The network of routes known as The Silk Road have contributed to the exchange of goods and ideas between diverse cultures for over 1,500 years.
Within this varied landscape you’ll encounter traditional villages, ancient towns, and magnificent cities connected by time-worn trading routes. Throughout history, vast armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, philosophers, explorers, and traders have traversed these roads.
Explore the cultural diversity and breathtaking scenery of the ‘Five Stans’ of Central Asia on this journey along The Silk Road.
Explore the architecturally stunning cities of Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand in Uzbekistan, witness the canyons and lakes of Kazakhstan, immerse yourself in the mountains and culture of Kyrgyzstan, experience the natural way of life in Tajikistan, and discover the ancient desert city of Merv in Turkmenistan.
Fables of the Silk Road
Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
Length: 29 Days
Departs: Auckland: 17 Sept, 2024
Cost: From NZ$16,550 per person
Fully Escorted by World Journeys
Journey Highlights
- Experience the stunning and diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan.
- Visit ancient mosques and Orthodox churches in Kyrgyzstan.
- Marvel at the wonderful intricate architecture of Uzbekistan.
- Explore Central Asia’s largest oriental bazaar at Payshanba in Khujand, Tajikistan.
- Follow in the footsteps of Tamerlane through the mighty cities of Samarkand, Bhukara and Tashkent.
- Bask in the opulence of Ashgabat and the history of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.
Special Experiences
See the extraordinary Dzhety-Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan
This 37 km long ridge of bright red rocks dotted with waterfalls is a spectacular sight.
Experience traditional cuisine
Enjoy tasting regional specialties made by locals in a yurt.
Chat with exceptional artisans in Fergana
See how the magnificent Khan Atlas silk is produced.
Vibrant markets and bazaars
Explore the array of fresh food and exquisite handicrafts.
The beautifully preserved medieval town of Khiva
Explore this remarkable town, its magnificent Juma mosque and caravanserai.
Tour Inclusions
- Economy Class flights from Auckland
- Airline and airport taxes
- Accommodation in 4 star hotels (or best available)
- Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Transport by air, road and train as per itinerary
- Meals as indicated (B-L-D)
- A World Journeys host
- Gratuities – tipping will be managed by your host.
Not Included
- Visas (supporting documentation will be supplied.)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
Itinerary
Tues Sept 17: Depart Auckland for Dubai
Fly from Auckland to Dubai. On arrival transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Wed Sept 18: Dubai, then Kazakhstan (B)
Morning city tour of Dubai. Evening transfer to the airport for the flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Thurs Sept 19: Almaty (B, D)
Arrive in the early hours and transfer to the hotel for immediate check in. Later this morning enjoy sightseeing of Almaty with its backdrop of the snowcapped Zailiysky Alatau. Spend some time at leisure and in the late afternoon, then enjoy a traditional falconry experience with dinner and music.
Fri Sept 20: Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes (B, L, D)
Drive to Charyn Canyon, a unique natural wonder formed around 12 million years ago. Picnic lunch before continuing to the Kolsai Lakes to check in to your simple guest house.
Sat Sept 21: Kaindy Lake, then Almaty (B, L, D)
Arrive at stunningly beautiful Kaindy Lake. Explore and enjoy lunch before returning to Almaty.
Sun Sept 22: Almaty, then Bishkek (B, D)
Visit Kok-Tobe Hill on the outskirts of town for panoramic views over Almaty. This evening fly to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).
Mon Sept 23: Bishkek to Kajissay (B, D)
Drive to Kajissay on the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, stopping en route at the Burana Tower.
Tues Sept 24: Kajissay, Dzhety Oguz and Karakol (B, L, D)
Visit Dzhety Oguz gorge to enjoy a waterfall walk and lunch at a yurt camp. Continue to Karakol and visit a mosque and 19th century wooden Orthodox church before checking in to your hotel.
Wed Sept 25: Karakol and Altyn Arashan (B, D)
Climb aboard a military 4WD vehicle for the drive to Altyn Arashan gorge to visit the thermal wells. Return to Karakol for overnight.
Thurs Sept 26: Karakol to Bishkek, with Cholpon-Ata (B, D)
Drive along the northern shores of Issyk-Kul to Bishkek, visiting the Ruh-Ordo historic centre in Cholpon-Ata en route.
Fri Sept 27: Osh and Fergana (B, D)
Morning flight to Osh for a short visit. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the Fergana Valley. Enjoy a dinner of local specialties in a chayhana (tea room).
Sat Sept 28: Fergana and Margilan (B, D)
Morning sightseeing in Fergana, the garden city, known for its exceptional crafts and artisans and its kaleidoscopic bazaars. Continue to Margilan to see how the magnificent Uzbek material of Khan-Atlas is produced in a silk weaving factory. Dinner this evening is traditional national cuisine.
Sun Sept 29: Rishtan and Tashkent (B, D)
Drive across the Kamchik Pass, stopping at Rishtan, famous for its brilliant blue glazed pottery. Continue to Kokand, one of Uzbekistan’s most ancient towns and once an important trade centre on the Silk Road. Enjoy a tour of the city before continuing to Tashkent.
Mon Sept 30: Tashkent to Khujand (B, D)
Drive to the Uzbek-Tajik border and to Khujand (Tajikistan). Visit the museum and the city’s 7th-century fortification, then explore Payshanba oriental bazaar, the largest in Central Asia.
Tues Oct 1: Istaravshan and Iskanderkul (B, D)
Drive to Iskanderkul via Istaravshan. Visit Mug Tepa in Ura-Tube, one of the ancient settlements of Tajikistan. Explore the Khazrati Shoh complex and continue to Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great. Explore the five springs, Zmeinoe Lake (Snake Lake), and the Fan Niagara waterfalls.
Wed Oct 2: Penjikent and Samarkand (B, D)
Depart for Penjikent, the birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, the father of Persian poetry. Visit the Museum of Rudak and the excavated remains at Penjikent. Proceed to Samarkand (Uzbekeistan).
Thurs Oct 3: Samarkand (B, L, D)
Explore the glorious city of Samarkand; Ulugh Beg Observatory, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and Bibi Khanym Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia, built by Tamerlane. After a traditional Plov lunch, visit the famous mausoleum of Tamerlane and Registan Square, a most spectacular architectural ensemble.
Fri Oct 4: Samarkand to Bukhara (B, D)
Visit the paper mill in Konigil and this afternoon transfer to the station for the high-speed train to Bukhara.
Sat Oct 5: Bukhara (B, D)
A full day to explore this wonderful city, the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia. Explore the city, including Samonid’s Mausoleum, Ark Citadel, Minaret Kalan Complex, trading domes and the architectural ensemble of Lyabi-Hauz.
Sun Oct 6: Mary (Turkmenistan) (B, D)
Drive to the border at Farab and continue to Mary, an oasis city in the Karakum Desert.
Mon Oct 7: Mary, Merv, and Ashgabat (B, D)
Transfer to Merv, one of the main cities of the ancient Silk Road and, reputedly, once the largest city in the world. At this World Heritage site, the beautiful monuments bear witness to the city’s glorious days passed. Return to Mary, visiting the museum before an evening flight to Ashgabat.
Tues Oct 8: Ashgabat (B, D)
Visit the beautiful, World Heritage fortress of Old Nisa, at the foot of the Kopet Dag Mountains, the earliest of the Parthian Empire capitals. Visit Arkadash stud farm, home of the famous Akhal-Tekke horses, one of the oldest breeds in existence. Return to Ashgabat, visit the Russian market and see the rare collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets at the National Museum.
Wed Oct 9: Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench and Khiva (B, D)
Morning flight to Dashoguz. Drive to Kunya Urgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm, which was part of the Achaemenid Empire. Visit the mosque, the gates of the caravanserai, the fortress, mausoleum and minaret. Lunch back in Dashoguz before we cross the Uzbek border for Khiva (Uzbekistan).
Thurs Oct 10: Khiva (B, D)
Full day exploration of the beautifully preserved, medieval town of Khiva. Enter the city gates and wander the fabled Ichon-Qala (inner walled city). Explore Kunya Ark (old citadel), the Emir’s Palace, the magnificent Juma Mosque with its 200 individually carved wooden pillars, and the caravanserai.
Fri Oct 11: Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala and Nukus (B, D)
Travel to the ancient fortress of Ayaz-Kala, one of the largest surviving castle fortresses of the Khorezm region. Visit Toprak-Kala before travelling to Nukus. Visit the Igor Savitsky Museum, with the world’s second largest collection of Russian avant-garde art.
Sat Oct 12: Nukus (B, D)
This morning is at leisure until our flight to Tashkent.
Sun Oct 13: Tashkent (B, D)
Explore Uzbekistan’s 2,000-year-old capital. A city of fascinating contradictions, with Soviet-style architecture and traditional mud-walled houses, and rich in museums, mosques and impressive monuments. Visit the Khast-Imam Islamic complex, the Museum of Applied Arts, the History Museum and Amir Timur Square. Later explore the Tashkent metro, where each station is uniquely decorated. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening before a very late transfer to the airport.
Mon Oct 14: Tashkent to Dubai to Auckland
An early departure to Dubai to connect with your onward flight to Auckland. Overnight on the flight
Tues Oct 15: Arrive New Zealand
Your flight arrives in Auckland mid-morning.
