Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Singapore to London via India - Is this route possible? Singapore to London via India - Is this route possible?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 91
Singapore to London via India - Is this route possible?
After circumnavigating Africa in 2008 and the last four years exploring Australia I need some real adventure again!

My trusty Defender will be shipped to Singapore, late 2014, and I'm wanting to drive it back to the UK via Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey.

At this stage I'm trawling forums, maps and websites gathering information on the best/open/beautiful routes that have been/can be driven in a private vehicle.

Understanding that China is an guide-only option my ideal route will be:

Singapore > Thailand > Cambodia > Vietnam > Laos > China > Tibet > Nepal > India > Pakistan > Afghanistan > Iran > Turkey > Europe


I'm reaching out to see if anyone has taken this route in the last few years, if it's even possible, the best time of year to cross Tibet/Nepal (I assume April - July for some reason!).

Any guidance from the HUBB community would be greatly received....

Over and out for now,

Ben
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 91
No responses - how about India > Pakistan > Iran
Ok HUBBers - how about this way through the difficult zones?

Any advice?

Ben
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
There have been some travel restrictions in Tibet, I don´t know, what the situation is right now. Even if you could go through there, expect the China part to cost big, big money. That kind of money goes a long, long way elsewhere in Asia.

Also all the way through Afghanistan is commonly considered a no-go, and most people go via Pakistan to Iran, or north to China and Kyrgyzstan (this route only has a small bit of China, so while still a PITA, should be much cheaper to arrange, than Laos->Nepal).

And you´re a seasoned traveller, the rest should be relatively easy, only traffic is horrible in some countries!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 91
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
There have been some travel restrictions in Tibet, I don´t know, what the situation is right now. Even if you could go through there, expect the China part to cost big, big money. That kind of money goes a long, long way elsewhere in Asia.

Also all the way through Afghanistan is commonly considered a no-go, and most people go via Pakistan to Iran, or north to China and Kyrgyzstan (this route only has a small bit of China, so while still a PITA, should be much cheaper to arrange, than Laos->Nepal).

And you´re a seasoned traveller, the rest should be relatively easy, only traffic is horrible in some countries!
Great advice and along the lines of what I've been thinking. Shame about the lack of Khyber Pass - I've always wanted to cross that point after watching Carry On!

I understand that the cost will be up there for China but we've saved for this already and crossing the Tibet/Nepal border and visiting the Himalayas will make up for it.

Appreciate your advice, do you have any more info on the ideal Iran/Pakistan crossing points?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bensouthall View Post
ideal Iran/Pakistan crossing points?
That´s easy. For foreigners, there is only one: Taftan / Mir Javeh.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 72
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bensouthall View Post
Understanding that China is an guide-only option my ideal route will be:

Singapore > Thailand > Cambodia > Vietnam > Laos > China > Tibet > Nepal > India > Pakistan > Afghanistan > Iran > Turkey > Europe

Ben
Hi Ben,

We might be interested in sharing the China crossing from Laos to Nepal, depending on what time of year you are planning?

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 91
Cost sharing
Hi Andy

Definitely open to that idea! At this stage were looking at the earliest possible crossing of the route into Nepal from Tibet and think its around May, so working it backwards we'd pass through Laos in China at the end of April taking the 17 day tour option with the guide company.

Certainly open to other suggestions through,

Where are you based?

Ben
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 72
That's a shame - if we go the Mongolia to Laos route the earliest we would be ready to cross from Laos to Nepal would be around the beginning of August.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 328
Summer heat
Hey Ben,
I presume you plan to cross Pakistan around June/July. It would be great time for mountains and the high passes but not so great for the plains particularly going towards Iran border.

The Multan-Sukkur-Jacobabad-Sibi-Quetta-dalbandin-taftan belt can be scorching at this time of year.
I hope you have a good AC in your defender.
Have a nice trip
cheers
Omar
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
London To Australia - The Non Direct Route Rixxy's Ride Tales 77 8 Jun 2015 15:59
Nth India , Nepal route advice please thevenerabledrwu Route Planning 5 29 Jun 2013 15:38
London to India: Istanbul to Iran route tips? mrbrjohns Route Planning 1 3 Nov 2012 18:35
London to Cape Town East Route - LC80 chongololo Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 22 Jul 2012 01:27
Route From India into China thru Himalayas Tysoncable Route Planning 2 2 Jul 2012 21:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top