Ride your own motorcycle into China via Mohan

Yes, you can ride your own foreign-registered motorcycle into China. You cannot do it alone: customs and traffic procedures have to be prepared in advance, and our staff accompany you from the border. The most convenient land crossings are Mohan in Yunnan, from Laos and Thailand, and Horgos in Xinjiang, from Kazakhstan. This guide covers Mohan, where most of our own-vehicle routes begin.

What happens at the border

1. Immigration at the Mohan–Boten crossing.
2. Temporary customs import of your motorcycle.
3. Vehicle inspection.
4. Temporary Chinese registration and vehicle permit.
5. Compulsory Chinese motor insurance.
6. Your temporary Chinese driving permit.

On our routes, you finish these formalities and ride on to Jinghong the same day.

What to send us before you travel

• A copy of your passport.
• A photo of your home driving licence, which needs to cover motorcycles.
• The motorcycle registration certificate, with ownership details.
• Your planned dates and the number of riders and motorcycles.

A carnet de passage is not used in China. Customs and traffic authorities apply the requirements in force on the day you enter, so we check your documents against the current rules before you leave home. Contact us as early as you can.

Do I need a guide?

Foreign-plated motorcycles travel with us as an organised trip, and our own-vehicle routes include a lead vehicle with a professional guide. Holders of a Chinese passport bringing in a foreign-registered vehicle are the exception: we handle the entry formalities, and you can then travel without a guide for up to three months.

Going on to Tibet

Foreign travellers need travel arrangements and permits for Tibet, Everest, Ngari and other restricted or border areas. Our routes include Tibet entry permits and a Tibetan guide. The final route depends on the documents approved.

What it costs

Our routes from Mohan run from 8 to 26 days, and each route page shows the price per rider. Tour prices include the temporary driving permit fee and personal accident insurance. Motorcycle fuel is not included. See all our routes or send us your plan.