Aren't you better off spending that money on 5 nights at a luxury hotel in Bali with a private pool? Adventure is overrated. No one's gonna hand you an "intrepid traveller" trophy once you reach Nepal.

Please do reconsider.

Not everyone is interested in spending time in a luxury hotel anywhere. The OP's plan is as valid as anyone else's. I find it impressive, actually - a LOT more impressive than checking into a luxury hotel. Who says he's looking for a trophy? If you don't like to travel that way, that's fine, but no need to be obnoxious about the way other people choose to.

If I recall correctly, you're the same poster who suggested there wasn't anything to do in Iceland other than hot springs and poneys. Maybe you should get out of those luxury hotels and actually experience some of what the world has to offer beyond concierge service.

"Yeah I pondered a train but the ideal of driving the car yourself is far more appealing. "

I'm a big fan of train travel myself, and love <i>not</i> having to drive when I travel, but everyone is different. Just dealing with visas is enough hassle for me, without adding all the paperwork for the car! BTW, have you read Jim Roger's travel books? He did two RTWs, one on a motorbike - "Investment Biker" - and one in a customized car - "Adventure Capitalist". They will give you an idea of some of the issues.

I wish you lots of luck and hope to read about your trip!

"Aren't you better off spending that money on 5 nights at a luxury hotel in Bali with a private pool?"

That probably rates as the stupidest post I've seen on Fodors so far this year. Do please stay in your posh little enclave and leave the rest of to enjoy long trips in the real world.

I myself would have loved to do the OP's route when I was younger. I would take that over a luxury hotel anytime.

Maybe you could consider Africa instead. http://geehurkmans.com/Thimba/
http://www.geehurkmans.com/eendje/map.jpg

Although primarily US based there may be something on roadtrippers.com

Whatever you decide I admire your sense of adventure, and really hope you manage your epic trip. Oh and don't forget to get lots of immunisations before you go. I recently read an article in a Dutch magazine about a couple in their late 60s who went overland to, and toured China.
I don't have the money, or the staying power for such a trip but it sounded fantastic. An acquaintance has just set off for Kazakhstan in his camper.

I hope the Original Poster has a looonnng beard, and that any women in the party are accustomed to wearing veils and head scarves.

Check on the "looooong beard"

Sadly I think no women will tag along in this trip...

Yeah I was thinking a road trip in Africa would be quite nice, but for now I'm more interested in Europe/Asia.

Nonetheless, I'm betting that as soon as this trip comes to an end, the only thing that will be on my mind is to plan the next one. So maybe Africa comes after this one.

Thanks again for all your help.

While guys love gear and I am a guy and love great big expedition vehicles, there are interesting accounts I found through Expedition Portal of some people doing Equatorial Africa in a Mercedes 320D station wagon. -- adventure with leather seats!

I assume KodakMoment was jesting about a luxury hotel in Bali.

Tomboy's post re beards and head scarves resonates. When friends and I have looked into visiting Iran, the stopper has always been our wives' refusal to wear Islamic dress and our own reluctance to go without them.

Frippertronics, should you decide to do this trip I hope you post your adventure somewhere that allows images to be posted inline so I can read it.

Me too. I hope if you do make the trip you will come back here with a link to your adventures. I would love to hear all about it and enjoy some pictures of you trip.