China - Tibet route re-opens
 

For those planning for this area, see this link:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/india/stor...801550,00.html

Extract:
India and China have signed an agreement to resume trade across the Himalayas along an ancient artery of the Silk route that has been blocked for 44 years.
Giant warehouses and roads have been constructed on both sides of the 4,500m (14,900ft) Nathu La pass, which once accounted for 80% of the border trade between the two neighbours. A border dispute pushed India and China into a bloody, high-altitude war in 1962. This led to the closure of the route, which runs from Sikkim to Tibet.

John

That's good news, but doesn't resolve the problem with bringing our bikes into China. One day...

Well, I have been working on that as I am planning a trip next year and there may be a bit of light in the tunnel.
To do it legaly, you need all the permits, license, bike tag. Thats $6-700 usd and thats not cheap and it does not include the visa.
An agent I was talking to said that included in this money was the 3rd party insurance for the bike - about $80.

The killer is the guide - $100-150 per day!
In a land where people earning $25 a week is good, this seems to be way too high.
This agent informed me that, and I quote:
"it's ok if you travel alone only if you sign a contract with us to say that you promise not to break any chinese law and be responsible for any future accident if any by yourself"

Now that seems like a chink of light! What do you think?

hello redboot

that sounds great. how far are you with planing?

we are 3 motorbikers that plan to go to china next year as well.

are you still in contact with this agent? where is he located? can you give us contact informations?

thanx ralph

Ho Ho Ho! Was that intentional?
Les

Hi,
It sounds like there are a couple of us planning a similar route across China.
Have you looked into how guide costs change with group size?
We're 2 bikes, probably crossing from Kazakhstan to India, leaving Almaty at about the end of July 07.
Would you be interested in joining up for this part of the trip and sharing some costs?
Charles

I'm hoping for something similar. Stans for May june july. Tibet for August sept. Nepal for oct nov.

Just starting to figure it out. There doesn't seem to be much time.

Its open only for trade. i was there in end of Nov 2006 and inquired about riding thru the pass. Civilians arent allowed, although the govt is looking at options

a bit of light
 

Can you give me the adress of this agent please, I am planning to do a similar trip from Mongolia, China Tibet Nepal
This is the first positive message on the possibility to realise my dream
Please,
Pol

As part of a charity ride, I am riding to Tianjin for a Belgium company, also entering from Mongolia.

The cost of the guide mentioned above will be including a 4x4.