Crossing from India to China (on the way to Laos)
 

Hi,

I'm planning a trip from the UK to Malaysia next year, and trying to avoid China as much as possible (the guide fees seem a bit excessive), so I'm hoping to go through Iran, Pakistan, across India as much as possible, then a short(ish) hop across China and into Laos to avoid Myanmar.

Does anyone know if the border is open at Diphu Pass? It's in the far east of India, where Myanmar, China and India meet.

If not, does anyone know of any other crossings to China in the north east of India?

Cheers

Looks like it's probably a no go..
I know that the border is apparently open a Sikkim (although apparently only for specially licensed traders from the region, but it looks like there is no way for foreigners to cross over the border. Alternatives seem to be to go through Pakistan (which is way too far for me - can't afford the guide all the way from there to Laos) or through Nepal into Tibet, which has its own problems - need to be part of a group, need a special permit, and may have difficulty getting from Tibet into the rest of China.

I'll probably end up going to Kathmandu, Kolkata, or Dhaka and shipping to Thailand by air. Bit of a bummer, I really wanted to go overland all the way:frown:

Oh well... this info is all from either the Lonely Planet forum or this one - no official word anywhere. If anyone know otherwise, please update me.

Edit: Thanks for the link, looks like you found it out before I did... :)

Leaving Tibet was the easy part for us. You need a guide everywhere in China.