6-month Central asia trip planning
 

Hi Hubb,

I'm planning a 6-month motorbike trip starting in April 2025. My plan is to visit the Stans and possibly combine this with India.

The first part, from Belgium to Turkey, is relatively straightforward, passing through Berlin and making my way down to the Balkans, then Turkey and Georgia.
Part 1: 6,000 km, 1.5 months (mid-April to the end of May).

For the second part, the plan is to travel from Georgia to Iran, cross Turkmenistan, visit the Pamir Highway, and continue down through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, where I would end my travels and ship the bike back home.
Part 2A: 12,000 km, 4 months (June to the end of September).

Another option would be to travel through Russia, arrive in Kazakhstan, and then work my way down through the Stans to reach Pakistan, before continuing to Iran and Turkey, potentially making it all the way back home. This option would exclude India from my trip but also remove the need to ship the bike.

As I'm relatively new to adventure riding, I'd appreciate any input or advice from others, and anything that might help me plan this trip.

If anyone else is planning a similar trip for next year, feel free to reach out! I'd be happy to connect with fellow travelers.

Route Breakdown:
Part 1: 6,000 km, 1.5 months (mid-April to the end of May), averaging 130 km per day
Route: Belgium > Germany > Czechia > Austria > Slovenia > Croatia > Bosnia and Herzegovina > Montenegro > Kosovo > North Macedonia > Greece > Turkey > Georgia.

Part 2A: 12,000 km, 4 months (June to the end of September), averaging 100 km per day
Route: Georgia > Armenia > Iran > Turkmenistan > Uzbekistan > Kazakhstan > Kyrgyzstan > Tajikistan > Afghanistan > Pakistan > India.

Part 2B: 15,000 km, 4 months (June to the end of September), averaging 125 km per day
Route: Georgia > Russia > Kazakhstan > Kyrgyzstan > Uzbekistan > Tajikistan > Afghanistan > Pakistan > Iran > Turkey.

Part 3: 4,000 km, 1 month (October), averaging 130 km per day
Route: Turkey > Greece > Italy > France > Belgium.

Some thoughts, in no particular order.

It's difficult to go through Turkmenistan. They routinely refuse visas without giving reasons. If you are allowed in it'll only be with an official tour, at substantial cost.

Iran isn't easy for UK visitors, in fact I'm not sure they are even giving visas right now. You used to be required to engage a guide (not cheap), and you will need a carnet. Those more familiar with the situation today can probably advise better.

To head east, probably the most straightforward route is Turkey - Georgia - Russia - Kazakhstan. Once in KZ you have many options for exploring the Stans. Russian transit visas on the road are possible though restrictive, a better option is a tourist visa but you can only get that in your home country. Allow min 2 weeks, I recommend https://ibsvp.co.uk/ Don't worry about your reception in Russia, the authorities are keen to promote themselves positively and the locals are welcoming and hospitable. Just behave as a guest should and "don't mention the war." Take cash (USD or EUR) to change to RUB and see you through Russia as western cards don't work. Buy road insurance at the border and medical insurance in the first city you reach (popular brokers Alfa-Strakhovanie or Rosgosstrakh).

Other than Russia the only other country you'll need a visa for is Tajikistan (with GBAO permit to ride the Pamir). The rest are visa free or visa on arrival. Make sure you keep hold of any customs paperwork you are given as you will have to present it on exit (there is a Eurasian customs union that covers several countries).

Further east I'm not that familiar with. Afghanistan can be transited these days. Adventurous perhaps, but do-able. The Taliban are what they are but they are not hostile to tourists. The Afghanistan/Pakistan border is still a bit of a dodgy area but the Pakistanis often supply police escorts, check with people who have done it. India and Pakistan you will need a carnet - check the visa situation.

You'll want a tank range of 450 kms or be prepared to carry extra fuel in some of the more remote areas. Don't go more than half a tank in central Asia without refuelling. Be conservative with your daily mileage and be prepared to take time out for rest, touristing, bad weather or servicing/repairs. 130 km/day is quite low but a fair basis for planning. 400+ km/day is possible but quickly gets gruelling, and you miss so much just riding past it. Don't underestimate the difficulty (mental as well as physical) of being in the saddle day after day, on the road on your own for several months. If this is your first big trip consider doing a shorter but not insignificant one to see how you get on. Here's an example of one I did down to Turkey earlier this year: https://www.facebook.com/motosunburn/ Of course, you can just jump on and do it - people do - but it's a big commitment.

Lastly, read all the advice about travel from people who have their own stories to tell. How to cope with breakdowns, bent traffic cops, petty theft, bike security, sickness, loneliness, camping/hotels/homestays, what to take, how to navigate etc. There's a lot to think about and the better you plan the less likelihood you'll have problems on the road. At the end of the day don't be put off, travel is one of the best experiences you'll ever have, and going on a motorcycle is the best way to do it.

Hi. Going through Kazakhstan is relatively easy. I will suggest going more through Russia rather than exploring Afghanista, Iran and Turkmenistan as these countries may be less safe to travel. You can get in touch with AwayWeRide (Instagram) as they partially travelled through *stans in 2024. For Kazakhstan PM me - I will guide you.:welcome: