|
3 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
|
|
Maps and Mapping software for Silk Route?
Hi all,
Please forgive me, I'm a newbie here, could do with some help. I'm hoping to do the Silk Route with my boyfriend in April/May/June. He's doing the car (Landcruiser 80 series) and visas, I have to do the route planning and navigation, but I'm a bit stuck.
We plan to go through Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, (Caspian), Turknenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China maybe Mongolia on the way out and return north of the Black Sea via Russia and Ukraine.
Anyone know what digital maps/mapping software is the best for this area? We have used Fugawi in the past, but they have no maps of this area. I don't really want to scan loads of paper maps unless I have to, so does anyone know of anything readily available in digital form?
Can anyone help please? Also, anyone done it? Any tips? Unmissable places or great routes?
Thanks,
Julie
|
3 Feb 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
There are a bunch of digital maps available for that part of the world, although in my experience they are not always much use (you come to a t-junction, dig out the GPS and hey presto, apparently I'm hundreds of miles from the nearest road or feature of any kind. I only used mine once though to be fair). I used a cut out section from a world wall map which was great, rolled up nicely, fitted in my pocket and I only ended up in the wrong country once....
You might want to check the logistics of entering China - this will likely dictate a large chunk of your route. Are you planning on entering down the Torugart pass and down to Kashgar, with a guide?
The burning gas craters in the desert (TM) at Darvaza are a must see! Buchara and Samarkand are stunning old cities of the Silk Road and v. nice. You'll hear a lot of bad things about KZ on the road but ignore them - no-one likes their neighbours!
This thread may get moved or deleted - not sure how HU feels about cross-posting.
There are a bunch of threads with info about everywhere you've mentioned, you've come to the right site and welcome to what is without doubt THE BEST adventure/overland information resource (not the biggest, just the best!)
|
4 Feb 2011
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
|
|
This is crossposted in the Navigation forum.
Do you really want to try to hold the same conversation in three different places at once??
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...lk-route-55308
|
8 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
|
|
Thanks
It seems China may be more difficult than I thought. Yes that was the route I was planning, but a guide is a problem - no spare seat. How does this guide thing work? Bikes have no spare seat either?
The gas craters are already on the list, good to have it confirmed. I did read they may be planning to extinguish them?
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|