China Overland Group Tour

Day 1: Irkeshtam – Kashgar, China

It’s essential to meet your group at Sary Tash the day before. Early departure from Sary Tash. In the morning, you will reach the Kyrgyz-Chinese border area at Irkeshtam. There, you will meet your border fixer who presents all permits to the border guards. Border crossing.

The vehicles must be parked 120 kilometers before Kashgar at a specially designated China customs station. We will arrange a transfer for you from the customs station to Kashgar in the evening on your China arrival day. The second transfer will be arranged the next morning to pick up our vehicles and undergo customs procedures.

Distance: approx. 70 km (Sary Tash to Irkeshtam)

Day 2: Kashgar

Formalities at customs. Drive your vehicle to Kashgar.

Distance: approx. 230 km

Day 3: Kashgar

Formalities at the traffic administration: Today, the temporary Chinese driving licenses and number plates will be issued. There is also a short medical and technical vehicle check. We take care of everything; only patience needs to be brought along.

You can visit the beautiful old town of Kashgar and the night market today. The barbecue/grilled meat here is one of the best in China.

Day 4: Kashgar – Hotan

Early departure. We drive east through the desert. Today’s destination is Hotan. Hotan is located on the Silk Road in the Tarim Basin in southwest Xinjiang, on the border with Tibet to the south. On the way to Hotan, we pass checkpoints and have to register with the police several times – this requires patience. After all, it is one of the most restrictive areas in the world that we are driving through today. This is a long day of driving but progresses swiftly thanks to good road conditions.

The region borders the vast Taklamakan Desert and the Kunlun Mountains to the north, offering spectacular scenery and a desert-like hot climate. Hotan is a city known for its jade art and carpet making. In fact, the locals discovered the secret of Chinese silk in the 5th century, and today Hotan produces the region’s finest carpets. Hotan’s bazaar and night market are a must-see. Here, visitors can purchase local products such as jade, silk, and carpets and sample local snacks, providing a direct connection to the region’s rich traditions and daily life.

Distance: approx. 510 km

Day 5: Hotan – Mingfen

Today we travel on the G315 highway between Hotan and Mingfeng, a journey through the heart of the Taklamakan Desert, the second largest shifting sand dune desert in the world, also known as the “Desert of Death.” This route offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the most fascinating aspects of Xinjiang’s landscape and history.

The desolate yet majestic landscapes of the Taklamakan are home to the resilient Populus euphratica forests that survive in this harsh environment, as well as tranquil lakes and grasslands at the edge of the desert. Overnight in the small town of Mingfeng.

Distance: approx. 320 km

Day 6: Mingfeng – Ruoxiang

A moderate drive on good roads awaits. Ruoxiang is located, literally, in the middle of the desert.

Distance: approx. 570 km

Dali 7: Ruoxiang – Golmud

We start early. A long drive through the desert awaits us, but the roads are in good condition and we will make rapid progress. As we leave Xinjiang Province and enter the Tibetan areas of Qinghai Province, the landscape begins to change dramatically, and we gain altitude. About halfway through today’s journey, we cross a 3,200-meter-high pass. Golmud lies at an elevation of 2,809 meters and is the gateway to Tibet.

Distance: approx. 800 km

Day 8: Golmud – Tanggula

Today is packed with high mountain passes as we cross the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau. The first pass, Kunlun (4,768 m), is the first pass of the Kunlun Mountains and is located in the center of the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve. Here, the iconic wild Tibetan antelopes can be spotted, as well as wild yaks, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan wild donkeys (kiang), and various predators, including the snow leopard. The biodiversity of the reserve is extensive and reflects the unique ecological conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The route between Golmud and Tanggula features some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Tibetan Plateau.

Before we reach our destination, we reach altitudes of over 5,000 meters. We spend the night in the town of Tanggula (4,530 m), located on the banks of the Tuotuo River. The Tuotuo River is considered the source of the Yangtze, the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. The Tuotuo River originates from the glaciers in the Tanggula Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau, flows eastward, and joins other tributaries to form the Yangtze, which plays a crucial role in the extensive watershed that supports millions of people and diverse ecosystems in China.

Distance: approx. 420 km

Day 9: Tanggula – Nagqu

Shortly after starting the day, we reach the impressive Tangu La mountain pass at 5,231 meters. The Tanggula Mountains and Tanggula Pass, one of the highest railway passes in the world, offer dramatic views of untouched wilderness and unique geological formations. We follow the Tibet Railway tracks and cross the vast expanse of the Tibetan Plateau and eventually enter Tibet Province.

Distance: approx. 410 km

Day 10: Nagqu – Lhasa

Today’s drive takes us from the windswept grasslands of northern Tibet to the heart of the Himalayas — Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural center of Tibet. The journey begins across the vast, open plateau north of Nagqu, where endless yak pastures stretch toward the horizon. We cross several high points above 4,700 meters, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Near Damxung, the scenery shifts dramatically — the blue shimmer of Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, appears to the west, framed by the Nyenchen Tanglha range.

Further along, we climb gently over the Lhachen La (Nagenla Pass, ~5,190 m), often flanked by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Beyond the pass, the route descends into greener valleys and geothermal landscapes. As we approach Lhasa (3,650 m) — the “City of the Gods.” the road smooths out. The sight of the Potala Palace rising above the city signals our arrival at the spiritual heart of Tibet.

Distance: approx. 340 km

Day 11: Lhasa

Rest and sightseeing day in Lhasa. On the agenda is a complimentary visit to the former residence of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace organised by us (entrance fee included in the tour price). You also have the opportunity to enjoy the Barkhor market, explore the old town, visit monasteries and Tibet’s most important temple – Jokhang. And, of course, there is also plenty of time to shop for souvenirs.

Day 12: Lhasa – Gyangze – Xigaze

From Lhasa we travel southwest along the Yarlung Tsangpo river and approach the breathtaking azure blue Yamdrok lake situated at 4,900 meters. As we approach Gyangze, we drive over the 5,100 meter high Karo La Pass, which lies directly below a mighty glacier. Today, we only pass through Gyangze, leaving Tibet’s largest stupa (Tibetan Pagoda) and the Gyangze Dzong (Tibetan castle) for another day on the way back from our next destination, Everest Base Camp. We travel across the wide central Tibetan plateau to Xigaze. The barren high pleateau of Tibet has long since given way to vast wheat fields and small villages and farms.

Distance: approx. 360 km

Day 13: Xigaze – Tingri

From Xigaze, we travel along an incredible road with hundreds of twists and turns, and views of the numerous 8,000-meter peaks, one of the many highlights of the journey. The road takes us to Tingri and winds over two passes, from which we have perfect views of the world-famous and highest mountains on earth: Shisha Pangma (8,012 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Lhotse (8,561 m), Makalu (8,463 m), and, of course, Everest (8,848 m), offering unique and spectacular views.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 14: Tingri – EBC – Tingri

Today, we have a round trip from Tingri to Everest Base Camp and back for one additional night in Tingri. We make our way up to Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of almost 4,900 meters. About 20 kilometers before Rongbuk Monastery, we are prohibited from passing further with our vehicles – we continue by local means of transport. Although the base camp, which is 2.5 kilometers from Rongbuk Monastery, has been closed since January 2019, we have an excellent and equally good view of Everest. The unobstructed view of Everest’s 8,848-meter-high summit is worth all our efforts. In the afternoon, we make our way back down to our vehicles and drive back to Tingri for one more night.

Important: Today marks the last day that participants going to different borders travel together. From here, those of you entering Nepal continue westward to Gyirong near the border to Nepal whilst those of you entering Laos return to Xigaze before continuing east bound.

Day 15: Tingri – Gyirong

The drive from Tingri to Gyirong County is one of the most dramatic and scenic days of the journey, descending from the stark, high-altitude landscapes of the Everest region into the lush Himalayan foothills near the Nepalese border.

The route initially follows the highway, climbing over the Gyatso La Pass (5,200 m) — offering a last sweeping panorama of the Himalayas — before beginning a spectacular drop of nearly 4,000 meters in elevation. As the terrain changes, the barren plateau gives way to winding mountain roads, waterfalls, deep gorges, and dense green forests. Temperatures rise noticeably as we enter the Gyirong Valley, often called the “back garden of Tibet” for its subtropical scenery.

By late afternoon, our group reaches Gyirong County (2,800 m) — the final overnight stop before the border crossing into Nepal the next morning.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 16: Gyirong – Rasuwa Gadhi Friendship Bridge

In the morning, we descend from Gyirong Town to the Rasuwa Gadhi Friendship Bridge, the border between Tibet and Nepal. After we assist with completing the Chinese exit formalities, you cross onto Nepalese soil and will need to go through the entry procedures at customs yourself.

We wish you a smooth, fruitful and exciting journey ahead as you continue your expedition!

Distance: approx. 20 km

Day 15: Tingri – Xigaze

In the morning, we have another chance to marvel at Everest, if the weather wasn’t good the day before. Then we head back to Xigaze. We drive back over the Gyatso-La Pass, 5,222 meters high and one of the highest passes of the trip. In Xigaze, we spend the night again in the familiar hotel in the town center.

Close by, there are markets and the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery, which captivates us, as it is the largest temple complex in Tibet and was founded in 1791. From the temples of the monastery complex, there are beautiful views of the valley and the village of Xigaze.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 16: Xigaze – Gyangze

Today’s drive from Xigaze to Gyangze takes us through wide valleys and rolling farmland, offering a glimpse into rural Tibetan life. The journey covers about 90 km on well-paved roads, following the Nyang Chu River for much of the way. Expect to see traditional villages, barley fields, and herds of yaks along the route. Upon arrival in Gyangze after a short drive, we have the chance to explore its rich history — including the impressive Gyangze Fortress and the Palcho Monastery, home to Tibet’s largest stupa, the stunning Kumbum Chörten.

Distance: approx. 90 km

Day 17: Gyangze – Shannan

The drive from Gyangze to Shannan takes us along winding roads that gradually descend from the high Tibetan plateau into the lush Yarlung Tsangpo River valley. Along the way, we pass countless traditional villages, terraced fields, and grazing yak herds, all framed by dramatic mountain backdrops. The journey offers glimpses of ancient fortresses and monasteries, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sweeping panoramas. Approaching Shannan, the landscape becomes greener and more fertile, signaling the region’s historical significance as the cradle of Tibetan civilization.

Distance: approx. 320 km

Day 18: Shannan – Nyingtri

Early start, today’s journey covers approximately 400 km from Shannan to Nyingchi, crossing from the arid Tibetan plateau into lush, subtropical landscapes. The road winds through fertile valleys, terraced fields, traditional villages, and along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, offering panoramic mountain views.

Approaching Nyingchi, the scenery becomes greener, with dense forests and vibrant flora. Known as the “Switzerland of the Orient,” Nyingchi is a gateway to some of the region’s most picturesque natural and cultural attractions, making this long but stunning drive another highlight of the tour.

Distance: approx. 410 km

Day 19: Nyingtri – Bome – Ranwu

Today’s program includes spectacular views, but first, we’ll cross a 5,100-meter-high pass. We’ll drive over various mountain passes on the way to Lake Ranwu, enjoying the view of the fascinating green valleys and yak pastures, of the “Switzerland of the Orient”. We’ll spend the night at a resort on the beautiful shores of Lake Ranwu at an altitude of 3,850 meters and enjoy the sunset over the lake, framed by often snow-capped 5,000-meter-high mountains.

Distance: approx. 360 km

Day 20: Ranwu – Zogang

We follow the road along the lakeshore toward Zogang. The first part of the day leads through narrow gorges followed by the Snake Pass, known locally as the “Road of 72 Bends”. It is yet another highlight of the journey, as the switchbacks lead to a 4,300-meter-high pass that offers stunning views of the valley below.

Distance: approx. 290 km

Day 21: Zogang – Deqin

Two more passes, at 5,000 and 3,900 meters in elevation, await us. The landscapes become more barren again, and the Salween River reveals its yellow sandstone gorges. Shortly afterward, we reach the upper reaches of the Mekong River. There, an encounter with a Tibetan family awaits us, where we spend the night in our homestay. Dinner consists of vegetables from the garden, and home-made liquor and red wine are also available. Here, you get a genuine impression of the life of the local Tibetans. Today is the last day of travel in Tibet Province. By early afternoon, we are already in Yunnan Province. 

Distance: approx. 410 km

Day 22: Deqin – Shangri La

On this stretch of the journey, the last Himalayan pass awaits us at 4,300 meters – the White Horse Pass. The extremely winding roads and the small, idyllic villages offer many more highlights. In Shangri-la, we have the opportunity to visit the world’s largest prayer wheel on Turtle Mountain and the beautiful, wooden old town of Dukezong.

Distance: approx. 210 km

Day 23: Shangri La – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang

Today we drive through one of the deepest gorges in the world, the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Three-kilometer-high cliffs and the 5,500-meter-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain towering above them await us. Afterwards, we arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Lijiang, where we spend the evening. Today, we finally leave the world of the Tibetans and immerse ourselves in Naxi territory.

Distance: approx. 150 km

Day 24: Lijiang – Dali

The drive from Lijiang to Dali takes us through the scenic Yunnan countryside. Dali is located 2,000 meters above sea level between the 40 km long and 20 km wide Lake Erhai and the 4,100 meters high Canshan Mountains. We are now in the subtropics, and tea plantations and palm trees change the landscape. Dali also has a beautiful old town with many coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. The perfect place to slow down and relax.

Distance: approx. 200 km

Day 25: Dali

Rest day and independent visits to sights in Dali, such as the 1200-year-old Three Pagodas, the cable car up into the Cangshan Mountains, or a trip to Erhai Lake.

Day 26: Dali – Shuangjiang

Shuangjiang is known for its diverse ethnic composition, including the Dai, Lahu, Wa, and other minorities. The region is also known for its tea production, especially Pu’er tea. The landscape is characterized by hills and mountains, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers. Traditional villages, cultural festivals, and ethnic customs contribute to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Distance: approx. 390 km

Day 27: Shuangjiang – Xishuangbanna

Today we reach the tropics and once again cross the Mekong River on its journey from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia. Xishuangbanna is known for its tropical rainforests, through which the Mekong River flows, and its rich biodiversity. The region is home to the Dai (Thai) minority, whose traditional architecture, festivals such as the Water Splash Festival, and dances shape the cultural heritage. The region is also known for its Buddhist temples and pagodas, which reflect the cultural and religious significance of Xishuangbanna.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 28: Xishuangbanna – Mohan / Boten Border

Short drive to the China – Laos border from Xishuangbanna. After we arrive at the border crossing and help with your exit from China around noon, your China Overland Group Tour ends.

We wish you a smooth, fruitful and exciting journey ahead as you continue your expedition!

Distance: approx. 180 km