102 days / 101 nights
1-2-3
XXXXXXX
43% / 57%
6,000 mi / 9,550 km
You will be changed forever. Join our first expedition to the East—a reconnaissance journey for a select group of bold adventurers. Cross remote borders, experience breathtaking landscapes, connect with local people, and uncover their history while following the paths of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, the Ottoman Turks, and the great Chinese dynasties. KADV will ocean freight your personal overlanding vehicle, making this extraordinary scouting adventure possible. Travel with us to uncover the mysteries and magic of the East.
* With research ongoing as of this date, prices, inclusions and itinerary are subject to change.
Deposit of 8,000 USD per person to secure your position. Final payment in full 90 days prior to container sailing date.
Itinerary, inclusions and amenities are subject to change based on availability at time of booking.
Flying into Santiago de Chile, you’ll be greeted and transferred to our hotel in the city. Expect a briefing and opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers. The following day it will be off to the port to retrieve the vehicles. We allow two to three days for this process. The first of several border crossings will take place, high in the Andes at Los Libertadores. Argentina greets you after the spiraling Los Caracoles Highway, before descending towards Mendoza. An excursion to get as close as possible to America's highest mountain peak (22,830 ft), will be planned. Having crossed the Andes, wineries fill the fertile valleys. Ideal soil conditions and climate have for almost five centuries nurtured a rich wine tradition here. At least two nights are scheduled near Mendoza with a number of primitive Andes roads, wineries and spa offerings to take advantage of.
The compass needle points north. Darting on and off the Ruta 40 through Argentina, another international crossing back into Chile eventually will have you in the Colonial city of Arequipa. The mysterious Naza Lines, over two thousand year old complex stone images in the desert spread for 50 KM (19 square miles), best viewed from the air.
From sea level your rise into the Andes once more, stopping in Colca to witness up close, soaring condors rising from the canyon depths. The Sacred Valley at Ollantaytambo with its steep lush green terraced hillsides have for centuries been the Inca and Quechua agricultural center. It is from here that we take the train to Machu Picchu to hike the sprawling Inca 15th century stone city.
The Rainbow Mountain of Vinicuna is an unworldly site, a stop along the way to the border, crossing into Bolivia at Lake Titicaca, home to the Uros Indians who live on the floating reed islands. Brief stays in the cities Potosi and La Paz, then the drive (optional) on the Camino Yungus, the Road of Death, 64km of narrow twisting mountainous track (don’t worry, there is an optional new paved road if you are uneasy about this!)
It is an iconic South America adventure destination, the 4,000 square miles of the Salt Flats of Uyuni at over 12,000ft /3658m. We’ll actually spend a night in rooms built of salt blocks. South bound now, there are more border crossings in and out of Chile and Argentina to take advantage of high pass explorations. The Atacama desert is the dominant feature along the Pacific coast with mandatory photos at the Hand of the Desert.
Paved routes for the final leg will have us returning to the port of Valparaiso and the port town to manage the “stuffing” of the vehicles for the return voyage back to the USA.
7 vehicles / 14 persons
10 vehicles / 20 persons
375 miles / 600 km
37 miles / 60 km
Viña del Mar, Chile
This event is timed to be outside of the usual rain season. Temperatures will vary considerably with altitude ranging from cool 50°F/10°C to 90°F/32°C. Some rain can be expected in the more subtropical regions.
2600 miles / 4100 km
43% paved / 57% unpaved
Shipping personal vehicle toSouth America*inquire about rental options
With this application, you are soliciting to participate in a KaravanADV event. We will follow up to advise you of the status of the event and at that time, will request additional information and a deposit to confirm your booking.
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One year in advance is not too soon. Our South America Expeditions and Tours require many months of advance planning to secure the best possible services and amenities.This is especially so when a tour involves international ocean freighting. This is not a tour to book last minute. Make your commitment as soon as possible. We anticipate an early sell out.
Yes. By design KaravanADV has crafted the Silk Road Expedition to be a driving adventure with elevated style when and where available. To be clear, the nature of travel in remote regions lacking tourism infrastructure will occasionally demand stays in less desirable accommodations. Expect everything from luxury to basic.
For participants originating from the USA, port of sailing will be Houston, TX. Two units will be loaded in 40 ft. ocean containers allowing for anywhere from 30 - 45 days sailing to Istanbul. KADV arranges all the logistics. We will also arrange for the return back to the USA. If you are joining us from Europe, Oceania or elsewhere, consult with us on how we may facilitate getting your vehicle to Istanbul.
Yes, but with this caveat; it is important to have a realistic understanding of the nature of overlanding travel and that exposures to new cultures, driving conditions and shifting geopolitical environments, comes with an element of risk. It is adventure travel! The Silk Road Expedition is not for everyone. But if you thrive on challenge and experiences that are beyond the ordinary, this one is for you.
Preparation with a focus on reliability is paramount. You will be provided a comprehensive checklist of automotive requirements. You will be encouraged to evaluate the need for extensive upgrades and accessories that often only add to the weight of the vehicle, compromise's reliability and can simply be more stuff to manage, lose, get pilfered or cause delays at borders. We'll tell you what you absolutely need, adn what you won't need.
Do not expect this to be a Camel Trophy styled event. The route will not be overly technical in nature, so according to the onX OffroadTechnical Rating System , we consider this to be rated as 1-2-3 well suited for a 4X4 vehicle with average clearance and for drivers with some off-road experience and familiarity with the vehicle and its limitations.
No. The exceptions may be border crossings, ferry crossings and other situations where a group activity is planned. We actually encourage independence and that you travel at a pace that suits you. There may be situations where laws and restrictions could exist where foreign travelers must be accompanied by officials and solo travel outside the group is discouraged, even prohibited. An example is China although trends are showing a relaxation in this regard.
Yes. We acknowledge this is a long event. For this reason, we happily will assist you in managing the logistics that permit a friend or family member to join you for a portion of the event. We’ll get you a price. This is not an uncommon request. We welcome the opportunity to facilitate your guests.
It could be. It depends on your health, metabolism and other factors. While the exact route is being defined as of this writing, there are certain to be mountain passages in excess of 12,000ft / 3,257m with occasional overnight stay at similar heights. The itinerary is designed for you to gradually acclimate to the heights. Modifying alcohol intake and maintaining hydration are important. Medications are available. Consult with your physician. KADV will have oxygen to provide relief if needed.
While there are no required inoculations, we feel it is good to be current on tetanus and diphtheria and hepatitis shots. Consult with your medical professionals. More on this to be provided in the HEALTH section of our pre-tour preparation materials.
We are aware that for many, this has become an essential requirement. In the more remote regions, availability is inconsistent and limited bandwidth results in frustrating slow speeds. Note that Starlink and similar devices and services are prohibited in China and may be frowned on in other countries. Look for updated details on this matter.
Yes. A complete list and where and how to obtain, will be provided with appropriate advance notice.
Yes. We find that Squaremouth offers the most comprehensive and easiest means of comparing policy offerings. Medical evacuation insurance is MANDATORY on all KADV events. Trip interruption and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED as we must adhere to our REFUND AND CANCELLATION policy.
As of this writing, no comprehensive collision type coverages are available. Third party liability insurance is often a requirement and is frequently obtained at the border as part of the temporary importation process. In some cases, such as Turkey, it may be obtained in advance online. This will be covered as a topic in the comprehensive pre-tour preparation materials.
Yes. Actually private customized tours are our specialty. We are in a position to satisfy your particular requests. For example travel dates, destinations, inclusions, style and special interests, can all be addressed to meet your needs. KaravanADV has a wealth of logistics experience and global resources. Start by filling out this simple Custom Private Tour Inquiry Form, and look for a speedy response.
Mechanical issues are inevitable. When they occur, it will become a group effort to find solutions. But keep in mind, that technical expertise, spare parts and in some cases specialty tools, will become scarce and likely not available at all as we journey deeper into the East. A disabled vehicle could result in a disruption of your travels, even the worst-case scenario, a forced retirement from the event. This reinforces the need to be meticulous in your vehicle preparations, especially since it has been our experience that so many breakdowns are preventable.
Plan for the worst. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory. Have an honest self-evaluation of your health status, any limitations, medical history and physical condition before you commit to such an extensive trip. Know that the KaravanADV team is there for you. We will be hands on in every aspect of seeking remedies and assistance if needed. No two situations are alike, but your care is important to us and our decades of experience has taught us on how to respond should we be called upon to address a medical emergency
The itinerary has built in regular multi-night stops that will allow for conducting maintenance, getting some laundry done, maybe some time to get a little distance and space from your fellow travelers. Maybe you just want to "chill"! We're fully aware of the dynamics of longer expeditions and having some time to recharge and catch up while on the road is important.
A carnet de passage is an internationally accepted document that holds you accountable for the status of your vehicle when it is temporarily imported into another country. It is a guarantee that you will not leave the vehicle unauthorized in that country. While (as of this writing) no country requires a carnet along the route of the Silk Road, having the document can facilitate border crossings in a more efficient manner, reducing time and other bureaucratic complications. For this reason we are we are anticipating making a carnet mandatory and will further advise you as we approach the pre-tour preparation stage of this event.
