Western China (G219) and Tibet - August 2013
 

Happy New Year All,

Looking for a small group of 4 riders plus 1 4x4 (willing to let the Chinese guide travel with them :) ).

Planning to enter China from Kyrgyzstan (Torugart pass) on 20 Aug 2013, then to Kashgar and Kargilik, pick up the G219 all the way down to Lhatse in Tibet. Exit China at border with Nepal at Zhangmu. Would consider including Lhasa if sufficient interest.

Duration: 25 days

Distance: approx. 2,800 kms

Camping: as much as possible

Chinese Tour Company: NAVO

Cost: approx. GBP 1,022 (for group of 6: 5 riders plus 1 4x4)

Hi!
Can you tell me what these costs cover? Just the permits?
I am planning an overland trip to Oz, and China sounds very tempting, but it seems also difficult to enter and expensive... I read so many different things about it, you need a Chinese drivers license, chinese registration... can you tell me more, cause its all 'chinese' to me at this point...
Thanks! Hope to hear more!

Hi Charlemagne

We want to cross China Mongolia-Nepal and have a 4x4 camper but no spare seat we have a closed in space which would carry a M/C gear if the guide would travel on a bike just a thought

Dave

.
Hi Charle,

That price you quote, GBP 1,022.

Is that the cost for each of the sub groups?
ie, 1 x person on a motorcycle = GBP 1,022
2 x persons in a 4x4 also GBP 1,022 (which would carry the guide)

Just trying to work out your plan.

vette
pm sent

Bumperty bump,

Hi Charle,

did you get the PM ?

vette

visas
 

Just as a word of warning - for Tibet travel, keep an eye on visa requirements, which are a bit of a moving target. Last we looked at them (about a month ago), visas were only being issued to groups of 5+ travellers OF THE SAME NATIONALITY, and individuals with residence permits in China were being denied.

Your agency should be following this and able to tell you what the current status is (which is likely to have changed from the above), but do be aware that it can and does change frequently.

HTH!

Hi Charlie

Have you seen Discover 4x4 we are now thinking to possibly going this way to India

Dave

Update
 

Apologies for the delay in reply - have been travelling with limited internet...

@ tuohtroc - the cost covers everything. You don't have to do a thing apart from turning up on your bike with the required visa. Navo is an experienced travel company and will complete the bureaucracy on our behalf. But I have to say that this is starting to look like a non-starter as not enough people interested.

@ Dave Seager-Thomas - Navo will not allow the guide to take a bike, has to be 4x4 so another huge expense! Thanks for the link to Discover 4x4 - I may well consider this given the lack of interest in this proposed route.

@ Vette - have sent you PM. How are your plans progressing?

@ travel4four - yes, the situation in Tibet is extremely sensitive and little wonder China wants to restrict entry, which makes it even more important to travel there! We shall persevere!

Charles

Thanks for your answer anyway!
There has been a change in my plans as well, I will probably not leave europe before decembre 2013. But plans can change, so please keep me informed if you do find more people! I would also love to see Tibet...

Hi there,

My wife and I were planning to ride from Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan in August 2013 and are starting to look at booking the china leg of our trip. We would be definately interested in joining this group to Nepal as tibet/Nepal sounds more appealing to us than Pakistan due to the security issues. We are travelling 2 up on one bike. How likely is trip to go ahead? How many people to you have so far?

James

Details From NAVO
 

Hi Charles -

I emailed you the updated details from my end. Do reply when you get a chance and let me know your thoughts!

This year this route seems more difficult to do than last year!

Thanks,
Imran

Hi Charles,

Sounds like an interesting trip surely worth considering.
I suppose some further preparation is required.
What bike do you take how?

Do you think this trip will happen or is time getting short?
Would like to get some additional info.

Thanks,
Leo

Tibet Sept 2013
 

Hi all

We planning Tibet in Sept 2013, is anyone going is the trip full or is there room for one more.
We do have a spare seat for the guide if this is still required.

Travelling in a 4X4 truck.

Fearless (robert)
Around the World by 4WD

Hi Robert -

Where are you entering into China. the Stans or Nepal?

Is there anyone on motorbikes tagging along with you?

Thanks,
Imran

We plan to enter from Kyrgystan around end of Aug/early september, leaving via Nepal
No sofar no motorbikes however possible 1 more truck.

Cheers
Fearless
Can contact me on outbush@westnet.com.au

Update as of 14th March 2013
 

This trip is looking more positive now as a group appears to be emerging:

1. myself - 1 rider - definite starter;
2. Imran (@imraali) - 1 rider - possible starter;
3. James (@Markoja) - 2up - possible starters;
4. Fearless - 2 or 4 people with 1 or 2 4x4, possible starters, willing to take the Chinese guide;
5. Leo (@leonardo) - has expressed an interest. Send me PM Leo if you have any specific questions. Re bike, I will be riding an R1200 GSA.

Lisa @ NAVO will be arranging all of the bureaucracy for us - we just have to show up with our vehicles at the Touragart Pass in Kyrgyzstan on 20 Aug 2013.

There is still time for this trip to happen but we will have to pick up the momentum somewhat. If anyone else would like to join us then do please get in touch ASAP.

I also have a new Chinese contact who will be able to advise on Tibet and the chances of obtaining permits and will post a further update once I hear from him.

Charles

Tibet to nepal
 

Hi Charles

Great news

Pls email me
Outbush@westnet.com.au

Cheers
Robert and clary Van Den Hoven
(Fearless)

I'm the other possible truck ... Charlemagne, have you read PMs? I can't email through here.

My email is epictardis at gmail.com

We are Australian registered 4wd truck currently in UK traveling home. Aim to leave UK in 3 weeks. Current progress is Pakistan visas issued in Aus for KKH contingency. Iran visas refused after 7 weeks of waiting, to be resubmitted when Foreign Affairs re-opens after 5th April. Russia visas (fallback) in process.

Basic planning at Julian & Ali Travels

@Charlemagne,
Is it too late to be part of your group?
Thank you
Guillaume

Update as of 18 May 2013
 

@ cardpostale: Yes Guillaume, it is still possible to join, will send you PM with itinerary and approx. costs.

We are still a group of 4-5 so anyone else wishing to join us please get in touch.

Looking to pay the 20% deposit to NAVO (see www.navo-tour.com) by 15 June 2013 and the balance by 22 July 2013. Meeting point will be the Kyrgyzstan/Chinese border at the Turugart Pass on 22 August 2013.

Hi Charles

We are going for our Iranian Visa's on the 3rd June if they are refused we may like to join you if possible. do you know about Tibet yet or are you going KKH? Have you any costs? Does anyone know how to get the full 6 months in India as the Visa will be half expired by the time we get to the border?

Dave Seager-Thomas

Hi Charlemagne,
it is great news for us! Please send me the details in a PM. We are available for a phone call if you want to know us a bit.
Thank you
Guillaume

@ cardpostale: Yes Guillaume - I emailed the details to you yesterday so have just re-sent the email again now. Would be great to speak on the phone so I will arrange this in due course.

@ Dave Seager-Thomas: Just emailed itinerary and costs to you Dave. Good luck with Iran visa but bear in mind that as the Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Iran that may invalidate your travel insurance. Indian visa kicks in from date of issue rather than date of arrival which I agree is not ideal. I guess the only way round this is to apply enroute closer to your date of entry.

Hi Charlie

No new emails on the hubb or dave@ds-t.co.uk.

Dave

Dave - both emails re-sent to dave@ds-t.co.uk just now, hope you receive this time!

Update as of 9th July 2013
 

I'm pleased to report that this trip is now confirmed, if anyone else would like to join us you will be most welcome, just send me a PM.

We are a group of three: myself plus Fearless. Meeting point is Torugart Pass (Kyrgyzstan/Chinese border) on Thursday 22nd August 2013. Finish date is Monday 16th September at Zhangmu (Nepal/Chinese border), a total of 26 days.

We are going with China Overland (China Overland | China Driving Travel | China Self-Driving) and you can download the itinerary below - we will be camping as much as possible. Feel free to ask any questions.

Charles

Hi,

I guess you guys are still on the road somewhere, but hope you have an opportunity to respond?!

I'm currently in the planning stage. From this thread, you originally were going with Navo, then it appears you went with China Overland.

Was there a specific reason why plans changed or you chose one over the other?
What were you experiences with China Overland?

Thanks in advance...

Changed back to Navo!
 

Welcome,

We were indeed going ahead with China Overland but hit a snag at the last moment which forced us to return to Navo. Amazingly, I had my first accident in 31 years in Kazakhstan so have had to pause my travels for a while. The trip continued and you are welcome to get in touch with Fearless who are very experienced in overland travel and will give you a good rundown on their experience with Navo in China and Tibet.

Good luck with your planning.

Charles

Thanks for reply. Our plans are proceeding well, looks like China Overland have a group built and we hope to be crossing Sept / Oct this year.