Day 1 AshgabatStart your Samarkand and Tamerlane's Testament adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat. Spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum. Day 2 DarvazaSleep under the stars in the Karakum Desert. See the spectacular fires of the Darvaza Gas Crater. Day 3 Bush CampContinue the Overland journey through the Karakum Desert, and take in the parched landscape of Asia's hottest desert. Days 4-5 KhivaGaze up at the ancient walls surrounding Khiva and imagine how they once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers. Explore the historic and perfectly preserved Old Town, beautifully decorated in classic turquoise tiles. Days 6-8 BukharaGet to know Central Asia's holiest city, where the combination of thousand-year-old buildings and a thoroughly lived-in Old Town help create the awe-inspiring atmosphere. Day 9 NurataSpend a night in a yurt camp with the local nomads, sleeping among the dunes of the Kyzylkhum Desert. Days 10-12 SamarkandTravel to one of Central Asia's most magical cities, Uzbekistan's Samarkand. Discover the romance of the Silk Road in this perfectly preserved city full of exotic architecture and majestic buildings. Days 13-15 TashkentEnd your Samarkand and Tamerlane's Testament adventure in the most modern of Uzbekistan's cities. Visit Tashkent's thriving Chorsu Bazaar to pick up Soviet-style souvenirs and admire the ornately decorated Kukeldash Medressa. Days 16-17 Zhabagly-Aksu National ParkMake tracks into Kazakhstan and enjoy a night with a local family in Zhabagly before exploring the grasslands of Asku National Park. Kazakhstan's oldest national park is a scenic wonderland full of mountain lakes, rivers and glaciers, plus all sorts of unusual flora and fauna. Day 18 BishkekSoak up the relaxed charm of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital. Wander through its wide streets and admire its wealth of handsome houses. Days 19-20 Chong Kemin National ParkSet off on a leisurely hike along Chong Kemin River - or if feeling adventurous, perhaps tackle one of the tough 4000 m passes. Day 21 Cholpon Ata/Issyk-kul LakeHead to Cholpon Ata, nestled on the shores of the vast and beautiful Issyk-Kul Lake. Day 22 KarakolDiscover the remote, picturesque town of Karakol, complete with quaint tree-lined streets and colonial houses. Days 23-24 Djety Oguz ValleyAdmire the lofty sandstone cliffs in Djety Oguz Valley. Day 25 KochkorMingle with friendly locals and relish Kyrgyz hospitality while enjoying a homestay in Kochkor. Days 26-27 Song-Kol LakeSpend the night in a yurt near Song-Kol Lake and join in a game of ulak-tartysh. Day 28 Bush CampMake tracks back to Bishkek, stopping to camp in the wilderness overnight. Days 29-30 BishkekRelax on the final days in Bishek. Why not stroll through the city's markets and haggle for bargains. Alternatively, relaxing in an Oak Park cafe and reflecting on the adventure is another good option!
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