Silk Road Explorer Expedition

Tashkent

ARRIVAL - GATEWAY TO THE SILK ROAD: Arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, and transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. Begin your Silk Road adventure with a guided exploration of Tashkent’s cultural and historical gems. Visit the Hasti Imam Complex, home to the revered Barak Khan and Kukeldash Madrasahs, where centuries of Islamic scholarship thrived. Stroll through the lively Chorsu Bazaar, a sensory delight of spices, textiles, and Uzbek delicacies. Continue to Independence Square and Amir Temur Square, where Soviet and Timurid legacies intertwine. End the day at the Museum of Applied Arts, before enjoying an evening at leisure.

Accommodations: City Palace

Samarkand

JEWEL OF THE SILK ROAD: After breakfast, board the high-speed train to Samarkand, the legendary heart of the Silk Road Explorer Expedition. On arrival, marvel at the Registan Square, an architectural masterpiece of the Timurid era, adorned with intricate mosaics and soaring minarets. Explore the iconic Ulughbek, Shir-Dor, and Tilla-Kori Madrasahs, each reflecting Samarkand’s golden age as a Silk Road trading hub. Your expert guide will share insights into the city's rich past. As night falls, opt for a visit to illuminated Registan Square, a breathtaking sight under the starlit sky.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Grand Plaza Reikartz

Bukhara

TIMELESS SILK ROAD CITIES: Continue your Silk Road adventure with visits to Samarkand’s most revered sites. Discover the Guri Emir Mausoleum, the grand resting place of Tamerlane, and explore the mesmerising Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a stunning collection of Persian and Timurid artistry. Wander through the lively Siab Bazaar, where traders have gathered for centuries. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Bukhara, one of the best-preserved cities on the Silk Road, famed for its Islamic architecture. Arrive in the evening and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming old town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Wyndham Bukhara

Bukhara

A LIVING MUSEUM OF THE SILK ROAD: Step back in time as you explore Bukhara’s UNESCO-listed old town, a treasure trove of Silk Road history. Visit the Ark Fortress, once the royal residence of Bukhara’s rulers, and stand in awe of the Kalyan Minaret, an architectural wonder that has stood for nearly a millennium. Your guide will bring history to life as you visit the Poi Kalyan Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah, both centres of Islamic learning. Stroll through the Toki Zargaron trading domes, Magoki Attory Mosque, and the elegant Lyabi Hauz architectural complex, before an evening at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Wyndham Bukhara

Tashkent

A SILK ROAD LEGACY: After breakfast, journey to Bukhara’s outskirts to visit the Sitorai Mokhi Hosa, the Emir’s summer palace, where Russian and Oriental influences blend seamlessly. Continue to the Chor Bakr Necropolis, a serene resting place for Sufi saints, followed by the Bakhoutdin Naqshband Mausoleum, a revered pilgrimage site. Later, board the high-speed train back to Tashkent, arriving in the evening. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing night, reflecting on your Silk Road discoveries.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: City Palace

KOKAND

THE HIDDEN GEM OF THE FERGANA VALLEY: Set off on a scenic drive through the Kamchik Pass, an engineering marvel connecting Tashkent to the Fergana Valley. Arrive in Kokand, once a powerful khanate and a key stop on the Silk Road Explorer Expedition. Visit the Khudayar Khan Palace, a stunning royal residence adorned with intricate tilework and elaborate wooden carvings. Gain insight into the rulers of Kokand at the Cemetery of Kings, before exploring the city's Silk Road heritage. Enjoy the peaceful charm of this historic town before settling in for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Silk Road Kokand

Fergana Valley

CRAFTSMANSHIP & SILK TRADITIONS: Immerse yourself in the artisanal heritage of the Fergana Valley, a region famed for its ceramics and silk production. In Rishtan, witness master potters crafting exquisite hand-painted ceramics and visit Rustam Usmanov’s workshop, where generations of craftsmanship thrive. Continue to Margilan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s silk industry, and explore the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, where traditional weaving techniques have been preserved for centuries. Arrive in Fergana, an industrial yet culturally rich city, and unwind after a day of exploration.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Asia Fergana

Osh & The Fergana Valley

ENTERING KYRGYZSTAN: After breakfast, cross into Kyrgyzstan, where your local guide welcomes you to Osh, known as the "Southern Capital." Begin your journey at Sulaiman-Too Mountain, a revered UNESCO-listed site with deep spiritual and historical significance. Visit Babur’s House, the Osh Historical Museum, and the vast Osh Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s oldest and largest markets. Spend the evening absorbing the city’s vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage before retiring to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Grand Chavo

Bishkek

ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK: Begin the next leg of your Silk Road adventure with an early flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s lively capital. Upon arrival, meet your expert guide and venture into Ala Archa National Park, a breathtaking alpine retreat in the Tien Shan Mountains. Explore cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and serene meadows with the option of a light trek or a leisurely nature walk. Return to Bishkek for an afternoon city tour, uncovering Ala Too Square, the Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, Lenin Statue, and Victory Square, each reflecting the city’s Soviet past and Kyrgyz heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Plaza /Ramada /Damas

Chon-Kemin Valley

INTO THE HEART OF NOMADIC KYRGYZSTAN: Today, travel deeper into nomadic Kyrgyzstan, beginning with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower, an ancient Silk Road minaret near Tokmok. Explore its fascinating Karakhanid-era ruins before continuing to Chon Kemin Valley, a picturesque rural retreat surrounded by soaring mountains. Engage in optional horseback riding, traditional Kyrgyz games, or scenic hikes. For a hands-on cultural experience, try your hand at setting up a yurt (optional, extra cost). Enjoy a warm, home-cooked dinner at your charming guesthouse, where the valley’s tranquillity offers the perfect retreat.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ashu Guest House

Issyk-Kul Lake

PETROGLYPHS & THE PEARL OF KYRGYZSTAN: Depart Chon Kemin and travel through the dramatic Boom Gorge towards Issyk Kul Lake, known as the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan." This vast alpine lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world, provides a spectacular backdrop for today’s explorations. Visit Cholpon Ata’s open-air petroglyph museum, featuring ancient rock carvings from 1500 BC depicting nomadic life, hunting scenes, and spiritual symbols. Continue to the Rukh Ordo Cultural Complex, a unique museum celebrating Kyrgyzstan’s diverse cultural influences. Spend a relaxing evening by the tranquil shores of Issyk Kul.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Karven /Caprice /Raduga Resort or similar

Karakol

A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY & CULTURE: Follow the eastern shore of Issyk Kul Lake towards Karakol, an important Silk Road trading post. On arrival, uncover the city’s multicultural heritage, beginning at the N. M. Przhevalski Museum, dedicated to the legendary Russian explorer. Visit the Dungan Mosque, an architectural marvel reflecting Chinese pagoda influences, and admire the wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church, a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape. Spend the afternoon exploring Karakol’s charming streets or sampling local delicacies in a cosy café.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Green Yard /Hotel 78 /Matsunoki

Karkara

IMMERSING IN THE WILD BEAUTY OF CENTRAL ASIA: Leave Karakol behind as you journey into the remote Karkara Valley, a stunning wilderness near the Kazakhstan border. Settle into a luxurious yurt camp, offering a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Spend the day hiking through rugged canyons, climbing nearby hills for breathtaking panoramas, or simply soaking in the tranquillity of this untouched paradise. Optional horseback riding is available for a deeper connection to nomadic traditions (extra cost). End the evening with a traditional Kyrgyz meal beneath the stars, surrounded by the raw beauty of the valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Yurt Glamping

SATY

CROSSING INTO KAZAKHSTAN’S SCENIC WILDERNESS: Cross the Kegen border into Kazakhstan, travelling to Saty Village, the gateway to the Kol Sai Lakes, one of Central Asia’s most spectacular landscapes. These pristine alpine lakes, nestled within dense pine forests and towering peaks, offer an idyllic escape. On arrival, enjoy a scenic lakeside walk, taking in the mirror-like reflections of the mountains and the serene natural beauty. Unwind in this peaceful retreat, capturing the essence of your Silk Road adventure in one of its most breathtaking settings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Grand Kol Sai /Prestije Hotel

Almaty

CHARYN CANYON’S SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES: Depart Saty and journey towards Almaty, stopping en route at Charyn Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia." Explore this otherworldly landscape on a guided hike, wandering through towering red rock formations sculpted over millions of years by the forces of nature. Enjoy a picnic amidst the canyon’s dramatic scenery before continuing to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s vibrant cultural and economic centre. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind after a day of awe-inspiring exploration.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Kazzhol Park /Holiday Inn /Garden Park Inn

Almaty

KAZAKHSTAN’S CULTURAL & HISTORICAL HEART: Delve into the rich history and modern vibrance of Almaty, a city where Silk Road heritage meets contemporary life. Begin at the Central State Historical Museum, home to an extensive collection of artefacts tracing Kazakhstan’s past. Continue to Republic Square and the Monument of Independence, symbols of national pride and resilience. Stroll through 28 Panfilov Park, where the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden churches, stands as a testament to Almaty’s diverse cultural influences. Experience the energy of the Green Bazaar, sampling Kazakh specialities and picking up authentic souvenirs. As the day ends, take a gondola ride to Kok Tobe Hill, offering sweeping views over Almaty’s skyline.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Kazzhol Park /Holiday Inn /Garden Park Inn

Almaty

THE END OF AN UNFORGETTABLE SILK ROAD ADVENTURE: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your Silk Road adventure to a memorable conclusion. Reflect on the incredible cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless history that have made this journey an extraordinary experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast