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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wild Camping in Kyrgyzstan – Overlanders Share Their Favorite Wild Camping Sites
With 90% of mountains, Kyrgyzstan offers ample opportunities for wild camping. Here, overlanders share their favorite wild camping sites.
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.
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.
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.
The End of an Adventure (Where are We – Kyrgyzstan 1)
What do you do when in Bishkek and not having time for sightseeing? It’s a hub for getting projects done and preparing for a new phase.
Wild Camping in Mongolia – Overlanders Share Their Favorite Campsites
Mongolia is vast and empty and you can camp anywhere. So here overlanders share the most awesome spots for wild camping in Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar to Beijing – Transport and Border Information
Travel from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing using public transport. Here’s info on traveling by plane, train, or bus, and includes border information.
How to Prepare your Overland Vehicle for Winter in Japan
Thick snow, icy roads, plummeting temperatures – overlanding in winter. How do you do it? Here are tips on how to prepare your overland vehicle for winter.
The Joy of Overlanding with Kids (Where are We – Russia 4)
Overlanding with kids? Is that possible? Isn’t it dangerous? Iris and Ronald show us what a joy it can be to go overlanding with kids.
Books on 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.
How to Get a China Visa in Mongolia – The Chinese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar
Getting a China visa is tricky so here’s hence our lowdown on the China visa application process at the Chinese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.
Hiking the Great Wall Away From the Crowds (Where Are We – China 1)
“Broken-down sections first attract tourists off the beaten track, then the inevitable hawkers, then the renovators and safety consultants who often strip away much of the historical charm along with … Read more
Visiting the Nadaam Festival (Where Are We – Mongolia 3)
Mongolia’s most important celebration, the Nadaam Festival is a summer event held throughout the summer and in every corner of Mongolia.
The Ferry Crossing From South Korea to Russia (+ the Car Paperwork)
The easiest way to get your overland car from South Korea or Japan to northern Asia is a ferry crossing to Russia. Here’s how to do it.
Feeling Lost in the Gobi Desert (Where Are We – Mongolia 2)
A two-week road trip in the Gobi Desert: vast and empty but with fascinating landscapes and hidden ‘treats’, a monastery and rock carvings.
Schedules, Maps, and Guidebooks for Central Asia, Russia and Mongolia
Prepare your overland journey to Northern Asia: schedules, roadmaps, and guidebooks for Central Asia (Stan countries), Russia, and Mongolia.
Enjoying a Festival at the Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Where Are We – Mongolia 1)
During a weekend-long festival monks chant for enlightenment in the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s top three monasteries.
South Korea Travel Guide – Travel Information for your Road Trip
In our South Korea Overland Travel Guide, you’ll read all about documentation, gas stations, money matters, road conditions, and more.
Our Favorite Hiking Gear – the List After 2 Thru-Hikes
After two thru-hikes, the Baekdu-Daegan in South Korea and the Jordan Trail, we have learned what hiking gear we need. Here’s our list.
Being Spoiled at the Romance Factory (Where are We – South Korea 11)
Romance Factory in South Korea saved our day, our trip, and potentially lots of other vehicles – they fixed the car’s failing brakes.
Accommodation & Overland Camping in South Korea
Paid accommodation, staying with locals and where to go overland camping in South Korea, including GPS Waypoints.
Japan Travel Budget Report – Expenditures of our Road Trip
Money matters, documentation, sightseeing, fuel and gas stations, car maintenance and more in our Japan Travel Budget Report.
Thank You Japan!
What a journey it has been! 9 months, 11 islands, 12,000 kilometers from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north. We kept you updated through our ‘Where are … Read more
Watching Korean Beach Life (Where Are We – South Korea 10)
Japan kicked us out two months earlier than we had hoped for and anticipated. We use our remaining time in Japan enjoying its beach life.
Of Course You Can Hike a 465-mile Mountain Trail!
I was giving up. I didn’t want to do this anymore. My clothes were soaked with sweat, my legs and arms covered in scratches from overgrowth taller than I was. … Read more
Why Overlanding in Japan is Fun, Easy, and Affordable
The driving, people, camping, paperwork, and infrastructure are among the reasons why overlanding in Japan is fun, easy, and affordable.
Overland Japan Travel Guide – Travel Information for your Road Trip in Japan
Travel information for your overland journey to Japan: budget, roads, gas stations, camping, and more in our Overland Travel Guide for Japan.
Accommodation & Overland Camping in Japan
Paid accommodation, staying with locals and where to go (wild) camping in Japan, including GPS waypoints.
From a Typhoon to Okhinohama Beach (Where Are We – Japan 11)
Chased from Japan’s inland by a 4-day typhoon, we return to the coast and camp at Okhinohama Beach, one of Japan’s most beautiful beaches.
Enjoying Summer on Shikoku (Where are We – Japan 10)
Summer on Shikoku? It has thus far been a good choice. Empty beaches and a wilderness camp in the forest along crystalline rivers.
Joining the Land Cruiser 40 Meeting East (Mount Fuji, Japan)
We had been thrown into Japan’s Land Cruiser community with enthusiasm and hospitality thanks to the Land Cruiser’s Festa in Kyushu, which was held on the weekend we arrived in the … Read more
Visiting the Land Cruiser Factory & Automobile Museum (Where Are We – Japan 9)
The Land Cruiser returned the factory where it was built in 1984: Toyota Auto Body, in Toyota City. Next, the Toyota Automobile Museum.
Hanami in Japan – The Celebration of Cherry Blossoms
What better announcement of spring is there than sakura – the cherry blossom season?
Watching a Glassblower in Japan at Work (Where Are We – Japan 8)
Peter Ivy is an American glassblower in Japan, running his own studio in Toyama. We were his guests and saw him work his art.
Cherry Blossom in South Korea
The cherry blossom in South Korea is the announcement of spring. People go out, join the crowds, have fun, and take selfies!
Admiring Wildlife in Hokkaido Winter (Where Are We – Japan 7)
Snow festivals are a good reason to visit Hokkaido, Japan in winter. However, we were charmed by so much wildlife – here is a photo essay.
The Sapporo Snow Festival on Hokkaido (Japan)
A great reason to visit Japan in winter: the snow festivals. Among the best known is he Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido.
Exploring Honshu Island & Replacing the Clutch (Where Are We – Japan 6)
As we weave our way through urbanized Honshu, we stop in Hiroshima, make new friends and kill the clutch in the middle of the highway.
Hiking on Yakushima Island (Where Are We – Japan 5)
Time to get out of the car and do some walking. Hiking on Yakushima Island, in south Japan and a UNESCO Biopshere Reserve.
Visiting Kyushu Island & Friendee Auto Workshop (Where are We – Japan 4)
The Land Cruiser returned to its country of birth, Japan, where on Kyushu Island we are spoiled by Friendee Auto Workshop.
Why Hike the Baekdu-Daegan? (South Korea)
The magic of the trail found in its landscape, culture, fog and sun, the spiritual and history are all reasons to thru-hike the Baekdu-Daegan.
Loving Kyushu Island & Our First Fender Bender (Where Are We – Japan 3)
November 29, 2016. We make new friends, admire hellish-looking ponds, and have our first car accident in 13 years on the road.
Thank You South Korea!
When writing our last newsletter (Yes, I want to receive it too!) I was reminiscing about our 6-month stay in South Korea and started thanking people whom had helped us in … Read more
Joining the Land Cruisers Festa (Where Are We – Japan 2)
In Kyushu we joined the 19th Land Cruiser’s Festa near Mount Aso. Among so many BJ40s and BJ45s, our Land Cruiser was right at home.
Hiking the Baekdu-daegan Mountain Ridge (Where Are We – South Korea 9)
700+kms of hiking the Baekdu-daegan in South Korea, may be the most challenging yet inspiring way to travel here.
Transportation in South Korea
Underground, above the ground, on foot, or varying from using 1 to 4 wheels or more. See the fascinating, nifty, and fun ways of traveling in South Korea.
A Visa Run to Tsushima Island (Where Are We – Japan 1)
How a quick visa run to Tsushima Island, Japan, turns into a 24-hour, challenging trip due to bad weather, until you meet that angel.
Sightseeing Seoul (Where Are We – South Korea 8)
One week of sightseeing Seoul: the Olympic Park, the Bongeunsa Temple, Royal Tombs, Korea’s National Museum and the Korean War Memorial.
Hiking in Jirisan National Park (Where Are We – South Korea 7)
4 days of hiking in Jirisan National Park were followed by an additional 7 further north. It ws the start of the Baegdu Daegan Trail.
Hiking in Seoraksan National Park (Where Are We – South Korea 6)
July 11, 2016: A 3-day hike in Seoraksan National Park had us blown away. The views, the trails, the sites along the way, the meetings with Koreans all contributed to a new passion: hiking.
Visiting the Demilitarized Zone (Where Are We – South Korea 5)
Visiting the Demilitarized Zone, in shorti DMZ, in the east of South Korea: the Eilji Observatory and the 4th tunnel, both near Yanggu.
Visiting Seoul (Where Are We – South Korea 4)
Starting our Landcruising Adventure on a new continent, South Korea has the honor of being our first step in the Far East.
New Continent, New Country: South Korea
When traveling from one country to the next, let alone to another continent, it’s hard not to compare. And while doing that, we tend to focus on what we like about the … Read more
Shipping the Land Cruiser from Suriname to South Korea – Part 2
Ins and outs of shipping the Land Cruiser in a container to Busan Port in South Korea.
Exploring the South Coast (Where Are We? – South Korea 3)
Where are we – South Korea 3: Landcruising through the southern part of South Korea: cherry blossom, temples, food, hiking, camping, people.
Getting the Land Cruiser out of Busan Port (Where Are We – South Korea 2)
After 60 days sailing around the world, our home on wheels is back on terra firma. Better: we retrieved it from the port today!
Starting our Landcruising Adventure in the Far East (Where Are We – South Korea 1)
March 25, 2016: We’re in South Korea! We are super excited to start a new phase of our journey. It couldn’t have started in a better way: by being invited by South Koreans.
The Philippines by Boat
Beach, snorkeling, sunsets, outrigged boats, lazing, reading a book and more while exploring the Philippines by boat.
The Philippines on Foot and by Bike, Bus, Jeepney and Tricycle
Mountain runs, hanging coffins, rice terraces, and old colonial towns.
Backpacking the Philippines – a Reflection
Why we prefer overlanding over backpacking – a reflection on backpacking in the Philippines.
Signboards in Pakistan
Enjoy an impression of Pakistan through road signs, bill boards and other texts found along the way.
South Peru – a Tumor, an Earthquake and lots of Desert
South Peru brings a couple of scary moments: how serious is that tumor, and will the rock tumbling down that vertical wall hit our Land Cruiser?
Following Roads & Rivers in Bangladesh – a Photo Book
The story behind the creation of a photo book featuring Bangladesh, a country of rickshaws, rice & jute, historical wealth, and beautiful people.
Windshield Views From Asia
Windshield Views from Asia give a peek of landscapes, off-roads, animals, details, and a lot of other things during our overland journey to Vietnam.
Overland Shipping – Container Shipment from Malaysia to Argentina
Our ins and outs of organizing the container shipment for our Land Cruiser from Malaysia to Argentina. It’s not as hard as it looks.
Shipping the Land Cruiser from Bangladesh to Singapore
Ins and Outs of the Land Cruiser’s container shipment from Bangladesh to Singapore.
