Journeys: Echoes of the Silk Road - 23 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: BISHKEKArrival Day

  Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. This evening, gather for a group welcome meet-up before a delicious dinner at a traditional restaurant.

• Days 2-1: BISHKEK

  After breakfast, explore Kyrgyzstan’s lively capital on a guided walking tour through Bishkek’s wide boulevards, leafy parks and Soviet-era architecture. Then dive deeper into the region’s past with a visit to the National History Museum, where exhibits trace the country’s nomadic roots and complex political evolution. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Bishkek on your own. Opt to venture into the nearby Ala Archa National Park for a scenic hike to the striking Broken Heart Stone, surrounded by alpine meadows and rugged mountain views. This evening, experience Kyrgyz hospitality firsthand over a traditional dinner hosted by a local family, –an opportunity to connect, share stories and learn more about daily life.

• Days 3-2: BISHKEK/ ISSYK KUL

  Feel transported back in time with a visit to the Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagan, where you'll explore the on-site museum to learn about the region’s early civilization. Continue to Iskra Village for a special lunch with a local Dungan Family-descendants of Chinese Muslims who settled in Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century. Hear their stories and see their traditions through dress while sharing a home-cooked meal. This afternoon, journey along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to the Cholpan Ata Petroglyphs, where a local historian– professor will guide you through the site’s ancient rock carvings and explain the rich symbolism behind them. As observed by National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek in his “Out of Eden Walk” project, we'll be looking at Turkic-era petroglyphs dating back over 3,500 years ago. See images of mostly animals such as ibex and deer, but also depictions of archers and chariots.

• Days 4-3: ISSYK KUL/ KARAKOL

  Today starts at Reina Kench Farm, a family run place dedicated to preserving Kyrgyzstan's nomadic traditions and the ancient practice of Central Asian horse breeding. Learn how the family’s deep connection to the land and animals has influenced their way of life for generations. Afterwards, journey to Karakol where you’ll join a guided tour to discover the city’s unique blend of architecture and heritage, from the colourful Dungan Mosque, the ornate Russian Orthodox Church to the Przhevalsky Museum.

• Days 5-4: KARAKOL

  This morning, visit the the tour operator-supported organization, Ak Orgoo, to learn the traditional practice of yurt building from locals working to preserve and share their nomadic heritage. Enjoy a homemade lunch before continuing to the striking red rock formations of Jety-Oguz for a scenic hike to the Broken Heart, a site steeped in legend and framed by dramatic alpine landscapes. This evening, gather around the table with a Cossack family who will welcome you for dinner and a conversation about their ancestry, customs and resilience, giving you a deeper understanding of one of Central Asia’s lesser-known cultural groups.

• Days 6-5: KARAKOL/ SATY

  After breakfast, cross the border into Kazakhstan’s wide open steppe and rugged mountain landscape. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch at Black Canyon. After arriving at Saty Village, climb into a 4x4 for an excursion to the surreal waters of Kaindy Lake. Here, a forest of submerged spruce trees rises eerily from the surface-an unforgettable and perfect place for a hike. This evening, connect with Kazakhstan’s rural life with dinner at a local family’s home. Share stories and a warm meal in this peaceful mountain community.

• Days 7-6: SATY/ ALMATY

  Head out for a visit to Charyn Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia.. Walk through its towering red rock formations, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water. This natural wonder shows off Kazakhstan’s powerful geological forces. As mentioned in the National Geographic article by Jessica Vincent “Hiking Kazakhstan: a day in Charyn Canyon National Park,” you’ll feel as though you're standing on the moon while equally feeling as though you are walking beneath giant skyscrapers of red rock. The afternoon will bring you to Almaty, which was the capital of Kazakhstan until 1997. Head out on an orientation walk then enjoy the rest of the day.

• Days 8-7: ALMATY

  Set out on a city tour of Almaty strolling through Republic Square, once the heart of Soviet power, then wander the tree-lined paths of Panfilov Park to visit the beautiful, all-wooden Ascension Cathedral. Then immerse yourself in the rhythm of daily life at the bustling Zeleny Bazaar, where vibrant stalls overflow with fragrant spices, bright produce and local delicacies. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore on your own. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a show at a local restaurant.

• Days 9-8: ALMATY/ DUSHANBE

  A flight today brings you to Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s green capital where grand boulevards, colorful markets and Soviet-Era monuments reflect a complex and fascinating history. The city of Dushanbe was shaped by centuries of Silk Road exchange and rich Persian influence. See the area around your hotel to get your footing in the city, then enjoy a traditional folklore show over dinner.

• Days 10-9: DUSHANBE

  Dive into the history and culture of Tajikistan on a guided tour of Dushanbe. Begin at Somoni Square, a proud symbol of national identity, then marvel at the intricate design and craftsmanship of Navruz Palace. Visit the city’s largest mosque which reveals the country’s spiritual traditions. Savour a hearty lunch of plov, the national dish often prepared for guests and celebrations. This afternoon, venture beyond the city to Hisor Fortress with its ancient gates and centuries-old stone walls, which were a resting place for Silk Road travellers.

• Days 11-10: DUSHANBE

  Begin the day at the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, home to a remarkable collection of artifacts that trace the region’s ancient civilization. Join a local archaeologist for a special guided visit, delving into the history of Buddhism in Central Asia and its influence along the Silk Road. Later, feel welcomed in a local Tajik home for a hands-on bread-making experience of “non,” the famous Tajik round, golden flatbread.

• Days 12-11: DUSHANBE/ TASHKENT

  Fly to Uzbekistan with time to uncover Tashkent’s Soviet legacy on a guided tour in the afternoon. Explore Tashkent’s underground metro, said to be the most beautiful in the world as it doubles as an art gallery. Visit Kosmonaut Square, a tribute to the Soviet space program, and see other architectural wonders like the Uzbekistan Hotel and Zhemchug Resident Complex. Finish at the Monument of Courage, a tribute to the rebuilding of the city after a devastating earthquake. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

• Days 13-12: Tashkent

  Visit the fascinating Institute of the Sun, a unique research centre where science, architecture and spirituality intersect. Here you’ll learn about its design and role in Uzbekistan’s scientific history. Relish the chance to see more of Tashkent on your own during a free afternoon. Explore places like Tashkent TV Tower or browse locally made crafts at the Human House concept store, a place where multiple local artists have a space to show off their contemporary designs. Gather this evening for a festive three-course meal paired with a lively folk show that brings Uzbekistan’s musical and dance traditions to life.

• Days 14-13: TASHKENT

  Set out on a guided tour of the State History Museum of Uzbekistan, where ancient artifacts and exhibits trace the region’s evolution–from early civilization to Silk Road empires, then Soviet rule. After, step into the spiritual heart of the city at the Religious Center of Tashkent, home to the beautifully restored Hasti Imam complex and the revered Museum of the Koran to see one of the world’s oldest Qurans. Then, wander through the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, where local life rushes around the mounds of spices, fresh produce and handwoven goods. At the bazaar, sample honim, a beloved Uzbek dish of steamed dough filled with spiced vegetables.

• Days 15-14: TASHKENT/ SAMARKAND

  Travel this morning through the Uzbek desert on a high-speed train to Samarkand–one of the Silk Road’s most legendary cities. Upon arrival, take a guided tour beginning at Ulugbek Observatory. We’ll hear the story of its namesake, the 15th-century astronomer and ruler who mapped the stars with astonishing precision, leaving behind one of the Islamic world’s most important scientific legacies. Continue to the Afrosiob Museum, positioned on ancient Samarkand. Here, we’ll meet with the head archeologist who will share insights into the city’s ongoing excavations. This evening, join a local family to try the nation’s signature rice pilaf dish, plov. As you learn how the meal is prepared, the family will also explain its symbolism.

• Days 16-15: SAMARKAND

  Continue exploring Samarkand with a guided visit to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Guri Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, the great conqueror, and the beautiful Registan Square, where madrasas showcase some of the finest Islamic architecture in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore this amazing city at your own pace. In Samarkand, your options for cultural exploration are endless. Maybe head to the peaceful Konigil Village to visit the Meros Paper Mill, where artisans use traditional, centuries-old silk paper making techniques. Or take a trip out to the Mausoleum of St Daniel. Wander the colorful stalls of Siyab Bazaar or this evening, experience a performance at the El Merosi Theatre of Historical Costumes, where centuries of Uzbek dress and dance come to life.

• Days 17-16: SAMARKAND/ BUKHARA

  Climb aboard the high-speed train as we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage destination, Bukhara. This city is known as one of the most culturally rich and ancient places along the Silk Road and was a battle zone for conquerors like Genghis Khan, the British Empire and Russian Bolshevik troops. Head into the Old Town, where over 2,500 years of history thrive to this day. Start at Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, an Uzbek icon from the 10th century and one of the oldest Islamic monuments in all of Central Asia. The next stop is Ark Fortress, a towering symbol of Bukhara’s political and spiritual power. End the tour at the Kalyan Minaret, a nearly 900-year-old brickmade watchtower. This evening, we head to a local restaurant to learn to make the famous Uzbek dumplings, manti.

• Days 18-17: BUKHARA

  Today begins with a visit to the Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a place dedicated to Central Asia’s most revered Sufi scholars and a historic pilgrimage site. Meet with a local expert in Sufism to learn about its spiritual philosophy and lasting influence on the region’s culture and identity. Continue to the opulent Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, once the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, now a striking display of Russian and Persian architecture. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Choose to visit an 18th-century hammam or do some shopping along the ancient trading domes of the old Caravanserai. This evening, gather in the stunning Madrasah Nadir Devon Begi for a traditional dinner and a folklore show that puts Uzbek heritage on full display.

• Days 19-18: BUKHARA/ KHIVA

  Drive through the Kyzylkum desert toward the ancient city of Khiva. See the everchanging sand dunes, once crossed by travellers on the Silk Road carrying goods from the far corners of the world. Gaze upon the distant mountain peaks before arriving at the ancient walled city of Khiva, a living museum, with some of the best-preserved Islamic architecture in the world.

• Days 20-19: KHIVA

  Explore Khiva, an ornate and beautiful ancient city that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Silk Road over 2,500 years ago. Within the Ichan-Qala, the inner walled town of Khiva, you’ll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of colourful alleyways, tiled mosques, historic madrasas and towering minarets. Khiva is a town so steeped in preservation as Sophie Ibbotson explains in her “6 reasons to visit Khiva, the tourist capital of the Islamic world for 2024” National Geographic article. Together we’ll wander its paths, hearing the stories of traders, scholars and historic explorers and adventurers. This evening, explore Khiva culture at a Khorezmian dinner celebrating the region's historic music and dance.

• Days 21-20: KHIVA/ ASHGABAT

  This morning, cross the border into Turkmenistan, a unique country rich with historic traditions still alive to this day. Our first stop is at the beautiful and haunting ruins of Kunya Urgench. Once a rich and lively center for Islamic scholars, it is now full of crumbling minarets, sacred tombs and mausoleums. After a visit at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Dashguz to board an evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital city.

• Days 22-21: ASHGABAT

  Head out to Old Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire from 200 BCE.. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important archaeological location full of ruins and well-preserved artifacts. Take in the remnants of mudbrick royal complexes and fortresses through remains of a civilization that once rivaled Rome. Fast forward from the past to the present as we head to the futuristic Alem Centre, a chance to admire its incredible architecture. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner in the city and reminisce about the incredible journey we’ve had through the Stans.

• Days 23-22: ASHGABAT

  Depart at any time.