Overland Between Istanbul And Xi'an

Visiting: Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Overland Between Istanbul And Xi'an

Follow in the footsteps of the traders who travelled this ancient route linking east to west on our hugely popular Silk Route overland trip. Starting in Istanbul, the cosmopolitan Turkish city which bridges Europe and Asia, you’ll overland through Turkey, through Cappadocia’s Goreme Valley, before crossing through little-visited (but one of our favourite countries) Iran. Mosques, souqs and bazaars pepper this desert country, as well as Persian splendours, and you’ll spend time in local villages, in oases and at a caravanserai, learning about local life as well as visiting the towns and cities of Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz and Yadz. From there, it’s into Central Asia ‘proper’: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Haggle at Sunday markets, visit remote desert communities, discover amazing National Parks, stay with local families in yurts, visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Khiva and explore the gems of the Silk Route – Bukhara and Samarkand. The mountain kingdom of Kyrgyzstan is for many, a highlight of this route – and you’ll stay in traditional yurts at Song Kul Lake to learn about nomadic life. Crossing through the Tian Shan mountains, through the awesome Torugart Pass, you’ll reach Western China, to explore Kashgar before overlanding skirting the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, to Turpan and Dunhuang; experiencing Tibetan culture in Xiahe, one of the main pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists and crossing the Tibetan Plateau. The trip ends in Xi’an, with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors.Istanbul is the crossroads of East and West. Here the cultures of Europe and Asia mingle. It is the hub on the end (or start) of the Silk Route. We explore this magnificant city and then head into the central Anatolian plains to the amazing Capadoccian Valleys. Heading north and further east we come to perhaps the most fascinating country on our route, Iran. Policitially at odds with the West, this ancient ciivilisation is as welcoming as any en-route and the wealth of things to do and see is staggering. Crossing the ancient Touragat Pass we enter Chinese Turkenstan, in modern day western China. We then climb into the Karakoram Mountains and from the oasis trading city of Kashgar head to the Taklimarkan Desert and onto Xi'an. From Xi'an we head north to the great city of Beijing, to the Great Wall and the wealth of imperial palaces.

Free time to explore the historic city of Xi'an. There will be a group meeting at 18:00 hrs.

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This morning we travel on the truck to the place that has perhaps made Xi'an most famous around the world - the site of the Terracotta Warriors. It takes around an hour to get there and we'll hear all about this incredible archaeological find. Once the guided tour is over we will travel back to Xian. The evening is free to explore, perhaps a walk down to the night market to buy souvenirs or catching a cultural show over a dumpling banquet.

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In the morning we set off towards Pingliang in China's Gansu Province.

The main reason to visit Pingliang is Mount Kongtong, during our time here we will have the opportunity to explore the mountain.

Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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Today we drive 240kms to Gansu’s capital, Lanzhou. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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In the early morning we head to the enchanting Tibetan town of Xiahe. We will arrive in the early evening and settle in to our rustic guesthouse.

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Today is free to explore this beautiful town and surrounding grasslands. Options include a guided visit to the Labrang Monastery where Tibetan monks can be seen doing their daily rituals and chants. There may also be a chance to go horse riding in the surrounding grasslands visiting Tibetan families and perhaps trying the local yak butter tea.

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Today we continue our journey to Liujiaxia visiting the Binglingsi Caves en route.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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Today we will drive to towards Jiayuguan Wild camping en route.

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Full day drive to Jiayuguan.

Jiayuguan is the location for the western end of the Great Wall. Tonight will be spent Wild camping at the Great Wall of China.

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In the morning we will visit the Great Wall and the old fort. Once our visit to the wall is complete we will then head off in the truck towards Dunhuang. This is the perfect base to explore the amazing Mogao Caves tomorrow. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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We begin our day with a visit to the Mogao Caves. The afternoon is free to explore this amazing town and it’s surroundings, options include a camel ride along the sand dunes or perhaps a bicycle ride out to the White Goose Pagoda. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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We set off in the truck in the early morning and drive approximately 7 hours towards the oasis town of Turpan we will bush camp en route.

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We arrive into the oasis town of Turpan in the early evening, the rest of your evening is free. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel

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We spend the day exploring the surrounding sites including the famous Jiaohe ruins. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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In the morning we drive towards the Tian Shan mountain range, and onto Heavenly Lake. Accommodation at the lake is in Yurts with basic facilities for 2 nights. This is a great opportunity for some relaxation time and there may be an opportunity for horse riding in the area.

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In the morning we drive towards the Tian Shan mountain range, and onto Heavenly Lake. Accommodation at the lake is in Yurts with basic facilities for 2 nights. This is a great opportunity for some relaxation time and there may be an opportunity for horse riding in the area.

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We leave Heavenly Lake and begin our 2-day overland journey skirting the edge of the Taklamakan Desert towards Kashgar, wild camping en route.

 

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Today is our second day overlanding towards Kashgar. We will set up a wildcamp en route.

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We arrive into Kashgar Early in the morning. There is free to explore and we visit the animal market just outside of town and then the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar. You will have plenty of free time to explore the town, perhaps heading off to the main landmark of the town, the Id Kah Mosque and its surrounding square. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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We arrive into Kashgar Early in the morning. There is free to explore and we visit the animal market just outside of town and then the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar. You will have plenty of free time to explore the town, perhaps heading off to the main landmark of the town, the Id Kah Mosque and its surrounding square. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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We arrive into Kashgar Early in the morning. There is free to explore and we visit the animal market just outside of town and then the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar. You will have plenty of free time to explore the town, perhaps heading off to the main landmark of the town, the Id Kah Mosque and its surrounding square. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel.

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For those of you are continuing to Kyrgyzstan there will be quick pre-departure meeting in order to explain the next 6 days and collect kitty. 

We then set off on a stunning journey along the Karakoram highway, our destination is Lake Karakul. This beautiful lake and its surrounding mountains are a highlight on this short trip. We will camp overnight if conditions allow.

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The morning is spent at Lake Karakol. Optional activities include horse riding around the lake or short hikes in the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon we will drive back to Kashgar arriving in the early evening in order to prepare for the border crossing tomorrow. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.

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Border Information: Exit China at Torugat , enter Kyrgyzstan at Torugat.

Today we overland approx 625Kms along the Silk Route through the Tian Shan Mountains and over the 3752m Torugart Pass crossing into Kyrgyzstan. 

Our destination is Tash Rabat, a key staging post on the Silk Road close to the Kyrgyz/China border. During our time here we visit an ancient caravanserai. Tonight we will camp in the area.

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Today we will drive approximately 235 Kms to Kochkor. Here we will stay for the night with a traditional Kyrgyz family, living with them and finding out about their daily life, food and family patterns. Accommodation is in home stays, accommodating up to 8 guests in each home.

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This morning we will drive approximately 80Kms to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. We will arrive in time for the 10:00am pre departure meeting for the next section of this trip, Bishkek to Tashkent. Accommodation tonight is in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.

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Border Information: If joining in Bishkek, enter Kyrgyzstan at Bishkek Airport.

Trip meeting at 10:00hrs in our hotel in Bishkek.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore this relaxed and atmospheric city. Overnight in comfortable Bishkek hotel with good facilities.

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Early in the morning of day 2 youset off towards the Chong Kemin Valley National Park. The second day is free to explore this stunning area including opportunities for short hikes and possibly the chance to meet nomadic Kyrgyz families in the surrounding area.  Camping overnight.

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not camp in the Chong Kemin Valley if temperatures are too low. Instead we will stay in a small village called Semyenovka and overnight in yurts. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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Early in the morning of day 2 youset off towards the Chong Kemin Valley National Park. The second day is free to explore this stunning area including opportunities for short hikes and possibly the chance to meet nomadic Kyrgyz families in the surrounding area.  Camping overnight.

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not camp in the Chong Kemin Valley if temperatures are too low. Instead we will stay in a small village called Semyenovka and overnight in yurts. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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Early start as you set off for your drive around the Northen shore of Lake Issyk-Kul to the Russian-style town of Karakol. You will visit the Petroglyphs near Cholpon-Ata en route. Overnight in a local hotel.

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Today you'll drive to the alpine trekking region of Jeti-Oghuz. You spend 2 nights here to give you time for valley and canyon hikes. You will camp overnight.

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not camp if temperatures are too low. Instead we will stay for 1 night in Jeti-Oghuz in a local hotel and then spend the second night in Altyn Arashan, a hot spring development enroute to Karakol again in a local hotel. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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Today you'll drive to the alpine trekking region of Jeti-Oghuz. You spend 2 nights here to give you time for valley and canyon hikes. You will camp overnight.

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not camp if temperatures are too low. Instead we will stay for 1 night in Jeti-Oghuz in a local hotel and then spend the second night in Altyn Arashan, a hot spring development enroute to Karakol again in a local hotel. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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Today we drive to the small village of Kochkor where we stay in local homes and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz hospitality. Whilst here we will visit a small museum and women's felt making cooperative that produces 'shyrdaks', the felt carpets for which Kyrgyzstan is renowned. 

Accommodation is in home stays, accommodating up to 8 guests in each home.

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Morning drive to Song-Kul Lake where you spend the next two nights. The afternoon and tomorrow is free to explore the area; Options include hiking, riding on ponies or watching a game of goat polo! Tonight we stay in felt yurts.

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not visit Song-Kul Lake as temperatures will be below freezing. Instead we will stay in yurts on the Southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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Morning drive to Song-Kul Lake where you spend the next two nights. The afternoon and tomorrow is free to explore the area; Options include hiking, riding on ponies or watching a game of goat polo! Tonight we stay in felt yurts.

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not visit Song-Kul Lake as temperatures will be below freezing. Instead we will stay in yurts on the Southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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You'll spend the next 3 days overlanding through the stunning Kyrgyz Fergana Valley Camping en route. 

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not camp if temperatures are too low. Instead we will stay in local guesthouses along the route. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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You'll spend the next 3 days overlanding through the stunning Kyrgyz Fergana Valley Camping en route. 

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not camp if temperatures are too low. Instead we will stay in local guesthouses along the route. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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You'll spend the next 3 days overlanding through the stunning Kyrgyz Fergana Valley Camping en route. 

Please note that trips running in May to mid-June, October and November will not camp if temperatures are too low. Instead we will stay in local guesthouses along the route. We will need to remain flexible with these itineraries as temperatures can vary.

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Today we drive to Arslanbob in Kyrgyzstan's Ferghana valley. There are many opportunities for hiking in this area. 

We stay overnight in a local guesthouse.

 

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Border information: Exit Kyrgyzstan at Andijan, Enter Uzbekistan at Dustlik.

This morning youn will cross the border and enter Uzbekistan. Site-seeing this afternoon in Kokand and visit Kokand's Khan's Palace and Mosque. 

Overnight in a hotel.

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Today you will drive to Uzbekistan's capital, Tasheknt.

Overnight in a hotel

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Border Information: If joining in Tashkent, enter Uzbekistan at Tashkent Airport.

Joining meeting at 10.00 hrs in our hotel in Tashkent.

Afternoon free to explore the city. Staying overnight in comfortable hotel with good facilities.

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This morning we drive to Samarkand where we will be staying for the next 3 nights. Whilst in Samarkand we stay in a small friendly hotel.

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Today we will explore Samarkand in the truck, exploring the majestic buildings, monuments and bazaars of this romantic silk route city. Second night in small friendly hotel.

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Second full day in Samarkand. Free time for you to explore the great sultanate of Timur as you please. Third night in small friendly hotel.

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Morning drive to Nurata in the Kyzylkhum Desert. After lunch there is the option of taking a swim in Lake Ajdar Kul or going for a local camel ride. Overnight homestay with local Uzbek families in their desert yurt camp amongst the dunes.

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Morning free to explore more of Nurata. In the afternoon we drive on to the fascinating city of Bukhara. We spend the next 3 nights here, staying in a comfortable local hotel.

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Today we will explore Bukhara and the surrounding area, including the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Kalon Mosque, Zindon Prison and Ark Fortress. Second night in a comfortable local hotel.

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Today is free for you to explore more of Bukhara and the surrounding area, or to just kick-back and take it easy for the day. Third night in comfortable local hotel.

 

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Most of today will be spent travelling as we drive from Bukara to Khiva. We stay in Khiva for 2 nights in a friendly, rustic hotel.

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This morning we have a guided tour of this ancient city. The afternoon is free to explore this wonderfully preserved Khanate town. Second night in friendly, rustic hotel.

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Border Information: Exit Uzbekistan at Nijazov, enter Turkmenistan at Shovot.

Morning drive from Khiva to the border, crossing into Turkmenistan around lunchtime. Afternoon visit to Kunye Urgench ruins. Wildcamping overnight.

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We drive across the Karakum Desert. If tme allows we will make a side trip to see the amazing Darwasa Gas Crater. Second night wildcamping.

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Morning drive to Ashgabat, normally arriving mid-afternoon. Whilst in Ashgabat we stay in a comfortable local hotel.

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Border Information: If joining in Ashgabat, enter Turkmenistan at Ashgabat Airport.

There will be a group meeting at 10.00 hrs followed by a trip to Ashgabat's infamous Sunday market.

This wonderful market stretches for hundreds of acres into the desert. Carpets, camels, clothes, pigs, jewellery, goats, cars, chickens, hats and ex soviet military paraphanalia are all readily avaliable. The rest of the afternoon if free to explore this unique modern city. Whilst here we stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.

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Today is free to explore Ashgabat.

We spend the night in a comfortable hotel. 

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This morning we have some time to explore Ashgabat. This afternoon we drive (approx 100kms) to the spectacular Kow Ata underground Lake. We will have some time this afternoon to explore this superb lake of clear water naturally heated to about 36°C. 

Tonight we will wild camp in this area.

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 This morning we set off for our drive to Turkmenbashi (approx 470kms). Our itinerary in Turkmenbashi and the Caspian Sea must be flexible as it is very much determined by the sailing  times of the local ferries. These are notoriously unpredictable and we must adjust our times both in Turkmenbashi and Baku if the ferry is delayed.

We overnight in a comfortable hotel

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From Turkmenbashi we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to the Azeri Capital, Baku. The boat docks at the city of Baku.  Ferry is perhaps a rather misleading word for those used to comfortable holiday boats.  Rusty, old and tub are words that might spring to your lips, but there is only one way across the Caspian Sea and beggars can't be choosers.

Overnight in a local hotel.

Please note that if the ferry is delayed we will spend tonight camping near Turkmenbashi.

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Free day in Baku to explore the city.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel 

Please note that this nightstop may change depending on when the ferry from Turkmenistan departs to Baku port. 

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Free day in Baku to explore the city.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Please note that this nightstop may change depending on when the ferry from Turkmenistan departs to Baku port. 

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Free day in Baku to explore the city.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Please note that this nightstop may change depending on when the ferry from Turkmenistan departs to Baku port. 

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Today we have a short drive to Gobuston. Whilst here we visit the Rock art and mud volcanoes that this area is known for. This afternoon we will continue driving visiting local villages along the way.

Tonight we will wild camp overnight.

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Today we continue our drive to Sheki (approx 2010kms). Whilst here we will visit the exquisite Khan's Palace and the Museum of History.

Overnight in a hotel.

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Border information: Exit Azerbaijan at Balakan, Enter Georgia at Ladodekhi. 

Today we cross the border into Georgia. Once the border formalities are over we continue our drive into the lush Alazani valley.

We will wild camp tonight.

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Today we head for the beautiful town of Telavi. The afternoon is free to explore this beautiful region famous for it's local white wine.

Overnight in a home stay.

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Today we visit the Sixth Century Shaumta Monastery, which is beautifully located on an isolated forested hilltop. There are hundreds of different grapes grown here, and every village has its own particular variety.  We will hopefully see some of the local traditions, including grape harvest, wine making, and most importantly, the keipi (banquet), and also visit some of the local vineyards.

Second night in a comfortable homestay.

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A short drive brings us to Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. This afternooon is free to explore.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am.

This afternoon we will visit the old town of Tbilisi and visit sites including the National Museum, Sioni Cathedral and the Metekhi Temple.

Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel.

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We have an early start this morning for a beautiful drive to the UNESCO world heritage site of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Whilst here we will explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral before driving on to the spectacularly located town of Kazbegi (approximately 160kms). 

We will stay overnight at a local guesthouse or similar.

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This morning we walk up to Tsminda Sameba Church, or Church of the Holy Trinity and be treated to spectacular views of Mt Kazbeg. 

This afternoon we make our way to Gori (approximately 150kms). Once in Gori we will have a guided tour that includes the Stalin museum. 

We will stay overnight in a hotel.

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After a relaxing morning we leave Gori behind us as we make our way to the ancient town of Kutaisi (approx 140kms). This afternoon or tomorrow morning we will visit the medieval Bragrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery.

We stay overnight at a hotel.

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This morning is free to relax and explore Kutaisi. This afternoon we drive approximately 140kms to the port town of Batumi. The rest of the afternoon as evening is free to explore.

Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel.

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Border Information: Exit Georgia at Sarpi, Enter Turkey at Sarp.

Today we cross the border into Turkey and continue out drive towards Sumela which is approximately 235kms drive (or in colder conditions we will make our way to a hotel in Trabzon - 205kms). 

We will camp overnight if conditions allow.

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This morning we will visit the beautiful Sumela Monastery and then drive approximately 340kms South East towards Goreme. We may stop in Zara en route to shop for supplies before driving on to our Wild camp for the night.

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 Today we will drive approximately 330 Kms to Goreme staying overnight in a well-equipped campsite.

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We now have a full day to explore Goreme, including a guided tour of the enchanted valley of Cappadocia. Second night staying at our campsite.

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A relaxing final morning spent in Goreme, in the early afternoon we head West towards Istanbul, stopping near Toz Golu en route. Tonight we will wild camp en route.

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Today we will arrive in Istanbul, the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. Whilst we are here we stay in a friendly local hostel with good facilities.

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Today is the final day of the trip, there are no activities planned for today. 

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner