For those who may wondering what's it like - .:: Middle-East ::. (hi-res content) - ::. UKGS'er.com .::

Lots of pics, so it may require a bit better internet connection, mind.

Ride safe, Margus

Wow, amazing pictures!!!

Margus,

Great trip report, thanks... I plan on making the same trip late next year and would love to know more about the Km's / problems / what not to miss / to be missed etc etc ....

can I email you directly ? email address please ...

Kind regards
Matt

Please post that info on the forum, i'd love to read it as well.
I'm in The mid east, entering from Yemen in about 5 months.

Hi Matt,

From Estonia strictly to Middle-East and back, Europe was strictly through, we "zig-zaged" around in Jordan and Syria, and we did about more than 12,000km. You're maybe a bit closer?

Problems, none from the technical side. Some slowspeed falls tho in offroad sections. Make sure you do maintenance inbetween if your bike requires less than 10K interval.

Get VISAs before you leave if possible, especially the Syrian VISA can be a real lottery to get on the border.

Shortly speaking:

In Syria: Palmyra is worth the visit, Damascus and souk, Bosra.

To miss: maybe Petra, altough it's the most recommended place on that area. We went there and there, and for us it was sh*t/piss smell, overcrowded by tourists and arabs want to sell you stuff etc etc. A BIG dissapointment for us. If you're tight on schedule I'd rather spend more time in Jerash or Palmyra.

So I'd recommend to go VERY early to Petra, (take a hotel a day before if possible), when the gates open in the morning and take the higher road, less horse sh*t and tourist piss smell, so look for more air and better view in the higher ground .

Certanly ride via Kings Highway in Jordan. Some really nice scenery at some spots.

Jerash certanly worth a visit as said before, also go early it's the best time! A "float" in the Dead Sea is an awsome experience, wash the excessive salts off later tho, and thus its better to use a private beach for that :P

Certanly don't miss Wadi Rum, take a long 4x4 tour, which is not expensive at all if going with two or more persons.

Optional would be Aqaba and the Red Sea, snorkeling, corals and stuff...

There's lot to see on that part of the World. Best check Lonely Planet guides about Jordan etc. you want to spend most of your time in, look some info on the net, from travellers webs, and go for what your own heart asks for.

Ride safe, Margus