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  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2023
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Central Asia Route
Hi everyone

Im planning to do a trip in July 24 leaving Europe with a final destination of the Himalaya (Pakistan or Nepal) this is the route i thought of taking.

Doing the trip on a 93 Transalp and taking my paraglider with me to do some flying at the same time.

Countries wanting to visit: Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Kazahkstan, Kirghistan, Tadschikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Pakistan , India & Nepal

Why not going through directly Iran? I feel i would love to see the Stans before.

I am aware that im gonna need a CDP and escort through parts of pakistan.

Is there anything else I should be aware of travelling through these parts of the world.

I am a bit worried about timing because i would love to do some trekking in the himalayas but i guess i'd have to arrive there latest by end of september.

Is this idea viable or do experienced riders recommend something else due to weather and climate.

Thanks for replying and advice
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Old 18 Nov 2023
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Welcome to HU!

You're pretty much on track, but I worry about issues with the paraglider - customs might not like it at all! Can you say spy plane? I know it's ridiculous, but...

Past that I'd say spend time reading though the forums for current information, it's always changing.

Himalayas - yes, latest end September to be safe. You've got a LONG way to go before you get there - I'd adjust your route or plan on making a run for it all the way on the quickest route possible to get there in reasonable time, then you can slow down and see more.
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Old 19 Nov 2023
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Given the recent Hamas attacks using paragliders I think you might find it a bit difficult travelling with one of these. There are still some rather sensitive borders along your way. I also think you're being a bit ambitious with timescales. Your route from Europe to Nepal will be at least 10,000 kms, and if you plan for more than 100 kms/day on average you're into serious road bashing leaving no time for diversions, repairs or sightseeing. You will be going through a part of the world where there is an amazing amount to see and experience, and it would be a shame to just blast through it looking at nothing but blacktop in front of you. Also if you're planning to visit high altitude areas try to hit them July/August as the snow can come early.

Some random thoughts, not in any particular order:
  • Spend some time reading caravanistan.com, it's pretty much the travel bible in central Asia.
  • Afghanistan is a bit of a roadblock unless you're willing to go through it (possible but not easy). Otherwise if you're heading east you must go on the southern route through Iran. The central Asian states are "blocked " by Afghanistan for eastwards travel.
  • Iran is a CDP state and not easy for westerners to get though. Depending on your passport you may be denied entry or required to travel with a guide (minder). Research needed, but it's a beautiful country with lovely people otherwise.
  • Turkmenistan is also possible but not easy. In the past only 50% of visa applications were granted, for no reasons given. Today it is possible to cross but only with an organised tour.
  • Russia is open to visit and visas are being issued. Travellers who have been there recently report they are welcomed as guests, as long as they behave as guests. Western cards do not work there so you will have to bring USD or EUR to change to Rubles - you can arrange a local debit card such as Tinkoff to load your Rubles if you don't want to carry a lot of cash. Medical insurance will also have to be bought from a local broker.
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Old 21 Nov 2023
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Originally Posted by Grant Johnson View Post
Welcome to HU!

You're pretty much on track, but I worry about issues with the paraglider - customs might not like it at all! Can you say spy plane? I know it's ridiculous, but....
A friend of mine from KZ says customs shouldn't be a problem but flying may be illegal.

At OP here's a russian paraglider site URL, and apparently there's an English speaking section there, try to post. If there are issues with some countries, you would need to ship it to the next one in line, me thinks

https://paraplan.ru
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