Central Silk Route

Bishkek - Ashgabat

30 days through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

FROM: $4700 USD

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Jeep, Russian Bus

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary, Local Crew Member in certain areas

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 10 nights
Wild Camp 7 nights
Basic Hotel 5 nights
Homestay 2 nights
Yurt Camp 3 nights
Camping without facilities 2 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 26, Lunches x 9, Dinners x 12

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

AKY

Deposit:

$290 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

If there are two, must see Central Asian countries on the Silk Route, they are Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan; two very different destinations with a mutual history stretching from antiquity to the days of the Soviet Union.

Uzbekistan is the more visited of the two, because of its fabulous culture and Islamic architectural splendour. The cities of Khiva, Bukhara and fabled Samarkand are really unrivalled. Each has its own unique flavour, history and monuments. The sheer grandeur and colour of Samarkand make it peerless, whereas the quiet beauty of Bukhara and the tranquillity of Khiva make both unmissable.

Kyrgyzstan is about the vast mountains, valleys and lakes of the Tian Shan Mountains and the nomadic horsemen that live there, who become our hosts and guides. It's a wonderful place for hiking and riding. Add in the deserts of Turkmenistan and the bizarre Darvaza Crater and you have an epic journey.

HIGHLIGHTS

Overland through Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley in local transport

See the silk-weavers of the Fergana Valley

Stay in traditional felt yurts at the incredible Song KÃ¶l Lake

Experience the daily life of the Kyrgyz mountain shepherds

See a demonstration from a traditional eagle hunter near Kochkor

Learn how Kyrgyz carpets and hats are typically made

Trek into the wilds of the Jeti-Oghuz Gorge

Walk around the incredible scenery of the Chong Kemin valley

Relax in the picturesque city of Bishkek

Explore the unique Turkmen capital of Ashgabat on a guided tour

WHAT TO EXPECT

An easy relaxed pace with plenty of hotels, yurt home stays and beautiful wild camps. Off the beaten track travel, day hikes and horse riding mixed with city and cultural tours to make this a well balanced and fascinating journey.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

See an incredible demonstration from a traditional eagle hunter near Kochkor

See the traditional felt workshops or Kochkor and learn about how Kyrgyz carpets and hats are typically made here

See the silk-weavers of the Fergana Valley at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory

Explore the stunning plaza of The Registan a world-famous and iconic symbol of Central Asia

Learn about the area's scientific heritage with a visit to the 15th-century Ulug Beg Observatory once the finest observatory in the Islamic world

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Bishkek (28th June 2021)

Border Information: if joining in Bishkek, you will most likely enter Kyrgyzstan at Bishkek Manas International Airport (IATA code: FRU).

There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will need to carefully check your visas at this initial meeting.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore this relaxed and atmospheric city.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Bishkek before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Bishkek.

*Important note - do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*

*Another important note - please be aware that all itineraries in Kyrgyzstan are highly weather-dependent. The itinerary described in these notes are a statement of best intention, but we must approach each trip in Kyrgyzstan with a large degree of flexibility, as our leaders and local guides will have to 'play things by ear' according to the local conditions and weather. In low season certain routes become impossible and it may become far too cold to camp - in all cases there are fantastic and well-tried alternatives in place which means we can always run an excellent and comprehensive trip here, but please do not treat the exact details of the itinerary listed here as gospel - thanks for your understanding!*

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Freely explore the vast Osh Bazaar Bishkek's largest market

Entrance: Free

Explore Bishkek\'s past at the State Historical Museum on Ala-Too Square

Entrance: 150 KGS

Day 2 - Chong Kemin Valley (29th June 2021)

Today we will begin our journey to Chong Kemin National Park, where we will have free time to explore and hike in this beautiful area, or to get involved in an optional white water rafting excursion.

In Chong Kemin we will wild camp. If it is too cold or simply preferred by the group, we may choose to camp in the grounds of a guesthouse in Ashu, a village in the Chong Kemin valley, where there could be the possibility to upgrade to rooms.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 3 - Chong Kemin Valley (30th June 2021)

We will have a free day to explore and hike in this stunning area today or perhaps get involved in an optional white water rafting excursion!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Explore the beautiful Chong Kemin valley on horseback

2 Hour Horse Ride: 1,000 KGS

Head out on a white-water rafting adventure through the stunning Chong Kemin valley

Rafting: 1,800 KGS

Day 4 - Karakol (1st July 2021)

Today we will drive to the northern shore of Lake Issyk Köl and visit the ancient petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata. We will then continue to the Russian-style town of Karakol, where we will have a free evening to explore and relax!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 5 - Jeti-Oguz Valley (2nd July 2021)

Today we drive up into the mountains to the alpine trekking region of Jeti Oguz.

Please note that on trips in the low season we may not be able to camp in Jeti Oguz due to low temperatures. If this is the case, we will take a stunning and incredible drive up a mountain in a Russian 4x4 truck to Altyn Arashan, a hot spring development in a stunning alpine setting, staying in dormitory accommodation. We will then stay for 1 night in a local hotel at the base of Jeti Oguz Valley (allowing time for some day walks).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 6 - Jeti-Oguz Valley (3rd July 2021)

We will have a 2nd night here in Jeti Oguz with a chance to hike in the incredible scenery here, or take an optional horse ride with some of the local nomads.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Explore the incredible mountain landscapes of the Jeti Oguz Valley by horseback

Horse per day: 1,000 KGS

Trek into the wilds of the Jeti-Oghuz Gorge on the edge of the Tian Shan mountains

Full Day hike: Free

Day 7 - Kochkor (4th July 2021)

This morning we will drive to the small village of Kochkor, where we stay in local family-run guesthouses and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz hospitality! En route we will have an included demonstration from a local 'eagle hunter'.

Whilst here we will visit a small museum and women's felt making cooperative that produces 'shyrdaks', the felt carpets for which Kyrgyzstan is renowned. We may also have the opportunity here to see some excellent local musicians playing traditional Kyrgyz folk music and to see how a yurt is put up!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Daily Activities

Included Activities

See an incredible demonstration from a traditional eagle hunter near Kochkor

Included

See the traditional felt workshops or Kochkor and learn about how Kyrgyz carpets and hats are typically made here

Included

Optional Activities

Visit a folklore demonstration near Kockhor where you can learn all about the handicrafts of the area see a fantastic outdoor concert of traditional music and help to erect a yurt!

Folklore Demo: 1,000 KGS

Day 8 - Son-Kol Lake (5th July 2021)

Today we will drive to the incredible Song Köl Lake, where we will spend the next two nights.

We will have free time here to explore the area, and to enjoy some optional activities including hiking or horse-riding!

Please note that trips during the low season will not be able to visit Song Köl Lake, as temperatures will be below freezing, the road will be snowed over, and there will be no yurts to stay in! Instead we will likely stay in yurts on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Köl.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 9 - Son-Kol Lake (6th July 2021)

On our 2nd day in Song Kul Lake we have free time to explore the area, and to enjoy some optional activities including hiking or horse-riding!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Explore Song Kol Lake by horseback

2 Hour Horse Ride: 1,200 KGS

Day 10 - Kyrgyz Fergana Valley (7th July 2021)

We will spend the next 3 days overlanding through the stunning and remote Kyrgyz Fergana Valley, stopping often to admire the views and perhaps take some impromptu hikes in the hills and countryside.

During these days we plan to wild camp en route. Please note that trips running in low season (May to mid-June and October to November), we may not be able to camp if temperatures are too low, in which case we will stay in local guesthouses along the route instead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 11 - Kyrgyz Fergana Valley (8th July 2021)

We will have another day of scenic driving as we make our way to our second wild camp near Toktugal Lake

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 12 - Arslanbob (9th July 2021)

Today we will complete our drive to Arslanbob in Kyrgyzstan's Fergana Valley - if we have had a slow journey in the previous days with lots of stops, we may choose to stay in the closer town of Jalalabad instead.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 13 - Arslanbob (10th July 2021)

Today we have a free day to explore the local area. There will be options to do an all day hike to a big waterfall or alternatively do an optional horseride through the Walnut Forest

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Homestay

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Hike through the beautiful Walnut Forest

Walking Tour: 1,000 KGS

Day 14 - Fergana Valley (11th July 2021)

Border information: Exit Kyrgyzstan at Dustlik, enter Uzbekistan at Andijon.

Today we will have a full day's drive across the Uzbek border to the eastern city of Fergana.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 15 - Tashkent (12th July 2021)

This morning we travel in local transport to Kokand, where we will have the oppurtunity to visit the Khudayar Khan's Palace and the nearby Margilan Silk Factory before completing the journey over the Kamchik Pass to Tashkent, the Uzbek capital.

The truck must pass over the Kamchik Pass without passengers and will rejoin us this evening in Tashkent.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Daily Activities

Included Activities

See the silk-weavers of the Fergana Valley at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory

Included

Optional Activities

Explore the impressive 19th-century Juma Mosque in Kokand in the stunning Fergana Valley

Entrance: 1,500 UZS

Day 16 - Tashkent (13th July 2021)

Border Information: if joining in Tashkent, you will most likely enter Uzbekistan at Tashkent International Airport (IATA code: TAS).

We will then have a free afternoon to explore the Uzbek capital of Tashkent.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Tashkent before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Tashkent.

*Important note - any tobacco products are practically illegal in Turkmenistan, so please do not bring them or use them in Turkmenistan. Also please do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Tashkent Chorsu Bazaar

Entrance: Free

Visit the religious centre of Tashkent at Hast Imam Square and see the Uthman Koran, believed to be the world\'s oldest extant copy of the Koran

Entrance: 45,000 UZS

Take in an opera performance at the neoclassical Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Entrance: 30,000 UZS

Day 17 - Samarkand (14th July 2021)

Today our journey begins with a drive to the fascinating ancient city of Samarkand, where we will stay for the next 3 nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 18 - Samarkand (15th July 2021)

Today we will have a guided tour of the incredible historic city of Samarkand and the surrounding area, including the Registan, Ulug Beg Observatory, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Shah-I-Zinda.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Explore the stunning plaza of The Registan a world-famous and iconic symbol of Central Asia

Included

Learn about the area's scientific heritage with a visit to the 15th-century Ulug Beg Observatory once the finest observatory in the Islamic world

Included

Day 19 - Samarkand (16th July 2021)

We will have a free day today with the chance to wander the streets and delve into this beautiful city and its history further.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 20 - Kyzylkhum Desert (17th July 2021)

Today we will drive into the Kyzylkhum Desert near the town of Nurata. In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to take a swim in Lake Ajdar Kul and head out on an optional camel ride into the desert!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 21 - Bukhara (18th July 2021)

Today we will drive to the beautiful city of Bukhara, where will spend the next 3 nights. Our drive will take us via the desert town of Nurata, which we will have a brief stop.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 22 - Bukhara (19th July 2021)

Today we will have a guided tour of Bukhara and the surrounding area, including the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Kalon Mosque, Zindon Prison and the Ark Fortress.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Discover the ruins of the ancient 5th-century fortress of the Bukhara Ark

Included

Visit the magnificent 16th-centrury architectural ensemble surrounding the Lyab-i Hauz ponds, once the city\'s principal source of water

Included

Day 23 - Bukhara (20th July 2021)

Spend the day exploring this incredible historic city and its surroundings further and soaking up the atmosphere.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

See the Indian-style Char Minar Minarets four towers nestled in a maze of alleyways in downtown Bukhara

Entrance: 8,500 UZS

Visit the gruesome museum at the old prison of Zindon

Entrance: 4,500 UZS

Day 24 - Khiva (21st July 2021)

Today we have a full day drive to the incredible historic town of Khiva.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 25 - Khiva (22nd July 2021)

After breakfast we have a guided tour of the ancient city of Khiva. In the afternoon we will have plenty of free time to further explore this wonderfully preserved Khanate town.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Guided City Tour of Khiva

Included

Explore the incredibly photogenic blue palace of Tash Khovli in Khiva

Included

Optional Activities

See the beautiful turquoise Kalta Minor Minaret one of the iconic symbols of Khiva

Entrance: Free

Day 26 - Kunye Urgench (23rd July 2021)

Border Information: Exit Uzbekistan at Nijazov, enter Turkmenistan at Shovot.

This morning we will drive across the border into Turkmenistan, visit the markets in the border town of Dashoguz, and explore the Kunye Urgench ruins towards the end of the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Overland into the green Oxus Valley to the ancient ruined city of Kunye Urgench

Included

Day 27 - Darvaza (24th July 2021)

Today we continue south through the Karakum Desert. We will have an included side trip to the amazing flaming Darvaza Gas Crater (also known as the 'Door to Hell'!).

We will wild camp in the deserts near Darvaza Crater tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Daily Activities

Included Activities

See the bizarre and incredible burning gas crater at Darvaza popularly known as the 'Door to Hell'

Included

Day 28 - Ashgabat (25th July 2021)

Today we will complete our drive to the interesting capital of Ashgabat, usually arriving mid-afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 29 - Ashgabat (26th July 2021)

Today we will have an included tour of the city of Ashgabat using local minibuses.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Explore the unique and bizarre Turkmen capital of Ashgabat on a guided tour of the city

Included

Optional Activities

See a myriad of incredible and impressive hand-woven carpets in the Ashgabat Carpet Museum (if open)

Entrance: 10 USD

Learn about the history and culture of Turkmenistan at the huge National Museum in Ashgabat

Entrance: 10 USD

Day 30 - Ashgabat (27th July 2021)

Border Information: if finishing in Ashgabat, you wil most likely exit Turkmenistan at Ashgabat International Airport (IATA code: ASB).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Ashgabat. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

28 Jun 21 Bishkek

27 Jul 21 Ashgabat

$4,715 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

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Duration: 30 days Booking Closed

08 Jul 21 Ashgabat

06 Aug 21 Bishkek

$4,700 USD

Status: Closed

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Duration: 30 days Booking Closed

25 Jul 21 Ashgabat

23 Aug 21 Bishkek

$4,700 USD

Status: Closed

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Duration: 30 days Booking Closed

23 Aug 21 Bishkek

21 Sep 21 Ashgabat

$4,715 USD

Status: Closed

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Duration: 30 days Booking Closed

13 Sep 21 Bishkek

12 Oct 21 Ashgabat

$4,715 USD

Status: Closed

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Duration: 30 days Booking Closed

17 Apr 22 Ashgabat

16 May 22 Bishkek

$4,885 USD

Status: Closed

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Duration: 30 days Booking Closed

01 May 22 Ashgabat

30 May 22 Bishkek

$4,885 USD

Status: Open

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Duration: 30 days Add to basket

29 May 22 Ashgabat

27 Jun 22 Bishkek

$4,885 USD

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27 Jun 22 Bishkek

26 Jul 22 Ashgabat

$4,895 USD

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09 Jul 22 Ashgabat

07 Aug 22 Bishkek

$4,885 USD

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24 Jul 22 Ashgabat

22 Aug 22 Bishkek

$4,885 USD

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22 Aug 22 Bishkek

20 Sep 22 Ashgabat

$4,895 USD

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Duration: 30 days Add to basket

12 Sep 22 Bishkek

11 Oct 22 Ashgabat

$4,895 USD

Status: Closed

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Duration: 30 days Booking Closed

REVIEWS

Abbie B

Everything about my Drago experience from my initial chat with the office, to the booking, to the holiday itself and the crew was excellent.

June (ann) M

It was all I expected. It was my first.

Paul S

I liked the combination of both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in terms of culture and nature.

Emma G

The four weeks I spent on this trip in Central Asia were some of the best days of my life so far. 100% would recommend.

Peter C

Wonderful trip that was well organised and flexible enough to may changes if required. Crew were excellent and we had a great people to travel with.

Deborah H

Yet again loved the trip. Particularly enjoyed Samarkand and the remoteness of Kyrgyzstan esecially Song Kul lake.

Judith H

Great trip - enjoyed Kyrgyzstan

David C

Travelling through Kyrgyzstan was by far the most scenic and interesting.

Nitish U

A fantastic trip overall with the most incredible facilitation through some magical locations. Well paced sections of the trip, lots to experience and a great time on Helena. Kyrgyzstan was stunning, especially the bush camping locations which were out of this world. The itinerary was well paced and allowed equal amounts of rest and active time which was much appreciated given the physical exertions on tour. Song Kol and Issy Kol locations were magical but also really enjoyed the hotel in Samarkand for a breather!

Beng Y

I had a very good time travelling with Dragoman

Yvonne D

Very happy with the itinerary, the crew and the whole experience.

Claudia M

Enjoyed most Khiva, Bukhara, all of Kyrgyzstan

Paul W

I enjoyed the mountains of krygerstan and the culture of uzbekistan . Turkmenistan was also another diverse look at Central Asia

Barbara F

Everything was very well organized.

Peter N

Overall I enjoyed the trip, both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. I welcomed the opportunity to do a good deal of walking and camping/yurt stays in Kyrgyzstan which is such an underrated country. I also enjoyed the education I received about the culture and history of Uzbekistan.

Philip O

Enjoyed wild camps and scenery in Kyrgyzstan and the spectacular settings of the historic sites in Uzbekistan.

Grant F

The first two weeks in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan was much better than the two weeks in Kyrgyzstan but excellent overall.

Victoria S

I had the best time ever on this trip, I made some good friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Peter J

Love overland trips!

Rosemary B

Outstanding trip, I was very impressed with Dragoman, in particular our crew, Lynsey and Tim.

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Central Silk Route

Bishkek - Ashgabat

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