|
1 Week Ago
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2024
Posts: 4
|
|
6-month Central asia trip planning
Hi Hubb,
I'm planning a 6-month motorbike trip starting in April 2025. My plan is to visit the Stans and possibly combine this with India.
The first part, from Belgium to Turkey, is relatively straightforward, passing through Berlin and making my way down to the Balkans, then Turkey and Georgia.
Part 1: 6,000 km, 1.5 months (mid-April to the end of May).
For the second part, the plan is to travel from Georgia to Iran, cross Turkmenistan, visit the Pamir Highway, and continue down through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, where I would end my travels and ship the bike back home.
Part 2A: 12,000 km, 4 months (June to the end of September).
Another option would be to travel through Russia, arrive in Kazakhstan, and then work my way down through the Stans to reach Pakistan, before continuing to Iran and Turkey, potentially making it all the way back home. This option would exclude India from my trip but also remove the need to ship the bike.
As I'm relatively new to adventure riding, I'd appreciate any input or advice from others, and anything that might help me plan this trip.
If anyone else is planning a similar trip for next year, feel free to reach out! I'd be happy to connect with fellow travelers.
Route Breakdown:
Part 1: 6,000 km, 1.5 months (mid-April to the end of May), averaging 130 km per day
Route: Belgium > Germany > Czechia > Austria > Slovenia > Croatia > Bosnia and Herzegovina > Montenegro > Kosovo > North Macedonia > Greece > Turkey > Georgia.
Part 2A: 12,000 km, 4 months (June to the end of September), averaging 100 km per day
Route: Georgia > Armenia > Iran > Turkmenistan > Uzbekistan > Kazakhstan > Kyrgyzstan > Tajikistan > Afghanistan > Pakistan > India.
Part 2B: 15,000 km, 4 months (June to the end of September), averaging 125 km per day
Route: Georgia > Russia > Kazakhstan > Kyrgyzstan > Uzbekistan > Tajikistan > Afghanistan > Pakistan > Iran > Turkey.
Part 3: 4,000 km, 1 month (October), averaging 130 km per day
Route: Turkey > Greece > Italy > France > Belgium.
|
1 Week Ago
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 832
|
|
Some thoughts, in no particular order.
It's difficult to go through Turkmenistan. They routinely refuse visas without giving reasons. If you are allowed in it'll only be with an official tour, at substantial cost.
Iran isn't easy for UK visitors, in fact I'm not sure they are even giving visas right now. You used to be required to engage a guide (not cheap), and you will need a carnet. Those more familiar with the situation today can probably advise better.
To head east, probably the most straightforward route is Turkey - Georgia - Russia - Kazakhstan. Once in KZ you have many options for exploring the Stans. Russian transit visas on the road are possible though restrictive, a better option is a tourist visa but you can only get that in your home country. Allow min 2 weeks, I recommend https://ibsvp.co.uk/ Don't worry about your reception in Russia, the authorities are keen to promote themselves positively and the locals are welcoming and hospitable. Just behave as a guest should and "don't mention the war." Take cash (USD or EUR) to change to RUB and see you through Russia as western cards don't work. Buy road insurance at the border and medical insurance in the first city you reach (popular brokers Alfa-Strakhovanie or Rosgosstrakh).
Other than Russia the only other country you'll need a visa for is Tajikistan (with GBAO permit to ride the Pamir). The rest are visa free or visa on arrival. Make sure you keep hold of any customs paperwork you are given as you will have to present it on exit (there is a Eurasian customs union that covers several countries).
Further east I'm not that familiar with. Afghanistan can be transited these days. Adventurous perhaps, but do-able. The Taliban are what they are but they are not hostile to tourists. The Afghanistan/Pakistan border is still a bit of a dodgy area but the Pakistanis often supply police escorts, check with people who have done it. India and Pakistan you will need a carnet - check the visa situation.
You'll want a tank range of 450 kms or be prepared to carry extra fuel in some of the more remote areas. Don't go more than half a tank in central Asia without refuelling. Be conservative with your daily mileage and be prepared to take time out for rest, touristing, bad weather or servicing/repairs. 130 km/day is quite low but a fair basis for planning. 400+ km/day is possible but quickly gets gruelling, and you miss so much just riding past it. Don't underestimate the difficulty (mental as well as physical) of being in the saddle day after day, on the road on your own for several months. If this is your first big trip consider doing a shorter but not insignificant one to see how you get on. Here's an example of one I did down to Turkey earlier this year: https://www.facebook.com/motosunburn/ Of course, you can just jump on and do it - people do - but it's a big commitment.
Lastly, read all the advice about travel from people who have their own stories to tell. How to cope with breakdowns, bent traffic cops, petty theft, bike security, sickness, loneliness, camping/hotels/homestays, what to take, how to navigate etc. There's a lot to think about and the better you plan the less likelihood you'll have problems on the road. At the end of the day don't be put off, travel is one of the best experiences you'll ever have, and going on a motorcycle is the best way to do it.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025:
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- France: September 19-21 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
HUBBUK: info
See all event details
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|