Originally Posted by Channey

We have just travelled through XinJing region of China a couple of weeks ago with Newland Travel. They are not cheap but a great company to deal with. The guide/driver were great guys. We travelled 11 days in China and covered a lot of distance. We entered China through the Tekeshenken border in the Altay region, and exited through Touragart Pass to Kyrgyzstan. Both borders are not frequented by foreigners, so there is extra cost / red tapes.

XinJing is an unstable region of China, and we saw police and army carrying machine guns and batten in many towns. While most people were OK, we encounter quite afew unfriendly local Chinese, and a couple of nasty border army and police. I was a bit disappointed with the scenery. Overall, it is not worth the money or hassles. But I am only talking about XinJing region.

If you still want to travel to China, I would suggest you give Newland travel a try. Details as follow:
www.newlandtravel.net
email Mamatjan at newlandtraveller@hotmail.com

Originally Posted by Tomos

If you give China a miss, due to costs, what new route do you propose?

Originally Posted by Tom Bon 865

Gday David,

Im planning a trip in April 2013, from London to Turkey on a bike purchased in London. When are you planning on commencing your trip mate? Sounds like a fairly similar route.

Would be great to compare notes
Cheers
Tom

Originally Posted by kyleadrutledge@hotmail.com

Hey David

We are currently planning on driving from Aus to the uk next August there are 3 of us and we are having similar problems... What route to take one you get hrough Thiliand? We are actually considering flying the bikes over china and continuing on from Mongolia/Russia as this seems to be the more straightforward route bar the Russian visa but at least ordinary people can afford it. Any ideas on this would be appriciated??

Thanks

Originally Posted by davidsmotorcycletravels

Today I received email from another Chinese tour company informing me they have found a travel partner for me through China. The travel partner turns out to be a group of two adults and four children travelling in a large vehicle. No details beyond that.

Their charges quote is as follows - 1 X person and 1 X motorbike =
Euro 12,881 ($15,217 AUD) for me travelling alone.

BUT if I am to travel with this other group the charges are -
1 X person and 1 X motorbike
= Euro 9552 ($11,284 AUD)

The cost of importing a vehicle, obtaining a Chinese licence, temporary vehicle registration and insurance must be expensive.

The same amount is being charged to the other group so the total payable to the tour company is 19,104 Euro for guiding the tour for 30 days. This is nothing short of a ripoff (15,016 GBP, 23,590 USD, 22,568 AUD). Especially when it is for a guide only - no vehicle or driver required. This does not include visa fees, meals and accommodation for myself, the guide and driver. Along with admission fees, tours, personal expenses and a TIP is expected for the guide at the end????

The whole process is inflexible and expensive. China self-drive travel appears to be beyond the reach of ordinary people and these tour companies appear to be cashing in.

I am now seriously thinking of giving China a miss - go where travellers are welcome.

Originally Posted by MOGGY

Hello David

I'm interested in UK to OZ. I have relatives in China and OZ and friends in Nepal

Kind Regards
John

Originally Posted by davidsmotorcycletravels

G'day
.... I want to see as much as I can. My early plan was Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand (heading toward Bangkok then east toward Cambodia), southern Cambodia, Vietnam (Voyage Vietnam Mototours organising vehicle entry permits etc.), Laos and then China, and so forth. China is proving to be expensive and very restrictive so looking other options.

David

Originally Posted by MOGGY

Hello David

I'm interested in UK to OZ. I have relatives in China and OZ and friends in Nepal

Kind Regards
John

Originally Posted by olionel

Hello;

I will be doing the UK to OZ route through Iran - Pak - India etc etc starting next April (2013) we will be messing around Europe and Turkey till September then enter Iran (if all goes to plan).. I wana travel Turkey quite thoroughly. Will eventually get to S.E. Asia.. you mention Voyage Vietnam..do they arrange entry for big bikes? I was planning on leaving the bike in Laos or Cambodia and backpack Vietnam or hire another bike as entry is not allowed for any bike not registered there first or something or other. If your route plan changes this way round might bump in to you en-route.

Have fun!
Oli