Tour Ultimate Silk Road: Beijing To Ashgabat

Others

Included activities Xi’an - Muslim Quarter walking tour Zhangye - Danxia Landform Geological Park Jiayuguan - Hanging Great Wall Jiayuguan - Fort Dunhuang - Mogao Caves Dunhuang - Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand Mountains Turpan - Jiaohe Ancient City Kashgar - Livestock Market & Grand Sunday Bazaar Bishkek - City Tour Shamsy Valley - Burana tower Don Aryk - Local home visit & horsemanship demonstration Kochkor - Market Kochkor - Women’s Felt Co-op Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum Tashkent - History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda Samarkand - Registan Samarkand - Paper making workshop & home cooked lunch Shakhrisabz - Ak Saray Palace Shakhrisabz - Kok-Gumbaz Mosque Shakhrisabz - Dor-ut Tilovat Memorial Complex Shakhrisabz - Dorus Saodat Complex Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace Bukhara - Chor-Bakr Necropolis Bukhara - Ark Fortress Bukhara - Kalon Mosque Vobkent - Minaret Gijduvan - Ceramics workshop Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater Konye-Urgench - City tour Yerbent - Village visit Ashgabat - National Museum of Turkmenistan Ashgabat - Anau ruins Ashgabat - Nisa ruins Merv - Big & Small Kizkala

Meals

26 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle,Public bus,High speed train,Metro/Subway,4x4 Vehicle,Plane,Taxi

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. HARD SLEEPER TRAINS CHINA: We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys in China. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded berths (6 to a compartment) and sheets, a blanket/quilt & pillow provided. We recommend bringing your own sleeping sheet if you are concerned about the quality/cleanliness of sheets being not what you are used to. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals or snacks are available and all have hot water in each carriage for tea and instant noodles. While we aim to have our groups staying together there may be times where due to ticket availability the group will be staying in different compartments and carriages. While railway services are rapidly being modernised in China, some train journeys on less frequented routes may use older rolling stock and the carriages of a more basic standard. HOMESTAYS: Please note that at our homestays you might be required to share a room with people of other genders, or with your leader. Because we stay at real people’s homes, beds might be pull-out couches or mattresses on the floor, or even a yurt in their backyard. Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses, yurts and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only or no bathroom facilities. Hotel (30 nts),Overnight Sleeper Train (2 nts),Guesthouse/Homestay (3 nts),Yurt (3 nt),Camping (1 nt)

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Others

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Beijing

Nimen Hao! Welcome to Beijing - the capital of the most populous country on earth. China’s capital is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity, however there are still plenty of places that give an insight into the nation’s ancient past, as well as sights that showcase China’s contemporary culture. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today, where your insurance and next of kin details will be collected. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where the meeting will take place – if you’re going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. Any free time today in Beijing is taken at your leisure, so get out and start exploring this vast and amazing city. It’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to experience all that Beijing has to offer. Beijing’s food is a highlight, from the famous Beijing Roast Duck to dumplings in a tiny backstreet eatery, there’s no chance you’ll go hungry here!
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Day 2: Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Xi’An

Catch the bullet train to Xi’an (approximately 5-6 hours). Once the imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xian is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many interesting historical sites to explore. Enjoy a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter of Xi’an with your group. After the walking tour, why not visit the Great Mosque, one of the most important in China. This area has plenty of interesting shops, lively street stalls and roving groups of white-bearded men in skull caps. This evening enjoy some free time to uncover what was once the start of the ancient trading route of the Silk Road.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 Day 3: Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Xi’An

Enjoy a free day to explore Xi’an at your leisure. Perhaps hire a bike and ride along the city walls, which are the most complete in China, or climb to the top of the Bell and Drum towers for impressive views. Perhaps visit the impressive Tang Dynasty Small or Big Wild Goose Pagodas. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is in a scenic area which also includes the Shaanxi History Museum and Da Cien Temple. It’s very popular with locals, especially in the evenings when there is a nightly light and music show around the many fountains. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is inside the Jianfu Temple and Xi’an Museum is also nearby.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 Day 4: Xi’An - Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Xi’An - Overnight Train

Today you’ll journey out in to the countryside surrounding Xi’an (approximately 2 hours) and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll learn all about this incredible archaeological find, discovered after being buried for 2,000 years by farmers digging a well in 1976. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots (and originally individually painted) were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for you to view, where over 1,000 warriors are displayed – each individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expressions – stand in battle formation. The scale is incredibly impressive.In the evening the group boards the first overnight train to Zhangye. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it’s certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it’s the main form of transport for locals. We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound – compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (6 to a compartment). Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. Some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Safe, hot drinking water is always available. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins). Basic bathroom facilities with toilets and washbasins are situated at the end of each carriage. As toilet paper isn’t always available, it’s best to bring an emergency supply. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. Food is available on the train, but it’s a good idea to stock up on snacks for the trip.
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Day 5 Day 5: Zhangye
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Zhangye

Disembark after an overnight train ride to Zhangye, arriving at around midday. Check into your hotel and take an orientation walk with the group leader around this leafy town of temples and parks. The city was established 1000 years ago as the headquarters of General Huo when he controlled the ‘Hexi Corridor’. Controlling this area meant controlling the lucrative Silk Road, as the corridor is one of the few ways through the Qilian Mountains to the north and the desert and peaks to the south. Zhangye is home to China’s largest reclining Buddha, which would have been visited by Marco Polo in the 13th century while he waited for permission from Kubilau Khan to continue on to the Mongolian capital. Relax with free time for the rest of the afternoon and evening as you prepare yourself for some truly spectacular scenery tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 Day 6: Zhangye - Danxia Geological Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Zhangye - Danxia Geological Park

Today pack your sunscreen, hat and water as you head to see the unreal landscapes of Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, where it looks like millions of coloured paint pots have been spilled across the mountains. This 400-square-kilometer World Heritage site was formed over 24 million - 100 million years ago. The area was originally a lake fed by rivers, which brought many layers of sand and mineral deposits. When the lake dried up the mineral elements oxidised, giving the lake its unique colour palette. The elements then eroded the lake into mountainous shapes and unusual formations. The result looks like an oil painting, with colours ranging from pink and orange to earthy brown. The scale of the formation and the swirling patterns of rainbow colours are stunning. Take a hike around this grand and magnificent area at sunset, and discover that every angle is a photographers dream.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 7 Day 7: Jiayuguan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Jiayuguan

Today there is an option to rise early and return to the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park for an unforgettable sunrise over the hills. Later at midday the group will catch a day train to Jiayuguan (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Jiayuguan was the last outpost on the edge of the ancient Han Chinese Empire, the last Chinese-controlled stop for travellers and traders before they passed into the uncertain and dangerous deserts beyond. While exploring the city you might notice the growing Muslim influence as we travel further west.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Day 8: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

Today explore Jiayuguan Fort and a remote section of the Great Wall, which you will either visit today before heading to Dunhuang. The Ming dynasty built a series of forts and towers in Jiayuguan to secure their hold over the area and Jiayuguan Fort, though restored, still offers a feeling of desolation as you look out into the desert from atop its walls. Here we visit a section of the Jiayuguan Pass, which is the western end of the Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty. Travel to Dunhuang in the afternoon, which is about five hours drive.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 Day 9: Dunhuang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Dunhuang

This morning the group can decide if they want to drive out of the city and watch the sun rise over the nearby dunes at Crescent Lake. The oasis, which take the shape of a crescent moon, is believed to have existed for around 2,000 years and is surrounded by Mingsha Shan (Singing Sand Dunes). Today you will also visit the nearby Mogao Caves, which house some of the most stunning Buddhist murals in the world, and are perhaps the greatest store of Buddhist art in the world. The first cave was carved out and painted in 366 AD after a Buddhist monk, passing through on the Silk Road, had a vision of a thousand Buddha faces appearing on the cliff. The caves were largely forgotten until a Taoist monk stumbled upon them in 1907. Currently there are more than 492 caves, most containing murals, manuscripts, and over 2,415 coloured statues. Return to your hotel in Dunhuang for the night and perhaps enjoy a drink at the unique beer gardens off the nearby night market.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10 Day 10: Turpan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Turpan

Travel by private bus this morning to Liuyuan train station and board a day train to Turpan (approximately 3.5 hours). A transfer will be waiting in Turpan to take you to the hotel. Once an important staging post on the Silk Road, Turpan is an attractive oasis town famous for its vineyards, stone fruits, melons and the nearby Flaming Mountains. The Turpan Depression is second only to the Dead Sea in Jordan as the lowest point on earth. It’s a small city by Chinese standards, but the surrounding area is full of interesting places. The country roads on the outskirts are lined with poplars and the lovely old mud brick dwellings of the Uyghur people, while the modern ‘inner’ town has shiny new buildings, spacious streets and public squares.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11 Day 11: Turpan/Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Turpan/Overnight Train

Explore Turpan with your local guide. Visit the ruins of the once great Silk Road city of Jiaohe, one of Xinjiang’s best historical sites and one of the most rewarding to visit. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen with you as things will be heating up! During free time this afternoon, choose to join the locals socialising in the square, or visit the market tonight for all the flavours of the region and plenty of interaction. in the evening, take the last train journey to Kashgar, across the dry Turpan basin, through a high mountain pass, and switch-backing up the peak of the Tian Shan Mountains. By morning you will have descended down the other side into the Tarim basin, skirting the northern edge of the sandy Taklamakan desert, passing isolated communities eking out a living in a harsh environment.
Accommodation: overnight train
Day 12 Day 12: Kashgar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Kashgar

Arrive into Kashgar in the morning today. Once a frontier town straddling the crossroads of empires and trading routes, Kashgar is now very much a modern, fast developing city that continues to take advantage of its geographical position near the border of Pakistan and Central Asia. Far from Beijing it may be, but there are still plenty of signs that you are still in China, such as the country’s largest Chairman Mao statue. Follow your leader on an orientation walk in the town and enjoy sipping tea in a hundred-year-old tea house in Kashgar, the best opportunity for making local friends and you may well end up dancing with them. The town’s main landmark is the Id Kah Mosque and its surrounding square. The dusty old laneways are crammed full of shops, food stalls and Uyghur locals living a lifestyle virtually unchanged for a hundred years. Take advantage of the proximity to Pakistan by having a meal of curry and chapattis at a Pakistani café or play a round or two with the lads hanging out at the pool tables on Id Kah Square. Alternatively, you can get lost meandering down lanes and alleyways, stopping at stalls selling tandoori-baked bagels or mulberry juice.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 Day 13: Kashgar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Kashgar

Kashgar’s main attraction is undoubtedly its markets, which you’ll visit today. It’s said to have some of the biggest markets in Central Asia, and on Sundays, the main trading day, it can feel like everyone from hundreds of miles around has converged on the city. We first take private transport to just outside the city to the Livestock Market. One of the best known markets of it’s kind in the region, it’s considered a "must see" sight in Xinjiang. Watch the bargaining and bustle of local herdsmen and farmers as they buy and trade sheep, goats, cows and donkeys. It’s a big social occasion for the local community too, as rural families gather to share a meal and a chat. Then return to the city to visit the Grand Sunday Bazaar, open every day but most alive today with traders selling all kinds of wares – rugs, hats, spices, boots, dates, ingredients for traditional medicines, auto parts, brightly coloured material for clothing, electrical goods, household items, you name it and it’s probably here. Browse the market at your own pace and a free evening tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14 Day 14: China/Kyrgyzstan Border - Torugart Pass – Naryn
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: China/Kyrgyzstan Border - Torugart Pass – Naryn

Say goodbye to your Chinese leader and group today, and travel onwards with other group members who are completing the Beijing to Tashkent journey. Depart early morning by private bus for our journey into the seldom-travelled country of Kyrgyzstan, a nation that still embraces nomadic traditions and extends some of the warmest hospitality you’ll find anywhere in the world. We’ll be travelling for around 11 hours today, including approx 7 hours of driving, plus border formalities (which can require a lot of patience and plenty of waiting). You will be accompanied by a Chinese Intrepid representative to the border and then meet your new driver and escort on the Kyrgyzstan side who will be with you until we meet the Central Asia group at Bishkek tomorrow. We cross the breathtaking Torugart Pass (3570m) high in the Tian Shan, slated as the most exciting route into Central Asia - take note of the changing landscape between China and Kyrgyzstan - and drive down to Tash Rabat (3500m), a beautifully preserved caravanserai of the 14th century. There is very little public transport in Kyrgyzstan so to make the most of our time here we have a private van for our journeys. It can be a rough ride in places today and often gets quite cold as we ascend higher into the mountains even in mid summer, so make sure you bring some warm clothes!
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 15 Day 15: Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Bishkek

Travel on to Bishkek, where you will have free time until you meet your new group and leader at 6pm tonight. Bishkek is tree-lined town of parks and gardens, handsome houses and wide streets perfect for strolling. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables).
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 16 Day 16: Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Bishkek

Embark on city tour that showcases the various stages of Bishkek’s history. Visit the severe Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, and learn about the towering statue depicting folkloric hero Manas. Continue to Dubovy Park, and wander among the open-air cafes before strolling between the century-old oaks along Freedom Avenue. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to further explore Bishkek. Quite the contrast to the relaxed quiet streets, square and parks in the city centre, Osh Market is noisy, crowded, and a perfect peek into local life. You’ll find all kinds of things on sale here, from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 17 Day 17: Issyk-Kul Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Issyk-Kul Lake

This morning, up and on the road through the beautiful landscaps of Kyrgyzstan. You’ll be travelling with our vehicle for the next few days so get ready for a road trip through some pretty stunning mountains and lakes. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then continue to Tokmak and meet a local Dungan family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Then onto the destination of today - Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. At 170 - kilometres-long and 70-kilometres-wide, her beauty is a real sight to behold. Your yurt camp for tonight is set up along the south shore of the lake where you’ll get a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountains setting behind the lake. Made of felt and tarpaulins on a round frame, yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz people and this will be your ’settlement’ for today and tomorrow.
Accommodation: Tourist yurt camp
Day 18 Day 18: Issyk-Kul Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Issyk-Kul Lake

With relaxed plans for today, we’ll wander the beautiful alpine area and head out to meet a local eagle trainer (or Berkutchi) and discover the ancient principles of training these beautiful creatures to follow commands, catch prey and return back to their masters and then visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening, relax in your authentic yurt camp, jump into the lake, ride a bike or sit back with a cold homemade vodka – created by your yurt camp owners, just for you.
Accommodation: Tourist yurt camp
Day 19 Day 19: Song-Kol Lake (3016 Metres)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Song-Kol Lake (3016 Metres)

Back on the road and travel to Song-Kol Lake, another alpine stunner that is considered a sacred place to many Kyrgyz people, as well as one of the best summer pastures for nomadic herders. The landscape will change depending on the season but is sure to be beautiful no matter when you travel. In the summer you might see nomadic herdsmen and their families watching over goats, sheep, and horses. Enjoy exploring your surroundings for the rest of the day, maybe hiking one of the many trails. Tonight, fall asleep in yurts set up along the shore. Tomorrow, those daring enough for an invigorating morning splash can use the lake to wash off the sleep.
Accommodation: Tourist yurt camp
Day 20 Day 20: Kyzyl-Oi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Kyzyl-Oi

Travel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi, which is squeezed between mountains. On the way, pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River, which feeds into the Syr Darya. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river in the shade of the trees and use your free time to explore the village on arrival.
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Homestay
Day 21 Day 21: Suusamyr Valley/Chychkan River/Kok-Bel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Suusamyr Valley/Chychkan River/Kok-Bel

Get ready for a full-day of driving though big, beautiful landscapes. As the roads in Kyrgyzstan see little regular maintenance, even short distances on a map can take hours. The road crosses the Suusamyr Valley – a high steppe plateau situated at around 2200 metres above sea level. The mountainous surroundings are often dotted with yurts. Continue along the Chychkan River that cuts through the Tien Shan mountain range. Stop here for a while and soak up the amazing scenery. Arrive at tonight’s accommodation in Kok-Bel sometime in the early evening.
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Homestay
Day 22 Day 22: Osh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Osh

After breakfast, get ready for another all-day journey to Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgystan. Stop en route at Uzgen, an ancient trading town and handicrafts centre along the Silk Road. Although much of the ancient city has been destroyed, a minaret and three mosques that have survived remain important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. Continue to Osh. Located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country, Osh is often referred to as the ’Capital of the South’ and is the oldest city in the country.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 23 Day 23: Osh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Osh

Rise and shine for a visit to the only World Heritage site in Kyrgystan, the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, also known as Solomon’s Throne. For centuries Silk Road travellers have sought out the mountain’s caves and their petroglyphs in the belief that they would be blessed with longevity or healthy children. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Osh. Perhaps visit the Jayma Bazaar, where you might pick up an interesting souvenir or two. Or maybe take a self-guided tour of the remnants of Osh’s soviet past with a walk to the giant Lenin statue in the city square.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 24 Day 24: Border Crossing/Andijan/Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Border Crossing/Andijan/Tashkent

This morning, drive to Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, which is just outside of the city. After passing through the border control, farewell and thank your Kyrgyz guide and meet your new Uzbek guide. Transfer to Andijan and board a local train to Tashkent (approximately 5.5 hours). The train is a great place to meet locals, so don’t be surprised if people want to chat to the chet ellik (foreigner). Arrive in the evening and check into the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 25 Day 25: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Tashkent

Begin your introduction to Uzbekistan by exploring the capital on a sightseeing tour. Visit the State History Museum, which shows exhibits and collections spanning the countries 5000-year history. Continue to the Abdul Khasim Medrassah, where craftspeople operate in many small ‘cells’, making jewellery and other things. Finally, stop by the Khast Imom complex, a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century. After lunch, lose yourself in the exciting Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments, and the extensive vegetable and spice markets.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 26 Day 26: Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Samarkand

Transfer to the station for the high-speed train to fabled Samarkand (approximately 2 hours). This city is located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. Arrival around midday and follow your leader on a short city orientation walk. Then enjoy some free time in the city, saving some of the key sights for the tour tomorrow. Maybe inspect the remains of the remarkable medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg, an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Today, only half of the below-ground semicircle track can be seen, but there is a small museum close by that gives some context. Or perhaps visit the Afrosiab Museum of Samarkand, the main attraction of which is a tenth-century mural. After the day at your leisure, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 27 Day 27: Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Samarkand

Enjoy a tour of Samarkand. First up is the central square called the Registan, which features mosques and mausoleums that are true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Continue to Guri-Amir, where Tamerlane is buried, and then the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Visit Shak-i-Zinda, a necropolis that features a series of gleaming blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th–19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. It is photo worthy at every turn, just remember to be respectful as pilgrims visit the complex.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 28 Day 28: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Bukhara

Travel from Samarkand to Bukhara by train this morning. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was an important regional and world hub for many, many years and has a long, fascinating history featuring invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. Explore this fascinating city with your tour leader on an orientation walk after arrival and head to the Lyabi-Haus area, a busy 17th-century plaza with hundreds-years-old trees and there is time to wander the small craft studios tucked into the nearby madrasas and trading domes.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 29 Day 29: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Bukhara

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in beautiful Bukhara. First visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa, once the summer residence of the last Emir. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings by local artisans. Continue to the 16th-century Chor-Bakr necropolis, where not many tourists venture. Walk through the madrasa and mosque complex. In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress and Kalon Mosque, the symbol of Bukhara. Continue to one of Central Asia’s oldest and most exquisite structures, the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the superb decorative brickwork of which has survived 1000 years of rugged history.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 30 Day 30: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 30: Tashkent

Enjoy some free time for your own optional sightseeing in Bukhara. In the afternoon, take a fast train back to Tashkent followed by an optional dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 31 Day 31: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 31: Tashkent

A free day today. There are no activities planned for today until your 6pm meeting to meet your new travel mates.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 32 Day 32: Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 32: Khiva

Take morning flight to Urgench (90 minutes) and transfer to colourful Khiva (45 minutes). Many global powers have laid claim to this city over the centuries, from khans to Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Get acquainted with Khiva on a tour of this walled-city. See the incredible blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark, the ’citadel within a citadel’ which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century, then get a good look at this attractive city from the Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory. Finally, visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, a complex constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter. A popular pilgrimage site, the mint-coloured dome that tops the main mausoleum is stunning. Spend the rest of the day as you wish. Maybe ask your leader where to grab the best plov (rice, meat, and carrots). The city is a photographer’s delight, particularly in the evenings when the sun begins to set and fading light glints off turquoise tiles, so make sure you have your phone or camera ready to snap some pictures.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 33 Day 33: Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 33: Khiva

Khiva is particularly magic at dawn when the streets are empty. Later, you leader will guide you through some of the city’s other impressive monuments and buildings. Visit the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque, the roof of which is propped up by 212 wooden columns and designed to let in sunlight. If you want a peek at Uzbek luxury, look no further than the Tosh-Hovli Palace, which was built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 34 Day 34: Konye-Urgench – Darvaza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 34: Konye-Urgench – Darvaza

Say goodbye to Uzbekistan and cross the border into Turkmenistan at Khodjeyli (Xo‘jayli). Meet the new leader who will be your key to local secrets, food and highlights for the rest of your journey. From the border, make a 1.5-hour drive to the World Heritage-listed Konye-Urgench. Once a centre of the Islamic world, it suffered destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan and the Timurid dynasty and fell into decay until the 20th century. But it still has tonnes of monuments from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, mausoleum and the 60-metre-high Gutlug Timur Minaret. Continue your journey with a 4-hour drive by 4WD to Darvaza Crater. This astounding 70-metre-wide hole in the Karakum Desert is permanently aflame. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling in 1971 expecting to find oil, and the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see today, they were wrong, and the crater has been burning ever since. Watch the sunset over the ’Door to Hell’ from your nearby camp, and enjoy a Turkmenistan-style barbecue for dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 35 Day 35: Yerbent – Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 35: Yerbent – Ashgabat

Hit the sand again in the 4WD, making the 4-hour drive to Ashgabat with a stop along the way at the tiny settlement of Yerbent. The community here live primarily in yurts that are tucked between the sand dunes. Check out the local monument that pays tribute to the group of socialists that died in the Basmachi Revolt in 1931, then continue to Ashgabat. Little is left of the original Russian Imperial city as most of it was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1948, and today the city centre is a bizarre mix of futuristic and outrageous public buildings. Get a sense of Ashgabat old and new with a tour that takes in both the ancient settlement of Nisa and the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Enjoy a free afternoon in this mind-bending city. Look out for the ornate, golden telephone booths, screens broadcasting official ceremonies on a loop and imposing statues of the president.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 36 Day 36: Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 36: Ashgabat

Take a full day to wrap your head around this desert city on an immersive guided tour taking in the four pointed minarets atop the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) that line paths that lead to a golden dome and a (surprise!) massive minaret. From this lavish ode to Turkmen identity, continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name has a provocative history. Then travel outside of the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque, the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov, before heading further out of town to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After a day full of sightseeing, maybe spend the evening relaxing at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 37 Day 37: Mary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 37: Mary

Rise and shine for the 5-hour drive to Mary (pronounced ‘Mah-rih’). The somewhat ostentatious displays of wealth in the city can be traced to the long-running gas and cotton industries. Stop en route for lunch and to roam through the ruins of Abiverd. This fascinating archaeological site was an important trading town from 652 AD until the 12th century, and you can still see ancient shards of pottery scattered on the ground. Arrive in Mary in the afternoon and settle into your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 38 Day 38: Merv – Mary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 38: Merv – Mary

Take a 40-minute drive to Merv, also known as Margiana or Margush, and enjoy some time to explore Turkmenistan’s most recognised site. This sprawling World Heritage site is home to numerous walled structures from various periods spread across a 1200-hectare area. See impressive columns smoothed by wind and time at the Greater Kizkala and walk hills that were once the fortress walls of Erk Kala. While not the most impressive visually, Gyaur Kala dates to 400 BC and has a fascinating history. Spend some time exploring these relics of grand empires and then return to Mary for a free afternoon. Maybe visit the Mary Regional Museum. Housed in a palace of white marble, the museum features archaeological displays and exhibitions on traditional Turkmen life and culture.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 39 Day 39: Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 39: Ashgabat

Glittering Ashgabat awaits your return today, so make the 5-hour return drive to the City of White Marble. Enjoy a free afternoon to spend as you wish before an optional dinner with your travel group.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 40 Day 40: Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 40: Ashgabat

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time.

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40 days tour

Ultimate Silk Road: Beijing To Ashgabat

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Itinerary of your trip Ultimate Silk Road: Beijing To Ashgabat

Day 1: Beijing

Day 2: Xi’An

Day 3: Xi’An

Day 4: Xi’An - Overnight Train

Day 5: Zhangye

Day 6: Zhangye - Danxia Geological Park

Day 7: Jiayuguan

Day 8: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

Day 9: Dunhuang

Day 10: Turpan

Day 11: Turpan/Overnight Train

Day 12: Kashgar

Day 13: Kashgar

Day 14: China/Kyrgyzstan Border - Torugart Pass – Naryn

Day 15: Bishkek

Day 16: Bishkek

Day 17: Issyk-Kul Lake

Day 18: Issyk-Kul Lake

Day 19: Song-Kol Lake (3016 Metres)

Day 20: Kyzyl-Oi

Day 21: Suusamyr Valley/Chychkan River/Kok-Bel

Day 22: Osh

Day 23: Osh

Day 24: Border Crossing/Andijan/Tashkent

Day 25: Tashkent

Day 26: Samarkand

Day 27: Samarkand

Day 28: Bukhara

Day 29: Bukhara

Day 30: Tashkent

Day 31: Tashkent

Day 32: Khiva

Day 33: Khiva

Day 34: Konye-Urgench – Darvaza

Day 35: Yerbent – Ashgabat

Day 36: Ashgabat

Day 37: Mary

Day 38: Merv – Mary

Day 39: Ashgabat

Day 40: Ashgabat

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