18-Nights Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road - National Geographic Signature from $11,599

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1706215

Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road
Trace the legends of the Silk Road across five nations. From the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains to the monuments of Tashkent, connect with the living soul of Central Asia. Experience exclusive museum access, master the art of Uzbek plov, and tour top-secret science facilities on an expedition defined by discovery and depth.

Highlights
WHERE STORIES COME TO LIFE

After-Hours at the Guri Emir Mausoleum - Enter Tamerlane’s mausoleum after hours for a private talk on the Timurid legacy.
Burana Tower Visit - Burana Tower Visit Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large minaret, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remain of the 9th century city of Balasagun.
Expert Wrap-Up & Farewell Dinner at the TV Tower - Tour Soviet monuments before a panoramic farewell dinner atop the Tashkent TV Tower.

Group Leader
All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes
Max. 22, Avg. 18.

18 nights from $11,599 per person

Featured Destinations

Ashgabat

Khiva

Bukhara

Tashkent

Dushanbe

Tajikistan's capital, nestled south of the Ferbana valley and west of towering Pamir Mountains, has a population of about 700,000. It wasn't always the premier city in the country: Until 1926, Dushanbe was a tiny village whose main importance was a market held every Monday (the city's name means Monday in Tajik). Then the railroad came to town and transformed the sleepy hamlet into a major transportation hub. That led to a lot of Soviet-style architecture, which gives the city a modern, uninspired look. Nonetheless, tree-lined streets and avenues, four big squares, numerous parks and impressive government buildings lend the city a certain charm. The prominent showpiece in Dusti Square is a new, multimillion-dollar monument to Ismail Somoni, who founded the Central Asian Somonid Dynasty in AD 895.

The biggest attractions are the markets. The covered market behind the Hotel Tajikistan sells Iranian and Chinese clothes, foodstuffs and electronics. Very few crafts are displayed because there have previously not been many visitors there to buy the goods. The bozori abz (green market) east of Aini Square sells fruits, vegetables and flowers. Other attractions include the motley Tajikistan Unified Museum (stuffed animals and ex-Soviet memorabilia), the Ethnographic Museum (traditional handicrafts), the Museum of National Antiquity (religious artifacts including an awesome reclining stone Buddha), the Rokhat teahouse, the Aini Square and Memorial Complex and the Aini Opera and Ballet House (both named after Sadriddin Aini, the father of Tajik literature). Note that many streets have recently changed (and may change again in the future) from their Soviet-inspired names to more Tajik-centric versions; finding your way around town can often be a frustrating endeavor, as even many locals won't know the current name of the street they are walking on.

After you've exhausted the possibilities in town, take a day trip to Hissor Fortress, 18 mi/30 km away. The stronghold, built in the 18th century and abandoned after 1920, was once the residence of the Turko-Mongric rulers. If time allows, other excursions can be made to Adzhina-Tepe (an ancient Buddhist monastery) and to the Varzob Gorge, the site of a health resort and thermal springs. Though a major hike from the gorge, the springs and resort will appeal to those who feel that hot radon steam is therapeutic. The Ramit Nature Reserve is not far away.

Bishkek

Samarkand

Almaty

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/13/2027 - 11/06/2027

from $11,599 per 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.

Prices Start At

from $11,599 per person

Length

18 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Moderate

Remarks

Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1706215

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Request More Info!

OVERVIEW SUPPLIERS DESTINATIONS

Vacations Search

Between

And

Escorted Tours Only

Land Only Tours

18-Nights Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road - National Geographic Signature from $11,599

Vacation Details

Navigation

Contact Info

Follow Us

Newsletter

We use cookies

Cookie preferences