Dmytro Kuleba presented an interactive online map with the most up-to-date information on visas, permits and restrictions in the context of the COVID-19. Even after the end of the pandemic, this map will remain a convenient tool for citizens when planning trips.
“This is a map for people. Governments around the world are imposing restrictions on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rules of entry and transit are constantly updated. How to understand where you can go and where not? Our new map will allow the citizens of Ukraine to avoid confusion” – said the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
This interactive resource is a simplified cartographic model for displaying the peculiarities of entering the countries of the world in order to provide relevant information to citizens of Ukraine who are planning their trip abroad. The data is updated regularly, and three layers of the display allow you to check whether you can enter or transit the country.
Good news awaits us this new year: in the updated list of countries from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Turkey has returned to the “green zone” and after returning from Turkey you have not to go to self-isolation or PCR test:
“Allowed. 25.12.2020 The Ministry of Health of Turkey has decided that from 29.12.2020 entry into the country by air and sea, as well as by land is possible provided with a certificate of a negative result of the PCR test for COVID-19, made no more than 72 hours before crossing the border, this rule does not apply to children under 6 years of age.
Persons who have been in the UK, South Africa, Denmark, Brazil and arrived in Turkey by land, air and sea in recent days must present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before their entry. to the country, as well as undergo a 14-day quarantine in places designated by the competent authorities of Turkey.
From July 1, 2020, entry is required subject to the mandatory availability of an insurance policy for COVID 19, which can be purchased online, from the tour operator, when purchasing tickets, as well as directly at the airport in Turkey upon arrival.“
Based on this encouraging information, we have already started recruiting groups for April in the historic enduro moto tour “Sea 2 Sky: the Lycian Way” along the paths of ancient Lycia. Join our historical moto trip!
The author’s motorcycling tour to the Tibetan kingdom Mustang is the longest of the proposed adventure tours to this uninhabited region of the Tibetan Highlands. Unlike a week-long enduro trip to the historical sites of the Lycian trail in Turkey, an expedition to the kingdom of Upper Mustang requires more thorough equipment. Due to the significant number of necessary things, as well as the need to transport a spare motorcycle and a supply of fuel, tools and spare parts, we will be accompanied by a jeep with a mechanic. For convenience, I divided the lists of necessary things into categories of their application. So, let me start with the main thing – motorcycling outfit:
Due to the large difference in altitude and the duration of the expedition the list of necessary clothes for our motorcycling expedition to Tibet is quite extensive:
Some additional equipment:
And, of course, each rider needs a category “A” driver’s license, as well as five passport-format photographs, one of which will be needed to get a tourist visa at Kathmandu Airport.
A motorcycle expedition to the Kingdom of Mustang will also require some additional costs:
Also, in the absence of off-road motorcycle driving skills, we recommend that you take a driving course in advance at any motocross or enduro school, or with a personal trainer. MTB skills will be a significant plus in mastering an enduro motorcycle. Most of our participants after the motorcycle tour become fans of cross-country, enduro, rally and other classes of off-road motorcycle trips and competitions.
These recommendations are generalized, the list of items and equipment will be individually agreed with each participant of the trip. Let’s ride, explore and discover with #MotoPilgrims Adventours!
Important Notes:
the organizer reserves the right to make changes to the motorcycling tour program if the safety conditions of the participants require it due to such circumstances as difficult weather conditions in the highlands, emergency situations on the road or any other force majeure circumstances. Also, we cannot be responsible for the actions / or inaction of third parties, such as airlines, local authorities and local residents, including for compliance with the laws and legal regimes of the countries visited by the tour participants.
Why the Lycian Way on enduro motorcycles, what was the ancient Lycia, who were the ancient Lycians and why is it important to visit this area at least once in your life?
So, Lykia is the historical name of the Tekke peninsula that forms the southern coast of the Turkish Riviera in the Mediterranean Sea. Everything here is strewn with the remains of ancient civilizations, the myths about which we read in our childhood.
The Lycians, once ruled the area, were one of the first civilizations with a developed democracy, they were an independent and even militant nation with a developed mode of life, artistic art and a fairly high standard of living. The strategic location provided them with unique opportunities for maritime trade. After Persian rule, the Lycians welcomed Alexander the Great and absorbed Greek culture, during the time of dominance of the Roman Empire, they made another leap in the development of culture and transport infrastructure, as well as urban development, filling up cities with theaters, baths, forums, temples, and ceremonial gates. And having fallen under the influence of the Byzantine Empire at the 4th century, Christian temples also appeared on the Lycian hills.
The entire region is replete with sarcophagi, rock tombs, amphitheaters and other remains of ancient cities, making it one of the most popular places on the planet for adventure seekers and just lovers of the natural beauty of the Mediterranean. Here forestry predominates, juniper is mixed with strawberry trees and carob and give way to peanut pines and cedar at higher rocks.
Based on the rich historical heritage, the British amateur historian Kate Clow marked the Lycian trail based on Roman roads, old footpaths, and mule trails, and today it is included in the list of “10 best in the world of walking routes.”
It connects 19 ancient cities of the region by stoned underfoot trail laid mainly along the roads built by the Romans through the coastal massifs of the Taurus Mountains. Riding down to emerald coves surrounded by orange groves of valleys and climbing up the rocky mountain paths in the clouds, our route will pass along this breathtaking trail dotted with the objects of the historical heritage of UNESCO. I’ll tell you more in more detail about each of them on the way of our motorcycle tour “Sea to Sky: the Lycian Way” in further blog publications.
Unlike our motorcycle tour to the kingdom of Mustang where more than two weeks off-road raid awaits our travelers on the deserted Himalayan, the list of personal effects in enduro moto tour along the Lycian trail is much more modest. In this journey, we are not going to be accompanied by a jeep escort, we do not need a spare motorcycle and a mechanic; neither warm clothes nor the whole list of more than 30 items like in the Kingdom of Mustang moto tour. In this case, such basic things as a driver’s license category “A”, moto protection and a change of clothes, of course, we will need.
So, we are traveling light. It is possible because of the Mediterranean climate and the hospitality of small resorts where we are going to stop along the way, and due to the highest rental service provided by our Turkish partners. A network of service engineers has been created throughout Turkey, every of whom is ready to help in case of tech problems with motorcycles. The guide always equipped with a puncture-resistant sealant and chain lubricants, and each glove box includes a basic set of tools for repair on the road. The motorcycles are additionally equipped with protective arcs against fall damage of the cooling system heatsink. You should be prepared that motorcycle falls are inevitable. Therefore, everyone must protect the body, head, and limbs. We provide helmets and waterproof trunk for personal belongings.
The minimum body protection set vital for our journey also includes enduro boots and knee guards, gloves and a jacket, as well as an overalls-styled rain cover. And if the last two things are the most reasonable to buy in any second-hand shop for $10-20 (as well as new knee pads that last time was seen in Antalya for $25), then you should search in advance among your friends for enduro boots , for the sake of one trip it will be an economically unjustified acquisition.
We insure your life and health, but if you have the opportunity to put on an armored vest and shorts, it may increase the chances of returning home unharmed. Yes, and do not forget that the kneecaps are put on under the pants, so the pants should be quite spacious in the knees area and made of strong fabric.
Every day upon check-in at the guest house, dressing up in comfortable lightweight clothing after a day on the road brings great relief, so you should take a couple of T-shirts, sports pants and shorts, sneakers or sandals, and a windbreaker. Waterproof socks most likely will not be useful, but the comfort they may bring in case of getting moto boots wet really worth it. Buff and swimming trunks, as self-evident in any trip. Despite the fact that in every guest house there will be a bed set, when traveling I always take a light beach towel.
An important element of your equipment will be a backpack with a hip belt and a chest strap, the recommended volume is about 12-18 liters. The hydration system may significantly reduce the time and the stopovers number.
Every motorcycle Honda CRF250L will be equipped with 5-volt USB-power chargers, however, it is recommended to bring along a power bank and of course not to forget the chargers, action camera, and a spare memory card. I consider it inappropriate to carry the SLR camera if only photography art is not your trip purpose and other participants agreed with this fact.
In any journey will not be superfluous a spoon and a folding knife, headlamp and sunglasses. Among the little things, you may need sunscreen, personal medications, and hygiene items. The guide will be equipped with a basic medical kit. Let’s go over the list one more:
And last but not least, a damage deposit in the amount of $700 everyone must make when drawing up rental documents. This deposit will be refunded provided subject to the absence of damage due to improper driving or damage from falls and strikes on stones. You will not be charged for scratches on protective arcs, but broken headlights or mirrors, as well as dents from falling and hitting the stones, should be compensated. Therefore, I strongly recommend taking a few driving lessons in motocross school or from hard enduro trainers in advance. In the absence of off-road riding experience, MTB skills will come in handy.