 |
|
8 Jul 2004
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: on the bike
Posts: 29
|
|
|
Switzerland - Asia
Hello Everybody
I would like to drive next year from Switzerland to asia (Thailand, Singapore). I'm thinking about which is the best way for a greenhorn for long distance travel by motorbike.
Europe - africa - far east - asia? What about africa and far east which are the countrys where I shouldn't go?
or Europe - russia - mongolia - china?
What about russia? I only heard it is very dangers to travel through russia.
Please give me advices which is the best way to get safe on the motorbike to asia.
Thanks a lot for your help.
best regards
Roland Schlegel
[This message has been edited by Schlegel (edited 08 July 2004).]
__________________
Roland Schlegel
|
25 Sep 2004
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Stockholm Sweden
Posts: 3
|
|
|
Hi. I´m planning a trip from Sweden to Asia in 2005. From Europe-Turkey-Iran-Pakistan-India-Myanmar-Thailand. Will be going on the bike (Africa Twin) together with my wife.
Maybe we can talk
Tomas
|
28 Sep 2004
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: on the bike
Posts: 29
|
|
|
Hello Tomas
Nice to hear somebody has same plans. If you have already more detailed plan, I would be interested in, because until now for me its still a dream. Because could not find somebody who would like to join. What you think about the situation in Iran, Pakistan?
Take care Roland
__________________
Roland Schlegel
|
28 Sep 2004
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
|
|
Hi Roland
you will find lots of travellers doing the Europe India route via Turkey and Iran. The roads are generally very good until Pakistan.
Because you want to get to east asia you have to contend with either Burma or China/Vietnam etc to get into Thailand. It can be difficult to organise or expensive to do these legs.
Central Asia and Russia can be frustrating when it comes to organising visas but its not impossible for most.
I think you have to decide what you want to see and plan a route that takes it in.
Iran is worth visiting, for the people and the sights.
Take a look at Richard and Lisa's Blog on Horizons (travellers stories)for ideas as well as Vincent Danna's site (links-MC travellers tales) for a route through Russia, Central Asia.
I enjoyed Russia and found the people extrodinarily helpful almost all of the time, same goes for pretty much everywhere else I went.
best thing you will ever do..just take your time and enjoy the views.
cheers
alec
http://users.netlink.com.au/~asimpson
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
|
17 Oct 2004
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Posts: 134
|
|
|
Hi Schlegel
I`m from switzerland too, and drove all the way up in norway to the northern cape, then murmansk - petersburg - east until novosibirsk - altai - baikal - and now i stayed two months in vladivostok because i had some motorcycle problems :-)
Everybody (who doesn`t travel) is saying that travelling in russia is dangerous, but i think that`s complete bullshit! People are very helpful and i only had one or two times situtations whith drunken people which were speaking just too much :-) I tell you, GO to russia, i really love it (besides the beautiful girls, there are plenty of other good reasons to visit russia ;-)
Marco
|
18 Oct 2004
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 40
|
|
|
Hi there, I would just like to dive a little bit deeper into this topic. Great to see so many taking off as well next year!
I have a major question: what route to take when going two-up on a 1150 GS??
I am planning to leave May 1, 2005 and go to Russia, China, alone, and then SE Asia, with my girlfriend on the back. Then I'll be taking another passenger and go to Nepal, India, Pakistan. I have read so many stories about driving in India, that I am a tiny bit worried. But I also have seen great images of empty roads.
My question now is: what route/region/cities should I take in Nepal, India and Pakistan, in order to be somewhat more safer on the road? Can aynone give me some advice?
NB: the second person at the back of the bike will be my dad..
Thanks! Martijn
|
25 Dec 2004
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: on the bike
Posts: 29
|
|
|
Hello,
Thanks for the answers. At the moment it looks like I will leave Switzerland after the summer 2005 (August or September) to go then through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan to India. Somebody else planed to be on this way around this time?
Take care and merry X-mas
__________________
Roland Schlegel
|
28 Dec 2004
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Wakefield, QC, Canada
Posts: 273
|
|
|
Hi Schlegel,
Iran, Pakistan, India is my suggestion for a beginner. Russia is easy, but China can be expensive, since you may have to go with an escort. My tip: Continue from India to Bangladesh, via Calcutta. Burma is closed. Forget about it. Ship from Dhaka, straightforward, relatively cheap, easy to get bike out of customs in Bangkok. Avoid Indian bureaucracy like the plague. Onward from Bangkok to Singapore no problem. Airlift bike to Australia in Kuala Lumpur, much cheaper than from Singapore.
Have fun planning.
|
2 Jan 2005
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 1
|
|
|
Thanks for all of the info and tips guys. I have just spent the past 7 hours looking at how I was going to get from Turkey to SE Asia without having to take a Chinese driving test and pay a fortune to get into China. I should have just looked at this topic page earlier.
A further note on the Myanmar situation, some friends of a friend managed to get visas to go through just recently - although they had to ship the bikes part of the way - things may be improving there.
Happy New Year to you all.
|
4 Jan 2005
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Zurich
Posts: 47
|
|
|
Hi Schlegel,
I live in Zurich and rode Zurich - Riyadh - Samarkand in 2004. If you want to get together and talk, mail me. By the way, Touratech has a shop virtually just cross the border from Shaffhausen, we bought all our gear there instead of mail order.
Erik (photos.yahoo.com/malmoerik)
|
5 Jan 2005
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Wallingford, Oxon, UK
Posts: 8
|
|
|
Hi!
I'm facing exactly the same sort of questions now. We definetly want to go through Iran and Pakistan though the visa situation seems to change almost daily. As far as driving in India is concerned, just keep your wits about you! City driving is terrifying, but I'm sure getting used to it will help!!! From India I'm not really sure of the route out, I don't want to spend a fortune and ultimately want to end upin Australia.
Does anyone know what the situation is regarding getting visas in Turkey? I was going to apply on route but if it makes sense I'll can get them in the UK. Also, what si the situation in Iran? I have heard so many conflicting reports about being able to get visas and then now, and also the length of time they are valid for.
Any advice welcome...
Cheers
Richard
|
25 Feb 2005
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Singapore
Posts: 73
|
|
Hi
Im now in the midst of preparing a similar trip. Swiss (zermatt) to Singapore, via Russia Mongolia, China. China might be a problem, but will figure out once im closer.
Riding a honda domie and 2 up for this journey. Will be getting invitations for Russia and Belarus soon, either applying in Ireland where i am now or in Swiss.
Set off date from Swiss somehwere between mid or late June. Anyone else like to join some parts of the ride welcome.
Dalbir
www.livingadream2003.com
|
27 Feb 2005
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 26
|
|
Quote:
Originally posted by Schlegel:
Hello Tomas
Nice to hear somebody has same plans. If you have already more detailed plan, I would be interested in, because until now for me its still a dream. Because could not find somebody who would like to join. What you think about the situation in Iran, Pakistan?
Take care Roland
|
Hello Roland, when exactly you intend to start? I plan a similar thing to Asia, I prefer the classic route to Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and than fly the bike from Nepal to Bangkok. Ary you interested? What bike to you take? I have an Africa Twin and BMW R 1100 GS. Please contact me soon! Regards
------------------
Alois
|
23 Mar 2005
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: canada
Posts: 13
|
|
|
hey everybody,
one more post...
I will start mid of may in germany and will take the route thru eastern europe and turkey to iran. have to get to oman by the beginning of july. anybody interested and/or will be on his/her way to iran that time?
Christian
|
1 Apr 2005
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: on the bike
Posts: 29
|
|
|
Hello all just for info.
I got the possibility to work in Asia. I leave in Taiwan for the next year (2005) so my plans have to be shifted for one year to 2006. So if somebody wanna drope by in Taiwan let me know?
Roland
__________________
Roland Schlegel
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
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. 11-14
- 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
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
