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I need an ALIEN TRAVEL PERMIT for this road in CHINA 🇨🇳 |S8, EP119
Riding Duku Road in Xinjiang: Kuqa to Nalati Adventure and D
In this episode, Bing (my tour guide) and I ride from Kuqa, through the TianShan mountains to a small place called Nalati. We follow a famous route, called Duku road and it's very difficult to get a permit as a foreigner to be allowed to come here...
Here I teach all my filming techniques including...
In this episode, Itchy Boots and her guide Bing ride from Kuqa through the TianShan mountains to Nalati, following the famous Duku road. Permits for foreigners to access this route are famously difficult, making the journey a test of patience and persistence. Along the way, she shares filming techniques, including how she captures drone shots while riding. The scenery spans high mountain passes to Nalati grasslands, underscoring the epic scale of overlanding in western China.
In this episode, the adventurer known as Itchy Boots teams up with her guide Bing to tackle a remote and demanding stretch of road in Xinjiang. The journey begins in Kuqa and winds through the rugged TianShan mountains toward Nalati, following the famed Duku road. The route is notoriously strict for foreign travelers, making the permit process a true test of patience and persistence. Along the way, she demonstrates practical filming techniques, including capturing dynamic drone shots while riding, offering viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how she creates high‑energy, globe‑trotting content on a vintage motorcycle. This episode blends extreme riding challenges with cultural landscapes, showcasing the stark beauty of Xinjiang’s highlands and grasslands while highlighting the prep, permissions, and perseverance required to traverse such a prized route. It’s a vivid reminder that adventure riding is as much about planning and diplomacy as it is about throttle and tires.
In this episode, Itchy Boots and her guide Bing ride from Kuqa through the TianShan mountains to Nalati, following the famous Duku road. Permits for foreigners to access this route are famously difficult, making the journey a test of patience and persistence. Along the way, she shares filming techniques, including how she captures drone shots while riding. The scenery spans high mountain passes to Nalati grasslands, underscoring the epic scale of overlanding in western China.
Itchy Boots kicks off her day in Kuqa, China, buzzing with excitement for the ride ahead. She's scored the elusive Alien Travel Permit needed to tackle the legendary Duku Road through the Tianshan Mountains—a permit Bing applied for over 60 days ago. The morning is a scramble, but soon she's geared up and rolling. At her first checkpoint, she discovers a quirky rule: all motorcyclists must take a mandatory 20-minute break.
Itchy Boots navigates the bureaucratic maze to score a coveted Alien Travel Permit for China's legendary Duku Road, a feat that required two months of planning. Crossing the Tianshan Mountains, she trades desert grit for snow-capped peaks and lush Nalati grasslands, capturing jaw-dropping drone shots along the way. From mandatory rest stops for motorcyclists to impromptu yak sightings, her ride is a masterclass in overlanding China with grit, grace, and a dash of humor.
Itchy Boots rides the legendary Duku Road in China, securing a rare Alien Travel Permit to cross the Tianshan Mountains from desert to snowy grasslands.
Duku Road China Alien Travel Permit Motorcycle Ride Tianshan Mountains
1:09 Foreign riders need an Alien Travel Permit for the Duku Road. Apply at least 60 days in advance through a local guide.
4:50 All motorcyclists must take a mandatory 20-minute rest at checkpoints on the Duku Road. Use it to hydrate and enjoy the view.
8:41 Try wild lake fish snacks from roadside vendors—a local delicacy but pricey at 158 yuan per half kilo.
16:23 Explore unpaved side tracks off the main road for a true off-road experience and stunning mountain backdrops.
1:09 Foreign riders need an Alien Travel Permit for the Duku Road. Apply at least 60 days in advance through a local guide.
4:50 All motorcyclists must take a mandatory 20-minute rest at checkpoints on the Duku Road. Use it to hydrate and enjoy the view.
8:41 Try wild lake fish snacks from roadside vendors—a local delicacy but pricey at 158 yuan per half kilo.
16:23 Explore unpaved side tracks off the main road for a true off-road experience and stunning mountain backdrops.
0:02 Snow surprises
1:09 Alien Travel Permit revealed
4:50 Mandatory 20-minute break
8:41 Wild lake fish snacks
14:31 Off-road bliss begins
18:49 Snowfall in the mountains
21:09 Luxury room arrival
0:02 Snow surprises
1:09 Alien Travel Permit revealed
4:50 Mandatory 20-minute break
8:41 Wild lake fish snacks
14:31 Off-road bliss begins
18:49 Snowfall in the mountains
21:09 Luxury room arrival
round the world on motorbikemotorbike travellersolo female travelleradventure rideroffroad motorcycleitchy bootsyamaha tenereyamaha xt600xt600zvintage motorcycle1987 yamaha tenerearound the world中國陸路旅行中國機車旅行duku roadtianshan mountains chinaxinjiang chinanalati grasslandsHow difficult is it to get the Alien Travel Permit for Duku Road?
It's famously tough. My guide Bing applied over 60 days in advance, and we still had to jump through hoops.
What's the mandatory break for motorcyclists?
At checkpoints, every motorcyclist must rest for 20 minutes. Probably to prevent fatigue on the mountain roads.
What were those fried fish snacks?
Wild lake fish, deep-fried and delicious. Cost me 50 yuan for a small portion, but worth it.
How did the scenery change during the ride?
We went from a sandy desert to lush green mountains and even snow. A total roller coaster of landscapes.
