A Jeep Safari to Kaziranga National Park (India) & Spotting One-horned Rhinos
‘That’s the signal of a tiger coming!’ Mozid Ali, our driver got all excited and turned off the engine. On our left stood a group of deer, some together, some … Read more
Overland Travel in Asia
Overland travel in Asia is roughly divided up in two commonly driven routes:
- The northern route to Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan), Russia, Mongolia, and possibly the Far East.
- The southern route to Turkey, Iran, the subcontinent (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh) and Southeast Asia (e.g. Singapore and Malaysia).
Drive from the taiga in Siberia and Mongolia’s empty steppe down to Central Asia. In Central Asia, old traditions and rich culture go hand in hand with mind-blowing landscapes that invite you to rough camp and go for a hike.
Don’t miss out on Iran’s famed sense of hospitality when you drive from the Aegean Coast in Turkey to Bangladesh’s flooded plains.
The Far East is a lesser visited overland-travel destination, which is a pity. Overlanding in South Korea and Japan is easy and fascinating, and we have written extensively about driving and hiking in both countries.
On this page you’ll also find info on backpacking trips in China and the Philippines.
Why we Travel – Little Treasures from the Past (Georgia)
Georgia is gold when you love sightseeing! And we have a surprise, some of the ancient tombstones in Georgia are truly stunning… UNESCO World Heritage sites, the inviting old capital … Read more
Kizkalesi – Where Are We (Turkey)
Do you know the legend about the king who is forewarned by a fortune teller that his daughter would be poisoned by a snake? To protect her, he then built … Read more
Illegal Entry in Bhutan – Book Sample from ‘Forever Off Track’
The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen’s remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out … Read more
Help in Cambodia’s Jungle – Book Sample from ‘Forever Off Track’
The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen’s remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out … Read more
Curfew in Pakistan – Book Sample from ‘Forever Off Track’
The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen’s remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out … Read more
Hokkaido’s Winter Food to Enjoy during Snow Festivals
Winter in Hokkaido: an average of 26 degrees Fahrenheit and an annual average of 200 inches of snowfall. The northernmost of Japan’s four main islands is covered in a white … Read more
Battling Tiny Jungle Intruders in Thailand – Book Sample from ‘Forever Off Track’
The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen’s remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out … Read more
Meeting Women in Pakistan – Book Sample from ‘Forever Off Track’
The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen’s remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out … Read more
Iranian Hospitality Culture – Book Sample from ‘Forever Off Track’
The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen’s remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out … Read more
Camping in Armenia & Georgia, in Good Company (Where are We, Georgia, 2)
A brief update on what’s been happening since we completed our epic 850-kilometer-long Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia. After a seven-week hike, it was time for several things: Read More: Hiking … Read more
Hiking in Armenia – the Transcaucasian Trail, stage 5: Syunik Province – Jermuk to Meghri
As our followers on Facebook already know, we hiked the 861-km Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia. We divided our 39-day trek into 5 stages. Let me give you a peek at our last … Read more
Books about the Caucasus – Armenia & Georgia
An overview with books about Central Asia (Mongolia, Stan Countries) and the Silk Road: Non Fiction, Fiction, Travel Memoirs, Guidebooks.
Hiking in Armenia – the Transcaucasian Trail, stage 4: Vayots Dzor – Yeghegnadzor to Jermuk
As our followers on Facebook already know, we are hiking the TCT – the 861-km-long Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia. We’ve broken down this 39-day trek into 5 stages. Here’s a glimpse of … Read more
Hiking in Armenia – the Transcaucasian Trail: stage 3, across the Gegham Mountains
As our followers on Facebook already know, we are hiking the 861-km-long Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia. We’ve broken down this 39-day trek into 5 stages. Here’s a glimpse of stage 3: 6 … Read more
Hiking in Armenia – the Transcaucasian Trail: stage 2, Alaverdi – Lchashen
As our followers on Facebook already know, we are hiking the 861-km-long Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia. We’ve broken down this 39-day trek into 5 stages. Here is a glimpse of stage 2: … Read more
Hiking in Armenia – the Transcaucasian Trail: stage 1, Lake Arpi – Alaverdi
As our followers on Facebook already know we are hiking the 861-km journey Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia. We broke down the 39-day hike into 5 stages. This blog post is about stage … Read more
Hiking in Armenia – the Transcaucasian Trail (part 1, preparations)
The 2023 TCT route across Armenia traverses 861 kilometers (535 miles) of wildly diverse terrain between Armenia’s northern border at Lake Arpi and its southern border at Meghri. The route … Read more
5 Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes in South Korea
New in the country and not speaking one word of Korean? How do you manage? Being a plant-based eater doesn’t exactly help as Koreans have an increasing appetite for meat … Read more
6 Traditional, Vegetarian Snacks in South Korea
Are you a plant-based eater and about to visit South Korea? Rest assured, you won’t have to depend on eating raw tomatoes and carrots bought on a market. South Korea … Read more
Hiking in Kyrgyzstan – 7 days to Ala-kul Lake & Surrounding Valleys
Within thirty minutes, the blue sky had been taken over by ominous clouds. This being day 5 of our 7-day hike, it came as no surprise. This seemed to be … Read more
Tips on Long-distance Hiking the Guerrilla Trek (Nepal)
Our long-distance hike #7: 27 Days and some 300 kilometers across the remote and little traveled region west of Pokhara. As this hinterland used to be the base for the … Read more
Enjoy the Best of Road Travel in Japan: Michi no Ekis (道の駅) – Road Stations
Would you like to visit Japan and focus on places and ways of life far away from the popular tourist destinations? The places where trains and buses don’t go? Rent … Read more
An Overland Adventure in Tajikistan – Why Drive the Pamir Highway
Crossing high-altitude deserts with snow-capped mountains rising on the horizon, meandering through gorges along vertical rock walls. And that for 766 miles! How can that not be attractive to any overland traveler? … Read more
Food on the go in Japan – Bento Boxes, Origini, Noodles & More
Road travel is well developed in Japan. Whether on Expressways or on narrow, winding country roads, michi no ekis (road stations with farmer’s markets and parking lots where you can spend the … Read more
Hiking in Nepal, the Guerrilla Trek (Where are We, Nepal 1)
A short update since our great motorcycle adventure in India. Since we were in India, we decided to combine it with another activity on our wish list: hiking in Nepal. … Read more
Motorbike Adventure Gear List for a Biking Adventure in Northeast India
After almost 20 years on the road in the Land Cruiser and a couple of long-distance hikes it was time to try a new type of adventure. And so we … Read more
Taking the Enfield across Nagaland (India)
Our three-month road trip through the Seven-sister states of India started in Assam. After our journey through Meghalaya and Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur we arrived in Nagaland, the infamous state ‘without roads‘. … Read more
Land Cruiser Overhaul #4 – The Turnbuckle Method (Kyrgyzstan)
“There is even dust in the drawers. I’m done with this Mongolian Gobi dirt!” Karin-Marijke exclaimed while she carefully removed a thick layer of fine sand from the inside of … Read more
Taking the Royal Enfield across Manipur (India)
Our three-month motorcycle road trip through the Seven-sister states of India started in Assam. After our journey through Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram we arrived in state #5. Our Manipur road trip is … Read more
Taking the Enfield across Mizoram (India)
Our three-month road trip through the Seven-sister states of India started in Assam. After our journey through Meghalaya and Tripura we arrived in state #4. Our Mizoram road trip consists of a … Read more
An Overland Trip to the Demilitarized Zone (South Korea)
The Demilitarized Zone divides North from South Korea via a strip of forested mountains. However, that peacefully looking landscape is hemmed in by fences and barbed wire. What goes on … Read more
Taking the Royal Enfield across Tripura (India)
Our three-month road trip through the Seven-sister states of India started in Assam. After our journey through Meghalaya, we entered Tripura. Throughout our Tripura tour we were amazed by the state’s rich … Read more
Exploring Uzbekistan’s Tien Shan Mountains
One Lada Niva or Uaz Hunter after another came bumping down the trail, the vehicles packed with people. What was going on? Weren’t we going to a super remote place … Read more
Taking the Royal Enfield across Meghalaya (India)
Our three-month road trip through the Seven-sister states of India started in Assam. After a couple of days we turned south, to state #2: Meghalaya. Where is the Key? Coen … Read more
Urban Exploration in Georgia – Abandoned Sanatoria in Tskaltubo
Ever since we started our journey in Vladivostok in eastern Russia, many towns we passed have looked pretty much the same. The architecture of one-story houses and derelict apartment buildings, … Read more
Taking the Royal Enfield across Assam (India)
After preparing our 3-month road trip through the Seven-sister states of India we said goodbye to Guwahati and crossed the bridge across the Brahmaputra for a short dash across western … Read more
Street Art in Tbilisi (Georgia)
We thoroughly enjoyed Georgia’s capital, in particular the old town. It’s a city that invites to be explored on foot. And one of the best things was all the street … Read more
Overland Camping in Georgia
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Kazakhstan, and additional camping/accommodation info on Kazakhstan.
Welcome to India – Down Memory Lane in Guwahati
It was with a bit of a hesitance to step outside the gate and into the world. What would India be like? As a result of delayed flights we had … Read more
Off-road Adventures in Kazakhstan’s Deserts
The world was grey without any visible contours of clouds, making it impossible to see where the horizon separated the earth and the sky. It was a depressing start of … Read more
Why Add Central Asia to your Overland Bucket List
As the word implies, Central Asia lies in the heart of Asia. The region is surrounded by big countries among which Russia, China, and Iran. Overlanding in Central Asia entails … Read more
Meet King David the Builder – Didgori Battle Monument (Georgia)
The soft chiming of small bells resonates in the misty surroundings, taking us to the past and the stage of a decisive battle in Georgian history. The sun penetrates through … Read more
Kazakhstan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
In our Kazakhstan Travel Budget Report we detail our road-trip expenditures on documentation, fuel, the Land Cruiser, camping, and more.
Kazakhstan Overland Travel Guide
Travel information for your overland journey to Kazakhstan: roads, online navigation, gas stations, camping, and much more in our Kazakhstan Travel Guide.
Overland Camping in Kazakhstan
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Kazakhstan, and additional camping/accommodation info on Kazakhstan.
Kyrgyzstan Overland Travel Guide – Travel Information for Your Road Trip
Our Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide details everything for an overland journey to Kyrgyzstan: roads, fuel, maps, navigation, sim cards, Wifi, & more.
Kyrgyzstan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
Our Kyrgyzstan travel budget report, detailing travel expenditures during our road trip including documents, fuel, camping, car workshops.
Bye-bye Stans, Hello Caucasus! (Where are We – Georgia 1)
No, we are not in the US. We are in Georgia, the small country in the Caucasus at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Georgia borders Turkey, Armenia … Read more
Books about Central Asia, Mongolia and the Silk Road
An overview with books about Central Asia (Mongolia, Stan Countries) and the Silk Road: Non Fiction, Fiction, Travel Memoirs, Guidebooks.
Finding our Way to Lake Tengiz (Off-road Kazakhstan)
It took some time to figure out whether there would be a short cut to Lake Tengiz, in Central Kazakhstan. Thanks to our friend Bauerzhan from Zheshkargan, who is an … Read more
Books about Kazakhstan
An overview with books about Central Asia (Mongolia, Stan Countries) and the Silk Road: Non Fiction, Fiction, Travel Memoirs, Guidebooks.
The Ancient History of Kazakhstan at Otrar
To restore or not to restore, that’s the question… Well, I think it is at Otrar, a historical site in southern Kazakhstan. The oasis lay at the junction of important … Read more
Wild Camping in Kyrgyzstan – Overlanders Share Their Favorite Wild Camping Sites (Overland Expertise Pool)
With 90% of mountains, Kyrgyzstan offers ample opportunities for wild camping. Here, overlanders share their favorite wild camping sites.
What’s the Charm of Almaty? (Kazakhstan)
We were not sure what to think of Kazakhstan’s former capital. But then, we hadn’t seen much of it. We simply hadn’t had the time for some sightseeing in Almaty. … Read more
Why we Travel – A Surprising Wild Camp at Bartogai Lake (Kazakhstan)
I have, more or less, planned an itinerary for the next two weeks or so, focused on the southeastern lakes in Kazakhstan. I give my notes to Coen with the … Read more
Books on Overland Adventures
Sure, we have our own adventures but at times it’s great to be inspired by other overlanders and read a good overlanding book – e.g. to get a feel what … Read more
Books on Long-distance Outdoor Adventure
Our life consists of a combination of overlanding and long-distance hiking, and we plan to give the latter a bigger space in our travels. I am truly inspired by all … Read more
Books on Long-distance Hiking
When we were on our first long-distance hike, the Baekdu Daegan in South Korea (750 kms), we had no idea that this sense of ‘forever’ walking through nature could be … Read more
End of the Lycian-Way Hike, with a Broken Hand (Where are We – Turkey 3)
“I am alive!” I yelled. “Okay!” Coen yelled back. I checked my body: my legs were okay, my head was okay, my neck was okay. But where was my left … Read more
Ready for Another Long-Distance Hike (Where are we – Turkey 2)
In 2021 we traveled a bit more than in 2020, when we were stuck in the Netherlands pretty much the entire year (read about it here). However, travel in 2021 … Read more
Uzbekistan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
In our Uzbekistan Budget Report we detail our road-trip expenditures on documentation, fuel, the Land Cruiser, camping, and more.
Overland Camping in Uzbekistan
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Kazakhstan, and additional camping/accommodation info on Kazakhstan.
Uzbekistan Overland Travel Guide – Travel Information for Your Road Trip
Overland travel information for Kazakhstan: roads, navigation, gas stations, camping, and more in our Kazakhstan Travel Guide.
Back on the Road after Covid (Where are We – Uzbekistan 3)
After more than a year in the Netherlands due to covid, we are back on the road. Here’s a short update on what we’ve been doing and what we are … Read more
The Most Popular Blog Posts on Landcruising Adventure
Of the 400 articles on our Landcruising Adventure website, which are best read? What have been your most popular blog posts on our website?
Driving in Japan in Winter
Every day is a journey, and the journey is home itself ~Bashō “Yes, your tires are here waiting for you, but there are only two.” This was odd because our … Read more
The Land Cruiser Factory in Japan & the Land Cruiser Community
Japan’s enthusiastic Land Cruiser community was dedicated to making our journey in their country memorable in every possible way. Their mission was successful. They managed to get us a tour … Read more
Chengde Travel Guide (China): Transportation, Food, & Sightseeing Tips
With lots of trees and truly a relaxed atmosphere, Chengde is a lovely town to just wander the streets, zigzag through local neighborhoods, enjoy the scene, walk along the Wǔliè … Read more
Ji’an City Travel Guide (NE China): Transportation, Food, and Sightseeing Tips
Ji’an town is a border town in the Jilin Province in the Northeastern Corner of China, right along the border with North Korea. The nicest part of town is the … Read more
Fixing the Brakes – At last, the Gremlins Have Been Defeated
How can you not drive with functioning brakes for 8 years? It was time to get to the core of the issue and fixe those brakes.
Overland Camping in Tajikistan – Overlanders Share their Favorite Camp Sites
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Tajikistan, including favorites from overlanding, and additional camping info on Tajikistan.
Hiking in South Korea – 465 Miles on Foot Across the Baekdu-Daegan
The Baekdu-Daegan is a mountain ridge across the country and includes national park. This is the ultimate region for hiking in South Korea.
Bishkek – A Place to Rest & Relax (Kyrgyzstan)
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is an ultimate destination to relax and rest from your journey. Here are places to see in Bishkek (or do nothing!).
How to Combine Careers & Overland Journeys? Marijke & Joost Share Tips
Both enjoying careers at home while loving (long-distance) journeys, Marijke and Joost share how they combine work and travel.
Tajikistan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
Our Tajikistan travel budget report, detailing travel expenditures during our road trip including documents, fuel, camping, car workshops.
Why we Travel Overland – The Tuzbair Salt Lake in Kazakhstan
The freedom to drive into the wilderness and free camp amidst the Tuzbair limestone cliffs in Kazakhstan – that’s why we travel overland.
Chores when Overlanding in Uzbekistan (Where are We – Uzbekistan 2)
Overlanding in Uzbekistan brings specific challenges: finding diesel, understanding SIM Card logics, and registering on the app.
Tajikistan Overland Travel Guide – Travel Information for Your Road Trip
Travel information for your overland journey to Tajikistan: budget, roads, gas stations, camping, and more in our Tajikistan Travel Guide.
Winter in Japan – 10 Awesome Winter Activities in Hokkaido
There are lots of things to do in Hokkaido all year, but winter in Hokkaido is special: snow festivals, snow hikes, and wildlife viewing.
A Rainy Day in Aralsk; a Random Day in Overlanding – (Where are We – Kazakhstan 1)
Aralsk in Kazakhstan: once a flourishing fishing town, reduced to a non-descript place when the Aral Sea shrunk. Rain made us stay for a day.
Where to Visit Silk Road History In Termez, Uzbekistan
The Silk Road history in Uzbekistan’s southern city of Termez isn’t well known but rich in ancient cities, mosques, monasteries, mausoleums.
38 Years and New to Camping – Meet Mijke & Dennis on Their First Overland Adventure
38 Years and new to camping when setting out on a 6-month overland journey from Europe to Central Asia. How to deal with fears of camping?
The Quest for Batteries in Tashkent (Where are We – Uzbekistan 1)
To buy new AGM or Gel batteries we drove to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where we also found a place to weld a new battery box on the chassis.
Inspired by First Overland and Meeting The Last Overland – Meet Charlie & Chris, driving from the UK to Australia
At age 13, the book First Overland inspires Chris to overland to Asia. Here are Chris & Charlie, driving from the UK to Australia.
Driving the Pamir Highway – (Where Are We – Tajikistan 1)
Among the world’s legendary overland route is the Pamir Highway, our intro into Tajikistan’s remote landscapes such as the Wakhan Corridor.
Books about Japan – Fiction, Memoirs and Non-Fiction Books
Non-fiction, Japanese literature, travel memoirs, guidebooks and other books on Japan will help you get started to prepare for your journey.
From Hitchhikers to Overlanders – Meet Kiki, Sebastiaan and a Kyrgyz Lada
When a joke becomes reality and you raise your thumb to hitchhike to China, and in Kyrgyzstan you buy an old Lada Zhiguli to drive back home.
Ready to Explore Kyrgyzstan, A Little Bit, For Now – (Where are We – Kyrgyzstan 4)
After weeks of hard work to get the Land Cruiser in shape we are more than ready to explore Kyrgyzstan, and after a 12-day trip we want more!
Changchun City Travel Guide (China): Transportation, Food, and Sightseeing Tips
In Changchun, visit the former home or Puyi, China’s last emperor, Bãnruò Temple, or enjoy the big city’s daily scene.
An Overland Trip to the Japan Rugby World Cup – Meet Mark & Sue
You like to do an overland trip, you want to visit the Japan Rugby World Cup, and you turn sixty. Why not combine all? Meet Mark & Sue.
Busy in Bishkek! – Overhaul & Overlanders (Where are We – Kyrgyzstan 3)
Two months in a city, it’s unusual for us. We have things to do in Bishkek! The Land Cruiser needs an overhaul and we’ll meet overlanders.
Back on the Road, or Not? (Where are We – Kyrgyzstan 2)
After 5 months without our Land Cruiser, it was good to see our home on wheels back in Kyrgyzstan. Yet to travel with her takes more time…
Books About China – Travel Memoirs, History, Fiction, Guidebooks
What travel books to choose when traveling to China for only a month? Here’s our selection of non-fiction and travel memoirs about China.
Harbin City Travel Guide (China): Transportation, Food, and Sightseeing Tips
Tucked away in China’s northeastern corner lies the big and historical city of Harbin. Prepare your journey with this city travel guide.
Hiking in Turkey – The Carian Trail Thru-hike (Where Are We)
Hiking in Turkey is growing in popularity. The 850-km-long Carian Trail thru-hike is little known but so worth it. Let us tell you why.
Mongolia Overland Travel Guide – Travel Information for your Road Trip
Travel information for your overland journey to Mongolia: budget, roads, gas stations, camping, and more in our Mongolia Travel Guide.
Northeast China Travel Guide – Why Visit, Where to Go & How to Travel
Northeast China is easy to reach by public transportation. This China travel guide shares how to get there and other practical tips.
Signboards in China – Funny Translations
Laughing at funny translations? Why not – have a giggle and take it with a grain of salt. Here are some memorable signboards in China.
