Bishkek to Ashgabat

Discover Central Asia on this overland journey from the capital of Kyrgyzstan through Uzbekistan, to Tajikistan and Ashgabat. Take in the tranquil landscape of Son-Kol Lake, hike up the Sulumain-too Mountain in Osh and scale the ancient city walls of Tajikistan’s Panjakent. Explore the ancient mosques in Samarkand, see the eternal fire from the Gates of Hell and discover the sci-fi-like architecture in Ashgabat. Share a home-cooked lunch with a Tajik family, bargain in the bustling bazaars and learn about the region’s history with a local leader by your side.Tourism is strictly controlled in Turkmenistan, On your own, you can explore nearby your hotel, visiting shopping centres or restaurants, but we recommend that further exploration is with your local leader. Please don’t take photos when not with your local leader. Photos of the streets, people in uniforms and many buildings are prohibited., To visit Turkmenistan, Letters of Invitation is needed in advance to apply for your visa (which you can then get on arrival). There are difference visa requirements for different nationalities in all the countries visited on this trip, please see the ‘Passport and visas’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details., This is an overland journey, so there will be some very long days of travelling and driving, often over rough terrain. This can be tiring at times and will require patience at others, especially at border crossings., Your accommodation may be basic on occasions. Shower and toilet facilities will be limited in some places and non-existent in others. While the comfort level won't always be high, the rewards of living in true local style in this far-out part of the world are immeasurable. There is one night of camping on this trip. Sleeping bags, mattresses and tents are provided, but there are no facilities at the campsite., This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.