Gobi Desert Expedition

Moderne Rallyeautos

1000 Dreams in 60 Nights — In the comfort bus of Hamburg to Shanghai

01.03.2026 – 14.05.2026

Registration Deadline: 15.01.2026

Gobi Desert Expedition

Lanzhou - Urumqi 2026.03.01 - 2026.05.14 2,800 km 14 Days
Lanzhou Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Hami Turpan Urumqi
This page presents the New Silk Road Rallye 2026 – the Modern Rallye following the Middle Corridor with a Tibet Expedition. The route leads from Hamburg through Europe, the Caucasus, the Central Asian Stan countries and China to Shanghai.
Route Map

Travel Highlights

  • Historic towns along the Hexi Corridor
  • Yardang landforms and sand-sea roads
  • Desert oasis camping experience
  • Professional off-road rescue support

Itinerary / Journey

Notes on Route Operation

Planning is reliable up to Tbilisi, Georgia. From Tbilisi, entering Azerbaijan with private vehicles overland is currently not possible; vehicles are transported by car transporter, while sightseeing and wine tasting are arranged. Afterwards, vehicles cross the Caspian Sea by ferry from Baku to Aktau; departure times depend on weather and loading. Higher flexibility is therefore required on this section; originally planned hotels may no longer be available and any extra costs are not included.

Key Facts

Travel Date

2026.03.01 – 2026.05.14

Participants

At least 8 teams, maximum 12 teams

Bus & Equipment

  • Vehicles must be 4WD off-road capable; skid plates and all-terrain tyres are recommended.

Travel Support

  • 4WD off-road vehicle
  • All-terrain tyres
  • Satellite phone or GPS communication

Pricing

Service Price
Price per person (double room) 39,300 €
Single room supplement 4,380 €
Solo driver price 26,300 €
Registration deadline 15.01.2026
Minimum number of participants At least 8 teams, maximum 12 teams

Prices are based on December 2024 rates; registration closes on 15 January 2026.

Included Services

  • International return flight Shanghai–Frankfurt (Air China, Economy Flex)
  • All overnight stays (3-5* hotels, local category), breakfast & dinner, hotel parking
  • Flight Tbilisi–Baku (Economy Class)
  • Ferry crossing Baku–Aktau (double cabin, 1 standard vehicle)
  • Experienced English/German tour leader and local guides
  • Border-crossing support from Turkey to China
  • China permits, Chinese licence plates and two Chinese driving licences per team
  • Current visa costs for German citizens (visa-free up to 30 days in 2026)
  • Start-number decals, T-shirts, caps

Services Not Included

  • Shipping Shanghai–Hamburg, transport insurance, customs and import fees
  • Vehicle transport Georgia–Baku
  • Fuel and tolls
  • Car insurance (compulsory liability, green card)
  • Entrance fees, meals and drinks not listed, tips, personal expenses
  • Recommended travel cancellation, interruption and medical insurance

Payment & Terms

Organizer: New Silk Road GmbH, Ilsenweg 8, 22395 Hamburg. Bank: Commerzbank, IBAN: DE90 2004 0000 0615 6558 00, BIC/SWIFT: COBADEFFXXX. Payment: 20% due at contract signing, remaining 80% by 14 January 2026 (3 months before departure). If the minimum number of participants (6 vehicles, 12 people) is not reached, the tour may be cancelled up to 28 days before departure. The organizer’s general and special terms apply.

Organizer / About Us

About Us

Since 2006 we have been Germany’s specialist for travels along the Silk Road under the New Silk Road brand, offering extraordinary and innovative routes and unforgettable Silk Road adventures. Founder Guosheng Liu comes from Henan Province and has lived and worked in Hamburg for over 30 years since studying Sinology. With this journey we want to build bridges, act as cultural ambassadors and make the cultural diversity along the Silk Road tangible.

GDCV e.V.

The Gesellschaft Deutsch-Chinesischer Verständigung e.V. (GDCV) was founded in Hamburg in 2015. The independent, non-profit association promotes understanding, friendship and intercultural exchange between Germany and China, expanding knowledge through projects in art, music, culture, education, media and business. It is active in northern Germany and Berlin.

Contact

New Silk Road GmbH · Ilsenweg 8 · 22395 Hamburg · bus@newsilkroad.de · Contact Person: Guntram Kaiser · +49 (0) 40 537 989 515

Gallery

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FAQ

Newsletter

Travel reports, inspiration and insights from Central Asia and China.

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