In a few months, we will be entering Turkmenistan from the west, continuing to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgzistan and through Western China via the Tougart Pass and to the top of the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan. Ultimately we will be headed to Australia. The Pamir Highway in Tajikistan is also on our itinerary.

Our plan has always been to get rid of the camping gear before we get to Pakistan as we don't plan on camping in Pakistan, India or SE Asia for reasons much discussed on the HUBB.

We are riding two-up on a Honda Transalp and we have full camping gear with us now (tent, sleeping bags and cooking gear). Not surprisingly, carrying camping gear has added quite a bit to our load. Since we have entered Eastern Europe, we have not even unpacked our camping gear as we have been happy staying in rooms for under $20 for two people. We are getting a bit lazy...but we are loving it.

I am looking for some comments on what its like to camp in Central Asia with regards to security, privacy and and overall convienience compared to staying in cheap hotels, private rooms or homestays.

Should we lug our camping gear through Central Asia or should we get rid of it in Turkey? If cheap accomodation is readily available, it sure would be nice to lighten up the bike!

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Dave
www.mototrekker.com

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Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/