Description
This is a totally epic 37-day adventure through Central Asia – a region combining Silk Road history, Soviet influence, nomadic living and scenic natural beauty. Journey from the shining capital of Astana to the whitewashed Ashgabat, taking your time to savour the nuances of different Stans along the way. Come face to face with the iconic architecture, rub shoulders with locals in the bazaars, stay in yurt camps and stand in front of the ever-burning crater – ‘The Gates of Hell’. Experience life well off the tourist track and explore a region that’s been the confluence of so many cultures and people throughout history – all with highly experienced local leaders by your side.
- Learn about the Silk Road and its history – see the Registan in Samarkand (one of the pinnacles of Islamic architecture), spend time in UNESCO World Heritage-listed 6th-century Bukhara and uncover the charm of Khiva.
- See the natural landscapes of this corner of the world – travel through the vast Kazakh steppe and the sunken forest of Kolsai Lakes, journey through the mountainous Kyrgyzstan to Issykul Lake and toast to the eternal flames of the Darvaza Crater.
- Experience traditional Central Asian hospitality – learn about the nomadic life in the yurt stays, enjoy hearty home-cooked meals, visit local families, chat with the stall owners in local bazaars and learn about traditional crafts in local workshops.
- Tour the fascinating capitals of the Stans, each with its own unique character and turbulent historical events that shaped them into what they are today.
- Enjoy the journey – take an overnight train in Kazakhstan, hop on fast trains in Uzbekistan, take a 4WD into the desert in Turkmenistan and experience life on the road like the locals do!