The Epic of Central Asia
Group Travel | 22 Days
- Road trip across Central Asia’s Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan
- Impressive Islamic architecture, thrilling bazaars, and stunning nature
- Khiva’s walled old city and mile-high Issyk Kul, a larger Lake Tahoe
- Join veteran trip leader Sarah Timewell
The Epic of Central Asia packs in a tremendous lot of old-fashioned travel romance in just three weeks. We begin in Turkmenistan, wend through Uzbekistan—which every fan of eye-snapping Islamic architecture and slam-bam history must eventually visit—and revel in Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, we encounter fabled place-names like Ashgabat, Tashkent, and Ferghana. We explore Samarkand’s ancient heart and walk the narrow streets of Khiva’s old city. We circumnavigate mile-high Issyk Kul lake, and soak up colorful markets hawking everything from sheepskin hats to livestock. And in the Djety Oguz Gorge, we spend time with our favorite eagle hunter.
Trip Overview
Sarah [Timewell] is a wonderful person and trip leader. Her presence added a great deal to our experience. She is professional, knows the territory, and runs a tight ship with humor and aplomb. It was a joy to travel with her and I would like to do so again. She did everything just right and with grace.
– PAMELA E.
1 – 2
Get to know Turkmenistan's unique marble-clad capital, Ashgabat, and visit the nearby ruins of Nissa, ancient Parthian kingdom.
3 – 5
After flying to the Konye Urgench ruins, we cross into Uzbekistan and drive to Khiva, an enchanting Silk Road town with gorgeous mosques and madrassas The Savitsky Museum wows us with its collection of avant-garde Russian art.
6 – 10
Bukhara and Samarkand provide endless delights, including exquisite Islamic architecture, dome-covered bazaars, and time with a carpet maker.
11 – 13
Our journey continues to the bustling capital of Tashkent and the fertile Ferghana Valley, awash in spectacular scenery In the small town of Rishtan, a master ceramicist treats us to a demonstration and delicious lunch.
14 – 16
Now in Kyrgyzstan, we savor beautiful Chychkan Gorge, dine with a family in Oso, and take a guided walk of Bishkek, the country's capital.
17 – 19
Join a Kyrgyz eagle hunter amid Djety Oguz Gorge's red-rock cliffs to learn about the tradition Study the open-air petroglyphs at Cholpon-Ata on the shore of Lake Issyk Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world.
20 – 22
Back in Bishkek, breathtaking mountains and water invigorate us in Ala Archa National Park We enjoy hikes and leisure time before departure.
We’re happy to extend your trip with visits to Kazakhstan, mountainous Tajikistan, western China, or other intriguing Central Asia locales.
Meet Your Leader
Sarah Timewell
Working with GeoEx since 1989 and one of our most popular leaders, Sarah leads trips throughout Asia and the Middle East. She is also a freelance writer and published photographer.
Dates & Prices
Dates
04/25/20 – 05/16/20
If September works better for your Central Asia journey, check our Silk Road: A Journey Through Time with acclaimed trip leader Tese Wintz Neighbor.
Pricing
From $11,865 per person (Group Trip)
Inclusions
- Expertise of GeoEx’s travel specialists
- Services of GeoEx’s in-house air reservations team
- All accommodations
- All ground transportation and airport transfers
- Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
- Most meals
- Bottled water at included meals and while sightseeing
- Services of a GeoEx trip leader, local guides, drivers, and other staff
- Some gratuities
- Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
A Journey Built Just For You
Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. GeoEx's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.
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