Central Silk Road

Itinerary

Day 1 Ashgabat

Stop by the Carpet Museum to spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum.

Days 2-3 Bush camp

Follow a local trading route through the harsh Karakum Desert. Meet the nomadic Turkmen, the only people who call this inhospitable region home.

Days 4-5 Khiva

Imagine how the mighty walls surrounding Khiva once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers. Explore the historic and perfectly preserved Old Town, beautifully decorated in ornate turquoise tiles.

Days 6-8 Bukhara

Get to know Central Asia's holiest city, where ancient buildings and a thoroughly lived-in Old Town add to the atmosphere.

Day 9 Yurt Stay

Spend a night in a yurt camp sleeping amongst the dunes of the Red Desert.

Days 10-12 Samarkand

From the sprawling street of tombs, larger-than-life monuments and technicolour bazaar - Samarkand is one of Central Asia's most magical destinations. Discover the romance of the Silk Road in this picturesque city.

Days 13-15 Tashkent

Shop for Soviet memorabilia at the Chorsu Bazaar, where everything from Soviet stamp collections to military uniforms is available. Alternatively, the imperial Russian style restaurants provide some eye popping cabaret shows and a decent meal.

Day 16 Ferghana City

Deep in the heart of Uzbekista, the Fergana Valley is flanked by the Tian Shan and Alai Pamir Mountains. Explore this lush oasis on a guided walk, enjoying its temperate climate and blooming wildflowers.

Day 17 Osh

Rich in nomadic traditions, and surrounded by spectacularly rugged peaks, Kyrgyzstan is a mountain lover's delight. Trace Osh's long history through the century old rock drawings etched into the slopes of Suleiman Mountain.

Days 18-20 Tian Shan Mountains

Leave the city behind and spend three memorable days passing through the Tian Shan Mountains. Admire the snowcapped peaks and vast glassy lakes, and camp alongside the Takik and Kyrgz people.

Days 21-22 Song Kul Lake

Sleep in a yurt on the shores of glistening Song Kul Lake. Learn about local customs and traditions, and enjoy hikes through the surrounding hills for spectacular views.

Day 23 Issyk-Kul Lake

Pitch a tent along the shores of the almost never-ending Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the world's largest natural water reservoirs.

Day 24 Karakol

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

Days 25-27 Djety Oguz Valley

Hike through the dramatic canyons dotting the Djety Oguz Valley and gaze up at the seven red cliffs at the valley's entrance.

Day 28 Ala Archa Canyon

From the brightly flowering juniper bushes, bubbling mountain streams and jagged blue glaciers, the Ala Archa Canyon is sure to dazzle. Spot a wide variety of wildlife ranging from wild goats and badgers to the more allusive wolves and lynxes.

Days 29-30 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 and reflect on this epic adventure.