Hi everyone I'm Asher, the other half of the duo trying to organise this crossing through China.
After some fiddling with the dates, prices, visas and communication with our guy in China and also some of you guys, here is our proposed itinerary.
August 1st (enter China from Pakistan via Khunjerab Pass) - August 5th (leave China and enter Kyrgyzstan via Tourgat Pass).
These dates are unfortunately not negotiable, the borders are closed on weekends and so this will be the only way we can schedule this.
In detail
Aug 1: meet our guide in Pakistan side of border who will escort us through into China.
Aug 2: paperwork, licenses, and (hopefully) start on our way into Kashgar.
Aug 3: arrive in Kashgar
Aug 4: explore Kashgar (this is optional - we thought it would be nice to at least have one day in China where we could check the place out. An additional extra would be paying a guide $100usd per person to show us around, but we prefer to explore by ourselves and not pay anyone).
Aug 5: leave Kashgar, travel to Kyrgyzstan border and cross.
There is some bad news: this is going to be bloody expensive. When we first got our quote it was mid last year, and it was between 600-900 per bike/driver depending on numbers. However, apparently early this year there has been a big increase in tariffs, and now it is really hurting our bank balance.
2 motorcycles is 3138 USD
3 motorcycles is 4188 USD
4 motorcycles is 5288 USD
5 motorcycles is 6288 USD
6 motorcycles is 7188 USD
7 motorcycles is 8088 USD...
And so forth. So naturally we are trying to get as many people on board as we can! Prices for other overland vehicles are a little different but not drastically so.
So far we have 3 motorcycle riders essentially confirmed, 3 campers/land rovers interested but not confirmed, as well as another motorcycle interested. Let's see if we can get a small horde together...
Our guide seems like a good sort, he has been very helpful so far and very apologetic about the price hike. He needs to have all of our paperwork, including visas, sorted by 1 month prior to entering, so if you are thinking about joining us then get in touch and let's make it happen!
Probably easiest to post on this thread, or contact myself at
ashergkhenry@gmail.com, or Mike at
mpjordan9@gmail.com
Cheers
Asher