INDIA TO LONDON ROAD TRIP

Our group gathers in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, in North India. You’ll meet the organizing team and your fellow road trippers, who will be your companions for the next two months. From here, we will cross the border into Nepal at Lumbini. Our next stop is Bharatpur Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, known for its many temples and palaces. We will spend the rest of the week exploring and relaxing while completing visa formalities.

The second week of our amazing adventure starts in China after an exciting border crossing from Rasuwagadhi. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as we travel through the charming towns of Gyirong and Tingri. From there we embark on a memorable journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC), the gateway to the world’s highest peak, Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest) by boarding a tour bus which is the highlight of this week.

After passing through Shigatse, where we get our driving licenses and vehicle number plates, we head to Lhasa. High in the mountains, Lhasa is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Marvel at the Potala Palace, a World Heritage Site, towering over 380 feet above Red Hill. Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Jokhang Temple, another World Heritage Site, surrounded by the lively Barkhor Street. This week is all about soaking in the serenity of the Himalayas.

The third week begins with our excited drivers ready to tackle the rugged mountain terrain as we head to Damxung in Tibet. On the way, we will stop at the beautiful Namtso Lake, the largest saltwater lake in Tibet and one of the highest lakes in the world nestled at an elevation of over 15,400 feet.

Explore the vast and diverse Qiangtang Grasslands, home to the famous Wild Yak, as we continue to Amdo. Next, we travel to Golmud, passing through high mountain passes, feeling like on top of the world.

In the second half of the week, we arrive in Dunhuang in Gansu, Western China. In Dunhuang, be amazed by the stunning Gobi Desert, followed by an entertaining evening. The next day, we will visit the Mogao Caves, a World Heritage Site with 500 temples featuring beautiful Buddhist art.

We end the week by heading to Turpan in Xinjiang, a region of China that borders eight countries: Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

In the fourth week of our journey, we leave Turpan and head to Kuerle, the second largest city in Xinjiang. After a restful night, our group drives to Aksu on the edge of the Tarim Basin. Enjoy the lush Populus Forest Park, a famous tourist spot, and test your driving skills on the impressive Tarim Desert Expressway through the Taklamakan Desert. Next, we visit Kashgar, known as “Pearl of the Silk Road” and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.

Walk through the Old Town’s winding alleyways, admire vintage houses and gates, and savor local flavors.

After experiencing Chinese culture, we move on to the ‘Stan’ countries. We drive along the historic Pamir Glacier Highway, surrounded by the towering Pamir Mountains, also known as the ‘Roof of the World.’ This challenging route has been in use for over 2000 years. Crossing the border, we continue to the Silk Road-era city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan. Osh is a long-established trade center with a large bazaar along the Ak-Bura River. Visit Sulaiman Too, the only World Heritage Site in the country.

We end the week by leaving Kyrgyzstan and heading to the garden city of Fergana in Uzbekistan.

The first half of the week is dedicated to Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s biggest attraction. Leaving Fergana behind, we continue our drive to the beautiful capital city of Tashkent. Visit the lively Chorsu Bazaar, enjoy the vintage Museum of Applied Arts, and find peace at the stunning Minor Mosque.

Leaving Uzbekistan, we cross the border into Kazakhstan, first entering the historic city of Turkistan. The next day, we head to Aralsk, a town known for its connection to the shrinking Aral Sea, and then continue to Aktobe, a vibrant city rich in cultural heritage.

We will then head to the transcontinental city of Atyrau, situated on the banks of the Ural River, where Europe meets Asia.

The next leg of our journey begins with leaving Kazakhstan behind with yet another border crossing, in Astrakhan, a city on the banks of the mighty Volga River. Enjoy delicious local food as you explore the streets of this southernmost Russian city. You can also opt for an evening boat ride on the Volga river for your leisure time.

Driving from Astrakhan to Budyonnovsk takes you through the scenic landscapes of southern Russia as you traverse the vast plains and winding rivers of the region. Enroute we will visit a Buddhist monastery in Elista town, a serene and spiritual retreat that adds to the town’s charm.

You will also be amazed by the sight of Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Russia and Europe, standing at about 18,510 feet above sea level, where a cable car ride offers stunning panoramic views.

Afterwards, we arrive in the lush village of Verkhniy Fiagdon in North Ossetia-Alania, known for its thermal springs and healing mineral waters. Here, you are greeted with the sight of verdant meadows and serene rivers. We will be spending two nights in this tranquil village, allowing ample time to relax and soak in the natural beauty and rejuvenating waters.

We start the seventh week by crossing the border into Georgia, leaving Russia behind and entering the capital city of Tbilisi. This cosmopolitan city is set in a beautiful valley and has an Old Town with many historic attractions.

Next, we visit the Georgian port city of Batumi, known for its unique architecture and sculptural beauty, earning it the nickname “Las Vegas of the Black Sea.” We end this part of our incredible road trip by leaving Georgia and entering the fascinating country of Türkiye.

We start exploring Türkiye starting with Trabzon, a city on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Türkiye. From there, we head to Cappadocia, an ancient region in East-Central Anatolia, known for its stunning landscape. The next day, enjoy a sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, the best way to see Cappadocia’s incredible scenery. Later, visit Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, with its fairy chimneys and beautiful views.

After Cappadocia, we travel to Istanbul, Türkiye vibrant capital. Istanbul combines modern and historic charm, and a luxurious cruise on the Bosphorus Strait will be a great way to end our time in Türkiye.

Mid-week, we head to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Spend a day exploring this relaxed and diverse city. Next, we travel to Belgrade, Serbia, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

With so much to see and do, this incredible journey is sure to leave you feeling exhilarated and full of life!

The ninth week of our journey begins as we leave Belgrade and cross into Budapest via Croatia. Budapest is a cosmopolitan city known for its culture, architecture, and natural hot springs. A big part of the city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage site status and it is also considered as the most beautiful city in Europe. We will enjoy a cruise on the Danube River, the second longest river in Europe, in Budapest.

Next, we travel to Prague, the capital of Czechia (formerly Czech Republic). This city is known for its beautiful mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, making it a memorable destination. Prague to Frankfurt offers a scenic journey through picturesque landscapes and charming towns of Germany. Afterwards, we head to Brussels, via the Netherlands. Brussels, the capital of Belgium is famous for its delicious food, World Heritage Sites, and vibrant art scene. As we enter the final stretch of our journey, we’ll be heading toward the last country on our route before arriving in the UK.

We start the final leg of our journey with a ferry ride from Calais in France to Dover in the UK. Driving into London with the Indian flag proudly waving on your vehicle is an exhilarating experience that’s hard to describe. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner with the group who shared this amazing adventure with you over the past two months. Our vehicles will be shipped back to India as we reminisce about the incredible moments from this unique trip. Get ready to be amazed and deeply moved, because this is ‘Road to London’—an epic journey that will remain unmatched in your memories for a long time.