In fairness I don't think you can compare the route Srinagar to Leh with Route 219.

This doesn't do any justice to the Srinagar-Leh highway, given that that road in Kashmir is littered with military checkpoints, trucks and a lot of tourist traffic, you under exaggerate for effect but it makes it sound more remote then it really is. Don't misinterpret me here, I have done this route and I've ridden around Ladakh in 2009 so I know the area well enough. Also the road is only 260kms long with towns like Sonamarg, Matayan, Drass, Thasgam, Kargil, Namika, Lamayuru, Khalsi ... along the way if you need food, supplies or help. Past Leh and towards Pangong Tso is far more remote but still only about 160kms (to the end of the permit zone). And the Srinagar Leh road is 70% tarmac now.

Compared to the length of G219 from Tibet (probably Lazi) to Kashgar is around 2,200kms (more from Lhasa, so ~3,000kms)!!

Not to mention the incredibly strict Chinese laws and regulations that make riding the whole length of the road near impossible even for a Chinese citizen. Have you read this blog?

I also want to do Route 219 and to that extent I have researched it quite a bit, that's where I have gained my information. Keep searching I think it would be an amazing adventure but not without it's risks and difficulties. Keep proding around until you get all the information you think you need then keep looking and you'll start to find out the important stuff. Ask questions, even if you think you have the answer, you might be surprised. Take opinions with a grain of salt and then go live your dream wherever it will take you.

BTW This isn't the "Seek your inner bodichatta on the path to enlightenment and Nivarna" kind of forum either.

Go get'em mate!

__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net

HAHAHAHA!!!! Hilarious reply by turbocharger.

I would appreciate if you can keep your advise to yourself as they are baseless and not helpful at all.

Just a correction. Srinagar to Leh is 475kms one way. 2 highways.. via Batalik and Lamayuru. Rest you can do the math as you seems to enjoy it!!

bodichatta??? no idea what it is. Hope it is not "taking it personally" and "acting like a child" forum either :-)

Ciao

G'day from the sunshine coast.

I am pretty interested in the China trip. I have a bike in Cambodia (been living and working there for the last 3.5 years), and I would luv to be able to take it to China via Laos. Tibet and far western provinces, as well as Mongolia really appeal to me. Also the Stans (all of em), Iran and Turkey. Dont know much yet about biking in China, except that it is difficult with red tape. My aim would be to do it inedependently as much as possible, without use of guides.

I have been riding extensively in Laos and Cambodia, and have always had bikes in Oz.

Im pretty keen to meet anyone interested in doing the journey.

cheers,
regie (hey, not my real name)

G'day Regie -
Good to see your post :-)

Definitely doing this motorbike trip in China. What I understand so far is this,

1. I need chinese driving permit, for which I have to contact travel agent in china.

2. Permits to enter areas/towns of sensitivity, like Highway 219. Again an agent can arrange it.

3. A bike, buy a local chinese in China or rent a bike.

4. If simpler with all the support, go to a travel agent who arranges bike tours in China. I have good references for few and it looks like more than likely that I will opt for this option.

How are planning to enter China and when?

I would loved to do Mongolia and central asia part of Silk Route but my time-off is limited :-(

Do you have any info. on how and where to buy bikies in China., BMW China also sponsor bike if proven it is some kind of benefit to them.

Have you been to China before? Any chances you can get some more information on this subject?

I am planning to do it in Jun-2011. Is that time OK with you?

I am in Thailand right now and will be till Jan.04. I will check my mail again when I am back in Oz. Hope to hear back from you :-)

Cheers mate!!

So do you think there is a chance you can travel independently in china (especially areas of sensitivity) if you hold a permit? From what I have read it seems a few lucky people have been able to travel freely but having a chinese guide sounds like the norm. I was planning on taking my own bike, firstly because I have one in Cambodia allready, and just negotiating to buy a new one (yamaha wr250r - i really think smaller bikes make better adventure bikes). Secondly, i think Chinese bikes are pretty crappy, and thirdly, I was thinking of a round trip, enter from Laos, China, thru pakistan, Iran, maybe turkey, syria, jordan, back thru stans, mongolia, china, back to Laos/Cambodia. I have been riding extensively thru cambodia and Laos. The cops there really only pull you over if you have done something wrong. And they are usually happy about the whole situation anyway. You can joke around with them, negotiate the fine down to a dollar or so, and then you are on your way. China sounds like a different deal tho (not that i have any experience - never been), and i really dont want my bike confiscated or held against me for some enourmous "fine".

So i do want to be as legit as possible. Given that, armed with as much paperwork as possible, i would still give independent travel a go if there is more than just a remote chance it is possible. If the only alternative is having a guide then of-course we would have to work out how much per person, and if this is not too expensive I would probably do this. Groupsize is important to me tho. I really wouldnt want to be ridning around in a huge group for a number of reasons. 3-4 would be my preference. But again, i'm always flexible enough to get the job done.

So when? was thinking around March/April. I'm in-between jobs at the moment and have a few things I need to get done in Oz. The only "spanner in the works" scenario is, if i do get some sort of job offer inbetween now and then. If i do, i would still try desperately to do the ride and negotiate a start date with work.

No info on where to buy bikes in China. I did do a fairly extensive internet search (because i actually had an interview for a beijing job - i am on a list there and there is a slight chance they will offer me something in the next 3 months, but i am not holding my breath). I am really interested in this yamaha wr250r and so that is what i was looking for. Could only find chinese bikes (which did seem quite cheap) and there are bmw's).

Info/research - my planning stage has kinda just started so i dont have alot of info, but of-course, I am willing to do the hard yards. Have just been reading forums and building the concept in my head.

cheers,
regie
ps: have a pad thai for me

H Regie,

you could try asking on this forum about bikes: MyChinaMoto.com - Chinese Community

I read a blog a year or so ago where the guy just found a bike parked on the street and bought it. I think there is a problem buying new bikes without residency.

John

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

hey redboots,

yep, true, so imraali, you may have to rent a bike in china.

Another issue for me: if i take my bike from Cambodia, i wont be able to get a carnet as cambodia doesnt subscribe to that system. maybe i can get one from oz - have to investigate. If not, then i will have to buy a bike in oz and ship. I dont mind doing this but it just means it will take longer to get to china.