Hi there Jimmy46 - in this deal, is the bike considered one group and the car is considered the other group? Seems rather unfair that the "car group" pays the same as the "bike group"?

I think the way to make China manageable is (a) shortest possible path (b) largest possible group. Arranging a big group is never going to be easy but the traveller always has some options for route.

At 23 days, this route is longer than it needs to be and consequently expensive :(

Myanmar is starting to thaw out these days. Maybe we can look forward to some competition against the Chinese monopoly in the future.

cheers

Alternatives
 

Jimmy46

Tomos and myself appear to be the only two who are flexible about which direction we travel in. Either way it involves freighting the bike and ourselves in one direction whether it be AUS to UK or vise versa.

The reason for my post has always been to offset the cost of crossing China by joining with other genuine starters crossing China in 2013. The direction or route in which I cross does not matter as much. I am not gong to pay $14,000 USD to cross by myself.

There have been a few Aussies and a few Brits express interest but nothing concrete yet.

If I understand Tomos correctly he would entertain the prospect of crossing China from Mongolia to Laos as would I if that is the only interest being shown.

The only positive about starting in AUS is that we would be travelling through South East Asia before the monsoon whereas travel the other way would be straight into the monsoon.

If we continue to communicate I am sure will find a cost effective way to cross China.

Cheers
David

Alternatives
 

Hello

The quickest and shortest way to cross China would be to ride on highways from Mongolia to Laos - which motorbikes are not allowed to do. Bikes are also banned from parts of the major cities.

Don't know that I am looking for quick and short anyway - it's all about the journey. Three to four weeks crossing China is a fair effort on roads that rate between poor to fair.

I have sought quotes from every guide company I could find on the net and all the quotes are very much the same or very close.

Assuming four bikes and a 4 X 4 the costs come down to $3,500 USD approx.
Still expensive.

Got one Brit, Tomos, who is a genuine starter - still looking for more. Still undecided as to direction of travel or route.

Cheers
David

Transit China
 

Hi David, subject to timing I am 100% committed to traveling through China.My preferred route is Mongolia to Laos. I know its not going to be less than £2000 plus my costs ( food, fuel and accommodation) and could be 50% more.On the subject of duration I cannot see why you would want to pay all this money then race through China without drawing breath, 30 days would seem to be the norm for this route, I was told that adding a bike to a 4x4 trip would add a few days as bikes are not allowed on expressways.
Just to be clear for this to work for me I need to be entering Laos late mid to late July. If this fits count me in.

Thanks Jimmy

Another starter
 

Jimmy

Tomos contacted me with the good news about another definite starter from the UK side. Tomos himself would prefer to start from UK so it appears that a UK start it will be.

Which Chinese guide company is the quote from? Are the other riders Tomos mentions firming up in their interest?

This is a once in a lifetime trip for me so I want it to be enjoyable. Don't mind the odd day when we do big k's but not a mad rush.

Will keep in contact.
Safe riding.
David

Hi David.

I've just come across with your thread and looking for the same info.
I'd rather to make this trip from Europe to SE on the lately 2013 summer.
My goal would be riding on my bike and through Kashgar, take the G219 road to Tibet and get out by Laos or Thailand.

If the shit finally hits the fan... pls count with me.
Max.

Interest in UK to AUS
 

Thanks Max for your interest.

That is the way our early planning was tracking. I am committed to join forces with Tomos who now has plans to enter via Mongolia.

Please keep in touch. I will try to post updates more often.

David

Update of plans
 

Thank you to everyone that has shown interest or sent private messages of advice and support.

UPDATE :

I have decided to travel UK to AUS. The decision was made after weighing up the level of committment of those expressing interest.

At this stage I will be joining forces with 'Tomos' and 'Jimmy46' (both Brits but I am prepared to overlook this). My early planning was to enter China via Kazakhstan and exit via Laos. 'Tomos' has found another group entering China via Mongolia. I am happy to change my plans to join with a reasonable sized group through China so as to offset the cost. The point of entry is not absolutely vital.

The internet is full of rumors and mis-information. The latest is that Laos borders are closed to motorcycles or will be closed next year. I have been unable to confirm this information - without adding to the rumors - anyone have a credible source confirming this?

Will try and post updates more regularly.

Cheers
David

Update
 

UPDATE :

For all those still toying with the idea of doing this trip and want to know how long it will take please read the following.

This was my estimation of the travel time I posted some weeks ago. It is as follows BUT those plans have changed and looks like we will cross into China via Mongolia.

Distance alone will not determine how long it will take. Rest days, border crossings, police and government officials, vehicle reliablity, staying injury free, stopping occassionly to smell the roses, etc will all play a part. The distances listed below are all approx. only.

Some European tour companies offer group tours from Moscow to Bangkok or Istanbul to Bangkok. These tours are listed as taking 50 - 60 days. My estimate from UK is approx. 80 days.

Distance UK to Istanbul is approx. 4250 kilometres divided by 300 (distance travelled per day) = 14 days.

Istanbul to Georgia border = 1980 klms divided by 300 = 7 days

Georgia to Chinese border = 4300 klms divided by 300 = 14 days

China time and distance is determined by the guide company we employ. The government determines the route we will take. Different provinces from time to time are no go zones. But I have a quote for 28 days which includes four rest days.

Laos, Thailand and Malaysia will take another 14 days.

Trip info
 

Hi Dave,

I did the Oz to Europe trip back in 2010 and happy to send any info ( GPS, Journals etc ) email bergrider at hotmail dot com or PM here.

I'm in Egypt, finally heading North again ( part 3 of my RTW run ) so please be patient as IT if scarce.

Cheers !
Frank.

Aus to UK
 

David,
I have just discovered your blog. Unfortunately I may be a little late. My son and I will be travelling from Australia to Europe next year on two BMW R1200s .We will be leaving Victoria in April, through the centre to Darwin then Singapore to Europe. We originally planned to travel through China but like everyone found the cost to be too high. We are now looking at other routes. We would still like to travel through China. If your current plans change and you decide to go from Aus to UK let us know.
If anyone else out there want to travel through China in June please contact me

Paul

Aus to UK
 

Clive and Chris,
Thanks for the contact. First an apology, I am still learning to use HU so I hope that I am posting this reply in the correct place.
Do yo have a firm idea of your entry and exit points in China?

Paul

Hi Paul
we are thinking of going up the KKH entering China at the Khunjerab pass,exiting China at Touragart pass.
Were thinking maybe around June ,we are flexiable if we are going to team up with other people.
We do know of 3 other intrested groups with similar plans,im thinking that in the new year we are going to have to make concrete plans with those who are interested.

cheers Clive and Chris

brisbane2bristol.wordpress.com

Information - thank you
 

Frank

Thank you. No point re-inventing the wheel - I am keen to get as much info. as possible so will be in contact.

Keep safe. When I was in Egypt had to travel in a convoy down to Luxor - still the case? Felt more of a target in the convoy than when I managed to slip out and about by myself.

Cheers
David

Invitation.
 

Paul

Thank you for making contact. I am committed to a group based in UK. I am betting on the fact that this group will not evaporate and I am left high and dry.

If the worst happens I may be contacting you.

I reckon your trip leaving in April is the way to go. You miss the SE Asia monsoon which starts August/September - then late May/June in China and Europe for their summer.

I was going to ship the bike via Toll Marine, Darwin to Singapore.

Anyway that is all now changed. These Brits I am joining seem genuine, not just dreamers, and I have given my word.

Safe trip and enjoy.
David