Signature: The Northern Stans & the Silk Road

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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel and enjoy a welcome reception with wine, beer, and appetizers, followed by an orientation and an expert-led “Introduction to the Silk Road” presentation in the conference room before departing for the Welcome Dinner.Activity - Transfer to a traditional local restaurant for an included 3-course Welcome Dinner.Accommodation - Hyatt Regency 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Gain a deeper understanding of local conservation through a session with a National Geographic grantee from the Snow Leopard Foundation.Activity - Explore the city’s cultural and historical landmarks by foot, including Panfilov Park, Oak Park, Victory Square, and the iconic Lenin Statue. For this walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended and short rest stops and photo breaks will be arranged along the route.Activity - Enjoy free time to explore Bishkek at leisure.Activity - Enjoy an immersive visit to the Supara Ethno-Complex to savor authentic Kyrgyz cuisine alongside engaging demonstrations of traditional clothing and women’s headdresses.Accommodation - Hyatt Regency Bishkek

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large minaret, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remain of the 9th century city of Balasagun.Activity - Enjoy a home-hosted Kyrgyz lunch paired with demonstrations of eagle hunting and Uluk Tartysh (kok-boru) that offers an authentic window into nomadic culture, hospitality, and daily life.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Rixos Almaty Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Begin with an expert session before a guided tour of Almaty’s most important landmarks.Activity - Get to know Almaty on a city tour, visiting the most stunning sights. Stop by the colourful Ascension Cathedral, constructed entirely of wood without the use of any nails. It survived an earthquake in 1911 and continues to stand today. Walk through Panfilov's Park and the historical part of the city. Visit the new part of Almaty known as Independence Square, and stop by the WWII Memorial.Activity - Once within the Almaty Cathedral and now in a beautiful Kazakh building lives one of the largest museums in Central Asia, the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Here you will find an incredible and significant collection of historic Kazakh archaeological, cultural and political artifacts.Activity - Conclude the day with an incredible dinner at a locally renowned restaurant located in a traditional-style Kazakh yurt, offering an authentic taste of Kazakh cuisine in a culturally rich setting.Accommodation - Rixos Almaty Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy pre-opening access to the Issyk State Historical & Cultural Reserve Museum, including a curator-led talk on the famed Scythian “Golden Man” and the archaeology of the Issyk Valley.Activity - Transfer to Hunns Ethno Village to witness traditional demonstrations such as horse handling, nomadic crafts, and cultural customs that bring Kazakhstan’s heritage to life before a lunch with local cuisine in a yurt-style restaurant.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings.Accommodation - Rixos Almaty Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the highlights of the capital city of Tajikistan on a guided tour, seeing the Somoniy Square, Navruz Palace and the main Mosque of Dushanbe.Activity - Enjoy a warm culinary introduction to Tajik cuisine.Accommodation - Crown Plaza 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Connect with Tajikistan's unique history at the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan. Join a local archeologist and learn about Buddhism in Central Asia.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the 2,500-year-old Hissor Fortress, once a strategic Silk Road stronghold, and explore its surrounding madrasah — a powerful window into Tajikistan’s ancient trade routes and defensive history.Activity - Step into the daily life of a Tajik craftsman family and discover local embroidery, watch traditional bread-making and Kurutoba preparation, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch for an intimate, immersive cultural experience.Activity - Return to Dushanbe for free time to explore at your own pace.Accommodation - Crown Plaza Dushanbe

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Visit the city's highlights with a local guide. Ride the Russian-esque metro, visit the religious centre of the city and the famous Soviet Monuments. Wander the neighbourhood streets, learn about daily life, the Uzbek people and history of the city.Activity - Conclude the journey with an evening cocktail, expert wrap-up presentation, and a farewell dinner at Koinot Restaurant atop the Tashkent TV Tower, offering panoramic city views.Accommodation - Lotte City Tashkent Palace Hotel

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.