DESCRIPTION:

At the heart of the Silk Road, the "Five ‘Stans" are woven into the fabric of Central Asia together with their successive conquerors, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Tamerlane; and colored with the influence of the Islamic world, the West, and Russia. Merchants of every stripe have passed through here, bringing with them exotic goods, sweeping belief systems, and new forms of architecture, agriculture, music, and art. The surprising alpine lakes and meadows of Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan’s boisterous bazaars and gleaming modern monuments, Uzbekistan’s saturated blue Silk Road oases, the red rock formations of Kazakhstan, and the ancient ruins of Tajikistan make up a rich medley of cultures, natural beauty, up-to-the-minute politics, and down-to-earth, engaging people.

Travel along the Silk Road, or Silk Route, an interconnected series of ancient trade routes through various regions of the Asian continent. Extending over 5,000 miles on land and sea, this route carried trade which was a significant factor in the development of the great civilizations of China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, India, and Rome, and helped to lay the foundations for the modern world.

Begin the journey in Kazakhstan at Almaty, which sits on an old Silk Road oasis town. Travel to Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest high-altitude lake in the world surrounded by the rugged Tien Shan Mountains. During a day trip to Tajikistan, visit an archaeological site and Zoroastrian temples. Travel from Tashkent to Samarkand, perhaps the most well-known Silk Road town. A fabled oasis on the fringes of the Kyzyl Kum Desert, Samarkand has been settled since the 6th century BC. In Bukhara, explore Central Asia’s most ancient living city, which has retained an antique feel, and discover the Old Town on foot, exploring its markets, mosques, palaces, and museums. Drive along stretches of the Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sands Desert, the same route taken by loaded Silk Road camel caravans and was once plagued by brigands who plundered their riches. In Turkmenistan’s Ashkabad, experience one of the most exciting open markets of Central Asia, brimming with carpets, jewelry, and animals for sale. Lastly, visit the ancient remains of the oasis of Merv, which has supported human life for over 4,000 years and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

CONSIDER:

This trip can be shortened.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.

Please contact CuriOdyssey Travel for more details.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:

Spring and fall.