Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Sep 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dundrum, Northern Ireland
Posts: 98
UK to India

I'm sure someone has done it!

Has anyone got a map/route that shows a 'preferred' route requiring minimal (if any) off-roading? I don't have any off-roading experience whatsoever.
Like everyone I am looking for the path of least resistance but I still realise it will be a very challenging trip and very unlike the European trips I have done before so I something of a realist too.
And also, what is considered a reasonable timeframe to allow for a non-rushed or hurried trip for such a journey, assuming you were going to Mumbai?
And visas/carnets......any advice here?
And finally, what would be considered to be the best time of year to leave the UK?
Oh, perhaps I should mention........the trip is on 2 wheels there and back and the bike of choice is likely to be a 650 V-Strom or similar!!
__________________


"Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Sep 2014
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Hi Chris, last year I drove from India to UK. I took the Silk Route.
Can discuss at lenght on vsadvt@gmail.com. Coming to India be my guest too.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Sep 2014
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
On an old 350 cc Enfield motorbike
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Sep 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris1200 View Post
I'm sure someone has done it!

Has anyone got a map/route that shows a 'preferred' route requiring minimal (if any) off-roading? I don't have any off-roading experience whatsoever.
Like everyone I am looking for the path of least resistance but I still realise it will be a very challenging trip and very unlike the European trips I have done before so I something of a realist too.
And also, what is considered a reasonable timeframe to allow for a non-rushed or hurried trip for such a journey, assuming you were going to Mumbai?
And visas/carnets......any advice here?
And finally, what would be considered to be the best time of year to leave the UK?
Oh, perhaps I should mention........the trip is on 2 wheels there and back and the bike of choice is likely to be a 650 V-Strom or similar!!
Hi, me & my wife went from Europe to India on our way to Australia almost 7 years ago. Rode a DL650 two-up, she sat on the back the whole time. There were, and I believe there still are, two “main” options from Europe to India:

Turkey - Iran - Pakistan - India (we went this way),

or

Kyrgyzstan - China - (via KKH, the Karakoram Highway) - Pakistan - India

(Actually there seem to be some routes in China to Tibet and onwards to Nepal, but I haven´t heard of any normal travellers using them, only some travel agencies, who put together riding tours, that cost a small fortune to participate, I suspect the cost of doing this as a solo travellers is prohibitive).

Karakoram Highway goes through some very high mountain passes, so via Turkey this is do-able more months per year... BUT eastern part of Turkey and northwest Iran can still get very cold. I would not pass through there on a bike after October, although this will probably depend on the year.

The KKH route means you have to enter China, a major obstacle, but still seems to be do-able with plenty of cash, and planning well in advance (you need to get in contact with a Chinese tour operator, but I haven´t done this myself).

Iran & Pakistan for us were great, absolutely no problems. But after following the situation, I´d say that western Pakistan (Balochistan) is more problematic now, than it was back then. The police will most likely escort you part of the way, or all the way (and there was escort in southeast Iran as well, may well be this is still the case). It didn´t cost us anything, and they were friendly, but slow.

If you can get Iranian & Pakistani visas (Pak visa you will need for the KKH route as well), and also feel ok to ride through Balochistan, then my guess is that that is the easier option of the two. Main roads were 95% okay, could have done it on a streetbike. Sometimes there were huge potholes, and even open sewer holes to avoid, though. Do not ride in the dark. And traffic is really quite bad in Iran & Pakistan (...just gets you nicely warmed up for the REAL chaos of India LOL!!)

You will need a carnet to get the motorcycle into Pakistan and India, possibly Iran as well. There is only one international border crossing between Iran/Pakistan, and the same goes for Pakistan/India (that border is located a bit east from Lahore).

For us it took about 5 weeks from Finland to India, but I think it could be done in just 2 weeks (although quite stressful - we met a Czech couple on a 4x4, who had driven to southern Iran from Praque in just over a week). On the other hand, some travellers do spend several months on that route, there is a LOT to see and do in each of the countries. If you want to see the sights along the way and take it easy, then plan at least 5-6 weeks. There´s plenty to see in Europe as well, but I think for us was a good plan to skip most of them, and concentrate on the more faraway places, because those will be a lot harder to visit again later.

Time for leaving UK, I´d say either spring (don´t know when exactly, but to be in eastern Turkey after winter, and in India before the monsoon rains), or during autumn, maybe around September, to pass eastern Turkey before winter. Severe midsummer heat in Iran, Pakistan & India could also be uncomfortable, or even dangerous.

Our sort of “blog” still seems to be alive here:
MOTO1 - Matkalla

Hope that is of any use, and will be glad to help in any way, if I can! Pekka
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Sep 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dundrum, Northern Ireland
Posts: 98
Thank you Pekka. I read your blog as well. It is definitely a journey with many challenges ahead but I think that if I give myself enough time and try to keep my stress levels to a minimum then it is definitely achievable.
__________________


"Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Sep 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 10
Round 2?

Hi guy's,
Myself & a friend are planning to cover the Iran-Pak-India route starting in jan.
We are heading for Loas / Nam .We will be taking a pair of Africa Twins and camping ( till i need a hot shower! & to wash me duds! ).If Jan seams a bad start time to head off it's coz we want to A) miss the U.K. winter & B) we have 6-8 months to do the round trip.

Any info on do's & dont's would be most welcome ?? Simon
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Sep 2014
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Jan is a good time to come to India. Give me a shout when coming this side. Am in India.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Sep 2014
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
India is no good for camping. Cheap places available every where. Can arrange hospitality at many places too.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Sep 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kayjay View Post
On an old 350 cc Enfield motorbike
Kayjay,

Do you know if it would be possible to buy Indian imported Enfield and drive it back and leave it in India? I thought this would be a good charity fundraiser idea, driving Enfield back home
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Oct 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 10
Hiya mate ,it would be great to meet up in India. We should arrive mid to late February. Our route plans are flexible so I guess up can name the area/town .cheers simon
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 7 Oct 2014
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Yes one can buy an imported bike here and leave it behind too.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Oct 2014
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Simon do give me shout when u come to India. Will catch up and if possible ride together.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 Oct 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 47
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris1200 View Post
Has anyone got a map/route that shows a 'preferred' route requiring minimal (if any) off-roading?
Hey Chris -
Here's my route plan for Bangalore-France Overland.


Now here's the hard and deterring part for me - China is a long-leg and an extremely expensive one at that.

I am seriously looking at other route options that is safer and economical and possibly bypasses China.
Any ideas greatly appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 25 Oct 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 26
Wink Scotland to India and beyond

Hi everyone. We are looking to ride to India, eventually on to Australia, but that will be another trip. Were hoping the route to India would be Iran/Pakistan but as the news changes daily we are looking at plan B. Were wondering about riding down through east Africa, starting in Egypt, perhaps on to Cape Town and have bikes shipped to India from there. We would probably return home, then join the bikes later in the year to start for Australia. Anyone any thoughts on this?
At the moment we ride Triumph Tiger 1050 and 650 V-strom, but plan to take 250s, possibly Hondas, easier to pick up when you drop them.

Last edited by Daffers; 25 Oct 2014 at 18:28.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 25 Oct 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 329
January is great time for the plains of Punjab and Sind but cold for the higher passes. Parts of Balochistan can be cold too.


Wish you a great trip.
Cheers
Omar
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
North India. MartinVigo Route Planning 28 21 Jan 2018 11:59
Import Royal Enfield from India to Europe eric_b_m Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 11 2 Jan 2015 18:22
purchasing motorcycle in Nepal or India? waynewing West and South Asia 10 22 Jan 2014 17:05
India - Pakistan - India CC.BC Route Planning 3 9 Dec 2013 13:16
Cycling in india Bluebus Overland Bicycle Travel 5 8 Jan 2013 01:46

 
 

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.

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

 
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!

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 09:05.