New Silk Road Rallye Tibet

• Tag 1

  • Frankfurt - Dresden / 465 km

  Start in Frankfurt • Drive to Dresden

  The big adventure starts today at Frankfurt. The first stage will be to Dresden crossing Germany from west to east. If you are fit enough after the ride, you should definitely spend some time visiting the famous Semper opera, the “Frauenkirche”, and have a stroll along river Elbe. Dresden is also named „Elbflorenz“ due to her baroque and Mediterranean shaped architecture and its location at the Elbe Valley.  (D)

   

   

• Tag 2

  • Dresden - Wroclaw / 268 km

  Border crossing to Poland • Drive on highway to Wroclaw

  Along the highway you travel comfortably further to Wroclaw on day 2. The first border crossing is coming up, but it will be an easy one. Wroclaw is a city with a population of about 650.000 and is therefore Poland’s fourth biggest city. In 2012 the city was a venue of the European football championship and was declared  Europe’s cultural capital in 2016. The city´s symbol is its old town hall at the Big Ring. (B/D)

• Tag 3

  • Breslau - Warsaw / 346 km

  Drive to Warsaw

  The third stage leads across the highway further to Warsaw, Poland’s capital city. Located on both sides of river Wisla, the old town is very impressive. The old town is declared as an UNESCO world heritage. It is very lovely to stroll through the ancient streets, visiting one of the numerous beautiful churches or having a bite of the delicious cakes served in the local cafes. (B/D)

• Tag 4

  • Warsaw

  Old town of Warsaw • Dinner with traditional dance

  Today you will get a glance at Warsaw’s city center on a guided city tour. In the old town you will see the most representative square, the big triangular castle square. Originally its south side was limited by the Cracovian Gate, now only a gothic bridge remains. The east side of the square is the western side of the king castle, and the north western side consists of the old town houses. Further eastwards below the castle square besides the king castle is the baroque palace of the tin roof situated, named after its roof material. At the end of the day you will celebrate with an authentic polish dinner accompanied by a traditional dance performance. (B/D)

• Tag 5

  • Warsaw - Brest / 205 km

  Border crossing to Belarus • Drive to Brest

  The driving time of today’s journey is about three hours. But the whole stage will take much longer, as border crossing procedures from Poland to Belarus will take several hours (approx. 3-4 hrs.). Your patience will be tested here for the very first time. You will reach Brest in the late afternoon. Brest is Belarus westernmost located city with a population of about 330.000. (B/D)

• Tag 6

  • Brest - Homel (Gomel) / 531 km

  Drive to Homel • Drive along forest areas and small villages

  The ride continues through southern Belarus. The daily stage lasts for 531 km on good street conditions. In the late afternoon you will reach the city of Homel, situated at river Sosch. Homel is with a population of about 500.000 Belarus second largest city and is situated in the area, which was contaminated by the „Chernobyl disaster” back in 1986. Fortunately liability by radiation has decreased so far that you can pass without any risk for your personal health. (B/D)

• Tag 7

  • Homel (Gomel) – Oryol (Orel) / 471 km

  Border crossing to Russia

  Today you will leave Belarus again and drive over to Russia. By doing so you will cross the three-country-corner between Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. Border crossing will take a lot of time. Your patience is questioned again, smiling always helps. First destination in Russia is the city of Oryol (literally: eagle), founded back in 1566 as a fortress on the southern outskirts of the Moscow empire. The fortress lost its significance by the growth of the Moscow empire later. The city changed its character and became a center for cultivation of grain. Oryol is situated in the middle of the fruitful „black soil area“ and served Moscow in the 19th century with grain and flour. You should take a look at the orthodox Church „Katharina“, it is worthwhile having a look at. (B/D)

• Tag 8

  • Oryol (Orel) – Voronezh / 344 km

  Drive through country side • Wide landscape

  You will go further south eastwards today. The country side is wide and beautiful, we drive through one of Russia’s breadbaskets. Finally you will arrive at the city of Voronezh, situated at the river of the same name. Voronezh is a big city with a population of 1 million. The cityscape unifies different styles of architecture, from the baroque palace of governor up to the neoclassical constructions of Giacomo Quarenghi or the pastry cook’s style theater and administrative building of the south-east-railway. (B/D)

• Tag 9

  • Voronezh – Volgograd / 581 km

  Forests and villages • Arrival at Volgograd

  By driving through Russia’s landscape consisting of small villages, wide forests and agriculture you will reach Volgograd, which became sadly well known in the second world war by the name of “Stalingrad”. The remembrance of the battle of Stalingrad is omnipresent in the city. (B/D)

• Tag 10

  • Volgograd

  City tour of Volgograd

  Today, everything revolves around history. You will follow the signs of the past on a guided city tour. At the memorial place of the battle of Stalingrad, the degree of the tragedy is almost touchable. Afterwards you will visit the Mamayev Kurgan which by the time of the second world war was an important strategical point and therefore hard-fought. The immense allegorical sculpture The Motherland Calls, was erected on the Mamayev Kurgan in remembrance of the victory of the Red Army. With its height of 85 metres and its weight of about 7900 tons, the sculpture is as impressive as the Statue of Liberty. (B/D)

• Tag 11

  • Volgograd – Astrakhan / 423 km

  River Volga • Kalmykia Steppe • Arrival at Astrakhan

  The River Volga, which is affectionately called by Russians as „Mother Volga“, will be the central theme today other than the Kalmykia Steppe. On its way towards the Caspian Sea, the river is getting wider and wider and sometimes you can hardly see the other side of the river. The landscape is becoming more and more sandy, a taste of Silk Road is spreading. In the evening you will reach the city of Astrakhan. (B/D)

• Tag 12

  • Astrakhan

  City tour of Astrakhan • Boat tour at Volga-Delta

  In the morning we will start for a day excursion to explore Astrakhan. First stop on the tour will be the Astrakhan Kremlin, an impressive structure based on a former fortress. It is located on an island which is surrounded by the Volga and three smaller rivers. Within the walls of the structure lies a church and a monastery, both well restored and impressive in their dimensions. After this inspection, an hour long bus ride  will take us deep into the Volga River Delta. Here we enjoy a boat ride through a sea of water lilies. Use your time to prepare your car for the tough roads of Central Asia when returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B/D)

• Tag 13

  • Astrakhan – Atyrau / 357 km

  Ponton-bridge river Busan • Border crossing Kazakhstan • poor roads

  Dive deeper into the desert-like steppe. The small village Kotyevka seems far away from civilization and the border crossing into Kazakhstan takes its time. After crossing the river, which divides Russia from Kazakhstan, you notice that you have crossed borders by the change in road conditions. For the first time considerably bad conditions dominate on the way to Atyrau. Here you will see the first camels along the roadside. In Atyrau you cross from Europe into Asia by passing the river Ural. (F/A) 

• Tag 14

  • Atyrau - Kul'sary / 227 km

  Intercontinental border Europe-Asia • River Ural • Steppe

  Steppes, camels and little vegetation shape the impressions of today’s route between Atyrau and Kul’sary. Near the village of Dossor, the Muslim cemetery may be worth a stop before you will continue to Kul’sary. The evening may best be used to unwind and relax before the rather demanding border crossing to Uzbekistan tomorrow. (B/D)

• Tag 15

  • Kul‘sary – Jazliq / 454 km

  Border crossing to Uzbekistan • Teahouse stay at desert

  Today’s route will lead the teams into the next country along the journey: Uzbekistan. The road from Beineu until the actual border is in a rather poor condition. Please be aware of the fact that your patience will be put to the test today as the border crossing will take some time. Your first overnight stay in Uzbekistan takes place in a little teahouse in the steppe of Uzbekistan. Enjoy the starry sky at night and the freely strolling camels which will be your neighbors for the night. (B/D)

• Tag 16

  • Jazliq – Nukus / 271 km

  Drive through desert Kyzyl Kum • Savitsky Museum

  After the overnight stay in the teahouse or tent you will be welcomed by dust, the landscape remains desert like. You will reach Nukus after an intensive ride. The city was founded at the beginning of the 20th century and got its profits thanks to the location at lake Aral and on river Amu Darya. Today the lake Aral is almost dried out and the waters of river Amu Darya is canalized to irrigate the cotton fields. Look forward to a warm shower at your hotel and a cozy backyard! Just next to the hotel you will find the famous art collection of Savitsky. We will explore his unique collection on a guided tour through the museum. (B/D)

• Tag 17

  • Nukus - Khiva / 197 km

  Drive along Silk Road • City stroll at Khiva

  Have you noticed? The last days you have actually been driving on the legendary Silk Road. Except for nomads and camels, not many other indicators remind us of this powerful past. Today however, you will reach Khiva, a city straight out of a dream: brown adobe city walls, blue domes and rich decorated mosques and palaces adjourn the vistas. After a short rest at the hotel you will visit the old town and the Tasch-Hauli palace, what marvelous pomp in the middle of the desert! (B/D)

• Tag 18

  • Khiva – Bukhara / 448 km

  Drive through desert Kyzyl Kum • View point at river Amu Darya

  A long way through the desert is on the schedule today. On partly bad, but mostly decent roads (thanks to German and Korean Investments) you head for Bukhara. You will visit the magnificent river banks of Amu Darya. The surrounding land is dry, since water is used intensely for cotton growing. Finally, after a long route through windblown sands you will see the first houses of Bukhara – the Noble One! (B/D)

• Tag 19

  • Bukhara

  City Tour of Bukhara • Fortress Ark • Kalon mosque

  Centuries ago Bukhara was an important trading place. Magnificent mosques, roofed bazaars and old caravanserais are witnesses of its rich past. The powerful fortress Ark has been a constant protection for merchants and travelers alike. A city tour will take you to the city´s most important highlights, such as the extraordinary mosque and madrasa. Here, you will find yourself in a dream of 1001 nights, even though Arabia is far away. Did you know? The story of Aladdin originally is Chinese! (B/D)

• Tag 20

  • Bukhara – Samarkand / 264 km

  Drive to Samarkand

  The landscape will be steppe-like today as well as you drive towards Samarkand, the next unforgettable pearl of Silk Road. Along the way you can find small restaurants and tea houses for a nice stop. At Shakri Sabz, birthplace of Central Asia’s emperor Timur in the 13th century, we recommend taking a stop. Soon you will see: Samarkand is a very different place, including the new driving styles of the locals. Be aware and drive carefully. Close to the hotel and in walking distance you can find the best places for Arabic-style coffee. (B/D)

• Tag 21

  • Samarkand

  Registan Square • Mosque Bibi Khanum • Bazaar

  Samarkand is one of the world´s oldest cities. Even Alexander the Great strolled under these roofs and upon the same dusty streets you walk on. Samarkand has always been a hub for many important trading routes, and its location in the lowlands of Serafschan promise fruitfulness and wealth. On a city tour you can see the most important sights. Registan Square is the core, flanked by three stunning madrasas. Enjoy the different fragrances at Samarkand´s big bazaar. Your nose will be as delighted as it has never been before! Special tip: visit Registan Square at night. If you're lucky, lights and sound are on, providing a truly enchanting scenery. (B/D)

• Tag 22

  • Samarkand – Tashkent / 312 km

  Drive on good streets • Melon Market • City tour of Tashkent

  Good roads lead towards Uzbekistan´s capital, Tashkent. You will come close to Kazakh territory about half-way along your way, passing a vibrant melon market and after a total of 300 km you reach the vibrant city of Tashkent with its 3 million inhabitants. In the afternoon you will go on a guided city tour to explore Tashkent’s most beautiful sites. (B/D)

• Tag 23

  • Tashkent – Fergana / 324 km

  Kamchik-Pass (2.267 m) • Drive to Fergana Valley

  By driving across the Kamchik-Pass (2.267 m) you will see the snow covered peaks of Taishan (Mountains of Heaven) for the very first time. Irrigated by the river Syr Darya and surrounded by the Tianshan and Alai Mountains, the fruitful valley of Fergana stretches across an area of 300 km. It seems so wide, you might forget being in a valley. After passing steppe and desert, your eyes will enjoy the colorful beauty of fields, trees and flowers. At the end of the day, you can jump into the pool provid-ed at your small yet charming hotel. (B/D)

• Tag 24

  • Fergana

  City tour • Silk factory at Margillan • Ceramic workshop

  On a city tour you will ride through the green alleys in the city and further outwards to Margillan. There you are able to visit one of the most famous silk manufactories of the country. You get an introduction into the traditional fabrication of silk. The very soft and colorful material will inspire you. On a visit in an old ceramic workshop you will be introduced to another handcraft popular in the Fergana Valley. After your return to the hotel you got sufficient time to prepare your car for the upcoming stages into the Pamir Mountains in Kyrgyzstan. (B/D)

• Tag 25

  • Fergana – Osh / 130 km

  Short ride to border of Kyrgyzstan • Green city of Osh • Bazaar

  Across overland streets you will ride today towards the Kyrgyz border. A very time intense procedure will be necessary to leave Uzbekistan. On the Kyrgyz side it will be faster, you only have to show your passport and pay a so called “eco-fee”. Then you reach the final destination Osh within a short ride. Osh is one of Kyrgyzstan’s biggest cities, hosting numerous universities. Quite impressive is the local bazaar, only a few steps away from your hotel. Here you can find as well local products like the typical white sleaze huts as Shampoo from Russia or washing agent from China. (B/D)

• Tag 26

  • Osh – Sary-Tash / 186 km

  Drive along river Gulcha • Taldyk-Pass (3.615 m) • Pamir Mountains

  From Osh you drive southwards into the Pamir Mountains. First you follow the small river Gulcha and herds of sheep will cross your path. In the moments when your windows are not blocked by white plushy wool, the fantastic mountainous panorama will leave you stunned. The highest point will be reached on the Taldyk summit (3.615 m). Here, night comes on fast, is cold and you will spend it in the sleepy village of Sary-Tash (3.000 m). The sunset behind the majestic Pik Lenin will leave you breathless. To sleep you will either stay in Jurts or in small rustic stone houses. (B/D)

• Tag 27

  • Sary-Tash – Kashgar / 313 km

  Pamir Mountains • Peak Lenin (7.134 m) • Border crossing to China

  Get up early to see the first rays of sunlight lighten Peak Lenin (7.134 m). On well asphalted roads you drive along the Pamir highway towards the Chinese border. Snow covered mountains on your right side up to the Irkeshtam-Pass, where you will leave Kyrgyzstan at a height of 2.940 m. Long lines of trucks will be more and more common, but you can just pass them quickly and go in front to the barrier. On the Chinese side of the border your guide is already impatiently waiting for you. He's welcoming you to China. The first stop in China is the city of Wuqia. Here you have to leave your car for inspection for one night. A bus will take you into the city of Kashgar, which you will reach late towards midnight. Ni Hao in China! (B/D)

• Tag 28

  • Kashgar

  Applying for Chinese driving licence and number plate

  Today we are heading for the Traffic-License-Department to check all cars. Here you get the admission for travelling on Chinese streets. Cars will be checked accurately and Chinese engineers will love to take photos with your precious cars. This will definitely take some time and has to be done thoroughly the whole day. In the evening you return to Kashgar, a big oasis at the shore of Taklamakan desert. The city is a potter’s wheel of the famous Silk Road. Dive in tomorrow. (B/D)

• Tag 29

  • Kashgar

  City tour • Mosque Id Kah • Abak Hodscha-Mausoleum

  Kashgar is a big oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan desert. It is a crucial trade place along the Silk Road. Centuries ago merchants from hundreds of countries met here and Kashgar thrived on its trade. Those intense trade bonds are represented by the huge and important Bazaar. Many different voices and fragrances fill the air and you might feel like a time traveler, having arrived in the 13th century. On a city tour you will visit the Id Kah-Mosque and the Abak Hodscha-Mausoleum, including the grave of the “odorant concubine”. At dusk we will go for a typical local dinner. Take a rest and make sure you got all the essentials for the upcoming stages. Check your car and verify for its best possible condition. Most important for the stages in Tibet: drink a lot! Per 1.000 metres altitude one should drink 1 liter of water. (B/D)

• Tag 30

  • Kashgar – Kudi (2.960 m) / 487 km

  Drive through Taklamakan Desert • Pass of 3.300 m

  On the southern route of the Silk Road we are going to drive along the Taklamakan desert from oasis to oasis. The oasis will be easily recognized by the typical uigur poplar. Finally you will reach Karghilik (Yecheng), once part of the Yarkant empire. Just behind the city of Yecheng our trip towards the mountains and Tibet starts. We roll on G219 up to the roof of the world: Tibet. Road condition getting worse as we climb on winding roads slowly up to the small street village Kudi. Here at 2.960 metres altitude we will spend the night an ordinary guesthouse. Tomorrow, our first pass of almost 5.000 m altitude is awaiting our group. (B/D)

• Tag 31

  • Kudi (2.960 m) – Sanshili Yingfang (3.670 m) / 202 km

  Drive up to the Tibetan Plateau • Mazha-Pass 4.969 m

  Climbing starts now. Kilometre by kilometre we rise upon to the Tibetan Plateau. From now on we got additional support by a Chinese breakdown lorry for the way up to Lhasa. Today we crossing the 4.969 m high Mazha-Pass. We follow the route of federal road „G219” along the mountain river Yerqiang. Out of our right window we can see the border area towards Pakistan and India. Then a seconds pass emerges, the Ke Ke A Te-Pass with an altitude of 4.909 m. Finally we arrive at the small village Sanshili Yingfang at 3.670 m, where we are going to spend the night in ordinary guesthouses. (B/D)

• Tag 32

  • Sanshili Yingfang (3.670m) – Dahongliutan (4.230m) / 122 km

  Drive across plateau • River Kalakashi

  We drive further through Himalayas and passing sparse territories, always keeping in our eyes the snow mountains of the Aksai Chin mountains. The routing today is on relatively “low” level, at an average altitude of 3.700 to 4.300 metres. We are following the course of river Kalakashi up to our next bivouac. In Dahongliutan, another small village, we take a rest in a guesthouse before starting tomorrow for the Aksai Chin-Stage: 5.000 m plus. (B/D)

• Tag 33

  • Dahongliutan (4.230 m) – Domar (4.440 m) / 346 km

  Drive across Aksai Chin-Plateau at 5.000 m • Arrival in Tibet

  Today’s stage will take us to Domar (Duomaxiang). We are going to cross the Aksai China-Plateau and will drive a good 100 km on 5.000 m altitude. When we traverse Jieshan-Pass at 5.378 metres, we have passed the highest point on our journey to Guangzhou. The surroundings are phenomenal with alpine lakes, snow cowered peaks and almost now signs of civilization. On the Aksai Chin-Plateau we are going to cross the province border between Xinjiang and Tibet. Welcome to Tibet! In the evening we will arrive at Domar to spend the night the last time in a guesthouse. (B/D)

• Tag 34

  • Domar (4.440 m) – Shiquanhe (4.280 m) / 228 km

  Lake Panggong Tso • Drive across 4.900 m

  We are leaving to village Domar and heading for the city of Shiquanhe (also called Gar). The stage will take us on altitudes of 4.400 to 4.200 metres. 100 kilometres from Domar we will stop at lake Panggong Tso. This lake separates China from Kaschmir in India. A fantastic view, and perfect setting for a group picture. Passing the village Ritu (Rutog) we are going to climb again 4.900 m, before heading into the very first city in Tibet: Shiquanhe. Located at the river with same name, the city is principal town since 1965 of prefecture Ngari. Since 2010 there exists an airport with connections to Lhasa. Here you will find again all essentials for the upcoming stages. After four nights in ordinary guesthouses you be pleased to find a comfortable room with hot shower. (B/D)

• Tag 35

  • Shiquanhe (4.280 m) – Tsada (3.723 m) / 256 km

  Longala-Pass 5.146 m • Tsada (Zanda)

  Next stage is set up to Tsada (Zanda). Today we will cross the mountain chain to the south and passing the Longala-Pass at 5.146 m. The panoramic view is breathtaking including India’s third highest mountain Kamet (7.756 m). Coming closer to Tsada you will be stunned to see a spectacular canyon to your feet. Finally you will arrive at Tsada at 3.723 m where you can take a rest from the intense pass crossing and the stunning views. Tomorrow we explore the sights in the area therefore staying in Tsada for two nights. (B/D)

• Tag 36

  • Tsada (3.723 m)

  Kingdom Guge • Monastery Tholing

  We start early this morning to our short ride up to the kingdom of Guge. Dazzled by the first sunrays we visit Tsaparang. With more than 400 houses and 400 caves, the ancient capital of Guge kingdom was built into the landscape. Returning to Tsada we recommend you having a look at the monastery Tholing in the city centre with its beautiful wall paintings. The rest of the afternoon you can relax and enjoy the panorama. (B/D)

• Tag 37

  • Tsada (3.723 m) – Darchen (4.630 m) / 237 km

  Drive to Darchen • Mount Kailash

  The rallye goes on, heading back across lots of serpentines the way back to continue on G219 up to Darchen. From one moment to the other you can see on your left an impressive colossus, the holy Mount Kailash. The shape of the 6.638 m high mountain is very symmetric. Buddhists as well as Hindus claim it as their most holy mountain, because the sources of the four big rivers of the south asian area are situated in that region: Indus, Brahmaputra, Satluj (Influx of Indus) and Karnali (Influx of Ganges). You will be taken by bus to the feet of the mountain, where you got the opportunity to sign a prayer flag. (B/D) 

• Tag 38

  • Darchen (4.630 m) – Paryang (4.680 m) / 293 km

  Drive to Paryang • Mayumla-Pass (5.211 m)

  From Mount Kailash we going further westwards. Our first stop is at the beautiful lake Manasarovar, tibetians call it „the pearl of lakes“. The lake is a place of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus. On its shores you can find eight monasteries. Passing later the Mayumla-Pass (5.210 m) we head today for the little village of Paryang, rolling on altitudes between 4.800 to 5.000 m. (B/D)

• Tag 39

  • Paryang (4.680 m) – Saga (4.530 m) / 234 km

  Dunes • Drive to Saga

  Haunt, that‘s the translation of our todays destination Saga. The former transit station on the trade route is today a garrison of the Chinese army. On our tour along G219 we will see southwards dunes and we will cross the river Yarlung Tsangpo, better known as Brahmaputra. Today we will cross the highest point at 4.900 m. At the shore of river Brahmaputra at Saga we are going to stay overnight at a hotel. (B/D)

• Tag 40

  • Saga (4.530 m) – Tingri (4.350 m) / 240 km

  Lake Paiku Co • Panoramic view to Shishapangma (8.027 m)

  Starting from Saga we are going southwards towards Nepal. First we cross the holy river Brahmaputra. This stage is through magnificient landscape on 4.500 to 4.900 m altitude, passing by lakes Paiku and Langqiang. What amazing colores! From a hill slightly above lake Paiku on the left side you will have a stunning view including the lake and mount Shishapangma (means: „the area above the grass planted plane“). In the afternoon you will reach the small village Tingri, where you can reload your batteries before one of the biggest moments of this trip tomorrow: Mount Everest! (B/D)

• Tag 41

  • Tingri (4.350m) – Mt. Everest – Shegar (4.300m) / 260 km

  Mount Everest • Monastery Rongbuk (5.200m)

  Today is the day of Mount Everest. You drive up to the base camp of Mount Everest by twisting through hundreds of serpentines, having again and again spectacular views of the world’s highest mountain. On your way to the base camp you have a stop at monastery Rongbuk at 5.200 m, before taking the last curves up to the camp. Here you are, on the foot of Mount Everest, what a feeling! The highest mountain of the world, and you reached it with your own car. Back you go along the numberless serpentines downstream to the village Shegar, where we going to stay for the night. (B/D)

• Tag 42

  • Shegar (4.300 m) – Shigatse (3.840 m) / 232 km

  Drive to Shigatse • Monastery Tashilhunpo

  Keeping in mind the impressions of Mount Everest, we driving towards Shigatse. In the early afternoon you will arrive the city of Shigatse. On foot we are going to Monastery Tashilhunpo. Once there were about 4.000 monks living in there, today only 600 remained. This place is of great significance for Buddhism in Tibet. It’s the domicile of Panchen Lama and therefore a pillar of the spiritual life in Tibet and goal of many pilgrims. Following a small walk on the path of pilgrim along the walls of the monastery, it will be time for relaxation. Shigatse is the second biggest city in Tibet. (B/D)

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  • Shigatse (3.840 m) – Lhasa (3.650 m) / 266 km

  Drive to Lhasa • Regeneration at Lhasa

  From Shigatse we follow the highway G318 to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. We follow to banks of river Brahmaputra through charming valleys. The last 30 km we pass on the modern highway connecting the city of Lhasa and its airport. After your arrival at the hotel in Lhasa, you got time to enjoy the comfort of the accommodation. Here we will stay for two nights. (B/D)

• Tag 44

  • Lhasa (3.650 m)

  Potala-Palace • Jokhang-Temple • Barkhor-Market

  The Potala-Palace is Lhasas symbol. The former winter residence of the Dalai Lama is located in the heart of the city and dominates the whole picture. Distributed across 13 floors, the construction con-sists of 999 rooms. The Temple Jokhang is the sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhism. It is said, that already in 647 there existed a temple at that place. Situated in the heart of the old town of Lhasa, you can have a good view across the surrounding little streets. Many pilgrims circling the temple and buckle themselves on the floor by doing so. After the temple visit it is time for Barkhor-Market. (B/D)

• Tag 45

  • Lhasa (3.650 m) – Lulang (3.400 m) / 483 km

  Drive along river Lhasa and river Nyang Qu

  We are letting Lhasa behind us and follow today the G318 eastwards. The route is passing the majestic hillsides of Mount Mira. This is one of the last high mountains on the southside of the Sichuan-Tibet-Plateau. Today you  are going to cross again a pass of almost 5.000 m and one of 4.500 m, before we climb down. We are driving into the valley of Nyingchi at an average altitude of 3.000 m. The last part of today’s stage passes by the Sejila Mountains. Finally we are reaching beautiful Lulang valley, where we will spend the night. (B/D)

• Tag 46

  • Lulang (3.400 m) – Ranwu (3.960 m) / 290 km

  Drive along Polung Zangbo • Wooded mountain scenery

  We driving still through the east of Tibet approaching the province of Sichuan. Today the river Polung Zangbo is our guideline up to Ranwu. We riding on 3.000 m up to almost 4.000 m, where we are finally going to spend the night. Landscape has changed and became the more and more green with forest all over. We will stay at an ordinary Camp like at the shore of a nice lake. (B/D)

• Tag 47

  • Ranwu (3.960 m) – Dzogong (3.750 m) / 297 km

  Drive to Dzogong

  We follow our path northwards along the river banks and cross some other 4.600 m high passes. Throughout the journey you will see some smaller villages, but today the stage is characterized by nature and greenery. At 3.750 m high located little city Dzogong we are going to sleep tonight. (B/D)

• Tag 48

  • Dzogong (3.750 m) – Batang (4.450 m) / 258 km

  Drive to Batang • Border crossing between Tibet and Sichuan

  Starting from Dzogong we drive on the G319 along the river Nujiang. After leaving the river in northwards direction behind us, the street rises in many serpentines up to 5.000 m. At the village of Markam we are following G318 eastwards, while G214 is going southwards to the province of Yunnan. About 100 km from Markam we will leave Tibet today, when crossing the province border between Tibet and Sichuan. At the small village of Batang we stay overnight. Welcome to Sichuan! (B/D)

• Tag 49

  • Batang (4.450 m) – Kangding (2.480 m) / 440 km

  Drive through mountainous tails after Kangding

  The ride continues in eastern direction. We passing the foldings of the mountains, leaving them step by step behind us. It’s getting the more and more flater. We heading up to Kangding, where we will stay overnight. Tomorrow we will get up for driving to Sichuans capital Chengdu. (B/D) 

• Tag 50

  • Kangding (2.480 m) – Chengdu (520 m) / 315 km

  Drive to Chengdu • Car museum San He

  Today we going to leave Himalays after a good three weeks and heading for Sichuans capital city Chengdu. Here, on about 520 metres altitude, we are back in flat land. What a contrast to the outlying regions of the past weeks. Chengdu, a vibrant metropolis with about 15 million inhabitants will draw your attention and keep you excited. Your first step will be a visit to the unique car museum named San He, which surprises you with its precious classic cars. (B/D) 

• Tag 51

  • Chengdu

  Panda breeding station • Wenshu-Monastery • Tea House • Old town

  Sichuan is famous for its spicy cooking and headstrong people – so at least said in other parts of China. And of course: Pandas! Right at first morning we going to see the Panda breeding station. They taking lots of efforts to provide those peaceful animals a comfortable environment at the station. On our way back to the city you visit the buddhistic monastery Wenshu from Tang-Dynasty, the city’s biggest temple site. Then you stroll through the cozy streets in the old town, meant to be one of the nices in China. At the end you can enjoy one of the numerous local tea flavours, before we get lighted by the traditional Hotpot. (B/D)

• Tag 52

  • Chengdu – Chongqing / 300 km

  Drive to Chongqing • Biggest city of the world

  From Chengdu we driving into the next metropolis, to Chongqing. The ride leads us through densely populated area. Chongqing is a city with independent administration situated on river Yangtze. The population of about 35 million inhabitants is spread across an administrational region as large as the country Austria. Chongqing is the starting place for the well-known river cruises on river Yangtze up to the three gorges dam. (B/D) 

• Tag 53

  • Chongqing

  Peoples square • 3-Gorges-Museum • Eling-Park • View to Yangtze

  Looking from the water towards the skyline of the city, Chongqing seems to compete with Hongkong or Shanghai. Numberless modern skyscraper loom towards to open sky. A spectacular ride with the metro takes you to Eling-Park, which is more than just a beautiful garden. From here you got a very nice view across the city of Chongqing. (B/D)

• Tag 54

  • Chongqing – Pengshui / 162 km

  Group of Heaven • Earth-Gorge • Welcome reception at Pengshui

  You leaving Chongqing and today and driving further to the east. According Chinese dimensions, we heading today to the small city of Pengshui. Here we are going to visit the Group of Heaven, a nice mountain range with a lovely Earth-Gorge. After that sightseeing points, you riding to the city of Pengshui, where we will be highly expected and welcomed. (B/D) 

• Tag 55

  • Pengshui – Huaihua / 447 km

  Drive to province of Hunan

  After a relaxing night we driving further southwards. Today’s destination is the city of Huaihua in the province of Hunan. The landscape is changing when heading to the south, it becomes more mountainous and karst cone mountains engrave the region. You will stay at Huaihua for the night in a comfortable hotel, where you can have a welcomed rest. (B/D) 

• Tag 56

  • Huaihua – Guilin – Yangshuo / 420 km

  Drive to Yangshuo by Guilin • Li River • Karst cones

  From Huaihua the rallye takes us further to Guilin and to a look out. Here you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the famous Li River and of the karst cone mountains shaping the surroundings. A short ride later we will reach our accommodation for the night. It is located in the middle of karst cones and right at the banks of Li River: what a marvelous countryside! (B/D)

• Tag 57

  • Yangshuo

  Boat ride on Yulong River • Enchanting karst cone landscape

  The day will be to use for regeneration and muse. On a light hiking you can enjoy the paddys and passing through the karst cone landscape. A boat ride with a small bamboo float on the tiny river Yulong will round your day. Contrary to the bigger Li River, this little river is less busy with tourists, so you can purely enjoy the landscape more or less for yourself. (B/D) 

• Tag 58

  • Yangshuo – Guangzhou / 404 km

  Drive into pearl river valley to Canton • Arrival

  You will leave the region of Guilin and start for the final stage. On our last stage we drive to the well-known pearl river valley. Your last stop and final destination of the rallye is Canton, also known as Guangzhou. You made it! A good 15.000 km are lying beyond you and your vintage car, you crossed deserts and Tibet, and now you reached the target! After the countryside idyll in Guilin region, you will be battered at the first moment by the vibrant atmosphere of the metropolises in the triangle of Canton-Shenzhen-Hongkong. It’s time to celebrate and to clink glasses: Ganbei! You made the rallye of your life! (B/D)

• Tag 59

  • Guangzhou

  Canton by subway • Temple of Chen-Clan • Old town • Shamian-Island

  Canton is perfectly made for exploration by public transportation. A well build network of underground lines offers you to reach all important sights fast and comfortable. The temple of the Chan-Clan is an agile and colorful adoration place, buildings and courts at ridge are decorated with figures made of potter’s clay. In the old town and especially at Shamian-Island you can see and feel the heritage of colonialism. Guangzhou was back those days the sole place in Southern China, where it was allowed to foreigners to trade and build their own houses. On the contrary to this ancient atmosphere you will see at the quarter Zhujiange the very modern side of Guangzhou. (B/D) 

• Tag 60

  • Guangzhou – Shenzhen - Guangzhou / 162 km

  Shipment at Shenzhen • Bus ride to Guangzhou

  Today we taking a short ride from Canton to the harbour of Shenzhen. There we are going to put the vintage cars into containers for their shipment back to Europe. All dangerous goods as fire extinguishers, greases or additives must be taken out as well as food and liquors. You will need some patience, before you will hop on a bus for the ride back from Shenzhen to Guangzhou. The self-riding part of the tour has finished yet. Back in Guangzhou you will share memories and impressions of the past 59 days in the context of an atmospheric fare well dinner. Ganbei, to all of you! (B/D) 

• Tag 61

  • Guangzhou - Germany

  Individual return trip to Germany

  The adventure is coming to an end. The common breakfast will be the last official part of the tour. After everybody will start for their individual journey back to Germany or extend their stay at China. We wish you a pleasant trip home and like to say thank you for your trust in us. (B)  

   

   

   

  ChinaReisen Hamburg reserves the right for hotel and program changes at similar service level

Reisehöhepunkte

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Extras

Not included in price:

• International flights back from Guangzhou to Europe
• Insurance for vehicle (must have liability insurance and Green Card)
• Travel cancellation insurance
• Health insurance abroad (necessary)
• Cargo insurance for shipping from Shenzhen to Hamburg
• Customs duty and import charges of shipping
• Fuel (approx. € 2.500 each vehicle as a benchmark)
• Repairs by our mechanics (€ 50,- per hour)
• Toll fee abroad China (approx. € 100,- per vehicle)
• Toll fee in China (approx. € 300,- per vehicle)
• Outdoor sleeping bag for overnight stays at the guesthouses in Tibet
• All drinks and meals not included in program
• Personal expenses and tips

Zusätzliche Informationen

Date                                                           
19.08.2022 – 18.10.2022          

Prices                          
Team-Price (2 persons in own car in double occupancy):       € 39.990,-*
Price per person (in 2-person-team in double occupancy):    € 19.995,-*
*Single room supplement  € 3.500,-

Price for 1 person (in 1-person-team in single occupancy)     € 33.500,-

Additional co-drivers or stages upon request

Group Size
Min.  10 Teams (classic cars)
Max. 15 Teams (classic cars)

Application deadline
30.04.2022

Vehicle
Classic cars registered before 1990

Technical requirements: 

• Minimum 60 PS, with maximum 25 kg per PS (weight at full loading incl. passengers)
• Full service prior to rallye start, at least 5 months prior to 19 August 2022
• All tires must be as good as new (max. 2 years old)
• Not allowed: cars with diesel engine

ChinaReisen Hamburg reserves the right for hotel and program changes at similar service level. Besides the ordinary ARB of ChinaReisen Hamburg, there are additional conditions applying for this tour to find here ARB.