Thailand to Kazakhstan
 

Hello! I am looking for advice. I live in Chiang Mai, Thailand and plan to go to Astana, Kazakhstan for a triathlon July 2019. I am not averse to traveling via planes/buses/trains, but I would be so happy to ride through Central Asia. Basically, I am wondering if it's possible to do on a budget (budget being that I can afford fuel, food, lodging but not $1,000+ for a guide).

I'm open to any routes, though it seems the best option may be Thailand-Laos-China-Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan (I'd also like to detour into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan). My passport is from the USA, but my bike has plates/papers in Thailand. I have a tourist visa for China that's good for a few more years, but it seems uncertain if I will succeed without a guide. From what I've researched, these countries don't require a carnet, but China is my main concern.

If it's a matter of "luck" ... well I tend to be "lucky" but would likely return to Thailand via the same route, and I'm not sure if I want to chance the borders 4 times.

my advice
 

hello barefootgirl,

as you asked, here is my answer:

just ride to the border, if they dont let you pass with your bike, just park it in a hotel for your return trip. then walk over the border barefoot, wearing your bike gear. dont forget to tell the border guards that you are going to buy another bike in the next town. take a taxi to the next motorcycle shop, buy a bike and tell the owner of the shop that you sell it back to him on your return journey.

as you are doing a loop (returning back to Thailand) it should be easy :innocent:

and dont forget to write a ride report here on the HUBB.

prost beer

mika :scooter:

Thanks for your thoughts, Mika (: that may be enough motivation for me to just go for it! Haha wouldn't be the first time I cross a border barefoot! I'm more afraid that I might make it through on the way there and not on the way back with my bike! Though I guess I can probably just detour and go for a different border crossing. I will certainly update should I attempt it!