Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Which Stans and Why? Which Stans and Why?
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Which Stans and Why?
Hi There,

I'm still planning my route to get to Oz from UK and the biggest area where I don't really know much about is through the Stans. From what I've seen it looks superb and I really fancy it. But I don't know much about the area, and which areas should be top of my list.

So I thought I'd ask here for any recommendations that people have.

I have plenty of time to get from Moscow to Indian border with Pakistan, and would like to criss cross through all the good places in Central Asia.

What are peoples thoughts?

I've had a look at stantours.com, and that seems to be the most recommended of agencies for that area.
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Moscow, Russia
Posts: 33
When r u going to do it?
Now it's too cold there already, I' ve just came from that erea. In the morning it was -3 from time to time. By the way, I do recomend you southern Ural, it's amazing!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Heading out there about
Hi There Rurider,

I'm reckoning on getting to St Pertersburg mid May time, and then crossing into China, via Nepal and Tibet, about September time. All this is very rough idea as I'm not going until 2009!!!

Thamks for the update

PS I'm going via 4x4 rather than bike ...
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 58
Crossing China
Unless you know something that i don't I don't like your chances of getting into China. Some people get to ride out of China, if they start in China however very few ever get to ride into China.

Good luck with your planning

Ken
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Others have done it
Hi Ken,

From what I have found out if you are prepared to pay for a guide and visa then its possible. Having spoken to some people who did it in a Forward Control 101 you can get it all sorted for about $4000 for a six week trip. Its a lot of money I know, but also, in the great scheme of things not that much! I really want to see China as it is currently, and although I'd prefer not to do it with a guide, if this is the price that needs to be paid, it is one I am prepared for.

If you know otherwise though, obviously I'd like ot be forwarned

Cheers

Ollie
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 23
Stans and more: my top 5
Hello!

We just drove through the Stans this summer. This was our route:

Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazahkstan, Russia, Mongolia, Russia, Kazahkstan, Kyrgyzstan, Torugat Pass, China, Kunjerab Pass, Pakistan

Don't miss:
Mongolia
Kyrgyzstan
Kashgar-Kunjerab
Northern Pakistan
Georgia

Would have liked to do also:
Tadjikistan-Pamir Highway or Wachan Corridor

Skip:
Kazahkstan (really boring driving and in the South-East terrible roads!)

David Berghof at Stantours is very helpful in organizing visas and helping out in anyway he can. Also don't let people talk you out of skipping China it is definately worth it. Although the price you quoted seems a little high. If you need other contacts for China drop me an e-mail or search for one of my earlier postings on the subject.

Have fun

Cecilia
__________________
Cecilia Rojas

web: www.fernweh.ch
blog: http://fernweh-travels.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Brilliant!
Thanks Thanks Thanks! Great reply and just the info I wante.

Kazakhstan sort of looked inevitable, but having read your post I've looked at heading down through Georgia and Azerbaijan. This was something that I hadn't contemplated until now (don't know why), and this route could be jsut perfect.

As we still have two years to go I'm sure out route will change another 100 times, but each time it does it's a refinement rather than a whim.

So the route I'm going to look at now is: Russia, Geargia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China.

I've only sketched this out at work, so please excuse me if any of these borders don't exist or are closed

Also had a quick look at your blog and website, and that has really whetted my appitite. I want to be doing it now!

I'll drop you a mail once I've read your blog some more.

Thanks again. Really great

Cheers
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Last edited by CornishDaddy; 4 Oct 2006 at 19:30.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Hmmm, what about Chechnya
OK so this new route takes me through Chechnya?

Now, without much research all I see about this place is the horror stories. Is it possible to get down there without meeting the 'baddies'? What are peoples views?
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Moscow, Russia
Posts: 33
Some information about Chechenia
10 of my friends from Moscow went there last year. This was made after official invitation by the government. They always had few guard cars with Kalashnikovs looking from the windows. There was now war on the streets, but many people told them that they are first Russians (except military) they see during last 10 years. People are friendly, but there is still a possibility to get some problems. I would recomend you to wait couple of years, then it would be more clear!
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

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 01:39.

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