Turkey - Georgia - Russia

[maxpowers410]

Hi Guys and Gals

We are thinking of entering Georgia from Turkey and exiting into Russia (to continue on to Kaszak) as our Europe to Singapore plan
Has anyone ever traveled via Motorbike in Georgia, any issues, concerns or special paperwork required?

Thanks a million.

[fahrer1]

Well, in summer 2013 we went in the opposite direction, from Russia to Turkey. Absolutely no problems in Georgia, beside an occasional pothole or two, and pretty aggressive drivers in Batumi. Tbilisi is a nice place. In the matter of fact the whole Caucasus is beautiful, so, if you have time, spend at least a week or two there. I could recommend a sight or two, but Google is your friend, as I do not know what you like. Go to Armenia and Azerbaijan as well. The only unpaved road that you have to take, as it is, or at least was, the only crossing to Russia, (Kazbegi-Verkhny Lars) is the last part of "Georgian Military Highway", and it was under construction at that time. So now you might have only a few dozen kms of dirt road to take. In southern Russia the roads are generally nice, but be prepared for very bad roads in Kazakhstan. The bit between Astrakhan and Atyrau is terrible, then if you go north to Uralsk you have an excellent road, but I suppose that you will go east if you aim for Singapore. How do you plan to get there? China or...? No special papers for Georgia. At the border crossings just ride as long as you can, you will eventually be stopped either by a ramp or a guy with a gun, then smile, act naive, yell "tourist", and you will allways go first as a biker. We were even allowed to go with the bike through a pedestrian gate, as the road was completely blocked with vehicles.

[Sinky57]

Crossed 2013 russia to Georgia no problems . Police stop you in caucasses just want money just say you don't have any they will get fed up .

[maxpowers410]

haha that sounds great. "TOURIST", looking forward to that!
Thanks for the excellent feedback, will aid in trip planning. Do you have your gpx files per chance?

[FS]

I did northern Turkey->Georgia->Astrakhan->Kaz->Uz a couple of months ago.
I heard border crossing Turkey->Georgia is more beautiful if u dont go by the black sea. I went be the sea and it was ok but nothing special.

In Georgia the nature to and around "Mestia" was amazing. One of the highlights of my (quite a bit longer) trip. I had no issues. A lot of crazy drivers. Border RUS/GEO is not so fun. Maybe it improved now if there were no more land slides.

Just south of Astrakhan there is about 200km of some kind of desert road which I really enjoyed. I could explain better if you want...

As they have already told you... roads around border RUS/KAZ are terrible in a dangerous way. BIG pot holes mixed with decent road... and camels that catch your attention!