Day 1 BishkekSoak up the relaxed charm of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital. Wander through its wide streets and admire its wealth of handsome houses. Days 2-3 Chong Kemin ValleySet off on a leisurely hike along Chong Kemin River. Or if feeling adventurous, perhaps tackle one of the tough 4000 m passes. Day 4 Cholpon Ata/Issyk-kul LakeFarewell the Kyrgyzstan mountains and head to Cholpon Ata, nestled on the shores of the vast and beautiful Issyk-Kul Lake. Day 5 KarakolEnjoy the remote, picturesque town of Kara-kol, complete with quaint tree-lined streets and colonial houses. Days 6-7 Djety Oguz ValleyHike through dramatic canyons and sandstone cliffs in Djety Oguz Valley. Day 8 KochkorEnjoy more traditional Kyrgyz hospitality on a homestay in Kochkor village. Days 9-10 Song Kul LakeStay in traditional yurt accommodation and experience nomad life in the lush pastures surrounding the beautiful Song-Kol Lake. Day 11 Bush CampHit the road back to Bishkek, stopping to camp in the wilderness overnight. Day 12 BishkekBack in Bishkek, why not stretch the legs with a walk through Oak Park? Or perhaps just kick back in one of the park's open air cafes. Days 13-14 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. Days 15-16 TashkentArrive in Tashkent and shop for fresh produce at the Chorsu Bazaar and perhaps grab some Soviet paraphernalia from a market. Days 17-19 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. Day 20 Yurt StaySpend a night in a yurt camp with the local nomads, sleeping among the dunes of the Red Desert. Days 21-23 BukharaGet to know Central Asia's holiest city, where the combination of buildings spanning a thousand years and a thoroughly lived-in Old Town combine to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Days 24-25 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. Day 26 Kunye UrgenchFollow a local trading route through harsh desert sands, and meet the nomadic people who call this inhospitable region home. Day 27 DarwasaDrive across the Karakum Desert. If time allows, see the amazing Darvaza Gas Crater. Days 28-30 AshgabatEnd your Samarkand and Tamerlane's Testament adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat's skyline. Spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum.
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