Hello, I'm new to this site. I am looking at leaving the UK to head for Australia leaving in June time. I got a price to two riders and two bikes to enter China through Irkishtam and leave through Pakistan to India but the price of this was $2760 for only 5 days! Still waiting on quotes but I think getting together with a group is going to be the only viable option. Would love to know some costs please. Look forward to your reply.

Happy New Year to everyone (think 2012 is going to be a good one!!)

Hi Wuming - I would be interested in joining you guys for the crossing if I can get my house rented out in time. So if you can keep me included in the plan for now.

Hello Steffi: getting a group together is the way to go. Unfortunately your route is different to mine. Stick at it with the tour agencies, some friendly negotiation is definitely required! Good luck with your trip and maybe see you on the road somewhere.

pm1150: you have a PM.

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无名-傻子老外！

Hello Wuming,

Apologies for taking advantage of your thread but I'm keen to find a reputable company for the China permit/guide. I did ask in the Trip Paperwork section but so far no replies. Can you help in any way?

Many thanks

Pogle,have you tried

Drive into China : Drive your motorcycle or foreign licensed motor vehicle into China : permit and license requirements

travel


yet? I emailed them today, I will post when I hear news.

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'Life begins at the end of your comfort zone'-
http://fernsforays.com/

Hello PogleUK. The two companies which seem to get the best reviews from bikers are:
China Adventure Tour, trekking,overland,self-drive,festivals –NAVO
china overland |china driving Travel |china self-driving
There are dozens of companies which provide this service, but many of them (but by no means all) "sub-let" it to one of the above two. They are many other independant companies though, and prices vary greatly. It is always worth negotiating!
Good luck.

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Smashing. Thanks very much to you both.

With regard to your suggestion Fern I emailed them over a week ago and have yet to hear back. If you have more success please let me know.
In the meantime I'll try your recommendations Wuming. I'd love to tag along with you but I'll only be dipping a toe into the country en route to Pakistan.

Thanks again.

please don't forget Steffi that you have to barter really hard, chinese style!

I know people got through the 4 day route on the KKH for under $700 each, so the price you are quoted is a starting price. Once I have collated a few prices, I will get my chinese friend to get quotes to, from their end and see how they compare.

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'Life begins at the end of your comfort zone'-
http://fernsforays.com/

Hi Fern,

Thanks for the tip, I will try and barter (clearly have lots to learn ) I look forward to hearing what quotes you get back as a group.

Thanks Steph

Bump

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无名-傻子老外！

Hello again.
OK, I am now in a position to give a more firm idea of the costs. I have more or less decided which Chinese tour company to use. This company was cheaper than most of the others. This worried me at first as I thought there may be a good (or bad!) reason why they are cheaper. However, I have been in contact with two (seperate) groups who used the same company for similar trips and my mind has been put at rest; I am confident this company is the right choice. The costs are:

Based on 6 people with 6 motorbikes from Torugart to Mohan for 35 days: total cost (including guide and vehicle rental but excluding hotels) is USD 16666. That is approx. £1793 per person or £51 per person per day. If using our "own" 4WD (with 2 people) it is USD 11572. That is £7545 divided by 7 vehicles is £1077 per person or about £30 per day. Although the 4WD would have 2 paying customers, as they would have to carry the guide, I have counted it as 1 person. If you see what I mean?!

Based on 8 people with 8 motorbikes (same route, duration, conditions): USD 18061. This is approx. £1455 per person or £42 per person per day. With our "own" 4WD (with 2 people) it is USD 13225. That is £8618 divided by 9 vehicles is £957 each or about £27 per day.

Sorry about the mixed currencies; the quotes were provided in USD$, but I think better in UK£.

Haven't found the 4WD to join yet; but the tour company has kindly offered to advertise for one on their website; so I still have hope.

Cheers.

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good luck finding the 4wd - it's going to make a massive difference!

Hi Heinrich

You appear to be doing the same route as myself (2-up on a BMW1200 GSA). I am currently in India, looking to travel a little earlier than Wuming unfortunately - can be a little flexible between April and June 2012. When are you travelling and do you have room for 2 more in your party?

Cheers

I think Heinrich refers to this route as having dealt with it already.

> If you are interested we might team up with a few riders though. We are thinking of joining a 4x4 that has enlisted already for the June 4 departure from Nepal to Laos. This seems like the ride for you since you're already in India. We still need to get started form here and get passed some interesting alley ways in Iran / Pakistan.

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www.bajatwin.com

Thanks Bajatwin, we have heard of the 4th June trip and are investigating that too. Let me know if you hear more. Thanks