Video : Land Rover Journey of Discovery – the end

The Journey of Discovery reaches its goal

From Kyrgyzstan and across the border into China, the Journey of Discovery reached its final destination – the Beijing International Motor Show. Here are some of the highlights from the Journey.

Bishkek and Ala-Archa National Park

Following a short stop in the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek, the Journey of Discovery team enjoyed further testing their off-road abilities over the breath-taking terrain of Ala-Archa National Park. Going off the beaten track always throws up some stunning scenery and this very special National Park didn’t disappoint.

Aurora Sanitorium

Venturing on with their expedition, the Journey of Discovery team crossed paths with a second head of state, the President of Mongolia. After a brief detour they continued the presidential theme by visiting a luxury health spa once frequented by the region’s ruling elite, including Gorbachev and Yeltsin.

 

Some of the Aurora’s spa treatments however looked a bit less relaxing than others…

Cholpon-Ata

Having left one of the world’s most unique spas, the Journey for Discovery team met up with some real masters of travelling. Teaming up with some of Kyrgyzstan’s traditional semi-nomadic community, they learned the intricacies of constructing a yurt and spent the night in real nomadic style. All on the shores of Lake Issyk-Köl, the second largest alpine lake on earth. Watch the video below to see them constructing their yurt for the evening.

Cholpon-Ata to Naryn

On their way to Naryn the team picked up a new piece of memorabilia – an exquisite, hand-made, felt rug. The traditional Kyrgyzstan ‘Kochkor” can take up to a year to produce, so the team were honoured to have one produced in double time, commemorating the journey and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

With the precious cargo on board, they celebrated Easter by skirting the idyllic Orto-Tockoy reservoir and heading East toward their final country, China.

Naryn, Kyrgyzstan to Kashgar, China

The Journey of Discovery team then turned their sights to crossing the border into the final country of the trip – China. The unpredictable Torugart pass between Kyrgyzstan and China was finally pronounced clear of avalanches and, after three weeks of worrying and a stringent border check, the team arrived in Kashgar with the final destination, Beijing, in their sights.

Kashgar

The team arrived in Kashgar, their first city in China. With a network of traditional bazaars and markets, this place used to be an oasis on the famous silk road. The team were lucky enough to sample the sights, smells, sounds and numerous handicrafts this vibrant city has to offer.

 

Kashgar to Korla

With less than a week to go before its appearance at the Beijing Motor Show, the millionth Land Rover Discovery pushed on through the remote Western desert of China.

Many preparations had to be made in advance in order to drive across China. Watch the video below to see the necessary preparations.

Korla to Dunhuang

After leaving Korla, The Journey of Discovery went on to explore the Taklamakan Desert in China’s wild west. It visited the nation’s sultana capital, explored a Chinese vineyard and sampled some of the world’s best off-road driving with a local 4×4 club. Take a look below at some photos from the Sand Dunes of Kumtag Desert Park.

 

As ever, please remember that we need your continued help for us reach our £1 million target for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). We encourage all of our supporters to find out more at http://bit.ly/LandRoverMillion. You can donate to this worthy cause here.


The highlights

 

 

 

Keith Adams

1 Comment

  1. A fantastic achievement and I hope we will get to see the millionth Land Rover Discovery taking a long and deserving place as one of the exhibits at the Heritage Motor Centre.

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