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Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



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Old 25 Oct 2014
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Germany
Posts: 26
China: self-drive & without a guide...it's possible!

Hi everyone,

I have some very exciting news to share with you all which could, potentially, revolutionise the overlanding route from Europe to Oceania (or vice versa).

Myself and two fellow motorbikers (my hubby & a friend) have just successfully concluded a 2-month GUIDE-LESS traverse of China, from Kyrgyzstan to Laos.
From everything we gathered, this is the first LEGAL self-ride and guide-less tour of China. It took us 18 months to organize, and over a year to find an agent willing to hear us out. The law changed in China in 2013 making it perfectly legal for foreign overlanders to drive unaccompanied...yet finding an agent willing to accept and 'test' this was the hardest thing we've ever done!
But we did it, and the agent is so pleased that all worked out well that he is willing to start offering this service to anyone interested in crossing China.

If you're interested have a quick read of my latest blog post, where I detail the basics.

There is, to be honest, a heck of a lot more to share. I am already receiving queries and assume there will be soon a barrage of repeated questions. If you give me some time, I may just make another (more detailed) blog post.
Personally, I don't think this will necessarily suit everyone. We've just met a couple with a camper who did a guided traverse and they are of the opinion that they still would have wanted a guide nonetheless. They are not confident they could have done it alone.

Chris (my partner) and I have been on the road, continuously, for over a decade. China may have had it's hurdles, but we found it no more challenging that parts of Africa, South America or the Middle East. Same goes for the language/cultural barrier/bureaucracy etc etc.

From our end, the most important message we'd love to get across is that China should not be seen as simply a country to 'cross through' but a bona fide overlanding destination. It is incredibly beautiful and boasts innumerable natural wonders which simply blew us away. MOST of the country is stunning wilderness, which is the complete opposite of what we have always believed. Steer clear of the eastern side (where most of the 1.3 billion people live) and you'll enjoy a bush camping heaven bar none.

If you want any more info on this please contact me, otherwise feel free to spread the wonderful news!! )) It's a great day for motorbike overlanding!

Cheers from Laos
Laura
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