Included services for China Overland Group tour Kyrgyzstan-Laos Expenses for guide travelling to/from borders, Meals and accommodation for guide Chinese driving license, provisional Chinese number plate, provisional Customs deposit bond Customs entry and exit clearance Chinese 3rd party vehicle insurance All China entry permits, itinerary permits, military permits, PSB permits, tourism bureau permits Tibet Permit (Tibet Alien Traveller Permit) for China Overland Tours through Tibet All necessary official translations of documents English speaking licensed guide Border fixer for entry days 3 nights in a mid-range hotel in Kashgar 1 night at Rongbuk monastery near Everest Base Camp Transfer from customs border station to Kashgar/back to customs station on the next day Not Included Services: Fuel for your vehicles Meals for participants Entrance fees, transport from/to sights (if necessary), toll gate fees (if any) Accommodation beside accommodation mentioned above

China Overland Group Tour

Kyrgyzstan to Laos via the Chinese provinces Xinjiang, Tibet & Yunnan

Embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the fascinating highlights of Tibet and Southwest China, all the way to the Laotian border. Experience the breathtaking vastness of the Tibetan high plateau, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Yamdrok Lake, and marvel at the mystical, sacred Mount Kailash. The journey takes you next to the base camp of the majestic Mount Everest and on to the historically rich Lhasa, before climbing the eastern foothills of the Himalayas. Be enchanted by the picturesque old towns of Lijiang and Dali and enjoy the captivating subtropical landscapes as you make your way through Yunnan province. As private China overland tours may be too expensive for some, we have created this affordable China overland group tour from Kyrgyzstan to Laos for this very reason. Discover the beauty of Asia together with like-minded travelers and create unforgettable memories.

Write us for more detailed information

Vehicle with 1 participant:
US$ 4,480
Vehicle with 2 participants:
US$ 4,730
Additional participants in existing vehicles:
US$ 250

25 days

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 Irkestam. 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.

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. The barbecue/grilled meat is one of the best in China.

Motorcyclists in front of snow covered mountains

Day 4: Kashgar – Sanshili

On the way to Sanshili, you pass numerous checks and have to register several times with the police – that requires a lot of patience. The climate here on the Silk Road, very close to the Taklamakan Desert, is downright desolate.

Today we are heading from the “depth” of the Tarim Basin and the desert-like areas along the Silk Road up into the Tibetan Mountain World with the first pass beyond 3,000 meters.

This will be a rather long day due to the fact that all areas between Kashgar and the Tibet high plateau were declared off-limits for overnight stays for foreigners in mid-2019. Only transit is permitted. Before, it was possible to stay in Yecheng/Kargilik, Kudi, or Mazha. All accommodations in those places are now closed for foreigners.

Distance: approx. 620 km

Day 5: Sanshili – Duoma

Drive across the Tibet high plateau with 5000 meter high passes.

Distance: approx. 490 km

Day 6: Duoma – Ali

Via the Pangong Lake to Ali. Pangong Lake is located half in Chinese and half in Indian territory. One side of the lake is filled with salt water, while the other side is filled with fresh water.

Ali is the administrative capital of western Tibet and the first larger town since Kashgar.

Distance: approx. 230 km

Dali 7: Ali – Zanda (Guge Kingdom)

Guge Kingdom is an ancient, mysterious kingdom that once flourished in the 10th-17th centuries. It’s worth visiting due to its unique cultural and historical significance, as well as the stunning architecture and intricate murals found in its ruins. The kingdom is nestled in the dramatic landscape of the Zanda Clay Forest, which offers breathtaking views and an otherworldly atmosphere.

Distance: approx. 250 km

Day 8: Ali – Mt. Kailash

Short drive to Kailash mountain, holy for the Tibetans. With a little luck, you will see numerous pilgrims, some of them coming from the most remote parts of the country, from India and Nepal for a journey of their lifetime. The mountain, which is holy for the Tibetans and almost 7,000 meters high, rises majestically above the Tibetan plateau with its snow-covered summit.

According to legend, every believing Buddhist has to circle this mountain at least once in his life. But if he wants to experience perfect enlightenment, he has to do it 51 times. After arriving in Darchen – the starting point for the mountain tours – we can leave it at a walk to the Tarpoche Pagoda or take a piste tour to Tarpoche. If you wish, you can also visit the other shore of Lake Manasarovar.

Distance: approx. 250 km

Day 9: Mt. Kailash – Saga

Along the deep blue Manasarovar lake, over which snow-covered mountains throne, we go to Saga. Even today, the endless vastness of Tibet and a spectacular mountain pass awaits us.

Distance: approx. 490 km

Day 10: Saga – Tingri

Across curvy mountain roads and a 4,500-meter high mountain pass to Gyirong, and on to Tingri.

Distance: approx. 300 km

Day 11: : Tingri – Rongbuk Monastery near Everest Base Camp

The road to Rongbuk Monastery offers incredible curves and views of four of the highest mountains on earth. It is perfectly paved, and there are not many views on earth more spectacular! Approximately 15 kilometers before reaching Rongbuk Monastery, you have to park your vehicle in a secure parking lot and take the public bus to the monastery. From Rongbuk, where you stay overnight in the basic inn of the monastery, you have the very best views onto the world’s highest mountain: Everest.

Distance: approx. 110 km

View from Rongbuk monastery on Mt. everest

Day 12: Rongbuk Monastery – Xigaze

Drive across the 5,220-meter high Gyatso Pass to Xigaze, one of Tibet’s largest cities. Visit the majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery in the afternoon upon arrival. The wide Central Tibetan Plateau leads to Gyangze, where we visit the largest stupa (Tibetan pagoda) in Tibet. Along the turquoise-blue Yamdrok Lake, where we might see shaggy yaks for the last time, we’ll cross a mountain pass into the fertile river valley of Yarlung Tsangpo and on to the legendary Lhasa.

Distance: approx. 340 km

Day 13: Xigaze – Gyangze – Lhasa

Along the shores of Yamdrok Lake to the 5,100-meter high Kara-La pass, today certainly is a day packed with highlights and beautiful landscapes.

Distance: approx. 360 km

Day 14: Lhasa

Free rest and sightseeing day in Lhasa. You can visit the Potala Palace, the Barkhor market, and the monasteries Sera and Jokhang, Tibet’s most important temple.

Day 15: Lhasa – Nyingtri

The last driving day on the Tibet high plateau. Nyingtri is located on the edge of it, and in the next few days, you will descend on hundreds of curves on your way across the Eastern Himalaya.

Distance: approx. 400 km

Day 16: Nyingtri – Bome – Ranwu

On different pass roads to Ranwu, our tour brings us to superb views on the 4,100-meter high and snow-capped Mt. Nanjiabawa. Ride through virgin forest. Perfect views and one of the most stunning riding days. Overnight at Ranwu lake.

Distance: approx. 360 km

Day 17: Ranwu – Zogang

We will enjoy the sunrise at the lake. Drive along Ranwu Lake to Zogang and a road that the locals call, “77 curves road”. Drive along the Nu/Salween river.

Distance: approx. 290 km

Day 18: Zogang – Feilaisi (Deqin)

Two more passes (5,010/3,900) on the way to Feilaisi, which means “the flying temple”. From here, on a clear day, you’ll have spectacular views of Mt. Kawa Karpo (or Meili Snow Mountain), a 6,700-meter high mountain. It’s one of the three holy mountains, the other ones being Mt. Kailash in Tibet and Amne Machen in Qinghai province. All the mountains are snow-covered year-round and have a pyramid-shaped peak. In Feilaisi, there are many high-class hotels and basic guesthouses. From a nearby viewing platform, you can enjoy fantastic views of the summit for sunrise and sunset.

Distance: approx. 350 km

Day 19: Feilaisi – Shangri-La:

Drive via Deqin to Shangri-La. Tackle the last Himalayan mountain pass (4,300m) near the mountain of the White Horse, then descend to only 1,900 meters and enjoy the grand views of the Yangtze River. In Shangri-La, visit the beautiful old town and the largest prayer wheel on earth on top of Turtle Hill.

Distance: approx. 210 km

Day 20: Shangri-La – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang

Today, the beautiful country road will lead you through one of the deepest gorges on earth. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the old town of Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Distance: approx. 270 km

Day 21: Lijiang – Dali

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. You 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. 180 km

Day 22: Dali – Lincang

A dynamic place of Wa culture, this city owes its reputation to the production of black tea commonly known as “Dianhong”, whose reputation has spread beyond China’s borders. In addition, it is located near the road that connects Kunming to Yangon and formerly known as the “Southern Silk Road”.

Distance: approx. 300 km

Day 23: Lincang- Xishuangbana (Jinghong)

Xishuangbanna is the most tropical region in China. With its forests, lush jungles, sugar cane fields, bamboo trees, banana plantations, and pretty minority villages, you could think you crossed already the border to Southeast Asia.

Distance: approx. 400 km

Day 24: Xishuangbana (Jinghong)

The city offers beautiful markets where you can find tropical fruits and various vegetables in abundance. Its parks and tropical gardens give access to sublime pagodas and golden temples dressed in a South Asian tonality very particular to the Xishuangbanna region. There are many minorities here whose inhabitants are spread across the borders, as far as Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and elsewhere in Asia.

This day also serves as a contingency day in case of delays during the journey.

Day 25: Xishuangbanna – Mohan/Boten Border

Short drive to the China – Laos border. After you cross the border around noon, your China Overland Group Tour ends.

Distance: approx. 180 km

Good to know: Customs deposit for foreign vehicles in China:

A customs deposit for a foreign vehicle is a financial security provided by vehicle owners when they temporarily enter another country with their vehicle. This deposit serves as a guarantee for compliance with customs regulations and any taxes or fees that may be incurred in connection with the temporary import of the vehicle into China.

The deposit ensures that the vehicle will be exported again after the allowed stay has expired and will not remain permanently in China. The deposited amount will be refunded once the vehicle has been properly exported and all applicable taxes and fees have been paid.

The amount of the customs deposit may vary and depends on various factors, such as the value of the vehicle, customs regulations, and the duration of the stay. Depending on the vehicle, the amount ranges between US$ 5,000 and US$ 10,000. This deposit is provided by Tibetmoto, which means that the Overlander does not have to deposit this amount. However, this does not exempt the Overlander from the obligation to export the vehicle! It is important to know that the Carnet de Passage is not recognized in China.

Included Services

Temporary Chinese driver’s license
Temporary Chinese license plate
Customs deposit for the vehicle
Vehicle insurance
Customs clearance at the entry and exit border
All permits for China and Tibet, including Tibet Travel Permit
All official translations
English-speaking tour guide (travels in an Overlander vehicle)
Meals and accommodations for the tour guide
Arrival / departure from / to the border for the tour guide
Tibetmoto Service: Customer support during your trip from Monday-Sunday 8:00-21:00 Chinese time
Supporting documents for applying for a Chinese visa

Not included Services

Meals
Hotels/accommodations
Personal expenses such as sightseeing entrance fees, fuel, etc.

Tour with your own vehicle!

Planning your own overland tour was very frustrating and difficult. It’s great that they offer a tour with a own vehicle, so I could fully rely on Tibetmoto.

Hans F.

Thanks!

Tibetmoto Tours had completely planned the overland tour, took care of hotels and the route. This allowed my wife and the country to enjoy China very much!

Sebastian R.

Overland Tour

Everything was relaxed. Our guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. Excellent!

Horst S.

Questions & Answers

China Overland Group Tour

Included ServicesAnne2020-11-05T01:04:02+01:00

Included Services

Included services for China Overland Group tour Kyrgyzstan-Laos

Expenses for guide travelling to/from borders,
Meals and accommodation for guide
Chinese driving license, provisional
Chinese number plate, provisional
Customs deposit bond
Customs entry and exit clearance
Chinese 3rd party vehicle insurance
All China entry permits, itinerary permits, military permits, PSB permits, tourism bureau permits
Tibet Permit (Tibet Alien Traveller Permit) for China Overland Tours through Tibet
All necessary official translations of documents
English speaking licensed guide
Border fixer for entry days
3 nights in a mid-range hotel in Kashgar
1 night at Rongbuk monastery near Everest Base Camp
Transfer from customs border station to Kashgar/back to customs station on the next day