Istanbul to Kathmandu

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Istanbul

Full of dramatic buildings, Istanbul offers a wealth of diversions so step out to explore the busy streets.

Days 2-6 Goreme

Camp in the heart of Cappadocia and visit the rock chapels and underground cities of this bizarre and intriguing region.

Days 7-8 Nemrut Dagi

After a long stretch on the road, the unique mountain-top shrine of Nemrut Dagi is sure to awe and captivate.

Day 9 Dogubayazit

Look up to the top of Mt Ararat, where Noah's Ark reputedly came to rest, and visit the impressive Ishak Pasa Palace.

Days 10-11 Bush Camp

Cross the border into Iran and travel into its rugged heartlands. Camp in the countryside and perhaps stop in to explore the Ali Sadr Caves.

Days 12-14 Esfahan

After driving through the stark, ochre countryside, Esfahan is a welcome haven of cobalt tiles, emerald parks and kaleidoscopic bazaars.

Days 15-16 Shiraz

Explore the ruins of Persepolis and imagine life under a Persian king. Browse the vibrant Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz.

Days 17-19 Yazd

Stroll the winding lanes of Yazd's mud-brick old city and learn about the pre-Islamic religion of Zoroastrianism.

Days 20-21 Tehran

Uncover the highlights and hidden delights of Iran's capital - perhaps stroll through the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art or take to the streets to meet the people and soak up the atmosphere.

Days 22-23 Alborz Mountains

Travel into the gorgeous terrain of the Alborz Mountains and spend a little time just enjoying the serenity.

Days 24-25 Ashgabat

Marvel at the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat and explore the Tolkuchka Bazaar.

Days 26-27 Bush Camp

Follow a local trading route through the harsh Karakum Desert.

Days 28-29 Khiva

See the ancient walls of Khiva, which once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers.

Days 30-32 Bukhara

Get to know Central Asia's holiest city with its mausoleum, mosque and fortress.

Day 33 Yurt Stay

Spend a night in a yurt camp with Kakaz and Uzbek nomads.

Days 34-36 Samarkand

From the sprawling street of tombs to the colourful bazaar, Samarkand is a magical destination.

Days 37-39 Tashkent

For Soviet ephemera, check out the sprawling city markets.

Day 40 Ferghana City

Explore the lush Fergana Valley, flanked by the Tian Shan and Alai Pamir mountains, on a guided walk.

Day 41 Osh

Trace the history of Osh through century-old rock drawings etched into the slopes of Suleiman Mountain.

Days 42-44 Tian Shan Mountains

Leave the city behind and spend three days passing the snow-capped peaks and vast glassy lakes of the Tian Shan Mountains.

Days 45-46 Song Kul Lake

Sleep in a yurt on the lakeshore alongside a family of local shepherds.

Day 47 Issyk-Kul Lake

Pitch a tent on the shores of the world's second-largest saline lake.

Day 48 Karakol

Dotted with church spires, Russian gingerbread cottages and apple orchards, Karakol is a picturesque and peaceful town.

Days 49-51 Djety Oguz Valley

Hike through the dramatic canyons of the Djety Oguz Valley and gaze up at the seven red cliffs that stand guard over the spectacular valley's entrance.

Day 52 Ala Archa

Spot a wide variety of wildlife in this amazing gorge, from wild goats and badgers to the more elusive wolves and lynxes.

Days 53-54 Bishkek

Soak up the relaxed charm of Kyrgyzstan's capital. Learn about Lenin's ties to the city or relax at one of Dubovy Park's open-air cafes.

Day 55 Homestay

Learn about life in the Kyrgyz Mountains during a family homestay in the scenic village of Kochkor.

Day 56 Bush Camp

Continue to travel along the Silk Road towards the Chinese border.

Day 57 Kashgar

Travel into China past the dramatic cliffs and icy peaks of the Torugart Pass.

Day 58 Taxkorgan

The snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop to this rugged location.

Day 59 Bush Camp

Take an optional horse ride along the peaceful shores of Lake Karakul.

Days 60-61 Kashgar

Shop with the 50,000-strong crowds at the frenetic Kashgar Sunday market.

Days 62-63 Bush Camp

Discover one of the most important oases in the desert and visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.

Days 64-65 Turpan

Discover the history of this once-crucial commercial Silk Road town or escape the heat inside a cool cafe.

Days 66-67 Bush Camp

The shifting colours of the sands make this an ideal place to pitch a tent and watch the sunset.

Days 68-69 Dunhuang

The breathtaking Buddhist art adorning the spectacular Mogao Caves is believed to be the best of its kind in the world.

Day 70 Golmud

This mining town is the perfect pit stop before the Tibetan journey ahead.

Days 71-73 Bush Camp

Wonder at the vast Tibetan Plateau where the wide open grassland is ringed by dramatic snow-capped peaks.

Day 74 Amdo

Watch yak herds graze beneath vivid blue sky on the roof of the world.

Days 75-77 Lhasa

Discover the holy city of Lhasa and explore its many sights including the towering Potala Palace.

Day 78 Bush Camp

Admire the turquoise waters and picturesque islands of Yamdrok Tso Lake.

Day 79 Gyantse

Shop for Gyantse's famous wool carpets or visit the colourful five-storied Pelkhor Chode Temple.

Day 80 Shigatse

Explore the dazzling Tashilhunpo Monastery, which at its peak housed over 4,000 monks.

Day 81 Bush Camp

The Friendship Highway winds through stunning scenery, past yak herds, rural villages and glistening lakes.

Day 82 Baipa

Set among spectacular mountain peaks, Baipa offers a scenic break.

Day 83 Everest Base Camp

Travel overland to Everest Base Camp and glimpse the mighty peak of the world's highest mountain.

Day 84 Baipa

After a vigorous morning walk, head back to relax in Baipa.

Days 85-86 Zhangmu Region

Watch colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind while crossing into Nepal.

Days 87-88 Kodari

Follow the steep gorges and winding roads that tumble through the dramatic countryside on this isolated stretch of road.

Day 89 Kathmandu

Celebrate the end of this epic adventure on arrival in Kathmandu.