Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
Enterning China via Karakoram Highway (KKH) - timing Enterning China via Karakoram Highway (KKH) - timing
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Enterning China via Karakoram Highway (KKH) - timing
Hi there,

I am currently researching when we will enter China for our trip to Australia (fromm UK) in a Land Rover Defender. All the books and advice seems to point to September being the best time to travel this road. I just wanted to double check this with those who have experience of this.

This is actually one of the key parts to the planning, as it will most probably be our most major time restraint, so I want to make sure that it is not a big factor in the trip.

I would like to aim to start the KKH at the beginning of September, with a view to be in China by the 1st October. Can any one see any issues with this?


Thanks for the info

Cheers
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Nov 2007
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Thumbs up Kkh
Hi Ollie,

cant advise on the time frame but every time there is a good rainstorm, parts of the nothern, (Besham, northwards), KKH get closed by rockslides. We were stuck for 5 days at Pattan while the road was re-blasted at one point where the road "slipped" down the mountain.

The Chinese border also closes on Oct 15th for (tourist?) traffic.

Have you checked if the customs at Taskorgan can process your vehicle into China?
When we exited via Taskorgan, all the paperwork was done in Kashgar. Facilities are very limited at Tash. The town and every thing in it, more or less shuts down for winter.

Good Chinese weathers listing here: China : Weather Underground

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Nov 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
You might want to try the caravan cafe in Kashgar (CaravanCafé:HOME) for up to date info. They have a fairly regular stream of tourists passing through on their way from the KKH to the Torugart Pass
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Thanks for the info
The caravan cafe is now closed (or in take over maybe). Either way, Steve put me in touch with his Chinese contacts who have given me a quote. I have dropped them a mail regarding the timing too, just waiting to hear back.

Hopefully the agency will take care of all the visa stuff, exspecially given the amount they charge! It's still not confirmed that we will definately go, but I really want to.

The other option is to drive the vehicle to Bangladesh and ship from there to Thailand, and fly back to China to back pack for 6 weeks.

Ideally we'll enter China though.

Cheers
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Nov 2007
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
"The other option is to drive the vehicle to Bangladesh and ship from there to Thailand, and fly back to China to back pack for 6 weeks."

A much better idea imho. I've spent 9 months in China before, and crossed the KKH into Pakistan around the first week of October. China is quite interesting, but I can't see any real benefit in driving around there - it's a huge country, you have to have your minder with you at all times when driving and the public transport is good. There isn'y any hope of bush camping etc in most places. And the stress of having to organise the paperwork isn't much fun.

Northern Pakistan is simply stunning and if the situation is ok when your there it's well worth spending a month up there. The North West part of China (which is like Tibet, except the people are Muslim so you don't hear about it so much!) is also quite interesting - desert mainly, but you won't be able to poke around at all - you will have a set schedule and need to do about 350km a day and will be greatly over charged for the privilege.

So shipping and backpacking is the best idea ihmo - but if you do try to go - haggle the price like mad. Give a very low price and just stick to that for a while and see what happens.....
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Nov 2007
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
The caravan cafe is now closed (or in take over maybe). Either way, Steve put me in touch with his Chinese contacts who have given me a quote. I have dropped them a mail regarding the timing too, just waiting to hear back.

Hopefully the agency will take care of all the visa stuff, exspecially given the amount they charge! It's still not confirmed that we will definately go, but I really want to.
Ollie, try Abdul Wahab at addultour at yahoo.com

I found the Muslim guys to be much more realistic for charges than the Chinese... just my opinion...

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Ooh great ....
Thanks for that John. I'll pop an email now and see what I get back.

I think the back packing idea could be a goer as well. After reading your post Darrin, I checked the latest shipping and it would seem to be about $1000 to ship to Thailand, which was cheaper than I'd thought. I have dropped na email to the agent, but does any one have an idea about how long that shipping would take?

If we did that then we would fly into China. This might mean we are not there when the Landy arrives in thailand. Does any one know how much we would be charged to store it in Thailand and whther this would cause an issue with customs clearance? All this I have asked the agent, so I may be able to answer my own questions soon.

Still got a year to make up our minds about this part, but this is the key and most probably last bit to fall into place.

Oh, and would we be mad to drive up the KKH to the Chinese border and then turn back and head to Bangladesh? Haven't looked into that at all, just an idea that has popped into my head.

Again, thanks for the handy advice.

Cheers
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Email address bounced back
Hi John,

addultour at yahoo.com didn't work. Did I misunderstand?

Thanks
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Nov 2007
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
addultour at yahoo.com didn't work. Did I misunderstand?
Nope. Just my crap typing

abdultour at yahoo.com

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How to come into China over the KKH Langi Northern and Central Asia 8 27 Feb 2008 13:31
KARAKORAM Highway Stefan007 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 7 1 Nov 2006 20:38
Karakoram Highway ---Let's GO! tonygs2000 Travellers Seeking Travellers 4 1 Apr 2005 03:15
The Karakoram Highway gilesbristow West and South Asia 2 12 Dec 2000 20:28
Karakoram highway legall Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 2 Jul 2000 05:11

 
 

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.

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. 11-14
  • 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 02:25.

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