Uk -> Kyrgyzstan and back
 

Howdy! I'm a New Zealander and boy have my travel plans been frustrated. All these wars are so darn inconvenient. You'd think they'd take a second thought for the motorcycling fraternity. Oh well ;).

After about 4 different iterations of planning I think I have a rough plan in mind but still have a bunch of questions so hopefully you good people will be able to help a guy out.

Rough loop will be something like:
- Uk
- Central Europe
- Turkey
- Iran
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan via China?
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Georgia via Russia or boat?
- Home

And here are my questions:
- Is it still possible to travel through Iran with the current climate? If so does the 250cc limit apply or have they done away with that? Is a carnet required?
- Tajikistan via China seems to be a fairly common but expensive route. Any recommendations around avoiding paying the CCP? I can't seem to think of a better way.
- Kazakhstan to Georgia seems problematic. It's obviously not recommended to travel through Russia but is that something that is really worth adhering to? I've heard it might be possible to still get a visa?
- Anyone know if it's possible to boat into Georgia?
- Also if anyone has any info on visas etc etc please let me know

Thanks in advance

1. Pakistan's border with China is a bit sensitive, and AFAIK is not a common pickup point for overland excursions.

2. Tajikistan does not appear to have a road connection to China at all. The cross-border route goes through Kyrgyzstan, and then to Kashgar.

3. There is a boat from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijan won't let you in a single rider overland. Georgia does not have access to the Kaspian sea.

4. You're a bit iffy about paying the CCP, but have no qualms paying Putin's Russia?

If you're after a circular route I'd suggest UK > Europe > Turkey > Georgia > Russia > Kazakhstan > Central Asian states (NB KG-TJ Border closed).

Return via Uzbekistan > KZ > RU as before. But be aware this is a long ride that will take you at least 6 months and fairly intensive road mileage even before you allow for exploring along the route. Carnet not required for countries on this route.

Iran, Pakistan, China, possible to visit but not easily. You're probably better off staying north of Afghanistan.

- Is it still possible to travel through Iran with the current climate? If so does the 250cc limit apply or have they done away with that? Is a carnet required?

Borders are still open and visas are being issued, so it is possible. The 250 cc limit is mostly internet myth and was only applied for a very brief period sevral years ago. You don't technically need a CdP to enter Iran, the authorities can issue a temporary import permit but it takes either a local fixer or a good deal of patience and persistence to get it (and several hundred dollars in fees usually).

- Tajikistan via China seems to be a fairly common but expensive route. Any recommendations around avoiding paying the CCP? I can't seem to think of a better way.

Does it? Where did you read that? Pre-covid the China/Tajikistan border was open (Qolma Pass) but I don't recall if the overland agencies were using it. I've certainly not read any account of anyone travelling across the border crossing since China re-opened its borders. The usual route was Pakistan to Kyrgyzstan. You can avoid becoming a patron of the CCP by becoming a benefactor of the Taliban and crossing Afghanistan.

- Kazakhstan to Georgia seems problematic. It's obviously not recommended to travel through Russia but is that something that is really worth adhering to? I've heard it might be possible to still get a visa?

I have not heard of anyone having problems. Visas are still being issued as far as I am aware. Make your own decision on whether you wish to visit.

- Anyone know if it's possible to boat into Georgia?

From Kazakhstan? Take a look at the map. There used to be ferries from Chornomorsk (Ukraine) which are obviously no longer an option, and from Bulgaria.

- Also if anyone has any info on visas etc etc please let me know

Take lots of passport photos and clean dollar/euro bills.

EO