Tushar and Pooja Agarwal are Indian citizens who live and work in London. They decided to drive overland from Europe to their family home in Delhi, India. After months of planning, the couple hit the road, driving a stock 2005 Jeep Liberty with 2.5L four cylinder gasoline engine (called a Cherokee in Europe). 51 days later, they arrived in India, completing their journey without major incident or mechanical problem.
The route the Agarwals chose passed through Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tibet, Nepal and India. This route, while longer than the traditional southern Silk Road route, was chosen to avoid potential political entanglements in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In this photo, the Agarwals travel on National Highway G219 in southwestern China near Tibet.
Since China and India are in conflict over control of some Himalayan territory, the Agarwals' journey across China was under strict control, including a defined route, a Chinese "guide," and required registration at many checkpoints along the way. Travelers who are not Indian nationals have fewer restrictions.
The Agarwals' experiences are described in their web site, which includes a blog and lots of photos http://www.londondelhibyroad.com
The trip blog describes the process of obtaining visas, trouble with traffic police in Poland and Ukraine, difficult high altitude driving in Tibet, and other adventures. After seven weeks and 8400 miles of travel through 15 countries, the journey was complete.
Favorite quote:
"Tibet would come to a standstill if Toyota stopped making the Land Cruiser. Other than a very few others, the LC is the only 4×4 you see here."
The route the Agarwals chose passed through Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tibet, Nepal and India. This route, while longer than the traditional southern Silk Road route, was chosen to avoid potential political entanglements in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In this photo, the Agarwals travel on National Highway G219 in southwestern China near Tibet.
Since China and India are in conflict over control of some Himalayan territory, the Agarwals' journey across China was under strict control, including a defined route, a Chinese "guide," and required registration at many checkpoints along the way. Travelers who are not Indian nationals have fewer restrictions.
The Agarwals' experiences are described in their web site, which includes a blog and lots of photos http://www.londondelhibyroad.com
The trip blog describes the process of obtaining visas, trouble with traffic police in Poland and Ukraine, difficult high altitude driving in Tibet, and other adventures. After seven weeks and 8400 miles of travel through 15 countries, the journey was complete.
Favorite quote:
"Tibet would come to a standstill if Toyota stopped making the Land Cruiser. Other than a very few others, the LC is the only 4×4 you see here."