I’ll be traveling in a tuktuk from The Netherlands to Pakistan and I’ll be leaving in… 11 days – aah!
Here I’ll update you on my Tuktuk trip every month. Here’s a first introduction, more in the next blog! For more updates, follow me on my Instagram page.
It was a plan I’ve had since a couple of years – going on a road trip from The Netherlands to the Middle East / Central Asia. After visiting Iran in 2017, the region really got my attention. Next to the beautiful nature and rich history, it’s also a country with the friendliest people I’ve ever seen.
I started doing some research on the route and vehicle to do this trip in. I figured a tuktuk was the perfect choice, hahah. But really, it’s open so there’s no boundary between me, my surroundings and the people on my way. Also, it allows me to take people with me – both my friends who’ll join me for part of the way as the people I’ll meet along the way. And next to that it’s also a very likeable so it gets a smile upon people’s faces.

Step 1: Getting the TukTuk Road-Ready
When I bought the tuk-tuk in June 2024 (after. a long search – apparently there are not many here in The Netherlands – I guess that makes sense for a Thai vehicle ;)), it was not working at all haha. The engine barely started, the brakes weren’t working, it was not registered in The Netherlands, so there was no MOT test and the gas cable didn’t work. Also the tires were not exactly round anymore hehe. Perfect vehicle to take me to the other side of the world hahaha!
I spent the last few months fixing it up – whenever I wasn’t away traveling with our bus or by myself. With the help of Sander & Sjoerd I put in a new gas cable, spark plugs, carburetor adjustments, fixed the radiator and brakes and I got 3 new tires. Also, we got it registered in The Netherlands – which was a big thing because without the right paperwork I wouldn’t even be allowed on the road! I also swapped out the original rusty fuel tank for a bigger one. So well, basically everything needed fixing to be honest haha.
There’s not been much time yet to go on a proper test-trip, so the trip itself will be one big test trip haha.





Step 2: Turning the TukTuk Into a Tiny Camper
Since there is pretty much no room to store my stuff, I decided to build in some closets and a roof rack. While I was at it, I figured I might as well build in a fold-out bed and a water tank. Suddenly I was actually making a tiny little camper! Also, the banners needed replacement as there were images on it of a seducing ‘lady’ haha, which might get me into trouble later on in the more conservative countries further on the route. The new banners will be printed tomorrow, so hopefully I’ll manage to get those on next week!
Now I have just enough space to sleep and store my essentials. Both my winterjacket and my shorts – since I’ll experience probably anything between -5 and +40 degrees. Then there’s just enough room for my camping gear, some food and a ukulele haha. I’m also taking a little tent, which will come in handy when I go on a hike and want to sleep in the middle of nowhere.
After the final adjustments on the benzine-tank and the roof rack, I hope to pick up my Tuk again on Wednesday in Nieuw Vennep. Then there’s still quite some work to be done, so it will be a race against time to head out on February 6th.


Step 3: Deciding on the Route
There are different routing-options to get to Pakistan from The Netherlands. Until Turkey it’s quite straight forward. There are some choices to make, but the rough outline will be from The Netherlands through Austria to Slovenia & Croatia. Then to Montenegro, to which I’m very much looking forward as 89% of their country is covered in mountains! Why I haven’t been there yet..I don’t know. Then from there I’ll go either through Albania or Kosovo & North-Macedonia and then into Greece. Cruising all the way down to Athens from where I’ll take a ferry to Chios. Enjoy some time cruising around the island, sipping ouzo and then I’ll take the ferry into Turkey.
In Turkey I’m planning to go along the south coast and cross over to the North around Capadoccia. Then the different options appear. These are the main options, in which I’ll make a decision as I’ll come closer.
- Turkey –> Syria –> Iraq –> Iran –> Afghanistan –> Pakistan
- Turkey –> Iran –> Afghanistan / Turkmenistan –> Oezbekistan –> Tadjikistan –> China / Afghanistan –> Pakistan.
- Turkey –> Georgia –> Azerbeidian –> Kazachstan –> Oezbekistan, etc.
All these routes have their challenges and if you’d ask most people here they’d advise against some of these countries. Which I totally understand, however, the closer I’ll get, the more accurate the information will be. So I’ll leave all options open and as I’ll get closer, I’ll see what’s the best & safest route to take! The main purpose is not having to do anything or rush, so I;ll just see where I’ll end up!
A Call for Hosts: Anyone Willing to Share a Bed?
One of the things I’m most excited about is meeting new people. As I make my way through different countries, I’m hoping to connect with locals who might be willing to host me for a night or just share a conversation.
If you’re along my route (or know someone who is), and you’re open to hosting, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a place to rest my head for a night, some good conversation, or a glimpse into your daily life, inspiring projects I should visit…I’m always up for making new connections.
Looking Forward to the Road Ahead
There’s still so much to do before I actually hit the road— first of all putting all the pieces of the tuk back together, finishing the banners, ‘front doors’, beds and electricity. Then there’s packing, finishing everything I have to do for our bus and clearing out my place in Leiden to make room for my replacement there.
If you want to follow along, I’ll be sharing updates and stories on my Instagram (@tuktuk.stories.jolies) as I make my way toward Pakistan.
Who knows what lies ahead? But one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be an adventure. Thanks for reading and if you see me on the road – make sure to say hi!
One response
wat een avontuur,!! groeten de overkant buren Marianne 84 jaar Jan 87 jaar.