The Silk Road Experience
- Tashkent Departure

Day 1: TASHKENT

All amazing adventures begin somewhere – and on this trip, you’ll kick off in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. No matter when you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport by a welcoming face who will drive you to your accommodation.

Meet your solo travel buddies in the hotel before heading out for lunch and then take a casual stroll around Tashkent city with your expert guide. Tonight is the group’s welcome dinner! You’ll head out to one of our favourite local restaurants and ‘break bread’ – another chance to get to know your fellow Fencoxers.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Inspira (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Day 2: TASHKENT

Tashkent has a different feel to most central Asian cities. Due to a huge earthquake in 1966, the city was rebuilt in Soviet style, designed to be the best example of Soviet town planning and architecture.

Not all buildings were ruined in the quake; some did survive and the group will visit some highlights today before taking a ride on the famous Tashkent Metro – one of the most beautiful in the world. If you imagine metro stations to be dirty and boring, well, the Uzbeks would like to have a little word with you!

Following lunch, a special treat is in store as you visit the craftsmen section of the city and meet a local artisanal family, the Rahimovs. Get caught up in their passion for ceramics and the preservation of Uzbek culture as they proudly show you the inner workings of their Uzbek ceramics workshop.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan 

Day 3: KHIVA

Khiva – considered an open-air museum – is a UNESCO destination and a favourite of many Silk Road travellers. Smaller in scale with just eighty thousand people, it has an exceptional atmosphere that obscures its dark history. You’ll reach it by taking a domestic flight from Tashkent today.

You’ll love Khiva; an endless labyrinth of alleyways and blue mosaics. Despite its infinite beauty and feeling of calm, the Khiva of old was a local slave market hub. This is a reminder that the Silk Road may be magical today, but it hides many skeletons in its shadows. On a side note… the locals believe that Shem, son of Noah, founded the city.

Dine with your little group on a patio, as the sunset forms a backdrop behind the glorious city views.

💡Sample a local Khiva vodka – a tradition kept from the Russian era – whilst watching the sun drop below the horizon, if you’re up for it!

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Asia (or similar), Khiva, Uzbekistan 

Day 4: KHIVA

Today you will spend another full day in the magnificent Silk Road oasis of Khiva. Walk the citadel city walls during the morning. Get an insider’s view of Uzbek life inside the city’s residents’ quarter when you visit a local home. Here, the neighbourhood women help you prepare Shivit Ashi, a traditional pasta. A special, sensory experience indeed!

The afternoon is free for you to wander the magical streets of Khiva, or spend some time hunting for handmade souvenirs. Tonight’s highlight is dinner in a traditional madrassa with a folklore performance.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Asia (or similar), Khiva, Uzbekistan

Day 5: TRANSFER TO BUKHARA

Drive through the Kyzylkum desert dunes, with a lunch stop and leg stretch along the way.

This scenic five-hour journey is a relaxed way to amble (and just so you know, the roads can be a bit on the rough side in sections – but it is worth it!). A venture through the Uzbek countryside before arriving at your destination… just in time for dinner in the Old City of Bukhara – one of our favourite cities. Wait until you feast your eyes on this architecture!

Do note: the major cities of the Silk Road – Samarkand, Bukhara and to a lesser extent Khiva are very much discovered – thanks to their well-preserved and exotic beauty. We’ll do our best to time your visit to avoid the crowds, but just be aware that you’re not going to be the only show in these towns.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Amelia (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Day 6: BUKHARA

Bukhara is one of the crown jewels of the Silk Road trade route. A UNESCO-listed city, it’s a zig-zag of backstreets, bustling bazaars and historical monuments. Its moniker ‘Bukhoroi Shareef’, meaning ‘Holy Bukhara’, is named so for its hundreds of mosques and many mausoleums.

Today, you’ll visit sights that are equally famous and important to Central Asia, such as the Samanid Mausoleum, the Chasmai Ayub Mausoleum and the Bolo Hauz Mosque. The Poikalon complex is today’s centrepiece. Despite its religious origins, the highest minaret is nicknamed the ‘Tower of Death.’ See if you can figure out why! (Hint: it’s a long way down.)

Later, this evening, you’ll be introduced to Makshuma Niyazova, an intriguing local historian and archaeologist who received her PhD in 2007. During a short walk and over dinner, she’ll explain the rituals and history of this ancient Silk Road city. Feel free to ask her any questions you like – about history, definitely, but also about what life is like for a professional woman in modern Uzbekistan.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Amelia (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Day 7: BUKHARA TO SAMARKAND

After breakfast today you’ll get time to visit Ark Citadel – Bukhara’s original fortress and a symbol of power – quite possibly more than 2,000 years old. Then, you’ll meet up with Davlat Bronovich Toshev, a miniature painting master. 

A private room awaits your group in a local restaurant where you’ll be entertained by a live performance – a special treat of song and dance.

In the afternoon you’ll hitch a ride on the comfy high-speed train to Samarkand – one of the world’s oldest cities – and arrive with plenty of time to relax before dinner. Or perhaps you might want to explore the neighbourhood around your hotel with one of your travel companions.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rabat (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan 

Day 8: SAMARKAND

Samarkand is one of the most popular sites of the Silk Road. Conquered by both Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, this key trading post is dripping with history.

Registan Square is the focal point of ancient Samarkand framed by three beautiful madrassas (religious schools) – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori. Today will be full of exploration of this and other important local sites, accompanied by your local guide.

Dinner is a highlight – you’ll join the family of Farida Apa, a local primary school teacher. Learn how to make the local dish ‘Plov’ under her expert guidance before enjoying the end product and the evening spent with her family.

Back in the city once more, Registan Square is resplendent in the evening and we’ll go to bed with hearts full and belly content.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rabat (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan 

Day 9: SAMARKAND

Today there’ll be more exploration of Samarkand. You’ll see the most beautiful tilework in Uzbekistan, and learn more about the ruling Timurids and their sophisticated understanding of astronomy. This is the last day in Uzbekistan and after not much more than a week, the distractions of the West will feel like a world away.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rabat (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan 

Day 10: PENJIKENT, TAJIKISTAN

Your time in Uzbekistan may be over, but that can only mean one thing: another Stan awaits! 

This morning, your group will drive to the border of Tajikistan – a country that has been described as ‘mountains upon mountains upon mountains’ – you simply will not forget this! But first, you’ll need to cross the border on foot and on the other side, your specialist Tajik guide will be waiting for you!

Spend your day exploring world heritage ruins that date back to the bronze age, then ride the bumpy road into the mountains for a lakeside spot you’ll not be forgetting the beauty of anytime soon! 

It’s been a long day, so this evening will be relatively relaxed. Unwind, over dinner with the other Fencoxers.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Penjikent Plaza (or similar), Penjikent, Tajikistan 

Day 11: ISKANDER KUL

This morning your group heads deep into the Fann mountains to a lake named after Alexander the Great. Iskander Kul is set at an altitude of 2,200 metres, you’ll feel the lighter air up there. 

Soak up the mountain scenery, or stretch those legs and take a short hike to a nearby waterfall. The pristine air will wake up your appetite. Tonight’s dinner is at the cottages and if you feel like company later, you can hang out with your trip buddies… share some photos and compare stories of your adventure so far.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Simple cottages with private bathrooms (or similar), Tajikistan 

Day 12: ON THE ROAD TO DUSHANBE

Take your time and soak in your surroundings over a cup of fresh-brewed tea this morning. It’s not every day you wake up to the peace that comes with mountain scenery like this! Soon enough, you’ll be on your way to Dushanbe – Tajikistan’s capital. The three-hour road trip is plenty interesting though. After all, it’s not every day you travel through a road tunnel that’s nearly five kilometres long! Did you know that before this tunnel was built, this trip was four hours longer and a border crossing into and out of Uzbekistan was needed? 

Check into your hotel before heading out for dinner. After a few days on the road staying remote, your group will relish the extra choices available tonight!

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Shumon (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Day 13: DUSHANBE

Dushanbe is an absolute treasure of a city with just 800,000 people and a relaxed vibe. You’ll visit the National Museum of Antiquities, Rudaki Park and a few other sights on this city trip.

Navruz Palace was meant to be a spectacular tea house, but the owners got carried away and ended up with a monument of total excess. Described by someone as ‘opulence gone wild’, it is now the Presidential Palace of Tajikistan. Definitely worth a group pic in front of this exorbitant landmark.

Can you believe it’s day thirteen already and tomorrow you’re going to travel to a new country? Rest up tonight, because tomorrow you’ll be saying “Goodbye Tajikistan and Hello Kazakhstan!”

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Shumon (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Day 14: WELCOME TO KAZAKHSTAN

Your international flight to Almaty is not until lunchtime, so grab a chance to have a lie-in this morning, or spring out of bed for an early morning trip to the market with your guide. Then it’s hugs all around at the airport because on the other end, your Kazakh specialist guide will be waiting for you!

Tonight? After check-in, it’s a new country, which usually means… new food! Your Kazakh guide will be keen to show you one of their favourite dinner spots.  

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Kazzhol Park (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan

Day 15: ALMATY

Almaty is the cultural and business capital of Kazakhstan. You’ll start the day with a walk of the city, visiting Panfilov Park and the unique Zenkov Cathedral.

It’s more of a chill day, so this afternoon feel free to wander around Almaty some more, relax and watch the Kazakhs go about their day. You may notice, amongst other things, local handmade craftsmen’s goods. The Kazakh artisans behind them are tasked with guarding family traditions handed down through the ages, ensuring their skills – potentially under threat – survive another generation.

Later, check out fresh fruit and veggies at the Green Bazaar. Why is it called the Green Bazaar, you ask? You’ll find out when you get there. By the way, Almaty means ‘the place with apples’ (it’s believed that apples originate from here)! An apple anyone…?

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Kazzhol Park (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan

Day 16: CHARYN CANYON

Kazakhstan is the largest country by area of the Silk Road, and while it has a reputation for broad open spaces, you’ll be travelling in the picturesque mountain region of the South East. 

A big road trip today through unique scenery including beautiful rock formations.

The highlight for today is a stop at Charyn Canyon – ‘Red Castles Valley’. This place makes for a great picnic lunch following a three-kilometre walk down to the river before we hit the road again driving through the Kazakh steppe eastward to the border with Kyrgyzstan – the end of a very quick visit to Kazakhstan; necessarily so in order to maximise the group’s time in the final Stan of your trip.

After a long day on the road, you’ll be so happy for tonight’s dinner, in Dastorkon restaurant, and then bed.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Amir (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan

Day 17: KARAKOL

Make your way along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to the town of Karakol. En route, you’ll visit Barksoon Gorge with its mixed flora bursting with colour. This is one of our faves with views that never end – imbibe that lake… a waterfall… and the surrounding mountain peaks. Pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming!

Discover the connection between Yuri Gagarin, of historic space flight fame, and Issyk Kul. There’s a good chance you’ve not heard this story before. 

A customary meal with a Uighur family awaits you for lunch, you’ll have the chance to dive in and help cook it up. All in all, a very interesting day topped off by a dip in the hot springs, if you’re up for it!

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Amir (or similar), Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Day 18: JETY OGUY

As you travel across Central Asia you’ll notice the gradual change of cultures. Kyrgyzstan is where this becomes especially noticeable, as many consider it to be the Stan that retains the strongest cultural connection to its past. A large percentage of the Kyrgyz people are still nomadic, living in yurt camps under open skies, an experience you will share over the next couple of nights. This Yurt camp has a few more mod cons, with a hot shower available.

Issyk Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, and that’s where you’re headed tonight. The afternoon has a few surprises in store as you explore the beautiful Kyrgyz countryside on the way to the lake.

The hustle and bustle of the West will feel like a different universe as you contemplate the spectacular countryside, miles away from any distractions. You may also want to warm up your vocal cords for this evening as you and the other Fencoxers settle in around the camp for dinner….

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Yurt Camp (one toilet and shower per yurt, outside), Kyrgyzstan

Day 19: TAMGA

After breakfast, a short trip to Skazka (meaning ‘fairytale’) Canyons is on the cards. This unusual rocky landscape has been shaped by nature into quirky sculptures and formations. Here you’ll have the good fortune of meeting the ‘eagle hunter’, and his eagle.

The afternoon will be spent in Kaji-Sai having lunch with a local family, followed by a display of cultural dance movements. Oh, and bring your swimsuit if you’re up for a pleasant surprise afterwards! 

Tonight’s dinner is on you – that’s if you’d like to learn how to cook a local dish called Manty with the help of the camp’s in-house chef.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Yurt Camp (one toilet and shower per yurt, outside), Kyrgyzstan

Day 20: FELT CARPETS OF KOCHKOR

Something special in store for today as we meet the artisans behind the craft – a local women’s cooperative. Indigenous, ancient arts are flourishing in Kochkor, famous for its Kyrgyz felt carpet or ‘shyrdak’ tradition. Until recently though, it was on the verge of disappearing, until UNESCO stepped in to protect this cultural asset, strongly tied to the age-old nomadic Kyrgyzstan identity.

Another interesting stop is at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, a yurt-making hub – who knows – you may just want to build your own yurt when you get back home!

And before you know it, your guide will be pulling out a picnic lunch to chow down on at an interesting roadside spot. The afternoon has a few more surprises in store as you explore the beautiful Kyrgyz countryside. 

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Nomads Lodge (or similar), Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan

Day 21: BURANA

You’ll hit the road today for your final destination, and the capital of Kyrgyzstan; Bishkek. But first, an interaction with the past as your group stops at the medieval Burana Tower – the last remnant of the lost Silk Road city of Balasagun, once considered the centre of the world.

Together with your travel mates, you’ll watch a centuries-old, traditional horse sport, in a skilful game that appears similar to polo – only it’s often called ‘Goat’ and you’re about to find out why! Get to meet the horses after the event and take the opportunity for a photo or two with them.

By the late afternoon, you’ll be checking into your Bishkek hotel. Relax before dinner at a local restaurant – or maybe you’d like to take in a little more history today, with a quick visit to the National Historical Museum?

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel 3 (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Day 22: BISHKEK

Bishkek’s city centre combines wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings with numerous, Soviet-style apartment blocks surrounding interior courtyards. The streets form a grid-like pattern, flanked on both sides of the city by narrow irrigation channels, watering an army of trees that provide much-needed shade in the hot Kyrgyz summers.

Walk along Oak Park to the open art gallery of Sculptures. Visit Manas Sculpture and the modern History Museum – the keeper of several Bronze Age cave sculptures. There’s even a bit of downtime for anyone who needs to do some last-minute souvenir hunting. 

Sadly, the time has come for the group’s farewell dinner, where you’ll find yourself lingering… reminiscing with your tripmates over the vivid details of this memorable trip. Perhaps some last-minute sharing of photos… and now’s the time to grab any last group shots.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: B Hotel (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Day 23: FAREWELL, FRIENDS

Uzbek history. Tajik mountains. Kazakh steppes. Kyrgyz yurts.  Just think that you’ve lived it for yourself and now have countless stories to tell! You will have witnessed each country’s precious culture, history and unique heritage. Whenever anyone mentions the Silk Road, you’ll be able to say… ‘I’ve been there!’

And, you’re all the more richer for having bonded with your newfound travel buddies after starting out as a solo adventurer. As you make a final swap of contact details and vow to continue on with the group Whatsapp, who knows… you may even see another trip in your future!

Transfer to the airport.