Driving to Japan

[LRDefender]

21st Century Man said:

21st Century Man said:

LRDefender said:

The border between Georgia & Russia is open, I was there (on the Georgian side) a couple of months ago and everything appeared quite normal. I use the Military Road from Tbilisi and stay well clear of South Ossetia & Abkhazia.

Only you can decide whether travelling across Russia is acceptable. Western travellers are entering Russia atm and those I’ve spoken to have experienced no problems with the locals. Russians have told me that infrastructure outside the main cities isn’t being repaired or maintained well. I believe foreigners can get the relevant entry permits/paperwork in Yerevan to enter Russia.

Noted, thanks.

If it's possible, doing the bulk of the trip on the trans Siberian highway is by far the easiest way, it certainly was until the war, an absolute doddle even, but war is a pretty significant change in circumstance.

Bumping this as I've been looking into this crossing (Kazbegi - Vladikavkaz) and I've disappeared down a rabbit hole of websites, resources and very recent blogs that couldn't be more different to the perception or the narrative. It seems the worst thing is hanging around for hours, the toilets, and having to unload ones vehicle onto the dirty dirt.

Thanks LRD, this may well be the route, following the Trans Siberian as per my original plan.

Edited by 21st Century Man on Sunday 14th April 11:19

Here's the view that'll greet you as you approach the border at Kazbegi.....





In winter the Georgian authorities sometimes close the road due to weather conditions (Gudauri is at 2200 mtrs) so I'd avoid the crossing between Jan - March. I've been stopped and made to turn around on the Georgian Military Highway by the police in the past with no explanation given. I've turned around as requested and stopped for a coffee then headed off back in the direction of the border without any hassle.

Feel free to ask any questions regarding this region you may have.

[21st Century Man]

LRDefender said:

Feel free to ask any questions regarding this region you may have.

Thanks.

It seems that the practical challenges are achievable, it's the moral issue of whether to cross Russia or not that I'm going to have to grapple with.

[C-J]

21st Century Man said:

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/englis...

Exciting- following with interest. Hope that you find a way to do it.

Especially in the LDV - I still have nightmares from driving one (albeit the smaller 200) on a UK motorway!

Ps. If the photo shows your reg, that might be a another challenge in some of the countries that you are visiting - flashbacks to Top Gear and Argentina!

[21st Century Man]

C-J said:

Ps. If the photo shows your reg, that might be a another challenge in some of the countries that you are visiting - flashbacks to Top Gear and Argentina!

Yes, I'd thought of that

I'll be putting that on retention and El Divvy will go back onto the original 03 plate.

[C-J]

Shame - but probably wise!

Or go all in - and acquire "WAR 84N" !

[21st Century Man]

I seem to have disappeared down a rabbit hole and come out in a parallel universe when it comes to this overlanding thing. Just this afternoon I've been reading recent accounts of transits from Georgia into Russia, then onto usually Kazakhstan and mongolia or deeper into Russia. A French lady and her young daughter in a Bongo Freindee, an American family in a Unimog campervan, a Brit couple in a brand new Ineos Grenadier, dozens and dozens of bikers from all over Europe, solo or in groups, an American biker who got his visa last month in Delhi and has ridden from India. Hotel/Campsite recommendations for a first stop over in Russia, best place for a pizza. best SIM, best place to change Euros/Dollars. I've even read an account of where to find coconut bricks for composting toilets. If you're that ethical wtf are you doing in Russia?

I can't get my head around it.

[Mars]

21st Century Man said:

I seem to have disappeared down a rabbit hole and come out in a parallel universe when it comes to this overlanding thing. Just this afternoon I've been reading recent accounts of transits from Georgia into Russia, then onto usually Kazakhstan and mongolia or deeper into Russia. A French lady and her young daughter in a Bongo Freindee, an American family in a Unimog campervan, a Brit couple in a brand new Ineos Grenadier, dozens and dozens of bikers from all over Europe, solo or in groups, an American biker who got his visa last month in Delhi and has ridden from India. Hotel/Campsite recommendations for a first stop over in Russia, best place for a pizza. best SIM, best place to change Euros/Dollars. I've even read an account of where to find coconut bricks for composting toilets. If you're that ethical wtf are you doing in Russia?

I can't get my head around it.

Feels like we should all band together and go in a convoy

[Bill]

I've been meaning to post about how amazing Iran is to visit, but that seems to have gone completely to st!

[21st Century Man]

Pistonheads won't let me capitalise mongolia.

[Mobile Chicane]

You can get into Russia via the Baltics.

The road crossing between Estonia and Russia is in Narva, about an hour's drive from Tallinn.

It's an established route for Russian nationals to access the EU for shopping, amongst other things.

[21st Century Man]

I understood that border to have recently been closed? For renovations, or to keep potential conscripts in? I'll check.

I'm unsure about Russia anyway, as I've said, not practicalities, but moralities. Not that I make a difference.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

21st Century Man said:

I understood that border to have recently been closed? For renovations, or to keep potential conscripts in? I'll check.

I'm unsure about Russia anyway, as I've said, not practicalities, but moralities. Not that I make a difference.

I think one person does make a difference. I said it earlier, but I couldn't ignore the situation with Russia and would have to boycott that route. Possibly meaningless to many, but that moral judgement is important to me.

[Mobile Chicane]

21st Century Man said:

I understood that border to have recently been closed? For renovations, or to keep potential conscripts in? I'll check.

I'm unsure about Russia anyway, as I've said, not practicalities, but moralities. Not that I make a difference.

Ah, right you are. Closed by Russia from 1 February 2024 for 'construction'.

[LRDefender]

21st Century Man said:

I seem to have disappeared down a rabbit hole and come out in a parallel universe when it comes to this overlanding thing. Just this afternoon I've been reading recent accounts of transits from Georgia into Russia, then onto usually Kazakhstan and mongolia or deeper into Russia. A French lady and her young daughter in a Bongo Freindee, an American family in a Unimog campervan, a Brit couple in a brand new Ineos Grenadier, dozens and dozens of bikers from all over Europe, solo or in groups, an American biker who got his visa last month in Delhi and has ridden from India. Hotel/Campsite recommendations for a first stop over in Russia, best place for a pizza. best SIM, best place to change Euros/Dollars. I've even read an account of where to find coconut bricks for composting toilets. If you're that ethical wtf are you doing in Russia?

I can't get my head around it.

Only you can decide whether travel in Russia is ethical or not.

I’m currently sat with 2 Tartar women discussing Russian politics and life there. Don’t underestimate how the average Russian views their mafia rulers.

Once you get away from the Moscow sphere life is very different for many/most people living in Russia. Most are very resentful of the way the gov sucks money away from the regions and into Moscow. Independence for the many Republics is a much discussed subject…. Travelling across the country will enable you to have a greater understanding of a very complex situation. I’m very anti Putin and wouldn’t travel there due to my social media presence, not because of my dislike of the people.

Just to add your bank cards won’t work there.

[Sheetmaself]

Any reason why Fukuoka or is it just the best ferry link?

Asking as I used to have business there and my best mate still lives there but not many people come visit us!



Could give you a few things to look at if you don’t know the area, or if your son lives there I’ll shut up

[CharlesdeGaulle]

LRDefender said:

Only you can decide whether travel in Russia is ethical or not.

I’m currently sat with 2 Tartar women discussing Russian politics and life there. Don’t underestimate how the average Russian views their mafia rulers.

Once you get away from the Moscow sphere life is very different for many/most people living in Russia. Most are very resentful of the way the gov sucks money away from the regions and into Moscow. Independence for the many Republics is a much discussed subject…. Travelling across the country will enable you to have a greater understanding of a very complex situation. I’m very anti Putin and wouldn’t travel there due to my social media presence, not because of my dislike of the people.

Just to add your bank cards won’t work there.

Good post, and nice to have a more local perspective.

[21st Century Man]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

LRDefender said:

Only you can decide whether travel in Russia is ethical or not.

I’m currently sat with 2 Tartar women discussing Russian politics and life there. Don’t underestimate how the average Russian views their mafia rulers.

Once you get away from the Moscow sphere life is very different for many/most people living in Russia. Most are very resentful of the way the gov sucks money away from the regions and into Moscow. Independence for the many Republics is a much discussed subject…. Travelling across the country will enable you to have a greater understanding of a very complex situation. I’m very anti Putin and wouldn’t travel there due to my social media presence, not because of my dislike of the people.

Just to add your bank cards won’t work there.

Good post, and nice to have a more local perspective.

Yes.

CharlesdeGaulle said:

21st Century Man said:

I'm unsure about Russia anyway, as I've said, not practicalities, but moralities. Not that I make a difference.

I think one person does make a difference. I said it earlier, but I couldn't ignore the situation with Russia and would have to boycott that route. Possibly meaningless to many, but that moral judgement is important to me.

It is to me too, so I value your input. I know what my heart says.

[21st Century Man]

LRDefender said:

Just to add your bank cards won’t work there.

Yes, I'm aware of that.

Enough hard cash for the trip would be required, and that's probably very foolish.

However...

https://russiable.com/open-bank-account-russia/

[GT03ROB]

LRDefender said:

Only you can decide whether travel in Russia is ethical or not.

I’m currently sat with 2 Tartar women discussing Russian politics and life there. Don’t underestimate how the average Russian views their mafia rulers.

Once you get away from the Moscow sphere life is very different for many/most people living in Russia. Most are very resentful of the way the gov sucks money away from the regions and into Moscow. Independence for the many Republics is a much discussed subject…. Travelling across the country will enable you to have a greater understanding of a very complex situation. I’m very anti Putin and wouldn’t travel there due to my social media presence, not because of my dislike of the people.

Just to add your bank cards won’t work there.

I don't actually see it as an ethical issue for on instant. Travelling through a country is hardly showing support for a despicable regime. If you feel that you can be safe enough I'd do it.

I also meet a lot of Russians, either ethnic or citizens. For the most part support of the regime is non-existent. There is not an anti-west feeling apart from authorties. And I'd wager even within local police or officials there won't be any hostility.

Tartar women are best described as feisty so I assume that was a good discussion!!

[Jordie Barretts sock]

This is a very interesting thread. I might have missed it, but has there been any mention of approximate total cost for the journey?

I know a route hasn't been finalised, so that has a bit of an influence, but it must cost heaps?