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Overland Journal Day 117: Border Crossing Into China
Overlanding China with our own car marks the biggest hurdle of our expedition, requiring extensive preparation well before our arrival. In addition to a visa, self-driving with a foreign vehicle means we also need a Chinese driver’s license, Chinese license plates, and a local guide accompanying us every hour of every day. The process began months ago back in the Netherlands, and now – on July 17, 2024…
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Overland Journal Day 110-116: Kazakhstan
With just one week left before we need to be in China, we cross the border into Kazakhstan—one of the world’s largest countries. A week is far too short to do it justice, so we focus on the southeastern region around Almaty, nestled between Kyrgyzstan and China. Luckily, this area is packed with incredible sights. We camp on top of the fiery red cliffs of Charyn Canyon, venture…
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Overland Journal Day 93-109: Kyrgyzstan
Just a year ago, while camping on a tundra at 4,300 meters altitude in Kyrgyzstan, the spark for this expedition was ignited. Now, we’re back in this breathtaking country—only this time, we’re driving our own car from The Netherlands. How surreal and exciting is that?! Our memories of Kyrgyzstan are so cherished that we were slightly worried reality wouldn’t live up to them. Thankfully, it more than does.…
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Overland Journal Day 82-92: Tajikistan (Seven Lakes and the Pamir Highway)
It’s a dream come true: driving the Pamir Highway, one of the most legendary roads in the world. This desolate route takes us through bumpy mountain passes, right into no man’s land. With altitude sickness creeping in, we push ourselves to conquer the highest point of our expedition at 4,655 meters in altitude. Our goal: one of the highest border crossings on earth, the border between Tajikistan and…
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Overland Journal Day 72-81: Tajikistan (Panjakent and Dushanbe)
In the border town of Panjakent we’re met with incredible hospitality at the car workshop, although they don’t have the car parts we need. Undeterred, we drive through the notorious “Tunnel of Death” to the capital Dushanbe, where we’re welcomed at the best Toyota garage we’ve ever encountered. However, our journey takes an unexpected turn when we find ourselves caught in a corrupt power struggle between the customs…
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