UK to Cambodia 2014
 

I would start in the latter half of May, wrap it up in August.
The plan: fly from native US to UK, buy bike, ride to Kyrgyzstan ("wild" camping most nights); I feel that I have a handle on the route practicalities up through this point.

The major obstacle: China.

My idea is to sell the bike in Kyrgyzstan (Osh or Bishkek) and make my way to Kashgar, preferably (hitch in a truck, perhaps), or possibly Urumqi, circumstances dictating. Once in a Xinjiang city, buy a moto and obtain the necessary paperwork (provisional license). Is this possible? I have no idea what I'm doing. From reading around the 'net this seems like a definite maybe, but easier than trying to bring a bike in and riding through. Then it's Xinjiang - Qinghai - Sichuan - Yunnan - Laos - Thailand - Cambodia.

I'd like to incorporate some fundraising for a certain orphanage in Phnom Penh, but I haven't told the founder yet - I want to make sure that this is feasible first! If not, I'll probably head from Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia. Thanks for any and all responses.

At present, China's out. Thinking I'll sell the bike in Kyrgyzstan and fly to BKK.

Yep, riding entire China from the Stans to Laos would set you back very serious money. A couple years ago I inquired this from a tour agency in China, and the quote (including paperwork, guide, 4x4 for the guide, and 5-6 participants riding their own motorcycles) was over 12.000 euros for 5 weeks inside China - but as I said, that was only a quote.

And thru the westernmost part to Karakoram Highway and Pakistan should be quicker and cheaper. Several travellers have done that.

Hi there,

not sure how set your plan now are about selling your bike and skipping China but, just so you know, we have a group of overlanders (some bikes, other 4wds) crossing China for 30 days from Kyrg to Laos in Aug.

Also, whilst the initial quote may be inflated (they're dreamin'), crossing with others to share the major costs (guide fee!), 10-strong group can do this for about $2,000 each.
Anyway, if you're still humming about the idea, let me know!
Cheers
Laura