Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Advice on places to avoid on Transiberia trip next year please? Advice on places to avoid on Transiberia trip next year please?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 3 Post By alex_nikonov

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: England
Posts: 38
Advice on places to avoid on Transiberia trip next year please?
Hi,

I was wondering whether anyone would be able to tell me of places which would be best avoided on my trip next year. The route will be from the UK, in to Norway, Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Pamir Highway, Mongolia, then back in to Russia with the intention of reaching Vladivostok. I know there have been a few documentaries on T.V lately which I've missed and people have been concerned about my route through Russia. My rough plan for this part of the trip would be to visit St Petersburg, then to Moscow, on to tour around the Golden Ring, then head towards Kazakhstan. After this I will be taking a fairly direct route back in Russia towards Vladivostok. I know it may seem a bit pessimistic asking for advice on the places 'not' to visit but it would put my friends and families minds at rest knowing that I've done a bit of research in to it. I know the BBC dramatises a lot so I'd like to get a true perspective from anyone who has had problems in 'rough' or 'unfriendly' places when touring on 2 wheels. I understand that every country has its good and bad parts, and I'm looking forward to visiting Russia and seeing a lot of amazing places next year. I just want to stay as safe as possible too.

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Nov 2017
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Russia is safe.


The main danger is that they drive like nutters. Keep you eyes on your mirrors at any time and expect stupid driving.

Apart from that, in big towns, like everywhere in the world, avoid dodgy areas after dark.

You are not going to Dagestan, this is the republic they like to dramatise on the BBC.

Russians are friendly and if you avoid the main highway (when possible - very booooring!) you will make wonderful encounters. AND the back roads and trails of Russia are a lot of fun!

See pictures and ride reports in my website if you want to have more info. We have been around Russia a bit in the last 3 years. I am sure you will have a great ride.

PS: If you cross Kazakhstan, try to take a week or two, to explore a bit of Kyrgyzstan as well, it is a stunning little country. Especially as you will probably end up few days in Almaty, like every body does.


Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: England
Posts: 38
Thanks Maria, your posts are always so helpful
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 44
Hi Kayne, I live in Russia and last few years we do motorcycle tours in Russia. Few advice for you:
1) from finland to western Siberia (Tumen and even slightly further up to Krasnoyarsk) you can ride totally avoiding highways. If you need tracks write me at alex.nikonov@rusmototravel.com. Main highway is boring, flat, plain, loaded with trucks and absolutely no fun. Dont make mistake most riders do, dont travel in Russia via Autoban/Interstate highway
2) average speed for cars 100-120 on main roads. So if you ride 120-130 km/h no problems, but if its 90-100 even trucks will overcome you. So be aware of that and ride a bit faster than traffic
3) after chita and to blagoveschensk its 2000 km rather wild section without police, hotels, touristic infrastructure. don't make much scouting in this area. There were many prisoners camps in the past and there are camps right now, so many locals have bad background
4) dont drink with poor local people in Buryatia, Tuva and Chita regions. Even if they are friendly

Would you need more info write me at email
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Hi Alex,

You're mentioning the high speed on the main roads. Do you mean the highways? Or also the non-highway roads with 1 or 2 lanes per direction?

About point 3, that part of Russia. I think nobody is expecting hotels and campsites there, but you are also suggesting not to stay over at locals?
So just bushcamping every where?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 44
There is almost no traffic at secondary roads. All cars use highways as the shortest and fastest way. And the speed is lower at secondary roads, 90-100 km/h usually.

From Chita to Blagoveschensk there are several motels on the road and its ok to stay there. We usually stay at Erofey Pavlovich Motel (located on the road right near Erofey Pavlovich village and train station), its exactly in the middle of this segment. There must be also a bikehouse/bikepost by one Russian motorcyclist who lives in that area, its safe to stay there as well.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Ok. We will travel around with a campervan, so we just need a safe place to stay. We also like to do bushcamping in nature. But you seem to suggest that the area might not be so safe.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: England
Posts: 38
Thanks Alex. I've googled those places. We may get the train from Irkutz to Vladivostok and we will be spending a lot of time in the Altai region, further South than the area you mentioned I believe. If you think of anything else please get in contact. Thank you.
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
4.5 year 4x4 trip around Eurasia danielsprague Ride Tales 5 10 Jan 2012 02:49
Planning a bike trip this year ajayhungry West and South Asia 6 27 Dec 2011 05:39
Think your too old,too broken for that big trip? Check out this 86 year old realmc26 The HUBB PUB 5 20 Dec 2011 18:49
Any advice for first international trip on two wheels? Black Hawk Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 6 24 Nov 2011 16:19
2012 Trip for 6 months to 1 year? mmadave Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 19 Oct 2011 11:33

 
 

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

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 02:45.

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