The Silk Road – definitely off the beaten track! For thousands of years this route has linked East and West, a route followed by traders in silk, spices and slaves, plus explorers interested in new ideas as much as new territories.
Modern day travellers will begin their journey in Uzbekistan’s capital – Tashkent before heading off to Samarkand, worth a trip by itself with it’s jewel-box of Islamic mosques, mausoleums and a fabulous observatory and, for a place pushing 3000 years old, remarkably lively. From the flatlands of Uzbekistan head to Kyrgyzstan’s rugged mountains and famous Lake Issyk Kul for restorative treatments.
Central Asia has many countries that end in “stan”, these are as exotic and foreign as you could imagine. With bustling markets selling silks, perfumes and kalashnikovs, ancient ruins, magnificent madrases and horrible Soviet monoliths – the contrasts are quite startling.
Experiences in this area
Silk Road Odyssey – 29 Days Escorted Tour – 2 departures, departing Christchurch 03 & 10 May 2025
29 Day Small Group Escorted Tour 03 – 31 May 2025 & 10 May-7 June 2025 Escorted by Discover Travel’s Peter Dunne & Lyndon Hadden Tour price from $19,495 per person twin/double share* $22,995 per person in a single room* … Continue reading
Iran: Women’s Expedition
Connect with Iranian women in city salons and sleepy villages Discover culture and camaraderie in Iran through the lives of the women who live there on a female-only expedition. Spend 12 days exploring with a local female leader and a … Continue reading
Tajikistan Expedition: Pamir Highway & beyond
Journey through the remote Pamir Mountains and along the Afghan border The Pamir Highway: Central Asia’s greatest road adventure. Travelling in 4x4s, we follow this rugged mountainous route through the remote Pamir range, discovering an area along the Afghan border, … Continue reading
Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway
This overland adventure carves through lush valleys, snakes across high mountain passes and travels alongside creaking glaciers. With show-stopping scenery and plenty of walking included, prepare to be inspired by the Karakoram’s warm, welcoming people and its rich tapestry of … Continue reading
Mountains, Deserts and Coast of Oman
Oman is a land of contrasts waiting to be explored, from the soaring sand dunes to the rugged mountains all the way down to the turtle-nesting beaches. Eat with an Omani family and sleep under canvas on remote coastline. Muscat – … Continue reading
Concordia & K2
Unrivalled high mountain scenery and breathtaking views of Pakistan’s K2 Concordia has possibly some of the most spectacular mountain vistas. Situated at the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers, it is an extraordinary place, dominated by K2, the … Continue reading
Central Asia: Five Stans Express
Explore The Five Stans on an incredible Central Asian adventure of history, nature and culture Start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – yep, that’s a total of five Stans! … Continue reading
Central Asia: Five Stans Adventure
Hit the five Stans on a fascinating Central Asian exploration. Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Nur-Sultan (until recently, Astana), join your small group on an epic exploration from Kazakhstan, through mountainous Kyrgyzstan, the remote lands of Tajikistan, Islam-influenced Uzbekistan, … Continue reading
Tajikistan Discovery
Adventure awaits in rugged and remote Tajikistan. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan sprawl across the vast expanses of Central Asia but are still hidden from many visitor’s minds, despite offering outstanding beauty, simplicity and a feeling of complete remoteness. The allure … Continue reading
Wonders of the Silk Road
Why book this trip? Discover the rich culture and tumultuous history of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on this exploration through ancient trading cities and along the fabled Silk Road. Ashgabat – Explore Turkmenistan’s remarkable capital city, a rich mix of ancient and … Continue reading
