..."Route Planning".....East or West..?? Also China
 

Thought i'd post this up here in........ 'Route Planning' of all places instead of the Pub section as I've spent so much time and i must say, fascinating time going through past threads and posts relating to my own travel plans.
As i slowly approach my time to go travelling with my other half we have both changed tack on which direction to kick off the journey. Many years ago it was 'Go east' then came the crush on Mid & South America, now its back to Asia again after a little trip to Thailand, Cambodia & Nam.

At the moment we are looking at the options of going East via Russia, The Stans, Mongolia then getting through China (in the most unaided and cost effective way) with a view to continuing around Nepal, India and further. I think using HU for what it is intended for can throw up some interesting observations indeed. I have found that clicking on some of the more relevant threads and finding precious little response quite frustrating and digging back too far can give you outdated info but very interesting in the process.
So, what i invite here is suggested routes taken EAST in the last few years from the UK or even routes WEST getting to the UK by travellers just basically highlighting certain countries and the reasons why one should not risk missing out exploring them. I have my own loose intended route and at present i am researching timescales that dictate those options but will gladly consider good advise from those who have gone before.
Looking to set off if all goes well around spring 2019 but as you know well, plans can change in a heart beat and at present we are both working on our respective semi-retirement options...!!!

Mez and Sue

Maybe this question is too generic? Because I would like to say, visit EVERY country :)
The countries I have been through in Asia all had their own thing to offer. Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal. Now we are focusing on Russia, Mongolia and Japan. Still there are a lot of the "stans" that I would love to see, with stuff like driving the Pamir highway amongst others.

If China is becoming to expensive, you can also go to Japan for the same amount of money or possible less. Of course there will be expenses in shipping the bike back home, but if you are intending to go to India and ship home from there, it will both be expensive I think.

Iran and Pakistan may be annoying to organize if you are from the UK. Pakistan can be annoying to drive through with all the police escort and stuff.
But still, both countries have a lot to offer.

Hi LTW, what i am hoping for via this post is to highlight some of the best sections of land/ backdrops/ unforgettable scenes witnessed by others on there way EAST. For me and i hope most travellers its about meeting people and their respective cultures as part of the journey, the little unforgettable moments that 'made your day' kind of thing. Like you, its got to be Russia, the Stans and Mongolia as i mentioned in OP. China is my big fascination but i refuse to be held ransom ($$$) by Her...!! Ive done Nepal and India before but the wife hasn't so it would be good to revisit and move on further to hopefully Malaysia.
To summarise my route intensions i would say that i have a loose plan as far as getting to the Stans via Russia is concerned, my main focus is the Stans themselves, my route through Mongolia with a realistic approach to the capability of my bike and riders, then the entry into and through China. What i like to see on these HU posts is the comment.. "This was the highlight of this country" and its those places or routes i would like to pick up along the way that's is in essence what my OP is all about.

Cheers Mez.