I am heading off on an extensive tour of the worlds greatest mountain ranges. I like to trek, hike and climb a lot.

I am planning 15 months of travel. The first phase will be Moscow 5/15 then east across Russia. A quick tour around Mongolia (optional) & then most of June & July head south down the mountains through the stans, Kazak, Kyrgyz, then Tajik through the Parmirs. Trekking and hiking as much as I can. Next, I intend to cross to Kashgar and head south towards Pak before veering East to Tibet over the months of July & Aug, again more hiking and trekking and finally on to Nepal in Oct & Nov for more of the same.

For this leg of the trip, I hope purchase & travel on a local bike (likely a Ural). I'd likely take the train out of Moscow and start looking for a bike in Kazak. After Tajik I will attempt to ride to Kashgar. If I am allowed to cross, I'll try & head for Tibet. I figure a local bike would be better becuase if I can't get across the border cheaply w/the bike I can sell it cheap in Kazak & look for another in Kashgar or head off in a with a truck driver. I don't want to take an expensive bike becuase I am more fond of completing the the route than having to detour thru Afghan & Pak. I also am not so sure about soloing on such an attention getting bike as a GS or Trans in these areas.

I figure a single/series of local bikes will be best. What chances will I have a being able to buy a cheap local bike in the stans? Can I cross stan borders on a cash paid bike out there w/o papers? What papers will I need to get about with few hassles?

Any idea about getting bike in Kashgar? I know that crossing into Nepal from India w/o papers is no real prob. How about from China?

I have a fair bit of travel experience and an up to try something kinda ambitious. What do you think?

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India Himal, 3mo,2x; Kazak/Krygyz/Tajik, 3 mo; Kashi-Lhasa, China 219! 6 wk; Nepal, 4 days/trekked 55; Santiago-Ushuia-Cusco, 7 mo; Peru, 3 mo; Chile-Medellin 3 mo; Medillin-Arica, 3 mo