Silk Road Odyssey: Kyrgyzstan, China, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan
Silk Road Odyssey: Kyrgyzstan, China, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan
23 Days
Visiting: China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SRO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
From:
$6819 (USD)Tour Overview
This unique [exclude_white_label]Wild Frontiers[/exclude_white_label] tour takes you on an epic cultural journey along the Old Silk Road through some of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountains, lively bazaars and ancient towns.
Our aim is to stick as closely as possible to the ancient trade routes even though modern borders and some rough roads do not always make this an easy thing to do! Traversing parts of Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the route offers adventure and culture in equal measure. Riding horses or walking in the mountains by Son Kul Lake or the ancient caravanserai of Tash Rabat will give you a chance to witness the Tien Shan Mountains at their most beautiful. While wandering through the gargantuan sites of Samarkand or sleepy Bukhara, you will be taken back to the heyday of the Silk Road.
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 or similar
Rooms will be available in Bishkek from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Day 2: In Bishkek
Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel or similar
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: Son Kul Lake 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 - Kashgar (China)
Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The distance we travel today is not so far, but expect a long day as we navigate our way through the first of the trip’s land border crossings, over the Torugart Pass into China’s western-most province – the autonomous Xinjiang region. Here we will say goodbye to our Kyrgyz team and transfer to a smart coaster bus for the journey on to Kashgar. After four nights in the mountains, this vibrant Uighur city provides a complete contrast to the Kyrgyz grasslands, and our comfortable hotel also provides a welcome shower!
Day 8: In Kashgar
Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
There will be ample time for personal exploration in this Silk Road city which sits today, as it has done for centuries, at a major crossroads of trade routes. We will of course see the (controversial) statue of Chairman Mao in the city centre as well as visiting the green-tiled Aba Khoja tomb in the quiet suburbs. After a traditional Uighur lunch we will have a break before heading into the old town. We will end the day by having tea on the second floor balcony of one of the old chaikhanas, watching the street market below us.
Day 9: In Kashgar
Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will have the chance to experience the famous Yakshambe Bazaar - the Sunday Market. In the morning we will first visit the famous animal market. Here we will spend time watching the locals trade everything from woodwork and ironware to sheep, donkeys, cattle, horses and camels before progressing onto the covered bazaar, believed to be the biggest in Central Asia. The afternoon will be free for you to spend at your leisure, before meeting up for a farewell dinner with our Kashgar guide.
Day 10: Kashgar - Sary Tash (Kyrgyzstan, 3,163M)
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start sees us drive out of Kashgar due west along the main artery of the Old Silk Road to the Irkishtam Pass. This is a stunning drive through an area of outstanding natural beauty, with multi-coloured sedimentary sandstone flanking our route. At the Pass we will cross back into Kyrgyzstan where our Kyrgyz team will be waiting to meet us. We will then continue on towards Sary Tash along another staggering road, this time with the High Pamirs rising to the south, and stay the night with a local family either in their yurt or in their cosy house.
Day 11: Sary Tash - Osh
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Weather permitting we will be able to see stunning views of snowy Lenin Peak this morning, which at 7134m is the second highest mountain in the Pamirs. After breakfast we will drive on another extraordinary road over the 3554m Tol Dek Pass (though by this stage you might be suffering from beauty fatigue!) and on into the Fergana Valley to the ancient Silk Road town of Osh. Reputed to be over 3000 years old, Osh is a place steeped in history and dominated by Solomon’s Throne which looms over the town. Again, we will be fortunate enough to share this experience with a local family.
Day 12: Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Accommodation: Silk Road Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we say a final goodbye to our Kyrgyz team and cross the border into Uzbekistan, 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. Time permitting, we will also visit nearby Rishton, renowned for its blue and green ceramics. We continue to Kokand to spend the night.
Day 13: Kokand - Khodjent (Tajikistan)
Accommodation: Khujand Deluxe 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. We continue to the Silk Road town of Khodjent, which once played host to Alexander the Great’s armies. After checking into our homestay, we enjoy an alfresco dinner, prepared by our hospitable host.
Day 14: Khodjent - Fan Mountains
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 Fan 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 15: In Fan 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 inhabited in the summer months by Tajik pastoralists, the area is still relatively undiscovered and allows for a fascinating insight into this gem of a country.
Day 16: Fan Mountains - Panjikent - Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Accommodation: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the Fan Mountains this morning, we head for the ancient town of Panjikent where we will visit the 2,000-year-old ruins. While not in the same league as the Uzbek sites just across this border, for sheer location alone this place is one of our favourites. This Sogdian town was once home to 20,000 people during the early days of the Silk Road and in its onsite museum we can see some of the frescoes that once adorned the walls of the city’s better homes. This afternoon we make our final border crossing of the trip as we head once more into Uzbekistan and drive on to the most famous of all Silk Road cities, Samarkand. Time permitting, we will pay a visit to the world-famous Registan Square on arrival, one of Central Asia’s most iconic sights. Driving distance 230km, 3-4 hours approx.
Day 17: In Samarkand
Accommodation: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have all day to discover this amazing town, wandering through the gargantuan sights and visiting Guri Amir (Tamerlane’s tomb), Bibi Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zindar – the street of the dead, and the town’s excellent bazaar. There’ll also be some free time to explore more of the city at your leisure. Dinner will be out at a local restaurant and afterwards we will take a drive to see many of the sights spectacularly floodlit at night.
Day 18: Samarkand - Bukhara
Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll drive along the Royal Road to Bukhara, stopping during the 4-hour 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 by the Labi Hauz, a 17th century pool and eating area. Driving distance 300km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 19: In Bukhara
Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse 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. Lunch will form part of a cooking demo with a local family. 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 20: Bukhara - Khiva
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning in Bukhara, we will take an afternoon train to Khiva (subject to operation) - 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.
Day 21: 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 22: Khiva - Tashkent
Accommodation: City Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Taking a morning flight to the Uzbek capital, we then have the rest of the day to look around some of the main sights of Tashkent. We’ll take in the Khast Imam Complex which houses a 7th century Koran, as well as Independence Square and Chorsu Bazaar. We will also visit the Museum of Applied Arts to give an insight into the regional decorative styles and cultures. Tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our journey.
Day 23: Tour Ends In 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
22 x Breakfasts21 x Lunches18 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses, coasters, buses, an internal flight and a train
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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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 mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .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
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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 mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flightsBeverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
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 - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa.
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for China and Tajikistan. With the former, you will need to attend one of four Chinese visa application service centres across the UK. You will also need to fill out a Health Declaration Form in order to enter China.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
This particular tour travels 2,500 km in 3 weeks along the old silk routes, taking in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and the towns and cities of China and Uzbekistan, and so by its nature involves quite a lot of driving. We would therefore class this as an ‘overview’ type tour, rather than a really in-depth trip. We operate other tours that cover these areas in more detail if that is your preference. Please feel free to contact us for more details and advice on selecting the right trip for you.
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, as many of the activities are optional. Bear in mind, though, that the sheer length of the tour and distance covered means that it can be tiring and there are some long drives involved.
Please note that in certain places you will be staying in yurts and homestays so you should be prepared for basic and shared facilities, long-drop toilets and no showers for part of the trip. We think that what you will be witnessing will easily make up for any discomfort, though!
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.
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 when in the yurts and homestays, where it will be necessary to share with others.
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
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Sunday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Saturday - Sunday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Book 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.