Follow the legendary Silk Road
On this tour, follow the legendary Silk Road through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Along the trade route, which connected China to the West, trade caravans laden with silk, satin, musk, rubies and porcelain, as well as paper, horses and gunpowder, traveled for centuries. Travel through ancient cities filled with beautiful Oriental architecture, bazaars and friendly people. Conquer spectacular mountain passes and impressive landscapes where the snow peaks of the Tien Shan are never far away.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Discover the unknown Turkmenistan and travel to the capital Ashgabat, which was completely rebuilt in Soviet style after an earthquake with large white marble buildings, huge squares and numerous flamboyant (gold) statues, in honor of former Turkmen President Niazov. Visit Nissa, UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the remains of a 2,000-year-old city give a good idea of what it was once like.
Via the huge gas crater in the Darvaza desert, you reach Uzbekistan. Then immerse yourself in the romance of the ancient Silk Road cities of Khiva, Buchara and Samarkand. The atmospheric centers of yesteryear are full of magnificent Oriental architecture: magnificent minarets, mosques, medressas decorated with turquoise mosaics and lively bazaars. Marvel at the world-famous Registan, where three sumptuously decorated Koranic schools stand around the square. Behold in modern capital Tashkent the brutal Soviet architecture, immense squares and parks and museums and visit the heart of Uzbekistan, the Fergana Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges of the Tien Shan.
Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyzstan) and Kazakhstan
After crossing the border with Kyrgyzstan(Kyrgyzstan), you will travel through one of the highest mountain ranges in the world, the Tien Shan, the territory of yaks, ibex, snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep. Travel past beautiful lakes such as the teal Issyk Kul Lake and the high turquoise Son Kul Lake. Trek over mountain passes with continuous stunning views of dozens of snow peaks and endless rolling grassy plains. Meet the nomads who roam there in summer with large herds of horses, goats and sheep in search of fresh grass.
Descend the foothills of the Tien Shan into Kazakhstan. Swim in the clear Kolsai Lakes and take scenic walks through the surrounding forests and alpine meadows, where wild boar, mountain goats, lynx and even wolves and bears roam. Through the steppe and the Charyn Canyon you will reach Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest, liveliest and most pleasant city with beautiful churches, museums and cozy terraces.
TIPS & TOPS SILK ROAD TRIP:
- Visit to the huge gas crater of Darvaza
- Experience the vibrant Silk Road cities of Khiva, Buchara and Samarkand, brimming with oriental architecture: palaces, medressas, mosques and mausoleums
- Taste the atmosphere of the Silk Road in the many bazaars, packed with fruits, vegetables, spices and beautifully designed round breads
- In Shachrisabz, the Turkish-Mongol warlord Timur built his impressive palace, the Ak-serai
- Near Samarkand, go to the death city of Shah-i-Zindeh, where many magnificent mausoleums are gathered
- Drive through Central Asia's most fertile region and most populous area, the Fergana Valley
- Visit a silk factory near Osh, for centuries the important production site of silk
- Overnight in Son-Kol and Tash Rabat in a traditional felt yurt
- Take the most beautiful day hikes in Tash Rabat, Karakol National Park and among the red rocks of Jeti-Ögüz
- Explore the quiet provincial town of Karakol with its Russian Orthodox cathedral and many bazaars
- Visit the Prezwalsky Museum, named after the most famous Russian explorer, who died in Karakol
- Go sunbathing or swimming at the Kolsai Lakes
- Walk through Charyn Canyon, the Grand Canyon's little brother
