Avoiding Afghanistan
 

Hi there,

We plan to drive to Oz in our landy, leaving the UK April/May/June time.

One of our definites on our list to get to is China (we're prepared for the paper work and finance involved), and particulary Tibet (no political comment meant here).

Now my wife is desperate to go via Russia and the Stans and that way. I, on the other hand want to go via Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal.

In true married bliss fashion we have come up with a comprimise route of

Russia -> Kazakhstan -> 'Stans -> Iran -> Pakistan -> India -> Nepal -> Tibet

Which seems perfect. But I haven't seen anyone who has travelled this route. Perhaps my eyes haven't been open to this until now, but I was curious as to whether its feasible and a good route to go.

Is there any seasonal reason why this might not be possible? Are we just biting off too much at once?

We're not leaving until 2009 so plenty of time to get information, but it's all I think about :)

Anyway, as usual I'll be most grateful for your opinions. Any opinions welcome.

Nepal to Tibet is the issue...
 

You should be fine up to Nepal, this is a well travelled route, but there may be some big issues going from Nepal to Tibet. This is probably why you haven't heard of many travellers taking this route. But if you are prepared to spend some $$$, I am sure you can make it happen.

If I recall, in the Touratech catalog a couple of years back, there was a pictorial about a couple of riders on BMWs who rode from India to Tibet, so its definately possible. I would guess these folks shelled out some big time cash for the trip.

Let us know what you find out...

One more thought, you could also get into Xinjiang Province of China via either Pakistan or Kyrgyzstan and drive east through Xinjiang Province to Tibet. However, inter-province travel in China is extremely difficult and this route may not be any easier.

However, if the Nepal-Tibet crossing doesn't work, this is the second best option.

Advice from the Beasts
 

Hi there Dave,

Thanks for that. I did speak to some folks who did it in a Forward Control 101. They said its well worth the price (about US$4000) to get the guide that you need to enter. They had him for 6 weeks and apparently he was worth the fee in bartaring and translating alone. Obviously its a bit of a pain having someone with you for 6 weeks, but hopefully you get on and its a pleasure :)

Thats the sort of thing we are looking to do, but obviously with our trip so far away we can't decide until nearer the time. Perhaps things will change a little with the Olympics?

Again thanks for the advice ... its recorded in my spreadsheet :)

Sounds like you are on the right track.

We had a similar experience with our guide when we crossed Xinjiang Province in China last fall. The guide was super helpful and helped us with lots of things like rounding up bike parts & spares, negotiating hotels, food, etc. He certainly got us some incredible deals on things and knew all the secrets. We learned quite a bit about the local culture from our guide as well. Instead of a burden, we looked forward to having him with us.

The guide certainly is not cheap, but I felt we were able to see Western China at a unique time in history. China is modernizing at an incredible pace and who knows what the future will hold. If you have the opportunity to go now or in the next couple of years, do it!

afghan bike experience
 

hello,
from pakistan, they have been to afghanistan (3 weeks) then to ouzbekistan turkmenistan iran. This was in spring 2006. I just met them : they were 2 on 2 yamaha 125cc (they are french nationals so no real problems for the visas there).
have a look on : http://www.desrevespleinlemonde.com/
http://www.desrevespleinlemonde.com/...fghanistan.htm

You can also contact them through their website.
If it can help ...

happy trails and be very carefull