Silk Road: Central Asian Odyssey (via Son Kul)
Silk Road: Central Asian Odyssey (via Son Kul)
22 Days
Visiting: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TRE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
Tour Overview
This epic cultural journey crosses three of our favourite Central Asian countries, an area ranking amongst some of the world’s least visited and least well-known destinations, making this trip a true journey of discovery. Traversing parts of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the route offers adventure and culture in equal measure following parts of the Old Silk Road through some of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountains, lively bazaars and ancient towns.
From the stunning scenery of the Tien Shan ‘Mountains of Heaven’ - we’ll cross vast deserts and mighty rivers and experience local hospitality in homestays in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. We sample the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, discovering the remains of a bygone age but we will also experience the Central Asia of today.
For those with a sense of adventure, an interest in history and culture – and a good amount of energy – it is a trip you will remember for a very long time to come.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel
Due to the arrival of the suggested group flights (see GETTING THERE) in the early hours of DAY 2, no specific services will be provided today but rooms will be available from mid-afternoon for anyone arriving early.
Day 2: In Bishkek
Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll have a look around this small city, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals, visiting the excellent museum and taking a wander around the bustling Osh Bazaar.
Day 3: Bishkek - Son Kul (3,016M)
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey starts in earnest this morning as we begin a full day’s drive along the fertile Chuy Valley and then up through the mountains to the beautiful Son Kul. Here we will stay in a yurt camp on the side of this spectacular 3,000m glacial lake and have a chance to venture out and meet the local nomads who spend their summers here. Tonight we will have a traditional Kyrgyz nomad’s dinner replete with vodka toasts! Driving distance 360km, 6-7 hours approx.
Day 4: In Son Kul
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll be free to explore this beautiful region, either on foot or on horseback (optional and payable locally). Anyone wanting to can hang out around the camp, watching the nomads go about their traditional life or watch the extraordinarily varied bird life on the lake. There might even be a game of Kok Baru (Buzkashi) to watch in the afternoon.
Day 5: Son Kul - Tash Rabat (2,900-3,100M)
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving early this morning, we will spend the day driving towards the famous Silk Road caravanserai of Tash Rabat through one of the most spectacular regions of the Tien Shan, the Mountains of Heaven. On arrival, we’ll settle into our cosy yurts for the evening. Driving distance 230-250km, 5-6 hours approx.
Day 6: In Tash Rabat
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After exploring the 11th century caravanserai today there will be a chance to either walk or ride (optional and payable locally) through these beautiful mountains. Being so peaceful and seemingly remote, it is sometimes hard to imagine that these were once major thoroughfares for Silk Road caravans. Those wanting a more laid back day can simply walk around the lush, green valley - home to horses, yaks, sheep and, of course, nomads. Tonight we’ll have another traditional dinner in the home of our hosts.
Day 7: Tash Rabat - Kazarman
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a long drive but through some really stunning mountain scenery. We’ll stop en route for a picnic lunch and the odd photo opportunity. Arriving in the small village of Kazarman this evening, we’ll stay with a local family and enjoy some of their home-cooking. Driving distance 330km, 8-9 hours approx.
Day 8: Kazarman - Osh
Accommodation: Imenjon Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive over Kaldama Ashuu pass, which at 3062m offers some amazing views. We'll stop in Jalal-Abad for lunch with a local family and then continue on to the ancient city of Osh, where we’ll have a chance for some sightseeing this afternoon. We’ll visit Solomon’s Throne – Suleiman Too – the rock that looms over the city and is an important Muslim pilgrimage site protected by UNESCO. Tonight we’ll stay in the wonderful home of our friend Imanjan, enjoying traditional cuisine and hospitality.
Day 9: Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Accommodation: Silk Road Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we say goodbye to our Kyrgyz team and cross the border into Uzbekistan (our second ‘stan), where we drive through the Fergana Valley. This incredibly fertile region was the breadbasket of the Central Asian USSR and is still one of the wealthiest parts of the whole region. Our first stop today will be in the town of Margilon, centre of the still thriving silk trade in the area. Here we hope to see the entire silk-weaving process from cocoon to end product. We will also visit nearby Rishton,renowned for its blue and green ceramics. We continue to Kokand to spend the night.
Day 10: Kokand - Khodjent (Tajikistan)
Accommodation: Sugdiyon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Most traffic these days now leaves the Fergana Valley via a new route to Tashkent. However, we plan to stick as close as possible to the original Silk Road route by following the famous Syr Darya River into Tajikistan. After a picnic lunch by the beautiful Kairakum reservoir, we continue to the Silk Road town of Khodjent, which once played host to Alexander the Great’s armies.
Day 11: Khodjent - Fann Mountains (2,400M)
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a look around Khodjent we will continue our journey as we drive up to 2800m over the Shakristan Pass and through the 6km-long tunnel to arrive in the Fann Mountains. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty lying south of the Zarafshan River and the legendary Iskandar Kul (the lake of Alexander the Great, 2200m). Tonight we’ll stay at a guesthouse in the beautiful village of Saratog, where the scenery is totally unspoilt. Driving distance 260km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 12: In Fann Mountains
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll have a full day to explore the famed alpine scenery of this rarely visited part of Central Asia. Abounding in deep blue lakes and sporadically inhabited by Tajik pastoralists, the area is still relatively undiscovered and allows for a fascinating insight into this gem of a country
Day 13: Fann Mountains - Penjikent
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descending from the striking Fann Mountains today, you will take the four-hour drive west into the greener Zerafshan valley and on to Penjikent, one of Tajikistan's historical highlights. It is also home to Penjikent Plov, known as the best in country due to its unique local rice. This afternoon, we will visit the Ethnographic museum for an introduction to the culture and history of this ancient city before heading to the city bazaar to meet some of the locals and soak up the atmosphere. Later this afternoon, we head for the 2,000-year-old ruins of Penjikent. This Sogdian town was once home to 20,000 people during the early days of the Silk Road and in its on-site museum you can see some of the frescoes that once adorned the walls of the city's better homes. Wandering the ruined streets, you can easily imagine the well-laden caravans that would have passed this way. Notable sites here include the ruler's fortified citadel; the Shakhristan (inner walled city), that contained two Zoroastrian temples; and the Necropolis. T.
Day 14: Penjikent - Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Accommodation: Bibikhanum Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final Tajik excursion today will be en route to the Uzbek border. Sarazm is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia and yet only began being excavated in 1976 after a local man was found to have secretly discovered a bronze axe. An exciting site to visit as discovery continues, with the religion of these people from over 5,500 years ago is yet to become clear. We will then continue the short distance further to the Uzbek border before reaching the most famous of all of Silk Road cities, Samarkand.
Day 15: Samarkand
Accommodation: Bibikhanum Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We’ll enjoy a full day wandering through this incredible city, taking in such sights as the Bibi Khanym mosque, Tamerlane’s tomb and, of course, a full guided visit to the magnificent Registan.
Day 16: Samarkand - Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel Asl or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll drive along the Royal Road to Bukhara, stopping during the journey to look at the remains of an old caravanserai and to enjoy lunch. On arrival in Bukhara, we will familiarise ourselves with the town’s mellow streets and alleyways. There will be some free time before dinner this evening. Driving distance 300km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 17: In Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel Asl or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We have all morning for sightseeing today. Starting with the Ismaili Samani mausoleum, we will continue via the Jama Majid (or the mosque of forty pillars) to the Ark where Connolly and Stoddard – two luckless British officers – met their deaths while playing the Great Game. From here we will visit the historically important Zindan, followed by the Kolan Minaret and beautiful mosques and madrassas that lie beneath it. En route there is silk weaving, knife making and metal engraving. We will have the remainder of the day free for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns.
Day 18: In Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel Asl or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a second full-day in Bukhara, we’ll spend the morning visiting the SitoraiMokhi Hosa, the impressive summer residence of last Emir of Bukhara. Once more the afternoon has been left free for personal exploration of this endlessly fascinating place, which remains for many, the most evocative of all the Silk Road towns.
Day 19: Bukhara - Khiva
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning in Bukhara, schedules permitting we plan to take an afternoon train to Khiva - checking into our hotel in the heart of this UNESCO protected old town. This evening there will be time to take a first wander around the quiet streets of this wonderfully preserved Silk Road city. If the train schedules (which are always subject to change) do not allow for this, we'll take a full day's drive across the desert to Khiva instead.
Day 20: In Khiva
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
There’ll be ample time to soak up the atmosphere of Khiva today.We’ll visit some of the most colourful and sumptuous sites, including the Kukhna Arc, the Mohammed Khan Madrassa, and the Alloquli Khan Madrassa, bazaar and caravanserai. In addition, we will see the Kalta Minor Minaret, and Jama Majid Mosque with its amazing wooden pillars, before enjoying some free time to explore further at your leisure.
Day 21: Khiva - Tashkent
Accommodation: City Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will take a flight to the Uzbek capital, where we will visit some of the main sites of Tashkent. We’ll take in the Khast Imam Complex which houses a 7th century Koran, as well as Independence Square. Tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our journey.
Day 22: Tour Ends Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today those taking the suggested group flights will depart early in the morning before breakfast. For those that have made alternative arrangements, the tour will finish after breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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MEALS
21 x Breakfasts20 x Lunches17 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses and one domestic flight.
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
This tour offers an incredible variety of experiences and scenery as we travel through three very distinct countries. However with the exception perhaps of Uzbekistan, this should not be considered as an in-depth tour of any of the individual countries, as it offers more of an ‘overview’ of the region.
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, especially as all walks are optional. Bear in mind, though, that the length of the tour and distance covered means that it can be tiring and there are some long drives involved.
It should be noted that whilst in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan you will be dining and staying in yurts and homestays for much of the time, so you should be prepared for communal living and sleeping arrangements, limited shower access and long-drop toilet facilities for parts of the trip. But don’t panic too much – this is genuine adventure travel and your overall experience will easily make up for the lack of modern conveniences, plus accommodation in Uzbekistan is considerably more comfortable!
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited.
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for Tajikistan but NOT for Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please
note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except in the
homestays and yurts.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.