JOURNEY THE SILK ROAD IN CENTRAL ASIA

Our journey begins in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and Central Asia’s most populous city. Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport (TAS) you’ll be picked up for transfer to the first hotel of our trip. Depending on when you arrive, you may have some time to explore the hotel’s surroundings before we gather in the lobby early this evening for a welcome meeting and dinner – the perfect way to get to know your fellow travelers and mark the beginning of an epic adventure.

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll regroup for a day dedicated to exploring Tashkent. It’s a sprawling metropolis home to over 3m people, but it’s also teeming with history dating back thousands of years. In the 13th-century it was reduced to rubble by Ghengis Khan, but its prime location on the Silk Road allowed Tashkent to flourish for centuries. Cue over a hundred years of Russian and Soviet rule before Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991. You’ll learn all about the many historical facets of this fascinating city on our in-depth tour, led by a local expert. Visit the 1966 Earthquake Memorial and Independence Square, check out the Museum of Applied Arts and explore the least Sovietized part of the city, Khast Imam Square, as well as the epic Chorsu bazaar – a key stop on the Great Silk Road. All that and more as you discover the impressive squares, monuments and lesser-known spots that tell this city’s remarkable story.

This morning we’ll take a transfer south and cross the border into Tajikistan (don’t worry, we’ll be back to see more of Uzbekistan later), a unique experience in itself that includes 1km of neutral territory to cross on foot. Our Tajikistani guide will be waiting to take you to the nation’s second city, Khujand, another stop along the Silk Route. After some free time for lunch we’ll embark on a tour of this cultural and historical gem, including a visit to the Historical Museum of Sughd, which is set within an ancient fortress. Soak in the atmosphere of the picturesque Kamoli Khujandi Square and try not to get lost in the bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar, before we round up the tour at the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, built as a shrine to a poet and saint-like figure who ruled the city during the 12th century.

Our final destination today will be the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, but our first stop in the morning will be the third Silk Road city of our trip. Istaravshan is one of the oldest commercial and craft towns in all of Central Asia, and you’ll get a guided tour of the city’s mazy streets and architectural masterpieces, including the striking Mug Teppa fortress, the marvelous domes of Kok Gumbaz Mosque and the intricately painted ceilings of Hazrat-i Shah Mosque. This afternoon we’ll hit the road once more to Dushanbe. Along the way you’ll pass through the Shahristan Tunnel, a 5km road carving through a mountain, and get to enjoy a series of spectacular mountain vistas, as well as glimpses into local life, before arriving in the capital early in the evening.

Now in the capital, you’ll be able to further your understanding of Tajikistan’s history at the National Museum of Antiquities, stop number one on our guided tour of Dushanbe. Next up is the spellbinding palace of Kokhi Navruz, the architectural masterpiece of independence-era Tajikistan, and a symbol of national pride. You’ll have the option to also visit the nearby Noor Art Gallery before we head to Mehrgon Market. Go on the hunt for local souvenirs and snack on delicious dry fruits, but don’t over indulge, as our next stop is lunch at an amazing local restaurant. After that we’ll visit the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments to learn about the wonderful musicality of Central Asia, before returning to the hotel. We’ll regroup later for an atmospheric evening walk around the capital’s main square, which looks resplendent when lit-up at night, making it the ideal time to check out the Ismoili Somoni Monument, Rudaki Park and, curiously, the world’s second tallest Flagpole. 

After several days of culture in some of Central Asia’s most storied old cities, it’s time to escape to the country, and where better than the shimmering jewels in the crown of Tajikistan’s natural landscapes. We’re talking about the Seven Lakes. This family of gorgeous turquoise lakes which, according to folklore were formed by the tears of seven grieving daughters, add a whole new dimension to the beauty of this mountainous region. Our main focus will be lake number four, Nofin, which acts as the extravagant backyard to our charming homestay for the night. We’ll meet our host for the evening for a home cooked lunch, before heading over to the 7th lake, Hazorchashma, passing another two en route. The almost unbelievably vivid color of these waters come from the landscape’s rich mineral salt content. After plenty of time to admire the views we’ll head back to the homestay. Dinner will be served family style, but if you really want to embrace local life, you’ll also have the option to help make the meal with our optional cooking class.

It won’t be easy saying goodbye to the Seven Lakes this morning, but fear not, we have an amazing day ahead. We’ll be traversing way back to ancient times, first by visiting the so-called Pompeii of Central Asia, Penjikent. The ruins here provide a fascinating insight into the ancient civilizations of Sogdia. We’ll explore the ruins, visit the Historical Museum of Penjikent and tour the small modern city that has taken its place. We’ll continue our historical odyssey at the Unesco-listed ruins of Sarazm. With a name that literally translates to “where the land begins”, this is a remarkable place to witness one of the world’s oldest examples of proto-urbanization. The settlement is one of the oldest in Central Asia, dating all the way back to the 4th millennium BCE. Then it’s time to say goodbye to Tajikistan, as we cross the border back into Uzbekistan, and head to the stunning city of Samarkand for the night.

Today is dedicated to one of the most spectacular cities in the world, Samarkand. This Silk Road stop has seen countless civilizations come and go. There were the Sogdians and Achaemenids before Alexander the Great came to town. Then there was the Arabic Conquest, the Ghengis-Khan Conquest and the development of Islamic societies before the Soviet Union took over. This has left Samarkand with an unusually large variety of cultural influences, showcased by its remarkable Unesco-listed architectural catalog. You’ll explore this on a guided tour, which includes the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square and its surrounding mosques and madrasas, as well as the colorful Siab bazaar, Shakhi-Zinda necropolis and more. The sheer scale of the place, combined with the intricate artistry of its vibrant tile designs, is sure to blow your socks off. Later on you’ll also have the option to visit the Meros Silk Paper Center to learn about the almost-lost tradition of Samarkand paper making, recently revived by local artisans.

You’ll travel by rail this morning as we hop aboard the scenic route from Samarkand to Bukhara. The latest stop on our Silk Route travels is extremely rich in architectural heritage, particularly from a trading perspective, with remarkable examples of caravan-sarais inns and trading domes still visitable today. There are also public baths and pools, as well as the city’s striking city walls and gates, along with various religious and educational buildings. The one thing all of these landmarks have in common is a masterful flair for design. In the afternoon you’ll tour the city, with highlights including the domineering Fortress Ark and the ridiculously meticulous artistry of the Samanids Mausoleum.

Our exploration of Bukhara continues this morning with a visit to Poi-Kalyan, an Islamic complex consisting of a mosque, madrasa and its eponymous minaret. We’ll also dig deeper into Silk Route history by visiting three of the city’s most historic bazaars – Tok-i-Sarrafon, Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon and Tok-i-Zargaron. We’ll stop for a charming home-hosted lunch before you get to experience a very special artisanal masterclass. As you will have noticed on your strolls around the city, Bukhara has a particularly rich history of miniature painting, usually taking inspiration from folk art and literary works. You’ll get to partake in a masterclass led by famous miniaturist Mr. Davlat Toshev, who comes from a long line of miniature painters and honed his skills under the tutelage of his father. The big question is, what will you draw?

For our last full day in Uzbekistan you’ll have the morning to explore for yourself – perhaps it’s time to head back to that bazaar for the souvenir that caught your eye. You can also opt for a supplementary countryside excursion to Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Mir Sayyd Muhammad Alim Khan. The palace is home to a Museum of Arts and Crafts, and back in Bukhara you’ll also get the chance to visit Chor Minor, a quirky madrasa with four distinctive minarets, each differing in shape and design. Mid afternoon we’ll hop on the train back to where it all began, Tashkent, where we’ll gather one last time for a hearty farewell dinner at a superb local restaurant.

Savor your final Uzbeki breakfast, as this sadly marks the end of our odyssey through the extravagant old cities and majestic landscapes of Central Asia. We’ll transfer you back to Tashkent International Airport (TAS), so all you have to do is gaze out of the window and reflect on the many wonders of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.