Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
East KZ: Charyn Canyon to Altai/Russia ? East KZ: Charyn Canyon to Altai/Russia ?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By eurasiaoverland

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
East KZ: Charyn Canyon to Altai/Russia ?
Hi all, we will go to Charyn Canyon directly from Kyrgystan. Then we want to go to Russia, Altai region, so direction Semey.
We don't have a real need to go to Almaty.

But it seems from Charyn Canyon heading North, the best way is first West to Almaty via A6 and then North over the E40 to Semey?
We could also look at a bigger alternative, driving the roads in direction of Astana, hoping for better roads. But I have talked to people who've done both roads (they didnt go to Charyn Canyon) and they both complained about bad roads.

Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 949
Koktal - Altyn Emel - Shubar - Taldy-Kurgan is very beautiful, I would say a better option if you're skipping Almaty.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Quote:
Originally Posted by eurasiaoverland View Post
Koktal - Altyn Emel - Shubar - Taldy-Kurgan is very beautiful, I would say a better option if you're skipping Almaty.
Is it worth driving that road without visiting the Altyn Emel national park?
And is the road of bad quality?

And what do you mean by Shubar? I find Shubar only much further away, near Astana
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 949
What are you trying to do?

As fast as possible -> Take the main road and hope the traffic through Almaty is not too bad.

Most scenic route -> Take the route I described. You can see Shubar on Google Maps. I don't remember it being bad, but I drove it in 2011.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Good question

We will try to cross Kazakhstan, after visiting Charyn Canyon area, in very little time. We need to be in time in Mongolia becuase of the visa, and we want to spend some time in Russian Altai as well.

So basically we are trying to figure out how much time it all takes. So maybe the main road over Almaty -> Taldy-Kurgan is the fastest but it will still take two days at least. Maybe three days is more realistic?
If the detour in the end is onky a few hours driving a more scenic road then maybe it is worth it. But we won't be visiting the Altanemil park, this we know.

The distance is not the problem, it is unclear what the road conditions are. I know that most of the road is boring anyway.

We are trying to do it in such a way that we maybe have a week for the Russian Altai.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: lyon
Posts: 139
kz
hi,
from kirghizstan border ( karakol) to taldykourgan 2 days, roads are good
. after taldykourgan semei doable in 2 days ( we stopped at ayagouz) roads are ****in bad ...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Ok we went just over Almaty and then up via Taldykorgan and so on. Because we crashed our drone and new propellers were available in Almaty

The road was pretty bad, but because of all the bad stories I was expecting hundreds of kilometers of potholes. It was mostly deformed tarmac, and we were a bit surprised that we could maintain some speed over these parts. Anyway, I think it should be possible to do Almaty to the Russian border in 2 days, but that is Mongol Rally style.
And it is pretty hard on the car.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 845
The traffic is Almaty is only bad if you go at commuting times (or on a Sunday evening when everybody is coming home from a weekend in the mountains!). Other times it really isn't a problem, say 1000-1500 weekdays, most of the day at weekends. If you've already been to Almaty then miss it out if you can, there are plenty of little dirt roads out there, otherwise it's a must-visit in the region.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3565 3 Weeks Ago 18:23
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 08:38
California Yosemite Travellers Meeting - Sept. 25-28, 2014! Susan Johnson HU Travellers Meetings - North America 39 17 Oct 2014 08:06
Yangykala Canyon danielsprague Northern and Central Asia 5 18 May 2014 22:50
Ride Guide: Deming to Ruidoso, New Mexico ellsworth North America 4 14 Dec 2009 21:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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. 11-14
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

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:46.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top