Thailand to Kazakhstan
Hello! I am looking for advice. I live in Chiang Mai, Thailand and plan to go to Astana, Kazakhstan for a triathlon July 2019. I am not averse to traveling via planes/buses/trains, but I would be so happy to ride through Central Asia. Basically, I am wondering if it's possible to do on a budget (budget being that I can afford fuel, food, lodging but not $1,000+ for a guide).
I'm open to any routes, though it seems the best option may be Thailand-Laos-China-Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan (I'd also like to detour into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan). My passport is from the USA, but my bike has plates/papers in Thailand. I have a tourist visa for China that's good for a few more years, but it seems uncertain if I will succeed without a guide. From what I've researched, these countries don't require a carnet, but China is my main concern.
If it's a matter of "luck" ... well I tend to be "lucky" but would likely return to Thailand via the same route, and I'm not sure if I want to chance the borders 4 times.
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