12Likes
|
|
11 May 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Espoo, Finland
Posts: 66
|
|
Last August two Bulgarian bikes crossed from Russian to Georgia: Пътуване до Кавказ - Страница 3. Here is the route they took: https://picasaweb.google.com/1097777...15528320305378 Border was opened for all in last June/July for everybody.
I almost tried it as well, but after unsuccessful entry to Abkhazia decided to drive via Turkey back to Europe.
|
11 May 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 18
|
|
I'm an American citizen and I crossed this border last year in early October, going from Russia to Georgia near Kazbegi. So it was definitely open as of last autumn and I have seen nothing to suggest that it has been closed since. There was a bit of confusion on how to deal with me on the Russian side, but I was through the Georgian side in less than 10 minutes. The Georgian Military Highway is spectacular, enjoy.
|
13 May 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Timisoara
Posts: 77
|
|
Crossing from Georgia to Russia via Kazbegi/Vladikavkaz border point May 2012:
Went Friday 11 May 2012 up from Tbilisi to Kazbegi via Georgian Military Highway. The road is very nice, except for the crossing over the pass, where you have 14 km of really bad road. The rest is brand new and fun to ride.
Went up to the border point,parked the bike and asked the guy from custom if I can cross as a non russian/georgian/CIS citizen the border. The answer was YES YOU CAN!
I asked then again, and mentioned that last year the border was closed for foreigners. They said yes, it was closed but now it's open, it is ok to cross to Russia. If you have a russian visa, of course.
I did not crossed because I wanted to go to Azerbaijan and from there to Turmenistan on the way to Mongolia and Siberia.
|
13 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by asilindean
Went Friday 11 May 2012 up from Tbilisi to Kazbegi via Georgian Military Highway. The road is very nice, except for the crossing over the pass, where you have 14 km of really bad road. The rest is brand new and fun to ride.
Went up to the border point,parked the bike and asked the guy from custom if I can cross as a non russian/georgian/CIS citizen the border. The answer was YES YOU CAN!
I asked then again, and mentioned that last year the border was closed for foreigners. They said yes, it was closed but now it's open, it is ok to cross to Russia. If you have a russian visa, of course.
I did not crossed because I wanted to go to Azerbaijan and from there to Turmenistan on the way to Mongolia and Siberia.
|
That's good to know. However, this crosses into a region that the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office advise not to travel through:
Quote:
...we advise against all travel to the North Caucasus republics of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan, and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursky located in Stavropol Krai; and against all but essential travel to the North Caucasus republics of North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.
|
I know FCO advice needs to be taken with a pinch of salt just as travelling through the area would require heightened caution but what are peoples thoughts on travelling through this region despite what the FCO advise? Particularly interested in views from those who HAVE travelled, & RECENTLY, through these areas.
|
25 May 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kent, England
Posts: 120
|
|
Good news
Crossed the Kazbegi border day before yesterday - easy efficient.
British Citizen.
Be st wishes - Alec
__________________
I wanna go back.
|
25 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livotlout
Crossed the Kazbegi border day before yesterday - easy efficient.
British Citizen.
Be st wishes - Alec
|
Which direction? Did you cross with a motorbike? Did you feel safe travelling through these 'no go' areas?
|
25 May 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kent, England
Posts: 120
|
|
'Which direction? Did you cross with a motorbike? Did you feel safe travelling through these 'no go' areas?'
I crossed from from Georgia to Russia on my Yamaha TT250R.
Don't know about no go areas, most normal border crossing ever.
Both border control areas are very smart, Russian one looks new, and well staffed.
The russians appeared to want to process me fast and efficiently.
Never once did I feel unsafe. Infact I rough camped in farm workers shelter that night.
Alec
__________________
I wanna go back.
|
25 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livotlout
I crossed from from Georgia to Russia on my Yamaha TT250R.
Don't know about no go areas, most normal border crossing ever.
Both border control areas are very smart, Russian one looks new, and well staffed.
The russians appeared to want to process me fast and efficiently.
Never once did I feel unsafe. Infact I rough camped in farm workers shelter that night.
Alec
|
That's excellent news. I might use this border in August rather than the Trabzon-Sochi. I'm glad you felt safe, it just shows that the FCO travel advice should be taken with a punch of salt.
|
25 May 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kent, England
Posts: 120
|
|
It should be noted that I headed towards Elista (Little Mongolia), rather than Groznyy.
Alec
__________________
I wanna go back.
|
26 May 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
Great News
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livotlout
It should be noted that I headed towards Elista (Little Mongolia), rather than Groznyy.
Alec
|
Hi Alec
What time was the border open or is it 24hrs??
We are heading to Astrakhan may follow a similar route and avoid Grozny
Eric
|
27 May 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Italy
Posts: 26
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livotlout
Crossed the Kazbegi border day before yesterday - easy efficient.
British Citizen.
|
Thanks for sharing this. I'll be there in 3 weeks time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephen.stallebrass
I might use this border in August rather than the Trabzon-Sochi.
|
Do you have any updated schedule about Trabzon-Sochi ferry? The only I found is this
Commercial Sea Port of Sochi
which is refferring to an hydrofoil vessel, not suitable for a bike. I have no info about a Ro-Ro type.
Thanks to all!
|
27 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: istanbul
Posts: 755
|
|
Verhni Lars -Kazbegi border between georgia and russia is open now..we got messages from 2 UK.bikers who have done this easily and fast...also confirmed by georgian consulate in İstanbul..5 more UK. biker friends,1 with sidecar,will be there within a few days to cross in russia..
pleasure to take this a change to wish them happy,safe,lucky trips who were at the club a while ago..
Good-bye and good luck Willie,Gobi Girls,Nadine,Belinda, İain, Debby, Daren, Leigh,
@naga
talked to the owner of the ferry ERKE yesterday..ask and visit sarı denizcilik at trabzon seaport..easy to find..some english and russian spoken..
During May, from Trabzon to Sochi, only 1 ferry service available each week on Fridays..Departure time at 6 pm..but you must be there before 4 pm.for formalities..time is 12-14 hours..
Prices.For May only.
250 usd. for 1 bike
120 passenger seat
150 passenger bed in cabin.
FERRY NAME ERKE
schedule will be changed in June.
SARI DENIZCILIK
Best Wishes.
|
27 May 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by istanbul bisiklet motosiklet
Verhni Lars -Kazbegi border between georgia and russia is open now..we got messages from 2 UK.bikers who have done this easily and fast...also confirmed by georgian consulate in İstanbul..5 more UK. biker friends,1 with sidecar,will be there within a few days to cross in russia..
pleasure to take this a change to wish them happy,safe,lucky trips who were at the club a while ago..
Good-bye and good luck Willie,Gobi Girls,Nadine,Belinda, İain, Debby, Daren, Leigh,
@naga
talked to the owner of the ferry ERKE yesterday..ask and visit sarı denizcilik at trabzon seaport..easy to find..some english and russian spoken..
During May, from Trabzon to Sochi, only 1 ferry service available each week on Fridays..Departure time at 6 pm..but you must be there before 4 pm.for formalities..time is 12-14 hours..
Prices.For May only.
250 usd. for 1 bike
120 passenger seat
150 passenger bed in cabin.
FERRY NAME ERKE
schedule will be changed in June.
SARI DENIZCILIK
Best Wishes.
|
That's EXCELLENT information, thank you! This news will go a long way in alleviating the concerns of my family and friends about me travelling through the Caucasus Region. They hear Chechnya and remember Belsan and have stroke!
$500+ usd is a lot of money compared to taking the border crossing...
|
27 May 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Italy
Posts: 26
|
|
@istanbul bisiklet motosiklet
Thanks for this extremely detailed information.
I’ll make use of the Trabzon-Sochi ferry as a back-up solution only; and since you confirm that Kazbegi is open for non-CSI citizens ... a bunch of money can be saved!
@stephen
The same goes for my families too!
However, I plan to visit Beslan and I imagine it will be a bery sad day….
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|