Central Asia Explorer

We begin in Kyrgyzstan, contouring along mountain-ringed Issyk-Kul Lake to the remote town of Karakol. Along the way, we’ll watch a demonstration by local eagle hunters, see traditional felt-making, and meet a Dungan family for a homemade dinner. At Karakol, we visit the famed animal market and the striking 11th century Burana tower, one of the last remaining watchtowers on the old Silk Road.

We cross into Uzbekistan, passing through the Fergana Valley to explore the ancient Silk Road cities of Margilan and Kokand. Continuing into Tajikistan, we visit Khujand, home to the bustling Punjshanbe bazaar. In Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, we explore the historic Gissar fortress.

We drive to bustling Tashkent before taking the train across the Uzbekistan border to Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. In this legendary Silk Road capital we visit the breathtaking Registan, with its blue-tiled mosques and 15th century madrassas. After exploring the monuments of Shakhrisyabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, we continue to fascinating Bukhara, whose medieval quarter is a World Heritage Site.

We cross the Kyzl Kum Desert to arrive at Khiva, with a walking tour of this atmospheric walled city of ancient madrassas and minarets. Flying to Turkmenistan, we visit Ashgabat, with its bazaars and fine arts museums, and Mary, full of fascinating archaeological sites, then depart on Day 26.