The Silk Road: Sand, Mountains,
Valleys & the Soviets
27 December 2024 - 9 January 2025
Description:
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the ancient wonders, rich history and vibrant cultures of Central Asia. Wander in the history-soaked alleyways of Samarkand and Bukhara, and marvel at centuries-old edifices that have withstood the test of time. Delve into the rich history and culture of the secretive and reclusive state of Turkmenistan, and explore its famed sites... from its gleaming white capital Ashgabat, to its Silk Road-era UNESCO sites. Experience the magic of the world-renown Darvaza Gas Crater under the starlit sky. Conclude your journey by immersing yourself in the tranquil village life of Kyrgyzstan's Ferghana Valley, where the unhurried pace of life meets picturesque mountains and valleys. This adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the region's diverse landscapes, history and cultures.
Country: Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan
Trip length: 14 days, 13 nights
Cost: USD2230 (Approximately SGD3040, MYR10500, EUR2100)
Start city: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
End city: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Max. Capacity: 6 travelers
What's included in the price:
Accommodation (Twin sharing)
Transportation (Trains, Private-hire vans, Intra-city transport)
Overnight train (Mary - Ashgabat)
Domestic flight (Urgench - Tashkent)
Guide Fee
Tickets to places of interest (Historical sites, national parks, monasteries)
Homestay experience
Breakfast at guesthouses
Rental of camping equipment
What's not included in the price:
Travel insurance
Meals (Lunch & Dinner on most days)
Visa (If applicable)
Turkmen visa
Flight tickets to and from home country
Days 2-4: Explore Silk Road Cities
Take a stroll down the timeless back alleyways of the Silk Road cities of Samarkand & Bukhara. These cities were major towns along the Silk Road, and centuries-old markets, mosques, schools and buildings dating back to that era are preserved in pristine condition.
Day 5: Welcome to Turkmenistan
Our journey begins with a border crossing into Turkmenistan, a notoriously secluded and inaccessible state for many.
Driving through the vast expanse of the Karakum desert, our morning is dedicated to reaching the historic city of Merv, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will spend the afternoon exploring this ancient city which was a significant city during the heyday of the Silk Road
Night 5: Travel like a local
After exploring Merv for the day, spend the night on board a sleeper train that will whisk you across the country’s vast desertscape. Travelling on platskart class (6 bunk beds a compartment) is an experience in itself, where you get to be up close with Turkmens from all walks of life, such as cross-country traders, farmers visiting a neighbouring village for a wedding ceremony, students returning home for the semester, and hawkers peddling their goods on board.
Days 6 & 7: Pyongyang
meets Vegas
Explore Ashgabat's dazzling white marble capital, known as "the Strangest City on the Planet."
Wander its expansive but empty boulevards, lined with colossal palaces boasting intricate white and golden facades that gleam in the sunlight. Experience the unique blend of modernity and tradition as ancient motifs intertwine with contemporary design, creating a mesmerizing architectural landscape that invites exploration and discovery at every turn.
Day 8: Knock on the Door to Hell
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously dubbed the "Door to Hell." Marvel at the surreal spectacle of flames flickering atop its fiery depths, illuminating the night sky with an otherworldly glow. Experience this natural wonder beneath Turkmenistan's starlit heavens, all while nestled in the comfort of a nearby traditional Turkmen yurt.
Day 9: Visit Millenia-old ruins
Journey to Konye-urgench, our final stop in Turkmenistan. Explore its ancient wonders, from towering minarets to ancient ruins. Immerse in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where echoes of the past whisper through time.
We will return to Uzbekistan in the evening, and catch a domestic flight to Tashkent, the Uzbek capital.
Day 10: Tashkent, where USSR meets Silk Road
Tashkent is a beautiful amalgam of Soviet-era brutalist structures and edifices built in the traditional Islamic style.
Ride the Tashkent Metro - home to some of the world's most beautifully decorated subway stations - and see the Samarkand Kufic Quran - one of the world's oldest copies of the Quran - on display!
Days 11-14: Live like a local
The Muzayev family warmly welcomes you to stay at their home for a few days in the Kyrgyz countryside. Experience living in their village Borbash and get a taste of life and customs in the rural, peaceful and picturesque Ferghana Valley.
The women of this family of bakers and farmers will also teach you how to cook plov, a traditional rice and meat dish, over an open-air fire.
End the day with a trip to the village’s banya, a traditional sauna house.
Day 14: Kudos, you're now a storied traveler
Following a satisfying breakfast at the homestay, we will cross the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border and return to Tashkent, Uzbekistan by train.
While the trip draws to a close, your journey as storyteller has just begun. At home, eagerly share the memories of this remarkable journey with loved ones and anyone eager to listen.
