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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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Overland Journal Day 57-71: Uzbekistan
After 57 days on the road covering over 12.000 kilometers, we arrive in the 13th country of the expedition: Uzbekistan. Leaving the totalitarian state of Turkmenistan brought immense relief, yet lingering paranoia and exhaustion still haunted us. To recuperate, we spent five days in Khiva, an enchanting, meticulously restored, ancient city. Join us as we continue our journey through Central Asia, exploring the historic Silk Road cities of…