12,700 km by 4x4: Chuka’s overland drive from Mongolia to France

Roadtrip dreams don’t always start with a map. Sometimes they begin with a single image that won’t let go—like the idea of reversing the legendary Beijing–Paris route, but from Ulaanbaatar to the Eiffel Tower. In this interview, Chuka—Mongolian 4x4 specialist and Planet Ride local expert—shares the reality behind a long-haul asphalt crossing: late-October departure, border paperwork, fatigue management, and the small decisions that make 12,700 km feel possible. If you’re planning a Mongolia-to-Europe 4x4 roadtrip, his experience is a blueprint: simple vehicle logic, disciplined pacing, and the humility to solve problems as they come.

Interview: Chuka, Mongolia 4x4 specialist

Who are you?

My name is Chuka. I’m Mongolian, and I’ve been passionate about travel for many years. I’m also a Planet Ride partner specialist for everything related to 4x4 travel in Mongolia.

Why did you decide to leave?

In 2007, I worked with a Swiss TV crew following a rally commemorating the 100th anniversary of the very first car race held in 1907 (Beijing–Paris). After that, I kept dreaming of doing this journey by car—driving from Ulaanbaatar to Paris, in the opposite direction of the early European motorists who went Europe → Mongolia.

When did you depart?

I left Mongolia in late October 2015 with a friend, heading toward Moscow. Once we reached Moscow, my friend returned to Mongolia, and my wife replaced him for the final leg to Paris.

Did you do specific preparation?

Not especially, because it wasn’t an off-road expedition and technically it wasn’t complicated. We drove on asphalt the entire way, so it didn’t require heavy vehicle prep. But personal preparation matters: motivation, courage, knowledge, skills, and logistics.

How many kilometers did you drive?

Almost 12,700 kilometers total. If you go straight, it’s closer to about 10,000 km between Paris and Ulaanbaatar—but we chose to pass through several European countries, adding detours that extended the distance.

What vehicle did you use—and why?

This time I chose a Subaru Forester to keep fuel costs down. I’ve always preferred Japanese vehicles, and I love 4x4s, so it was a good fit. The Forester is a strong representative of compact AWD vehicles (symmetrical AWD) with a reliable, not-too-large boxer engine. Before this, I had already done similar long trips in Russia and Central Asia, driving a Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ80.

Does it really work to cross all of Europe like that?

Yes, without major issues. The only real problem we faced was the Mongolian license plate: it included Cyrillic characters, and that created trouble at the EU border. Under the regulations, non-European vehicles need to be registered with plates using Latin characters—Cyrillic couldn’t be entered into their system. We were required to make a second plate translating the characters into Latin to enter Europe.

The craziest / funniest moments?

The license-plate story, definitely. On the road, people kept asking the same questions: “How can you do this trip?” “How many kilometers, how long?” We even heard, “These Mongolians are crazy!” Many people simply couldn’t imagine a journey like this.

We also received a lot of warm greetings from drivers—plenty of “thumbs up.” That felt great. We were proud to be among the first Mongolians to “conquer” almost all of Europe in a simple Subaru Forester.

The memory you’ll keep forever?

Finishing in front of the Eiffel Tower and telling ourselves, “We did it!” with my wife next to me. Unforgettable.

Your favorite places along the way?

Not just one. For cities, we loved Prague and Paris. For countries, we loved Switzerland. For roads, the Dutch road quality is top-level. For food, Italian cuisine. That’s what’s interesting about Europe: each country has its own reason to be loved.

Best encounters?

We had good encounters everywhere. Russians can seem a bit cold (no pun intended!) and Europeans are friendlier but more reserved. The best meetings were with Mongolian compatriots living in Europe—it felt like reconnecting with people we knew.

The hardest moments?

Russia, without hesitation. The fatigue from driving thousands of kilometers on long, monotonous roads and landscapes was tough.

Your advice to travelers who want to do the same route?

Prepare calmly. Plan the route and the kind of trip you want, at least minimally. First: buy a good, reliable vehicle—not necessarily modern. My preference goes to Japanese vehicles: they’re everywhere and known for reliability, solid mechanics, and simplicity.

Don’t waste time everywhere, and make sure you’re in good physical and psychological shape. You must be ready to solve any problem. Create friendly exchanges when you meet people, carry the essentials without overloading, use a good GPS, and have some language skills (English, and Russian if possible).

Small “motorized traveler” tips?

Choose a compact 4WD vehicle that can handle varied conditions. Ideally, keep the engine size modest to improve fuel economy. It’s better to be two people per vehicle and to choose a car in good condition where both of you can sleep inside if needed. Basic mechanical knowledge can help you avoid bad garages and unnecessary repair costs. We also had trusted contacts in each country we crossed, which helped a lot.

Where next—and when?

Maybe North America, but not for a few years.

Mini guide: what Chuka’s story teaches for a Mongolia-to-Europe 4x4 roadtrip

• Route reality: even “all asphalt” doesn’t mean easy. Long, straight stretches (especially in Russia) are mentally draining.
• Pacing is safety: as a rule of thumb, plan days so you finish before dark and avoid stacking two very long driving days back-to-back. Fatigue compounds.
• Border admin can stop you faster than weather: license plates, registration formats, and vehicle identity details can become real barriers at EU entry points.
• Fuel strategy: a fuel-efficient AWD like a Forester can make a noticeable difference over ~10,000–12,700 km.
• Sleeping inside the vehicle: a practical option when timing slips—especially on transit legs where you just need rest, not comfort.
• Navigation: a “good GPS” isn’t optional on transcontinental mileage days—missed turns cost time and energy.
• Language helps: English is the baseline; Russian is a force multiplier once you’re deep into long eastern transit sections.
• Contacts on the ground: having reliable local contacts by country can save you from bad repairs and wasted time.

Mini-FAQ

Can you really drive from Ulaanbaatar to Paris on paved roads?

Yes—Chuka did the entire journey on asphalt. The challenge is less the driving technique than endurance, logistics, and border procedures.

What is a common EU-entry issue for non-European vehicles?

Vehicle documentation and plate format can be a blocker. In Chuka’s case, Cyrillic characters on a Mongolian plate created a system issue at the EU border, requiring a second plate with Latin characters.

Is a compact AWD enough for a transcontinental 4x4 roadtrip?

For an asphalt-focused crossing, it can be. Chuka chose a Subaru Forester specifically to control fuel costs while keeping AWD capability.

À savoir aujourd’hui

This interview reflects a 2015 journey, and the core lessons remain solid: endurance management, paperwork discipline, and choosing a reliable vehicle matter more than “extreme” preparation on an all-asphalt route. Before leaving today, always verify current border procedures, vehicle registration/plate requirements, and transit rules by country. Road conditions, entry rules, and administrative checks can change quickly from one season to the next.