Family Adventure To The “Stans’ Of Central Asia
Duration of this Trip 15 Days Priced From $6,140 per person
Add your family history to the great legends of the Silk Road! Our world is changing and travel enhances our global vision and offers our children the gift of experience and knowledge. Geo-literacy and global thinking are important to the future's world citizens and Central Asia is a fabulous destination filled with history, adventure, and the warmest hospitality in the world! Tour this amazing region with your own intrepid travelers and Silk Road Treasure Tours will help you experience all the excitement of a new destination. The "stans" of Central Asia are the five nations of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan; long hidden from the west under Soviet rule, these countries are topping the list of the newest, must-see destinations.
Whether in the modern cities, behind medieval sun-baked walls, or in a rural village in the mountains, this region is steeped in traditional, family oriented culture. Criss-crossed by the Great Silk Road routes and set amid vast stretches of desert, and steppe surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world, the pristine landscapes of Central Asia are waiting to be discovered. Ride a camel in the Kyzyl-Kum desert of Uzbekistan, stay in a traditional yurt by a lake in Kyrgyzstan, visit with an Uzbek family and share a meal, watch craftsmen and artisans at work or Turkmen nomads haggling for livestock in the bazaars, and enjoy lively music and dance performances in ancient caravansarays. We make the fabled UNESCO World Heritage cities of the Silk Road come alive!
Places like Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Khodjand, and Ashgabad offer thousands of years of history, culture, and traditions in an incredible post-Soviet mix. Our knowledgeable guides weave history and legend together, to inform and entertain. They know all the right places for family members of all ages to enjoy, and our detailed advance planning ensures that there are no unwanted surprises and that tours are paced appropriately. The food in Central Asia reflects the variety of Silk Road cultures and menus are fresh and local. We're happy to try and accommodate special requests and can arrange school visits or trips to special niche interest areas like bio-reserves. Want a more focused cultural experience? We're happy to customize family tours to any country or region. Experience the treasures of the Silk Road with us - where the world is more interesting.
At a Glance
Duration
15 DaysPriced From
$6,140 per personDepartures
2024 Tours
- April 14-28, 2024
- May 10-24, 2024
- June 1-14, 2024
- July 22-August 5, 2024
- August 18-September 1, 2024
Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabad
Day 2: Ashgabad – Dashogus - Kalas
Day 3: Kala -Khiva
Day 4: Khiva - Bukhara
Day 5: Bukhara
Day 6: Bukhara - Samarkand
Day 7: Samarkand - Tashkent
Day 8: Tashkent – Khodjand -Tashkent
Day 9: Tashkent
Day 10: Tashkent - Almaty
Day 11: Almaty - Bishkek
Day 12: Song Kul Lake
Day 13: Kochkor
Day 14: Bishkek
Day 15: Departure
Itinerary
Day 01 Ashgabad, Turkmenistan Arrival in Ashgabad.
You will be met by your personal guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. Discover Ashgabad's famous Talkuchka Sunday bazaar, one of the largest open bazaars in the world filled with colorful rugs, jewelry, carpets, silk, and fun national Turkmen costumes and hats. Visit a park dedicated to the fabled Turkmen Akhalteke Horses, the hippodrome, Presidential Square, the Monument to Victims of the 1948 Earthquake, and one of the remaining statues of Lenin in the region.
Day 02 Ashgabad - Dashoguz- Kalas
Fly to Dashoguz and drive to Kunya Urgench to explore this Silk Road city, the Mausoleum of Turabeg Khanum and the Shrines of Soltan Tekesh and Il- Arslan. Travel to the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. After completing formalities here, continue on to Kalas to experience the life of the nomad and an overnight stay in a cosy yurt in the Kara Kalpak Republic. Fabulous sunset views are a photographer's dream. Dinner with a folklore show around the fire.
Day 03 Kalas - Khiva
Opt for an early morning camel ride, light hiking, or leisure time and photography in the yurt camp. We'll begin our early drive to legendary Khiva, Uzbekistan's "living museum". Arrival and accommodation at the Shakhrezade Boutique family Hotel, then on to explore this jewel of the Silk Road. The former capital of the Khanate, legend says that it was founded by Shem, the son of Noah. Our excursion takes us to the Ichan Kala (Old City) surrounded by walls of air-dried brick and decorated with delicate majolica tile: delight in the Ata –Darvaza, the Kalta Minar –short minaret, and the Kunya Ark. Learn the proverbs embossed on the tiles of the Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, and enjoy seeing a caravanserai which once sheltered merchants, their camels and merchandise, a puppet theatre and traditional concert. Dinner with a panoramic view of Khiva in moonlight.
Day 04 Khiva - Bukhara
Sightseeing day drive to Bukhara through the Kyzyl-Kum desert once one of the main Silk Road routes connecting China and Europe. We'll stop at a yurt camp, picnic in a local chaikhana (tea-house), and enjoy a photo opportunity near the Amu Darya (Oxus River)- one of the biggest rivers of Central Asia. Arrival in Bukhara and accommodation at the Boutique Hotel Minzifa or Komil. We'll begin with a sightseeing tour of the Labi Khaus Complex around the pond, the heart of legendary Bukhara city. Learn some of the stories of Nasreddin, whose statue is nearby. Explore the serene desert architecture and lively traditions of Bukhara at the Nadir Divan Begi Medresseh, Kukaldash Medresseh, Magoki Attari Mosque and the extensive trade domes and markets.
Day 05 Bukhara
The minaret of the beautiful Poi–Kalon Complex is a city landmark. We'll visit more gems of Islamic architecture at the Kalon Mosque, Miri Arab Medresseh, the 1st century Fortress-Ark, and the Ismail Samani and Chashma- Ayub Mausoleums. Visit Bukhara bazaar to see the intricate embroideries, charming clay figurines, and lovely wood working. We will visit a local Uzbek family to experience the famous local hospitality and participate in making traditional sweets and Uzbek plov (pilaf). In the afternoon, visit the Sitorai Mohi Hossa, the former summer residence of the local Bukharin Emirs and the Chor Minor Complex. Dinner with folk-show at Nodir Divan Begi Medresseh .
Day 06 Bukhara - Samarkand
Early morning drive to the fabled city of Samarkand. More than 2,750 years old, we'll check in at the more modern Malika Prime hotel right next to the old city sights. Explore Registan Square, one of the most recognized landmarks of the ancient world and the main attraction of Samarkand. We'll also visit a bakery to see how the lovely round local breads are made.
Day 07 Samarkand -Tashkent
After breakfast visit the Prophet Daniel's tomb next to a pleasant ancient water stream. We'll explore the Siab Sunday bazaar and continue sightseeing at the ancient necropolis of the Shahi Zinda Ensemble, and the Gur-i- Emir Complex – the mausoleum of the ancient ruler Tamerlane's family. Take the fast train from Samarkand to Tashkent and the City Palace hotel.
Day 08 Tashkent
Tashkent combines the remains of the ancient city with all the trappings of a modern capital city. Visit the sites on Khast Imam Street, enjoy the bustling Chorsu bazaar - redolent with spices and tradition. Visit Mustakillik Square (Independence Square) and the Abul Kasim handicraft center. Meet with local families and visit a school to enjoy a student performance.
Day 09 Tashkent – Khodjent, Tajikistan -Tashkent
Sightseeing morning drive to the Tajikistan border. After formalities here we'll drive to Khodjent, one of the oldest cities of Tajikistan founded by Alexander the Great. Sightseeing tour to Temurmalik Fortress, the Museum of Archeology and History and the ancient Silk Road Panchanbe bazaar. Return to Tashkent in the evening for dinner.
Day 10 Tashkent – Almaty, Kazakhstan
Flight to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan and a unique mix of Russian and Kazakh influences. Accommodation at the Grand Voyage hotel. Our sightseeing tour includes the Central State Museum, Almaty's Green Bazaar, the Cathedral of the Holy Ascension and Glory Memorial in Panfilov Park , the Museum of National Folk Musical Instruments and Independence Monument. We'll visit Alatau Park located 15 km from the city in the surrounding snow-capped mountains to enjoy the spectacular views.
Day 11 Almaty – Bishkek (Kyrgyz capital)
Scenic drive to Bishkek, one of the greenest cities in Central Asia. Sightseeing tour to leafy Oak Park, where you can find a statue of Marx and Engels engaged in a chat, the changing of the guards in Ala-Too Square, the statue of the Kyrgyz hero Manas, and Victory Square. Visit the Central Museum and the bazaar. We'll stay overnight at the Plaza Hotel.
Day 12 BISHKEK - Song Kul
Our day drive to Son Kul Lake will include a stop at the 11th century Burana tower near the ruins of the ancient Soghdian city of Balasagun. The tower enables visitors to climb to the top. Here we can see a collection of balbals – ancient carved Turkic headstones which often appear like large game pieces. We might be lucky enough to catch a show of local equestrian feats. Son Kul is the second biggest lake in Kyrgyzstan, located at 3016 meters above sea level. Here local nomads graze their livestock and the sky seems to stretch forever. Overnight and dinner in your own family yurt under luminous night skies.
Day 13,Song-Kul - Kochkor
We'll spend the day hiking, or horse-back riding, and photographing this extraordinary location. We'll learn about the local nomad way of life and culture, even tasting fresh airan (yogurt) and maybe even kumis (fermented mare's milk – the national drink!). The lush Son Kul area is used by shepherds from the Kochkor, Naryn and At Bashi regions as a jailoo – a summer pasture. Lunch in the yurts, then we'll drive to Kochkor village. Overnight and dinner in home stay.
Day 14 Kochkor - Bishkek
In the morning after breakfast you have a chance to see how local Kyrgyz women make colorful shyrdak felt carpets and other handicraft items. You can participate and make your own item. Return to Bishkek and visit the Ala-Archa Mountains to enjoy the beauty of the Tianshan Mountains. Overnight at the Park Hotel.
Day 15 Bishkek
Early morning transfer to the airport to take your International flight for home.
Land Tour Costs
From $6,140 for 6-10 travelersSingle Supplement
Single Supplement/double/triple accommodation availableScheduled Departures
2024 Tours
- April 14-28, 2024
- May 10-24, 2024
- June 1-14, 2024
- July 22-August 5, 2024
- August 18-September 1, 2024
Trip Highlights
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent medieval Silk Road architecture of graceful arched portals and glittering palace tile work of bygone eras, ruins of ancient civilizations which lured travelers, traders, scholars and conquerors for millennia
- Participate at seasonal and traditional festivals, and travel to some of the world's most beautiful and rarely visited locations with local, experienced Silk Road experts
- Dine with local families in cities and villages, attend a tea ceremony, relax in a chaikhana, and enjoy an overnight adventure in a yurt, cooking classes with master chefs and local bakers.
- Create your own 1001 nights in the lively bazaars of Central Asia!
- Master craftsmen are famous here for jewelry in silver, gold and semi-precious stones, embossed silver, brass and copper; luxurious silks and intricate gold and silk embroideries
- Taste the spices and flavors of the Silk Road - the plov rice dishes, herb-filled pastries, and savory kebabs
- Horses are a way of life in Central Asia. Explore nomadic life, equestrian events and breeding centers in Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan
- Get lost in the mystery and soothing tranquility of a sunset in the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, or the enchantment of the bright sunrise over the Tien Shan Mountains
Visited Countries
Central Asia: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, TajikistanVisited Cities & Places
Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva Tajikistan: Khodjand Turkmenistan: Ashgabad, Dashoguz, Konya Urgench Kazakhstan: Almaty Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek, Songkul lake, Kochkorcha village,Suggested Extensions
Call or Contact Us for suggestions
Reading Lists
- Lonely Planet Central Asia (2014)
- Frances Wood "The Silk Road, Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia"
- Peter Hopkirk "The Great Game"
- Colin Thubron "The Lost Heart of Asia"
What's Included
- Visa support for all countries
- Domestic Flights: Ashgabad - Dashoguz, Tashkent - Almaty
- Train from Samarkand to Tashkent
- All ground transportation and transfers to/from airports
- Experienced English-speaking regional and local guides/escorts in all countries visited: Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
- Hotel accommodation (3-4 star hotels, boutique hotels)
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner. One complimentary lunch.
- Entrance fees for museums, historical sites, parks, natural preserves
- Folklore shows in Bukhara and Bishkek
- Tea stops, 1.L Bottle of water every day
- Pre Departure Travel package along with Silk Road gifts
What's Not Included
- International Flights
- Charges in hotels for additional services
- Consular fees
Image Gallery
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Visited Countries
Central Asia: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, TajikistanVisited Cities & Places
Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva Tajikistan: Khodjand Turkmenistan: Ashgabad, Dashoguz, Konya Urgench Kazakhstan: Almaty Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek, Songkul lake, Kochkorcha village,Suggested Extentions
Call or Contact Us for suggestions
Reading Lists
- Lonely Planet Central Asia (2014)
- Frances Wood "The Silk Road, Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia"
- Peter Hopkirk "The Great Game"
- Colin Thubron "The Lost Heart of Asia"
Scheduled Departures
2024 Tours
- April 14-28, 2024
- May 10-24, 2024
- June 1-14, 2024
- July 22-August 5, 2024
- August 18-September 1, 2024