India to London Overland

Our epic road trip begins in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, where the group gathers to meet the organizing team and fellow travelers—companions for the next two months of adventure. From here, we drive to the Indo-Nepal border at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini offers serene monasteries and meditation centers, perfect for setting the tone of our journey.

We then continue to Bharatpur, a gateway city with warm hospitality, before reaching Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. In Kathmandu, we explore the stunning Durbar Square, with its intricately carved palaces and temples, and marvel at the spiritual Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), which offers sweeping views of the valley. The magnificent Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines, and the grand Boudhanath Stupa, a Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site, add to the city’s spiritual allure.

The week balances exploration and relaxation, allowing time to soak in Nepal’s cultural charm while completing visa formalities for the road ahead.

The adventure intensifies as we cross the border into Tibet at Rasuwagadhi, beginning a journey across landscapes unlike anywhere else. The crisp mountain air greets us in the towns of Gyirong and Tingri, each surrounded by dramatic Himalayan vistas.

One of the highlights of the week is reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC), the gateway to the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Qomolangma (Everest), at 8,848.86 meters. Standing here, surrounded by jagged peaks and endless sky, is an awe-inspiring experience that words can hardly capture.

Our road then leads to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, where we complete formalities to receive driving licenses and vehicle number plates. Shigatse is also home to the ancient Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, offering a glimpse into Tibetan spirituality.

From there, we ascend to Lhasa, the mystical heart of Tibet. Here we explore the breathtaking Potala Palace, perched 380 feet above Red Hill—a monumental structure that has watched over Tibet for centuries. At the sacred Jokhang Temple, we join pilgrims circling Barkhor Street, a lively market filled with incense, prayer wheels, and colorful Tibetan crafts.

This week is about embracing the Himalayas’ majesty while immersing ourselves in Tibet’s spiritual depth.

The third week begins with our convoy of eager drivers navigating Tibet’s rugged mountain roads toward Damxung. Along the way, we pause at the breathtaking Namtso Lake, a turquoise jewel surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Known as the “Heavenly Lake,” it is the largest saltwater lake in Tibet and one of the highest in the world, resting at an elevation of over 15,400 feet.

Crossing into the expansive Qiangtang Grasslands, we enter a region of boundless beauty—rolling plains dotted with nomadic tents, wild yaks, Tibetan antelopes, and migratory birds. Our journey then carries us through Amdo, the birthplace of Tibetan culture and traditions, before ascending through towering mountain passes that make you feel as though you’re driving across the very roof of the world. We eventually reach Golmud, an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, known for its dramatic landscapes where desert meets snow-covered peaks.

In the second half of the week, we arrive in Dunhuang, an oasis city in Gansu Province. Once a vital crossroads on the Silk Road, Dunhuang is surrounded by the stunning Gobi Desert. Here, we’ll marvel at the surreal Crescent Lake and the towering Mingsha Sand Dunes, famous for their “singing sands.” An evening under the desert sky, with local music and performances, will make this stop unforgettable.

The next day takes us to the legendary Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 500 richly decorated grottoes, filled with Buddhist murals and sculptures dating back over 1,000 years.

The fourth week takes us deeper into the Silk Road heartlands. From Turpan, we drive westward to Kuerle, the second-largest city in Xinjiang, known for its vibrant night markets and fragrant pears. After a restful stay, the road carries us to Aksu, on the edge of the great Tarim Basin. Here we explore the famous Populus Forest Park, where golden poplar trees transform the desert into a magical landscape in autumn.

The adventure intensifies as we tackle the Tarim Desert Expressway, one of the world’s longest desert highways, cutting through the legendary Taklamakan Desert—a true test of driving skill and endurance. Our reward awaits at Kashgar, often called the “Pearl of the Silk Road.” With more than 2,000 years of history, Kashgar’s Old Town enchants with its narrow alleys, mudbrick houses, and ornate gates.

From here, our journey shifts to the Pamir Highway, one of the highest and most dramatic routes on Earth, surrounded by the soaring Pamir Mountains—the “Roof of the World.”

Crossing into Kyrgyzstan, we arrive in Osh, a Silk Road-era city more than 3,000 years old. Here we explore the vast bazaar and Sulaiman-Too Mountain, the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We end the week in the fertile Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan.

The week begins in Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s crown jewel. From Fergana, we travel to Tashkent, exploring the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, the Museum of Applied Arts, and the gleaming Minor Mosque.

Crossing into Kazakhstan, our first stop is Turkistan, home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, we drive to Aralsk, once a port on the Aral Sea, now a haunting reminder of ecological change.

Continuing onward, we reach Aktobe, a lively city rich in culture, and end the week in Atyrau, the transcontinental city on the banks of the Ural River, where Europe meets Asia.

Crossing into Russia, we arrive in Astrakhan, the “Caspian capital,” on the banks of the Volga River. A boat ride on the Volga is a perfect way to unwind here.

From Astrakhan, we continue across sweeping plains to Elista, the only Buddhist city in European Russia, home to the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni Monastery.

Further west, the spectacular Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak at 18,510 feet, awaits us. A cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the Caucasus.

We end the week in Verkhniy Fiagdon, a peaceful village in North Ossetia-Alania, famous for its meadows, rivers, and mineral springs—an ideal place to rest and rejuvenate.

Crossing into Georgia, we reach Tbilisi, a colorful capital of cobblestone lanes, pastel houses, and lively cafes. Highlights include the Old Town, the sulfur baths, and the glowing Bridge of Peace. Nearby Mtskheta offers the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.

Crossing into Turkey, we visit Erzurum before reaching the magical region of Cappadocia. Here, surreal fairy chimneys, cave churches, and an optional hot air balloon ride create unforgettable memories.
We close the week in Kayseri, a hub of history and trade.

We arrive in Istanbul, the city where East meets West. From the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar, the city is alive with history. A Bosphorus cruise crowns our Turkish journey.

Crossing into Bulgaria, we spend time in Sofia, exploring the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and relaxed boulevards.
Finally, we reach Belgrade, Serbia’s lively capital, with its Kalemegdan Fortress and bustling nightlife.

From Belgrade, we cross through Croatia before reaching Budapest, Hungary’s stunning capital. Highlights include the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and a Danube River cruise by night.

We then visit Bratislava, Slovakia, with its castle overlooking a charming Old Town.

In Prague, Czechia’s fairytale capital, we explore the Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock, and medieval squares.

Driving into Germany, we pass through scenic countryside to Frankfurt and the Rhine Valley, famous for castles and vineyards.
Our week ends in the Netherlands, exploring Amsterdam’s canals, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods.

We pause in Brussels, Belgium, to explore the UNESCO-listed Grand Place and sample world-famous chocolates and waffles.
From there, we cross into France, reaching Calais for our ferry ride. Excitement peaks as the White Cliffs of Dover appear on the horizon.

Finally, we drive into London, with the Indian flag flying proudly on our vehicles—a deeply emotional moment marking the successful completion of our road to London.

The adventure concludes with a farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships and memories forged along this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

This is the Road to London—an odyssey that will live forever in memory.