Route planning - Europe to KKH

[Mombassa]

I’m planning a trip (motorcycle) from Europe to the Karakorum Highway next year, then into India/Nepal … I’m hitting a few countries in between and have the following in mind (I’m skipping most of Western Europe because I lived there for 20 years):

7 days: Get to Brindisi (ferry from Italy to Greece) from Brussels
14 days: Greece
30 days: Turkey
21 days: Syria
14 days: Jordan
7 days: Lebanon
40 days: Iran
40 days: Pakistan

This timing would have me leave May 15 from Brussels. My goal is to be off the Karakorum highway by the end of Oct, early Nov. Can I still ride it at that time of year? I imagine snow and ice will set in quickly … are the time estimates for the above countries in line with traveling leisurely? I really don’t want to rush things … I know that’s a flexible definition. What’s your opinion?

Thanks,
Kevin


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Kevin

http://www.nohorizons.net

[Simon Kennedy]

I think 40 days is Iran is a bit much. There are problems extending your visa, and not *that* much to see. I am sure someone will differ on this though - it is a matter of opinion.

Most people ride through Iran in a couple of weeks.

Similarly Pakistan doesn't demand 40 days, unless you want to go really off the tracks up the KKH - a pleasure no doubt.

Simon Kennedy

[Mombassa]

Thanks Simon. If I cut it down a bit, I'll make to Nepal for climbing seacon it looks like.

[jeff_watts]

hmm interesting! im thinking about that trip too..but ive got land cruiser..did uk to capetown last year planning on going on to australia..worth a chat???????

[Mombassa]

Worth a chat for sure! We're on different speeds, but there will be some common things.

Kevin

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Kevin

http://www.nohorizons.net

[davidmc]

We are currently on the KKH right now. The fall colors are in full array, the weather is clear, the scenery is absolutely stunning and the road is a dream to ride. Now we are in Karimibad, in the Hunza Valley, and the temps are around 10-15C in the day and down around zero C at night. Chilly, but great for hiking and exploring.

Since its late in the season, many of the hotels offer big discounts, but many things are beginning to close also. There are only a handful of tourists here.

According to the locals, the snow doesn't really set in for the winter until late November or December. We are going to be here in the mountains for at least another week or two as we love it so much.

Plan on spending at least two weeks minimum on the KKH as there are few places in the world where the scenery and motorcycling are this stunning. After the heat and chaos in the south, you will be glad you are here. Its very laid back.

If you need any more help, please let me know...

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Dave
www.mototrekker.com

[Twit!]

I'm actually onthat trýp now-ýsh...

Týmýng seems fýne, I'd agree wýth Sýmon about Iran, amazýng country but 40 days ýs a lot, unless you break down! That happened to us and ýt has taken a month to get the býke from Kerman to Istanbul... Utterly awful so havýng some týme ýn hand could be useful!!!!

Enjoy plannýng, ýts an awesome route!!!