Follow me, Daniel, the owner of Bike tour asia to the journey of a 90-day motorcycle tour from Thailand to Germany, now 58 days in. Explore the routes, countries, and real-world insight from this epic Silk Road adventure.

58 Days on the Road: What the “Ride of a Lifetime” Feels Like So Far

As of June 12, 2025, me and my friends on the Ride of a Lifetime motorcycle expedition have completed 58 days on the road, starting from April 16. We have travelled thousands of kilometers across Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, and Central Asia.

This 90-day journey from Thailand to Germany is more than 18,000 km, following ancient Silk Road trade routes and modern mountain passes alike. It is not a tour. It is a test and a transformation.

Route Recap: 58 Days from Chiang Mai to the Heart of Central Asia (April 16 – June 12)

So far, the ride has passed through:

Asia

Thailand & Laos

Day 1–10 (~3,000 km)

Started from Chiang Mai, Bike Tour Asia Service Centre. Its familiar curves to the misty roads of northern Laos, the early stretch eased us in. Roads ranged from smooth Thai tarmac to remote village paths and winding through sleepy villages and green mountains. in Laos. It was humid, green, and full of early morning fog.

China & Tibet

Day 11–20 (~3,800 km)

This was the literal high point. Cold air, thin oxygen, and a deep sense of stillness marked this stretch. Roads climbed above 4,000 m almost daily, peaking at Gyatso La, where the wind bites and every breath feels earned. Around Lhasa and Everest Base Camp (~5,200 m), the landscape opened into something vast and holy…snow peaks, prayer flags, and light that hits different. Fuel was limited. Nights dropped below freezing. But even on the worst gravel, the altitude made everything feel sharper.

“Por noted that the Pamir Highway’s gravel slowed us by 30–40%,” and it was similar here. The speed gives way to focus.

Riders needed crash bars, heated grips, and layered gear to make it through.

Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan – Day 21–30 (~2,200 km)

Wide skies, wide roads. Kyrgyzstan opened into alpine passes and silent grassland camps. This stretch wasn’t technical, but it asked for awareness. Gravel tracks twisted through river valleys, sometimes disappearing altogether. We crossed streams, threaded rocky trails, and camped near turquoise lakes with no signal, no sound, just wind.

The weather swung fast from hot afternoons to cold nights. Having waterproof layers and soft luggage made the difference. Navigation here wasn’t always obvious, but the ride was steady and meditative. The pace felt generous, letting the landscape sink in.

Tajikistan – Day 31–40 (~2,000 km)

Tajikistan hit hard. The Pamir Highway was beautiful in a brutal way. Every kilometer was earned. We climbed Ak-Baital Pass (~4,655 m) and spent hours negotiating cracked roads, steep switchbacks, and blown-out riverbeds. Windstorms came without warning. Fuel was precious. One mistake meant hours of delay or worse.

It was the most physically demanding section so far. Altitude fatigue set in. Clutch fingers cramped. But the silence, the scale, and the sheer remoteness were unmatched. The gear you forget in other countries becomes survival here with extra fuel, spare tubes, tire patch kits, and patience.

Uzbekistan – Day 41–50 (~2,000 km)

After weeks of gravel and high passes, Uzbekistan felt surreal. Smooth highways cut through desert plains, leading to cities carved in blue tile like in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. The riding was faster here, but the heat hit hard. Over 40°C in the saddle meant staying hydrated and ditching heavy gear.

The cultural weight of this place is immediate. You ride past minarets that have stood for centuries, through markets that smell of cumin and dust. It’s not just a relief, it’s a reward. Watch the videos.

Who This Ride Is Really For

This is not a guided sightseeing trip. It is a deep, full-body experience that requires:

• Solid riding skills on mixed terrain
• The ability to deal with long days and rough roads
• A desire for connection not just with the landscape, but with people, history, and yourself

Suggested Motorcycles:

• BMW R1250GS or R1300GS
• Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
• Honda NX500 or Africa Twin

All should be prepared with proper luggage, crash protection, and off-road tires.

A Glimpse of What’s Next (June 13–July 7)

With 32 days remaining, the route now winds through:

• Azerbaijan

• Georgia

• Bulgaria

• Romania

• Hungary

• Croatia

• Slovenia

• Italy

• Austria

• Germany, ending at BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The last month shifts from rugged to refined but the internal journey continues.

FAQ: The Ride of a Lifetime Motorcycle Tour

Q: How many days is the Ride of a Lifetime?

A: The full tour lasts 90 days. As of June 12, 58 days have been completed.

Q: How far do riders travel each day?

A: Daily mileage varies, typically between 200–400 km depending on terrain and weather.

Q: What’s the most difficult section?

A: Many riders say the Tibetan Plateau and Pamir Highway are the most physically demanding.

Q: Can I join for just part of the trip?

A: No, it’s a continuous full-route experience for committed riders.

Final Reflection

58 days in, the Ride of a Lifetime has already crossed deserts, climbed glaciers, and passed through forgotten kingdoms. Riders have crossed remote borders, and waved to children in dusty villages with names they cannot pronounce.

And there is still a third of the road left.

More than a journey it’s a story in motion. One that you feel in your hands, your back, and your memory long after the ride ends.

Want to join next year’s ride? Sign up for 2026 interest list.