UK to the Stans, Mongolia & Vladivostok 2009
 

As the first leg of a round the world trip I'll be leaving the UK at the end of April/beginning of May 2009, heading through Europe to Turkey then onto the Stans and Mongolia, aiming to arrive in Vladivostok at the beginning of August.

If anyone else is planning a similar trip and wants to compare notes and maybe join up for some of the trip it'd be good to hear from you.

David

Georgia
 

hi David,
i am planning a loop of the Black sea leaving from Scotland mid June 09 and will be travelling a similar route for the first part of your journey. it is unlikely our paths will cross but i am interested in your choice of route and how you plan to get round the Georgia issue.
Andy

Hi David,

Two of us are leaving Newcastle at the end of April to go via Turkey, the stans, mongolia, to Vlad, and then either across USA or down to TDF, subject to finances. At least, that's the general idea: I can't really justify calling it a "plan", more a line on a map and lots of excited conversations down the pub. Definitely going, but still lots of detail to work out. Looking for bikes at the moment, XT600 seems to be the top contender.

Time wise looks like we might coincide. Planning wise I think once we really get started we're going to be pestering anyone who'll listen for information and advice, so comparing notes sounds great!

Where are you from, what bike are you taking? Just you?

Al

Hi David

Looks like there could be few on the same route. Still in the maps and books stage but hoping to head the same way aiming for Vlad late August then over to Japan for a few weeks. Looking to leave late March early April as folk to visit across Europe on the way.

Still to sort out bike as current Sprint not ideal!!

regards
Kev

Thanks for the replies.

Andy - my original plan was to do Georgia and Azerbaijan then catch a ferry to Turkmenistan, but I'm now thinking of going Turkey-Iran-Turkmenistan.

Al - looks like we're planning the same route at pretty much the same time. From Vlad I'm planning on flying to Vancouver (via South Korea) and then down to TdF. I'm based in London, I've got a 2001 XT600 with most of the mods done and at the moment its just me going.

Kev - depending on how long you're stopping in Europe on the way it looks like our plans could coincide

David

Hi David

I was looking at doing a similar route all the way to TDF sometime next year though I was looking at leaving a couple of months later. I do not have a bike as yet but would be interested in chatting with you ref routes, bikes and kit and poss even travelling together if the timings were to work.

If meeting up sounds poss then let me know.

Dave

the Davids
 

Would be great to meet up somewhere and have a chat about this, seems we are all looking to do a similar thing

Hi David

I dont plan to spend too long in Europe as I am planning to hit Iran late April and spend may be 2 weeks their visa permitting. I then hope to head through Turkmenistan into the rest of the Stans for 6/7 weeks before reaching Mongolia early July. After a couple of posts on this site and feedback I received I plan to ride the Pamir Highway.

I am hoping that 7/8 weeks will be sufficient to travel through Mongolia then out to Vlad allowing time to see plenty.

The above is just a rough outline of my proposed route, visas etc permitting.

Also not sure if 6/7 weeks in the Stans is enough.



Kev

Sounds almost exactly like my mate Dave and I are planning (yes, another Dave). At this rate there'll be enough of us to cause traffic jams through the stans next April!

Would be up for a meet too. I live in Newcastle but work in Hatfield during the week so could do London on Mondays or Thursdays.


David - would be particularly interested in your plans and costings for Vlad-Korea-Vancouver, and also what mods you've made to the bike. Still shopping for the bike - anything we ought to look out for?

Cheers.

Meet up
 

It sounds like meeting up would be a good idea - either in London or somewhere further north depending on who wants to come. Those that are interested, post here with when and where's good for you and we'll try and sort something out.

Kev - I'll be leaving London a bit after you and arriving in Vlad a bit before you, but sounds like we're both planning on being in Mongolia around the same time.

Al - I'm planning on taking the ferry from Zarubina to South Korea, spending about a week there and then flying the bike to Vancouver. I haven't really investigated the costs yet. I bought the bike with a lot of extras already fitted - large fuel tank, bash plate, panniers, hand guards, scottoiler, braided brake lines.

David

So the David convoy is going to be in Mongolia mid 2009. Will the Mongolians be able to handle such a huge influx of intelligence?:thumbup1: Perhaps we should get our bikes painted in the same scheme.
Ref bikes has anyone got any thoughts? I have yet to get a bike.

DavidL - ref possibility of meeting up. I live in Bath but regularly travel to London to see family. Hence a London get together would be ideal. Anybody else think a get together would be a good idea?

Dave

I'm another one hitting that central/north Asia area.

Leaving UK roughly April, then heading through the Ukraine and Russia, heading into Mongolia, then back home to the UK via the Stans, Iran and Turkey.

Seems like the opposite route to all you lot but there's always the chance there'll be a chance to meet-up and exchange stories on route.

This is mine - feel free to copy the paint scheme!

Hi all,

I'm the Dave that Al mentioned. Nothing much useful to add at the moment other than enthusiasm!

I once played in a 5-a-side football team entirely comprised of Daves. But this would be new!

Dave
 

I'm feeling left out now. Would consider a change to Dave by Deed Poll if it would help

Dave
 

I'm feeling left out now. Would consider a change to Dave by Deed Poll if it would help

A very generous offer! How about you just become an honoury Dave?

David

David
 

Guys, if you are touring the 'Stans you really should speak to David at Stantours ........

Seems appropriate ........

London meet-up
 

I'm in London most of the time so could do weekdays or weekends, Andy can do Mondays or Thursdays - Dave (Darbya) is that any good for you? If so let's try and fix a date we can all make.

If anyone else wants to meet up further north send me a PM and we can sort something out.

David

To Dave, Dave, Dave and Dave
 

Would love to met for a chat, could head down from ooooop North this weekend as am going to the BMF show at Peterborough, or Monday is good.

Honoury
Dave

Hi All

I am just a wee bit further up north so will give the meet a miss however I will keep in touch through the site. Hopefully once my visas, route and timescales are sorted nearer the time should be able to arrange the odd meet en route if OK.

Cheers
Kev

hi im another dave that is planing to ride my xt600e round the world next year and am trying to decide on which way to go and was liking the sound of this trip.1 thing thou is it worth going through iran ? visa/carna needs .im from the north west and if any one would like to meet a bit futher north it would be good to swap notes.i will need to travel cheep and camp a lot .a mondo enduro route would be cool

Mondo Enduro
 

I have to agree Kito, Having just picked up Mondo Enduro off the shelf again its a real inspiration the way the guys tackled it. Its full of really useful tips as regards kit and route too. Would certainly be looking to follow much of the route they followed but maybe skipping Georgia in preference for the ferry from Turkey to Sochi.

A fair point. I was originally planning Georgia/Azerbaijan/Turkmenistan, and may well still do this route. An Iranian visa with support is around £110, against £55 for Azerbaijan. I'll be needing a carnet for later in the trip so personally this isn't a problem, but obviuosly its a major extra expense for someone who otherwise wouldn't need one.

David

Sounds good to me. Anyone else up for this?

David

Which Route?
 

Dave(s)/Kev/Ollie/All

I’ve been following this thread with great interest. I am also planning to travel next year & trying to decide the best route. Like Kito I need to travel cheap & also enjoy the camping experience. I live “Up North- North Yorkshire” & would like to meet up to swap notes/ discuss pros & cons of different routes.
Simon

Daves/Mark/All

Hi
I am good to meet up. I can do Peterborough on Monday? I just need to be back in Bath by 0800 on Tuesday.

dave

im working in the week but i am planing on going to the touratech travel meeting at the weekend .austin ov mondo enduro will be there and a good chance to use the bmw off road track. any one going

I could do London on Monday, but couldn't make it to Peterborough.

David

Hi Dave

I'm hoping to go along to this myself, providing I can get time time off. I'll let you know. It'd be good to meet up.

David

Hi Daves
I intend to go to this event but only for one day. Not decided which. What days are you going so that we can try to meet up. Would be good to chat things through.

dave

Touratech meet
 

I'm hoping to be there from Friday afternoon 'til Sunday afternoon. I'll PM you with my mobile number nearer the time so we can arrange to meet.

David

Sounds good. I will be there on Saturday but I may get there on Friday or leave on the Sunday. I will now find out how you PM.
dave

have any of you lot started to sort out any visas yet i dont know which is the best agency or which visa is best for russia

Visas
 

Hi Dave

For the route I'm thinking of I'll need a double entry visa (once from Kazakhstan and once from Mongolia) which with visa support is around £135. A multi entry visa is something like £300 with support. I found WayToRussia.net and RealRussia.co.uk who can help, but no personal experience of either.
Most of the other visas I'll try to get myself, or via Stantours for the tricky ones.

David

david,

i'm planning pretty much the same trip as you leaving in April next year. The only difference being that when i get to mongolia i'm flying the bike to india and then continuing on to Oz.

I'm looking for someone to share some of the stans and the Mongolia leg.

Hi ExtremeGene

There are a few of us planning this trip. The current thinking is to leave round about 16th/17th April next year, take 2/3 weeks to get through Europe then either Georgia and Azerbaijan or Iran and the into the 'Stans and Mongolia for about 7/8 weeks. All the plans are still rather fluid and nothing's set in stone.

Where abouts are you based? What bike are you planning on taking?

David

David,

I'm also planning on blasting through Europe to Turkey in 2 weeks and then doing a bit of a loop round Syria and Jordan, Iran and then on to the Stans. You guys may be moving a bit faster than me as i'm planning on taking a year to get to Oz.
I'll be leaving in the first week of April so you guys may catch up with me around Iran or the start of the Stans. Let's keep in touch as it sounds like we can meet up somewhere on the road.

I'm based in London and have bought a BMW F800GS to do the trip with.
I was originally thinking about going for the fully load up bike but i must admit i'm veering towards the light travel tactics.

Russ

Ooh, nice bike. Presumably that makes the Carnet quite expensive?
I'm in London as well. Let me know if you fancy meeting up to compare notes.

David

I'm planning on going for a bank guarentee to reduce the cost of the carnet. Especially since Iran and India are 400% of the value of the bike.

It would be good to meet up. Next Saturday I'm meeting up in Ealing with a few people overlanding to Oz in 4x4's. If you can't do that we could always meet up i night during the week.

Definitely NOT a Dave
 

..and I'm usually the only Tiffany on the road

Yes, I'm vaguely heading East next year - setting off in early May (I think), still not decided which route and oops, still not got a valid passport as my old one is full!
As you can tell, not the most organised of travellers but I'm sure I'll make it to Mongolia somehow.
There is an eclipse there on 22nd July 2009 - which gives me the basis of a plan as I would like to be in Mongolia to see it.

Not able to make a London meeting as I live further south- Land's End.

look forward to seeing some of you along the way - I am so looking forward to being on the road again.

ExtremeGene - I've sent you a PM re. a meet-up.

Tiffany - the eclipse sounds like something that's definitely worth trying to catch - how large an area is it viewable from?

David

Where from
 

Hey Tiffany - where abouts you from?

I grew up in St Just and my mum now lives in Lamorna, whilst my dad lives on the Newbridge road ...

David,

Just entering a message so i can reach my quota of 8 postings to allow private messages to be sent.

Thats gona be some interesting roads all the best you guys.

Eclipse...
 

Dave, is it that Dave?

Info about the eclipse has, as usual come from my main (and some would say, only)impeccable and exhaustive research source - my Dad!
He didn't have any more info about it- but google the words and stuff comes up, I know China is also supposed to be good to see it.

London meet-up
 

A few of us are meeting up in central London on Monday 17th November to compare notes and discuss plans. We'll be at the Wetherspoons pub in the middle of Victoria station from 6pm.
Anyone else who's interested is more than welcome to join us.

David

Hi,

Not enough posts to PM!

I'll try to join you on Monday but it's subject to getting out of work. I've just sold my Beemer so now I'm shopping for an XT and can finally start getting serious about this trip. Will be good to meet up and get some inspiration.

Cheers,
Al

is the anyone further north that would like to meet to talk about plans for this trip .i cant make it to london:welcome:

al,

I'm sure we'll be there for a couple of hours so feel free to join us when you get out of work.

Russ

Hi guys,

Doesn't like like I'll make it tonight cos of work...

Kito - How far north? Dave (one of them) and I live in Newcastle. I'm only there at weekends though.


Good news (for me anyway!) - Finally bought an XT600 at the weekend, with a very anti-social exhaust that puts a grin on my face but would probably scare your grandmother.... Can't wait to get started prepping it for the trip.

:clap:good to see another xt will be on the road.i live about 5 miles from liverpool.

hi, how much do you think it will all cost?

Eclipse info
 

Been following this thread... and will probably be following you folks by a month or so, leaving from western Canada in early May headed east. Still debating as to how to get from Turkey to Turkmenistan (Georgia route or Iran route) so was gad to see that both are being considered by others.

Anyway, got excited about the eclipse... saw a total one in Saskatchewan in the late 80's. It was one of the most awe-inspiring events I've ever witnessed and still remember it vividly. But an eclipse is one of those things where a miss is as good as a mile... even a few percent from total is a bit of a bust. So it's worth maneuvering yourself to be in the path. You'll never ever regret it.

Found this animation http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEanima...2009Jul22T.GIF , this interactive Google Map NASA - Total Solar Eclipse of 2009 Jul 22 and this one http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEplot/...2009Jul22T.GIF . Looks like unless one is going to be in India, Nepal or China it might be a yawner.

Nuts. I was looking forward to getting up on a hill somewhere and watch the shadow come racing at 1000 mph again. It's scary!

Hi everyone,

Dave and I are now really in the thick of planning and preparing. We're probably a bit behind though so looking for some help.

Top priority is to understand visa requirements to get through Iran, the stans, russia and mongolia. If anyone has already figured this out we'd really appreciate your help and advice.

For now at least I'm still working in Hatfield mon-fri so if any of the southern contingent are planning to meet up again please let me know and I'll definitely join you.

Dave and I have now got our XT600Es and are working on preparing them, learning how they work, and trying to get some practice in. We're getting up to speed with route planning etc but still have lots to do. Currently looking at end-April departure. Bills mounting up steadily, but really starting to enjoy the bike and getting very excited.

How is everyone else doing? Would be great to hear updates on your progress.

Cheers,
Al

Hi Al

Good to hear that your preparation is going well. Dave (darbya) and I will probably be meeting up in London at the end of January (probably 28th or 29th). I'll keep you posted.

We're planning on travelling through Georgia and Azerbaijan rather than Iran, but after that I guess our paths may coincide. This is the information I've found out on visas:
Turkmenistan - 5 day (max) transit visa, about £50, requires visa of country before and after before applying.
Uzbekistan - 30 day visa $80, requires LOI ($35 from Stantours)
Kyrgyzstan - 1 month visa £50, takes 3 working days
Kazakhstan - 1 month visa £22, no LOI required. Takes 2-3 days. Can only apply 2 months before start date
Mongolia - 30 day visa £40, takes 2-5 working days
Russia - probably need a double entry business visa. Details at RealRussia.co.uk - Russian Visas, Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Visa support

I hope all that makes sense

David

Hi David,

Thanks for the info, it's much appreciated. Do you guys have a set departure date?

Definitely keen on meeting up in London. I can do any evening apart from Fridays and Saturdays. Would be great to exchange notes. I'm probably going to try to get to the ACE café meet also.

Al

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/5...9414ch8.th.jpg

Our XT600Es undergoing transformation....

Hi Al

We're planning to leave the week after Easter (around 14th April).
I'm also hoping to get along to the Ace. See you there if not before.

David

We're looking at departing on the 26th.

We're debating whether Iran is worth the expense so might be hot on your heels through Georgia and Azerbaijan...

Al,

I'm doing a similar route to you through Iran around the stans as far as Kyrgystan and then nipping through China into Pakistan. I'll be join by a couple of mates in a 4x4 for the Tajik to Pakistan leg.

David L,Al,
I'm also planning on heading to the Ace cafe so maybe we should all meet up.

Russ

Hi Russ.

China sounds good. How have you got on with the paperwork?

We've decided against Iran now due to the cost. Shame, but we can use that money to extend our trip. So now we're definitely going via Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Al

Al

We're just using China to transit through for 7 days to get into pakistan, It's pretty expensive. I originally looked at flying the bike from Mongolia to India but that worked out more expensive than the transit through China.

It's a shame you're going to miss out on Iran. I've spoken to a few people about it and it seems to be one of the highlights.

Anyway good luck with your planning
Russ

Hi again guys,

Hoping you can help us understand some visa issues. We're advised that Turkmenistan transit visas can be hard to obtain and have fixed dates for entry and exit, and that tourist visas require fully booked tours, escorts, hotels etc. Is any of this true and how have you dealt with it?

Second we have conflicting advice about Russia visas. One says we can only get a 30 day toursit visa, but others say a longer duration business visa is no problem. Anyone dealt with this?

Would really appreciate any info.

Cheers!

Have a word with David at stan tours. stantours@gmx.net
He'll be able to give you the information on the Letters of introduction, including costs. He also has good advice on visas.

As far as turkmenistan is concerned you can only get a 5 day transit visa so you have to time your entry to the day.
I do believe you can can leave before the final day of the 5 day visa.

Russ

Hiya,

Been talking to stantours and travcour, but still confused.

Re turkmenistan transit visas - the answer I can't find yet is whether you can apply for it in advance eg at their embassy in London, and how likely it is to be able to get one?

Hi Al

You can get the transit visa in advance in London. I spoke to them before Christmas and they didn't indicate that it might be a problem.
For Russia it'll probably need to be a double entry business visa valid for 90 days, unless you've got 2 passports in which case you can get 2 tourist visas, each valid for 30 days (1 in each passport). Have a look at RealRussia.co.uk - Russian Visas, Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Visa support for info.

David

Hi everyone,

I'm a French fellow also planning to head up east this summer. The plan at this stage would be to leave Paris on the beginning of April. The itinerary I have worked on is as follow : Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal, where my trip should end. The all ride should last approx. 4 months and a half. My only "constraint" in respect of timing is that I have to meet up with NGO in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal. As to my riding companion, I managed to get some sponsors to get a nice low mileage GS Adv.

Now, I would definitely enjoy to meet up with some fellow travellers.
ExtremeGene, considering the difficulties and the costs to go through China, I decided not to go there. Now, I've read your were planning to go from Mongolia to Pakistan, through China. What is your exact plan ? If I changed my itinerary (meaning heading North from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan), would it be possible to join your group ? What would be the cost ?

To all, let's keep in touch. I sadly won't be able to join any meeting in the UK but I could obviously enjoy some experience and info sharing in relation to Visas, carnet, itineraries...

Alex

Hi alex,


Our route as it stands is Turkey, Iran, Turkmen, Uzbek, Tajik, Kygryzstan, nipping into Kazak and then back to Kygryzstan, China, Pakistan, India, Nepal. I was originall going to go up to Mongolia and then fly the bike to India but the cost was more than getting a chinese transit visa.
I also looked at nipping between Tajik to Pakistan through Afganistan but decided that it was just too risky.

I'm going solo as far as Tajik and then meeting up with a couple of friends (cornishDeity on this forum) in a 4x4 and travelling with them as far as India.

Ollie (cornishDeity) put a thread on the HUBB a couple of days ago asking if there was anymore people wanting to share the China crossing as it will help bring down the cost of the guide for everyone. I was quoted $1600 for a 7 day transit for me and the bike but the more people we can get together the cheaper it will get.

You're welcome to join us for any part of the trip.

Russ

Ace Cafe meet-up
 

Russ/Al/anybody else

The timetable for this Sunday is here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ay-ace-39328-4

I should be able to make it any time. Let me know what time you can make it for a meet up.

David

Russ,

I think we will be doing more or less the same ride. My only problem is that my timing imposes that I should be in Katmandou in mid august, meaning that I expect to cross the sino-kirghiz boarder end of june, begining of july. You planned to cross it in september right ?

I amazed by the price. Which agent did you use ? By which pass do you plan to cross the frontiere. I am way behnd my schedule in terms of visas and cos...

All your help will be more than appreciated.

Sadly, I can't make to the Ace Cafe on Sunday.

Alex

Hi Dave,
Leaving Scotland May 9th Kazakhstan-Mongolia-Vlad-Japan and USA
transglobemoto

Great to meet up somewhere along the line.
Tom

Hi Tom
What's your timetable? We'll be in Kazakhstan the beginning of June and Mongolia mid-June to early July.

David

Hi,

I just opened a thread about travelling in Mongolia in August http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...756#post227925. I think most of you guys will be through Mongolia by then but if not, let me know.

Tnx,
mauro

Hi Everyone.
Myself & Dave (Kito) are also planning a Europe-Russia-Mongolia-Kazakhstan-Russia trip. We will be beginning the trip in May 09. (Visa’s pending!). Both of our budgets are fairly optimistic therefore we will be rough camping wherever possible. There appears to be plenty of hubbers heading east therefore hopefully we will catch up with some of you on route.

Cheers
Simon

Around the world
 

Hi David,

Last winter, I rode from Oregon ot Inuvik, and then south to Ushuaia, on Tierra Del Feugo. This winter I had an offer to test ride an F800GS BMW, from Santiago, in Chile, crossing the Andes 6 times to Punta Arenas. That ride was 3000 miles in 14 days. Your trip across Russia sounds interesting. My first trip doing the Americas, I was alone, but this kind of trip I would rather do with others. Do you want riders?

Erik

Hi Erik

You're welcome to join us if our dates coincide. What's your route/timetable?

David

Here's our schedule (me and Dave N.) Would be great to hook up with anyone who'll be in the same place at the same time.

• Departing May 24th from Newcastle via Tunnel and through France via Reims, Millau and Monaco.
• May 28th across the top of Italy via Como, Stelvio
• May 30th into Slovenia and meandering down through Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia via Bled, Plitvice, Mostar, Durmitor, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Okhrid
• June 3rd Greece via Thessaloniki
• June 5th Turkey via Istanbul and the northern coast / Yusufeli valley
• June 11th Georgia
• June 13th Azerbaijan
• June 17th Turkmenistan via Ashgabat, Darvaza, KunyaUrgench
• June 21st Uzbekistan via Bukhara, Samarkand
• June 29th Tajikistan via Dushanbe and Pamir Highway
• July 8th Kyrgystan via Osh and Lake Isyk-Kol
• July 15th Kazakhstan via Almaty, Semipalatinsk
• July 21st Russia via Barnaul and the Altai
• July 27th Mongolia via Tsagaan Nuur and the northern route to UlaanBataar
• August 14th Russia via Ulan Ude, Chita, and the Amur highway to Vlad
• August 22nd ferry to South Korea then by air to USA
• And if we're really lucky, the Pan-American to Ushuaia in time for Christmas.

Fingers crossed. It seems like there are a gazillion things that could make this fall apart, but we're damn well gonna try!!

Anyone here applied for a 3 month business visa for Russia? If so could you pm me, I have some queries about the application process and would be grateful for your assistance.

Thanks,
Al

Almost the same route.
 

I'm currently in Turkey waiting for some visas and bike service. I'll be crossing into Georgia on around the 15h of June. Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, Russia is what I plan to do. No set dates but want to be in Vlad before mid September...

If anybody is crossing Turkey in the meantime, please let me know. I'd like to meet and maybe join trips for some time.

I got a multi-entry business invite for 1 year. Friend of a friend helped... I'll be applying for the visa this Monday. What do you need to know?

You can follow me here!