Published: 2025-08-22

Follow an unforgettable overland journey across western China and Tibet as Oasis Overland Trip Leader Alexis shares first-hand experiences from Kashgar’s Silk Road heritage to the vibrant streets of Chengdu. This detailed trip report covers desert oases, ancient Buddhist treasures in Dunhuang, the westernmost Great Wall at Jiayuguan, high-altitude train journeys, sacred monasteries in Lhasa, and awe-inspiring moments at Everest Base Camp. A compelling account of culture, landscapes, and life on the road across one of Asia’s most extraordinary routes.

Published: 2025-08-04

From the sparkling waters of Toktogul Reservoir to the wildflower-strewn pastures of Son Kul, our overland adventure through Kyrgyzstan is a celebration of nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Travelers camp in yurts, sample bubbling kumis in the Suusamyr valley, witness eagle hunting traditions, and explore dramatic canyons and alpine landscapes. Cities like Bishkek and Almaty offer a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and history, while remote gems like Altyn Arashan and Issy Kul immerse adventurers in pristine wilderness. Every stop on this journey showcases Kyrgyz hospitality, sweeping scenery, and moments of spontaneous wonder that make this overland expedition truly magical.

Published: 2025-08-01

As the epic Silk Road journey draws to a close, Oasis Overland trip leader Alexis reflects on the final stretch through China, travelling from the historic heart of Xi’an to the iconic sights of Beijing. Highlights include standing before the vast Terracotta Army, a dumpling making detour in rural mountain villages, an overnight train north, and a misty five hour trek across the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, before an emotional final day at the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, bringing a four month overland adventure from Istanbul to Beijing to a powerful and unforgettable conclusion.

Published: 2025-07-25

From the rugged Torugart Pass into Xinjiang, through the Silk Road hub of Kashgar, and along epic desert landscapes to Dunhuang and Jiayuguan, our China overland adventure unfolds like a living history book. Travelers experience the Mogao Caves, Crescent Lake, and the westernmost Great Wall, then journey through Qinghai and Tibet aboard legendary high-altitude trains. Highlights include Lhasa’s Potala Palace, sacred lakes, Everest Base Camp, and Tibetan monasteries, before descending into Sichuan and Shaanxi to explore Chengdu, Xi’an, and local culinary wonders. Every step blends culture, history, and breathtaking scenery—an overland journey unlike any other.

Published: 2025-07-11

What happens when a bright yellow Oasis Overland truck tackles one of the highest and wildest roads on earth? In this vivid day by day diary, trip leader Alexis shares the raw reality of driving the legendary Pamir Highway from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan, navigating brutal mountain roads, remote border crossings, Soviet relics, high altitude bush camps, snow leopard encounters, and unforgettable nights in yurts. From ancient castles and Afghan border views to no man’s land crossings and the green valleys of Kyrgyzstan, this is a journey defined by extremes, resilience, and the kind of stories that only happen far from the beaten path.

Published: 2025-07-04

Former Oasis Overland crew member Katie Carson is heading back on the road, this time joining the 14-day Nairobi to Dar es Salaam Gameparks and Zanzibar adventure. In her first blog, she shares how she prepares for an Africa overland trip, from reading pre-departure info and booking smart flights to sorting visas, travel insurance, vaccinations, and packing essentials for life on the truck. It’s an honest, practical look at what goes into getting ready for one of East Africa’s most iconic overland journeys, and a great starting point if you’re considering the trip yourself.

Published: 2025-06-27

From the dusty ruins of Konye Urgench to the glittering mosaics of Samarkand, this stretch of the journey felt like traveling through layers of Silk Road history and modern-day surprises all at once—crossing borders by charm and taxi, confronting the haunting reality of the Aral Sea in Muynaq, dancing at a surreal desert rave, sharing unforgettable meals in buzzing bazaars, and camping beneath ancient fortresses as sunsets painted the Khorezm desert gold; through Khiva’s living history, Bukhara’s timeless streets, and Samarkand’s jaw-dropping Registan, it was a reminder of why Central Asia captivates so deeply, blending resilience, warmth, and wonder at every stop—Tajikistan now beckons.

Published: 2025-06-27

Crossing from Uzbekistan into Tajikistan sets the tone for an unforgettable stretch of the journey, from the chaos of Panjakent to the jaw-dropping roads leading deep into the Fann Mountains. Days are filled with adrenaline drives to remote Ghazza Village, visits to timeless mountain communities like Voru, hands-on experiences such as bread baking and manti cooking, and nights camping beside alpine lakes like Iskanderkul. The route continues through dramatic scenery to Dushanbe, via the infamous Anzob Tunnel, with stops to sample local dishes and prepare for what comes next: the Pamir Highway, one of the world’s most epic and demanding road trips.

Published: 2025-06-26

From the moment we crossed from Mashad into Turkmenistan, it was clear this would be one of the most surreal chapters of the journey—an over-the-top marble capital ruled by cult-of-personality excess, bizarre world records, spotless streets, golden statues, and a cityscape that felt more like a fever dream than a real place; Ashgabat dazzled and bewildered by day and completely melted the brain by night, before rough desert roads led us to the flaming Darvaza gas crater glowing under a star-filled sky, hedgehogs scuttling through camp, and birthday cakes mysteriously appearing in the middle of nowhere—an unforgettable plunge into one of the world’s strangest, most fascinating countries, with Uzbekistan up next.

Published: 2025-06-23

Our next epic transcontinental adventure through South America kicks off in Colombia this October, tracing an unforgettable route through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil—reaching the southern tip of the continent at Ushuaia before looping north to Rio in time for Carnival, with the option to continue deep into the Amazon via the Guianas to Manaus; along the way you’ll explore everything from Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest to Patagonia’s glaciers, Iguazu Falls, vibrant cities like Buenos Aires and Salvador, and remote wildlife-rich wetlands—spaces are limited, so if this sounds like your kind of adventure, now’s the time to book, and don’t forget to mention this newsletter for a 5% discount.