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The Golden Road to Samarkand

Central Asia Explorer

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

20 Days

From $11,195

Level 3

Moderate

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Overview

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    Overview

    Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan—sometimes known as the four 'Stans —reveal a rich historical and ethnic canvas, filled with dazzling scenery and a multitude of architectural wonders. From the blue-domed Silk Road oasis of Samarkand, where Tamerlane once held sway, to Issyk-Kul, a vast alpine lake surrounded by the forested peaks of the Tien Shan, our journey with veteran Central Asia Trip Leader Roger Williams brings us through the heart of the Silk Road. We enjoy a full exploration of these four countries, roaming ancient bazaars that take us back to the times of the Arabian Nights, meeting local families and traditional artisans, and exploring eight World Heritage Sites, including magnificent Bukhara, a 2,000-year-old city wrapped in medieval mosques, and Khiva, a walled town isolated in a vast desert. Join us for the ultimate Silk Road adventure!

    Arrive: Almaty, Kazakhstan

    Depart: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

    Highlights

    • Issyk-Kul Lake in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
    • Ancient Samarkand, capital of Tamerlane, with its magnificent blue mosques
    • Eight World Heritage Sites including the Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Khiva

    Overview

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      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

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      After exploring Almaty, we head to 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.
      A drive over Anzob Pass (11,063') brings us to Panjakent to visit its Sunday Market, and we cross into Uzbekistan by way of Sarazm, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. In Samarkand, a 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 Tashkent, we visit the Chorsu Sunday Market, then depart on Day 20.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      At time of reservation: $600
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 151 days prior to departure: No charge!
      91-150 days prior to departure: $600 per person
      90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader Roger Williams and local guides
      • Accommodations in hotels
      • All meals
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Emergency medical evacuation insurance (required)
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
      • Visa fees

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Roger Williams

      View Profile

      What the Trip is Like

      The trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. While this trip is not expected to be physically strenuous, the rustic accommodations, long travel days, and transportation conditions may be quite demanding. This is not a hiking trip, but we do hope to have opportunities for walks of two hours or more during the journey.
      Review Trip Level Details

      Accommodations are in good city hotels and in comfortable rustic lodges.

      Overland travel is in minivans and small buses, depending upon the size of the group. Road conditions can be very basic, and trip members should be prepared for long drives. Our expedition travels to areas that have experienced very little tourism. We believe that the most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting a remote and fascinating region.

      Client Testimonials

      "Excellent exposure to the heart of Central Asia. I really got a feel for the culture, people, and environment."

      Allen N.

      San Rafael, CA

      "The history, culture, and sites on this journey are amazing and the pace of our trip allowed time to enjoy it."

      Sandy C.

      Seattle, WA

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      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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      Itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.

      LEARN MORE
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In the evening, we'll gather for a Welcome Dinner and trip briefing at our hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Roual Tulip or similar.<br>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Almaty ","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our explorations in Almaty, founded in the mid-19th century as a Russian frontier fort, include Panfilov Park, the city's central park, named after the Panfilov Heroes who died fighting the Nazis outside of Moscow. Other visits include the multi-colored Zenkov Holy Ascension Cathedral, one of the world's largest wooden buildings, constructed without the use of a single nail, and the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, State Museum of History (including a visit to the Golden Room), and the Zilyoni (Green) Bazaar. If time permits after lunch, we can visit the Kasteyev Museum of Art, housing some rare 18th-19th century paintings by Russian masters that survived the purges of the Stalin era, the Grand Mosque of Almaty, and take a cable car up to Kok Tyube for views over Almaty. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Royal Tulip or similar.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Almaty \/ Tamgaly Tas","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning, we'll drive out to Tamgaly Tas, a World Heritage Site filled with 5,000 rock petroglyphs ranging from solar deities and animals from the Middle Bronze Age (14th-13th century BC) to warriors, archers, men on horseback, and other signs of power struggles in the Middle Ages (6th-12th century AD). After a picnic lunch, we continue to the border with Kyrgyzstan, pass through border formalities, and proceed to Bishkek. Dinner and overnight at Hyatt Regency hotel.<br>\nDriving Details: Approximately 266 miles, 8 hours<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Bishkek \/ Issyk-Kul Lake \/ Karakol","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"With the rising sun, we depart for a long but scenic drive along the southern edge of Issyk-Kul, the second largest saline lake in the world. Though it's surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake never freezes; its name means &ldquo;warm lake&rdquo; in the Kyrgyz language. We stop in the small village of Bokonbaevo for a demonstration by local eagle hunters. We also visit a village where we can watch traditional felt making. After lunch with a Kyrgyz family in a nearby village, we'll continue on to the peaceful town of Karakol, with its shady poplar trees, apple orchards, and back streets lined with Russian gingerbread cottages. This town was named Preshevalsky in Soviet times,after the famed 19th century scientist-explorer Nicolai Preshevalsky, one of the pioneering members of Russian Geographical Society. He is credited with introducing the wild Mongolian horse (takhi), renamed Preshevalsky's horse, to the world. The late afternoon is at leisure, followed by dinner at our guesthouse. \nOvernight at the Green Yard Guest House or similar.<div>Driving Details: Approximately 230 miles, 7 hours <\/div>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Karakol","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"An early start allows us to witness the best action at Karakol's famous animal market&mdash;the Mal Bazaar. Shepherds from surrounding regions travel long hours to bring their livestock to trade here&mdash;on foot, by cart, by tractor, by car, and even by motorcycle. This is old-style commerce at its best, with everyone evaluating the living merchandise, prices on handsome horses, sheep, and cattle fluctuating wildly by the hour, buyers struggling to load finicky sheep onto their flatbed trucks, and sellers trying to convince you to purchase their horses (they'll understand if you politely decline).<br><br>\nKarakol's Orthodox Church, with its six golden onion domes, was founded in 1869 when Karakol was a garrison town on the edges of the Tsarist Russian Empire. Like the rest of the buildings in town, it was constructed of wood without any metal nails, making its size even more impressive. Though it fell into disuse during the Soviet period, the church is now active again, and its green and gold roof is a recognizable landmark in Karakol.<br><br>\nThe sky-blue wooden minaret of the Dungan Mosque in the center of Karakol is one of the most recognizable features of the city. The mosque resembles a pagoda more than an Islamic house of worship because the Dungan (Muslim Chinese who fled China in the 1880s) retained much of their old country's aesthetic style when they arrived in Kyrgyzstan. The wood is intricately carved with floral motifs, and the presence of Cyrillic alongside Arabic words in the mosque is a testament to the multicultural heritage of the inhabitants of Kyrgyzstan<br><br>\nHere we learn about the Dungan people, known for their kindness, industry, and hospitality. Mostly farmers, they immigrated to the region 140 years ago during a period of local unrest and still practice many traditional elements of their culture and cuisine. The Dungan Mosque, designed and constructed by Chinese artisans and completed in 1910 and still in use today, is a colorful wooden structure originally built without any nails.<br><br>\nWe also visit the One Village One Project Association, opened in 2011 to provide an opportunity for Kyrgyz women to produce high-quality crafts and food products. We continue to Karakol's small regional museum, located in a former Russian landowner's brick home. It features exhibits on local petroglyphs and archaeological finds, regional costumes, Kyrgyz applied art, and photography. After lunch, we drive to Jety Oguz Canyon, known for its red sandstone cliffs. On the way, we pass Broken Heart Hill, where local legend says two suitors killed each other in a struggle for a beautiful woman, who then died of a broken heart herself. Farther on, the massive red-rock wall of the Seven Bulls soars upwards. Dinner is at a local Dungan family house. Overnight at the Green Yard Guest House or similar.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Karakol \/ Cholpan-Ata \/ Bishkek","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning, we visit the Przhevalsky Museum, where we view photos and instruments used by the famed 19th century Russian explorer during his explorations of Central Asia and Tibet. Later we depart for Cholpan-Ata, a town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, then travel along the shores of beautiful Lake Issyk to the village of Burana for lunch at a local home. Afterwards, we visit Burana, famous for its brick minaret known as the Burana Tower, built in the 11th century. It is one of the only remaining watchtowers on the old Silk Road through Kyrgyzstan. A climb up to the top on steep steps is rewarded by a magnificent view. The area was once a settlement called Balasagun, the birthplace of the poet Jusup Balasagun, whose surviving work consists of an epic poem called &ldquo;Kutadgy Bilig&rdquo; or &ldquo;the knowledge which brings happiness.&rdquo; It was also an important seat of power, so celebrated that Genghis Khan's Mongol horde spared the city from destruction when it began to conquer the region in the early 13th century. The Mongols renamed the city Gobalik, meaning &ldquo;good city.&rdquo; We'll visit the small museum and its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments. Lunch will be at a family home and dinner is at the hotel. Overnight Hyatt Regency Bishkek.<br>\nDriving Details: Approximately 263 miles, 7 hours<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Bishkek","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our explorations today include sprawling Alatoo Square, where we see the changing of the guards, the massive statue of Manas, who is an important figure in Kyrgyz folklore, and the history museum, with its ceiling murals depicting scenes from World War II and the Holocaust. In Dubovy Park, home to an open-air sculpture museum, we'll watch artists at work. Later, we visit the village of Supara for some traditional Kyrgyz cuisine with local folk music, a wonderful introduction to the thriving local culture. Overnight at hotel.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Bishkek \/ Osh \/ Andijan, Uzbekistan \/ Margilan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We make an early morning departure to the airport and fly to Osh, driving a short distance through Osh to the border to cross into Uzbekistan. After border formalities, our Uzbek guide will meet us for a drive to Andijan, where we visit the local museum and Jame Mosque complex, then continue through the Fergana Valley to the ancient Silk Road city of Margilan, which according to local legend, was founded by Alexander the Great. After lunch at the Ikat House, we visit the silk workshop of Master Rasuljon to see how traditional Uzbek silk ikat is made. Dinner is at a local restaurant. Overnight at Ikat Hotel.<br>\nDriving Details: Approximately 96 miles, 3-4 hours<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Margilan \/ Kokand \/ Khujand, Tajikistan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we depart for Kokand, one of the oldest Silk Road towns in Uzbekistan, stopping along the way to visit the pottery workshop of Master Rustam Usmanov. In Kokand, we visit the Palace of Khudayar Khan, the last khan of the Kokand khanate, who was defeated by Tsarist Russia in 1875. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to the Tajikistan border, pass through border formalities, and are met by our Tajik guide for a drive to Khujand, a major staging point on the northern Silk Road. Near present-day Khujand is the site where Alexander built Alexandria Eschate, his furthest Greek settlement. According to the Roman writer Curtius, Alexandria Ultima (&ldquo;Alexandria the Furthest&rdquo;) retained its Hellenistic culture as late as 30 BCE. If time permits, we will visit the local museum. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Grand Khujand.<br>\nDriving Details: Approximately 148 miles, 4 hours<br><br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Khujand \/ Dushanbe","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning we visit the Punjshanbe Bazaar and the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, then drive to Istaravshan, where we explore the Mugh Tepe fortress, which dates to the Archaemenian Empire in the 5th century BCE, as well the Chor Gumbaz (&ldquo;four domes&rdquo;) and Kok Gumbaz (&ldquo;blue domes&rdquo;) mosques. After lunch, we continue to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Serena Dushanbe.<br>\nDriving Details: Approximately 190 miles, 5-6 hours<br><br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Dushanbe \/ Gissar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Named for the Persian word for Monday, Dushanbe was once a small market village where traders gathered each Monday to sell their goods. The city's shady <em>chai khanas<\/em> (teahouses) are decorated in traditional, colorful Tajik style, and the local Barakat market, a covered bazaar, reflects the city's long history as a center of trade. During the Soviet era, the city grew to be the most important industrial center in Tajikistan. Our explorations include the National Museum of Antiquities, with its fascinating collection of Greco-Bactrian and Buddhist art (as well as the largest reclining Buddha statue in the region), the Monument of Ismoil Somoni, a beloved ruler of the Samanid Dynasty (819-999 CE), and the Gurminj Museum, a private museum of musical instruments. After lunch, we drive out of town for a visit to Gissar, a Silk Road center of commerce and learning still dominated by its 18th century Ibrahim Beg fortress. Several madrassahs (religious schools) from that period are still standing today. Dinner is at a local restaurant. Overnight Dushanbe Serena Hotel.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Anzob Pass \/ Iskanderkul \/ Panjakent \/ Samarkand","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Dushanbe, we head over the Anzob Pass (11,063'), with its magnificent panoramic views, to Iskanderkul, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. It is named for Alexander the Great, who is believed to have passed by here en route to India. The lake is part of a nature reserve and an important birding area. After a brief stop, we continue to Panjakent to visit the Sunday Market, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. If time permits, we'll visit the Rudaki Museum. On the way to the Uzbekistan border, we visit the World Heritage Site of Sarazm, thought to be the oldest city in Central Asia. Sarazm means &ldquo;where the land begins&rdquo; and the site dates from the 4th millennium BCE. The city most likely traded with Gonar Depe in present-day Turkmenistan and the Indus Vally cities of southern Pakistan more than 2,000 years ago. After completing border formalities, we enter Uzbekistan and continue to Samarkand. Overnight at Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel.<br>\n\n\n<div>Driving Details: Approximately 185 miles, 5-6 hours<br><\/div>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Samarkand","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We have a full day to enjoy Samarkand, starting with a morning visit to the breathtaking main square, the Registan, with its panorama of handsome blue-tiled mosques and 15th century madrassas. The Registan was once Samarkand's main bazaar, full of caravansaries for passing merchant caravans. Tamerlane's scholarly grandson turned the Registan into the stirring masterpiece we see today. We visit the Bibi Khanym tomb, built to commemorate the wife of Tamerlane, and the Shahr-i-Zindah, a stunning complex of mosques and tombs. They display some of Central Asia's finest mosaics of deep sapphire and turquoise tiles set off against tawny earthen walls. We also visit the Afrosiab Museum, with its frescoes dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, Ulugbek's Observatory, and Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. Later we stop in at Kunihil village to see the traditional way paper is made from the pulp of mulberries and we have lunch here with a local family. Overnight at Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel.<br><br>\nSamarkand: A sophisticated walled city when Alexander the Great took it over in 329 BC, Samarkand has had an array of rulers, from Turks to Arabs to Persians and Mongolians. They each made Samarkand their own, and Genghis Khan and his dreaded horsemen took the city in 1220. The illustrious warrior Tamerlane seized Samarkand in 1370 and while his rule was exceptionally bloody, he turned Samarkand into one of the cultural centers of Central Asia. It was during Tamerlane's time, from 1370 to 1405, that Samarkand became a city of almost mythic fame, with its soaring minarets and gleaming blue-tiled domes. During Tamerlane's conquests of other cultures, he always sent the very best artists and architects to Samarkand and ordered them to build grand and lavish monuments. The city went into decline in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Emir of Bukhara took it into his khanate in the late 18th century. In 1865, Russian Cossacks took the city from the Emir during the height of the Great Game. The arrival of the Trans-Caspian railway 20 years later firmly linked Samarkand to Russia.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Shakhrisyabz \/ Bukhara","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning we explore the historic center of the city of Shakhrisyabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane (1336-1405), the founder of the Timurid Empire. An undefeated commander, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest military leaders and tacticians in history, as well as one of the most brutal and deadly. We'll see monuments from the Timurid period, including the Ak Saray Palace ruins, the Dorus Tilavat seminary, the Kok Gumbaz mosque, Amir Timur's Crypt, and the Friday Mosque. After lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for Bukhara, with dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Mercure by Accor.<br>\nDriving Details: Approximately 226 miles, 6-7 hours<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Bukhara","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Bukhara is a fascinating city whose beautifully restored medieval quarter is now a World Heritage Site. We'll visit the impressive Lyab-i Khauz architectural complex, once the principal source of water for all of Bukhara, and the Magak-i Attari Mosque, where Jews and Muslims once worshipped beside one another. Other visits may include Nadir Divan-begi Madrassa, with its gorgeous tile work, the Poi Kalon minaret, with its incredible brickwork, and the madrassas of Abdulaziz Khan and Ulugbek. We have a special opportunity to visit with one of Bukhara's most well-known miniaturist artists, Davlat Toshev, in his home studio, where we will have lunch. Other visits include the Ark Fortress, once used as the army headquarters by the Bukharan emirs, the Zindan Prison, with its underground dungeon and Bug Pit, and the brick monuments in the mausoleum of Ismail Samanid and Chasma Ayub. Dinner is at local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Mercure by Accor.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Bukhara \/ Khiva","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today we drive across the Kyzyl Kum desert to Khiva, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Upon arrival in Khiva this evening, we enjoy dinner accompanied by a performance of traditional Khorezmian music with the folklore group Khalfi. Brilliant costumes, historic songs, and traditional instruments are featured in this program of local music and dance. Overnight at Zarafshan Boutique or similar.<br>\nDriving Details: Approximately 280 miles, 7-8 hours<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Khiva","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We enjoy a full-day walking tour of atmospheric Khiva, including the fortress of Itchan Kala, protected by thick brick walls, the Kalta Minor minaret, decorated in turquoise tiles, and Kunya Ark, with its copper cannons. We'll also explore Madrassa Rahimkhan, the Pahlavan Makhmud, the Islam minaret and museum, and the Friday Mosque and Tashala Palace. Overnight at Zarafshan Boutique.<br><br>\nKhiva: Like Bukhara, Khiva was once a minor stop on the Silk Road during the 8th century. It began to prosper under the rule of the Uzbek Shaybanid tribesmen, who captured it in the 16th century. As a Shaybanid khanate, it became one of the two major slave markets of Central Asia for hundreds of years (Bukhara was the other). Turkomen raiders captured people as far away as the Caspian and delivered them to Khiva's slavers. In the early 18th century, the Khan of Khiva made an alliance with Russia for protection against marauding tribes, and the Russians sent troops to Khiva in 1717 with the idea of protecting it. The crafty Khan had by then lost interest in the arrangement with the Russians and had them killed. He sent the head of their leader, Prince Alexander Bekovich, back to Russia with the few survivors. Khiva was taken over shortly thereafter by a Persian invader and began to prosper from trade between Russia and neighboring khanates. Two British officers, Captain James Abbott and Lieutenant Richmond Shakespear, entered Khiva separately in 1839 and 1840, ostensibly to negotiate with Khan over the release of certain slaves. As this was the height of the Great Game, they may have really been there to study strategic routes between Khiva and Russia. In 1872, Khiva became too much of a thorn in Russia's side, and as Russian troops under General Kaufman advanced on it, the Khan surrendered.<br>\n\n\n\nald green-domed mausoleum; Pahlavan Makhmud, Islam minaret and museum; as well as the Friday mosque and Tashala Palace. Overnight at hotel.\n\nKhiva: Like Bukhara, Khiva was once a minor stop on the Silk Road during the 8th century. It began to prosper under the rule of the Uzbek Shaybanid tribesmen, who captured it in the 16th century. As a Shaybanid khanate, it became one of the two major slave markets of Central Asia for hundreds of years (Bukhara was the other). Turkomen raiders captured people as far away as the Caspian and delivered them to Khiva&rsquo;s slavers. In the early 18th century, the Khan of Khiva made an alliance with Russia for protection against marauding tribes, and the Russians sent troops to Khiva in 1717 with the idea of protecting it. The crafty Khan had by then lost interest in the arrangement with the Russians and had them killed. He sent the head of their leader, Prince Alexander Bekovich, back to Russia with the few survivors. Khiva was taken over shortly thereafter by a Persian invader and began to prosper from trade between Russia and neighboring khanates. Two British officers, Captain James Abbott and Lieutenant Richmond Shakespear, entered Khiva separately in 1839 and 1840, ostensibly to negotiate with Khan over the release of certain slaves. As this was the height of the Great Game, they may have really been there to study strategic routes between Khiva and Russia. In 1872, Khiva became too much of a thorn in Russia&rsquo;s side, and as Russian troops under General Kaufman advanced on it, the Khan surrendered.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":18,"DayTo":18,"Headline":"Urgench \/ Tashkent","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we depart for the Urgench Airport for our flight to Tashkent, with lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the State History Museum, with its unique Buddha statues, the Museum of Applied Arts, where we explore its Uzbek needlework and pottery, and the Navoi Theatre. Dinner is at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Mercure by Accor.<br>\nDriving Details: (Khiva to Urgench Airport) Approximately 30 miles, 1.5 hours<div><br><\/div><div>\nTashkent: Once a walled city and a bustling Silk Route caravan crossroads, this city's name in Turkic means &ldquo;city of stone.&rdquo; It fell to Genghis Khan's mounted hordes in the 13th century and did not become prosperous again until the 15th century under Tamerlane, who bequeathed the city to his 10-year-old grandson Ulugbek in 1405. In 1865, the Russians snatched Tashkent away from the Emir of Bukhara, and it became the main Tsarist (and later Soviet) center for espionage during the Great Game of territorial rivalry between Russia and Britain. Within 10 years after Tashkent was taken, the Russian General Konstantin Kaufman, the architect of Russia's conquest of Central Asia, took Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Khotan, and became governor of a brand-new Russian province. The arrival of the Trans-Caspian Railway in 1889 and Russia's relocation of Russian workers and factories to Tashkent turned it into an industrial center by the 1920s. Much of the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1966, but there are still some parts of the old town left where you can see 15th and 16th century buildings.<div><br><\/div><div><\/div><\/div>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":19,"DayTo":19,"Headline":"Tashkent","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our city tour takes us past the Earthquake Memorial to the old section of the city, where we can visit the Hast Imam complex, the Barak Khana seminary, and the Tile Shaikh archives, home to the oldest copy of the Usman Koran, dating back to 7th century AD. We also visit the Chorsu Sunday Market, the Kukeldesh Madrassa, and Mustaqillik Square, which translates to Independence Square (it was previously known as Lenin Square but in 1991, the Lenin statue was removed and the Monument of Independence of Uzbekistan in the form of a globe was erected). Lunch is at a local restaurant, with the afternoon at leisure to prepare for our departure tomorrow or for last-minute shopping. We gather for our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Mercure by Accor.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":20,"DayTo":20,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Almaty, Kazakhstan \/ Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan \/ Karakol \/ Burana","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After exploring Almaty, we head to 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. ","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Andijan, Uzbekistan \/ Margilan \/ Kokand \/ Khujand, Tajikistan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"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. ","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Panjakent \/ Samarkand, Uzbekistan \/ Shakhrisyabz \/ Bukhara","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A drive over Anzob Pass (11,063') brings us to Panjakent to visit its Sunday Market, and we cross into Uzbekistan by way of Sarazm, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. In Samarkand, a 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. ","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":20,"Headline":"Khiva \/ Tashkent ","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"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 Tashkent, we visit the Chorsu Sunday Market, then depart on Day 20. ","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2025","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/central-asia-explorer-itinerary-2025.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2025","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/central-asia-explorer-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Issyk-Kul Lake in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":50526,"caption":"","video_link":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Ancient Samarkand, capital of Tamerlane, with its magnificent blue 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to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"E","Description":"Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"E","Description":"Emergency medical evacuation insurance (required)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"E","Description":"Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"E","Description":"Visa fees","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"I","Description":"Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader Roger Williams and local guides","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"I","Description":"Accommodations in hotels","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"I","Description":"All meals","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed 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If it isn&apos;t the surplus of knowledge Roger brings when he leads a trip that makes him so unique, then it may be his awareness for cultural preservation that keep trip members so loyal to his new adventures. &ldquo;There should be a rating higher than excellent for Roger,&rdquo; one client wrote after her journey with Roger. &ldquo;His knowledge, energy, planning, and attentiveness are superlative.&rdquo;","BioLong":"Roger Williams has been one of our most versatile guides since 1986, and he shows no sign of stopping. He spent eight years studying Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhist iconography, Himalayan languages, and woodblock art in Nepal, and another two years studying Japanese woodblock art, Japanese language, and Shingon Shu, an esoteric sect of Japanese Buddhism in Japan. If it isn&apos;t the surplus of knowledge Roger brings when he leads a trip that makes him so unique, then it may be his awareness for cultural preservation that keep trip members so loyal to his new adventures. Each year, Roger works with WT to design new trips in fascinating areas. He has led in such far-flung locations as Iran, Pakistan, northern Afghanistan, Kamchatka, Burma, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Madagascar. When he&apos;s not leading, you can find Roger in Berkeley, California, where he is the director of Snow Lion Graphics\/SLG Books, a publishing house specializing in Asian cultures. &ldquo;There should be a rating higher than excellent for Roger,&rdquo; one trip member wrote after her journey with Roger. &ldquo;His knowledge, energy, planning, and attentiveness are superlative.&rdquo;"}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Allen N.","GuestLocation":"San Rafael, CA","GuestReview":"Excellent exposure to the heart of Central Asia. I really got a feel for the culture, people, and environment."},{"GuestNames":"Sandy C.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"The history, culture, and sites on this journey are amazing and the pace of our trip allowed time to enjoy it."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10297,"SimilarTripID":10422,"Trip_Code":"TRCASPAN","Trip_Name":"Caspian Odyssey"},{"TripID":10297,"SimilarTripID":10465,"Trip_Code":"CELESTIA","Trip_Name":"Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains"},{"TripID":10297,"SimilarTripID":10250,"Trip_Code":"GREATGAM","Trip_Name":"The Great Game"},{"TripID":10297,"SimilarTripID":10546,"Trip_Code":"ULTUZBEK","Trip_Name":"Ultimate Uzbekistan"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73419,"ProductID":84412,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Transfer","Vendor":"MIR Corporation","Address1":"85 South Washington Street, Suite 2","Address2":"","City":"Seattle","State":"WA","Postal":"98104","Product":"Arrival Transfer - Almaty Airport to Hotel Royal Tulip","Day":0,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","priceType":"None","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":75929,"ProductID":88086,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Hotel Royal Tulip","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Almaty","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Royal Hotel Tulip (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73419,"ProductID":84408,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"MIR Corporation","Address1":"85 South Washington Street, Suite 2","Address2":"","City":"Seattle","State":"WA","Postal":"98104","Product":"Central Asia Explorer","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":23,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73419,"ProductID":84409,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Internal Flight","Vendor":"MIR Corporation","Address1":"85 South Washington Street, Suite 2","Address2":"","City":"Seattle","State":"WA","Postal":"98104","Product":"Internal Air","Day":1,"Sequence":7,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":75930,"ProductID":88087,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Hotel Mercure","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Tashkent","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Post-Trip Extra Services: Hotel Mercure Tashkent (DATES, 1 night)","Day":20,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73419,"ProductID":89136,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Transfer","Vendor":"MIR Corporation","Address1":"85 South Washington Street, Suite 2","Address2":"","City":"Seattle","State":"WA","Postal":"98104","Product":"Departure Transfer - Hotel Mercure to Tashkent Airport","Day":21,"Sequence":30,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","priceType":"None","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_PDP_URL":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/central-asia-explorer-predeparture.pdf","Custom_TC_Detailed_Itin_URL":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"Visas are required for your trip, and we will be updating you with more specific instructions approximately four months prior to departure. In the meantime, please mail or email us a clear copy of your passport photo page.","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"Extra Service Request Form","Custom_Welcome_Email-Insurance":"<strong>Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance: <\/strong>Emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 per person is required for this trip. You can compare various insurance plan options at <a href=\"www.insuremytrip.com\">www.insuremytrip.com<\/a>. For your convenience, we also offer a comprehensive plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex that meets this requirement.","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/a-cultural-journey-along-the-silk-road\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/a-cultural-journey-along-the-silk-road\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 151 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Central Asia<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Reading_List":"<strong>Reading List:<\/strong> Elevate your travel experience by delving into this <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-central-asia-explorer\">curated collection of books<\/a> tailored to your upcoming adventure.","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><strong>TURKMENISTAN VISA:<\/strong> Your Turkmenistan visa will be obtained during the trip, upon arrival at the land border. Roger will have the group's letter of invitation and will assist with the visa process.<\/body>","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<body><strong>LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS: <\/strong>Please check with your international air carriers regarding baggage weight limits for your flights to\/from Asia.<br>\n <br><br><div>\nHowever, <strong>please remember that you are allowed one piece of checked baggage on your internal flights, with a total weight limit of 44 lbs.<\/strong> A small carry-on bag (usually weighing no more than 11 lbs.) is also permitted. Your carry-on bag must fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. <br><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n\n <br><br><div>Please keep in mind that domestic flights in Central Asia are known for delays and\/or cancellations. Weather, over booking, and other factors beyond our control often result in a group not departing or arriving on time, even with confirmed reservations. Our local staff and Roger will assist you should any delays occur.<\/div><\/div><\/body>","Custom_Carry-On":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.Valuable or essential items, such as hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.<\/body>","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>A Wilderness Travel representative will meet you upon your arrival in Almaty. After collecting your baggage, please look for a transfer agent outside of the Arrivals area. They will be holding a \"Wilderness Travel\" sign and\/or a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to the group hotel:<\/body>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>InterContinental Hotel<br>\n181 Zheltoksan Street<br>\nAlmaty, 050013, Kazakhstan<br><\/body>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>A complimentary transfer will be provided to the Ashgabat airport at the end of the trip, no matter when you depart. Please note that check-out time from our group hotel is 12:00 pm.<\/body>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our Trip Leader(s) (contact information listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground. <br><br>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/download\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local contact number(s) in advance of your trip.<\/body>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><strong>Roger Williams<\/strong> <br><br><br><div>Email: roger@slgbooks.com<\/div><div>Phone (WhatsApp): (+1) 510-816-2840<\/div><\/body>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_ESC-Outfitter_Contacts_Left_Override":"","Custom_name_slug":"central-asia-explorer-guided-cultural-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Overland journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, with visits to 7 World Heritage Sites including the Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Khiva.","Custom_List_Description":"Enjoy an epic overland journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, with cultural highlights from magnificent Bukhara, a 2,000-year-old Silk Road city-state, to Khiva, a walled medieval town in a vast desert.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Central Asia Explorer | Guided Cultural Tour Across The Stans","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-11-30T15:35:02 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Almaty International Airport (ALA)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time: <\/strong>Day 1, by 3:00 pm<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place: <\/strong>A complimentary transfer is provided from Almaty International Airport to the group hotel for all trip members, no matter when you arrive. A Wilderness Travel representative will meet you outside the customs area and will be holding a Wilderness Travel sign and\/or a sign with your name on it. They will then transfer you to the group hotel. There will be a Welcome Dinner and orientation in the evening of Day 1.<br \/><br \/><strong>Please Note:<\/strong> Since many flights arrive in Almaty in the early morning hours, we have guaranteed early check-in for you at the group hotel on Day 1. Your room will be ready no matter when you arrive on Day 1.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-11-30T15:35:50 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time: <\/strong>Day 24, anytime<br \/><br \/>A complimentary transfer will be provided from the Hotel Oguzkent to Ashgabat International Airport, no matter when you depart. Please note that check-out time on Day 24 is 12:00 pm.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-11-30T15:37:50 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from the trip.<br \/><br \/>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada.They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com.<\/a><br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it will be necessary for you to depart from the US one or two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. We recommend you arrive at least one night early so that you have a full day to recover from jet lag. Extra hotel nights can be arranged for you (at extra cost). The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.<br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please forward a copy of your email flight confirmation from the airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this<br \/>trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"central-asia-explorer","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Your passport should have at least one completely blank visa page for each country you will be visiting. It is very important that these blank pages say &ldquo;Visas&rdquo; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &ldquo;Amendments and Endorsements,&rdquo; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate \"Visa\" pages. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\/passport_1738.html\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> (the service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016) or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisaexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip.<div><br><\/div><div>It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"A visa is not required for US citizens visiting <strong>Kazakhstan<\/strong> if you stay 15 days or less (like you will be doing on this trip). If you plan to spend extra time in Kazakhstan, please contact our Wilderness Travel office for more details and help when it comes to the visa process.<div><br><\/div><div>A visa is also not required for US citizens visiting <strong>Kyrgyzstan<\/strong> or <strong>Tajikistan<\/strong>.<strong><\/strong>However, please remember to have adequate unused\/blank visa pages to allow for entry and exit stamps upon arrival and departure from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.<div><br><\/div><div>US citizens need a visa to enter <strong>Uzbekistan<\/strong>, and it must be obtained prior to arrival.<strong>A visa is not needed for US citizens age 55 and over.<\/strong> If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, please check with a local consulate for entry requirements. Please note that all visa requirements and regulations are subject to change.<div><br><\/div><div>Uzbekistan offers an e-visa service through the Uzbekistan government: <a href=\"https:\/\/e-visa.gov.uz\/main\">https:\/\/e-visa.gov.uz\/main<\/a>. This e-visa is valid 90 days from the date of issue and allows for a single-entry of up to 30 days.<div><br><\/div><div>The e-visa form will give a generic error at submission if the photo is not the right format. Please make sure your photo meets the following requirements:<br><ul><li>Your image needs to be 300dpi, 413x532px, and less than 1MB. You can adjust the dpi very easily on websites like this one:<a href=\" https:\/\/convert.town\/image-dpi\">https:\/\/convert.town\/image-dpi<\/a><\/li><li>Make sure you have a very white background in your photo (increasing the contrast can help).<\/li><li>Make sure your passport scan is straight on, not at an angle<\/li><\/ul><div><br><\/div><div>If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, please check with a local consulate for entry requirements. Please note that all visa requirements and regulations are subject to change.<\/div><\/div><\/div>","Custom_Money":"We suggest you bring US cash for this trip. Cash is the only form of payment in the most remote areas.<div><br><\/div><div>Upon arrival, please check with your Trip Leader for guidelines on where and how to exchange funds in the Central Asian Republics. It is difficult to exchange money in the more remote local villages.<div><br><\/div><div>In addition to cash, you can also bring along an ATM card to draw money from ATM machines in major cities. To use an ATM internationally, please make sure that you have a four-digit PIN.<div><br><\/div><div>If you plan to use your credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and AMEX), please remember to inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card(s) abroad. Credit cards are usually accepted only at major hotels and in larger shops and restaurants in the major cities. Please note that hotels, shops, and restaurants may add a service charge of 3-4% when you use your credit card.<div><br><\/div><div>You will need to budget spending money for extra gratuities, any meals listed as &ldquo;on your own&rdquo; in the trip itinerary, and for personal items such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, phone calls, laundry at hotels, etc.","Custom_Tipping":"During the trip, the Trip Leader takes care of tips for waiters at restaurants, for porters for luggage handling, and for trip representatives who are with the group for only a short time.<div><br><\/div><div>For the staff who have accompanied you throughout a significant portion of your adventure&mdash;our local guides and drivers&mdash;excellent service can be rewarded through a pooled tip, a process that will be facilitated by your Trip Leader. Tipping for the Trip Leader himself is not formally organized. Should you wish to tip your Trip Leader, we suggest that you do so toward the end of the adventure.<div><br><\/div><div>Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward outstanding service. A range of reference would be $12-$14 per trip member, per day for the local guides\/drivers, and $15-$18 per trip member, per day for the Trip Leader.<div><br><\/div><div>Some clients have expressed concern over carrying a large amount of cash on the trip for tips. So, for your convenience, your Trip Leader will accept personal checks from you for any tips that you would like to give to the local guides and drivers. In each country, he will carry extra local currency with him, which he can use for your tipping. He will then cash your check once he returns home to the US. You can also tip the Trip Leader by check, which he can cash once he returns home.<\/div><\/div><\/div>","Custom_Food":"We will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs. However, please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or limitations due to logistics can make it extremely difficult and at times impossible to accommodate dietary restrictions. It is important to bring a flexible attitude and supplemental snacks. Please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip begins if you have a restricted diet.","Custom_Communications":"Internet access may be available at some hotels, lodges, and guesthouses on the trip, but could be limited in more remote areas, or you may not have the strongest connection or highest speed. Local SIM cards are affordable and available at the airport and in many towns, should you have a mobile phone that allows you to use an international SIM card. Your Trip Leader and local guides can help you with this in-country.","Custom_Electricity":"The standard voltage in these Central Asia countries is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Power plugs and sockets of types C and F are used. Bring a converter and plug adapter kit for appliance use.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"Entry requirements and international health situations are subject to change; check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. All shots should be entered on your International Health Card (yellow card), which is provided by the facility giving the shots. Keep it with your passport while traveling. It provides an important personal record for you to refer to when making future travel plans. Please consult with your physician regarding the following: <br><br><strong>Tetanus Booster: <\/strong>Strongly recommended (effective for 10 years). <br><br><strong>Polio: <\/strong> People who have received the primary series of at least three doses of polio vaccine are considered fully immunized. People who are unsure of their status should receive the vaccine (three doses spaced at intervals).<br><strong><br>Hepatitis: <\/strong>The vaccines HAVRIX and VAQTA (two injections, six to 18 months apart) give long-term protection against Hepatitis A and are worthwhile if you travel regularly to developing countries. <br><br><strong>Typhoid: <\/strong>The CDC recommends the shot or the oral vaccine Vivotif Berna.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"Change of diet and a number of other factors can cause stomach upsets while traveling, especially in underdeveloped countries. To guard against illness, follow these guidelines: <br><ul><li>Consider all tap water unsafe. Do not drink it or brush your teeth with it. Bottled water is available everywhere. Don't drink the water served in restaurants (bottled water is widely available). Avoid ice in your drinks (it may not have been made with treated water).On any airline, drink only the bottled water, not the tap water.<\/li><li>Beware of uncooked or raw foods such as salads. Don't eat fruit unless you have peeled it yourself. Avoid custards, pastry creams, yogurt, and milk where refrigeration and pasteurization are unreliable. Don't eat food bought from sidewalk vendors. Overall, be conservative about what you eat. <br><\/li><li>Frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, can cut down on the possibility of traveler's diarrhea.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"","Custom_Medical_Care":"Medical services are extremely limited in certain areas we visit on this trip. In the event of illness requiring evacuation, there are risks involved. Depending upon the point where we are in the itinerary, an evacuation may take several days. You should bring an ample supply of any prescription medicines you need and the items listed on the personal first aid list, in consultation with your physician.","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-central-asia-explorer\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"There are some essential elements common to the cultural experiences of most of the people of these areas. For example, respect for one's elders and hospitality are widespread cultural attributes. Here are some things to be aware of: <br><br><strong>Respect: <\/strong>Great respect is given to religious sites in these countries. These areas, large or small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred. It is not appropriate to climb up on one to take a photograph, or to do anything that might show a lack of respect. When in doubt, the best guide is to watch the local people and do what they do. <br><br><strong>Visiting Religious Sites: <\/strong>It's okay to wear shoes while walking around the compound, but shoes are often taken off before entering a religious site. <br><br><strong>Losing Face: <\/strong>In these cultures, it is considered unseemly to show too much emotion, such as displaying anger. It is best to just relax through any conflicts or irritations. In particular, avoid doing anything to cause public humiliation to anyone. This extends to criticism of service, engaging in public arguments, and &#8220;demanding to see the boss.&#8221; The people of these countries have an extreme reluctance to hurt others' feelings and thus lose face. <br><br><strong>Other Do's and Don'ts: <\/strong>In these countries, public demonstrations of affection between men and women are frowned on. The head is the most spiritual and exalted part of the body. Thus, it is not appropriate to touch anyone on the head, except for small children. (Touching the head of a small child demonstrates your protection of that child.) The feet, considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body (especially in the villages) should never be pointed at someone. Bowing your head and body slightly when walking through someone's &#8220;space&#8221; is considered a polite and necessary thing to do. Your efforts to emulate the local behavior while in these countries will be much appreciated.","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Passport (valid for at least six months after your date of exit from Central Asia)<\/li><li>One other picture ID, such as driver's license<\/li><li>E-visa for Uzbekistan (if applicable)<\/li><li>Two photocopies of your passport photo page<\/li><li>Two extra passport photo(s)<\/li><li>Air tickets and expense money<\/li><li>Personal checks for optional gratuities and emergency use<\/li><li>Proof of medical evacuation insurance<\/li><li>Prescription medications, if required (packed in your carry-on bag, not your checked baggage)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"<ul><li>Soft-sided roller bag with small padlock (must be unlocked for travel). Be mindful of baggage weight limits on Asia flights.<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for a rain\/wind jacket, water bottle, camera gear, and other items you want during the day<\/li><li>Small roll-up duffel if you are an avid shopper <\/li><\/ul><br><strong><\/strong><div><strong>Weight Limit<\/strong><br>Please note that there is a total weight limit of 44 lbs. (20 kgs.) for the checked baggage on your internal flight(s) in Central Asia. Some airlines also allow an additional small carry-on that weighs no more than 11 lbs. (5 kgs.).<\/div>","Custom_Clothing":"Dress on the trip is very informal, with the exception of city dinners for which you may want to dress up a little (jackets are not required for men). You should carry or wear your walking shoes on your flights to make sure they arrive with you.<div><br><\/div><div>People in Central Asia dress conservatively and visitors should take care to dress modestly. A flexible system of layered clothing is recommended, such as lightweight shirts and trousers and lightweight raingear. Comfortable walking shoes will carry you a long way on this trip. A lightweight fleece jacket for cooler evenings is convenient, as the air temperature in desert cools down after sunset. The places we visit are very dry, with a lots of sunshine, and it can also be very windy. A sunhat and sunglasses are highly recommended. A scarf or face mask will come in handy to ward off dust during the long, dusty drives. <strong>In addition, we ask that women bring a headscarf for Mosque visits.<\/strong><div><br><\/div><div>The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only; we encourage you to pack as lightly as possible.<div><br><\/div><div><ul><li>Wind\/waterproof lightweight rain jacket with hood<\/li><li>Fleece jacket or sweater for evenings<\/li><li>Hiking pants, loose-fitting and comfortable. Quick-drying synthetic fabrics are a practical choice.<\/li><li>Long-sleeved shirts. Quick-drying &ldquo;travel&rdquo; fabrics are ideal.<\/li><li>T-shirts<\/li><li>Hat with wide brim<\/li><li>Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy running shoes with good traction and ankle support<\/li><li>Tevas or other sturdy hiking sandals<\/li><li>Socks, underwear<\/li><li>Sleepwear<\/li><li>Casual city\/hotel attire<\/li><li>Headscarf for Mosque visits (women only)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Bath towel (travel fabrics dry faster)<\/li><li>Water bottle, 1 qt. capacity. Bottled water is available throughout the trip to re-fill<\/li><li>Good quality sunglasses with cases<\/li><li>Flashlight with extra batteries<\/li><li>Kleenex pocket packs for &#8220;nature breaks&#8221; on drives<\/li><li>Assorted plastic bags to organize items in your luggage; garbage bags to use as a bag liner for rain protection<\/li><li>Money belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><li>Sunglasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member should bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices. <br><br><ul><li>Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>Lip balm with sunscreen<\/li><li>Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headache, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li>\r<li>Topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores<\/li><li>Insect repellent<\/li><li>Blister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing (at least 60% alcohol to be effective)<\/li><li>Antihistamine such as Benadryl and cold remedy such as Sudafed<\/li><li>Imodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, consult your physician.<\/li><li>Prescription medications properly labeled&mdash; bring a plentiful supply as they will be impossible to replace in Central Asia<\/li><li>Spare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Converter and plug adapter kit for appliance use in hotels. Plugs have a variety of blade types. It is best to bring a plug adapter kit.<\/li><li>Camera, spare batteries.<\/li><li>Reading\/writing material<\/li><li>Lightweight binoculars<\/li><li>Travel clock<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"The Golden Road to Samarkand","Custom_Lodging":"19 nights in hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included","Custom_Difficulty":"Cultural exploration and walking tours, rugged road travel","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"The trip is rated <strong>Level 3, Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. While this trip is not expected to be physically strenuous, the rustic accommodations, long travel days, and transportation conditions may be quite demanding. This is not a hiking trip, but we do hope to have opportunities for walks of two hours or more during the journey.","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"","Custom_Accommodations":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T15:35:31 --><p>Accommodations are in good city hotels and in comfortable rustic lodges.<\/p>","Custom_Cuisine":"","Custom_Transportation":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T15:35:57 --><p>Overland travel is in minivans and small buses, depending upon the size of the group. Road conditions can be very basic, and trip members should be prepared for long drives. Our expedition travels to areas that have experienced very little tourism. We believe that the most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting a remote and fascinating region.<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer a plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex. Please visit our Travel Insurance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/resources\/travel-insurance\/\">webpage<\/a> for more information. You can purchase travel insurance with your final payment using the link above. <\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Mandatory_Emergency_Evacuation_Insurance":"","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific departures they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>At time of reservation: $600<br>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 151 days prior to departure: No charge!<br>91-150 days prior to departure: $600 per person<br>90 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}