Thailand (not very simple, a loooooooong way, and China will require heavy preparations+cash), or you will have to ship the bike to Thailand or Malaysia.

If I was heading from India to Thailand, I would consider flying first to Bangkok, and buying a bike from there. Might save you a large hassle that is shipping out of India, and find a much larger selection of bikes in Bangkok, too... nothing against the Enfields at all, but they do require a certain level of mechanical skill. In India they can be fixed anywhere, but in other countries you must be able to do pretty much everything yourself.