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Central Silk Road Overview

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Travel the Central Silk Road from Turkmenistan to Kyrgyzstan.

Follow the central Silk Road through Turkmenistan’s harshly beautiful deserts, Kazakhstan's green forests, Uzbekistan’s soaring mountain ranges and Kyrgyzstan’s sublime lakes. Travel to a land once home to brutal yet sophisticated khans and sultans, as well as the furthest reaches of the USSR. Offering the bold traveller a startling vision of Central Asian culture - from the futuristic Ashgabat to the relaxed charm of Bishkek, the central Silk Road journey is an enlightening experience full of memories to last a lifetime.

  • Eat mutton dressed up as itself in a Bishkek restaurant
  • Enjoy warm Zhabagly village hospitality
  • Kick back on the inland beaches of Issyk-kul Lake
  • Practice your echoes in the canyons of Djety Oguz
  • Take in the spectacular views of Aksu National Park
  • Uncover Soviet memorabilia in Chorsu Bazaar
  • Visit the wilds of Chong Kemin Natrional Park
  • Walk the lively streets of Ashgabat

Central Silk Road Summary

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Day 1 Ashgabat

Start your Samarkand and Tamerlane’s Testament adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat. Spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum.

Day 2 Darwasa

Sleep under the stars in the Karakum Desert. See the spectacular fires of the Darvaza Gas Crater.

Day 3 Bush Camp

Days 4-5 Khiva

Gaze up at the ancient walls surrounding Khiva and imagine how they once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers. Explore the historic and perfectly preserved Old Town, beautifully decorated in classic turquoise tiles.

Days 6-8 Bukhara

Get to know Central Asia's holiest city, where the combination of buildings spanning a thousand years and a thoroughly lived-in Old Town help create the awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Day 9 Nurata

Spend a night in a yurt camp with the local nomads, sleeping among the dunes of the Red Desert.

Days 10-12 Samarkand

Travel to one of Central Asia's most magical cities, Uzbekistan’s Samarkand. Discover the romance of the Silk Road in this perfectly preserved city full of exotic architecture and majestic buildings.

Days 13-15 Tashkent

End your Samarkand and Tamerlane’s Testament adventure in the most modern of Uzbekistan’s cities. Visit Tashkent’s thriving Chorsu Bazaar to pick up Soviet-style souvenirs and admire the ornately decorated Kukeldash Medressa.

Days 16-17 Aksu National Park

Make tracks into Kazakhstan and enjoy a night with a local family in Zhabagly before exploring the grasslands of Asku National Park. Kazakhstan's oldest national park is a scenic wonderland full of mountain lakes, rivers and glaciers, plus all sorts of unusual flora and fauna.

Day 18 Bishkek

Soak up the relaxed charm of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital. Wander through its wide streets and admire its wealth of handsome houses.

Days 19-20 Chong Kemin National Park

Set off on a leisurely hike along Chong Kemin River - or if feeling adventurous, perhaps tackle one of the tough 4000m passes.

Day 21 Cholpon Ata

Head to Cholpon Ata, nestled on the shores of the vast and beautiful Issyk-Kul Lake.

Day 22 Karakol

Discover the remote, picturesque town of Karakol, complete with quaint tree-lined streets and colonial houses.

Days 23-24 Djety Oguz Valley

Admire the lofty sandstone cliffs in Djety Oguz Valley.

Day 25 Kochkor

Mingle with friendly locals and relish Kyrgyz hospitality while enjoying a homestay in Kochkor.

Days 26-27 Song-Kol Lake

Spend the night in a yurt near Song-Kol Lake and join in a game of ulak-tartysh.

Day 28 Bush Camp

Make tracks back to Bishkek, stopping to camp in the wilderness overnight.

Days 29-30 Bishkek

Relax on the final days in Bishek. Why not stroll through the city's markets and haggle for bargains. Alternatively, relaxing in an Oak Park cafe and reflecting on the adventure is another good option!
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

  • Finish:

    Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 21

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    No meals included

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (5 nts), Camping (with facilities) (3 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt), Homestay (2 nts), Hotel (15 nts), Yurt (3 nts)

  • Transport:

    Overland vehicle

  • Included activities:

    Aksu-Zhabagly National Park, Guided city tour, Guided visits to Bibi Hanum Mosque & Shakh-I-Zinda, Registan Square & Tamerlane's Tomb, Hiking, Regional Museum, Sunday Market, Visit to ancient ruined city, Women's felt-making cooperative
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About Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan

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