Central Silk Road
Trip Details
- Duration: 30 day(s) days
- Visited Areas: Turkmenistan
Follow the central Silk Road through harshly beautiful deserts, past mountains and lakeshores that were once home to brutal yet sophisticated khans and sultans, and later still were the furthest reaches of the USSR. Now they offer the bold traveller a startling vision of Central Asian culture: a blend of futuristic cities, Islamic monuments and traditional nomad customs. From the modern streets of Ashgabat to the relaxed charm of Bishkek, the myriad experiences of this overland journey will stay with you a lifetime.
Itinerary
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.
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 23-24 Djety Oguz Valley
Admire the lofty sandstone cliffs in Djety Oguz Valley.
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.
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.
Day 9 Nurata
Spend a night in a yurt camp with the local nomads, sleeping among the dunes of the Red Desert.
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.
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!