Europe to Asia, no?

[u/CaptainHubble]

SO. I wanted to drive through Asia. I’ve been on the road since may. And currently in Greece again, waiting 2 months for the Turkish no-Visa entry timer to reset. So I get 90 days in there once more. And also looking for a remote job for CAD work. Anyway. So much about the current state.

A couple of days ago I met a guy coming actually all the day back from Aserbaidschan. Because Iran was apparently impossible to pass right now and Russia too expensive and also annoying. His friends were constantly asked for documents, got their devices checked, their vehicles filtered though and also eventually turned around because Fcuk that.

The two questions here are now: is it actually a waste of time to drive all the day through turkey, Georgia and Aserbaidschan? Because it’s kind of a “dead end” right now.
And… does someone need really good technical drawings, 3D models and/or files for CNC or lasercutting parts?

[u/ihavetotravel]

I did this route and now in Uzbek. Turjey is amazing, so many things to see, then Georgia, Armenia, back to Georgia to ship the van to Baku, then another ferry to Aktau, Kazakhstan then to Uzbek. The shipping from Tbilisi to Baku is easy but costs ~1300usd incl the flight, then 730usd for the ferry to Aktau, incl your car. Lots of paperwork for this option but doable.

The thing is winter is coming to Central Asia and could be too late for you to come here then come back to Europe.

[u/TomOnABudget → u/ihavetotravel]

I've done the reverse route also (from Almaty to Europe) and a friend of mine (Khoa from Vietnam) is currently in Uzbekistan in his Suzuki Carry.

As u/ihavetotravel just mentioned, "Winter is Coming".  Iran is a bit too spicy right now, treat the country as being in an active war. Russia is also not a good choice right now. 

I've been in Ukraine in late 2024 and loved it, just stay away from invaded territory, be mindful of attacks on cities (usually at night time) and don't venture too off-road 💥 Bit it's been otherwise one of tue friendliest countries I visited.

Getting into Azerbaijan is a bit of a pain (mostly financial), but otherwise doable.  My friend had to pay about 1000 USD to have his van freighted from Georgia into Baku. You have to fly into the country and Baku is essentially the only airport.

From there, you can do a bit of touring around Azerbaijan and take the ferry to Aktau in Kazakhstan. You're allowed on the ferry when exiting Azerbaijan, just not coming back (you need to fly in).

From Aktau it's possible to get to Asia via China. Just read up on guide requirements! The issue ks the season. All crossings from China are via areas that get extremely cold and are prone to become impassible in Winter.

However, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are some of the most amazing places to overland.

Also be prepared for the lengthy border crossing into Uzbekistan and very strict drone ban.

You'll also need a guide for Thailand if you enter from Vientiane -Laos. Myanmar is also currently not possible to traverse and neither is the border between Thailand and Cambodia.

[u/CaptainHubble → u/ihavetotravel]

That’s some solid information. Thanks. A couple of follow up questions now. I don’t understand the shipping from Georgia to Baku tho. Why not drive there?

I’ve had the Baku-Aktau ferry in mind too. What size van do you have? Maybe my small car might be even cheaper. But 730usd is fine I guess. I don’t have a carnet de passages. My car is not worth anything. What kind of paperwork is that you’re talking about?

I won’t go back to Europe any time soon I think, once I left. But time will tell. Why should winter be a problem?

[u/WanaWahur → u/CaptainHubble]

Azeri land border is closed since COVID. Iran is probably doable, unless you are from US or UK.

[u/CaptainHubble → u/WanaWahur]

That’s why the other one here shipped the van from Georgia? That’s insane.

[u/WanaWahur → u/CaptainHubble]

Yes.

[u/p4x4boy]

oh, as a former niva owner .............. THIS IS SO FUCKING GREAT. bring some tears to my eyes. more pictures please.

[u/CaptainHubble → u/p4x4boy]

Thank you very much. Happy to bring back niva memories for you. I’ll upload more every now and then.

[u/kitesurfr]

Vintage kite board going along for the adventures. Where did you kite last and where's next on the list?

[u/CaptainHubble → u/kitesurfr]

It really is vintage. I think 2008. But I made an oopsie and strapped it down too much. It’s now a bit bend. Hope I can fix that.

I’ve been surfing near bolayir in turkey most recently.

[u/Dizzygringo]

Did all of that on a motorbike the last couple of months...most was easy going but hot and dry, everyone I met had the same experience basically.

[u/CaptainHubble → u/Dizzygringo]

What was your exact route?

[u/BackDoorBootyBandit]

You hopping on that wakeboard anywhere along the way!?!?

[u/CaptainHubble → u/BackDoorBootyBandit]

Sure. Thats not for Style. Kiteboarding. There are many spots along the coast.