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Operated by G Adventures
Central Asia on the Silk Road
From
Price on request
Duration
26 days
Countries
Kyrgyzstan, China, Uzbekistan
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 15
The adventure
Since opening up to travellers, China and its northwestern neighbours don’t seem quite as out-there a destination to some people – but they’re clearly not looking in the right places. This comprehensive 26-day journey from Beijing to Tashkent is one of those experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Picking up in the Chinese capital, you’ll visit the Uyghur province of Xinjiang, learning about the food, culture and history of this minority group. Then, we’ll leave China behind and venture into Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to retrace part of the route that helped build empires: The Silk Road. From stunning snow-capped mountains to arid deserts, experience a side of Asia in a way that you’ll barely believe is real.
Arrive at any time.
Visit the spectacular Great Wall of China. Opt to take in a kung fu show or a Chinese acrobats show.
Take a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with free time in the afternoon to explore before an overnight train to Xi'an.
Arrive to Xi'an and take an orientation walk. Opt to cycle around the city walls, visit the Muslim Quarter or the Big Goose Pagoda.
Take a guided tour to see the Terracotta Warriors with an included lunch at a local farmer's house.
In the morning, hop on an overnight train to Dunhuang.
Arrive to Dunhuang and take a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes. Enjoy a free afternoon to wander the town centre or visit sights further afield.
Opt to visit the unique Mingsha Sand Dunes for sunrise to climb the massive dunes and enjoy a camel ride. Overnight train to Turpan.
Arrive in Turpan, the lowest point in Asia. Enjoy a city tour with a local guide including the ancient Karez water system.
Drive to Urumqi and fly to Kashgar. Take an orientation walk of the city and head out for an optional dinner.
Enjoy the Sunday markets in Kashgar, including the famous Sunday bazaar and fascinating animal market.
Drive to the border via the Torugart Pass. Continue to Tash Rabat, a small community of Kyrgyz nomads high in the Tian Shan mountain range. Overnight in a yurt.
Enjoy the scenic mountains in the morning then drive to Kochkor to visit women at a carpet-making workshop. Enjoy a homestay in the community-based tourism (CBT) houses.
Travel to Karakol with a guided village tour. With free time, opt to check out the Przhevalsky Museum, the local market, Dungan Mosque or the Orthodox church.
Stay in Cholpon-Ata for the night. Enjoy a free afternoon to hang out on the beach, visit the petroglyphs or take a boat tour on the lake.
Travel to the capital city– Bishkek. Stop en route at the Burana Tower. Enjoy free time to shop, visit the city and enjoy the nightlife.
Explore the city or opt to go further afield for a hike in Ala Archa National Park.
Fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Take an orientation walk to get to know the city.
Take an included sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide before free time to explore.
Fly to Urgench and drive to UNESCO-listed Khiva. Enjoy a half-day tour of this ancient city.
Travel day through the desert to Bukhara, one of the most charming cities in the country.
Take an included city tour with a local guide. Use some free time to visit a local hammam (bathhouse) or pick up some souvenirs.
Travel on to Samarkand. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum.
Enjoy a tour of the city with a local guide. In the evening, enjoy a plov-cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family.
Travel back to Tashkent for a final evening together.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
26 days
Route
Beijing → Tashkent
Countries
Kyrgyzstan, China, Uzbekistan
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Max 15
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Kyrgyzstan, China & Uzbekistan
Showing Days 1-7
26-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting and optional group dinner of Beijing Duck.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting and optional group dinner of Beijing Duck.
Day 2Visit the spectacular Great Wall of China
Visit the spectacular Great Wall of China. Opt to take in a kung fu show or a Chinese acrobats show.
Day 3Take a guided tour of Tiananmen Square…Enjoy a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In the afternoon options include shopping, taking a hutong tour or visiting some of the remaining sights in the city like the Lama Temple and the Bell and Drum towers. In the evening board the first overnight train of the journey.
Enjoy a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In the afternoon options include shopping, taking a hutong tour or visiting some of the remaining sights in the city like the Lama Temple and the Bell and Drum towers. In the evening board the first overnight train of the journey.
Day 4Arrive to Xi'an and take an orientation walk
Arrive to Xi'an and take an orientation walk. Opt to cycle around the city walls, visit the Muslim Quarter or the Big Goose Pagoda.
Day 5Take a guided tour to see the Terracotta…
Take a guided tour to see the Terracotta Warriors with an included lunch at a local farmer's house.
Day 6In the morning, hop on an overnight train to Dunhuang
In the morning, hop on an overnight train to Dunhuang.
Day 7Arrive to Dunhuang and take a guided visit…Enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring the city or villages in the area. Outdoor tables in the centre of town are a great place to grab a beer and some local eats. The local delicacy here is donkey. Cover it in chilis and garlic – tastes like chicken!
Enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring the city or villages in the area. Outdoor tables in the centre of town are a great place to grab a beer and some local eats. The local delicacy here is donkey. Cover it in chilis and garlic – tastes like chicken!
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Discover Kyrgyzstan
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
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