Central Asia and the Silk Road lies at the crossroads of history, an area steeped in antiquity protected by great deserts and awesome mountain ranges and the Silk Road a vital trade route for more than 2000 years. Central Asia is like no other place on earth. Much of its western boundary is lapped by the waters of the Caspian, the largest inland sea in the world. Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan lie to the south. Eastward are China and Mongolia, with Russia to the north.
Locked within the iron embrace of the former Soviet Union, the lands of Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Turkmen, Kazak, Uighur and Tajik were sealed off from the rest of the world. Spend time in Samarkand, whose shady gardens and magnificent architecture are the equal of the mosques and madrasas of Isfahan; Bukhara, once the site of Central Asia’s most infamous slave market; and the secretive, walled city of Khiva, one of the many places in the region where the imperial powers of Britain and Russia played out the moves and counter-moves of ‘the Great Game’.
Everywhere you go you’ll be met with keen interest, because the people of Central Asia spontaneously welcome visitors from other lands and have a special affinity with travelers. It could be no other way, for theirs is the timeless heritage of the fabled Silk Road.
Experience China
China is a country of epic proportions. Its treasures, cuisine and landscapes are as diverse as anywhere in the world have rightly attracted merchants, travellers and conquerors throughout its action packed history. It is a fitting start to many of our Trans Mongolian and Silk Road journeys and the monuments, history and experiences you will have in this intriguing land are sure to be a highlight of your travels.
- Visit the home of the Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda and many other wondrous monuments. Xian is a treasure trove of history waiting to be explored.
- Marvel at the Mogao Caves in the quiet desert oasis of Dunhuang.
- Admire the ingenuity of the ancient underground irrigation channels that have carried water to the Silk Road oasis of Turpan for over 2000 years.
- Witness a famous tradition that is said to have continued for two millennia as local Uyghur herdsmen and traders the haggle and barter at the famous Sunday Markets of Kashgar.
Experience Iran
From the relics of ancient Persian civilisation to the modern-day hustle and bustle of this sophisticated country, Iran is keen to show travellers the true hospitality of its people. With its long, powerful history of influence in the region, Iran is full of architectural jewels and a rich and engaging culture. Get off the beaten track and explore this lesser travelled nation.
- Admire the grandeur and artistry of the buildings of Isfahan, one of the jewels of ancient Persia.
- Discover one of the ancient world’s most impressive sights with a visit to Persepolis.
- Contrast the ancient wonders with a visit to Tehran, the heart of modern day Iran.
Experience Kazakhstan
The world’s biggest landlocked country, Kazakhstan is one of the last of the lands relatively unexplored by western travellers and offers magnificent wide open steppe, snow-capped mountains, taiga forests and canyons to those who venture there.
- Search for the elusive snow leopard in the pristine Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve.
- Take in the sights and bazaars of Almaty, the country’s largest city.
Experience Kyrgyzstan
Renowned for its hospitality to travellers, Kyrgyzstan combines opportunities for exploring the outdoors, experiencing the life of its nomadic people and taking in the history of the Silk Road.
- Cross the mountain passes of the impressive Tien Shan mountains at Torugart or Irkeshtam.
- Stay with local people while you explore the picturesque Lake Issyk Kul at the base of the central Tien Shan mountain range.
Experience Tajikistan
This remote and mountainous outpost of the former Soviet empire is awash with stunning high-altitude lakes and valleys, an undiscovered gem for those looking to get a little further off the beaten track.
- Enjoy one of the world’s great road trips along the Pamir Highway, through Tibetan-style high plateau scenery.
- Witness the bizarre spectacle of Buzkashi at the Nowruz (Persian New Year) Festival.
Experience Turkmenistan
With the impressive Karakum desert making up most of this land, its cities and towns stand out like the oases they once were.
- Wander through the ruins of one of the most important religious and commercial centres of the ancient Silk Road at Merv.
Experience Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is surly the jewel in the ornate crown of Central Asia and the Silk Road. The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, its abundance of history and impressive sights has attracted travellers for all time.
- Explore the fabled city of ‘Golden’ Samarkand and witness the impressive Registan.
- Lose yourself in the covered bazaars, tea houses and back streets of Bukhara.
- Experience the living museum of mosques, madrassas and caravanserai in Khiva.
