Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Lost in the Stans Lost in the Stans
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Moscow
Posts: 86
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
westerners cannot cross the Caucasus mountains at all at the moment.
wrong
westeners can not cross russian Caucasian border but the way Turkey-Georgia-Azerbaijan-iran/turkmenistan still passable
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Quote:
Originally Posted by motobelka View Post
wrong
westeners can not cross russian Caucasian border but the way Turkey-Georgia-Azerbaijan-iran/turkmenistan still passable

THAT'S TRUE . . .
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Some decisions made
So, thanks to everyone for their advice, we have made 2/3rd the decisions we need to.

We did consider coming down through Russia and looking at catching the Socci/Trabzan ferry (I think it was that one). Thus we would be able to enter Iran after getting the visa from the UK. But this would mean that we would have to route through China and back down the KKH, which is fine, but we would stuggle to get down the KKH by closing time.

So, instead we have decided to miss out Russia (do it another time) and come down through Bulgaria and follow this route:

Turkey - Iran - Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan - Tajikistan - Kyrgyzstan.

The last bit is what we are undecided on. I was thinking that we should head from Kyrgyzstan down the Torugart Pass into China and then down the KKH.

My wife (who remember is not going to Russia as she desired) thinks it will be a shame to miss out the SE corner of Kazakhstan, and would like to enter there.

Does anyone know if this is worth the hassle and if so, should we look at a double entry visa in Kyrgyzstan or perhaps push across the Chinese border at Khorgos? I think she is excited by the gorge and mountains, but i have a feeling we will see plenty along the pamir etc.

Any thougths welcome, and thanks for the help.

Cheers
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Last edited by CornishDaddy; 17 Jan 2009 at 12:15. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: High Weald, Kent, England
Posts: 105
Have the journey through China agreed and arranged well ahead
Once in CA it will take you anything up to a month or longer to arrange. I've heard of people who managed to arrange it a lot faster. Usually they pay top price for that. Lots of people have been rejected at the Tougar pass, it is well known for it.
Have a great adventure.
dd
__________________
Smile
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Jan 2009
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
The last bit is what we are undecided on. I was thinking that we should head from Kyrgyzstan down the Torugart Pass into China and then down the KKH.

My wife (who remember is not going to Russia as she desired) thinks it will be a shame to miss out the SE corner of Kazakhstan, and would like to enter there.
Cant see any reason why Khorgos would be more difficult than Torugart Pass. The other way if anything, but you will have a guide etc... yes? Then its just more money for a longer trip through China.
I would have thought SE Kaz was well worth it for the canyon but to make sure, go to Almaty and Lake Balqash as well!

Remember, you will probably only go once!

Pic is the lake reflected in the clouds... nothing to do with lens reflections.

Cheers,
John
Attached Images
 
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Stantours
Great thanks John, probably enough encouragement there to make me want to do it

We are using Stantours to sort our guide, and also visa/LOIs. Will drop him another email on Monday and see what difference it makes to the price.

thanks
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Jan 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 15
Crossed the torugart last summer with a group of cars. Was very complicated and you will need to pre-arange everything. We had all the hotels and route lined up all the way to Beijing, no deviation possible. We arrived during the Olympics, which made it even more difficult. Spent 4 days with various testing/paperwork to get all the permits sorted while we were in China, despite all the work that had gone into it beforehand.

Torugart border crossing is in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, makes it more difficult as well.

You could go up to Kazach, loop Siberia into Mongolia and cross at Ehenhot, could be less of a hassle. Keep in mind the permit needed to enter China is NOT cheap.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
We are hoping that sorting everythign out in advance via Stantours will cut a bit of the hassle. David will hopefully sort the guide, visas etc etc needed.

Where is Ehenhot? I cannot find it anywhere ....
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
I don't know where I am but I'm not lost.... Gecko The HUBB PUB 4 11 Apr 2008 15:00
Lost & Found Sophie-Bart Website Feedback 8 24 Oct 2006 13:34
Lost trand Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 18 Sep 2006 16:12
Lost dog mikerixom North Africa 1 3 Apr 2006 04:00
lost clothing Glynn Roberts HU Travellers Meetings - UK 0 5 Jul 2005 17:20

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 23:03.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top