Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
China is open China is open
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Closed Thread
Page 1 of 7 1 234567
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Berlin
Posts: 58
China is open
Hi
we crossed the border between Sary Tash, Kyrgystan, and Kashgar, China, 4 days ago.
The border is Irkeshtam.
The only thing we needed was a 30 day tourist visa and an international driving licence.
No chinese guide, nor chinese driving licence nor chinese number plates.
Border is officially open since may 22 2004.
That's what one border guy (the only one speaking english) told us.

We were TOLD to spread the message:
Welcome to China!


Goetz & Karen


------------------
ïóòü = öåëü
  #2  
Old 4 Aug 2004
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
Thats excellent Goetz.
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
  #3  
Old 4 Aug 2004
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Tokyo
Posts: 147
Goetz, thanks for posting this. It is VERY interesting. Can others confirm this, to make sure it is not just a mistake by the border guards in Kashgar?

Butch in Shanghai, are you out there? Have you heard anything about this? If it's true then it is very big news. I'd love to ride from here (Ulaanbaatar) to Beijing.

-Scott
  #4  
Old 5 Aug 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,299
See http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000191.html for Norbert Berentz's story on travelling through China - 4 months, no problems.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
  #5  
Old 5 Aug 2004
TBR-China's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CHINA...
Posts: 1,016
G'Day,

to my knowledge no changes regarding travelling in China with bikes/cars coming from other countries.
Harley Owners Group Hong-Kong is just preparing two rides in Mainland China again and will cost them dearly once again after all the paperwork is completed and those police escorts.

you still need a guide / temporary plates / temporary driving license. they do not recognise international / foreign driving license in China.

there are some incidents were lucky people came across the border into China and cruised around without hassles. there is always the danger of getting the bike confiscated or end up with more seriuos troubles with the PSB/Police.

we crossed from China into Mongolia Russia by truck & boat (bikes on boat) as well a couple of years ago by paying borderguards but would not do this again.......

Scott, send me an e-mail, like to ask you something, shanghai_bikers @ yahoo.com

best regards, seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere......
BUTCH
www.butchshanghai.com

[This message has been edited by butchman (edited 05 August 2004).]

[This message has been edited by butchman (edited 05 August 2004).]

[This message has been edited by butchman (edited 05 August 2004).]
__________________
Somewhere down the road in China since '89 ~ along the route I've learned the hard way that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake....TBR
  #6  
Old 6 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Berlin
Posts: 58
Hi Scott
no confirmation.
The border guy told us, we were the very first to cross this border with motorcycle the last four years.
The most interesting question at that border was: what authorizes you to go around worldwide with a motorcycle?
We answered: we are interested in other cultures and we got an international driving licence. He could read english, so we got through.

Someone else out there has to give it a try

Karen + Goetz

------------------
ïóòü = öåëü
  #7  
Old 6 Aug 2004
TBR-China's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CHINA...
Posts: 1,016
G'Day,

watch out at the other end..leaving China with bikes! good luck and if you ever make it to Shanghai, send e-mail shanghai_bikers @ yahoo.com (put the e-mail address together).

best regards, seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere...
BUTCH
www.butchshanghai.com

__________________
Somewhere down the road in China since '89 ~ along the route I've learned the hard way that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake....TBR
  #8  
Old 7 Aug 2004
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
Last year Mark M from Utrecht tried to cross at the Tourgart Pass from Kygystan to China on his DR800. He had a tourist visa only and was sent back into Kyrgystan. it would be great if it was open as the possibility to ride from Thailand to Europe Via Vietnam, China and Mongolia is appealing.
cheers
alec

http://users.netlink.com.au/~asimpson
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
  #9  
Old 8 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Berlin
Posts: 58
well we tried to leave China today. Unfortunately we gotta be back in Berlin 01.10.04 But no exit via Torugart Pass. First the border is closed during the weekend and second:
You need an EXIT permit if you go via torugart. First time I need an exit permit. Seems to be a special place.
We try to get the permit in Kashgar thru a travel agency. Tell U how it worked

Karen + Goetz
  #10  
Old 11 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Berlin
Posts: 58
we got out of China, but we had to pay about 165 U$ for 2 people just to get the permit, a driver and a guide to go over the Torugart Pass from China to Kyrgystan. Without a guide they will stop you 85 km before the border.
Actually you're supposed to get a kyrgys party as well to pick you up at the border (another 100 U$) but we could at least skip that. Asking the kyrgyz borderguys they told us we don't need another escort. So we went without them.
Back to Bishkek again

Karen + Goetz

------------------
ïóòü = öåëü
  #11  
Old 12 Aug 2004
baswacky's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 127
According to my copy of Lonely Planet's Central Asia (2000) Torugart Pass is listed as "Asia's most unpredictable border posts, with reliable information scarce, many decisions taken seemingly at random, and unexpected closures by both sides". I wonder if it would have been easier (cheaper?) to leave by another crossing point? Hopefully I might out for myself in a couple of years.
  #12  
Old 12 Aug 2004
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
Karen & Goetz or anyone else:

What are your thoughts on being able to enter China via Kyrgystan and continuing to Pakistan at the top of the Karakoram Highway? If this area of China is still accessible in another year this could be a desirable way to cross Asia versus the southern route through southern Iran & Pakistan. Is this a feasible route? I will be doing this trip in another year.

Dave



[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 11 August 2004).]
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/
  #13  
Old 12 Aug 2004
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
Dave, a belgian couple did Kygystan, kashgar Pakistan last year but with the guide and $$. It would be a great way to go as it is spectactular in Kygystan and along the KKH.
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
  #14  
Old 14 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Berlin
Posts: 58
well going the KKH is feaseble from Kashgar. We rode down to Tashkurgan where we were stopped 120 before the border. Without a Pakistan Visum no way to cross that point. Sensitive border area. With Paki visum you can go ahead, no permits needed.
Whilst waiting for things to happen at the torugart border we had a chat with our guide concerning the borders around Kashgar.
Torugart is rated 2nd class (chinese / kyrgyz only). Therefore you need a special permit.
The Kulan Pass from Tajikistan NW of Tashkurgan is 1st class, Irkeshtam and the road from Urumqi to Kasakstan as well.
Khunjerab is also international.

BUT: EVERYONE in Kashgar who had to do with traveling told us, we were just lucky to get into China without nearly everything.
I would not count on it crossing into China like us.

Karen + Goetz

------------------
ïóòü = öåëü
  #15  
Old 16 Aug 2004
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
We met a Czech Aussie biker in Vientiane travelling on a KLR650. He had a Chinese visa already and rocked up to the Chinese border and they let him through - no probs!
Check out www.travelledaround.com for more info.
Closed Thread
Page 1 of 7 1 234567

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:25.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top