China - May/June 2013. Sharing guide costs (Nepal to Kyrgyzstan)
 

My partner and I are going through China in May/June of 2013, as part of our Australia to the UK trip, and are seeking other travelers to share costs with us for the China leg - we already have another bike coming with, found through the HUBB.

We're ideally looking for people interested in sharing costs for a 3 week crossing, starting from Nepal and exiting to Kyrgyzstan - but we need to get half a dozen bikes together for the costs for this to be realistic. If we can't find this many people, both ourselves and the other bike are interested in sharing costs for a quick (4-5 day) trip through from Pakistan to Kyrgyzstan.

Costs for a 3 week trip with 6 bikes will be approx RMB18,000 per bike (and individual costs drop further if we can find more bikes to join) for all paperwork and guide costs. This cost will drop significantly if we can also find a 4WD interested in joining the trip and letting the guide ride with them.

Please post here if you are interested in more info on the trip - I'm moving about a lot over the coming weeks, so apologies if I don't get back to you straight away

I've had another quote come in that has the 3 week trip at USD14993 for 6 bikes (to compare with the other quote, this is currently RMB15750 or USD2500 per bike)

I'll be researching the 2 companies (mainly through this site) to see if there are reasons beyond cost to go with one over the other

Good work sandpedro

I've had contact with a 'Wayne' from Climb Muztagh Ata, climb K2, Trek to K2, Trek to Muztagh Ata Base Camp, cycle the KKH, enter China on your foreign licensed motorcycle or car and had quotes significantly cheaper than what you've quoted here to go from the Paki border north to the Kyrgyzstan border in a couple of months time.

Have not done the deal yet so still interested in all options!?

Cheers,
Drew

Hi Sanpedro,

We were unable to join a group going from Kyrgyzstan to Laos this year and instead are going from Mongolia to Shanghai in September 2012. We would still really like to do the Tibet portion and would consider doing this as part of our return trip. At the moment we are thinking of going over the KKH to Kyrgyzstan in April or May of 2013 but coming up from Nepal would be more interesting.

Please put us (two people on two bikes) down as interested in joining you. After we go from Mongolia to Shanghai in September we should be able to give a good review on the China Overland tour company. china overland |china driving Travel |china self-driving

The map at the bottom of our web page shows an approximation of our planned route: Audrey and Ekkes Home Page

@Drewsome - I've also been in touch with Wayne. What itinerary were you looking at with him? For a 3 week tour, he was quoting me much much higher - US$18,000 for the first bike and US$6000 per bike for any extra bikes

hi ekke

afraid that i can't get your webpage to load.

great news that the two of you are interested - if we can find another couple of bikes, then the 3 week trip becomes viable price wise. sty in touch with how your plans progress - and we'd love to hear about your experience with the company regardless of whether you are able to join our trip.

flick me a PM if you need any more info

pete

Hi
The quotes seem expensive we have organised a 37 day trip for 9400 USD from Kashgar to Mohan in Sept 2012, drop me a line if you want the tour company.

Eric

with how many bikes? that is the price for 6

it'd be great if you could PM me details of your trip

Strange, I click on the link and it works fine. Try typing "ekke-audrey.ca" into your web browser.

Yes, let's keep in touch as I think this could be a great opportunity for such an epic ride.

Ekke

i may just be may dodge internet connection - i'm online through mobile internet, in a caravan at a crocodile park, in heavy rain, 16Km from a small town in rural australia, with a tropical cyclone a day off the coast i.e not ideal connection speeds

haha, yes Australia has some blackspots - can I ask where you are Sanpedro??.. Im in Adelaide.. if your in the area over the next month drop by!
Drop me a PM if your around!

The prices here look very high. I was quoted 1500 sharing with another guy a quick transit ride from north pakistan to Kashgar and on to the border to Kyrgyzstan. I'm guessing it was a 3-5 day dash.

I'm still looking at other cheap, and (sadly) quick options.

Drew

For our ride from Mongolia to Shanghai in September we are paying on the order of RMB 29,000 for two bikes. The other couple we are joining is in a car so we don't need to rent a car/driver for the guide. The length of the tour is about 19 days. So while this is lower than what you are being quoted it isn't totally out of whack. Also, I believe Tibet needs a few more permits as well so that could also be driving up the cost.

We just found out that the cost of our trip does not include the cost of food/accommodation for the guide. So that means we'll have to split that cost every day as well in addition to the total cost. Apparently the guide can stay in "budget" accommodation at 100 - 150 RMB per night. Perhaps your quote includes that cost built in?

Since there are fixed costs (such as the salary of the guide) and marginal costs (such as the permits for each bike) the total quoted prices won't go down in direct proportion to the number of vehicles.

@Drew - these costs are for a much longer trip. If we can't find enough people, that w intend to do the quick dash across as you've descried, taking around 4 days. I'd have to go bac and check through my quotes, but I think the cheapest we were quoted was US$1400 per bike, I think for 2 bikes. If it would be useful, I can send you which companies were cheapest - this would have to wait until I go in to town net week (not planning on riding today, as gale force winds are showing up at some point, which sounds bit too exciting for the bike)

I'v just moved up to Broome for work - my partner and I will be here until Oct-Nov of this year, at which point we hit the road

@Ekke - that cost does cover driver and guide accommodation, plus their food. It seems that there is an expectation of guide tips (another company suggested RMB20-30 per person per day, which won't drastically increase costs)

the need to have a car and driver with us is what is pushing the cost up - we will look for a 4WD that is going overland that is willing to take the guide, but I suspect that finding this person might be harder than finding more bikes

My understanding is that China doesn't use carnets, but instead requires a deposit to customs, returned when you exit. Some companies provide a guarantee to customs, so you don't need to pay the deposit yourself. The company I've had most contact with provides this service

Hi
Sorry for the late reply been riding in Laos for the last few days, PM sent

Eric

no worries. no PM in my inbox?

Will try again.

trip
 

Interested for 2013

hi worldbiker

sorry for not getting you back earlier - I've been living in the bush for work for the past whiles, and without a decent internet connection (which has actually been pretty nice)

what are your plans for your trip?

Hi all,

So generally, what bikes are you guys using for this possible trip?

Big gun stuff like the 750cc plus, or the smaller lighter 400cc range?

vette

Big
 

Hi Vette,

Audrey will be riding a BMW F650GS Twin and I will be on a BMW R1200GS Adventure.

China trip
 

Hi guys,

I'm interested to hear how you go with quotes and service from the tour operators. We are planning to cross China from Laos and exit to Japan via Shanghai or near Beijing in May/June 2013 so I will keep an eye on this thread.

We will have 3 or 4 bikes (all DRZ400E) and will be travelling up from Oz overland as much as possible. :funmeteryes:

Cheers,
R

R
I will be leaving from the UK this July, riding to Thailand through China Laos, i was going to head to AUZ in 2013 from Thailand but decided to head back to the UK, keep me in the loop will let you know how we go on with our 37 day tour from Kashgar to Laos through Tibet this September.

Eric

@ vette:

both pirate63 and myself (through random chance) are going to be 2up on Dl650's (V stroms)

@ row: PM me your email address and I'll email through the quotes I have (it might take me a week or two)

@ the world in general: work currently has me living in the bush with Traditional Owners on a blockade site in NW Australia i.e at the end of a dirt 'road' with no electricity, phone coverage etc. I am still following this thread and still looking for other riders, but may take a bit of time to get back to people

@ eric - I will keep you posted and I look forward to hearing of your experiences

Row

we seem to be in the early planners group....

bump

Hi Sanpedro,

I think we met at Dayboro recently when you mentioned this trip. You have the very clean DL650? Jo and I are currently in the UK with a busted bike (DL1000) but should be off to the Alps in a day or two. We will be back in Oz in late Nov and would be up for China next year.
Where were you intending to ship?
Have you considered going in through Vietnam with a ship into Malaysia?

Regards, Mike and Jo Hannan

hi Mike,
no it was me you met at Daybro,Clive a.k.a pirate,but me and sandpedro are trying to get a group together for china.
Vietnam is to hard to get a bike into,pity because we love the times we have been there.
were planning to ship to KL at the start of Jan and to hit China or Pakistan at the beginning of June
Whats up with the DL nothing serious i hope
cheers Clive

Thanks Clive,

DL has a cracked crankcase where the oil pressure switch screws in. It is a tapered thread and some numpty has overtighted it at some stage and screwed the pooch. It is currently off to a specialist welder the other side of London to see what can be done. All expedient fixes have failed. We are, I'm afraid, all dressed up with no place to go!

Assuming the thing is fixed in the next day or so, we are off to catch the Ferry to Amsterdam then across Germany into Poland and down to Slovenia. From there we will start an East to West ride throught the Alps to finish a trip (and book) we started last year. We should be back in London by late October for a few weeks R&R, then sell the bike and head home.

The cross China part sounds good to us. We would probably look at shipping straight into India and meeting you somewhere up the track. I don't think we would have the time to ship in Jan as we won't be back in Aus until Christmas. If we got into Northern India in early May, how would that work?

At the other end we would jump ship in Kazac and head off on our own. We have a general plan for a sweep through the Black Sea and up through the Balkans then the motorways across to London and our granddaughter. We can then ship the bike to the States and leave it there with some friends before we head home for a while.

I will look at some shipping details and get back to you on the feasibility of this. In the meantime, how many starters are there? And, how many do you reckon you need to make it workable? I think we could stump up the 2.5k mentioned above and our share of the guides accom etc wouldn't be a problem, but if half the team don't show and the price doubles, then we would struggle.

Regards, Mike

I have a new post titled AUS to UK China or vise versa

Like you I am looking for travel partners through China about the same time as your trip. Perhaps we can travel together through China so as to offset costs. I will be on my BMW 1200GS.

A route through Vietnam is not a problem - others have done it - no problem. Communicated with Voyage Vietnam and they organise the border crossings, etc. Cheap compared to China. I have the contact person if interested.

Keep me in mind if looking for another starter even if it is just for China.

David

it appears that tibet is currently closed to travel, but the company i have been emailing says that we should still be able to go through Xinjang - and that there is the potential for this to be longer than the quick KKH trip. Would other riders be interested in a longer trip through Xinjang, or just the KKH? we are al but at enough bikes to make a longer trip affordable

@david - glad to have yu. when do you plan to cross in to china? i'd love to get the vietnam contact from you

Xinjang OK
 

We could do a longer Xinjang trip though we need to be mindful of the time as we need to be back in Europe by the end of July. Shame about Tibet...

Another change in Chinese policy is that organised tour visitors need a letter of invitation that is only issued one month before the start of the tour. Because of this we were not able to obtain our visa before departure from Canada and will now get it in Ulaanbaatar. I guess we'll need to budget some time in New Delhi to obtain all the necessary visas for China and the 'Stan's though Kyrgyzstan no longer requires one.

Vietnam self-drive. Contact.
 

The man I communicated with is - Anh Tuan of Voyage Vietnam Mototours. He meets you at a border crossing, organises the permits, etc., and guides you for the duration of your visit. He also does Laos and Cambodia guiding.
info@voyagevietnam.net

Have you knocked up a proposed route map for your trip. Keen to have a look.

Update on our China tour
 

Since my last post in August we have now done our China tour. We used China Overland (china overland |china driving Travel |china self-driving) and communicated with the owner, Paul Bys prior to the tour. I'll post a separate thread with a full report on their services.

For this discussion I'll just say that they handled all the paperwork efficiently, both entry and exit from China. They also arranged shipment of the bikes from Shanghai to Japan. We did end up paying for both the driver and guide's accommodation (they stayed in the same hotels as us) and food. Fortunately China wasn't too expensive. On the downside the tour guide really was a very poor guide, with limited knowledge of tourist things to see and do. We found it much better to read Lonely Planet. The driver was also quite poor in navigation skills, relying entirely on the GPS (hey, I can do that!) and he drove rather erratically (in other words, like a local) so it was tough to follow him sometimes.

A real challenge (at least in Eastern China) was that motorcycles aren't allowed on the expressways. Normally that's fine by us but there were times that we would rather have paid a toll and taken the expressway. We were forced to ride through a city of 9 million people because the only way around was on the expressway so we had to ride 1.5 hours in the dark that evening. An experience I would rather not repeat. At one point the national highway was closed for construction from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and there was no feasible detour yet we weren't even allowed to try the expressway.

To get to the point, I don't think we would be terribly keen on spending another 3 weeks in China. At this point we would prefer to do the short hop from the KKH to Kyrgyzstan as quickly as possible. A short hop from Katmandu to Everest and back might also be possible.

We would probably use China Overland again as they were reliable but we would ask for a different driver and guide.

Which company are you in contact with? We used a company which promised the moon and gave us dirt!

Hi Sanpedro,

I want to go back to Europe from India in Summer 2013.

So I am interested in the KKH option (One Sidecar)

Can you PM me an update about the actual status and plans?

Greetings Heiko

Hi Beemer,
not sure if Sandpedro still has the same plans.
But we are still on track ,aiming around June to traverse the KKh route ,it seem to be the cheaper option ,unless we get an influx of people wanting to do the Nepal/China option then were happy to go that way.
We will be in Malaysia from the 4 Jan.
Cheers Clive and Chris

KKH May 1
 

The border at the KKH with China opens on May 1. Is anyone interested in going through at that time? We can't go any later as I need to be back at work in August. :(

Hi Ekke,
were up for it in June
cheers Clive and Chris

Brisbane2Bristol

in what may be a world first, we've ended up saving up more money than we were aiming for. i really don't know how this happened

this has meant that wwe've changed our plans somewhat and now intend to take twice as long to complete our trip. as such, we're no longer planning on crossing china as per my OP

pirate63 is still going to make the crossing, so i've sent him the info i'd collected. i'd suggest people get in touch with him to team up

keep me in the loop Kayjay,as we are getting ready to firm up plans soon ,we are in KL Malaysia at the moment and will be in Nepal end of April.

cheers Clive and Chris
Brisbane2Bristol

Hi guys

We (2 persons with 1 bike) have planned to ride the KKH and cross the Chinese border in the beginning of May. But Tibet sounds like a great option if it´s really possible.

Rami & Minna

keep in touch with your plans Rami,if we cant join a trip to go across china from Nepal we will be going up the KKH if you want company
cheers Clive and Chris
Brisbane2Bristol

.
Guessing that extortion was via with Navo?

Vette

Nepal to Kyrgyzstan
 

Hello,

We are currently planning to go from Nepal to Kyrgyzstan End of April or early in Mai. This seems to be exactly the route you are considering.
We are traveling with an old Mercedes (4x4) and could take the guide with us. We have a first offer of a travel company called Navo of 5500 Euro (18 days), however the 28 days route through Lhasa seems to be more exciting.

What is your current status of planning?

Let us know,
Fabian and Marlies

Our homepage is: Marlies und die Welt | die große Reise

Nepal to kyrgystan
 

My son and I are planning to ride the KKH, Pakistan to Kyrgystan in mid June. We also would like to share the cost of a quick transit through China.
If anyone is interested please contact me.

Paul and Angus

Hi Paul and Angus
Can you make it for the beginning of June? We could wait a little bit longer if you can't ,we haven't made any firm plans yet for dates but are set to
Keep in touch
Clive and Chris
Brisbane2bristol.wordpress.com

Hello Clive and Chris,
Thank you for your reply. We don't arrive in KL until mid April and we will then travel through SE Asia, fly to Kathmandu then down through northern India then into Pakistan. I don't think we could arrive at the border by early June. We could probably be there by the second week of June perhaps the 10th 11th or 12th.
If this suits you we would like to cross China with you. Were you looking for a quick crossing of China into Kyrgystan?

Paul and Angus

Hi Paul and Angus,

Have agreed with Clive n Chris to join them at Nepal End May to share cost of guide for China to Kyrgyzstan. Hope u can join in as well.

Hi kayjay
We will be very happy to join you. We are not sure of our arrival date into Nepal yet. We will let you know when we confirm them. I guess that we will be a week or so behind you into Nepal so we will probably join you somewhere in India or Pakistan if that is OK.
We will be in touch.

Paul and Angus

Europe to Australia
 

Hi Sanpedro

I am thinking of buying a bike in Europe, doing a Euro tour in 2013 and then riding the bike mack to Australia in 2014.

Your thoughts and suggestions in planning this trip would me most welcome. Also love to hear how your trip planning is going.

Trans China
 

Hi Legs
It seems there are many more groups heading South through China than North, is that why you're going to Europe and heading East rather than heading West from Australia or was there another consideration for you? I've read that constantly driving into the setting sun can be tiring so east bound travel is easier in that regard.

I'm looking at leaving at the end of March but whether I go E-W or W-E remains to be determined and I think the likelihood of being able to join a group through China is going to make all the difference.

I would have PM'd directly but I can't do that yet.
Cheers,
Azza

Hi Paul and Angus,

It shall be great to have as many as possible together to share the cost of NEPAL to KYRGYZSTAN going thro China.

Time of going together can be worked out. The cost of making the trip through China is phenomenal and can be reduced only if more people come together and share the cost.

Remember the paper work in China will take 3 months so one would have to decide asap to group up.

So far we are 3 bikes and 3 people and need atleast 6 bikes and 6 people to make things viable to US $3750.
Am trying to rope in 2 more bikers - They shall confirm with me by nx week.

In the mean time, Cheers and keep in touch.

Kayjay:scooter:

as per kayjay, those still on the trip must give the tour operator 3 months heads up... so ypretty soon

Ya 3 months time for paper work, thats important, to finalize your going thro China as the paper work is just too much.

Also if we can get a 4 wheel to join us (with space for the guide in the car) with 3 bikes (Chris and Clive - Angus and Paul - Kayjay) then the cost of sharing would go down drastically from $3750 to almost $1450 or less per person.

Kayjay

KKH Group
 

Hi All
I'm keen to join a group heading north through China as well. Just me on a DR650. Times are very flexible for me but getting the cost down very important. Please PM me with details.
Cheers
Arran

Dear Arran,

Welcom to the group.

The only way to get the costs down are:
1. A 4 Wheel vehicle joins us so that the major cost of the lead car which shall be otherwise provided by the AGENT will be taken off and the guide would have to be taken in the car.
2. Get atleast 8 bikers together to bring the costs down to $1500 per person

With you joining in we are now 4 bikes and 6 people. Hope more join in.

Shall keep u posted with details soon.

Kayjay

Hi,
Couple of little questions if I may,,,,,

What is the expected depart point from Nepal.
What is the expected arrival point into Kyrgyzstan?
How many days do you plan to be in China for?

vette

Hi Vette,

We shall probably leave 1st week June after all the 6 agree to a date which is flexible as the cost of crossing china is phenomenal.

Arrival into Kyrgyzstan is on the 17th day (this is so coz we have to strictly follow a schedule worked out by the travel agent as per rules laid out by the Govt of China.) In all 4291 kms travel distance. ( I wanted to do it in 6 days but thats not possible coz of restrictions and rules of the govt there.

In china will be there for 15 nights and 16 days.

I do hope u join us. If we get a 4 wheel vehicle to join the cost would be bearable.

Hello Kayjay,
Angus and I want a quick transit through China, not 15-16 days. We have obtained a quote of $1400 for a 5 day transit. We will probably go with this quote. If anyone else would like to join us send us a message.

Paul and Angus

Dear Paul and Angus,

Can you tell me the route - If it is from Nepal to Kyrgyzstan via China I would join you.

I too do not wish to spend 18 long days there in China and that too so much of expenses which is too much of a load financially.

Kayjay

.
Hi KayJay,

Sorry for the delayed reply.
After understanding your route and plan, I feel it's not quite what we are after, Sorry.

We are indeed wanting to travel China, however on a different route and time scale.

We are wanting to do some thing like enter China through Mongolia, and exit China through Tourgart, into Kyrgyzstan. or the opposite way around.

IE: from UK ---> Lithuania ---> Latvia --->Russia ---> Mongolia ---> China ---> Kyrgyzstan etc. 30 days minimum in China.

We both live in China, and are working on how to avoid the expensive guide costs, as much as we can.
After the Chinese New Year, and when some normality returns, we are planning to take a train ride, from where we live now, to Xilinhaote (Inner Mongolia) where the vehicle licence plates are issued, and also to Erenhote, (Border town between Mongolia and China) where the customs boys are.
My wife is Chinese, and we feel we may be able to find out what we cna dispense with, and what we need to use a travel tour company for.

Vette

Plans on final stage for sharing cost of crossing China to Kyrgyzstan.

Nepal - 7th May 2013
China - Kyrgyzstan 15th to 30th May 2013

3 bikes confirmed so far

Any one can join.

Kayjay

Hi KayJay -

I am planning a similar route but in late week of Aug-2013 and exit to Pakistan.

So far, I am alone and this is my second year trying to make this route happen!

I was wondering if you can share some info. on who is organizing your trip in Nepal and what all you require for border crossing till Lhasa?

Also, with your R&D and other findings is it true that thee is no way we can do this route on our own? Travel agencies can just manage the paperwork and permit requirements.

I was planning to buy motorbike in China but does not seem like that is an option!

Are you renting in Nepal or you riding your own bike?

Any helpful tips from you will be highly appreciated.

Thanks,
Imran

.
Hi Imran,

Can't understand why you feel you can't buy a motorbike in China.

vette

Hi Vette-

I am not a residentin China or hold any kind of resident visa for China, that's why!

I have been in touch with NAVO and they confirmed that I need a Chinese license to buy or rent Motorbike in China.

This is if all is by the rules.

Do you know otherwise?

Thanks.

Navo is our agent too.

Pakistan to Kyrgystan in the beginning of May
 

Hi!

Is there anybody willing to join us (2 people on 1 bike) from Pak to Kyrg in the beginning of May, as soon as Khunjerab pass opens for traffic.

Cheers,
Rami & Minna
www.easy-rider.fi

Hi , can you send me a link to the travel company organising this. Regards Tony