Signature: The Northern Stans & the Silk Road

Signature: The Northern Stans & the Silk Road

• Trip code: 4M2X006
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Traverse the ancient Silk Road across Central Asia, from the mountains of Kyrgyzstan to bustling Uzbekistan. Explore Scythian archaeology, meet snow leopard conservationists, and share meals with Tajik families. Guided by experts, discover a region where nomadic traditions and imperial history converge.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nights)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Group Size Notes

Max 22, avg. 18

Highlights

Gain insight into local conservation with a talk by a National Geographic Explorer, Enjoy pre-opening access and a curator talk on the Scythian 'Golden Man' treasure, Witness traditional games and activities, followed by a home-hosted Kyrgyz lunch, Explore Tajikistan's National Museum with an archaeologist focusing on Buddhist history, Tour Soviet monuments before a panoramic farewell dinner atop the Tashkent TV Tower

Introduction

Traverse the ancient Silk Road across Central Asia, from the mountains of Kyrgyzstan to bustling Uzbekistan. Explore Scythian archaeology, meet snow leopard conservationists, and share meals with Tajik families. Guided by experts, discover a region where nomadic traditions and imperial history converge

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD150-195 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Bishkek nach Tashkent

Transport

Private Vehicle, Metro, Plane, Walking

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bishkek
Dein Foodie-Moment: Kazakh Dinner in Traditional Yurt, Almaty
Signature Moment: “Golden Man” Experience at Issyk State Historical and Cultural Reserve Museum, Almaty. Arrival and departure transfer. Bishkek City Walking Tour. Free time in Bishkek. Traditional Kyrgyz Dinner & Cultural Demonstration. Burana Tower Visit. Lunch and Village Immersion with Nomadic Traditions. Almaty City Tour. Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Huns Ethno Village Visit and Lunch. Free Time in Almaty. Guided City Tour of Dushanbe. Traditional Tajik Welcome Dinner. National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan. Historic Hissor Fortress & Madrasah. Local Family Visit & Cultural Experience. Free time in Dushanbe. Guided City Tour of Tashkent. Farewell Dinner at the TV Tower. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader and Expert. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a National Geographic Signature tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12

Itinerary

Day 1 Bishkek

Welcome to the Silk Road. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, framed by the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation sets the historical stage for the expedition ahead, followed by a hearty dinner at a traditional restaurant to mark the start of your Central Asian exploration

Day 2 Bishkek

Begin with a deep dive into conservation. Attend a presentation by a National Geographic Explorer from the Snow Leopard Foundation, learning about the critical efforts to protect these elusive "ghosts of the mountains." Continue with a walking tour of Bishkek, strolling through the leafy Oak Park and standing before the imposing Soviet-era architecture of Parliament and Victory Square. In the evening, immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture at the Supara Ethno-Complex. Savor authentic dishes while watching vivid demonstrations of traditional clothing and elaborate headdresses, celebrating the nation's nomadic heritage

Day 3 Bishkek/Almaty

Depart Bishkek driving through the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains, watching the landscape shift from city to steppe. Arrive at the UNESCO-listed Burana Complex to explore the ancient minaret and the field of balbals (stone warrior statues). Continue to a nearby village for some regional hospitality at a home-hosted Kyrgyz lunch. Here, witness traditions that define the nomadic spirit. In the evening, fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan, settling in for the next chapter of the expedition

Day 4 Almaty

Discover the cultural heart of Kazakhstan with a guided tour of Almaty. Stand in Republic Square beneath the Independence Monument, a symbol of national identity. Stroll through the serene Panfilov Park to admire the candy-colored Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings, constructed without a single nail. Dive into the sensory evoking Green Bazaar, smelling the spices and tasting local cheeses. Conclude the day with an authentic Kazakh dinner at a restaurant tucked into a traditional yurt, feeling the heart of nomadic culture

Day 5 Almaty

Experience pre-opening access to the Issyk State Historical and Cultural Reserve Museum. Join a curator for a private talk on the "Golden Man," a suit of Scythian armor from the 4th century BC that rivals the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the afternoon, travel to the Huns Ethno Village for an experience of living history. Watch traditional horse handling and craft demonstrations that bring the nomadic past to life. Enjoy a home-style lunch in a yurt before returning to Almaty for a free evening

Day 6 Almaty/Dushanbe

Fly south to Dushanbe, the leafy capital of Tajikistan. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the city’s cultural landmarks. Stand in Somoni Square beneath the golden statue of Ismoil Somoni, the father of the Tajik nation, and visit the grand Main Mosque. As evening falls, gather for a traditional Tajik welcome dinner at Zaytun. Savor a three-course meal of salads, hearty mains, and local desserts, offering a warm culinary introduction to the hospitality of Tajikistan

Day 7 Dushanbe

Delve into ancient history at the National Museum of Antiquities. Join an archaeologist for a session focused on the influence of Buddhism in Central Asia, viewing rare artifacts including a massive reclining Buddha. Travel to the 2,500-year-old Hissor Fortress, once a strategic stop on the Silk Road. The day becomes intimate with a visit to a local craftsman’s home. Watch bread baking in a traditional tandoor and learn to prepare qurutob, the national dish, before sharing the home-cooked lunch with the family

Day 8 Dushanbe/Tashkent

Fly to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Discover the city’s unique blend of Islamic and Soviet heritage. Descend into the Tashkent metro, where each station is seemingly an underground palace adorned with chandeliers and mosaics. Visit the Monument of Courage, dedicated to the resilience of the city after the 1966 earthquake. The expedition concludes on a high note: gather for a cocktail reception and farewell dinner at Koinot Restaurant, perched atop the soaring Tashkent TV Tower. Toast your adventure with panoramic views of the city glittering below

Day 9 Tashkent

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Bishkek

Day 2 Bishkek

Day 3 Bishkek/Almaty

Day 4 Almaty

Day 5 Almaty

Day 6 Almaty/Dushanbe

Day 7 Dushanbe

Day 8 Dushanbe/Tashkent

Day 9 Tashkent