Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Kazakhstan - China Border, Chorgos (Korgos) or Drushba (Druzba)?? Kazakhstan - China Border, Chorgos (Korgos) or Drushba (Druzba)??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Beijing, China
Posts: 6
Kazakhstan - China Border, Chorgos (Korgos) or Drushba (Druzba)??
Hi,

I'm planning to cross into China in early June/2008. Somewhere (can't remember where) I heard that the Druzba cross point is no longer open for motor vihicles, ie just for trains. Has anybody been there recently, have updated info? The Korgos/Chorgos cross point seems to be an alternative?

I do have as many papers as I possible can get (chinese driving license, chinese bike plates/papers, chinese insurance, working visa) but I'm still about to import the bike kind of unofficially..., do you think it's possible??

btw: I'll stop over at Almaty and be happy to meet other fellows or natives for a drink and stories
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 May 2008
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovemud View Post

I do have as many papers as I possible can get (chinese driving license, chinese bike plates/papers, chinese insurance, working visa) but I'm still about to import the bike kind of unofficially..., do you think it's possible??
Last year, June, it was impossible to enter via Korgos without all the paperwork as a tourist. If you have a work visa, it may be different... or did you mean VALID visa?
Did you get your docs via an agent?

Even so, I think you will be forced to engage an agent to do the import. They also levied a 5000RMB "bond" on the bike. Our agent paid this as we said we had no available money for it.
The customs procedure is very long winded and even though we had pre-arranged permits/license etc., it took 6 days!!

Best of luck and post an update when you get in!

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Beijing, China
Posts: 6
Hi John,

thanks for the information. I really meant work visa - I live and work in Beijing for many years. Those visas are called Z-Visa and valid for one year. Due to this visa, I could get regular driving license (not temporary) which I make a lot of use of because I drive car, motorbike and a chinese side car here. 3-4 years ago I made a trip through western China and saw the Korgos border from the chinese side. What really makes me feel uneasy is the upcoming Olympics and with it the tighter controls at borders. The bike plates and papers are chinese (from Hebei province) and semi legal at best. I didn't use any agency but may check out some names&contacts. I don't really have 6 days to spare but if this guarantees entry, I'll do it... Otherwise I need a backup, ie ship or drive bike back to Germany...Gunther
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 May 2008
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovemud View Post
Otherwise I need a backup, ie ship or drive bike back to Germany...Gunther
Hi Gunther,

so, you are leaving with the bike, not entering...?

I don't think that should be so bad if you have ownership docs. You will have to buy insurance in Kaz.
Our problem was entering China on French/UK registered bikes.
Our story of entering China starts here: BikerBytes.com: Korgos

I thought the Chinese part of our trip was the absolute highlight!

Mfg, John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Beijing, China
Posts: 6
fantastic adventure you had! The paperwork and quarrel you had at the chinese border sounds too familiar, I've witnessed many such things during 10 years in China. On the other hand there's always a way... I wouldn't like to return at the border, in fact I return home to Beijing and I don't have unlimited holidays. Whether I take the bike back one day or sell it here remains to be seen, I'm not worried about that.
A couple of roads and places you rode look familiar too me, I've been there myself on a BMWGS1100 3 years ago. This trip is with a KTM 950, hope it's as reliable as the Beemer - it's certainly more fun to drive (for me). How was your route and experience through Kazakhstan? A little thing that bothers me is that I only got a single entry visa to Kazakhstan, I wonder what happen if we clear Kazak. border but refused at Chinese border? Or does this go in hand in hand, ie no exit without entry??

Chees,
Gunther
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 May 2008
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovemud View Post
This trip is with a KTM 950, hope it's as reliable as the Beemer - it's certainly more fun to drive (for me).
I had the 950... sold it to get the BM as my friend and I were going to use the same bikes... less spares etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovemud View Post
How was your route and experience through Kazakhstan?
We changed our planned route through Kaz... A mistake. We went north to Astana and then down to Almaty. We were told the roads to the south were shite... so were the roads to the north!

Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovemud View Post
A little thing that bothers me is that I only got a single entry visa to Kazakhstan, I wonder what happen if we clear Kazak. border but refused at Chinese border? Or does this go in hand in hand, ie no exit without entry??
We met a guy called Helga from Norway at the Chinese border. He was refused entry with his bike and was able to go back to Kaz and leave his bike with the mayor/police and continue his journey after a couple of days by bus, so I guess the Kaz border police are used to people being refused entry to China after the have traveled the couple of kms of
no-mans-land.

Cheers,
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jul 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: beijing
Posts: 2
Hi John,

I'm planing a trip from Beijing over Kazakhstan ... to Berlin with a Chang Jiang and have problems to find information to organize the boarder crossing from China to Kazakhstan. Do you know if it's possible to turn up at the boarder and get an agent there? or can you recommand a good agent?

My other problem is, that my Chinese visa is running out 6 days after I'll reach the boarder. I guess if they don't let me into Kazakhstan with the bike I would have to leave it in China and enter Kazahstan without it..?!

I have chinese papers for my bike, chinese ensurance, numberplate, and driving license.. but still need an agent.

It would be great if you could send me some advice!
Best

Sophie

PS: Do you know how much those agents take for the crossing? What is a "bond"?




Quote:
Originally Posted by Redboots View Post
Last year, June, it was impossible to enter via Korgos without all the paperwork as a tourist. If you have a work visa, it may be different... or did you mean VALID visa?
Did you get your docs via an agent?

Even so, I think you will be forced to engage an agent to do the import. They also levied a 5000RMB "bond" on the bike. Our agent paid this as we said we had no available money for it.
The customs procedure is very long winded and even though we had pre-arranged permits/license etc., it took 6 days!!

Best of luck and post an update when you get in!

John
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Jul 2009
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by zopfielein View Post
I'm planing a trip from Beijing over Kazakhstan ... to Berlin with a Chang Jiang and have problems to find information to organize the boarder crossing from China to Kazakhstan.

I have chinese papers for my bike, chinese ensurance, numberplate, and driving license.. but still need an agent.
Hi Sophie,

if you are leaving China, then its not the same. What nationality are you?
Normaly, you will need a Kazakhstan visa but they do not have a "carnet" system in place. Travelling into Kaz from Russia was no problem with with the bike but you must/should buy insurance at the border.
The entry to Kaz "should" be simple and not require an agent.

The guy that can give you more info is "Roel Hendriks". He rode a Chinese registered Chang Jiang to Holland a couple of years ago. Check out his web site and send him an email.
He exited via the KKH but I don't see that it will make any difference.

Some reading here on this old thread: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/southern-asia/more-china-24284

Good luck with it all!!

Cheers,
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
China : Druzba now close for motos/cars Simon TDM West and South Asia 3 29 May 2008 09:15
Border from Kirguiztan to China Calaluna Route Planning 0 17 Jul 2006 19:10
China - Europe via Kazakhstan and russia Danielsson Travellers Seeking Travellers 5 30 Apr 2006 00:05
china border geronimo West and South Asia 2 29 Mar 2006 17:00
Russia Kazakhstan border (Altay Region) Tom Horovitch Route Planning 4 9 Jan 2006 22:40

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:29.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top