Central Silk Road - Reverse

Itinerary

Day 1 Bishkek

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

Day 2 Ala Archa Canyon

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

Day 3 Issyk-Kul Lake

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

Days 4-5 Djety Oguz Valley

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

Day 6 Karakol

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

Days 7-9 Song-Kol Lake

Sleep in a yurt alongside a family of local shepherds. Learn about local customs and traditions, and enjoy hikes through the surrounding hills for spectacular views over this breathtaking and isolated location.

Days 10-12 Tian Shan Mountains

Leave the city behind and spend three memorable days passing through the stunning Tian Shan Mountains. Admire the snowcapped peaks and vast glassy lakes, and camp alongside the Takik and Kyrgz people who call this rugged expanse home.

Day 13 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, the city's focal point.

Day 14 Fergana Valley

Deep in the heart of Uzbekistan, 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.

Days 15-16 Tashkent

Shop for Soviet memorabilia at the Chorsu Bazaar, where everything from Soviet stamp collections to military uniforms is up for grabs. Alternatively, the city's old imperial restaurants provide eye popping cabaret shows and a decent meal.

Days 17-19 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 perfectly preserved city.

Day 20 Yurt Stay

Spend a night in a yurt camp with the Kakaz and Uzbek nomads, sleeping amongst the dunes of the Red Desert.

Days 21-23 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 add to the bustling atmosphere.

Days 24-25 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 26-27 Bush camp

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

Days 28-30 Ashgabat

Wander amongst the futuristic architecture that dominates the Ashgabat skyline. 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.