London to Thailand route decisions

[Jtw000]

I'm coming up to crunch time. I'm planning to head off to Thailand in about 3-4 months and it's time to start organising the paperwork. With the troubles in the middle east I'm having a crisis of conscience. I'm worried about the possible problems out there escalating so that I end up not getting the visa issued or worse, having the borders close while I'm on my way. From what I'm hearing the chances of getting a visa through Pakistan are not great either. I really do want to see India but I want to see a lot of other places too. The only real alternative is Russia through to Mongolia. Now I've not put any research into this but the knee jerk reaction when I mention this possibility is the dangers of crossing Russia, both human and environmental. I'm not looking for an easy ride but not looking to get killed the first day out either.
I know I'm going to have to fly the bike the final leg into Bangkok but what are the differences between freighting the bike from India or from Mongolia? Is either one easier or more difficult, is either impossible?
What about routs and visas through Russia, is there a relatively safe option? Is there anything I've missed?

Thanks guys.