Motorbike from India to London

[oliveroliver10]

Hello good people of Caravanistan,

Apologies in advance if this has been covered before, but due to dwindling internet I can't afford to properly browse this fantastic website.

In short - I want to drive my Royal Enfield from India back home (France/England). This plan is still in its infancy but my route at the moment would take me through north north western Indian (Kashmir) briefly across Afghanistan (Wakhan), into Tajikistan, then west through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, ferry across the Caspian Sea etc.

If possible I would love some general advice: is this possible or am I being naive? Has anyone taken a vehicle in recent months through any of these countries (I saw a forum about taking a motorbike into Afghan but it was dated 2014)? What's the deal with turning up at borders with no visa (the Delhi embassy doesn't seem too forthcoming in issuing Afghan visas to British passport holders)? Am I right in avoiding the Pakistan/India border (there's been some violence there recently)?

Thanks!

[bwv812]

Afghanistan doesn't share a border with India. While the Wakhan corridor borders China and Pakistan in addition to Tajikistan, the only access is via Tajikistan (and then only at the end of the corridor where it joins the rest of Afghanistan). The sensible route would be through Pakistan, taking the KKH up to China, then into Tajikistan via the Qolma pass (which, as a foreigner, they probably won't let you use) or into Kyrgyzstan via the Irkeshtam pass. But for the Pakistan part, you will probably have difficulties driving your bike through the Indus Kohistan region, as police typically place an escort in foreign vehicles and prohibit things like bicycles— don't think a police officer is going to ride pillion.

[Dozer]

I'm planning on doing the exact same thing (looking for a Royal Enfield as well!).

Apparently going from India to China is difficult. Somebody told me that travelling without a 'group visa' isn't possible from India to China. However, it seems that India to Pakistan is the better option. Also, apparently there is a fuel crisis in Nepal. I don't know what implications that has for travellers?

[steven]

I don't know how it works, but you are not allowed to drive your own motorbike within China without a driver's license, registration etc. So factor in the cost of a guide for the China part, or an expensive still-driving-yourself-scheme, see http://caravanistan.com/transport/driving/china

Another plan would be India - Pakistan - Iran (don't say that you're driving when applying for the LOI), then try to get the transit visa for Turkmenistan and go UZ - TAJ - KG - KAZ - Russia, or if you did not get the visa, to Azerbaijan, hop on the boat to KAZ, then continue towards Tajikistan.

[christopher92]

Hello girls and boys.

I’m looking at doing something similar, how did you guys go? What obstacles did you have? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks