Kathmandu<- ->Kashgar (EKG)

Kashgar to Kathmandu 52 days, departing 07 Jun 2014

• Comfort Zone: Basic Basic / AdventurousLuxury
• Physical Challenge: Easy Strenuous in partsHard
• Trip Style: Overlanding
• Route: Kashgar to Kathmandu
• Length: 52 days
• Transport: Overland expedition vehicle.
• Accommodation: A Mixture of hotels, guesthouses, traditional yurts, camping and wildcamping (35% camping, 65% hotels)

Countries Visited

China

As one of the world's largest countries and the most populous there is so much to discover in China.

Understanding the history of China is key to understanding modern China. The people are proud of it's past, and keen to share it's heritage with the world. In a country that defies superlatives the words 'vast', 'astonishing' and 'variation' don't really seem to cover it - China really does have it all. Jungle in the south, mountains in the west, desert in the north and 21st century cities.. well... almost everywhere.

Beijiing is the hub of political and international focus. With the 2008 Olympic games providing funds to modernise huge ares of the city, it is a truly modern city. However most visitors are most struck by it's old elements from celebrated site such as the Forbidden Palace to simple, traditional hutongs.

There's a lot of China to see and most of it is changing rapidly, so what are you waiting for? Get out there are discover it for yourself.

Nepal

Wrapped around the Himalayan mountain range is the remarkable country of Nepal. It is the birthplace of the Buddha and is a land of legend and beauty. Within its narrow confines Nepal contains an utterly spectacular variety of culture and landscapes. Nepal has a stunning natural beauty and a simple charm.

Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu is the hub of life in Nepal. A small medieval city, it is easy to get around on bicycles which can be hired very cheaply by the day or week. Worth visiting are Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Bodnath (Buddhist Stupa) and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) - and all set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. 

While many urban restaurants in the country have tables and chairs for meals, there's a chance to eat the traditional Nepalese way. Sit or squat on the floor as food is served. Eating is always done with the right hand, which is washed before and after each meal, while the left hand can only be used for holding cups. Try a traditional millet beer with your meal. The Tongba drink is an icon for the local Limbus people, and from the storing of the millet to the drinking of the beer can take 6 months, but the wait is worth it. Nepal is full of culture and this continues into the music scene. With a country of over 50 ethnicity's there is a wide variety of choice. The amazing Dolhori style of music is a rhythmatic style of conversation and with quick thinking, the song can carry on.

With traditional culture and diverse landscapes, this country has something for everyone, and added to the friendly atmosphere, it makes Nepal a memorable place to visit.

Day 1: Kashgar

Sat 07 Jun 2014

If you are joining in Kashgar, you are free to explore the city and there will be a group meeting today at 18:00 hrs.

If you are arriving by truck to Kashgar, we will drive from Lake Karakul and the Karakoram Highway back to the city in time to meet up with the new arrivals.

We stay in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Kashgar

Sun 08 Jun 2014

Early in the morning we visit the animal market just outside of town and then the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar.

Accommodation tonight is in a comfortable hotel.

Day 3: Kashgar

Mon 09 Jun 2014

Today is free to explore the town, perhaps heading off to the main landmark of the town, the Id Kah Mosque and its surrounding square.

Day 4: Aksu Wildcamp

Tue 10 Jun 2014

We leave Kashgar and begin our 2-day overland journey skirting the edge of the Taklamakan Desert wild camping en route

Day 5: Bayanbulak Wildcamp

Wed 11 Jun 2014

Today is the second day overlanding. Tonight we will set up a wild camp en route.

Day 6 to 7: Urumqi & The Heavenly Lake

Thu 12 Jun to Fri 13 Jun 2014

We drive towards the Tian Shan mountain range, and onto Heavenly Lake. Accommodation at the lake is in Yurts with basic facilities for 2 nights. This is a great opportunity for some relaxation time and there may be an opportunity for horse riding in the area.

Day 8 to 9: Turpan

Sat 14 Jun to Sun 15 Jun 2014

We arrive into the oasis town of Turpan in the morning. Here we spend 2 days exploring the surrounding sites including the famous Jiaohe ruins. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

Day 10: Hami Wildcamp

Mon 16 Jun 2014

We set off in the overland truck in the early morning and drive approximately 500km towards the ancient Silk Road town of Dunhuang. Wild camping tonight en route.

Day 11: Dunhuang

Tue 17 Jun 2014

Today we drive to Dunhuang (approx 400kms) arriving in the early evening. The evening is free to explore Dunhuang, perhaps visiting the night market to try some local specialities. 

Accommodation tonight is in a comfortable hotel.

Day 12: Dunhuang

Wed 18 Jun 2014

This morning we will visit the Magao Caves. The afternoon is free to explore this amazing town and it’s surroundings, options include a camel ride along the sand dunes or perhaps a bicycle ride out to the White Goose Pagoda.

Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

Day 13: Jiayuguan

Thu 19 Jun 2014

Full day drive to Jiayuguan (approximately 400kms), Jiayuguan is the location for the western end of the Great Wall. Tonight will be camp near the Great Wall of China.

Day 14: Zhangye Wildcamp

Fri 20 Jun 2014

In the morning we will visit the Great Wall and the old fort. Once our visit to the wall is complete we will head off in the truck towards Liujiaxia wildcamping en route.

Day 15: Liujiaxia

Sat 21 Jun 2014

We drive approximately 500kms up onto the lower slopes of the remote Tibetan plateau to Liujiaxia. 

Accommodation tonight is in a basic local, friendly hotel.

Day 16 to 18: Xiahe, Bingling Si

Sun 22 Jun to Tue 24 Jun 2014

Today we set off to the enchanting Tibetan town of Xiahe where we spend the next 3 nights. We will visit the Binglingsi Caves en route.

The next few days are free to explore this beautiful town and surrounding grasslands. Options include a guided visit to the Labrang Monastery where Tibetan monks can be seen doing their daily rituals and chants. There may also be a chance to go horse riding in the surrounding grasslands visiting Tibetan families and perhaps trying the local Yak butter tea.

Accommodation in a local and very firendly hotel.

Day 19: Lanzhou

Wed 25 Jun 2014

We drive 240kms to Gansu’s capital, Lanzhou. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

Day 20: Pingliang

Thu 26 Jun 2014

In the morning we set off towards Pingliang in China's Gansu Province.

The main reason to visit Pingliang is Mount Kongtong, during our time here we will have the opportunity to explore the mountain.

Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

Day 21: Xi'an

Fri 27 Jun 2014

Today we begin our overland journey to Xi’an; we arrive late in the afternoon and settle straight into our comfortable hotel that is located right in the heart of this ancient city. After checking in the evening is free to explore, perhaps walking to the night market to buy some souvenirs or catching a cultural show over a dumpling banquet.

Day 22: Xi'an

Sat 28 Jun 2014

Please note that our trips between Xi'an and Kathmandu travel through extreme environments and these itineraries WILL NOT NECESSARILY RUN AS PUBLISHED. We will adjust trip itineraries depending on weather, altitude effects, group make up and road conditions. This day by day itinerary is provided as a rough guide only.

Today we will have a group meeting at 10.00 hrs in our hotel in Xi'an. In the afternoon there will be a guided visit to see the infamous Terracotta Warriors. Staying overnight in Xi'an in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.

Day 23: Xi'an

Sun 29 Jun 2014

Free day in Xi'an for you to explore the city and the surrounding area. Second night in comfortable hotel with good facilities.

Day 24: Pingliang

Mon 30 Jun 2014

Today we drive from Xi'an to Pingliang. Time allowing, we will be able to visit Mt Kongtong which is close to Pingliang. We will either wildcamp or stay in a local guesthouse overnight.

Day 25: Lanzhou

Tue 01 Jul 2014

Drive from Pingliang to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province. Staying overnight in a comfortable local hotel.

Day 26: Bingling Si

Wed 02 Jul 2014

This morning we have a short drive from Lanzhou to Liujiaxia. In the afternoon we will visit the Bingling Si caves, a set of Buddhist grottoes are carved into the cliff of a 60 metre high gorge. Staying overnight near Bingling Si in a friendly local guesthouse.

Day 27: Xiahe

Thu 03 Jul 2014

Most of today will be spent travelling, as we make the spectacular journey from Liujiaxia to the enchanting Tibetan town of Xiahe. We will be staying here from 2 to 3 nights, staying in rustic, dormitory style accommodation in a local guesthouse.

Day 28 to 29: Xiahe

Fri 04 Jul to Sat 05 Jul 2014

Time to explore the monasteries and soak up the atmosphere in the Tibetan town of Xiahe. Simple dormitory accommodation in a rustic guesthouse.

Day 30 to 31: Qinghai Hu

Sun 06 Jul to Mon 07 Jul 2014

Leaving Xiahe, we will spend the next couple of days overlanding through Qinghai, climbing high up on to the Tibetan Plateau as we drive. Here we are travelling through an area that is actually a giant basin surrounded by high mountains and en route we will pass the vast and starkly beautiful Qinghai Hu Lake. This lake occupies an area of over 4,500 square kilometres and the water is saline, teeming with fish. Yak graze the grasses and the icy blue waters stretch as far as the eye can see. The population of this part of the Tibetan Plateau is thinly spread and mainly comprises of Kazaks, Moguls and Hui. We will be stopping off and wildcamping along the way. 

Day 32: Golmud

Tue 08 Jul 2014

Continuing with our overland journey across the high plateau, we will arrive in the small town of Golmud, where we will stay overnight in small local hotel. 

Day 33 to 34: Tanggula Pass

Wed 09 Jul to Thu 10 Jul 2014

Leaving Golmud we head out across the plateau once again. We will spend the next couple of days overlanding, crossing the famous Tanggula Pass (5220m) as we enter Tibet and wildcamping along the way.

Day 35 to 36: Amdo

Fri 11 Jul to Sat 12 Jul 2014

Continuing our overland journey across the Tibetan plateau, we will be driving towards Lhasa. If time allows we will make a side trip to Namtso Lake. Spare days have been included in the itinerary as contingency due to poor roads and extreme conditions - they will be used as required. We will be wildcamping along the way.

Day 37: Lhasa

Sun 13 Jul 2014

Today we will arrive in Lhasa, the religious, cultural and economic centre of Tibet. We will be staying Lhasa for 2 or 3 days, allowing plenty of time for you to relax and explore. Whilst here we stay in a comfortable hotel.

Day 38 to 40: Lhasa

Mon 14 Jul to Wed 16 Jul 2014

2 or 3 full days to explore the Tibetan city of Lhasa. There will be organised visits to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, with the option to also visit the Drepung and Sera Monasteries and the Summer Palace. Staying in a comfortable hotel.

Day 41: Nagarze

Thu 17 Jul 2014

From Lhasa we drive towards Gyantse. Today we will probably just drive for a few hours, maybe stopping at Yamdrok Tso Lake around lunchtime, giving us time in the afternoon to explore the area and enjoy the amazing scenery, wildcamping here overnight. This is another stunning area of Tibet, with turquoise waters, picturesque islands and small villages - a wide plain surrounded by mountains.

Day 42: Gyantse

Fri 18 Jul 2014

Leaving our wildcamp we continue our drive to Gyantse, stopping at Baiju Temple en route and crossing the Karo La Pass. Arriving in the small rural town of Gyantse in the afternoon, we will stay overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day 43: Shigatse

Sat 19 Jul 2014

Depending on what time we arrived in Gyantse yesterday, we may decide to have some more time here this morning, before driving on to Shigatse, Tibet's second biggest city. It is only a short drive and there will be time in the afternoon to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Overnight in a friendly local hotel.

Day 44: Baipa

Sun 20 Jul 2014

Most of today will be spent travelling as we drive over high mountain passes towards Baipa (also known as New Tingri). We may have to ford a number of small rivers and the road is rough, but the stunning views and scenery make this one of the world's most visually fantastic journeys. Overnight in a friendly local guesthouse.

Day 45: Rongbuk

Mon 21 Jul 2014

From Baipa we make the journey to the Rongbuk Monastery & Everest Base Camp. The drive is not an easy one, passing over another 5200 m pass, but the views are sensational and weather permitting, we should have excellent views of Mt. Everest. Once we have reached the Monastery it is about a two hour walk or donkey and cart ride further to Base Camp.  We will usually camp here in Tibetan tents with pot-bellied stoves which take six to eight people. Hopefully when you open up in the morning, there will be a view of Mt. Everest. From base camp the view of the north face of the highest mountain on earth is something you will never forget.

Day 46: Baipa

Tue 22 Jul 2014

This morning we will have time at Base Camp, before we re-trace our steps back to Baipa. Tonight we will stay in the same local guesthouse before continuing on with our journey tomorrow.

Day 47 to 48: Friendship Highway

Wed 23 Jul to Thu 24 Jul 2014

We will spend the next 2 to 3 days climbing high into the mountains over the Lalungla Pass (5050m) up into the Himalaya. This is part of the famous "Friendship Highway", cutting through gorges, across plateaus and over high passes. On all the passes that we cross you will see the ever present pilgrim prayer flags, cairns and scattered "wind horse" papers. We will be wildcamping along the way.

Day 49 to 50: Kodari

Fri 25 Jul to Sat 26 Jul 2014

Border information: Exit China at Zhangmu, Enter Nepal at Kodari.

Crossing the border from the Tibetan Autonomous Region into Nepal, we will travel along the Arniko Highway, zigzagging on poor roads past steep gorges towards Kodari. We will be staying here for 2 nights at the Last Resort tented camp, allowing plenty of time for you to relax and take in the breathtaking views, as well as getting involved in some of the optional adventure activities that are on offer. Staying in tented camp accommodation.

Day 51: Kathmandu

Sun 27 Jul 2014

From Kodari it is not much further on to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, however the traffic congestion in and around the city is notoriously bad, so we may not arrive until the afternoon. Whilst in Kathmandu we stay in a comfortable hotel in Thamel.

Day 52: Kathmandu

Mon 28 Jul 2014

Free time in Kathmandu.

Visa Information:

Important Notes

The routes, activities and places visited described in these trip notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only.

We intend following the planned route but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. By their very nature overland itineraries need to be flexible and the regions that we are travelling through are often unpredictable. We run adventure journeys in off the beaten track areas, often in areas without western infrastructure. You should expect that some these areas do not adhere to western safety standards.

Tibet authorisation is included in the trip price but we cannot guarantee that everyone will be authorised for travel to Tibet as this authorisation is out of our control.

We advise you to book flexible airfares where possible due to the possibility of Tibetan permits Beijing refused.

NB: There will be additional costs to obtain a Chinese visa.  

Physical Preparation

Physical preparation for Asia Itineraries

In Asia you will need to be healthy enough to cope with extremes of climates from the hot deserts through to the colds of the high mountains. Overland travelling can be demanding - long, rough travel days, dusty conditions can be challenging to some. You will need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. The step up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down the step at least 8-10 times a day. By and large our Asia trips have a good range of hotel accommodation mixed up with camping so that life is not too rough.

Altitude

Please note that this trip spends time above 2800 metres/9200 feet where it is possible for travellers to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude, potentially including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

Visa Information

Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas.  Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.

The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible.  Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.

For visas that are needed in advance you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy /consulate.  However our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with ‘The Visa Machine’ to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible.  Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and ‘The Visa Machine’ will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply.  ‘The Visa Machine’ can then assist you in the actual visa application thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process.  This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.

As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process. 

China

Please apply in advance for your visa. The visa is valid for 3 - 6 months from the date of issue and has a validity of 30, 60 or 90 days. All nationalities should check with the respective embassies for more information and costs.

You require a single entry tourist visa for either 30, 60 or 90 days depending on your trip.

It is advised that you do not mention Kashgar, Urumqi, Turpan or Tibet anywhere on your chinese visa application form as this may lead to your application being rejected.

Please note Dragoman will require a clear photocopy of your passport as soon as possible after booking.

For further information and details of how to fill out your application form please visit http://dragoman.thevisamachine.com/ and search for your trip.

Nepal

All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal.
Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, at land borders and on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only:

single entry visa valid for 15 days - US$25
single entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40
single entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100

Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of US$5 and one photo is required.

China visa - Trips departing from Kathmandu to Tibet.

For trips departing from Kathmandu, do not apply for your China visa in advance, as these will be obtained as a group visa in Kathmandu with the assistance from our ground agent in Kathmandu.  The Tibet permits will be arranged en route with the help of our local agent.  You will need to send Dragoman a quality-scanned copy of your passport in order for us to arrange this approx 2 months before departure.

The local costs to the embassy in Kathmandu for the China visa are approx as follows but please note that visa costs can change and often do without notice of which Dragoman are not responsible for:-

For US Citizens:

3-day service (express) - $175

1 week service (ordinary) - $140

 For all other:

3-day service (express) - $85 

1 week service (ordinary) - $50

Please note that working days of the Embassy are Monday, Tuesday and Friday only.

IMPORTANT - SEPARATION COSTS (Chinese visa): The group visa then has to be split in Xian into individual visas in the passport due to passengers different travel plans within China and beyond at the end of this trip. There is an additional cost of approx. 50USD for EU citizens and 170USD for US citizens.  Dragoman cannot be held responsible for these additional costs, as it is unfortunately an unavoidable cost due to the laws surrounding the China/Tibet group visa.

China Visa - Trips visiting Tibet from Mainland China

Please apply for your China visa in advance. Please note that only UK and EU passport holders are able to get this visa in the UK.  The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and has a validity of 30, 60 or 90 days. All nationalities should check with the respective embassies for more information and costs.

You require a single entry visa. Please do not mention Kashgar, Turpan or Tibet anywhere on your application form as this could delay the process.

Name of Host –

Jason Tours, 

Sichuan China YTS. 

2^nd Floor, 19

Dongchenggeng Street.

Chengdu,

China.

610031.

Tel: +86-28-89075414 

The Tibet permits will be arranged en route with the help of our local agent.  You will need to send Dragoman a quality-scanned copy of your passport and a copy of your Chinese visa in order for us to arrange this approx 2 months before departure or as soon as possible.

 

Please also be aware that a sudden change in the political situation can especially for Tibet lead to an immediate change in Visa issuance policy:

- This can create unforeseen delays, as authorities suddenly require additional information from visitors,

- Or sudden unforeseen price increases for visa issuance.

Personal Spending

Based on the range that previous travellers have spent on this trip, we recommend you allow between a minimum of US$15 and a maximum of US$30 per day for Central Asia, China and Burma and between a minimum of US$10 and a maximum of US$20 for India, Nepal and South East Asia.

This will cover individual expenses such as drinks, meals whilst out and also when staying in hotels, souvenirs, tips and personal permits.

Please note:  For trips in Southern India that occur over Christmas and New Year please allow approximately $130USD extra on the kitty for seasonal increases in accommodation costs

Money Exchange

China

The official currency in China is the yuan or renminbi (CNY). 1 renminbi (yuan) = 10 jiao (mao).We strongly advise against bringing travellers cheques as in China they can be extremely difficult or impossible to change.ATMs are widespread, so the easiest way to access cash on your trip is to bring a credit card. Please check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees before you depart. Some banks will allow a cash advance against a major credit card which will incur a service charge of 5% or more.Currency exchange is available at major banks and some hotels. The easiest foreign currencies to exchange are USD and EUR, however please be aware of the security risk of carrying large amounts of cash. In any case, some money should be taken as cash in case of emergencies - we recommend around US$400 per person. Commission is sometimes charged for currency exchange. Check the rate before you exchange and carefully check the amount you are given and ask for a receipt.

Please note that due to restrictions on currency conversion for foreigners in China it may not be possible to change left over CNY back into foreign currency, so please plan your budget and spending money well by withdrawing/exchanging what you need as you go.

What else you need to know

Currencies & Cash

It is not really worth trying to buy local currencies before you travel.  Do also bear in mind that many countries have strict regulations about the amount of their own local currency you are allowed to import - if you are found with amounts in excess of the allowed amounts, it may well be confiscated!

For trips in Turkey, South East Asia, India and Nepal a sensible mix of cash and ATM cards is best. However, most of our past passengers have said they wished they had been told to bring more cash. Apart from the convenience of being able to change money in many more places, you will sometimes get a much better exchange rate for cash.

For trips in Central Asia, China, Burma and Mongolia please refer to the money exchange notes.

You should take a mixture of denomination notes. Banks and moneychangers in most countries will now only accept bills with a metallic strip running top to bottom of the bill and which are dated from 2003 or later. You should not take worn or damaged notes, or any that have been written on. Cash machines are readily available in most areas but are not always reliable therefore we recommend that you do not rely on them as your only source of cash. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most commonly accepted, but be prepared for very high commission charges. Please do not rely on cards for daily use, as they are not always accepted outside of larger towns and cities. Please bring a mixture of small and large denominations as in more remote areas it can be hard to change amounts over $50.

Pre and post trip accommodation and connecting flights

At Dragoman we believe you should make the most of the places you visit, so if you would like to see more of your joining or finishing point cities, why not book additional accommodation to extend your stay. Dragoman can take away the hassle of time zones and language barriers by making the booking for you. This accommodation is only available at the joining or finishing city of your trip, immediately before or after the trip you are travelling on. 

While Dragoman is happy to assist with booking your pre and post trip accommodation, it is important that you understand you may be able to book your own room at a cheaper rate directly through the hotel or on the internet.  Our additional accommodation prices are based on the hotel’s rate plus an administration fee. Please note our rates do not reflect last minute walk in rates or internet specials.

We can also book arrival airport transfers for you as long as we have your flight arrival details.  These are normally payable in cash upon arrival, however we do have pre paid transfers in a few destinations. 

Please contact our reservations team for details of the accommodation and transfers that we can offer as not all hotels offer this service.

Accommodation on tour

Dragoman overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers will share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. The campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we will wild camp. This allows us to get far away from the tourist crowds to some beautiful, secluded spots. We will also arrange as many village or local homestays as possible, allowing us to get close to indigenous populations and ensures our money stays within local communities. 

Group size?

The maximum group size we take on our overland journeys ranges from 19 to 22 depending on the geographical location, however the average number of passengers is more likely to be around 16. 

Please note that there is an overlap of 2 trips in Zanzibar. This means a group starting a trip in Nairobi for example will visit Zanzibar at the same time as groups starting their trips in Dar es Salaam. In practical terms this means there could be up to 44 group members in Zanzibar at the same time.

Who travels with Dragoman?

Our passengers come from around the world and are always an interesting mix of nationalities and ages. On average there is a pretty even split, males to females and between solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends. We believe that overlanding should be open to as many people as possible and so although we have a minimum age limit of 18, as long as you are fit, healthy and passionate about travel, we are happy to take you, whatever your age is. One of the beauties of group travel is the camaraderie and friendships that are formed along the way and as well as the variety of people that you will meet.

Our Community

At any time before or after you book you can join our community - Dragoland. This is a great place to ask questions before you travel and catch up with your fellow travellers once your trip has finished. You can share photos, videos and stories You can also download a selection of free travel apps. See the home page to sign in, it's free and easy.

We also have a Facebook page where travellers regularly swap info with each other - you can join here

Our crew and guides

Our crew are passionate about travel and always up for adventure. It takes someone special to become a Dragoman leader. Our crew undergo the most intensive training program of all overland companies, spending 10 weeks learning the ropes at our base in Suffolk, UK and then up to six months on the road as a trainee. On all Dragoman overlanding trips two western crew who are responsible for the group and the overall organisation will accompany you. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the places visited and to offer suggestions of things to do and see. In East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In the rest of Africa, South America and the majority of Central Asia and China we use local guides who may stay with us for just a few hours or will actually travel with us for some or all of the journey. In these cases they become a third crew member and are able to offer their local knowledge as well as a real insight into the lives of the local people.

(If travelling in East & Southern Africa, also please see the note about our code-share crew)

Your tour leader has a duty of care to all of their passengers and therefore they have the authority to ask passengers to leave the trip if they require medical assistance, are behaving in an anti-social manner or refuse to comply with local laws and customs. In all matters relating to the trip, the leader's decision will be final and we appreciate your respect of this.

Medical conditions

We ask all of our passengers to declare any pre-existing medical conditions and in some cases you will be asked to complete one of our medical questionnaires. For trips that travel to areas of high altitude we also require all passengers to complete an altitude questionnaire. The ratings for each trip are a good indication of how challenging they are and in some cases passengers should be prepared for some long driving days and possible limited facilities. We are always happy to give extra advice if you have additional concerns.

Vaccinations

Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to region and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest advice on the region(s) you are planning to travel in. It is essential that you check with either your doctor or a travel clinic in good time before you travel.

In the UK we have been working with Nomad Travel for many years and their website has comprehensive, up to date vaccination and health information. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount off all vaccinations given at Nomad Travel clinics.

A  good source of up to date information is the World Health Organisation - http://www.who.int/en/

Malaria

Get expert advice before travelling about types of malaria pills and take them as instructed. Recommended types do change from time to time and from area to area. Consult your vaccination centre for the most up-to-date requirements

The mosquito usually bites between the hours of dusk and dawn and so covering up by wear long-legged and long-sleeved clothing, preferably light coloured and buttoned at the wrists can help. Do not sleep without closing windows, tent doors or, if sleeping out, use a mosquito net. Wear repellent applied directly to the skin or soaked into clothing.

Treating clothes and mosquito nets with a Permetherin solution provides significant protection. It should be available at most travel stores.  Mosquito coils are useful on still nights, in hotel rooms but cannot be used inside the tents.

Meals and group participation

On an overland journey you are more than just a passenger, you’re part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food, cook and generally help out. We operate a rota system, dividing the group into smaller units of 5 or 6 people, so that these duties are shared equally amongst the group. These jobs will include things like collecting water and firewood, loading the back locker, supervising the kitty and food stores etc. While camping on overland journeys, all meals will be included in the kitty and this means that you will be working as a group to prepare meals and cook for your group. (On trips south of Nairobi we have a cook on board the truck, however you will still be required to help prepare meals). If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting. A typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, cereal and something hot such as eggs or pancakes as well as tea and coffee. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow. Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto, pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some local cooking. Generally our passengers find the more they put into a trip, the more they benefit from it.

Responsible tourism & code of conduct

Dragoman is committed to ensuring that we have a positive impact on local communities and that we implement policies to minimise any negative impact on the local environment. We are dedicated to making sure that we adopt a responsible attitude to the areas through which we travel and believe that our trips should benefit the local people and their environment. Dragoman recognises that we are guests of local communities and strive to make these communities our partners, so that they benefit directly from our visit.

You can find full details of Dragoman’s responsible tourism policy linked from the home page. All passengers are required to obey all laws of the countries through which we pass. This particularly applies to the smuggling of contraband and possession of narcotic drugs, firearms, antiquities and ivory. Any passenger found contravening such laws or customs may be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price.

Overland travel and security

One of the real advantages of overland travel is that the vehicle provides a very real level of security when travelling. There is no doubt that a properly equipped overland vehicle, with safes, fully lockable doors and windows is an obvious advantage when travelling in much of the world. We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt whilst travelling for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items (although most of these can be locked in the safe whilst you are on the trip) and advise passengers to leave any valuable jewellery, watches etc at home. Generally speaking, you will not be travelling on local public transport and will have the added security of travelling in a group with experienced crew on hand to offer advice.

Please note: Any personal effects that are left on the truck, even if they are stored in the safe, are left at your own risk and Dragoman cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.

The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Dragoman. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. Dragoman makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources:

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice

Reports from other travel companies and local suppliers

Leaders reports from off the road

Local contacts we have built up over 29 years of experience

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. You should always make yourself aware of the travel advice before you book and again before you travel. Below are links to some of the websites

Britain. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country

Australia. http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

New Zealand. http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

United States. http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html

Canada. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp

Dragoman has comprehensive passenger liability protection and tour operator insurance. These policies have total indemnities of £3,000,000 and £10,000,000 respectively. This is in addition to local vehicle insurance and your personal travel insurance.

Emergency contact

We have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in theses trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked and the crew informed if necessary.

Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Without evidence of valid travel insurance you will not be allowed to start the trip.

Whatever policy you choose, you must ensure that it is designed for adventure/overland travel. As such it must cover you for adventure activities such as white water rafting, trekking, horse-riding and that the 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Company must be experienced in handling situations in developing countries – for example they have the ability to arrange repatriation from remote areas such as the Sahara or if you were trekking in the Andes. Please double check if you have annual travel and/or credit card policies to ensure they have the cover you require, as many of these policies are not able to cope with adventure travel to remote areas. We recommend that any policy has the following minimum levels of cover: Medical (incl. repatriation) £5,000,000 Personal Liability £5,000,000 Cancellation and Curtailment £5,000 Loss of Baggage, personal effects, money and other inclusions are down to personal choice.

Issues on the trip

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. If this is the case please contact our customer relations department on customer_relations@dragoman.co.uk. You may also choose to provide details in your feedback questionnaire which we ask you to complete at the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

Passports

Check that your passport will still be valid for 6 months after the end of the trip - this is important as some countries WILL refuse entry to anyone whose passport is due to expire. A temporary or "visitor's” passport is not valid on our trips. You will need to provide us with your passport details prior to departing for you trip. If you change your passport please remember to inform us.

Luggage & Kit List

Although you will not have to carry your main bag long distances you will need to help load and unload them onto the truck. For this reason we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag rather than a heavy suitcase. During your trip your main luggage will be kept in the back locker so you will also need a small daypack. This can be used to carry your camera, water bottle and other personal effects for daily use.

The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg.  Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.

Your clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats (except on routes between Nairobi and Cape Town where ground mats are provided).

The clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in, which will vary depending on which part of the world you're heading to. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats*, so you'll need to bring those with you. Think about the climate and altitude of the areas you'll be travelling to, there's nothing worse than being cold at night so it's worth investing in a decent sleeping bag if it's likely to get cold. And remember even when it's warm during the day, it can often get cold at night, particularly in desert regions.

*Ground mats are provided on our non "in-depth" overland trips that run in South and East Africa, between Nairobi and Cape Town.

For a general idea of what you need this list provides a guide:

• Sleeping bag - Check the expected climate en route. Nights in desert and mountain regions can be very cold in winter months
• Mattress or compressed foam
• A day pack is useful for short hikes in the countryside, wandering around cities, etc and also for keeping inside the vehicle for items used during the day
• 2 sets of comfortable travelling clothes (light, easily washable cotton clothes are best)
• 1 set of casual but smart clothes for evenings out. Women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf for visiting places of worship
• 2 pairs of shorts
• Sun hat or warm hat if trekking
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• Warm sweater/fleeces
• 1 waterproof jacket with hood
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/boots (or ankle height canvas jungle boots)
• 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
• Underwear and socks (thermals are also a good idea if you are travelling to altitude or to the desert as it can get very cold at night)
• Swimwear
• 2 small towels
• Washing kit, including a small mirror
• Clothes washing detergent, small scrubbing brush & washing line (just a length of cord)
• Head torch/flashlight with spare batteries & bulbs (only the 3 standard sizes of round 1.5v batteries are widely available en route)
• Passport photos (average of 2 per country for which visas will be applied for en route)
• Good water bottle at least 1 litre
• A pouch or money belt worn inside your clothing, or unobtrusive pocket sewn into the inside of a pair of loose fitting trousers, is a must.
• Alarm clock
• Pocket calculator (useful when exchanging money)
• Writing materials & notebook/diary
• Multi purpose knife
• Cotton sheet sleeping bag (or sheet folded and sewn up on 2 sides).  It will help keep your sleeping bag clean, and can be used on its own on warm nights.
• Mosquito net - The tents supplied by us have mosquito netting and you will only need a net if you think you will sleep out under the stars a lot of the time.
• "Wet Ones" (moistened tissues) and hand gel
• Toilet paper – this can be purchased almost everywhere en-route but one roll is worth packing
• Assorted sized plastic bags - protects clothing and equipment from dust and damp

For a comprehensive kit lists take a look at the Dragoman kit list that Nomad Travel have created.  Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount on all equipment purchased either online or in store. Click to see the kit lists www.nomadtravel.co.uk/kitlist/overlanders-kit-list

Water

The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket!

Personal medical kit

All of our trucks have a fully stocked medical kit onboard for use in emergency situations only.  Therefore in addition to this we recommend that you purchase your own personal medical kit. In the UK we have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores and Clinics to produce the Dragoman Travel Medical Kit. It has been designed in conjunction with the truck kits  and contains everything you would need for any minor accidents. For more details please visit their website:

nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/dragoman-medical-kit

Electrical equipment

Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt socket so to charge your iPod, MP3 player, camera, laptop and mobile phone you will need a DC 12 volt adapter - the type that can be used from a cigarette lighter in your car. Please be aware that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets and the majority of the campsites we stay at have electricity points so please bring along your normal charging adapters as well. You will need to ensure that you have the correct country adaptor for your specific charger.

The kitty

The Kitty is a group fund paid separately from the trip price at the start of your trip which covers all things that the whole group does, such as:

• Hotel accommodation and campsite fees
• Meals whilst camping (not in hotels)
• Activities listed as included (e.g. National Park entrances, excursions and local guides).

It is an amount that each passenger puts into a central fund and is monitored by the Dragoman crew. It’s payable in full at the start of your trip, and in instalments at the start of each individual trip on combination trips

The kitty system is very unique to over landing as it allows us to have flexibility on the road. You can see exactly how your money is being spent and ensure that you are getting the best value by buying locally.

The kitty advertised in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Local inflation and costs vary throughout the year and so we review kitties on a monthly basis. Once you book your trip it is very important that you check our website on a regular basis and just before departure for any changes to the kitty amount.

Your kitty can be paid in a mixture of US Dollar cash and local currency and most of our travellers choose to bring a cash passport with them for withdrawing local currency (you can visit www.cashpassport.com for further information on these). This is a very secure way of carrying your money whilst travelling. You treat them exactly like an ATM card and draw out local currency from an ATM to give to your leader within each country.

Travellers cheques have become increasingly difficult to change around the world with passengers and our leaders experiencing huge frustration and numerous hours spent trying to find a bank which will change travellers cheques. For this reason we no longer accept them on our trips.

Continuing your trip

Contingency emergency fund

Sometimes, civil or political unrest, or reasons beyond Dragoman's control (e.g. a natural disaster), can mean that an itinerary is disrupted and we have to make a contingency plan. This may involve hiring alternate transport or even the whole group flying over an area. Although Dragoman will help organise travel arrangements, in circumstances outside Dragoman's control you should be prepared to contribute towards the costs and therefore we ask you to bring along a 'Contingency Fund' of USD400. In almost all cases trips run smoothly and this fund is therefore never used. We also recommend that you take along an internationally recognised credit or charge card with a decent limit in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment en route, or even the need to be repatriated; though these occurrences are rare. Remember that travel insurance policies usually only refund you for expenses after you have already paid out.

Tipping

Tipping is entirely voluntary. The Dragoman crew may be travelling with you for many weeks and usually they become good friends with most members of the group. It is sometimes easy to forget that they do work hard to ensure that you do have a great trip. If you feel you would like to tip them, they certainly would appreciate it. On a number of our trips, we also use a local guide as well as our own Dragoman crew. These guides live and travel with you through their home country and it is usual to tip them when they leave. We recommend USD10 to USD15 per person.

Flying to/From Kashgar, China There are no direct flights to Kashgar (or Kashi in Mandarin), flights to/from Kashgar are normally via Urumqi. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport has domestic flights to many of the major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Guiyang, Yinchuan, Wuhan, Chengdu, Kunming and Xi’an, as well as flights to many international destinations including Almaty, Ashgabat, Baku, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Islamabad, Istanbul, Moscow, Tbilisi, Tehran and Seoul. There are several flights daily between Kashgar and Urumqi. The flight takes one and a half hours For flights to / from Kashgar please visit http://www.elong.net or contact your sales agent. The Kashgar airport is 11 km from the city center and there are regular bus services from the airport to the city for RMB 6 or a taxi should cost approximately RMB 30.

Flying to/From Kashgar, China

There are no direct flights to Kashgar (or Kashi in Mandarin), flights to/from Kashgar are normally via Urumqi. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport has domestic flights to many of the major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Guiyang, Yinchuan, Wuhan, Chengdu, Kunming and Xi’an, as well as flights to many international destinations including Almaty, Ashgabat, Baku, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Islamabad, Istanbul, Moscow, Tbilisi, Tehran and Seoul. There are several flights daily between Kashgar and Urumqi. The flight takes one and a half hours For flights to / from Kashgar please visit http://www.elong.net or contact your sales agent. The Kashgar airport is 11 km from the city center and there are regular bus services from the airport to the city for RMB 6 or a taxi should cost approximately RMB 30.

These trip notes have been compiled to help you prepare for your journey, once you have booked. They include the full itinerary and dates, information and kit lists, meeting hotels, insurance, vaccinations, visas, and other information that will help you get ready for your trip.

Please ensure you have an up to date version of these Trip Notes

These trip notes were printed on 19/06/2013