Central Asia
Cruising down the Silk Road from China to Europe
Culture shock
The Silk Road takes you through some the world’s poorest countries — The ‘Stans’, all ex-soviet Union. Russian is the common language and countries are Muslim but alcohol is widespread. Meals are largely meat on a stick and don’t expect boutique hotels — homestays, yurts or camping will be the options. Borders need research as there can be security issues and not all are open to international travellers. Outside capital cities, infrastructure and medical facilities are basic. However, the hospitality and generosity of the peoples, the ancient towns of the Silk Road and the stunning scenery more than compensate for the challenges.
Road conditions
Varied and challenging: tight, twisty mountain switchbacks; mud and gravel; long straight potholed roads; camels, goats and unpredictable traffic; rapidly changing temperatures, altitude and weather... the Silk Road has it all.
Experience level
Suits riders with serious touring and adventure-riding miles under their belt and experience of the rough stuff too. Basic adventure bike maintenance knowledge is also essential.
What’s it like to ride there?
The Silk Road crosses a formidable expanse of territory, with a variety of cultures and roads to ride, but you need to be prepared. There can be long distances between towns, so carry provisions. There are few facilities on the road — you may find a tea house or a defunct petrol station selling fuel from barrels, so spare fuel is advisable.
Other road users tend to be large and slow, badly maintained trucks and outside cities, there is little traffic. Many sealed roads are in a bad state of repair and some main routes are still dirt / gravel tracks. Routes can get to high altitude and take you to some of the most picturesque parts of Central Asia. You’ll see locals on ex-soviet bikes.
Must ride/see
Turkmenistan: The Karakum Desert and the burning Darvaza gas crater, known as ‘The Door to Hell’. Uzbekistan: Follow in the tracks of Genghis Khan to the ancient city of Khiva and its mosques and minarets. Tajikistan: Ride the Pamir Highway with its peak at 4655m — the world’s second-highest international highway. Kyrgyzstan: Spend the night in a yurt camp on the shores of Song-kul. Kazakhstan: Head to Charyn Canyon – the Grand Canyon on a smaller scale.
When to go
May-june or September-october.
How to get your bike there
Use your own bike — air freight to Almaty, Kazakhstan or Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan with www.motofreight.com is £1600 each way. If not, then www.silkoffroad.kz offers rentals from US$90 per day.