Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Caspian Sea - May 2010 Caspian Sea - May 2010
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 15
Caspian Sea - May 2010
G'day all

My mate from London and I (from Australia) are heading out in early May 2010. Destination the Caspian Sea.

The ride originally had half a dozen of us, all UK based except for me. I ship my GSA across and back from Oz.

Route planning is: England, France, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan , Russia , Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Belgium, England.

Bob is an experienced European traveller and has been to most of the countries we intend to visit with his work, so we have a some background knowledge.

Any advice in relation to travelling the Stans and Iran would be greatly appreciated. Information such as visa issues, border crossings, any problems getting in, being turned away at borders etc.
Anyone who would like to join in either for the complete ride, or any part of the ride is more than welcome. Anyone from Australia who is contemplating a trip aorund that time, you also be welcome to join in.

I'm on the GSA, Bob on a KTM 990Adv, so some lively discussion of the breeds assured. I did the HU meeting in Tintaldra in Victoria in 2008, meeting a hell of a lot of like minded individuals, I am keen to take the trip. What started as a flight of fancy is fast becoming a reality!

cheers

Dave
Last edited by DNL1200GSA; 2 Dec 2009 at 12:46.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Eumundi, AUS
Posts: 81
Hey Dave

I'm hoping to head that about that time. My plan is more to fang it east across from Switzerland (where by 800GS is) to Turkey and then start touring the Silk Road including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan.

Email me directly if you want; traveller@mudmaps.com . We should try to catchup in person at some stage too, I've still got my house in Canberra even if my work has me on the Sunshine Coast most of the time.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Nov 2009
riderbob's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Strathfield, Oz
Posts: 51
G'day,

I'm Dave's mate. I've been to every country except Iran and Turkmenistan. However, I have always flown in to the relevant countries. With the exception of driving between Azerbaijan and Georgia, Georgia and Armenia. They are relatively easy crossing to do.

We may avoid Iran and the get ferry from Turkmanbashi to Baku.

So like Dave said, any advice about border crossing would be appreciated.

Ta,

Bob
__________________
2008 KTM 990 Adventure S
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Moscow. Russia
Posts: 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by DNL1200GSA View Post
Route planning is: England, France, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan , Russia , Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Belgium, England.

exclude Armenia and change route to:

England, France, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan , Russia , Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Englan

visiting Armenia and OZ-baijan with one passport during one trip can cause a problem. this 2 countries are still in war, and crossing Azerbaijan border after Armenian stamp in passport can take half a day with total baggage control, studying photos in camera etc.

Armenia is a very beautiful country, cheap and safe, even with hi-quality local brandy. but you will have enough of same countries in your trip. do not mix muslim and catholic countries during your trip - it can cause problems.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 15
Dean....Thanks for the tip.

cheers
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Moscow. Russia
Posts: 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by DNL1200GSA View Post
Dean....Thanks for the tip.
one more tip
you can take a ferry across Caspian sea from Baku to Turkmenbashi and exclude Iran. This is not a reccomendation - just a suggestion.

In Turkey go North after Bosfor and take Black (Kara Deniz) sea shore road, not inland Ankara Highway. Nice rollercoaster. Stambul-sinop-samsun-trabzon-(GE)-batumi-kutaisi-tbilisi-(AZ)-baku
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 15
Dean - thanks again.

We have been discussing the ferry option to Baku and taking Iran off the list.

At the moment, it is looking like a good option.

Regards
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CQ - Australia
Posts: 1
Dave, Can you email me some more info if your still after companions? my_cpu@hotmail.com do you have approx budget & time frames etc?
I cant PM yet. Was going to buy in England & go solo down to Turkey but this sounds interesting

Cheers,

Gerard.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 15
Gerard

We ride out of London early May 2010. Will look to take Iran and Armenia off the list. The trip will take around 8 to 9 weeks.

Post more mate so you can PM.

cheers
Dave
Last edited by DNL1200GSA; 9 Dec 2009 at 21:42.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Dec 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
turkey - armenia
border between turkey & armenia is closed fyi. but there is negotiating going on to open it.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Moscow. Russia
Posts: 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by niello8 View Post
border between turkey & armenia is closed fyi. but there is negotiating going on to open it.
easy and common border crossing is Turkey-Georgia-Armenia-Georgia-Azerbaijan
BUT I'd advice to exclude Armenia from the list if Azerbaijan and Iran is in the roadmap.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Espoo, Finland
Posts: 66
Just hoping that they will get the borders opened between Russian and Georgia, that should easy my pain as well: Welcome to Facebook, but still not sure if to include Caspian sea to the trip or not...

//Ilpo
__________________
http://www.juvander.fi/ilpo
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Moscow. Russia
Posts: 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilpo View Post
Just hoping that they will get the borders opened between Russian and Georgia
It's impossible
there is no border with road across it between Russia and Georgia (only Caucasus mountains without roads).
There is a can-be-crossed borders like Abkhazia/Georgia and South Osetia/Georgia. Russia has open border with Abkhazia, and there is a Tunnel in Caucasus mountains between Russia and S.Osetia (Russian tanks entered Osetia and Georgia by this way in August 2008 during short war, now the tunnel is closed).
Both Abkhazia and S.Osetia are still in war with Georgia. Borders are closed. So no way of getting to Georgia no directly from Russia, nor via unaccepted countries.
You can enter Georgia by road (from Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan), by ferry (from Ukraine and (if direct connection will be re-established in spring) Russia), by airplane.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Espoo, Finland
Posts: 66
Hmm - the news I saw were telling that Kazbegi - Verkhny Lars -bordercrossing will be opened in the beginning of March.

Go figure...

//Ilpo
__________________
http://www.juvander.fi/ilpo
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Moscow. Russia
Posts: 54
Verhny Lars is a small boder crossing only for locals.
_IF_ you get S.Osetia via V.Lars (it can happen, I know people who did it) - it does not mean that you will get Georgia from Osetia. More common scenario is deportation.


You can enter Georgia through Azerbaijan and Turkey and you can go out of it also through Azerbaijan and Turkey. What's the problem?
We did it autumn of 2007 - had only positive impressions
some photos from the trip: 720571-pohod2007 - 2007-09 поездка вокруг Кавказа - Авто/Мото | photoshare.ru
here's the map of this trip

Last edited by DEAN Rus; 30 Dec 2009 at 07:26. Reason: add map
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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
Aktau-Baku ferry (across Caspian) taborosi Northern and Central Asia 3 16 Jul 2009 11:45
Caspian Sea 2010 DNL1200GSA Route Planning 1 23 Dec 2008 22:48
Riding around the Caspian - weather? riderbob Northern and Central Asia 0 11 Nov 2008 21:10
Travel from India to Turkey around Caspian Sea Story Leavesley Route Planning 9 16 Oct 2003 04:21
Across the Caspian Sea? roamingyak Route Planning 0 23 Apr 2002 23:58

 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 07:47.

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