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India to Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Road Trip

“The Ultimate Highway along the Roof of the World with Silk Road crossing Nepal, Tibet, and China”

Introduction to the India to Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Road Trip Self-Drive Adventure. Get ready for the ultimate overland expedition with Thrust Adventure’s India Nepal Tibet China, to Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan Self-Drive Tour! This extraordinary journey takes you through five diverse countries, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling driving experiences. Starting from the bustling city of Gorakhpur in India, you’ll traverse the stunning landscapes of Nepal, conquer the towering Himalayas, and explore the vast plateaus of Tibet. Along the way, you will drive through ancient towns, cross high mountain passes, and witness some of the most iconic sights in the world, including Mount Everest and the historic Silk Road. 

India-Nepal-Tibet-Kazakhstan: The Silk Road Trip towards Europe

With Thrust Adventure, you will experience the freedom of a self-drive tour, expertly supported by our team at every step of the journey. From the lush forests of Chitwan National Park to the spiritual heart of Lhasa, and from the Tibetan plateau to the deserts of China, this adventure is packed with unforgettable moments. You’ll pass through pristine landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich cultures of each region. This road trip is designed for adventure enthusiasts who crave the thrill of driving through remote areas while also exploring the history and heritage of some of Asia’s most fascinating regions. Whether it’s navigating the winding mountain roads of Nepal or crossing into Kazakhstan through the scenic Khorgas Border, this self-drive expedition promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Buckle up for an exhilarating 23-day adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!

The Silk Road Connects India to Europe and the UK

This silk route road traverses the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, reaching heights of 5,200 meters with breathtaking views of Mount Everest. In contrast, you will pass Ayding Lake in Xinjiang, one of the world’s lowest-altitude lakes at -154 meters. Along the journey, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Tibetan and Uyghur people.

This route will take you across the world’s rooftop, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where you can stand at an elevation of 5200 meters and gaze out at the magnificent Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. After arriving in Xinjiang, you will also pass by one of the world’s lowest-altitude lakes, Ayding Lake, which sits at an elevation of -154 meters. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the unique and breathtaking scenery of the region, as well as experience the rich cultural life of the Tibetan and Uyghur ethnic groups.

Trip Facts

Best for ice & cold challengers

November and December

Trip cost

On request

Group size

Minimum 4 pax

Difficult ratings

Moderate

Total distance

4,497+ km

Single room supplement

Available on request

Guide

Compulsory

Highest altitude

5135 m, Tingri County, Mount Everest Viewpoint

Province / Region

Tibet / Xinjiang / China

Country

India, Nepal and Tibet (China)

Best months

March to October

Border of exit

Klashankou or Khorgas

Needed document

Passport, RC, Driving License, Photos and form

Trip duration

23 days from Nepal-India border, 18 days in China, 4 days in Nepal

Booking deadline

42 Days Prior to Travel Date

Highlights of India Nepal Tibet China Kazakstan Road Trip

Immerse in the rich cultural traditions of the Tibetan and Uyghur ethnic groups
Immerse in the rich cultural traditions of the Tibetan and Uyghur ethnic groups
Encounter the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Tibet and Xinjiang
Encounter the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Tibet and Xinjiang
Traverse the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "Roof of the World"
Traverse the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "Roof of the World"
Reach an elevation of 5,200 metres with stunning views of Mount Everest
Reach an elevation of 5,200 metres with stunning views of Mount Everest
Pass by Ayding Lake, one of the world’s lowest-altitude lakes at -154 metres
Pass by Ayding Lake, one of the world’s lowest-altitude lakes at -154 metres

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Welcome to Radisson Blu Hotel, Gorakhpur.

    Check in at Radisson Blu. Join for team introduction at 7 PM, a Q&A session, and dinner

  • Day 2

    Gorakhpur to Chitwan. 225km, 6 hours 415m

    Breakfast, drive to Sunauli Border (100 km), border procedures (1 hour), lunch, continue to Chitwan National Park, collect passport and visa fees

  • Day 3

    Chitwan to Kathmandu. 211km, 6-7 hours 1365m

    Thrilling highways, scenic villages, lush forests, river gorges, Thamel to relax

  • Day 4

    Kathmandu free day, explore on your own, Thrust Adventure assist on you

  • Day 5

    Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, Border Town. 120 km, 6-7 hours 2380m.

    Breakfast, fuel up, exit Kathmandu Ring Road. Drive through Tokha, waterfalls, forests to Gurjebhgyang for tea break. 2-hour drive to Battar Bazaar for lunch. Continue uphill via Betrawati, Kalikasthan, Ramche, Dhunche, down to Syabrubesi. Pasang Lamhu Highway adventure.

  • Day 6

    Nepal Border to Gyirong Town. 6+25km, 1 hours 2700m

    Enter Tibet via Gyirong/Rasuwagadi border. Assistance with customs and formalities. Overnight in Gyirong County. Climb from 2,700m to the high-altitude plateau. Lush forests to desert landscapes. Stunning adventure awaits.

  • Day 7

    Gyirong-Gangga (The Old Tingri) |  270km, 6 hours, 4300m

    Drive to Gangga town, entrance to Mt. Everest Base Camp, acclimating to altitude. Visit Pekutso lakeside for views of Shishapangma peak (8027m) if weather permits.

  • Day 8

    The Old Tingri ( Gangga ) to Everest Base Camp. 250km/6h/4300m

    Drive to Rongbuk Monastery (5154m), the highest in the world, for views of Mt. Everest. Enter EBC via a 100 km route through villages, rivers, and mountain passes.

    Note: Only view Everest from Rongbuk (8 km from EBC). Shuttle bus required from the tourist center (35 km away). Entrance: 160 CNY/PP, Shuttle: 120 CNY/PP.

    Tip: Avoid overnight at EBC; stay in Tingri to prevent altitude sickness.

  • Day 9

    Tingri to Shigatse. 240km, 5 hours, and 3800m

    Early drive to Shigatse. Apply for temporary Chinese driving licenses and vehicle plates at Traffic Admin Bureau. Note: Essential for legal driving in China. If not completed, continue next morning. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in the afternoon or next morning. Monastery founded in 1447, seat of the Panchen Lama. Entrance: 100 CNY/PP.

  • Day 10

    Shigatse to Lhasa. 370km, 7 hours, 3700m

    After breakfast, drive towards Lhasa (3650m). Capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, center of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit famous sites like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Popular tourist destination.

  • Day 11

    Lhasa exploration day. 3700m

    A day tour in Lhasa. Options available are, Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor
    Street and shopping free time. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

  • Day 12

    Drive from Lhasa to Namqu, 340km, 5 hours, and 4500m.

    Drive along G6 high way to Namqu County. Today is one of the long drive in the
    high plateau.

  • Day 13

    Drive form Namqu to Tuotuohe. 410km, 7 hours, 4500m

    Drive along National Road G109 to Tuotuohe Town. The day is one of the longest drive in our tour of India Nepal Tibet China to Kazakstan even at the vast high-altitude plateau.

  • Day 14

    Drive from Tuotuohe to Gulmud. 415km, 7 hours, 2900m

    Today we drive along National Highway G109, leave Tibetan territory towards the Mainland China to Golmud city. Golmud is the second biggest city of Qinghai Province.

  • Day 15

    Drive from Gulmud to Dunhuang. 560km, 6 hours, 1100m

    Drive on G3011 to Dunhuang City, northwest China’s Gansu province, a historic Silk Road stop. Visit the Mogao Caves, 4th-century Buddhist cave temples with thousands of murals and sculptures, showcasing masterpieces of Chinese art and cultural influences. The site reflects the spread of Buddhism into China and remains a key destination for history and art enthusiasts.

  • Day 16

    Exploring Dunhuang or rest day after the longest drive of the trip.

    Morning visit to Mogao Caves (238 CNY/PP, reservation needed). Afternoon visit to Crescent Lake (120 CNY), a desert oasis. Alternatively, free time for independent exploration.

  • Day 17

    Drive from Dunhuang to Hami. 420km, 5 hours, 1100m

    Drive on G215 and G30 to Hami City. Visit the Hami Grand Theater and the Devil City, an ancient Silk Road fortress with a 10-meter-high, 3-km wall. Enjoy local specialties like horse meat noodles and Hami melon to experience Hami’s unique charm.

  • Day 18

    Drive from Hami to Turpan. 423km, 6 hours, 10m

    Drive on S328 to Turpan City. Visit Tuyugou Gorge, Jiaohe City, and the Thousand Buddha Caves. Savor local dishes and relax in the peaceful countryside.

  • Day 19

    Turpan Rest and Explore Turpan.

    If we plan to exit China from
    Khorgas border we execute our plan from today.

  • Day 20

    Drive from Turpan to Kuitun. 430 km, 5 hours, 500m

    Today we drive through Express way of Kuiun. The toll cost CNY 170, however you
    love the highway, speed and views around.

  • Day 21

    Drive form Kuitun to Khorgas. 410km, 5 hours, 800m

    Drive to Khorgas via scenic highway, passing Sayram Lake. Toll fee: CNY 170. Sayram Lake, known as the “last teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean,” features clear blue waters surrounded by mountains and grasslands. Entrance: 75 CNY (Nov 1–Apr 15) / 145 CNY (Apr 16–Oct 31).

  • Day 22

    Drive from Khorgas to Kazakhstan, China Exit

    Leave the hotel by 8:30 am for the Khorgas border to ensure a smooth exit from China and entry into Kazakhstan.

If we have a plan to exit from Alashankou border to Kazakhstan, our route will be different from Day 19, from Turpan.

  • Day 20

    Drive from Turpan to Urumqi. 190 km, 3 hours, 800m

    Drive to Urumqi by express highway which will cost CNY 60. Urumqi is the Capital city of Xinjiang Province.

  • Day 21

    Drive from Urumqi to Alashankou. 480km, 5 hours, 300m

    Drive to Alashankou by last express highway which will cost CNY 180.

  • Day 23

    Alashankou to Kazakhstan, Exit China

    Due to the strict security control of Xinjiang, and time differences, we request you to leave hotel at 8:00 am for the border, in order to exit China and enter Kazakhstan smoothly. Thrust Adventure team will make your process easy as they do lots of the procedures in China side.

Are you ready for Thrust Adventure?

Contact Us

India-Kazakhstan Road Trip: Most Common Questions

Road travelers, self-drivers, and motorbikers often have many questions before taking the India-to-Kazakhstan road trip crossing Nepal and China, including the Everest and the Tibetan Plateau. Common queries include visa requirements, border crossings, road conditions, vehicle permits, and safety measures. Our Thrust Adventure Overland Tours guides from India to Kazakhstan come with detailed guidelines, including self-drive versus guided options, estimated costs, best travel seasons, and recommended itineraries. These FAQs help first-time travelers plan a smooth, safe, and unforgettable overland adventure across multiple countries.

FAQs about the India-Kazakhstan Road Trip

Q. Can I drive from India to Kazakhstan via Nepal and China?

A. Yes. An India-to-Kazakhstan road trip by car or bike is possible. The overland adventure journey covers about 4,498 km, crossing Nepal and China. This drive usually takes 14–19 days, depending on border formalities and road conditions. Many adventurers call it one of the best overland trips from India, combining Himalayan routes, the Tibetan Plateau, Everest Base Camp, and Central Asian landscapes. Driving from India to Kazakhstan is not just about distance; it is about experiencing cultures, history, and breathtaking scenery along the way.

Q. How much does the India to Kazakhstan road trip via Nepal and China cost?

A. An India-to-Kazakhstan road trip via Nepal and China is a challenging, long-distance adventure that requires careful planning and investment. Tour company packages typically range from $2,400 to $5,400+, excluding personal expenses like accommodation, flights, visas, tips, and meals. Self-drive options can reduce costs but demand significant preparation, including vehicle customs papers, deposits, permits, border documentation, and fuel. The India-Kazakhstan route covers Nepal and China, which offers opportunities for group travel to save costs, and requires a substantial time commitment, making it a truly epic overland self-drive adventurous journey.

Q. Can You Hire Bikes and 4WD Jeeps for Self-Drive in Kazakhstan?

A. Absolutely! If you are planning an adventure in Kazakhstan, renting a bike or a 4WD jeep for a self-drive trip is the best way to explore the magical landscapes. From the wide steppes to the rugged mountains, self-driving or riding gives you the freedom to go off the beaten path at your own pace towards your dream destination.

To legally rent and drive a vehicle in Kazakhstan, you must have:

  • A valid passport with a visa.
  • An international or recognized driving license.
  • Vehicle registration papers (for rental or personal vehicle).

Keep in mind that you may also need to pay extra tickets or permits for entering national parks, toll or express roads, and special zones.

Q: How Much Does Bike or Jeep Rental Cost Per Day in Kazakhstan?

A. Bikes: Daily rentals for motorcycles can range from US$85 to US$138 or above.

Car: It depends on where in Kazakhstan you visit. The most popular places to rent a car are Almaty and Astana. In Almaty, the cost is around $158 per day and above. In Astana, it costs around $144 per day for self-drive and ride options. This rental rate is the weekly rate and is for the base model, which may vary by duration, specific models and features, pickup and drop-off point, rental duration, and season as on. 

Q. Can I take my Jeep from India to Kazakhstan?

A: Yes, you can drive or take your Indian jeep or bike to Kazakhstan for adventure travel. It is allowed on a temporary import. You must follow customs rules and pay duties or taxes at the border. Many travelers choose this overland journey to explore Kazakhstan’s vast landscapes. Taking your own jeep from India to Kazakhstan gives freedom, flexibility, and a true road trip experience.

Q: Do I need a Carnet de Passage (CdP) to take my car, jeep, or bikes on a road trip from India to Kazakhstan, crossing Nepal and China? 

A. NO! You do not need a Carnet de Passage (CdP) for your car, jeep, and bikes for a trip from India to Kazakhstan crossing Nepal and Tibet, China. China has a different system of CdP, and Nepal and Kazakhstan follow the dual system for international vehicles. In Nepal, China, and Kazakhstan, you can get the vehicle permits as a day pass, depending on your travel itinerary, route, and visa. You can connect with Thrust Adventure Overland Tour, which will organize all the process, logistics, and border crossing services. 

Q: Is Kazakhstan a cheap or expensive destination?

A. It is one of the most affordable destinations. Per day, 50 is enough to maintain the tourist standard with hotel accommodation, standard lunch, dinner, drinks, and day activities. However, the expenses might increase with the upgrade of services.

NOTE: The group size significantly reduced the price of the Kazakhstan road trip. 

If you have any further questions about the India-Kazakhstan Road Trip crossing Nepal and China, get connected with Thrust Adventure Overland Tours.

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