I would go with your 1st route option as gaining a KAZ visa shouldn't be hard and Kyrg are now visa free.

Whichever option you chose will require a RUS visa which is likely to cause you the most hassle. Return option looks good to.

The only alternative route I can suggest is the ferry across the Caspian Sea from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan but this route can be tricky (we have now decided to drive around from Georgia/RUS/KAZ instead).

Cant help you with China entry points sorry as its not somewhere we are going. There is however another entry point in Tajikistan but I think this may only be for locals.

Let us know your plans, we will be in that area next year.

G

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Hi Griffdowg,
After doing more research, I also feel route 1 is far easier.
Calais, ---->Germany, ---->Poland,----> Ukraine,----> Russia,----> Kazakhstan,----> Kyrgyzstan -----> Torugart Pass, then into China and towards Kashgar, the first city of size.

We would spend 3 weeks in China, before exiting via Inner Mongolia, Outer Mongolia and back to UK.

As you say, the Russian visa will have to be a multi entry business visa.

For China, and the notoriously difficult temporary import, temporary drivers licence, and the all guide costs.
My Chinese wife has been studying hard, and will sit exams around middle of December.
If she passes, then she can become an English tour guide.
The loose plan is to set up a small adventure tour company here, and if it all works as planned, she then offer tours around the interesting parts of China.
Her, as the guide in our Land Cruiser, would fore-fill the Chinese law requirement for foreigner travel.
She would do the temporary vehicle import, temporary Chinese number plates, arrange temporary drivers licenses.
We would plan for small groups of up to 2 or 3 other vehicles, totally 4 vehicles at the most.
That would take the group to 6 additional persons, with ourselves making the party to 8, after that, the group could become to diversified, and you can't do that in China.
The route has to be planned, laid out, and approved by all the PSB (Public Security Bureau's) who's jurisdiction you will travel through, and the group needs to stick to it. This is typically why the Chinese tour company's charge so much.
She would advise on completing the Chinese tourist visa, which really isn't that difficult.
Land Cruisers or Land Rovers as these are very comprehensively spares supported throughout China that I know of.

Vette

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Hi when is your trip planed for, please.

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Hi Roamingman,

Little early to say yet, as she still needs to pass the exams.
All being well, it is looking like it could start in May, June, or July time.
probably more to July to be honest.
There are possibly 3 "interested" parties from UK doing the China loop, and back to UK.

vette

This business will run well - i guess!

I wish you luck for your plans - i think there is a big potential - because the language seems to be a problem - with most tourguides and operators in china...

Surfy

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Up-date,,,,,

Guess who is the new holder of a full Chinese driving licence.
All legit, done the tests.
Failed first time.
Went back, a second time and passed.

vette

Hi there,
if may do you think to drive along the KKH you should to consider how to cross "the lake" in Hunza valley.
Even if it is "easy" to carry a bike on that boats it would be useful for you to check in advance, if possible, if boats are "strong" enough to ship a full loaded off road veichle.
as far as i know i didn't heard, or seen while i was up there on 2010, any big car loaded on a karakoram "ferry".
The "pier" on the south side it is dramatically challenging and steepy, plus huge rocks along the lakeshore wont helps you. But it is also possible they've managed, in some way meantime, to get the "pier" access more "comfortable".
On the other hand i saw picture of a small Suzuki Rascal sailing across the lake on a boat...

Lungastrada - Donato Nicoletti - Phototraveller

Hi uk-vette
Good news on your Chinese driving licence we are planning a trip across China around Aug -Sept 2013 from Mongolia to Tibet/Nepal seeing all the sights possible.
We have a 4x4 Pinzgauer camper and would join other like minded travellers
Is this the sort of thing you will be doing?

Dave

Hunza is gorgeous but lake Attabad would be a challenge for a 4 wheel vehicle. But they do transport small & medium trucks. There are no docks, just rocks & steep dirt by the water. It's wild. The KKH is great with variable surfaces but the last bit before china is really offroad with water crossings. Fun

On the other side kyrgyzstan is fantastic, magnificent landscape. The ride thru Kazakhstan to get there is long and challenging. Lots of rOcky sandy endless bypasses.

Are you still planing routes and helping people to get to China.

Regards kevin

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Hi Kevin,

We have departed China for a while now, and are in UK.
Not sure how long we will be here before we plan a drive to China, so really can't be of much use at the moment.

There are supposed to be some imminent changes to auto-tourism in China, but I can't find much on it at the moment.
My guess is that the Chinese tour industry is fighting hard to prevent any openings up, so to continue their money spinning exercises.

vette

I also heard that there may be changes - if you can find out any details please let us know!

Andy