The Silk Road Experience
- Tashkent Departure

Day 1: TASHKENT

No matter what time you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport by a welcoming face who will drive you to your accommodation. Drop your bags, because all amazing adventures begin somewhere – and on this trip, you’ll kick off in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at 10am today!

Meet your solo travel buddies in the hotel before heading out for a casual stroll around Tashkent city with your expert guide, and your first delicious tasting of Uzbek food. Have your camera ready in the afternoon because you’re going underground to uncover the Soviet-Era opulence of Tashkent’s Metro. 

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 Fencox Crew.

INCLUDED: 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: NUKUS

Nukus isn’t on typical tour-group radars, but its remoteness and once Soviet-spy intrigue will have you enthralled! Touch down from your early morning flight just after breakfast and head on over to the Savitsky Museum to see just a corner of the largest collection of works by avant-garde artists purged by Stalin in the 1930s. For decades, artist Igor Savitsky had collected and hidden their works for safekeeping, right under the collective nose of the KGB! 

Images of political defiance will linger in your mind this afternoon, all the way to Khiva, as the stark desert rushes past your window. Later, as you dine with your little group on a patio, watching the sunset glow up a labyrinth of alleyways and minarets, you’ll already find yourself falling head over heels for Khiva.

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

Day 4: LOVELY KHIVA

Today you will spend the full day in the magnificent Silk Road oasis of Khiva. Walk the citadel 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, or spend some time hunting for handmade souvenirs. Tonight’s highlight is dinner in a traditional madrassa with some folklore storytelling – through music and dance..

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

Day 5: TURKMENISTAN

Jump out of bed early because today you’re road-tripping to Turkmenistan! While it’s not much more than an hour to the border and the crossing is only about 500 metres on foot, the paperwork process – well that takes as long as it takes, so be sure to pack your patience as well as your bag! 

With a new passport stamp, you and your leader will meet your Turkmenistan guide and driver. Then it’s a dash into the Karakum Desert to explore Kunya Urgench – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of monuments that date back to the 11th century. Though long abandoned, their distinctive Islamic architecture echoes across the Silk Road, influencing styles from Central Asia and beyond.

Finish your day with a quick flight to Turkmenistan’s capital from back at the border town this evening. All-in-all, it’s a long day, but you’ll appreciate it when you’re tucked up in your Aashgabat hotel, having skipped the alternative – a very long and bumpy road trip!

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Day 6: OLD NISA FORTRESS

Old Nisa’s a UNESCO site that’s famed as the first home of the Parthian kings. Under the gaze of the copper-coloured Kopet-Dag Mountains, you’ll set foot in half-crumbled fortresses that once fought off the Roman Empire from expansion into Central Asia.

Is it lunchtime already?! It’s time for you and the rest of the group to sample even more weird and wonderful Turkmen dishes before you trot on over to the State Hippodrome Bedev. Here, you’ll get up close to the elegant Akhal Teke horses – the pride of Turkmenistan – and chit chat with a local horse breeder.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Day 7: ASHGABAT

Wake up, sleepyhead! Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is waiting for you. Stroll around your new town to explore the city’s best and quirky bits – taking in all the bizarre architecture of the city, as you pinball between sites like the Arch of Neutrality – a three-legged rocket of a monument with a golden top – and the UFO-like Palace of Happiness – the city’s wedding registry office, of course!

There’ll be enough time to scope out your hotel properly this afternoon, too. When you checked in last night, did you notice it is completely cylindrical?  Even the indoor pool is curved. It’s unique, that’s for sure!

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Day 8: ANCIENT MERV AND MARY

Swap the bizarre monuments of Ashgabat for Silk Road history by departing the capital and heading east into the bluffs of the Karakum Desert. The way leads to Ancient Merv. 

You’ll be greeted by one of the nerve centres of Islamic culture, the one-time capital of the Great Seljuk Empire and the epicentre of various sultanates.  Standing proud on the UNESCO list, Merv is actually the oldest and best-preserved of all the oasis cities along the Silk Road. Take the afternoon to unravel the mysteries behind the huge corrugated palaces known as koshks and learn of the massacres wrought upon the Silk Road city by Genghis Khan’s heir in the 13th century.

Next, Mary beckons. Stepping into the Juma Mosque, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a world where time stands still, with every arch echoing the locals’ whispers of prayer. Just around the corner, the Russian Orthodox church stands tall and hauntingly beautiful, telling the tale of Mary’s multi-faith background.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Margush (or similar), Mary, Turkmenistan

Day 9: BUKHARA, HERE WE COME!

Today you’ll be waving goodbye to Turkmenistan and saying hello-again to Uzbekistan, but first there’s a four-hour drive to the border. Can you believe it’s only day nine and you’re already taking the border crossings in your stride? 

Just so you know, the major cities of the Silk Road, including Bukhara, are very much discovered. The Silk Road has become quite popular! We’ll do our best to time your visits to avoid crowds, but now that you’ve left Turkmenistan,  just be aware that you’re not going to be the only show in town.

You’ll arrive in the afternoon to the magic-carpet-like town and check into a boutique hotel in the heart of the historic district – your home for the next two nights.

INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Amelia Boutique Hotel, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Day 10: 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: Amelia Boutique Hotel, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Day 11: 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: Malika Prime Hotel (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan 

Day 12: 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: Malika Prime Hotel (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Day 13: 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 Billuri Sitora (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Day 14: 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 forget 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 Umariyon (or similar), Penjikent, Tajikistan

Day 15: ISKANDER KUL ON THE WAY TO DUSHANBE

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 for lunch. Then it’s back in the vehicle and you’ll reach Dushanbe in time to 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 Atlas, Dushanbe (or similar), Tajikistan

Day 16: 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 17: WELCOME TO KAZAKHSTAN

Your international flight to Almaty is not until after 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: 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 22: 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 23: 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 24: BURANA

You’ll hit the road today for your final destination, and the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. But first, 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 25: 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 26: 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.