China Highway 219.. Lhasa to Kashgar or Vice Versa.. Jun 2011
 

Hello Everyone -
I am planning to ride motorbike on Chinese highway 219 from Lhasa to Kashgar or vice versa. I am not a "bikie" or anyone who has done motorbike trips in different parts of the world.. I am quite new to this kind of adventure travel and I am sure I won't be the last :-)

This trip is under plans for Jun 2011 and currently it's just me. I have looked up few websites for information and motorbike touring company's in the region and not to my surprise their prices are sky-rocketed :-).

I am looking for motorbike travel partners who are enthusiastic about motor-biking up in the mountains via the mesmerizing highway of 219. I have read few blogs of people who went on a push bike via this route, the pics and stories posted are mind blowing!!!

So far I have just collected information about people who have done this kind of journey and about the travel companies who organize these trips.. Starting this week I am sending emails and collecting information first-hand on documents required and how much it might cost. I am happy to buy or rent a Chinese made motorbike.. it doesn't have to be a BMW touring.. This year in July I did a motorbike trip for only 1000km in Himalayan mountains of Ladakh, Kashmir and my bike was only 150cc and at few points I was riding at 13000 feet above sea-level ... I am sure a non-BMW motorbike will be fine for a ride like this one.

So... motorbike adventure guru's and beginner's as well :-) ... If any one of you is thinking to push motorbike rides to a bit extreme and can plan around Jun.2011 and also going for this ride as a group then please get in touch and let's get this thing going and planned and organized :-).

I know it can be discouraging reading about highway 219 in China on internet but real adventure starts from within when we bend the rules and push the limits and tame the tracks :-)

Anyone.. who has been on the Chinese highway 219 or close-by by push-bike, motorbike, car, walking, floating or by any other means and would like to share their experience for tips and tricks then that will be highly appreciated :-)

As for me.. I am a 34 yr old male who is based in Sydney, Australia and who has worked best part of his life in corporate world and it's gimmicks!!.. It's about time to break free :-)

Looking forward to hear back from you and hoping to form a group of people who would be interested in taking up this adventure with me :-)

Cheers.

:welcome: Firstly Welcome to the HUBB. It's good to meet (virtually) a fellow Sydneysider who has seen the light.

You don't need any experience with motorcycle travel to have an adventure and you definitely don't have to do route 219 to have an adventure. I would ask why go through a travel agency? If it's only for the permits you will need then fine. But I would advise that you save your money and buy a bike locally and put your money into other things and not into a travel agent's pocket.

You realise that route 219 is very remote. Not unlike the outback in OZ.

Read up on the trip because you'll find out soon enough that you will need to take extra fuel and you will need to use the Army supplies along that route. You will also need spare parts and you will need to know the bike well enough to fix most common issues.

Most people that do the 219 have a support vehicle and a satelite phone (just to give you an idea how remote it really is).

Don't give up on it, i'm sure like you say it's a dream worth making it into reality.

G'day TurboCharger - How you going? :-)

Well, not sure to consider your reply as encouraging or discouraging.... but thanks anyway :-)

I gather from your reply that you may have been on Highway 219. If yes, then could you please share some tips about riding on 219 :-)

As for description of adventure.. your idea of adventure could be walk in the park for me and vice versa :-). As you yourself stated that 219 is quite remote, so the idea of traveling through a remote location on a modern two-wheeled machine is adventurous and thrilling for someone like me :-)

Been blessed to be born and growing up in Himalaya Mountain ranges, I am quite familiar with perils of travelling via remote mountainous locations and things required to survive. This summer.. I "motor-biked" from Kashmir valley to Leh, Ladakh and pushed further to Pangong Tso and all the way back... Apart from 2 or 3 major towns along the way.. your cellphone does not work anywhere and for hours and hours you do not see anyone of the road and my bike was only 150cc in power with no support vehicle.. no repair kit and we were only 3 guys on 3 bikies :-) So, I got a taste of how it can be riding almost at the roof of the world and next year I am keen on expanding my horizons further :-)

For 2 months and little over, I have done quite bit of studying on highway 219.. Xinjiang.. bit of Karakorum highway in China and Silk route.. Idea of getting in touch with a travel agent is to get permits and driving license sorted atleast. With only having a 1 month off for holidays, buying/renting a bike..permits..driving license has to be sorted out real quick with less hassle. Also, if I am not able to form a decent size group of people with unlimited horizons view then I would have to fall back to these travel company's for my trip.. Their costs are exuberant from USD $4500 - USD $9500.. but includes hotel stay.. bikes..guide..support vehicle... some cover petrol costs and some do not...

Some point in life inner nirvana takes precedence over forces of nature (natural and materialistic).. Heard it somewhere.. break it down again.. no more building up.. it is time to dissolve :-)... I am on here sharing a dream with unknown.. .. I do not believe in hope but just make it happen is my logo.. so will keep trying and maybe someone is walking parallel and would share a dream too :-)

Thanks for reading and all the best with your journey mate... Be safe out there..!!!

Cheers.

In fairness I don't think you can compare the route Srinagar to Leh with Route 219.

This doesn't do any justice to the Srinagar-Leh highway, given that that road in Kashmir is littered with military checkpoints, trucks and a lot of tourist traffic, you under exaggerate for effect but it makes it sound more remote then it really is. Don't misinterpret me here, I have done this route and I've ridden around Ladakh in 2009 so I know the area well enough. Also the road is only 260kms long with towns like Sonamarg, Matayan, Drass, Thasgam, Kargil, Namika, Lamayuru, Khalsi ... along the way if you need food, supplies or help. Past Leh and towards Pangong Tso is far more remote but still only about 160kms (to the end of the permit zone). And the Srinagar Leh road is 70% tarmac now.

Compared to the length of G219 from Tibet (probably Lazi) to Kashgar is around 2,200kms (more from Lhasa, so ~3,000kms)!!

Not to mention the incredibly strict Chinese laws and regulations that make riding the whole length of the road near impossible even for a Chinese citizen. Have you read this blog?

I also want to do Route 219 and to that extent I have researched it quite a bit, that's where I have gained my information. Keep searching I think it would be an amazing adventure but not without it's risks and difficulties. Keep proding around until you get all the information you think you need then keep looking and you'll start to find out the important stuff. Ask questions, even if you think you have the answer, you might be surprised. Take opinions with a grain of salt and then go live your dream wherever it will take you.

BTW This isn't the "Seek your inner bodichatta on the path to enlightenment and Nivarna" kind of forum either.

Go get'em mate!

HAHAHAHA!!!! Hilarious reply by turbocharger.

I would appreciate if you can keep your advise to yourself as they are baseless and not helpful at all.

Just a correction. Srinagar to Leh is 475kms one way. 2 highways.. via Batalik and Lamayuru. Rest you can do the math as you seems to enjoy it!!

bodichatta??? no idea what it is. Hope it is not "taking it personally" and "acting like a child" forum either :-)

Ciao

Yep, I'm interested
 

G'day from the sunshine coast.

I am pretty interested in the China trip. I have a bike in Cambodia (been living and working there for the last 3.5 years), and I would luv to be able to take it to China via Laos. Tibet and far western provinces, as well as Mongolia really appeal to me. Also the Stans (all of em), Iran and Turkey. Dont know much yet about biking in China, except that it is difficult with red tape. My aim would be to do it inedependently as much as possible, without use of guides.

I have been riding extensively in Laos and Cambodia, and have always had bikes in Oz.

Im pretty keen to meet anyone interested in doing the journey.

cheers,
regie (hey, not my real name)

G'day Regie -
Good to see your post :-)

Definitely doing this motorbike trip in China. What I understand so far is this,

1. I need chinese driving permit, for which I have to contact travel agent in china.

2. Permits to enter areas/towns of sensitivity, like Highway 219. Again an agent can arrange it.

3. A bike, buy a local chinese in China or rent a bike.

4. If simpler with all the support, go to a travel agent who arranges bike tours in China. I have good references for few and it looks like more than likely that I will opt for this option.

How are planning to enter China and when?

I would loved to do Mongolia and central asia part of Silk Route but my time-off is limited :-(

Do you have any info. on how and where to buy bikies in China., BMW China also sponsor bike if proven it is some kind of benefit to them.

Have you been to China before? Any chances you can get some more information on this subject?

I am planning to do it in Jun-2011. Is that time OK with you?

I am in Thailand right now and will be till Jan.04. I will check my mail again when I am back in Oz. Hope to hear back from you :-)

Cheers mate!!

So do you think there is a chance you can travel independently in china (especially areas of sensitivity) if you hold a permit? From what I have read it seems a few lucky people have been able to travel freely but having a chinese guide sounds like the norm. I was planning on taking my own bike, firstly because I have one in Cambodia allready, and just negotiating to buy a new one (yamaha wr250r - i really think smaller bikes make better adventure bikes). Secondly, i think Chinese bikes are pretty crappy, and thirdly, I was thinking of a round trip, enter from Laos, China, thru pakistan, Iran, maybe turkey, syria, jordan, back thru stans, mongolia, china, back to Laos/Cambodia. I have been riding extensively thru cambodia and Laos. The cops there really only pull you over if you have done something wrong. And they are usually happy about the whole situation anyway. You can joke around with them, negotiate the fine down to a dollar or so, and then you are on your way. China sounds like a different deal tho (not that i have any experience - never been), and i really dont want my bike confiscated or held against me for some enourmous "fine".

So i do want to be as legit as possible. Given that, armed with as much paperwork as possible, i would still give independent travel a go if there is more than just a remote chance it is possible. If the only alternative is having a guide then of-course we would have to work out how much per person, and if this is not too expensive I would probably do this. Groupsize is important to me tho. I really wouldnt want to be ridning around in a huge group for a number of reasons. 3-4 would be my preference. But again, i'm always flexible enough to get the job done.

So when? was thinking around March/April. I'm in-between jobs at the moment and have a few things I need to get done in Oz. The only "spanner in the works" scenario is, if i do get some sort of job offer inbetween now and then. If i do, i would still try desperately to do the ride and negotiate a start date with work.

No info on where to buy bikes in China. I did do a fairly extensive internet search (because i actually had an interview for a beijing job - i am on a list there and there is a slight chance they will offer me something in the next 3 months, but i am not holding my breath). I am really interested in this yamaha wr250r and so that is what i was looking for. Could only find chinese bikes (which did seem quite cheap) and there are bmw's).

Info/research - my planning stage has kinda just started so i dont have alot of info, but of-course, I am willing to do the hard yards. Have just been reading forums and building the concept in my head.

cheers,
regie
ps: have a pad thai for me

H Regie,

you could try asking on this forum about bikes: MyChinaMoto.com - Chinese Community

I read a blog a year or so ago where the guy just found a bike parked on the street and bought it. I think there is a problem buying new bikes without residency.

John

hey redboots,

yep, true, so imraali, you may have to rent a bike in china.

Another issue for me: if i take my bike from Cambodia, i wont be able to get a carnet as cambodia doesnt subscribe to that system. maybe i can get one from oz - have to investigate. If not, then i will have to buy a bike in oz and ship. I dont mind doing this but it just means it will take longer to get to china.

Italian solutiion Chinese 150 + Monk clothing :thumbup1:
Local bike in Tibetan area is Honda 150-200 OHV clone in a GL145 frame. Everywhere stocks parts for these workhorse. Other fancier bike, pls bring as much ur supply as possible, or ...

Hi Regie -
I have just emailed you. Still keen?

I have done some R&D and contacted travel agents in China. Prices are outrageous but I think I really want to do it so I am trying my best to make it happen.

Does anyone whoever is reading this post knows of how to rent a bike in China?

I don't know any rental places that aren't tied to being a tour agency. Usually you must go with one of their package tours to rent the bike.

Don't bother with a rental, just buy a Chinese bike...this one is a little over $2500 USD and will do fine.

http://www.contactdi.com/2010/may/may_2010_h001.jpg

Since you're not a resident of China, get a local to buy, register, and insure it for you. Where there's a will (or money) there's a way.

Please share the information you have on getting a Chinese motorcycle driving license. I've never heard of someone getting it without a residency permit. You stated that a travel agent was going to get this for you? :confused1:

Cheers!
ChinaV

ChinaV... You resurrected my plans. After communicating with 7-8 travel agencies in China over 2 months, I became highly disappointed. No one arrange tours to go on highway 219 though everyone is pushing to rent a motorbike. I am seeing a small ray of hope in this dark tunnel :-)

For license, what I have gathered so far is that as long you ar eona tourist visa, you can be granted a temporary chinese driving license from 30-60 days. This is arranged by travel agents and there is a probability of sitting for a written test which is translated in english.

Travellign illegally..undocumented and without proper permits is a definite NO NO for this route and I won't be doing that.

So, here is what I am doing.
1. Arrange enter/exit permits and documents required from a contact I made in Lhasa.

2. Apply for temporary chinese driving license.

3. Buy a motorbike which you suggested. BTW, whts the name of the bike that you suggested in above pic.

4. Crash course in motorbike maintenance.

Rest is all Maktub :-)

Ok, where can I find the motorbike you suggested and how did you got it registered and documented?

Cheers,
Imran

cool adventure
 

would love to follow your adventure in China!!! We hope to do this trip also on our RTW ride Sara & Daniel Pedersen

Excellente' :-) ... You guys made me gogole to check what in RTW :-)

Are you guys already in China or travelling around any other part of the world?

How are your plans looking ?

Any experience of riding in Asia.. You can send me an email as well.. Anyway you like to communicate is fine with me :-)

The plan is coming to fruition
 

Hi imraali, it looks like your plan is coming to fruition, albeit slowly. Keep going, it will be worth the effort in the long run. Have you got a departure date yet? Will you be updating the HUBB with trip/ride reports?

As I mentioned in my first post, a travel agency is NOT the way to go for the whole trip as it will cost you a lot of money and leave you with very restrictive travel plans and as you've found out there isn't anyone interested in taking you along route 219 because of it's remoteness, not even Chinese people travel there unless it is for the military.

I strongly suggest you get in contact with Garry From Oz "farqhuar" who in May 2008 rode across China on a local 125cc bike bought in China.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ting-buy-33724

This is his blog about China, see May 2008.
Across the universe: May 13, 2008


He had a local contact, a teacher I think in Shanghai that helped him organise the buying of the bike and rego etc. This will be important for you if you don't speak Mandarin. You need a local with a residency permit to buy a bike for you and get it registered.

Nothing is impossible but China as you are finding out does everything to make it difficult and expensive for us overlanders...
Don't bother with the driving licence, it's too complicated and you need a residency permit.
If you have a chinese visa and a permit for Lhasa/Tibet and other provinces (cantons) then you're not travelling illegally. I don't know all the permits you need so research this and keep getting quotes from travel agencies for the permits, but perhaps not the travel.
You will definitely need the permits, you may even need to join an organised tour then leave it and go on your own way once you've got your permits.
You don't need this as long as you avoid big cities you won't be checked for rego or a licence, see comment below.
You should go with a known and well used local model. This way you can get help from local mechanics and it will reduce the cost and the need for you to carry unnecessary tools.
See this thread for some good but dated info on buying in China.

Note what Farqhuar says and I quote: "I paid close to 4,000 yuan and am asking 2,000 - an absolute bargain. This is by far the cheapest way you can ride in China and the police do NOT check foreigners for licence and/or registration."

Rtw
 

Ha Ha sorry. We are still in planning stage. leave 2012. Subscribed to your posts and will add you to buddy list. We have travelled in Asia, but not by bike. We live in Vancouver so we will be starting with the America! Good luck!! Sara

I am planning something similar in April-June 2012. The vehicle is not exactly inconspicuous, it is a Unimog U500 with camper on the back. I have been in contact with a Chinese travel agency, Dietlhelm Travel for over a year, who specialize in "adventure travel". Naturally they stick to the mantra "need all the permits, guide etc etc."
I enquired about the route from Lhasa to kashgar via Kailas and they said the military area in the Aksai Chin is absolutely no-go. There is an alternative "road" though Ali but they are afraid of that road even in a Unimog. so they want me to leave Tibet via Golmud. After that I am planning to go to Sinkiang, incl. Kashgar via the desert roads, then Inner Mongolia, Outer Mongolia etc.
I think they think after Lhasa and the Everest area I'll be sick from the altitude and happy to drop down - they may be right.
Just my experience so far.

Charlie

TurboCharger - Thanks for wonderful and very helpful reply and thanks for the links. I am debating about the driving license thing as most people are suggesting to forget about getting a license but then I know someone who was riding without driving license was caught by police or army (don't remember) and was put in jail for 2 weeks..ultimately deported and banned from China for 5 years. This is the only reason I am pushing for driving license in China.. believe it or not I ride in Sydney without motorbike license :-)

m37charlie - Thanks for sharing your info as well. Aksai Chin is main reason that I want to go on this highway :-). Yep, heard that its a no go zone but then if you checkout youtube and Panoramio.. there are people who went on push-bike via Aksai Chin on highway 219.. and when you look at those pics.. I have never seen anything like that before :-).

I have emailed few of these push-bike riders a hoping to hear back from them with some useful information. Not sure if you guys are aware of 2 canadian brothers who went circumvating China.. this is the website MKride.

I even wrote to them but never heard back from them. They rode through Aksai Chin but they had support crew as well.Anyways, I have found them on a motorbike blog where they actively participate.. I post the question on that website :-)

Still not sure I will be doing it or not but hope I can. In december I had a bad injury in my right shoulder and I am prettymuch screwed.. haha!!.. so lets see :-)

Guys.. would you recommend any kind of GPS.. helmet with camera's.. compass or any other gadget that I must have with me for a trip like this..

Please advice :-)

No licence sure it's a risk, anywhere
 

You know that in AU riding/driving without a licence you can be fined $2200- for a 1st offense. Be warned.:nono:

I've heard about MK (Middle Kingdom) riders they posted some stuff on ADVRider I think they have a blog there as well.

Regarding helmet cams and gps, just do search for this, there are many threads on these topics.

Search Tip:
In Google type: "GPS site:.horizonsunlimited.com"

This will search only on HU and return all threads and discussions around GPS. You can do the same from 'helmet cam'.

I purchased the bikes from Galaxy Motorcycles near my home in Guangdong China.

Galaxy Home

Their website isn't so good, but the bike you want is called the XTR250ADV

http://www.galaxymotorcycle.com/comp...6c744b7561.jpg

I'm a full time resident, so it's possible to purchase on my own. Took a bit of paperwork and standing in line, but eventually got it done.

Good luck with your trip, but don't count on any advice you've been given that is more than 6 months old. This is China, and things have changed a lot in the last few years. You can probably get a temp license through an agency, but you will not get onto 219 without an official guide, unless you really blend in, and that's almost impossible.

Cheers!
ChinaV

Best of luck! If you're there September/October and see a black KLR650 whizzing past, give me a wave!:mchappy:

Thanks ChinaV, Your information is spot on and each time your reply elevates my plans to next level.

For license, what I understand is that if you are part of a touring group organized by travel company then no one will ever ask you for license check and temp driving license is done by travel agents only. So, no travel agent has experience on arranging temp driving license for an individual.

Anyone who is reading this post has any information or experience to share of riding in China without a license ???

I think i will open another thread of getting more info. on riding in china without a license.

LesK - Due to the difficulty and remoteness of 219, there is a possibility that I might be stuck on it till September.. so if you see me then please get me to save haven :-)

Hi imraali,

I don't have enough posts on the HUBB so I can't reply to your PM. Sorry to do this in public.

The Galaxy has a 13.5 Liter fuel tank and will easily go 350-400 kilometers. You don't need anything bigger than that.

The dual-sport tires that come on the bike are perfect for the roads you are thinking about. This is China man, be happy with anything you can get.

I might be able to help with the purchase of the bike, but I can only purchase vehicles for 6 months of each year. How's that for a f**'ed up rule.

The HUBB rocks, but mychinamoto.com is also a good source of info for China. I suggest you do some searches there.

Cheers!
ChinaV

Hi ChinaV -
Thanks once again for the detailed information which is again spot on :-)

I am checking out few other forums and still in touch with few travel agents in china. Recently I got in touch with a company in Guangzhou for temp driving license. They were very helpful in providing all information and quoted 5500 chinese yuan for temp driving license but unfortunately that license is only good for driving a car not a motorbike. I found them at this weblink - http://www.guangzhouexpatservicecenter.com. They said they cannot help in arranging a motorbike license.

If you can share infromation about driving license that will be much appreciated. Information as in, the cost, procedure to go through as a foreigner, etc, etc.

Now, few questions that are popping in my head are,

1. Is there anyway to carry fuel on Galaxy motorbike. I am not sure if I will see a petrol pump on the highway or someone selling petrol in glass bottles. What will be the best way to carry extra fuel?

2. The dilemma of driving license, to be or not to be.. that is the question. Due to the sensitivity of the highway I think it's good to have all papers in place. Do you know of anyone who travelled on motorbike with a license and had no bad experience? If there are stories like that then that will be encouraging.

3. Let's say if things work out and motorbike is purchased in Guangdong. How to transfer motorbike to Lhasa or Kashgar? Via train or ride to any one city?

I am still trying to motivate few friends to get on this motorbike tour with me but none seems to be tough enough to take up this challenge and it's a challenge for me to get trip buddies.. so fingers crossed and see whats happens :-)

imraali,

A 350-400 kilometer range is more than enough for anywhere in China. There's plenty of gas everywhere. You might have one or two days in the most remote parts where you just need to plan ahead a little, but no need to carry more fuel. Worst case, you can fill a couple 2 liter water bottles to get you through.

From what I've heard, 7500 Yuan will get you a MC license. You need a visa that is longer than 90 days and it takes 6-8 weeks to process, so you would need to make 2 trips to China to accomplish it. I won't say much about riding without a license, it's your call, you decide what's right for you. People do it, and other people do it, go to jail, and get deported.

You can transfer a bike to almost anywhere in China via the train for 500-1000 Yuan.

You have worked out the issue about having a full time guide? Don't bother trying to sneak through, along the way you will need to buy gas or stay in a hotel and they will most likely report you to the PSB, if they don't they risk fines and big trouble.

Cheers!
ChinaV

been there.. make sure you camp
 

Hey boys... you will love it.. one pic from my tibet from 2007http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/...1ddebbe5_o.jpg

i did xining to lhasa via yushu... almost all of it was illegal.. as was doing it without permits.

let m know if you got any questions that i might answer...!

Amoleji, have you got a blog/website/photo album ??

Imraali, ChinaV is one of the members of the forum dedicated to Chinese bikes MyChinaMoto.com - Chinese Community, Forum and News - Front Page He is considered dangerous and crazy and all of his advice should be ignored, and...ok, no he is one of our most knowledgeable members living in China and buying and reporting on the bikes he has purchased. He is our expert and guru!

You should join mychinamoto to let other Chinese-based members chime in, too, so at least you have contacts there if you need them. Another bike to consider might be the Qingqi 250 (ChinaV has one of those, too) at least from a comparison point of view. However, the Galaxy is a top notch bike and ChinaV has extensive experience with his.

China and mongolia July 2011
 

Hi,

Me and my partner are driving our 4x4 from Nepal into Tibet and then China and Mongolia.

Our intended dates are as follows: Nepal into Tibet 10 July and then from China into Mongolia - erenhot border on 31 July. We welcome anyone else who may want to join us. We're not the fastest vehicle in the world - speed will be 70kmh and the journey will be a transit - some sights to see in Tibet, but then we're just putting in the miles!

I can send a more detailed route to anyone intersted.

Thanks

Mark

Update from my end :-)
 

I am back :-)

Hello Everyone... Its been a while and I see few people have taken interest in my post but unfortunately still there is no one willing to join me and travel with me on this journey :-(.. That's a let down!!!

Anyways, I have done more R&D and I was away to NZ for a 10 day Solo motorbike across the whole country. I did 3000 kms in 9 days, this was a test for myself to check if I can pull together my much anticipated China motorbike trip. One thing I learned is that I cannot do the China Trip alone major reason is due to my Shoulder injury which was a bit of problem on my NZ motorbike trip!!!

As per my research for China.. attaining a driving license for motorbike in China seems like a distance dream if you are on a tourist visa. As for the permits, here is the weblink with the best details on what permit I would require if I am travelling solo across sensitive areas of China.. Tibet Train Permit (TTP), Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit -- Book all the documents from China Train Tickets. Net!.

Thanks to ChinaV, the motorbike is sorted. I know what I need in China to ride and I believe its the best thing to buy your own instead of renting it out.

I am in touch with zillions of chinese tour company's but their price quotes are outrageous.. I am in negotiations these days.. In my kind of situation.. with limited time onHand and wanting to do a closely impossible motorbike ride I think its best to tie myself up with a tour company. However, I am still open if anyone is willing to join me.. the more the merrier and make this happen.. I think this trip will be awesome if done by yourself but if left with no option but to join a tour company then thats what I got to do :-)

I am hoping to here back from enthusiastic adventure bikers or beginners like myself who wants to do something out of ordinary motorbike ride :-)

Maybe if there is a group travelling in a 4WD/Camper Van and I can be on a motorbike and tag along with you guys.. that will work too.. It can work as well.. I can be a great travel companion :-)

Hope to hear back from people who are keen :-)


Fingers crossed :-)

Cheers.

Other tour groups to join
 

I've done a lot of research and there are a number of tours already booked with agents from China. Two companies in particular have offered me places on tours that have already been booked, at reasonable prices for China, for about£2500 for a 30-35 day tour.

NAVO have a group of 4 Swiss bikers entering from Kyrgyzstan second week of September, riding down route 219 and exiting into Nepal.

Panorama Tour Co has an Austrian couple in their 4x4 in first week of Sept, Kyrgyzstan, 219 and exit Laos, 39 days.

Joining either of these groups is possible. I enter from Kyrgyz' 26th August but have decided to travel alone, which actually means I have to pay a 4x4 to follow my route, at great expense. It's costly, but I'm happier with my own company in such situations. Hope this might be of some help!

Les K

Thanks Les
 

Hi Les -
Mate, you are a life-saver . The information you have shared is invaluable for me :-)

I contacted NAVO, they are quite well established on net for motorbike tours in China but I didnt get a reply back to my email from them.

Please advice how can I join one of the 2 groups that you have mentioned in your post. To be honest, your travel dates fits better with my holidays time-off, incase you do not mind to have travel company in China, I will be honoured to join hands with you in China :-) Happy to split the travel,support vehicle costs. Please give it a consideration.

Waiting to hear back from you.

Cheers,
Imran

Selfish but adamant
 

Hi, I have to be totally honest that I don't really want to do my tour through China with other people. I'm more than happy to meet people on the road, maybe ride a day or so together, but not keen on sharing My Tibetan Odyssey.

I have been offered places by NAVO Tour Co and Panorama Tour Co for the time of year you require. I turned both of these down to travel through Tibet on the 219 alone, but the tours had been confirmed and a deposit paid. Panorama can be a bit slow in replying but NAVO have been very on the ball with me. Try again using: zhuoyun.li@navo-tour.com She isn't the one in charge of the Swiss bikers making their own tour, but is my contact and has proved invaluable in organising my tour.

Sorry I can't provide your salvation.

Les K

Thanks
 

Hi Les -
Thanks for all the details. Don't worry about salvation, you have given me enough to resurrect my dreams :-).

I dropped email to Zhuonyun from Navo. Hope to hear back from her soon. I will try Panorama after a day.

If you don't mind to share, can I ask you how much it is costing you to have a support vehicle follow you and doing it alone. The quotes that I got where from $8000-$10000 USD. It is completely out of my reach. If your price is much lower than probably I will do a solo by myself :-)

Cheers,
Imran

Wrong thread
 

Hi, Sorry but I exit China into Laos and will probably not get into Nepal this trip. It might serve you better to ask your question in another thread, or have a good look through those already started.

Hi again, my price isn't any lower. I didn't go for the cheapest though, I think generally you get what you pay for. So far NAVO have far exceeded anyone else for efficiency and professionalism. This will be the only time in my life I attempt this particular trip, so I don't mind paying. Having had a horse journey through Rajastan ruined by an unknown group, they booked onto a tour I was on, I won't take the risk again. I don't do organised stuff as a rule, but if that's the only way, I want to enjoy myself.

http://<a onblur="try {parent.desele...131074" /></a>

Did you manage to cross Nepal into Tibet. What route did you take, and how much organising was involved with guides etc...

We're hoping to cross by bicycle, but only next year.