The motorbike
My travel vehicle(s) is a relatively new KTM Adventure 640 from 2005 with a mileage of about 6,000 km so far.
It is certainly not as comfortable to ride as a KTM Adventure 990, for example – but compared to its big brother I see the advantage in the much lower fuel consumption and the lower own weight. Especially on the off-road passages the lower weight will have a positive effect on my state of mind.
As I don’t ride a rally, the engine power of just under 60 hp is sufficient, the range of approx. 400 km per tank is quite acceptable – and there is no discussion about the off-road capability and stability of a single-cylinder KTM. If something really does need to be repaired, it can be done on the spot using simple technology.
My additional equipment I got from DIRTBIKE, the Austrian agency of the expedition supplier Touratech.
This includes
– Luggage carrier and aluminium suitcase from Zega
– Roadbook holder
– Handlebar Raising
– Crash bar
– Headlamp protection
– Auxiliary headlights Xenon – high beam
– Auxiliary headlamps Fog
Especially the auxiliary headlights are important for me, because even with the best of intentions, driving at night can never be completely avoided. Two accidents in India with my Royal Enfield due to bad lighting are experience enough for me.
Preparation
The journey will be exhausting and partly a challenge to your fitness and health. Therefore a good physical preparation for the possible strains is a component for the successful existence of the project
Fitness training
10 weeks before departure
– Strength training 3x per week
– Endurance training 5 x per week
Vaccinations
– diphtheria / tetanus / whooping cough / polio
– Typhoid
– Japan B Encephalitis
– Rabies
– Hepatitis A/B
Equipment
Travel insurance + medication
– It is very important to have good travel and repatriation insurance, which provides for medical care on site and return transport to Austria in an emergency (e.g. OAFA)
– Emergency package for wound care
– antibiotics + painkillers
– antihistamine + eye drops
Photo equipment
– Canon 5D Mark II + Canon 24-105mm f4 L IS USM
– Sigma 12 -22mm f4.5-5.6
– Canon Speedlite 430EX II
– CF SanDisk Extreme III 8GB + 16 GB
– Spare battery, UV filter, polarizing filter, RC, travel tripod
Electronics + GPS
– Asus eeePC 1000 + GPS wireless mouse
– ext. HDD 160 GB + ext. DVD writer
– 3G MDA Compact III with GPS
– IPod 30 GB
Motorcycle spare parts + tools
– 5L oil + filter kit for 2x oil change
– Tyre loop Vo + Hi, repair set
– Changeable tyres for off-road use Vo + Hi
– 5 spokes each Vo + Hi
– motorcycle chain + chain locks, chain spray
– Clutch lever, brake lever, throttle cable
– Air filter + air filter oil
– Spare bulbs + fuses
– Tools
– Snipe nose pliers, ratchet set, textile adhesive tape
– Folding spade
Camping + Outdoor
– Backpack + trekking equipment for high mountains
– Tent
– Iso-mat + sleeping bag
– Petrol stove + dishes
– Culture bag + travel towel
Visa
The visas were / are all applied for en route except Azerbaijan.
Embassy Azerbaijan in Austria
Hügelgasse 2
1130 Vienna 13th, Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 4031322
www.azembvienna.at
Validity: 30 days
handling fee: € 60,-
Processing time: approx. 1 week
Documents: hotel reservation, passport + photo
For the issuance of the visa you need a hotel reservation for at least 1 week in Azerbaijan. The reservation can also be made online (and can also be cancelled once the visa has been granted) – a printout is sufficient.
ConsulateTurkmenistan in Istanbul
Baharistan Suk. 13, Yesilköy, Istanbul
Tel: 0212 662 0221
Validity: 5 days transit
Handling fee: US$ 55,-
Processing time: approx. 1 week
Documents: copy of passport, passport + 2 photos
30 days tourist visas are currently very difficult to obtain – the application for the LOI (official invitation) takes about 4-6 weeks and it is not sure if it will be granted. Transit visas are usually granted (even without LOI) – personal application necessary, as no intermediaries are allowed
Consulate Uzbekistan in Istanbul
Sehit Halil Ibrahim Cad. 23, Istinye, Istanbul
Tel: 0212 323 2037
Validity: 30 days
Processing fee: see below
Processing time: approx. 1 week
Documents: LOI (official invitation), copy of passport, passport + 1 photo
After calling the embassy I was “recommended” an intermediary for the organisation of the LOI and the visa. Total costs amounted to US$ 180,- If you’re willing to pay more, I’m sure it’ll go faster.
Placement agency:
Ender Tours
Directly behind the department store Ender / Aksaray
Mr. Ali Özdemir (nice, but watch out – sly dog!)
Phone: 0536 566 6282
Consulate Tajikistan in Tashkent / Uzbekistan
Abdullah Qahhor katta VI 61
Tel: 54 99 66
Validity: 30 days
Processing fee: see below
Processing time: 2 days
Documents: LOI (official invitation), copy of passport, passport + 1 photo
The visa was organized through an intermediary – Pamir Travel, right next to the embassy. Total costs were US$ 135,- (100,- USD visa fee, 35,- USD mediation and LOI)
Look out! When extending the visa in Dushanbe, the same agency (LOI) must be consulted.
Extension visa Tajikistan in Dushanbe:
Validity: 14 days
Processing fee: see below
Processing time: 2 days
Costs: 200 somoni (approx. 45 USD)
If you stay for more than 30 days you have to register with OVIR – costs USD 35,-
For the trip to the Pamir you need a GBAO – costs USD 35
Consulate Kyrgyzstan in Dushanbe / Tajikistani
Salid Nasir (Attention new address)
Tel: 221 63 84
Validity: 30 days
Handling fee: 80 USD
Processing time: Immediately after payment of the fee to the bank
Documents: copy of passport, passport + 2 photos
The visa is issued directly without an intermediary – uncomplicated and fast procedure in a friendly environment
Consulate Kazakhstan Bishkek / Kyrgyzstan
Mira 95A
Tel: 66 04 15
Validity: 30 days
Handling fee: 30 USD
Processing time: 1 week
Documents: copy of passport, passport + 1 photo
The visa is issued directly without an intermediary – uncomplicated and fast procedure
Consulate Russia Bishkek / Kyrgyzstan
Validity: 10 days
Handling fee: 50 USD
Processing time: 1 week + 12 days until the application is accepted
Documents: copy of passport, passport + 1 photo, copy of the Kyrgyz and Kazakh visas, copy of the health insurance policy (valid for Russia), copy of the registration certificate and green insurance card (valid for Russia)
The transit visa is issued directly without an intermediary – complicated but professional procedure, normally no visa can be issued to persons from third countries – good argumentation is needed as to why the Russian embassy should violate existing regulations