The Experience

Since opening up to travellers, China and its northwestern neighbours don’t seem quite as out-there a destination to some people – but they’re clearly not looking in the right places. This comprehensive 26-day journey from Beijing to Tashkent is one of those experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Picking up in the Chinese capital, you’ll visit the Uyghur province of Xinjiang, learning about the food, culture and history of this minority group. Then, we’ll leave China behind and venture into Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to retrace part of the route that helped build empires: The Silk Road. From stunning snow-capped mountains to arid deserts, experience a side of Asia you’d never be able to manage on your own in a way that you’ll barely believe is real. What’s Included Great Wall entrance (Beijing). Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour. Terracotta Warriors tour (Xi’an). Mogao Grottoes (Dunhuang). Mingsha Sand Dunes for sunrise, with camel ride. Turpan guided sightseeing tour. Sunday bazaar and animal bazaar visit (Kashgar). Torugart Pass (China/Kyrgyzstan border). Yurt stay with local meals. Carpet-making workshop visit. Karakol village tour. Burana Tower visit. Bishkek orientation walk. Tashkent city tour. Khiva ancient city tour (half-day). Bukhara city tour. Samarkand city tour. Plov-making demonstration with dinner. 22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners. (Allow USD240-360 for meals not included.) Hotels/guesthouses (19 nts), sleeper trains (3 nts), community-based tourism/homestays (2 nts, shared facilities), yurt (1 nt, multi-share). Train, private van/bus, walking, plane, camel, metro Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides. Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

The Route