EXPRESS INTEREST
Confirm the likely rider and passenger numbers without paying or making a binding commitment.
Dates · documents · latest changes
Prepare for the road
One practical reference for what happens next, what each traveller will need, and what has changed in the plan.
Key dates
From costing to Kunming.
Only confirmed dates are presented as fixed. Operator deadlines remain clearly marked as TBC so nobody mistakes a planning target for a binding commitment.
01
IN PROGRESS
Operator costing review
Obtain a transparent written rider and passenger package, vehicle breakdown, inclusions and payment terms.
02
AWAITING PRICE
Group commitment point
Confirm the viable rider and passenger mix only after the final written proposal is accepted.
03
NOT SET
Deposit deadline
The deposit amount, refund terms, payment stages and final-payment date must be confirmed in writing first.
04
PLANNING TARGET
Document readiness check
Check passport validity, motorcycle licence, IDP eligibility, names and clear colour scans.
05
TO BE ISSUED
Visa and permit process
Follow the operator’s final sequence for the Chinese visa, Tibet permit and temporary licence documents.
06
LOCKED PLANNING DATE
Recommended arrival
Arrive in Kunming with a full buffer before licensing and the weekend closure.
07
PLANNED
Temporary licence
Licence applications and the short English-language test for riders over 60.
08
PLANNED
Bike handover and briefing
Bike setup, equipment check, route briefing and final preparation.
09
PLANNED
Expedition
Kunming to Lhasa, subject to final permits, operator confirmation and route conditions.
Traveller checklist
Documents to have ready.
The final operator checklist remains authoritative. This working list helps riders and passengers prepare without applying too early.
Permit information reviewed 26 August 2026
Passport
Check validity against the operator’s final rule and ensure the booking name matches exactly.
Chinese visa
Visa type, timing and supporting documents remain subject to the operator’s written instructions.
Tibet Travel Permit
Arranged through the authorised operator; independent applications are not used for this trip.
Australian motorcycle licence
Must remain current and show the appropriate motorcycle entitlement.
International Driving Permit
Carry it with the Australian licence; confirm the required convention and validity before applying.
Temporary Chinese licence
Processed in Kunming before departure. Riders over 60 complete the required short test.
Travel insurance
Must expressly suit motorcycle riding and the trip’s planned engine capacity, altitude and region.
Emergency information
Emergency contacts, medical information, insurer assistance number and policy details.
Digital copies
Keep clear colour scans securely online and available offline on the phone.
Do not apply prematurelyVisa and permit rules can change. Wait for the operator’s written sequence before paying for applications or booking non-refundable travel.
Planning log
Latest expedition updates.
This log records material planning changes—not every discussion—so the group can quickly see what is new.
Public planning tools refined
A five-step next-actions path, reviewed dates, destination highlights and direct map searches have been added.
Planning website expanded
Interactive route, elevation and hotel tools, FAQs, communications, decision tracking and preparation pages are live.
Pricing moved to costing phase
Exact figures were removed while the rider and passenger package breakdown is challenged and reviewed.
Passenger vehicle clarification requested
Vehicle size, luggage capacity, fuel, tolls and the per-person passenger calculation remain open.
Accommodation status clarified
Named hotels are planning selections only; Zogang and Basu still require operator confirmation.