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Originally Posted by barefootgirl
Hey everyone!
So I'm planning my first bike trip (I've travelled a ton but never on bike). I'm American and moving to India. So I started dreaming about riding Portugal to India (skipping Iran, shipping across the Caspian).
First, I'm wondering if that is at all practical for weather, as it looks like I will now be leaving in November. Would it be possible to go through the countries bordering the Mediterranean in Europe and then through Georgia/Azerbaijan, across the Caspian to the Stans? Although this is my ideal route, I am always flexible. Essentially, I want to start somewhere and end in India after 2-3 months.
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Hi barefoot girl, Maurizio here from Rome, Italy.
First things first, IT SNOWS in the Alps in November !
Yes it will be cold drizzly snowy and miserable as far as only a few miles away from the coastline itself - so think twice about riding in November.
Furthermore, you could easily find a foot+ snow on uncleared roads in the Balkans . and you'd have to plow your way through that.
Turkey-Iran border in Esendere is at 1670m on sea level = 5500ft... SNOW !
Secondly, to the best of my understanding there is a ferry service between Baku (Azerbaijan) and Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan) but it sails on a "leave when full" rule and ther is little to no catering offered on board.
It is a truckers' route, not a tourist ferry.
Also, both Azeri and Turkmeni officials are renown for their corruption and bribery.
So think about it
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My other question is regarding carnets. I'm skipping Iran because of costs for that and tour guide requirements. Does anyone know how Pakistan is for Americans? And I would want to keep the bike when I arrive in India... so I'm not sure how to go about doing that. Any thoughts or advice?
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Pakistan? You mean that integralistic Islamic far away place where they beat Christians to death ?
I'd stay away from them unless in a large group AND unless you were willing to clad yourself as a pakistani woman.
https://www.prisonersoffaith.org/pakistan
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Maurizio
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