Description

Follow the central Silk Road through Turkmenistan’s harshly beautiful deserts, 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 relaxed charm of Bishkek to the futuristic Ashgabat - your central Silk Road journey is an enlightening experience full of memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights

• Eat mutton dressed up as itself in a Bishkek restaurant.
• Visit the wilds of Chong Kemin National Park.
• Practice your echoes in the canyons of Djety Oguz.
• Watch local shepherds playing goat polo.
• Experience the romance of the central Silk Road in Samarkand.
• Uncover Soviet memorabilia in Chorsu Bazaar.
• Be amazed by the ferocity of Darvaza Gas Crater.
• Walk the lively streets of Ashgabat.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bishkek

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

Days 2-3 Chong Kemin Valley

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

Day 4 Karakol

Enjoy the remote, picturesque town of Kara-kol, complete with quaint tree-lined streets and colonial houses.

Days 5-6 Djety Oguz Valley

Hike through dramatic canyons and sandstone cliffs in Djety Oguz Valley.

Day 7 Kochkor

Enjoy more traditional Kyrgyz hospitality on a homestay in Kochkor village.

Days 8-9 Song Kul Lake

Stay in traditional yurt accommodation and experience nomad life in the lush pastures surrounding the beautiful Song-Kol Lake.

Days 10-12 Kyrgyz Fergana Valley

Spend a leisurely three days journeying through the stunning mountains and lakes of Kyrgyzstan's Fergana Valley.

Day 13 Arslanbob

Make tracks across the Ferghana Valley to Arslanbob.

Day 14 Kokand/Fergana City

Enter Uzbekistan and see the palace of the former Khan of Kokand.

Days 15-16 Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent, shop for fresh produce at the Chorsu Bazaar and perhaps grab some Soviet paraphernalia from a market.

Days 17-19 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.

Day 20 Yurt Stay

Spend a night in a yurt camp with the local nomads, sleeping among 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 combine to create an awe-inspiring 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.

Day 26 Kunye Urgench

Follow a local trading route through harsh desert sands, and meet the nomadic people who call this inhospitable region home.

Day 27 Darwasa

Drive across the Karakum Desert. If time allows, see the amazing Darvaza Gas Crater.

Days 28-30 Ashgabat

End your adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat's skyline. Spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Guesthouse, Homestay, Hotel, Yurt

Transport

Overland vehicle

Important notes

1. This trip visits multiple countries for which visas can be difficult and time consuming to obtain. Please ensure that you have enough time to apply for all visas you require before booking this trip.2. Some destinations visited on this trip do not have consulates in Australia and New Zealand. We recommend that travellers from these countries book the WESTBOUND itinerary of this trip where some visas can be obtained en route.3. Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.4. Combination trip. Please see Trip Notes (Important Notes) for more details.