The Silk Road

14 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
For centuries, merchant caravans made their way through deserts, across steppes and over mountains, creating trade routes between the great civilisations of the Mediterranean and Asia. Art and religion spread both east and west and cities with impressive architecture sprouted alongside nomadic communities of eagle hunters. Follow Marco Polo’s footsteps and un...
26%
$5,265
From$3,900
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Marvel at the Islamic architecture of Registan Square in Samarkand
    • Wander through the Silk Road city of Bukhara, full of domes and minarets
    • Enjoy the mountains and lakes of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
    • Explore the Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan
    • Stay a night in a Kyrgyz yurt
    • Get a taste of rural Uzbekistan in the small town of Urgut

What's this trip about?

    For centuries, merchant caravans made their way through deserts, across steppes and over mountains, creating trade routes between the great civilisations of the Mediterranean and Asia. Art and religion spread both east and west and cities with impressive architecture sprouted alongside nomadic communities of eagle hunters. Follow Marco Polo’s footsteps and uncover the natural and cultural treasures of Central Asia on this two-week trip visiting the best sites on the Silk Road, from Bukhara and Samarkand to the Tien Shan mountains. Itinerary variations Our departures up to and including 12 June 2024 follow a 14-day itinerary starting in Bishkek and ending in Bukhara, with an optional extension to Khiva. Our departures from 19 June 2024 onwards follow a 16-day itinerary starting in Bishkek and ending in Khiva/Urgench with a visit to Khiva included in the main itinerary. This itinerary is valid for departures from 1 Oct, 2023 to 17 Jun, 2024. For other departure dates, please contact us.Explore the best of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBishkek
End CityBukhara

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Uzbekistan

Attractions

  • Almaty
  • Bukhara
  • Kazakhstan
  • Samarkand

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout (two separate leaders)
    • 11 breakfasts and three dinners

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Bishkek

The adventure begins in Bishkek. We have a city tour this afternoon, spending a couple of hours visiting the main city sites, including Ala Too Square, Parliament House, the White House, the Lenin Statue and the Manas Monument. You can check in to the hotel from 10am. Accommodation: Hotel Garden or Hotel Bridges (or similar)

Day 2 Ala-Archa Gorge

We visit Ala-Archa National Park at an altitude of 6,890ft (2,100m). The reserve is a small valley inside the gorge, its ridges permanently ice-covered with slopes blanketed by spruce forest. Meltwater flows from glaciers and becomes the Ala-Archa River. Take a hike t...

Day 3 To Chon-Kemin Gorge

On the way to Chon-Kemin Gorge, we stop at the 11th-century Karakhanid minaret, a Unesco World Hertiage site and the first minaret of its kind in Central Asia. You can climb to the top of the tower. Take care, it’s quite dark inside and the stairs are steep and narrow...

Day 4 Issyk Kul Lake and Djety Oguz Gorge

We continue our journey through the Tien Shan mountains along the southern side of Issyk Kul Lake. The second largest salt lake in the world, it measures 43mi by 112mi (70km by 180km) and reaches almost 2,300ft (700m) deep. The name translates to Hot Lake, as it never...

Day 5 Karakol

We enjoy a morning walk in the Djety Oguz Gorge. We continue to the city of Karakol, where we enjoy a sightseeing tour taking in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church, a wooden Dungan mosque, and Karakol bazaar. Tonight, we enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local Uygur or Dungan family home. Accommodation: Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 To Almaty, Kazakhstan via Charyn Canyon

Today we cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and, after border procedures, travel along the picturesque Karkara valley, where mountain flowers attract many beekeepers. We head towards Charyn Canyon, where the dramatic erosion caused by the Charyn river has created an impressive landscape. We then continue to Almaty. Accommodation: Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Day trip to Issyk and Turgen Gorge

Today is a long day with considerable driving as we head out of Almaty to stretch our legs and explore the countryside. We first drive to Turgen Gorge, known for its beautiful natural scenery and waterfalls (some as tall as 130ft/40m), stopping at a supermarket en rou...

Day 8 Sightseeing tour of Almaty and train towards Tashkent

Almaty is a beautiful city backed by the Tien Shan mountains and we have the whole day to explore it. With leafy streets and a cafe culture, the former Kazakh capital has a distinctly European feel. After breakfast, we visit several sites, including Zhenkov Cathedral ...

Day 9 Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan

We usually arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan between mid morning and early afternoon. We’ll have a short tour of the city, time permitting, visiting: Independence Square, which is flanked by public buildings and water fountains, and the Old City with its m...

Day 10 Train to Samarkand

We catch the morning fast train to Samarkand, arriving mid-morning, and spend the rest of today and tomorrow morning exploring. The city is steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by figures such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, the...

Day 11 Samarkand and Urgut

Today we travel to Urgut (one hour) for a half-day excursion around the picturesque provincial town at the foot of the Zeravshan mountain range. We’ll visit the bazaar, a pottery workshop, Four Chinar garden (home to 1,000-year-old chinar trees), and Karatepa reservoi...

Day 12 - 13 Bukhara

We take the morning fast train to Bukhara and spend two full days exploring. The best-preserved medieval city in Central Asia, this Unesco World Heritage site dates back more than 2,000 years. Our city tour takes us to the Lyabi Khauz complex, built in the 16th and 17...

Day 14 End in Bukhara, or extend your trip to Khiva

Your trip ends in Bukhara today. Or, continue the trip with our exciting extension to Khiva, another major city on the Silk Road. Speak to your sales representative to book.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,900
Price per day$279
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
01 May 2024
14 May 2024
$4,875
2 spots left
15 May 2024
28 May 2024
$4,725
3 spots left
22 May 2024
04 Jun 2024
$3,900
6 spots left
29 May 2024
11 Jun 2024
$4,050
3 spots left
05 Jun 2024
18 Jun 2024
$4,725
Limited
12 Jun 2024
25 Jun 2024
$4,500
1 spots left
20 Jun 2024
05 Jul 2024
$4,725
Limited
18 Jul 2024
02 Aug 2024
$4,950
1 spots left
22 Aug 2024
06 Sep 2024
$4,275
6 spots left
29 Aug 2024
13 Sep 2024
$4,050
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
12,551
Great
3,241
Average
608
Disappointing
140
Terrible
179
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A thought provoking journey

The trip introduced me to many aspects of the history of Central Asia of which I knew little. It has inspired me to read more on the subject. I was also possible t...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful Trip

If you like history, visiting beautiful buildings and tasting local food, this is the trip for you. Yes there are some bad roads to contend with, but that's a smal...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

"Why do you want to go there?"

When I told people I was going to three of the 'Stans', their question was always why ? To be honest, I wasn't sure myself until I'd been, but they are very differ...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The Silk Route

Really exciting trip, very full on and packed with seeing the best of all 3 countries that you visit. Be prepared for long but very rewarding days of sightseeing an...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

the silk road

a simply amazing tour. not sure about describing this tour as inspirational but to see part of the old silk rd was/is part of our desire to see as much of it as po...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel Insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Optional extension to Khiva

Accommodation

Accommodation in en suite standard hotels with one night in a yurt and two nights on sleeper trains Fast paced itinerary Travel by minibus or car-caravan and train Experience local culture and nature,This trip includes 10 nights in standard hotels, one night in a guesthouse, one night in a yurt and one night on a sleeper train. Throughout most of the trip, we stay in standard two- or three-star hotels. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Djety Oguz: Yurt camp (night 4) Yurts are traditional housing for nomadic communities across Central Asia and are generally quite cosy. We spend one night in a traditional yurt camp in the Djety Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan. The camp has six sleeping yurts, each normally shared between four and five people and there are three toilets and one shower. Sleeper train: (night 8) The railway has long been a popular way of travelling around the ex-Soviet Union and this is a great experience and insight into Kazakh life. On the train from Tashkent to Almaty, we use second-class carriages with four-berth cabins. The train was launched in 2017 and these cabins are comfortable, though not luxurious. Bukhara: Kavsar Boutique Hotel (nights 12-13) Taking over an old mansion, this small boutique hotel is one of the standout accommodations on this itinerary. It’s embellished with intricate design features and plenty of antiques, while an atmospheric central courtyard provides a wonderful place to gather as a group. Worth knowing Single supplements don’t apply to the night on the sleeper train or the night in the yurt camp. April and October departures: We stay in Almaluu Yurt Camp close to Lake Issyk Kul instead of the yurt camp in Djety Oguz. In some places on this trip we use several different hotels. We'll inform you before departure if your start hotel in Bishkek differs from what is mentioned in the trip notes.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
There are 11 breakfasts and three dinners included. The only breakfast not included is after the overnight train. Common dishes in the region include shish kebabs and plov, which you’ll probably see plenty of. The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish (variants elsewhere are known as pilaf or pilau rice). Another main food is bread, especially in Uzbekistan where it is baked and sold everywhere. There are normally a couple of opportunities to try home-cooked meals. Tea is also plentiful, both black and green, and drunk with most meals and throughout the day. Please note, vegetarian food choices may be rather limited. If you are strictly vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers – please bring a reusable bottle with you.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation in standard hotels plus one night in a yurt, one night in a simple guesthouse and one night on a sleeper train
  • 11 breakfasts and three dinners included (13 breakfasts on the 16 day version)
  • Fast-paced itinerary
  • Travel by minibus and comfortable trains
  • Experience Silk Road cities, culture and nature
  • Enjoy easy walks in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Trip ID
exodus-AXF

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