Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By AnTyx

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: England/Torbaydos
Posts: 5
3/4 months trip (eastern europe + middle east)

Hi everyone,
Im total novice regarding to long distance travelling but now I think is the time to change it...

So before I give you any more details i would like to ask if something around 25000kilometers over around 100days (could probably be stretched to max 4months) is really stupid idea?

We will be starting up in Slovakia and thinking to go throught these countries: hungary, serbia, montenegro, albania, macedonia, greece, turkey, gergia, armenia, azerbaijan, iran, turkmenistan, uzbekistan, tajikistan, kyrgyzstan, kazachstan, mongolia to Irkutks (russia).
from there train to moscov and from moscov back to slovakia.

well we just starting to planning up so its just idea at the moment. so it will all depends on visa etc.
Because its all new to us we dont have idea how does it work.

so any tips and help will be much appreciated.

thanks a lot

Last edited by Klobuk; 17 Nov 2018 at 19:42.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Nov 2018
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,971
250 km per day for extended periods qualifies as "speedy" in my book, but I've done it in a variety of areas and so can you--as long as nothing major goes wrong. Much depends on how you like to travel, i.e., how many side trips, how much lounging or around exploring specific areas in detail, whether you favor pavement or gravel and dirt.

If you're really a novice, a short trial journey to work out the kinks is always a good idea. And when you say "we," that implies either more than one bike or yourself and a pillion. Either way, multiple people involved tends to slow things down, since everyone's comfort and preferences needs to be taken into account. I'd always suggest having shorter, quicker alternatives or other ways to bail out along the way.

You'll want to have another look at your route (at least) in terms of the Armenia/Azerbaijan border. I know less about Iran, but my American passport would make that part difficult, so worth checking into if you're British. Hardly anyone ever regrets adding as much time to their trip as possible, so if you can do four full months by all means do it.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Last edited by markharf; 17 Nov 2018 at 21:55.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Nov 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: England/Torbaydos
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
250 km per day qualifies as "speedy" in my book, but I've done it in a variety of areas and so can you--as long as nothing major goes wrong. Much depends on how you like to travel, i.e., how many side trips, how much lounging or around exploring specific areas in detail, whether you favor pavement or gravel and dirt.

If you're really a novice, a short trial journey to work out the kinks is always a good idea. And when you say "we," that implies either more than one bike or yourself and a pillion. Either way, multiple people involved tends to slow things down, since everyone's comfort and preferences needs to be taken into account. I'd always suggest having shorter, quicker alternatives or other ways to bail out along the way.

You'll want to have another look at your route (at least) in terms of the Armenia/Azerbaijan border. I know less about Iran, but my American passport would make that part difficult, so worth checking into if you're British. Hardly anyone ever regrets adding as much time to their trip as possible, so if you can do four full months by all means do it.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
thanks for your reply.

well it will be me and my dad (60years old) so two of us.
we are both novice regarding long distantce bike riding but not novices on the bikes. My dad rides road bikes for years and im hobbie enduro rider.
so from my point of view i would love to do as much as possible offroad

Regarding of that distance (25000 km) that was just rough estimate, thats why i wanna hear opinion of others and if its to much we can make it shorter.

We are not british (we are slovakian) but we might have a bikes on british number plates. i live in england thats why.
But will need to find out what will work out cheaper etc.
Red somewhere already that might be some troubles with british number plates in some countries so will have to check up on that.
We dont have bikes yet so we will be buying them specially for this trip. Because it wont be very comfortable doing it on KTM 450exc and my dads Honda shadow.

so if anybody have some information what will help us please share them.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Nov 2018
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,107
1) You could certainly do 250 km, even as newbies, but obviously not offroad every day, and more importantly, you won't enjoy it. Assume you will want to have some chill & relaxation days where you just want to see some local museums, hike up a nice hill, or just sit and drink tea all day. It's very important to budget for this time in your plans.

2) Therefore, while it's good to arrange all the visas you need in advance, you should keep track of where you are and at what point you can cut parts of your trip out of the plan. E.g. if you find yourself really enjoying Iran and the South Caucasus, you can always go back to Georgia, take the ferry from Batumi/Poti across the Black Sea to Bulgaria or Romania, and get home in time. Just keep these things in mind.

>We will be starting up in Slovakia and thinking to go throught these countries: hungary, serbia, montenegro, albania, macedonia, greece, turkey, gergia, armenia, azerbaijan, iran, turkmenistan, uzbekistan, tajikistan, kyrgyzstan, kazachstan, mongolia to Irkutks (russia).
from there train to moscov and from moscov back to slovakia.

Like markharf said, you can do either Armenia or Azerbaijan but not both - they've been in a slow war for decades, and actively hate each other. Georgia is more-or-less friendly with both of them. Azerbaijan is what you will probably want, since it has a land border with Iran.

Turkmenistan is a very closed country, getting a visa will be difficult.

Mongolia is a huge detour. If you leave out Mongolia (which may not be that different a riding experience from Kazakhstan?), you would save a lot time and distance, and will only need a single-entry Russian visa. I would say, from Slovakia down to the Balkans, Greece, Turkey, Iran, up to Azerbaijan & Georgia, and see what you feel like doing - taking the ferry from Baku to Kazakhstan, or taking the ferry from Batumi back to Europe.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Nov 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
As Markharf and AnTyx already said, you can't do Azerbaijan after Armenia or vice versa.

Better to choose one.

Both countries have land border to Iran.

Getting Turkmenistan visa is headache. If you get Uzbek visa first you may have a chance. Just try. If you are lucky you can have it. Othervise can apply for a transit visa. 3 days will be enough to see and pass the most of the country.

Enjoy your ride...
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Nov 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: England/Torbaydos
Posts: 5
thanks for replies.

I red somewhere while ago that it is possible to do both Armenia and Azerbaijan but cant cross the border between them.
But needs to be done via Georgia.
so lets say from Turkey to Armenia than Georgia than Azerbaijan.
anyone done it this way or got experience?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Nov 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 943
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samy View Post
As Markharf and AnTyx already said, you can't do Azerbaijan after Armenia or vice versa.

Better to choose one.
You can enter Armenia after visiting Azerbaijan and you can enter Azerbaijan after visiting Armenia. I have personally done both.

What you cannot do is cross the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, or enter Azerbaijan with a passport showing evidence of having visited Nagorno Karabakh (which is de-facto Azerbaijan but occupied by Armenian forces).

If it were my trip, I would fly through the European countries (which you can easily visit another time) and try to make the most of my time in the most interesting countries; Iran and Mongolia.

You don't say when you want to start, but I would try to avoid Iran, Turkmenistan in the hottest months, and on a bike, would want to be in Russia between May and October. So if you start in March it would be good to do the trip in the order you have it. If you start in the middle of summer, do it the other way around.

EO
__________________
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
Reply


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
What to drink during an adventure bike trip samueleuk Staying Healthy on the Road 38 18 Jun 2014 16:09
Start your trip in Southern Mexico? FREE 2013 Honda Tornado 250cc... RyanFB Central America and Mexico 4 6 May 2014 06:27
Moscow to Nordkapp round trip Russki Guzzi Europe 13 11 Feb 2014 16:15
The JJ after trip report.. JetJackson After the big trip 3 7 Mar 2013 04:12
My USA Road Trip Is Over panman Ride Tales 6 9 Sep 2012 12:33

 
 

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

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!

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 05:36.