Wendy Wu Journey Through Central Asia

– Travel the Silk Road
– Cruise on Lake Iskander Kul
– Witness Karakol’s animal market
– Browse colourful bazaars
– Explore exotic Khiva
– Discover ancient Samarkand
– Witness the famous horse games of Kyrgyzstan

Days 1-2: Fly to Bishkek
Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the morning is yours to relax. Later enjoy a welcome lunch before embarking on a city tour.

Day 3: Ala Archa National Park
Drive south to Ala Archa National Park where you will embark on a leisurely hike, enjoying the picturesque scenery of snow-capped mountains and freshwater rivers. Return to Bishkek for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 4: Bishkek – Chon Kemin National Park
This morning, depart for the peaceful village of Chon-Kemin, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. Upon arrival you can take in the daily life in Ashu Village, take a leisurely walk in the foothills of the surrounding by magnificent mountains and fir tree forests, interact with some of the locals or take a participate in an optional horse-riding experience (paid locally).

Day 5: Chon Kemin – Bokonbayevo
Today we drive to Kochkor village , the centre of Kyrgyz national felt handicrafts. Continue driving to Bokonbayevo village and watch a demonstration of Eagle Hunting.

Day 6: Bokonbayevo – Karakol
Visit Skazka Canyon followed by and Barskoon Gorge to take a light hike to a waterfall named ‘Tears of Leopard’. Arrive in Karakol late this afternoon.

Day 7: Jety-Orguz Gorge
Visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, which was completed in 1895 and tour a Chinese mosque. In the afternoon, travel to the Valley of the Flowers and Jety-Orguz where you can enjoy a light hike through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone.

Day 8: Karakol – Almaty
Rise early and travel to the outskirts of town for the unforgettable Karakol Sunday Animal Market. Drive through breath-taking scenery to, visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, named due to the pillars and rock formations forming imposing structures. Travel on to Almaty where you will overnight.

Day 9: Almaty Lake
Today you will visit Republic Square, Abai Opera Theatre and Green Market, before spending the afternoon at the turquoise Big Almaty Lake nestled in the Tian Shan mountains. Return to Almaty in the late afternoon.

Day 10: Almaty – Dushanbe
This morning in Almaty is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan arriving in the early afternoon

Day 11: Dushanbe
Embark on a tour of Dushanbe followed by a visit to the Fortress of Hissor, the Medrassah Kuhna and the Museum of Tajik Way of life.

Day 12: Lake Iskander Kul
Visit the breathtaking Lake Iskander Kul on the way to Khujand.

Day 13: Khujand – Tashkent
Enjoy a tour of Khujand, visiting Pushkin Square, Timur Malik’s Fortress and the atmospheric Panjshanbe Bazaar. Travel to Tashkent this afternoon.

Day 14: Tashkent
See the highlights of Tashkent today, including Barak Khan and Kukeidash Madrassahs, Chorsu Bazaar and the opulently-decorated stations of Tashkent’s metro system.

Day 15: Tashkent – Samarkand
Drive to Samarkand, where after checking into your hotel you will visit the iconic Registan Square, the heartbeat of Samarkand Admire the three beautiful madrassahs on the square’s perimeter.

Day 16: Samarkand
Enjoy a full day’s tour of Samarkand, starting with Gur Emir, the mausoleum to Tamerlane. Next, continue to Bibi Khanum Mosque before visiting Ulugbek’s observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab.

Day 17: Samarkand – Bukhara
Head out of Samarkand to the town of Shakhrisabz where you will explore the remains of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat Cemetery and KokGumbas Mosque. Continue your journey this afternoon as you make your way to Bukhara.

Day 18-19: Bukhara sightseeing
You have a city tour of one of the most famous spots on the Silk Road. Visit sites including Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Ark of Bukhara. The next day head out of Bukhara to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former Emir of Bukhara. Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy some downtime this afternoon.

Day 20: Bukhara – Khiva
Travel across the famous Kyzyl Kum Desert today. Watch in awe as the scenery changes from saksaul trees to the Amudarya riverbank.

Day 21: Khiva
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Khiva’s most famous sights, finishing at the Friday Mosque and the 19th century Tash Hauli Palace.

Day 22 – Khiva – Ashgabat
Transfer overland to Kunya-Urgench, the once-glorious capital of the Khorezmshah Empire and a now UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, transfer to Dashoguz for your evening flight to Ashgabat

Day 23: Ashgabat
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ashgabat in your own time. Afterwards, head to Arkadash stud farm and learn about the “winged” Akhal Tekkes horses.

Day 24: The ancient city of Merv
Rise early for your flight to Mary. From the airport you will transfer overland to the ancient city of Merv; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Return to Mary after to visit the local History Museum.

Day 25: Darvaza Flaming Crater
Fly back to Ashgabat and enjoy a morning tour of the city. In the afternoon you will head to Darvaza to witness its famous Flaming Crater. Enjoy a walk around the perimeter and tuck into a delicious nomadic-style camp-side dinner under the starts. Following dinner, you will return to Ashgabat.

Day 26: Ashgabat
Visit the Old Nisa Fortress; the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch you will continue the fun at the colourful Russian Bazaar. Later, continue to the National Carpet Museum that exhibits an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects

Day 27: Fly Ashgabat to UK

You’ll spend 25 nights in 3/4* accommodations including tents and yurts

– Selected Meals: 24 breakfasts, 23 lunches, 24 dinners
– International flights and current taxes
– Domestic transportation
– 4 star accommodation, plus tents and yurts
– Touring with guides and entrance fees
– Visa fees for UK & EU passport holder

Go Beyond

Go Beyond are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. They aim to include as much variety as possible so that no two days on your holiday will be alike. You’ll gain a deep understanding of your destination and experience more, whilst still getting to see all the major sights

The maximum number of people per group for this tour is 24

This tour has a Level 4 fitness rating. This means that a good level of fitness is required as you can expect to be walking, or taking part in a physical activity like cycling, for longer periods of time on several days throughout the tour, and may be required to tackle some more challenging terrain.