Days 1-2 IstanbulFull of dramatic buildings, Istanbul offers a wealth of diversions so step out to explore the busy streets. Days 2-6 GoremeCamp in the heart of Cappadocia and visit the rock chapels and underground cities of this bizarre and intriguing region. Days 7-9 Eastern Turkey & AnotoliaOverland into Eastern Turkey via ancient trade routes and visit to Ishak Pasha Palace near Dogubayazit on the Iranian Border Days 10-11 Bush CampCross the border into Iran and travel into its rugged heartlands. Camp in the countryside and perhaps stop in to explore the Ali Sadr Caves. Days 12-14 EsfahanAfter driving through the stark, ochre countryside, Esfahan is a welcome haven of cobalt tiles, emerald parks and kaleidoscopic bazaars. Days 15-16 ShirazExplore the ruins of Persepolis and imagine life under a Persian king. Browse the vibrant Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz. Days 17-19 YazdStroll the winding lanes of Yazd's mud-brick old city and learn about the pre-Islamic religion of Zoroastrianism. Days 20-21 TehranUncover the highlights and hidden delights of Iran's capital - perhaps stroll through the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art or take to the streets to meet the people and soak up the atmosphere. Days 22-23 Alborz MountainsTravel into the gorgeous terrain of the Alborz Mountains and spend a little time just enjoying the serenity. Days 24-25 AshgabatMarvel at the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat and explore the Tolkuchka Bazaar. Days 26-27 Bush CampFollow a local trading route through the harsh Karakum Desert. Days 28-29 KhivaSee the ancient walls of Khiva, which once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers. Days 30-32 BukharaGet to know Central Asia's holiest city with its mausoleum, mosque and fortress. Day 33 Yurt StaySpend a night in a yurt camp with Kakaz and Uzbek nomads. Days 34-36 SamarkandFrom the sprawling street of tombs to the colourful bazaar, Samarkand is a magical destination. Days 37-39 TashkentFor Soviet ephemera, check out the sprawling city markets. Day 40 Ferghana CityExplore the lush Fergana Valley, flanked by the Tian Shan and Alai Pamir mountains, on a guided walk. Day 41 OshTrace the history of Osh through century-old rock drawings etched into the slopes of Suleiman Mountain. Days 42-44 Tian Shan MountainsLeave the city behind and spend three days passing the snow-capped peaks and vast glassy lakes of the Tian Shan Mountains. Days 45-46 Song Kul LakeSleep in a yurt on the lakeshore alongside a family of local shepherds. Day 47 Issyk-Kul LakePitch a tent on the shores of the world's second-largest saline lake. Day 48 KarakolDotted with church spires, Russian gingerbread cottages and apple orchards, Karakol is a picturesque and peaceful town. Days 49-51 Djety Oguz ValleyHike through the dramatic canyons of the Djety Oguz Valley and gaze up at the seven red cliffs that stand guard over the spectacular valley's entrance. Day 52 Ala ArchaSpot a wide variety of wildlife in this amazing gorge, from wild goats and badgers to the more elusive wolves and lynxes. Days 53-54 BishkekSoak up the relaxed charm of Kyrgyzstan's capital. Learn about Lenin's ties to the city or relax at one of Dubovy Park's open-air cafes. Day 55 HomestayLearn about life in the Kyrgyz Mountains during a family homestay in the scenic village of Kochkor. Day 56 Bush CampContinue to travel along the Silk Road towards the Chinese border. Day 57 KashgarTravel into China past the dramatic cliffs and icy peaks of the Torugart Pass. Day 58 TaxkorganThe snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop to this rugged location. Day 59 Bush CampTake an optional horse ride along the peaceful shores of Lake Karakul. Days 60-61 KashgarShop with the 50,000-strong crowds at the frenetic Kashgar Sunday market. Days 62-63 Bush CampDiscover one of the most important oases in the desert and visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. Days 64-65 TurpanDiscover the history of this once-crucial commercial Silk Road town or escape the heat inside a cool cafe. Days 66-67 Bush CampThe shifting colours of the sands make this an ideal place to pitch a tent and watch the sunset. Days 68-69 DunhuangThe breathtaking Buddhist art adorning the spectacular Mogao Caves is believed to be the best of its kind in the world. Day 70 GolmudThis mining town is the perfect pit stop before the Tibetan journey ahead. Days 71-73 Bush CampWonder at the vast Tibetan Plateau where the wide open grassland is ringed by dramatic snow-capped peaks. Day 74 AmdoWatch yak herds graze beneath vivid blue sky on the roof of the world. Days 75-77 LhasaDiscover the holy city of Lhasa and explore its many sights including the towering Potala Palace. Day 78 Bush CampAdmire the turquoise waters and picturesque islands of Yamdrok Tso Lake. Day 79 GyantseShop for Gyantse's famous wool carpets or visit the colourful five-storied Pelkhor Chode Temple. Day 80 ShigatseExplore the dazzling Tashilhunpo Monastery, which at its peak housed over 4,000 monks. Day 81 Bush CampThe Friendship Highway winds through stunning scenery, past yak herds, rural villages and glistening lakes. Day 82 BaipaSet among spectacular mountain peaks, Baipa offers a scenic break. Day 83 Everest Base CampTravel overland to Everest Base Camp and glimpse the mighty peak of the world's highest mountain. Day 84 BaipaAfter a vigorous morning walk, head back to relax in Baipa. Days 85-86 Zhangmu RegionWatch colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind while crossing into Nepal. Days 87-88 KodariFollow the steep gorges and winding roads that tumble through the dramatic countryside on this isolated stretch of road. Day 89 KathmanduCelebrate the end of this epic adventure on arrival in Kathmandu.
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