EurAsia Motorhome Journey 

Day 1: Chiemsee / Traunstein

The journey begins on the shores of Lake Chiemsee. The group meets amidst the Bavarian Alpine foothills, where final preparations are made and everyone gathers for a detailed briefing. The route, organizational procedures, and important information for the coming days are discussed. In this tranquil setting, nestled between the lake and the mountains, an initial atmosphere of optimism and shared determination emerges – the starting point for a long journey southeast.

Day 2: Chiemsee – Zagreb

The next morning, the group sets off. From Lake Chiemsee, the route leads out through the Alpine foothills, past green valleys and wooded ridges. The border with Austria is soon reached, and the landscape becomes more mountainous. Via Salzburg and further towards Carinthia, the road winds through the Alps, accompanied by distant views of peaks and deep valleys. Tunnels and passes alternate until the crossing into Slovenia opens behind Villach. The scenery changes noticeably: rolling hills, vineyards, river valleys. Kilometer by kilometer, Croatia draws closer until we reach Zagreb – a city where Central European architecture blends with southern vibrancy. The old town with its squares, churches, and cobblestone streets invites us to take a first evening stroll after the long stage, before settling down on the outskirts of the city.

Distance: approx. 430 km, Croatia

Day 3: Zagreb – Sabac

From Zagreb, the route continues east. Soon, the Croatian landscape opens up into vast plains, crisscrossed by fields, small villages, and rivers. The road is quiet, the distances become longer, and with each kilometer, the anticipation of the next border crossing grows. The Sava River heralds Serbia, where the atmosphere changes noticeably. The roads are simpler, the towns more pristine, and the landscape appears vast and open. In the afternoon, the group rolls into Sabac, a city on the banks of the Sava, considered the gateway to the Serbian interior.

Distance: approx. 400 km, Serbia

Day 4: Sabac – Nis

From Šabac, the route continues southeast. Initially, the vehicles follow the vast plains of the Sava River, with fields and small villages dominating the landscape. Gradually, the hills gain height, and the road begins to wind in long curves through a diverse landscape. The journey remains entertaining, as open spaces alternate with wooded sections, and views of the region’s river valleys repeatedly emerge. The closer the group gets to Nis, the more clearly the character of the southern Serbian highlands becomes apparent. Here, at the transition between the fertile plains in the north and the rugged foothills of the Balkans, lies the destination: a square just outside the city.

Distance: approx. 320 km

Day 6: Tsigov chark – Istanbul

From Tsigov Chark, the route continues: across the border, through the mountainous heart of Bulgaria, into the vast Thracian Plain, and on to Istanbul. This stage represents a shift in aesthetics: from the moderate serenity of the mountains through hilly transitional regions to the plain, which suddenly open up to reveal endless fields, historic cities, and the beginnings of the urban chaos of the metropolis. In the early evening, the group reaches the outskirts of Istanbul – a city that divides continents and connects worlds. Between Europe and Asia, an ancient urban structure unfolds here, where Ottoman minarets, Byzantine walls, and modern silhouettes blend into one another.

Distance: approx. 440 km, Turkey

Day 8: Istanbul – Safranbolu

We leave the European side of Istanbul and head into Asia, into the Anatolian hills, where the roads soon disappear into wooded valleys. The group follows the route to Safranbolu, a picturesque town whose Ottoman half-timbered houses and winding alleys offer a striking glimpse into past centuries. Safranbolu has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 thanks to its half-timbered houses. Nestled on the slopes of a verdant landscape, the town feels like an open-air museum that has managed to retain its authenticity to this day.

Distance: approx. 470 km

Day 10: Gölge Camp –Yusufeli

An early start is recommended today as well. The route is longer and leads through a challenging mountainous landscape, where tunnels, bridges, and switchbacks determine the flow of the road. A large part of the route can be driven along the Black Sea coast, which fascinates with its changing panorama of steep cliffs, small bays, and green mountain slopes.

A stop in Trabzon – a lively port city with a long history, which is an excellent place for a lunch break – is particularly worthwhile. Here, you can explore the narrow streets or enjoy a view of the Black Sea before the group heads further inland. The climb into the Artvin province is impressive: rugged valleys, narrow roads, and views of the rivers that have cut deep into the rock. Yusufeli itself is surrounded by mountains and conveys the feeling of having travelled far away from the main roads.

Distance: approx. 450 km

Day 11: Yusufeli – Cildir

The journey to Cildir takes the group to northeastern Turkey. The roads wind through plateaus and secluded valleys, past small villages and expansive pastures filled with the clear mountain air. With every kilometer, the landscape becomes more barren, yet also more impressive – a transition that already makes the proximity to the Caucasus tangible. The destination lies here – Lake Cildir, a tranquil body of water at almost 2,000 meters above sea level, framed by rolling hills and open spaces. The sky is reflected in its vastness, and the lake’s mood changes depending on the light and weather – sometimes calm and smooth, sometimes turbulent and rough. The campsite is located near the lake. From here, the view extends to the mountains on the border with Georgia, which are not far away.

Distance: approx. 250 km

Day 12: Cildir – Achalziche/Abastumani

From Cildir, the group sets off for Georgia. Although the distance is manageable, crossing the border requires time and patience – formalities and checks dominate the day. However, as soon as the vehicles reach Georgian soil, the atmosphere changes significantly: the valleys appear greener, the roads more vibrant, and the panorama of the mountains heralds the route ahead. The destination is Abastumani, a small town in the hills of the Lesser Caucasus, known for its clear air and healing springs. The access to the observatory above the town offers a welcome change of scenery.

Day 13: Abastumani / Akhaltsikhe – Tbilisi

The route runs northeast through vast high plateaus and along the Kura Valley. Barren hills, agricultural land, and occasional monastery complexes accompany the path. Upon entering Tbilisi, the group reaches the country’s political and cultural center—a city where Persian, Russian, and Caucasian influences overlap.

Distance: approx. 210 km

Day 14: Tbilisi

Today is available for exploring Tbilisi. Those who wish can take a tour of the Old Town, leading through narrow alleys past traditional houses, churches, and the famous sulfur baths. Viewpoints and walks along the Kura River offer ever-changing perspectives. Cafés, restaurants, and wine bars invite you to experience the Georgian way of life and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere. While we visit Tbilisi, the vehicles are prepared for shipping across the Caspian Sea and transported to Baku.

Day 15: Flight to Baku / Ferry

The group follows the vehicles by flying to Baku, from where the ferry departs to cross the Caspian Sea.

Azerbaijan

Day 16-18: Ferry Crossing of the Caspian Sea

We cross the Caspian Sea by ferry. After a few days on the water, the group feels solid ground beneath their feet again as they clear customs and enter Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan

Day 19: Aktau – Beineu

The drive from Aktau to Beineu leads through the vast, arid landscapes of Western Kazakhstan. For the most part, the road runs dead straight through semi-desert and steppe, accompanied by endless horizons and a profound sense of immense space. This section of the expedition highlights the raw, untouched beauty of the Central Asian wilderness.

Distance: approx. 460 km

Day 20: Beineu – Jasliq

Leaving Beineu, we head south through the vast and arid landscapes of Central Asia. The road cuts through open steppe and desert terrain, where the horizon seems endless and settlements are few and far between. With every kilometer, the surroundings become more remote and untouched, until we eventually cross the border into Uzbekistan. By the end of the day, we reach Jasliq, a remote settlement in Karakalpakstan that offers a striking glimpse into life far from the main travel routes.

Distance: approx. 250 km

Day 21: Jasliq – Moʻynoq

The next day, the route leads to Mo’ynoq, on the former shores of the Aral Sea. The landscape becomes more barren, the wind carries dust over vast expanses once covered by water. In Mo’ynoq itself, the rusting ships now lying on dry sand bear witness to the region’s dramatic environmental history. The group spends the night nearby and has the opportunity to experience the scene of the stranded wrecks – a deeply moving place that reveals the extent of human intervention in nature.

Distance: approx. 270 km

Day 22: Moʻynoq – Khiva

From here, the group continues to Khiva. The route is long, but leads to one of the great pearls of the Silk Road. The group reaches their quarters on the outskirts of the city and has plenty of time the following day to explore the oasis town at their leisure.

Distance: approx. 380 km

Day 23: Khiva

A day’s rest in Khiva offers views of the unique city walls, ornate minarets, and palaces. The historic old town of Itchan Kala, with its blue tiles and narrow streets, is considered one of the most impressive ensembles in Central Asia.

Day 24: Khiva – Gazli

The next stage takes the group to Gazli, a smaller town away from the major tourist crowds. We spend the night here, eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s journey to legendary Bukhara.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Tag 25: Gazli – Bukhara

From Gazli, it’s only a short journey to Bukhara. The day’s drive has been deliberately planned to allow plenty of time to experience this city at its leisure – one of the great pearls of the Silk Road. Bukhara is a place where you can practically feel the Silk Road – in the architecture, in the voices in the bazaars, and in the atmosphere that hovers between past and present. Within the old town, mosques, madrasas, and bazaars are located close together, connected by narrow alleys that tell of life in bygone eras.

Day 26: Bukhara – Samarkand

Finally, the route leads to Samarkand. The name alone conjures up images of splendour and history. After driving through the Uzbek countryside, the city rises with its famous Registan Square, domes, and minarets. Samarkand represents the legacy of Timur Lenk, monumental architecture, and the feeling of being at the center of the history of the Silk Road. This marks the end of a sequence of stages that leads us through the cultural highlights of Central Asia.

Distance: approx. 280 km

Day 27: Samarkand

A day of rest in Samarkand offers the opportunity to explore Tajikistan’s neighbouring Uzbekistan at leisure. From the very first step into the old town, you can sense why Samarkand has been considered a jewel of the Silk Road for centuries. Here, power, art, and spirituality combine in a striking way. The center of the city is the Registan, a square surrounded by three madrasas, which, with its turquoise domes and ornate facades, resembles a stage. But Samarkand has much more to offer: The Gur-Emir Mausoleum reflects the ambitions of Timur, whose rule originated here. The Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, with its densely packed tombs, appears almost like a kaleidoscope of Islamic architecture, while the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the world, offers a glimpse into the past with its imposing ruins.

Day 28: Samarkand – Tashkent

From Samarkand, the route continues northeast through the vast plains of Uzbekistan. The stretch runs through agricultural regions where fields, small villages, and scattered rows of trees shape the landscape. As you approach Tashkent, the settlements become denser before finally reaching the capital of Uzbekistan. As the country’s largest city, Tashkent blends historical Silk Road influences with modern urban development.

Distance: approx. 310 km

Day 29: Tashkent – Kokand

The route leads eastward from Tashkent toward the Fergana Valley. The path crosses the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains and traverses a pass before the landscape changes dramatically. From Kokand, the route continues through the Fergana Valley. The landscape is characterized by intensively farmed agricultural land, orchards, and numerous settlements situated densely along the road.

Andijan lies in the eastern part of the valley near the border with Kyrgyzstan and serves as an important economic center for the region. The proximity to the mountains is already palpable here.Beyond the mountains, the fertile Fergana Valley opens up—one of the most densely populated and agriculturally significant regions in Central Asia. Kokand is located in the western part of this valley and was once a major hub along the Silk Road.

Distance: approx. 240 km

Day 30: Kokand – Andijon

From Kokand, the route continues through the Fergana Valley. The landscape is characterized by intensively farmed agricultural land, orchards, and numerous settlements situated densely along the road. Andijan lies in the eastern part of the valley near the border with Kyrgyzstan and serves as an important economic center for the region. The proximity to the mountains is already palpable here.

Distance: approx. 130 km

Day 31: Andijion – Osh

The stage continues eastward from Andijan and crosses the border into Kyrgyzstan. Leaving the Fergana Valley, the scenery changes noticeably: the route ascends into the foothills of the Alay Mountains and becomes increasingly dominated by mountains and valleys. Osh, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, sits at the edge of the Fergana Valley and marks the transition into the high-mountain landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.

Distance: approx. 70 km, Kyrgyzstan

Day 32: Osh

Day 33: Osh – Toktukul Lake

Day 34: Toktukul Lake – Kyzyl-Oi

From the shores of the Toktogul Reservoir, the road winds into the mountains, past gorges, wide valleys, and free-roaming herds of horses. With every bend, new vistas open up, revealing green slopes and rugged peaks, dotted with small settlements and yurts. At the end of the stage lies Kyzyl-Oi, a remote village in the “Red Valley,” whose slopes glow reddish in the evening light. Here, in simple guesthouses amidst the pristine mountain landscape, the group experiences authentic village life in Kyrgyzstan.

Distance: approx. 270 km

Day 35: Kyzyl-Oi – Moldo Ashuu

From Kyzyl-Oi, you have the option of driving the Moldo-Ashuu Pass. The route is both challenging and impressive, as it leads high into the mountains with sweeping views of green valleys and barren peaks. You’ll spend the night near Ak-Terek, where traditional Kyrgyz yurts dominate the landscape.

Distance: approx. 160 km

Day 36: Moldo Ashuu – Tash Rabat

Finally, the group reaches Tash Rabat. This historic caravanserai complex, secluded in a high valley, serves as a striking reminder of the time when Silk Road caravans rested here. The stone walls of the old caravanserai, surrounded by green meadows and towering mountains, provide an atmospheric conclusion to these stages through the heart of Kyrgyzstan. They also signal the imminent crossing of the border into China and the onward journey to Tibet, where a completely new world of culture and high mountains awaits the group.

Distance: approx. 210 km

Day 37: Tash Rabat – Border station near Kashgar – Kashgar

From Tash Rabat, the crossing into China begins – a section that requires both adventure and patience. The road climbs up to the Torugart Pass, one of the crossings between Kyrgyzstan and the Middle Kingdom. With every kilometer, the route becomes rougher, the asphalt giving way to potholes and dirt roads, until finally, only an adventurous gravel road marks the way. At the top of the pass, at an altitude of over 3,700 meters, the Kyrgyz-Chinese border awaits the group. After entering the country, we initially drive down, but the vehicles are not allowed to continue directly to Kashgar: they are parked about 120 kilometers away from the customs station. From here, an organized transfer takes the group to the city in the afternoon, while the vehicles are not picked up until the following morning.

Distance: approx. 220 km, China

Day 38: Kashgar

The following day is dedicated to formalities in Kashgar. Temporary Chinese driver’s licenses and license plates are issued at the local traffic office. A brief medical check and vehicle inspection are also required. These procedures take time, and the organization is a collective effort – patience is the most important virtue on this day.

Distance: approx. 150 km

Day 39: Kashgar

An additional day in Kashgar will be reserved in case the process takes longer. For the group, however, this isn’t just a wait, but an opportunity to experience one of the most fascinating cities on the ancient Silk Road. The old town, with its mud houses, winding alleys, and colorful markets, conveys a sense of Kashgar’s centuries-old importance as a caravan hub. In the evening, the city comes alive: vendors, music, aromas, and the famous grilled meat, which is considered some of the best in China, make the stay an experience that makes the bureaucratic part of immigration disappear.

Day 40: Kashgar – Aksu

From Kashgar, the route continues east to Aksu. The landscape along the route already reveals the typical contrasts of the Tarim Basin: arid plains, sand and stone deserts on one side, and the towering Tianshan Mountains beyond. The roads are well-maintained, yet the landscape seems almost endless. Aksu itself is a modern city with a Uyghur character.

Distance: approx. 460 km

Day 41: Aksu – Kuqa

The next day, the group rolls to Kuqa. This section begins the long journey along the northern route to Lhasa. Kuqa, once an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, is known for its Buddhist caves and historic temples, testifying to the region’s cultural richness.

Distance: approx. 370 km

Day 42: Kuqa – Korla – Boston Lake

From Kuqa, we continue to Korla and from there to Boston Lake, China’s largest inland lake. The water shimmers blue and turquoise, surrounded by a barren, semi-desert landscape—a striking contrast that defines the charm of this region.

Distance: approx. 350 km

Day 43: Boston Lake – Turpan

The next leg of the journey takes the convoy to Turpan, an oasis town on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. The climate is extreme; in summer, Turpan is one of the hottest places in all of China, but the fertile soils surrounding the town allow for the cultivation of wine, melons, and fruit. From here, some of the region’s most important sights can be explored the following day.

Distance: approx. 340 km

Day 44: Turpan

A rest day in Turpan offers the opportunity to intensively explore one of the most fascinating oasis cities on the Silk Road. Here, on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, extreme climatic conditions combine with millennia-old cultural history. The group visits the ruins of Yarkhoto (Jiaohe), an abandoned mud settlement that impressively testifies to the size and importance of this region in ancient times. Also on the itinerary are the Astana Tombs, with their artfully preserved wall paintings and grave goods, which offer a direct glimpse into the life of bygone eras. The Buddhist caves, with their frescoes, also illustrate the cultural exchange that once took place along the trade routes. Finally, the journey to the Flaming Mountains, whose bright red rocks appear to glow in the sunlight, is impressive – a sight that makes Turpan a highlight on the route through Xinjiang.

Day 45: Turpan – Hami

From Turpan, the route continues to Hami, another oasis town on the historic Silk Road. Here, where desert and mountains meet, the sequence of stages through Xinjiang continues in an atmosphere of contrasts and history—a harbinger of this adventurous journey that will lead to Tibet.

Distance: approx. 410 km

Day 46: Hami –Dunhuang

From Hami, the route continues east to Dunhuang, a city on the western edge of the Gobi Desert, located in the so-called Hexi Corridor. Even the approach conveys the character of this region: barren plains, wind-carved dunes, and the rocky outcrops of the Hexi Corridor, which has marked the trade route between China and Central Asia for centuries. Due to its location, Dunhuang is still considered the gateway to the great deserts.

Distance: approx. 410 km

Day 48: Dunhuang – Haixi

From Dunhuang, the route continues westward into the vast landscapes of the Qaidam Basin. The road passes through barren desert and steppe regions, while the journey gradually climbs onto the heights of the Qinghai Plateau. As the distance from the Silk Road oasis increases, the scenery becomes ever more expansive and rugged: rocky deserts, salt lakes, and seemingly endless plains define this remote highland region at elevations of around 2,700 to 3,000 meters. At the end of the stage, the group reaches the Haixi region — a sparsely populated area in the heart of the Qaidam Basin.

Distance: approx. 550 km

Day 50: Dulan County – Madoi County

The route leads further south and rises significantly into the high altitudes of the Tibetan Plateau. The landscape becomes increasingly open and pristine: vast highland steppes, small lakes, and occasional nomadic settlements characterize the image of this remote region. Madoi County lies at over 4,000 meters above sea level and belongs to the Sanjiangyuan region, the source area of several major Asian rivers, including the Yellow River.

Distance: approx. 280 km

Day 51: Madoi County – Yushu

From Madoi, the route continues through the highland landscapes of the Qinghai Plateau. The route runs across wide plateaus and through gentle mountain ranges, while small lakes and watercourses repeatedly interrupt the landscape. As you approach Yushu, parts of the route follow the valleys of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Yushu is located at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level and is considered an important cultural center of the Tibetan-influenced region.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 52: Yushu

The stay in Yushu offers the opportunity to recover from the long highland stages and to further acclimate to the altitude. The city is located in a wide valley on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and is a significant center of Tibetan culture in Qinghai. Monasteries, prayer flags, and the wide highland landscapes characterize the surroundings. The rest day allows the group to check vehicles, replenish supplies, and experience the special atmosphere of this region.

Day 53: Yushu – Riwoqe

From Yushu, the route leads further toward Tibet and over several highland passes into the remote areas of the Chamdo region. The road follows wide valleys and open plateaus, while the landscape increasingly shows itself characterized by grass steppes and mountain ranges of the Tibetan Highlands. With the border crossing into Tibet, the architecture and culture of the region also change significantly. Valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo.

Distance: approx. 380 km

Day 54: Riwoqe – Sog

The route leads further through the vast highland regions of Northeast Tibet. Open steppe landscapes, broad valleys, and occasional river courses characterize the route through this sparsely populated region. Nomadic settlements and wide grazing lands define the image, while the road leads through the impressive expanse of the Tibetan Plateau.

Distance: approx. 400 km

Day 55: Sog – Nagqu

The stage leads through the high steppes of the Changtang Highlands, one of the most remote regions of Tibet. Vast grasslands, small lakes, and occasional nomadic settlements characterize the image of this region at over 4,500 meters above sea level. Nagqu is considered an important center of this highland region and a traditional meeting point for the nomads of the Changtang.

Distance: approx. 230 km

Day 56: Nagqu – Lhasa

From Nagqu, the route leads further south toward Lhasa. The road crosses several highland passes and follows wide valleys, while the landscape slowly changes and appears increasingly structured. As you approach Lhasa, the settlements become more dense before finally reaching the historic capital of Tibet—a cultural and spiritual center of the Tibetan Highlands at approximately 3,650 meters above sea level.

Distance: approx. 340 km

Day 57-59: Lhasa

A rest day in Lhasa allows you to experience the city more fully. At the Bharkor Market, pilgrims, traders, and travelers throng through alleys full of scents and colors. Towering above all is the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, whose white and red walls dominate Lhasa’s skyline. Equally important is the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and a destination for countless pilgrims from all parts of the highlands.

Day 60: Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse

From Lhasa, the route first leads west over several highland passes and along the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, which is one of the sacred lakes of Tibet. The road then follows wide valleys and open highland landscapes before reaching the historic city of Gyantse, which is one of the culturally significant places in the region with its impressive Dzong and the Pelkor Chöde Monastery. Further west, the route runs through the fertile valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo and finally reaches Shigatse. Tibet’s second-largest city is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters and is traditionally an important religious and cultural center of the region.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 61: Shigatse

A rest day in Shigatse offers time to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in the 15th century and still considered the seat of the Panchen Lama. The sprawling complex, with its golden roofs, red walls, and winding courtyards, is a highlight of any trip to Tibet. Inside are enormous statues, including the 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha—the largest gilded statue of its type in the world. Pilgrims circumambulate the monastery walls on the kora path, accompanied by fluttering prayer flags and the sound of prayer wheels.

Day 62: Shigatse – EBC

From Shigatse, the route leads along one of the most spectacular roads in Tibet, if not the world. With countless twists and turns, it climbs to passes that offer a panorama of the highest mountains on earth. From here, the view extends to the mighty eight-thousanders Shisha Pangma, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu – and, of course, Everest itself. After a stopover in Tingri, the journey continues until reaching Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of almost 4,900 meters. The final kilometers to the monastery are not permitted in private vehicles – instead, a local transfer takes over the final section.

Day 63: EBC – Sakya

From the heights of Everest Base Camp, the route leads back over the winding roads of the Himalayas to Sakya. This place is famous for its monastery, whose massive gray walls almost resemble a fortress and are a marked departure from the otherwise mostly whitewashed Tibetan monasteries. Sakya is considered the spiritual center of its own Buddhist school, and with its ancient libraries and halls, it conveys a sense of deep history and spirituality.

Distance: approx. 200 km

Day 64: Sakya – Shigatse

From Sakya, the route continues through the wide valleys of southern Tibet. The landscape is characterized by open plateaus, small settlements, and agricultural areas along the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley. As you approach Shigatse, the settlements become more frequent before finally reaching Tibet’s second-largest city once again.

Distance: approx. 150 km

Day 65: Shigatse – Shannan

The route leads eastward from Shigatse through the wide valleys along the Yarlung Tsangpo. The journey passes through agriculturally dominated regions of southern Tibet, where small villages, fields, and monasteries blend into the highland landscape. Shannan is considered one of the most culturally significant regions of Tibet. Some of the country’s oldest monasteries were founded in this area, and many places are regarded as the cradle of Tibetan culture.

Distance: approx. 410 km

Day 66: Shannan – Nyingchi

From Shannan, the route continues eastward along the valleys of the Yarlung Tsangpo toward Nyingchi. As the distance from the central high plateau increases, the landscape changes noticeably: the valleys become greener, forests cover the mountain slopes, and the climate feels significantly milder than in the high steppes of central Tibet. Nyingchi is situated at an altitude of about 3,000 meters and is one of the most vegetation-rich regions of Tibet. Forested slopes, fertile valleys, and a comparatively mild climate give the region its very own character and form a clear contrast to the barren highland landscapes of the previous stages.

Distance: approx. 400 km

Day 67: Nyingchi – Ranwu Lake

From Nyingchi, the group crosses various mountain passes reaching elevations of up to 5,100 meters before reaching Lake Ranwu, a turquoise-blue body of water amidst snow-capped mountains and dense forests. The journey there offers repeated views of river valleys and peaks – a striking interplay of high mountains and lush vegetation that highlights the diversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The region is therefore also known as the “Switzerland of the Orient.”

Distance: approx. 370 km

Day 68: Ranwu Lake – Zogang

We follow the road along the lakeshore toward Zogang. The first part of the day leads through narrow gorges where the river has cut deep into the rocks. A driving highlight awaits: the infamous Snake Pass, known to locals as the “Road of 72 Bends.” The route winds its way up to over 4,300 meters in endless switchbacks. Each section offers new perspectives on the wide-open valley, the snow-capped peaks in the distance, and the seemingly endless succession of hairpin bends.

Once at the top, the pass rewards us with a sweeping view of the mountains of eastern Tibet before the road descends again in long loops. This passage is one of the most impressive stretches of the entire trip—a mixture of technical challenge and dramatic scenery that will stay with you forever.

Distance: approx. 300 km

Day 69: Zogang – Markham

From Zogang, the journey continues to Markham, a key transportation hub on the eastern edge of Tibet. This is where the routes to Yunnan and Sichuan converge. The journey there leads through gorges and across high plateaus, past nomad camps and pastures. Markham is less characterized by its sights than by its role as an interface between the cultures and roads of the Eastern Himalayas.

Distance: approx. 160 km

Day 70: Markham – Feilaisi

The next day, the group reaches the Jiabe Homestay via remote roads. The stage is shorter but scenic: small river valleys, villages, and fields dominate the landscape. A stay in a traditional homestay offers the opportunity to experience everyday Tibetan life up close – a glimpse into the lives of the people who have lived here for generations amidst a barren mountain landscape. The cozy accommodation is located at an elevation of approximately 1,900 meters, within walking distance of a magnificent viewpoint of the Mekong Gorge.

Distance: approx. 240 km

Day 71: Feilaisi – Shangri-La

From the homestay, the route continues to Shangri-La. This name evokes the image of a mythical “hidden paradise.” The city is located in Yunnan Province and marks the transition from the Tibetan plateau to a region with a more strongly Chinese influence. Monasteries, markets, and the blend of Han and Tibetan culture make Shangri-La a special stopover. Small, two-story wooden houses with detailed carvings adorn the beautiful old town, lending the place a unique atmosphere.

Distance: approx. 190 km

Day 72: Shangri-La – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang

Another highlight follows the next day: the drive through the Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way to Lijiang. The Jinsha River rushes between three-kilometer-high cliffs, flanked by the mighty chain of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which towers over 5,500 meters. This dramatic landscape is one of the deepest gorges in the world and offers a first-class natural experience. In the evening, the group reaches Lijiang, whose UNESCO-protected old town, with its winding canals, bridges, and traditional Naxi houses, offers an incomparable atmosphere. This day also marks the end of the Tibetan phase of the trip—now the immersion in Naxi culture begins.

Distance: approx. 190 km

Day 73: Lijiang

A rest day in Lijiang allows you to explore the old town more intensively, stroll through narrow alleys and enjoy the mix of history and lively everyday life.

Day 74: Lijiang – Dali

From Lijiang, it’s only a short drive to Dali. The old town, with its well-preserved Ming Dynasty city wall and the famous Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, is a significant testament to its history. Excursions by boat or bike around Erhai Lake are ideal, while the Cangshan Mountains beckon with hiking trails and a cable car. In the evenings, the lively Huguo Street, also known as “Foreigner Street,” creates a vibrant atmosphere with its restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Distance: approx. 180 km

Day 75: Dali – Kunming

From Dali, the journey continues to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. The route travels briskly along the highway, while the landscape is characterized by alternating mountains, valleys, and agricultural plains. Kunming, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” welcomes the group with a mild climate and a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity.

Distance: approx. 400 km

Day 76: Kunming – Xingyi

The next stage takes the group to Xingyi, where the Qianxinan karst region dominates the landscape. Rugged limestone formations, deep gorges, and verdant hills create an impressive backdrop, emphasizing that the journey now shifts to the subtropical south of China.

Distance: approx. 280 km

Day 77: Xingyi – Guiyang

From Xingyi, the route leads to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province. The city is located in a hilly region and is known for its ethnic diversity – numerous minorities live here, whose culture and markets enrich the cityscape.

Distance: approx. 340 km

Day 78: Guiyang – Fenghuang

The onward journey to Fenghuang takes the group to one of China’s most beautiful ancient towns. Situated directly on the river, with wooden houses built on stilts, narrow alleys, and traditional stone bridges, Fenghuang exudes a unique historic charm. Here, time seems to have stood still.

Distance: approx. 370 km

Day 79: Fenghuang – Zhangjiajie

From Fenghuang, we continue to Zhangjiajie, a region known worldwide for its bizarre sandstone formations. The steeply rising pillars and rock towers, often shrouded in mist, evoke a surreal fairytale landscape—and served as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the film “Avatar.”

Distance: approx. 210 km

Day 80: Zhangjiajie – 3 Gorges Dam

The next stage takes the group to the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. This gigantic structure is considered the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world and impresses with its immense dimensions, as well as its scenic location amidst the famous Three Gorges.

Distance: approx. 350 km

Day 81: 3 Gorges Dam – Wuhan

From here, we continue to Wuhan, one of the major metropolises of central China. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers, the city combines modern architecture with historic sites, such as the Yellow Crane Tower. Wuhan also marks a clear step into the heart of the country—a melting pot of culture, history, and dynamism.

Distance: approx. 360 km

Day 82: Wuhan – Anqing

From Wuhan, the route continues east to Anqing, a city on the banks of the Yangtze River. The journey leads through densely populated areas with a constant alternation of towns, fields, and small hill ranges. Anqing itself is an ancient port city with a long history and, at the same time, a transportation hub that takes the group deeper into the economically important regions of eastern China.

Distance: approx. 360 km

Day 83: Anqing – Taihu Lake

The next day, we continue from Anqing toward Lake Taihu. It is one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, nestled in a gently rolling, fertile landscape, and has been considered a cradle of poetry, painting, and garden art for centuries. Its shores are dotted with tea plantations, fishing villages, and ancient water towns—a transition to the cultural landscapes that have made eastern China so famous.

Distance: approx. 390 km

Day 84: Taihu Lake – Shanghai Port

The final leg of the journey finally leads to the final destination: Shanghai. Along the way, the landscape becomes increasingly urban, and the silhouette of the metropolis announces the end of the long journey from afar. Shanghai, China’s vibrant economic metropolis, welcomes the group with a modern skyline, colonial architecture on the Bund, and an inexhaustible array of culture and life.

Distance: approx. 180 km

Day 85: Buffer day

A buffer day in Shanghai provides the opportunity to either explore the city – perhaps with a stroll along the Bund promenade, through the old town with its classical gardens, or through the modern Pudong financial district – or to take your time preparing for the shipping of the expedition vehicles.

Day 86: Shanghai

On the last day in Shanghai, the vehicles are loaded. The handover of the expedition vehicles marks the end of this incredible adventure, which led from the Alps through Central Asia, Tibet, and China to the Pacific coast. It’s a moment to reflect on thousands of kilometers full of impressions, encounters, and unforgettable landscapes. Not many people experience such a journey.