15-Nights The Silk Road: Discovering the Five ’Stans of Central Asia - Signature Land
from $9,295
National Geographic Expeditions
OFFER ID 1536429
Follow in the footsteps of merchants, Mongols and princes as you travel to 5 Central Asian countries, discovering the towns and cities of the legendary Silk Road. From elegant Almaty to eclectic Tashkent and timeless Khiva, wander beneath tile-covered mosques, venture to age-old bazaars that evoke the camel caravans of the past and experience unique nomadic traditions that endure in the mountain valleys. Enjoy folkloric performances and intimate conversations with locals as you immerse yourself in the heritage of the region—a melting pot of cultures for over 2,000 years.
15 nights from $9,295 per person
Featured Destinations
Ashgabat
The accomplishments of the Turkmen rests in the "the city of love" also known as Ashgabat. Found between the Karakum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat a young city founded in 1881 sprouted on the ruins of the Silk Road. Across a dry valley, this city is covered in crisp white marble, glistening gold domes, and parks perfectly manicured.
Khiva
This ancient city, a trading center on the Silk Road has been a caravan stop since the 10th century. People gather from both east and west not only to trade, but for its tasty and cool water. Legend has it that the city was built around the well that was dug up in the old part of Khiva. This well can be visited today. Once a bustling city with a scarred past, Khiva is now a peaceful open-aired museum clustered with mosques, madrassahs and tiled minarets.
Bukhara
The ancient Persian city of Bukhara, located on the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, is more than 2,000 years old. Often visited for its famous tomb of Ismail Samani and a large number of 17th century madrasas, Bhukara is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to being one of the best examples of 10th century Islamic architecture in the world.
Samarkand
Built around the same time as Babylon and Rome, the city of Samarkand has seen the conquests of Alexander the Great, Genghis-Khan and Tamerlane's. Centuries of development melted cultures from Arabia and Asia with poets and historians calling it "Rome of the East, The beauty of sublunary countries, The pearl of the Eastern Muslim World." Samarkand is a wealth of ancient architecture with spiritual value making it listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous monuments to visit is the Registan Mosque, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and Guri Amir Mausoleum and the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis.
Tashkent
The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent has a growing population of 3 million people. Tashkent preserves its European architecture from old Turkestan and because of its multi-ethnic population Oriental and Arabic touches makes this city a modern and medieval wanderlust.
Bishkek
Bishkek lies in the Tien Shan mountain range in the Chui Valley in the Kyrgyz Republic. It is the largest city and capital of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek often serves as a base for trips to the Tien Shans mountains, and makes a great start to tour the silk road. It is a hospitable town with cafes and clubs, and streets flanked with irrigation channels and large trees.
Almaty
The bridge between Asia and Europe is Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan with a growing population of 1.5 million. Also known as the "city of apples," Almaty grows a variety of apples used both as consumption and scientific research. At night, travelers navigate their way to its bright city lights and on a clear day, the snow-capped mountains are kissed by the sun in the background. While visiting Almaty, take advantage of the aerial tramway zipping you to the top of Kok Tobe. Practice your ice skating in Medeu, the highest Olympic sized ice stadium. Stroll through Arbat, a tree-line pedestrian street or gaze in awe at the grandeur of the Presidential Palace.
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
04/04/2024 -
06/13/2025
from$9,295per person
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
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Remarks
All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise stated and are subject to availability and change without notice and do not include international or internal airfare. All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars. Prices listed for each offer may pertain to specific departure dates. Single supplement applies. Other restrictions, blackout dates and holiday surcharges may apply. Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Not included: Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable. Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance; Visas when applicable; Expedition Leader gratuities.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1536429
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