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.
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
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
An overview with books about Central Asia (Mongolia, Stan Countries) and the Silk Road: Non Fiction, Fiction, Travel Memoirs, Guidebooks.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Kazakhstan, and additional camping/accommodation info on Kazakhstan.
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
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
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
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
In our Kazakhstan Travel Budget Report we detail our road-trip expenditures on documentation, fuel, the Land Cruiser, camping, and more.
Travel information for your overland journey to Kazakhstan: roads, online navigation, gas stations, camping, and much more in our Kazakhstan Travel Guide.
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Kazakhstan, and additional camping/accommodation info on Kazakhstan.
Our Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide details everything for an overland journey to Kyrgyzstan: roads, fuel, maps, navigation, sim cards, Wifi, & more.
Our Kyrgyzstan travel budget report, detailing travel expenditures during our road trip including documents, fuel, camping, car workshops.
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
An overview with books about Central Asia (Mongolia, Stan Countries) and the Silk Road: Non Fiction, Fiction, Travel Memoirs, Guidebooks.
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
An overview with books about Central Asia (Mongolia, Stan Countries) and the Silk Road: Non Fiction, Fiction, Travel Memoirs, Guidebooks.
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
With 90% of mountains, Kyrgyzstan offers ample opportunities for wild camping. Here, overlanders share their favorite wild camping sites.
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
In our Uzbekistan Budget Report we detail our road-trip expenditures on documentation, fuel, the Land Cruiser, camping, and more.
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Kazakhstan, and additional camping/accommodation info on Kazakhstan.
Overland travel information for Kazakhstan: roads, navigation, gas stations, camping, and more in our Kazakhstan Travel Guide.
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
Of the 400 articles on our Landcruising Adventure website, which are best read? What have been your most popular blog posts on our website?
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
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
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 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
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.
An overview of GPS Waypoints for overland camping in Tajikistan, including favorites from overlanding, and additional camping info on Tajikistan.
The Baekdu-Daegan is a mountain ridge across the country and includes national park. This is the ultimate region for hiking in South Korea.
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!).
Both enjoying careers at home while loving (long-distance) journeys, Marijke and Joost share how they combine work and travel.
Our Tajikistan travel budget report, detailing travel expenditures during our road trip including documents, fuel, camping, car workshops.
The freedom to drive into the wilderness and free camp amidst the Tuzbair limestone cliffs in Kazakhstan – that’s why we travel overland.
Overlanding in Uzbekistan brings specific challenges: finding diesel, understanding SIM Card logics, and registering on the app.
Travel information for your overland journey to Tajikistan: budget, roads, gas stations, camping, and more in our Tajikistan Travel Guide.
There are lots of things to do in Hokkaido all year, but winter in Hokkaido is special: snow festivals, snow hikes, and wildlife viewing.
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.
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 when setting out on a 6-month overland journey from Europe to Central Asia. How to deal with fears of camping?
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.
At age 13, the book First Overland inspires Chris to overland to Asia. Here are Chris & Charlie, driving from the UK to Australia.
Among the world’s legendary overland route is the Pamir Highway, our intro into Tajikistan’s remote landscapes such as the Wakhan Corridor.
Non-fiction, Japanese literature, travel memoirs, guidebooks and other books on Japan will help you get started to prepare for your journey.
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.
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!
In Changchun, visit the former home or Puyi, China’s last emperor, Bãnruò Temple, or enjoy the big city’s daily scene.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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 is growing in popularity. The 850-km-long Carian Trail thru-hike is little known but so worth it. Let us tell you why.
Travel information for your overland journey to Mongolia: budget, roads, gas stations, camping, and more in our Mongolia Travel Guide.
Northeast China is easy to reach by public transportation. This China travel guide shares how to get there and other practical tips.
Laughing at funny translations? Why not – have a giggle and take it with a grain of salt. Here are some memorable signboards in China.
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.
Mongolia is vast and empty and you can camp anywhere. So here overlanders share the most awesome spots for wild camping in Mongolia.
Travel from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing using public transport. Here’s info on traveling by plane, train, or bus, and includes border information.
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.
Getting a China visa is tricky so here’s hence our lowdown on the China visa application process at the Chinese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.
“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
Mongolia’s most important celebration, the Nadaam Festival is a summer event held throughout the summer and in every corner of Mongolia.
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.
A two-week road trip in the Gobi Desert: vast and empty but with fascinating landscapes and hidden ‘treats’, a monastery and rock carvings.
Prepare your overland journey to Northern Asia: schedules, roadmaps, and guidebooks for Central Asia (Stan countries), Russia, and Mongolia.
