The Silk Road: Discovering the Five ’Stans of Central Asia

TRAVELER FAVORITE

16 DAYS FROM $8,995

• Explore the treasures of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. • Witness millennia-old nomadic sports in the rural heart of Kyrgyzstan. • Meet with a local rabbi in Bukhara’s Jewish quarter, and learn to cook Uzbek plov.

Signature Land Light/Moderate

DAYS 1–2 I ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN Set off on a tour of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s capital until 1997, and trace the country’s history at the Central State Museum. Rixos Almaty | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 3–6 I BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN/ TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN Meet with representatives of National Geographic Kazakhstan before flying to Bishkek. Learn about National Geographic Explorer Tatjana Rosen’s Society-funded snow leopard conservation efforts. Explore Bishkek and tour the National Museum of Fine Arts. Witness nomadic traditions in the countryside, then discover Tashkent’s blue-domed monuments. Hyatt Regency Bishkek; Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace | Meals: 4B, 4L, 4D

DAYS 7–9 I SAMARKAND/PANJAKENT, TAJIKISTAN Visit Samarkand’s stunning Registan Square, and take a private tour of the Afrasiab Museum with an archaeologist. In Panjakent, explore the ruins of Zoroastrian temples. Back in Samarkand, enjoy a performance of Uzbek dances. DiliMah Hotel | Meals: 3B, 3L, 2D

DAYS 10–16 I BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN/ KHIVA/DAŞOGUZ, TURKMENISTAN/ ASHGABAT Tour the architectural landmarks of Bukhara and visit the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, explore the summer palace of the Bukharan emirs. Later, take a class in the art of making plov. In the enchanting town of Khiva, enjoy a traditional concert and wander the old town. Cross the border into Turkmenistan to visit the lively city of Daşoguz and explore the golden domes of modern Ashgabat. On our final day, depart for home. Devon Hotel; Erkin Palace Hotel; Oguzkent Hotel | Meals: 7B, 5L, 6D

A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Andrew Evans Author

Travel writer and TV host Andrew Evans has completed some 50 assignments for National Geographic, reporting live from all seven continents and over a hundred countries. He journeyed 12,000 miles from National Geographic headquarters to Antarctica using public transportation, and thru-hiked the Jordan Trail. Andrew is a contributor to National Geographic and the author of five books. Find the departure(s) Andrew will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered in April, May, September, and October. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.