So.. I have a good idea of what I want to do, along with some ridiculous and curious questions about the trip. The idea is going from somewhere in Europe where it's easy to buy a bike without having to mess around with lots of documents, then take that bike immediately out of it's home country and go east. At the moment I'm living in Colombia (British national, though) and may drive a friend down to Argentina, but that's another story.. So I'm off to Europe come summer-time, then, I can go through Iran (and stay there a few months again if possible) and come out the other end - it's just Pakistan that's the problem. But, nothing is in stone. The only idea is to get to Cambodia (I lived there a couple of years ago and want to go back, just a little slower this time).

The questions are..

- Is the best way to go throguh Kyrgyzstan rather than Iran? If so, is it possible to go through Iran then up through Georgia/Armenia/Azer?
- What's the idea for insurance? Is it worth if it I'm buying a cheap bike and don't intend to return? Note, I don't have a bike licence, but I've been riding them for years (tourers, dirt bikes and mopeds). I suppose it's best to get the bike then get it immediately out of the country if I don't insure the thing?
- Which country in Europe is cheapest/easiest for getting bikes? I'd rather not do the UK since I have to go across a border and don't want that hassle at the start.
- Do I definitely need an international driver's licence? No worries if I do, the only problem is I won't have the bike aspect covered. I may be able to get a bike licence here, the only issue is it'll be in Spanish.
- Is there a route in which I won't need a carnet?

All the best and thanks for your time!

Adam

yes, thru Russia and the Stans (north of Afghanistan & Pakistan) then into China* and finally Laos and Cambodia.

*) But this part WILL cost you an astronomical sum of money, think 10-15 thousand USD just to arrange everything including a mandatory guide.

BTW situation in West Pakistan appears to be quite bad nowadays, not sure if you´re considering it as an option.

Sadly it doesn't even seem like Pakistan is an option due to the Iranian visa situation now.

Hm, damn, that would be all of my money so that's not really an option! Maybe I'll ride Europe, sell the bike then fly from Istanbul or something. Really want to see Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan - are they particularly easy on a bike?

Oh, any idea about a good route to Lebanon from Turkey? There's mixed messages on the websites for the ferries, don't want to go into Israel however.