Guide

Driver/guide is included on this tour.

Meals

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When staying in hotels, guest-houses & hostels we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the hotel. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. In the evenings after you are checked into the hotel you are free to choose where you want to eat. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.When we are camping we usually eat breakfast and the evening meal from the truck. Occasionally we may prepare lunch on the truck when we are in remote areas.Please note that there is no camping until we reach the UAE so there will not be many times we eat on the truck until then.When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will shop for and prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on group size).Fresh food is generally available daily so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do also cater for vegetarians but we cannot cater for fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater for individual likes and dislikes.Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.Our overland truck for the Asia section of the tour is equipped with a small fridge which is used for lunch or dinner food only when we have to prepare a meal on the truck. For personal food & drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.Our coach for the Arabia section of the tour is equipped with cooler boxes which are primarily used for the cook group’s breakfast & dinner food. Personal fresh food & cold drinks can be bought regularly at service station stops throughout the day so we do not provide cooler boxes for personal items.Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

Others

SServices of your expedition leader & driverTransportation in custom-built Madventure overland truck, private air-conditioned coach, jeeps, local buses & boats, plus use of all equipmentDiesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicleFerry tickets (when travelling together as a group)160 breakfasts, 22 evening mealsAll accommodation costs (85% hotels, guest houses & hostels, 15% wild camping)National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle

Accommodation

You will spend 85% of your time on this expedition staying in local hotels, guest houses, hostels & boats. The other 15% of the time you will be in your tent wild camping.Please note that on this tour there is no camping until we reach the UAE.We always try to use decent, clean budget hotels, guest houses & hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get – good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses & hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of both sexes.There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.On this tour when we camp we will be wild camping by ourselves out in the bush or in the desert as campgrounds generally don’t exist in Arabia. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, behind a dune in the desert, on a beach, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot.From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.

Transport

From Nepal to the UAE we will mostly be travelling in a purpose-built Madventure overland vehicle. The section through Arabia is mostly conducted in a private air-conditioned coach. Some of the time we will be travelling in local jeeps, buses & boats.The overland vehicle we use from Nepal to the UAE is a custom-built expedition truck which can accommodate up to 36 people although most of our expeditions travel with approximately 25 people.The private air-conditioned coach that we use through Arabia can accommodate up to 52 passengers although most of our expeditions travel with approximately 25 people.Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board our overland truck.We usually carry at least 200 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots, pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, etc. for when we prepare meals on the vehicle.Our overland truck for the Asia section of the tour is equipped with a small fridge which is used for lunch or dinner food only when we have to prepare a meal on the truck. For personal food & drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.Our coach for the Arabia section of the tour is equipped with cooler boxes which are primarily used for the cook group’s breakfast & dinner food. Personal fresh food & cold drinks can be bought regularly at service station stops throughout the day so we do not provide cooler boxes for personal items.Fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating.Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet & head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels we stay at.We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we recommend you bring your own for general use.

Not included:

Flights

No flights included or expected during this tour.

Others

Personal travel insurancePersonal spending money (£120 – £150 per week recommended)Visas (approximately £750 depending on nationality)Lunches & evening meals when in hotelsLunches when campingAccommodation upgradesEntrance fees to optional sites & national parksAny optional activities & excursionsInternational & domestic flights (no domestic flights expected during tour)Tent, roll mat, sleeping bag & pillowTips (USD $200 per crew member recommended)

Optional

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Madventure so please use the list below as an approximate guide only.NEPALMt Everest flight £1102 day Annapurna Mountains trek £150Paragliding, Pokhara £1001 day rafting trip, Pokhara £30Elephant safari, Chitwan NP £30Walking safari, Chitwan NP £10 BHUTANTiger’s Nest Monastery £6Dordenma Buddha FreePunakha Dzong Free BANGLADESHShrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal FreeRatargul swamp forest tour £20Lalbagh Fort £2Ahsan Manzil Palace £52 night/3 day Sundarbans NP boat tour £150 INDIAGangtok Zoo £3Victoria Memorial £3Belur Math FreeSouth Park Street Cemetery FreeBodhgaya sites FreeVaranasi sunrise boat tour £5Bara & Chota Imambara combined ticket £6Taj Mahal £15India Gate FreeHumayun’s Tomb £5River Lotus Temple FreeOutb’minar (Stone Tower) £5Nek Chand’s Rock Garden £1Golden Temple Free PAKISTANLahore Fort £1Lahore museum £2Badshahi Mosque £1Rohtas Fort £3Truck workshop FreeDudipat day hike guide fee £10Nanga Parbat base camp hike guide fee £25Herrligkoffer base camp hike guide fee £15Shigar Fort £1Kharpocho Fort £1Altit Fort £3Baltit Fort £3Duiker Hunza Valley sunset trip £10Taxila £1 IRANBam mud brick city £3Kaluts half day tour £30Yazd city tour £7Isfahan city tour £7Persepolis ruins £4Persepolis museum £4 UNITED ARAB EMIRATESMleiha Archaeological Site £6Sharjah museum £3Burj Khalifa entry & elevator to viewing platform £50Jubail Mangrove Park £4Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque FreeLouvre Art Gallery Abu Dhabi £13Emirates National Auto Museum £12Al Ain fort FreeAl Ain Palace museum FreeAl Ain camel market £8 OMANSulaif Castle FreeAl Ayn Beehive Tombs FreeJabreen Castle £7Bahla Fort £1Wadi Ghul Balcony Walk FreeAl Hootah Cave £16Nizwa Fort £11Frankincense grove FreeWadi Darbat FreeRas al Jinz Turtle Reserve £17Sur dhow boat building yard £2Wadi Shab ferry £2Sultan Qaboos Mosque FreeNational museum £10Nakhal Fort £3 QATARSouq Waqif FreeMuseum of Islamic Art FreeNational Museum of Qatar £11 BAHRAINNational museum £2Beit Al Quran Free KUWAITGrand Mosque FreeKuwait Towers £1Tareq Rajab Museum £1Scientific Centre & Aquarium £20 SAUDI ARABIAAl-Qarah Hill £11Buraidah camel market FreeUshaiger Heritage Village FreeEdge of the World £70At-Turaif open-air museum £12Riyadh National Museum £2Masmak Fortress FreeMurabba Palace £2Kingdom Tower elevator to viewing platform £15Al Habala village FreeAl Yanfa village FreeMt Soudah FreeRijal Almaa £5Farasan Islands return ferry FreeAl Balad old town FreeWahaba Crater FreeMedina hop-on hop-off bus £18Elephant Rock, AlUla FreeLion Tombs of Dedan, AlUla £14Old Town, AlUla £16Madain Saleh, AlUla £22Jubbah Rock Art Free JORDANAmman Citadel £3Roman Theatre £2Jerash £10Petra £60Wadi Rum £6Wadi Rum jeep tour £15EGYPTScuba in Dahab (per dive) £25Mt Sinai day trip £30Cairo Museum £10Pyramids & Sphinx £12

Insurance

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Madventure obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for a comprehensive reliable policy that includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, Telephone: +44 20 7938 1734, https://microsite.campbellirvinedirect.com/madventure/. They are familiar with what we do so if you mention Madventure and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.For people based in North America a company called Allianz offers good cover – Telephone: +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.comIf you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and make sure your policy includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1-7: Nepal
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1-7: Nepal

Our tour begins in Kathmandu, a tourist hub steeped in history where the smell of incense hangs heavy in the air of the alleyways & squares adorned with pagodas & temples. The scenic flight over Mt Everest is also a must-do. Please note that we depart Kathmandu the day after the tour starts so if you would like more time here you should arrive a few days prior to departure. Heading west we reach Pokhara at the foothills of the Himalayas. This mellow little town is situated around a beautiful sheltered lake and surrounded by snow capped mountains. A great place to relax and/or gear up for a short trek into the stunning Annapurna range. At our last stop in Nepal you have the option of visiting Chitwan National Park on foot or even on elephant back allowing you to explore the jungle in search of the rhinos, sloth bears & tigers that inhabit the area.
Day 2 Day 8-16: India
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8-16: India

Leaving our truck in Siliguri we now take jeeps up narrow switchback roads into the Himalayas to explore the towns of Gangtok & Kalimpong where you have the opportunity to visit Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, Royal palaces and an impressive zoo where you can see red pandas, Himalayan bears and even snow leopards roaming enclosures so large you will need patience to see them. We continue to the town of Darjeeling set impressively on a steep ridge, surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations and towered over by the world’s 3rd highest peak Mt. Khangchendzonga. Once out of the Indian Himalayas we collect our truck in Siliguri and continue our journey towards the peaceful land of Bhutan.
Day 3 Day 17-22: Bhutan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17-22: Bhutan

Bhutan is an exciting new destination in the world of overland travel and we will be pioneering a new route through here with our truck in 2023. Our first night here is spent at Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s 2nd largest town, where we will get our first taste of a relaxed country where they measure their wealth by the ‘Gross National Happiness Index’. After visiting the Kharbandi Gonpa Monastery we climb steeply into the Himalayas hugging the banks of the Wang Chu River and arrive at Paro where you will have the opportunity to hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site. In the capital Thimphu you will have the chance to visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, the impressive 169 ft Dordenma Buddha, the National Library containing the world’s biggest book and if we are lucky we will get to witness Bhutan’s national sport during an archery demonstration. Our next stop is at the majestic Punakha Dzong, probably the country’s most beautiful structure. Nearby we also visit the temple of the Divine Madman in an area where phalluses are painted on most of the village walls and childless women come to seek blessings. Our last night in Bhutan is spent at the border town of Gelephu before we exit back into Northeast India.
Day 4 Day 23-25: India
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23-25: India

Back in India we transit across the state of Assam towards Bangladesh and break the journey up by visiting Shillong, a beautiful hill station surrounded by lakes with scenic hiking trails.
Day 5 Day 26-35: Bangladesh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26-35: Bangladesh

Please note that Bangladesh has in the past refused foreign vehicles entry even though they subscribe to a scheme that permits foreign vehicles entry, so if we are refused entry we will visit Bangladesh by local transport and the truck will transit around and meet the group at the border near Kolkata. Sylhet is our first destination where you will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal, a popular pilgrimage site from the 14th century. From Sylhet you will also have the option to visit the Ratargul swamp forest which is home to a large assortment of snakes & birds. We continue to the capital Dhaka, the beating heart of Bangladesh where we spend a few days visiting sights such as the atmospheric Lalbagh Fort, the very pink Ahsan Manzil Palace & Old Dhaka’s incense-filled Hindu Street. Upon leaving Dhaka we head down to the city’s famous Sadarghat Buriganga river area where we board a ferry and spend a night & day travelling down the waterways enjoying the riverine beauty of Bangladesh. We get off the river at Hularhat and visit the open-air museum of Bagerhat, a mediaeval masterpiece with the multi-domed Shait Gumbad Mosque the crowning jewel. From the town of Khulna you now have the option to take a 2 night/3 day boat tour into the Sundarbans National Park, the world’s largest mangrove forest home to over 400 Royal Bengal tigers, spotted deer, wild boar, monkeys & reptiles. This is often the highlight of any trip to Bangladesh! From the Sundarbans we now head back towards India.
Day 6 Day 35-54: India
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 35-54: India

Kolkata (Calcutta) is an attack on the senses and a place where India & England collide. With an impressive display of colonial-era architecture including the impressive Belur Math religious centre, the white marble Victoria Memorial & South Park Street Cemetery this city can feel very English but the complex smell of Bengali street food and the constant beeping of tuk-tuk’s will remind you that you are in one of India’s largest & friendliest cities! Our next 2 days are spent in Madhuban, a small town close to the Parasnath Hills, the most important pilgrimage site for Jains. Here you can spend a full day exploring the sacred shrines that adorn this impressive hill. Our journey now takes us to Bodhgaya, the holiest of all Buddhist sites where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree 2600 years ago and became Buddha. Here you have the chance to visit the temples, monasteries, statues and stupas dedicated to this significant event. Varanasi is on the banks of the Ganges River where you have the option of an early morning boat trip that will definitely open your eyes. You will notice animal and human carcasses floating by as the multitudes flock down to this holy river to wash away their sins each morning. On shore the funeral pyres known as ‘Ghats’ burn day & night as holy men chant prayers. An unbelievable sight! Lucknow is a grandiose town littered with exceptional Islamic and British Raj-era architecture, stuffed with wonderful bazaars and famed throughout India for its food. Here you will have the chance to visit the colossal Shiite tomb complex of Bara Imambara and marvel at the elaborate black & white Chota Imambara where Mohammed’s silver throne and red crown can be seen. Our next destination is India’s most iconic site – the Taj Mahal. This monument to love is spectacular and will keep your camera clicking all day. Delhi is the ultimate in hustle and bustle and facing the unrelenting throng of people is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Braving the city traffic has many rewards with great textile markets, wonderful monuments, imposing forts and amazing temples. In Chandigarh we find one of the region’s most intriguing attractions at Nek Chand’s Rock Garden where a local resident spent 20 years creating over 2000 sculptures out of the area’s debris. Our final stop in India is Amritsar where you have the opportunity to visit the legendary Golden Temple, the glittering centrepiece of Sikhism. Nearby at India’s border with Pakistan at the end of every day you can witness a bizarre show of competitive military marching & chest beating as these 2 great nations lower their flags and close the border.
Day 7 Day 55-79: Pakistan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 55-79: Pakistan

Lahore is a blend of modern city chaos & historical tranquillity where you have the option to explore the Old Walled City’s impressive Lahore Fort, get the perfect sunset picture at Badshahi Mosque and wander through the galleries of the superb Lahore Museum. After a short stop at the imposing Rohtas Fort we arrive in Rawalpindi where a highlight is a visit to the truck workshops where you can watch artists decorate local vehicles with the vibrant art that typifies Pakistani road transport. We also have an evening here to sample traditional Pakistani cuisine. We now start our drive along the spectacular Karakoram Highway and follow the alpine Kaghan Valley route into Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park where keen hikers have the option to do an 18 km day trek to Dudipat Lake which is spectacularly encircled by snow-clad peaks. The road winds its way past the impressive Lulusar Lake and continues over Babusar Pass (4170 m) before dropping down to Raikot Bridge where we swap our truck for jeeps small enough to take us along the narrow roads to the beautiful Fairy Meadows offering unsurpassed views of Nanga Parbat (8120 m). Here we have a free day for hikers to explore the area on foot. Our jeeps now take us along the scenic Astore Valley to the tiny village of Tarishing on the opposite side of Nanga Parbat from where you have the option to trek to Herrligkoffer base camp. Travelling through the high altitude Deosai National Park we have the chance of spotting brown bear, marmot, fox & ibex on the world’s 2nd highest plateau before arriving at Satpara Lake and its famous rock carved Buddha. From our base in the town Skardu we have a day to explore the fertile Shigar valley and visit the Amborik Mosque and Shigar Fort. A hike up to Kharpocho Fort at sunset will give you an impressive view over the town. The lively town of Gilgit is situated amongst spectacular peaks offering us an amazing view of Rakaposhi (7780 m) as well as a first taste of Hunza cuisine and it is here that we rejoin our Madventure truck and say goodbye to the jeeps. The quaint town of Karimabad is a real gem in this area from where you can visit Altit & Baltit forts, hike up to Eagles Nest for an incredible view of the surrounding 7000 metre peaks as well as take a trip to the nearby village of Duiker for a sunset view of the stunning Hunza Valley. We continue north along the world’s highest paved road to Sost where we will seek permission to travel to the iconic Chinese border gate at Khunjerab Pass, the highest border in the world. Please note that this is a sensitive area and permission is never guaranteed but we will do our best. We now start our return journey back down the KKH and visit Passu where you have the opportunity to hike alongside the Passu Glacier to reach a beautiful viewpoint. Nearby the Hussaini Suspension Bridge offers a thrilling walk high above a raging river to anyone who dares cross! Our route south now takes us to Lake Attabad which was formed by a massive landslide in 2010 and is now considered by locals to be the bluest lake in the world. During the next couple of days of our descent down the KKH we will stop at the junction of the world’s 3 highest mountain ranges (Himalayas, Karakoram & Hindu Kush), visit over 700 petroglyphs near Chilas and stop off at Taxila (City of Cut Stone) for a wander around this 3000 year old archaeological site. In the modern city of Islamabad you have the chance to explore attractions such as the beautiful Shah Faisal Mosque, the national Pakistan Monument & cultural Lok Virsa Museum. Heading west towards Iran we now enter the arid tribal lands of the Balochistan desert where our journey is broken up with a visit to the frontier town of Quetta, a melting pot of cultures where we have a day to explore the markets & meet some of Pakistan’s friendliest people.
Day 8 Day 80-95: Iran
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 80-95: Iran

Please note that British, American & Canadian citizens are currently having difficulty obtaining visas for Iran so if you are refused a visa you will have to fly over Iran and meet us in the UAE. Our first stop in Iran is at the oasis of Bam, once an important silk trading town where today you can visit a fine example of a mediaeval fortress made out of mud bricks. In Rayen we have the opportunity to visit Iran’s most impressive fortress-citadel where behind its vast adobe walls we find a castle within a castle. In Mahan we visit the handsome Persian gardens of Bagh e-Shahzde, a colourful stop in an otherwise bleak stretch of desert. The 1200m long ancient covered bazaar in Kerman is one of Iran’s oldest where you will meet some of the friendliest people on earth. From Kerman you also have the option to visit the Kaluts where 10 storey high ‘sand-castle’ formations have been sculpted into the rocky desert landscape by millenia of wind erosion. We continue to the small town of Yazd where wandering the atmospheric alleyways will reveal unique wind-towers, picturesque blue-tiled Mosques and lively Persian souqs. Isfahan is the crowning jewel in Islam’s crown with an impressive city square full of intricately decorated mosaic Mosques, leisurely tea-shops and lavish carpet emporiums. Plenty of bargains can be found in the myriad of bazaars that lead off from the square and the city’s gorgeous bridges deserve all the time you can spare. The Zagros mountains provide a stunning backdrop on our trip to the intriguing ruins of Persepolis. Once the summer capital of the Persian Empire, this is the site where Alexander the Great famously conquered the Persian army’s stronghold. Once famed for its vineyards Shiraz is now the celebrated heartland of Persian culture where echoes of the revered poet Hafez linger amongst the splendid gardens and exquisite mosques that make this town such a pleasure. In Darab you have the option of a thrilling day out in the Raqez Canyon which involves scrambling, jumping, mountaineering & rappelling your way down 64 waterfalls. Our final stop in Iran is at the busy port town of Bandar Abbas where day trips to the islands of Hormuz and Qeshm offer nature-lovers walks amongst volcanic landscapes, mangrove forests & golden beaches. We now say goodbye to our overland truck and catch a ferry from Bandar Abbas to UAE so please be prepared to be flexible during this part of the expedition as shipping schedules are often unreliable.
Day 9 Day 96-104: United Arab Emirates
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 96-104: United Arab Emirates

Please note that the Arabian section of this tour is conducted on a fully equipped air-conditioned coach. Our first stop in the UAE is Sharjah, a cultural city with a focus on history where you will find UAE’s best museums and art galleries as well as the fabulous Mleiha Archaeological Site proving early humans passed by here on their way to Asia. Close by we now visit Dubai, a glamorous city where you can take an elevator up Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), visit palm-shaped islands, wander through city-sized malls and marvel at the engineering wonders within The Museum of the Future. On our way into Abu Dhabi we first visit the idyllic Jubail Mangrove Park where a meandering boardwalk allows you to learn about the ecological importance of this beautiful sanctuary. Later in the day we visit the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a triumph of Islamic architecture. The following day is free for you to wander the corniche, marvel at the Emirates Palace and soak up some culture at the world-class Louvre Art Gallery. We now head inland and visit the quirky Emirates National Auto Museum which houses Sheikh Hamad’s collection of over 200 vehicles including the world’s largest truck. Our next destination is Liwa Oasis on the fringes of the Rub al Khali Desert (the Empty Quarter) where we find an endless landscape of undulating sand dunes dotted with traditional adobe forts. Here you can climb the Moreeb Dune, the tallest sand dune in the UAE, and enjoy a stunning sunset over a sea of sand. Our final stop in UAE is at Al Ain, a laid-back cultural hub set amid date-palm plantations with a selection of UNESCO heritage sites including forts & palaces. Here you will also have the option to visit a bustling camel market and Al-Ain’s famous oasis. We end the day at our hotel set atop Jebel Hafeet, the 2nd highest mountain in the UAE offering fantastic views over the region.
Day 10 Day 105-117: Oman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 105-117: Oman

Our first destination in Oman is Ibri where we visit the enormous Sulaif Castle which has been sensitively restored to give you a flavour of life here 600 years ago. We continue to the Al Ayn Beehive Tombs, a 4000 year old burial site dramatically silhouetted against the backdrop of the towering Jebel Misht mountains. At Jabreen Castle we have the opportunity to visit one of Oman’s most well preserved castles featuring elaborately painted ceilings and latticed-window courtyards. The nearby UNESCO listed Bahla Fort is a highlight of this region looming high above the village below and offering a sweeping vista from the battlements. A steep track now leads us into the dramatic Hajar Mountains where we get a view of Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak, but the real highlight here is Wadi Ghul where we have a few hours to hike the Balcony Walk trail with unsurpassed views over the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’. Back down the mountain we visit Al Hootah Cave, a natural gem in the area featuring stalactites & stalagmites as well as providing a perfect habitat for blind cave fish and bats. The historic town of Nizwa is best explored at night where the high-walled souq comes alive and the 40m tall fort tower affords us fantastic views over the old town. A desolate road now leads us south through a gravel desert into the Dhofar province where we visit a grove of ancient Frankincense trees prized for their fragrant sap. In Salalah you have the chance to relax for a couple of days and enjoy the coconut-fringed beaches of the area where it is not uncommon to see camels on the beach feeding off the lush vegetation. Rated as one of the best days on the tour we now start our journey north via the dramatic coastal route with highlights including the cascading waters of Wadi Darbat, the enormous sink-hole known as Taiq Cave and the 1000m sheer drop from the Jebel Samhan viewpoint. Further north we pass by roadside stalactites, historic castles and other-worldly rock gardens before arriving at Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve where you have the option to take a tour of the beach that turtles frequent nightly to lay their eggs. In the town of Sur we discover its rich heritage in boat building and have the option to take a tour of one of the boatyards where traditional wooden dhows are still built by hand. Wadi Shab is considered to be one of Oman’s most scenic destinations and rewards walkers with views of turquoise pools, waterfalls and terraced plantations. The nearby Bimmah sinkhole is also worth a stop giving us the chance to take a dip in an unusual natural feature. Wedged between mountains and ocean, the delightful city of Muscat is filled with treasures such as the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Mutrah Souq, National Museum and Sultan’s Palace, all well worth exploring. In the heart of the mountains of the north we now visit Nakhal Fort, an impressive sight with round towers and spiked doors all designed to keep enemies at bay. Our last drive in Oman takes us into the Rub al Khali, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world known as the Empty Quarter, where we will cross the newly opened (2021) Ramlet Khelah border into Saudi Arabia.
Day 11 Day 118-151: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain & Kuwait
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 118-151: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain & Kuwait

We will spend our first night in Saudi Arabia wild camping in the Rub al Khali Desert amongst the sand dunes that have made this region so naturally dramatic. After a brief first visit to Saudi we now cross into Qatar where we have 3 days to explore an ancient land steeped in tradition. Fill one of your day’s by exploring the atmospheric Souq Waqif and learn about falconry. Fill another day by visiting Doha’s peerless Museum of Islamic Art and take a trip through time at the National Museum of Qatar housed in a magnificent structure inspired by the desert-rose. After crossing back into Saudi we now visit the spectacular mushroom-like rock formations, narrow canyons and cool caves of Al-Qarah Hill, the summit of which also offers stupendous views over Al-Ahsa oasis, the world’s largest oasis home to over 3 million palm trees. Crossing into Bahrain we now have 3 days to explore the famous Manama Souq, learn the history of Bahrain at the National Museum and discover a collection of Qurans dating back to the 7th century at Beit Al Quran. We return to Saudi for a night of desert camping before continuing along the gulf coast to Kuwait where we have 3 days in Kuwait City to explore highlights such as the Souk Mubarakiya, Grand Mosque, Kuwait Towers, Tareq Rajab Museum and one of the Middle East’s best aquariums at the Scientific Centre. We now start our journey through Saudi Arabia by first visiting Buraidah, home to the world’s largest camel market where thousands of camels, goats and sheep are traded each morning. This lively market is an attack on the senses and a true Saudi experience! We continue to the cultural heritage village of Ushaiger, a living museum where we can wander through the maze of twisting alleyways that lead to hundreds of yellow mud houses displaying traditional Najdi architecture. On our way into Riyadh we stop at the mud-brick ruins of the ancient town of Diriyah, a UNESCO heritage site where the At-Turaif open-air museum showcases quintessential Najdi architecture. In Riyadh you now have time to explore the highlights of the Saudi capital including the National Museum, Masmak Fortress and Murabba Palace. Those seeking a more adrenaline fuelled activity can take a 180 kph lift up the 99th floor of the Kingdom Tower and brave a walk across the Sky Bridge for unsurpassed views over the city. From Riyadh you also have the option to take a sunset tour of Jebel Fihrayn, otherwise known as The Edge of the World, a dramatic escarpment that rises steeply out of the rocky desert floor offering uninterrupted views of the horizon. We now travel along the fringes of the Rub al Khali desert to the Asir province in the southeastern part of the country, so named after the local Asir tribe. This is an entirely different face of the Kingdom with the area boasting big mountains and lush vegetation, a huge contrast to the desert landscapes further north. Our first visit in Asir is to the hanging village of Al Habala which is dramatically perched on the ledge of a sheer cliff. Built nearly 400 years ago by the Qahtan tribe and only accessible by rope ladders, this village is the only one of its kind in the Kingdom. We continue on to Al Yanfa, a village that sits atop a warren of underground tunnels which resembles something out of a fairytale. Wandering through the labyrinth of low ceilinged tunnels is an experience not to be missed. In the town of Abha you will have the opportunity to visit the mud-walled Shada Palace, a showpiece of traditional Asir architecture, as well as stroll through the brightly muralled Al Muftaha village to discover the artistic side of town. In Asir National Park we explore this area of outstanding natural beauty which is home to troops of Hamadryas baboons and incredible views of Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, Mt. Soudah (3000m). After descending into the valleys we now visit Rijal Almaa, a village displaying dark block-like fortresses elegantly studded with white quartz. The men of the village wear colourful wrap-around skirts and adorn themselves with floral wreaths which give them the nickname ‘Flower Men’. From our base in Jazan you now have the option to take a ferry to the Farasan Islands, an archipelago made up of more than 80 islands with pristine coral reefs & white sand beaches. Here a day can be enjoyed swimming in the azure waters, wandering through the Al Qassar sandstone village and exploring the historic Pearl Merchants Neighbourhood. Continuing north along the coast we now reach the ancient port of Jeddah, the cosmopolitan hub of the country displaying a vibrant mix of new & old. Highlights include a walk along the lively corniche, Al Rahma floating mosque, King Fahd’s fountain, Tayebat City Museum and of course Al Balad, the UNESCO listed historic centre of Jeddah where narrow alleyways lead you to spice-scented souqs, art galleries, quirky cafes & traditional bakeries. Some of the old coral merchants’ houses and mosques have been carefully restored and turned into living museums of which Naseef House and Al Shafee Mosque are two of the finest examples. We now visit one of Saudi’s most dramatic natural wonders, Al Wahaba crater. At 4km wide & 250m deep this volcanic crater offers you the chance to walk along the rim for outstanding views over the vast hollow with an opaque lake at its centre. The holy city of Mecca is still off-limits to non-muslims so we continue to the holy city of Medina which seems to be opening up to tourism. The city centre and Prophet’s Mosque have traditionally been off-limits to tourists but this is slowly changing and we use our time here wisely to visit as many of the historic sites as possible. We continue to AlUla, an area not only famous for its ancient tombs but also for its natural beauty where you have the options to visit the iconic Elephant Rock, the Lion Tombs of Dedan, the Old Town and of course Madain Saleh (Hegra) where we find well-preserved tombs with magnificent facades carved into the sandstone rocks by the Nabataean civilization nearly two thousand years ago. The best part about these sites is that we usually have them all to ourselves! Our last stop in Saudi is the ancient rock art site of Jubbah. This area was once an oasis where thousands of years ago the Arab ancestors left traces of their passages in numerous petroglyphs in the rock face including representations of humans, lions, ibex, horses, camels and ostrich. From Jubbah we now continue towards Jordan wild camping in the desert along the way.
Day 12 Day 152-156: Jordan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 152-156: Jordan

Our first destination is Amman, Jordan’s lively capital where it is definitely worth spending a day to explore the Citadel, souqs, mosques & coffee houses that make this city so memorable. The nearby Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash are also worth a few hours of your time. We now wind our way downhill to the lowest point on earth for a buoyant swim in the very salty Dead Sea. Our journey now takes us to Petra, one of the new 7 wonders of the world. This ancient rock-hewn city is a magical place with narrow canyons and cavernous tombs where a day is easily spent marvelling at facades with names such as The Treasury, High Place of Sacrifice & Royal Tombs. In Wadi Rum we find a desert landscape of melting mountains, deep canyons and rock bridges, all steeped in the history of Lawrence of Arabia. Here you can take an optional jeep excursion to visit Jordan’s quintessential desert. From the port town of Aqaba we now say goodbye to our coach and take a ferry to Egypt.
Day 13 Day 157-161: Egypt
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 157-161: Egypt

Please note that this last section of the tour is conducted on local buses. Arriving into the Sinai Peninsula our first stop is at the laid-back beach town of Dahab, a hippy hangout and one of the world’s premier dive sites. From here you also have the option to visit St. Katherine’s Monastery and/or climb Mt. Sinai to enjoy sunrise over one of Egypt’s finest landscapes. The summit of this mountain is where it is believed God delivered his ten commandments to Moses. Our final destination is Cairo where we end our tour close to Egypt’s 2 most iconic sites, the Sphinx & Pyramids of Giza. A trip to the Cairo Museum is also a must-do and houses over 100 000 ancient artefacts including the golden treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamen, a majestic ending to an incredible overland journey across Asia & Arabia! On the final evening of the tour in Cairo you will have the option to attend a farewell dinner to say goodbye to your crew and fellow travellers. The tour ends in Cairo after breakfast on the last day of the tour so you can make your onward travel arrangements from here.

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13 days tour

Kathmandu To Cairo Group Overland Tour

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Itinerary of your trip Kathmandu To Cairo Group Overland Tour

Day 1-7: Nepal

Day 8-16: India

Day 17-22: Bhutan

Day 23-25: India

Day 26-35: Bangladesh

Day 35-54: India

Day 55-79: Pakistan

Day 80-95: Iran

Day 96-104: United Arab Emirates

Day 105-117: Oman

Day 118-151: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain & Kuwait

Day 152-156: Jordan

Day 157-161: Egypt

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