Silk Road Encompassed Westbound - 89 Days
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Overview
Highlights
- The Silk Road - follow in the path of ancient merchants on the legendary Silk Road which weaves its way from Xi'an to Istanbul
- China - marvel at the westerly most point of the legendary Great Wall, cross the sprawling Taklamakan Desert, see the incredible Zhangye Rainbow Mountains and end your tour in Xi'an
- Kyrgyzstan - hike in the Kyrgyz Fergana Valley, explore the relaxed capital of Bishkek, stay with a local family in Kochkor and camp in traditional Yurts on the shore of Song Kol Lake
- Uzbekistan - learn about the gruesome history of Bukhara, explore the heart of Timur's empire in Samarkand and wander around the Soviet city of Tashkent
- Turkmenistan - see the highlights of the country's bizarre and futuristic capital Ashgabat, marvel at the Darvaza Gas Crater and cross the remote Karakum Desert
- Azerbaijan - stay in an ancient Silk Road caravanserai, explore the traditional village of Lahij and discover the modern capital of Baku
- Armenia - relax on the shore of Lake Sevan, discover the ancient city of Yerevan and camp in the wild Armenian Highlands
- Georgia - explore highlights of delightful Tbilisi, admire the medieval cathedral in Kutaisi, visit the Vardzia Caves and relax in the port city of Batumi
- Turkey - discover the magically surreal landscape of Cappadocia, explore cultural Istanbul, pay your respects at the war memorials of Gallipoli and admire the stunning Sumela Monastery
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Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 52 breakfasts, 21 lunches and 29 dinners
- 61 nights in hotels, hostels and guesthouses
- 18 nights camping (including 2 nights at campsites, 5 nights wild camping and 11 nights camping without facilities)
- 4 nights camping in traditional yurts, 4 nights in a homestay
- 1 overnight ferry from Turkmenbashi - Baku
- All necessary camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags)
- Services of two crew (drivers/tour leaders) and local guides along the way
- Transportation in an overland expedition vehicle
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Excursion to see the Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an
- Visit to the Great Wall and fortress at Jiayuguan
- Guided tour of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
- Hike to Shipton’s Arch in Kashgar
- Eagle hunter demonstration and visit to Tash Rabat caravanserai in Kyrgyzstan
- Guided tour of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan
- Guided tour of Ashgabat and visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan
- Visit to Gobustan to see the petroglyphs and mud volcanoes
- A stay in the ancient Sheki caravanserai in Azerbaijan
- Visits to the Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery and Khor Virap Monastery in Armenia
- Guided tour of Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus and Cappadocia in Turkey
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Itinerary
Welcome to China! On arrival in Xi'an, make your way to our joining hotel. There will be a group Welcome Meeting at 18:00 during which you will meet your group and tour leader. The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Today we climb aboard our overland truck for the first time and enjoy an excursion out of Xi'an to see the incredible Terracotta Warriors. This sculpted army, 7-000 strong, was built to protect Emperor Qin Shihuang in the afterlife in around 210BC. There's a guided tour of the army before we return to Xi'an for a free afternoon
Xian - Pingliang. On day 3 we drive to Pingliang, at the base of Mt Kongtong. The mountain is one of the holiest in Chinese Taoism and we have plenty of time to explore the temples and pilgrimage routes with a full day included excursion on day 4. The rest of our stay...
Pingliang - Xiahe. We continue to the town of Xiahe on day 5, our base for the next three days. Xiahe is a very rural town and is populated largely by native Tibetans. There’s plenty of time to explore the town - take a guided visit to the Labrang Monastery, a popular...
Xiahe - Liujiaxia. This morning we visit the famous Bingling Si Caves, located along the Yellow River. The main attraction of the site is the centrepiece Maitreya Buddha statue. This 27m-tall statue is dug into the cliff. However, there are over 180 caves and more tha...
Liujiaxia - Zhangye. Today is a travel day as we head towards the beautiful Zhangye Rainbow Mountains. We find a suitable spot to camp along the route.
Zhangye - Jiayuguan. Today we drive to the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains. This incredible mountain range has earned its name because of the colours of the rocks in the area. Tectonic movement has led to the deposits of sandstone and minerals over the l...
Jiayuguan - Dunhuang. On day 11 we visit Jiayuguan Fort. This impressive fortress marks the western starting point for the legendary Great Wall of China. Construction on this mudbrick section of the wall began in 1372 CE and took around 170 years to complete. The fort...
Dunhuang - Turpan. On day 13 we have a long drive to the Turpan Basin, the hottest place in China. Average temperatures in summer can easily reach over 30° Celsius but the lack of humidity makes the heat bearable. The oasis town of Turpan was a crucial stop for trader...
Turpan - Urumqi. On day 15 we leave Turpan and drive to Urumqi, the capital of the province of Xinjiang. We’ll spend two nights here and on day 16 we visit nearby Heavenly Lake. This dazzling lake is surrounded by mountains and is one of the most beautiful spots in the region. There will be opportunities for walking in the area and possibly boating on the lake.
Urumqi - Korle - Aksu. On day 17 we say goodbye to Urumqi and begin our drive through the 250,000 square kilometre Taklamakan Desert. Some Uyghur sources claim that the name “Taklamakan” translates to “once you get in, you'll never get out” due to the size and remoten...
Aksu - Kashgar. On day 19 we journey to Kashgar, once an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. During our three days in the city there's an included visit to the animal market and the sprawling Sunday Bazaar. Optional activities in Kashgar include a visit to the Id...
Today we have a short meeting to explain the next few days in Kyrgyzstan. We then enjoy an included hike to the impressive Shipton's Arch, the largest natural archway in the world. We then return to Kashgar for the evening.
Kashgar - Tash Rabat (Kyrgyzstan). On day 23 we have a full day's drive over the scenic Torugart Pass into Kyrgyzstan. We'll camp near the famous Tash Rabat caravanserai, which is one of the most well preserved caravanserais on the Silk Road. There's plenty of time to...
Tash Rabat - Kochkor or Naryn. Today we drive to the small village of Kochkor. We check in to our small, family-run guesthouses - this is a great experience and you'll get to meet the local people. We also visit the village museum and a women’s felt making cooperative...
Kochkor or Naryn - Bishkek. On day 26 we arrive in the friendly Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. The rest of today and tomorrow is free to explore the city. Perhaps browse the vibrant Osh bazaar or head to the central Ala-Too Square. We may be joined by new travellers for the...
Bishkek - Chong Kemin. We head out of Bishkek on day 28 - we may need to return to organise Uzbekistan visas for some of the group, so the next couple of days need to be fairly flexible. We will most likely spend the next two nights camping in the Ala Archa Nati...
Chong Kemin - Karakol. We drive to the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kol this morning, where we can admire the ancient petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata. After our visit here, we continue to the Russian-style town of Karakol, where the afternoon is free to explore. Perhaps pay a visit to the beautiful Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Karakol - Jeti Oguz. On day 31 we have a scenic drive up into the mountains of the Jeti Oguz region, dominated by towering red sandstone cliffs. The next day is free to explore this picturesque corner of Kyrgyzstan. Hike in the hills and mountains or opt for a horse-riding excursion with some local nomads. We’ll camp in the area for these two nights (weather permitting).
Jeti Oguz - Kochkor. Today we drive to the small village of Kochkor, stopping en route to watch a demonstration from a local eagle hunter, whose well-trained birds are used to catch wild animals for their skins and meat. On arrival in Kochkor, we check in to our...
Kochkor - Song Kol Lake. On day 34 we drive to shimmering Song Kol Lake, where we base ourselves for the next two nights. Song Kol is a remote and peaceful lake set in stunning scenery - Kyrgyzstan in all of its glory. We’ll stay in traditional felt yurts and experien...
Song Kol Lake - Kyrgyz Fergana Valley. We spend the next three days overlanding through the Kyrgyz Fergana Valley towards Arslanbob. We’ll make frequent stops to hike in the stunning mountain region and will camp in suitable spots on the route. Please note: If...
Kyrgyz Fergana Valley - Arslanbob. Today we finally arrive in the picturesque village of Arslanbob. There's free time to relax after a long few days of overlanding. Perhaps take a stroll in the famous walnut forest, the largest walnut grove in the world - the walnut was Kyrgyzstan's first known export to Europe.
Arslanbob - Fergana (Uzbekistan). We say goodbye to the mountainous country of Kyrgyzstan today, crossing the border into neighbouring Uzbekistan. Our drive takes us to the city of Fergana, where the evening is at leisure.
Fergana - Kokand - Tashkent. Day 41 sees us journey to Kokand, where we’ll visit the Khudayar Khan’s Palace and the Margilan Silk Factory. Traditional methods are still used here in the production of this famous textile. After exploring Kokand, we cross over the...
Tashkent - Samarkand. On day 43 we head towards the jewel in Uzbekistan's crown - the incredible Silk Road city of Samarkand. On arrival, the evening is free to head out and explore. We enjoy a guided tour of Samarkand on day 44, taking in highlights including th...
Samarkand - Nurata. Today we say goodbye to Samarkand and head into the striking Nurata Hills. Opt for a refreshing dip in Lake Ajdar Kul before we drive into the Kyzylkhum Desert. There’s an optional camel ride over the rolling dunes of the desert and we spend the night in yurts near the town of Nurata.
Nurata - Bukhara. We head out of the desert on day 47, reaching the beautiful and historic Silk Road city of Bukhara, where we'll be staying for the next three nights. We make a quick stop in Nurata en route. On day 48 we enjoy a guided tour of Bukhara, taking in...
Bukhara - Khiva. On day 50 we say goodbye to Bukhara and embark on a long drive to the welcoming city of Khiva. The next day there’s a guided tour of the city, taking in highlights including the incredible city walls, the turquoise Kalta Minor Minaret and the blue pal...
Khiva - Kunye Urgench (Turkmenistan). Today we leave Uzbekistan behind and cross the border into the closed off country of Turkmenistan. Browse the markets in the border town of Dashoguz before we explore the Kunye Urgench ruins towards the end of the day. Once ...
Kunye Urgench - Darvaza Gas Crater. We continue our journey through the desert today, reaching the incredible Darvaza Gas Crater, known locally as the 'Door to Hell'. The crater was created by accident in 1971 when Soviet oil drillers released gas into the atmos...
Darvaza Gas Crater - Ashgabat. On day 54 we complete our drive to Turkmenistan's bizarre capital city of Ashgabat. The city holds the world record for the highest concentration of marble clad buildings anywhere in the world. On day 55 we embark on a minibus tour...
Ashgabat - Turkmenbashi. Today we have a long drive across Turkmenistan to Turkmenbashi, on the Caspian Sea Coast. If we have time, we'll visit the spectacular Kow Ata Underground Lake on the way. Please note: Our itinerary in Turkmenbashi and over the Caspian...
Turkmenbashi - Baku (Azerbaijan). Today we will hopefully be able to board the ferry across the Caspian Sea to Baku, Azerbaijan. The ferry is a fantastic local experience but please do not expect any luxury whatsoever. These ferries are budget vessels for the locals and cargo hauliers, and are not designed with travellers in mind. There will generally only be seats available for the crossing.
After we've disembarked in Baku, we'll arrive at our hotel. The next few days are free to explore Baku as you please. The oil-rich city is an amazing contrast of the old and new, with glistening skyscrapers contrasting against the old architecture such as the famous M...
Baku - Lahij. This morning we drive to Gobustan, the region known for its bubbling mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs. After exploring this site, we continue to Lahij, an ancient mountain settlement which is famous for its copper and arms production. Explore the site at leisure and camp with facilities tonight.
Lahij - Sheki. Leaving Lahij, we travel to the old city of Sheki. There's an included visit to the exquisite Khan's Palace before we arrive at our hotel for the night. The hotel has been constructed in an old Silk Road caravanserai and you'll feel like a weary merchant as you settle down to sleep tonight.
Sheki - Lagodekhi National Park (Georgia). Today we say goodbye to Azerbaijan and cross into Georgia. We'll spend the night camping in the lush scenery of Lagodekhi National Park, which is located fairly close to the border.
Lagodekhi National Park - Telavi. We head into the Alazani Valley on day 65 and visit the impressive Gremi Citadel en route to the famous wine producing town of Telavi. We'll be basing ourselves in this wine region for the next couple of days. Day 66 sees us exp...
Telavi - Stepantsminda. Leaving Telavi behind, we drive to the town of Stepantsminda, which is nestled in beautiful scenery. During our stay here we’ll enjoy a trek up to the tiny Tsminda Sameba Church, which is hidden away in the rolling hills and mountains of the Georgian Caucasus. There’s also an optional cooking class where you can learn how to make delicious Georgian kinkhalis (meatballs).
Stepantsminda - Mtskheta. This morning is free to unwind in Stepantsminda or hike up to the Tsminda Sameba Church if there wasn't time yesterday. Later, we drive to the charming town of Mtskheta. Here we can visit the beautiful 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Mtskheta - Vardzia. We head out of Mtskheta and make our way to Borjomi National Park. Enjoy a short hike in the ancient forest and opt to ride a cable car up the mountain before we continue to the incredible Vardzia cave city. First inhabited during the Bronze ...
Vardzia - Armenian Highlands (Armenia). This morning we explore Vardzia if there wasn't time yesterday. We then set off for the Armenian border, finding a suitable spot to camp in the incredible scenery of the Armenian Highlands once we have crossed.
Armenian Highlands - Yerevan. On day 71 we visit the Khor Virap Monastery, near the Turkish border. This important pilgrimage site is set in the shadow of Mt Ararat and on a clear day there will be incredible views of the snow-capped peak. After our visit we continue ...
Yerevan - Lake Sevan. Setting off from Yerevan, our first stop is the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, which has been carved out of the rock face of the Azat River Gorge. We continue to the impressive Graeco-Roman Garni Temple, a beautiful temple which wouldn't look o...
Lake Sevan - Tbilisi (Georgia). Today we cross back into Georgia and pass through the amazing scenery of Dilijan National Park to reach Tbilisi, Georgia's endearing capital city. The rest of today is free to explore the quaint Old City as you please. Consider heading up to Narikala Fortress for amazing views over Tbilisi.
Tbilisi - Gori - Kutaisi. This morning we set off from Tbilisi and head to Gori, the Georgian city that is famous as the birthplace of former Soviet leader Josef Stalin. There's a guided tour of the city and an included visit to the Stalin Museum, where you'll learn m...
Kutaisi - Batumi. Today we drive to the hospitable port city of Batumi. Sitting on the Black Sea coast, Batumi is a popular summer getaway destination for Georgians and travellers alike. There’s free time to explore the city and an optional visit to the Batumi Archaeo...
Batumi - Sumela (Turkey). Today we say goodbye to Georgia and the Caucasus, as we cross into Turkey, the last of the eight amazing countries on our Silk Road adventure. We make our way to the incredible Sumela Monastery, which clings to rugged cliffs 1,200m up. ...
Sumela - Zara. Today we have a full day's drive through central Turkey towards the magical landscape of Cappadocia. We break the journey at the village of Zara, where we camp.
Zara - Goreme. On day 79 we arrive at the small town of Goreme, nestled in the heart of the magical Cappadocia Mountains. During our two days here we’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in this enchanting subterranean landscape. Explore the underground city of Kaymakli and th...
Goreme - Egirdir. Today we leave Cappadocia behind and continue south towards Egirdir, finding a suitable camping spot en route.
Egirdir - Termessos - Olympos. On day 82 we drive to the impressive Pisidian ruins of Termessos, which sit at an altitude of more than 1,000m. After exploring the site, we continue towards Olympos, where we'll be spending the next two nights. Olympos is a popula...
Olympos - Pamukkale. Driving inland, we reach the small village of Pamukkale, which is famous for its mineral rich hot springs and white terraced travertines. Take a walk along these beautiful terraces and opt for a dip in the thermal springs. Tonight, we will either camp near Pamukkale or stay in a local hotel.
Pamukkale - Selcuk. On day 85 we drive to our next destination, Selcuk. We'll be spending the next two nights here. The evening is free to relax in one of the many tea bars in the area. The next day sees us exploring the legendary marble ruins of Ephesus, includ...
Selcuk - Troy - Eceabat. Today we drive along the coast to the ruins of the fabled city of Troy. See the replica Trojan Horse here before we board the ferry to cross the Dardenelles, arriving in Eceabat this afternoon.
Eceabat - Gallipoli - Istanbul. This morning we drive to the Gallipoli peninsula. Here we’ll take a guided tour of the region and can pay our respects at some of the WW1 battlefields and memorials. We’ll also visit ANZAC Cove, the site of some of the fiercest fighting...
Today your incredible Silk Road adventure comes to an end. We've spent three months exploring China, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Turkey, getting off the beaten track in this incredible part of the world. Speak to a member of the Sales team if you wish to book extra accommodation in Istanbul.
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What's excluded
- International flights and visas
- Items of a personal nature, additional meals and drinks
- Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
- Sleeping bag and roll mat - please bring your own for camping
- Local payment - $3200pp, paid in USD
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