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Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Silk Road Odyssey

FULLY BOOKED. Contact us to enquire about amazing alternative tours!
29 day Escorted Tour - FULLY BOOKED. Contact us to enquire about amazing alternative tours!

Discover the Silk Road

Explore the cultural diversity and wonderful scenery of the Five ‘Stans’ of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan.

This varied landscape is home to traditional villages, ancient towns and glorious cities with time worn trading routes. Vast armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, philosophers, explorers and traders have travelled these roads in times past. Visit Uzbekistan’s architecturally stunning cities of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand, see the canyons and lakes of Kazakhstan, the mountains and culture of Kyrgyzstan, the natural way of life in Tajikistan and the ancient desert city of Merv in Turkmenistan.

travelling in style with

Lyndon Haddon

Lyndon Haddon
I am the current co-owner of Scarborough Fare in Sumner with my son Ben and wife Colette. Prior to this I had a 20 odd year stint in the travel industry, owning a travel agency in Christchurch. My most recent overseas trip was a 2 week camping/cycling down the Rhein River from Basel – Koblenz which was great fun. I also love exploring New Zealand on my Royal Enfield Himalayan motorbike or 73 VW Kombi van.

Your tour highlights

  • The stunning and diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan
  • Ancient mosques and Orthodox churches in Kyrgyzstan
  • Wonderfully intricate architecture in Uzbekistan
  • The biggest oriental bazaar in Central Asia at Payshanba, Tajikistan
  • Follow in the footsteps of Tamerlane through the mighty cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent
  • The history of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan
  • Dzhety-Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan
  • Traditional cuisine, including regional specialties
    made by locals in a yurt
  • Chat with exceptional artisans in Fergana
  • See how the magnificent Khan Atlas silk is produced
  • Vibrant markets and bazaars with fresh produce
    and exquisite handicrafts
  • The medieval town of Khiva with its magnificent mosque
    and caravanserai

Tour itinerary

Nov
10/11
Travel from New Zealand

Arrive Dubai, transfer to hotel and check-in for Day Room use. Optional Dubai city sightseeing later in the day before evening transfer to the airport for your flight to Almaty.

Nov
12
Arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Arrive in the early hours and check into your hotel. Later this morning explore Almaty with its backdrop of the snowcapped Zailiysky Alatau. Visits include Zenkov Cathedral, Republic Square and Central Mosque. After some time at leisure, enjoy a traditional falconry experience with dinner and music. (D)

Nov
13
Almaty > Charyn Canyon > Kolsai Lakes > Shatty

Drive to Charyn Canyon, a unique natural wonder formed around 12 million years ago. Picnic lunch before continuing to the Kolsai Lakes to check in to your simple guest house. (B,L,D)

Nov
14
Shatty > Kaindy Lake > Almaty

Arrive at stunningly beautiful Kaindy Lake. Explore and enjoy lunch before returning to Almaty. (B,L,D)

Nov
15
Almaty > Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)

Visit Kok-Tobe Hill on the outskirts of town for panoramic views over Almaty. This evening fly to Bishkek. (B,D)

Nov
16
Bishkek > Kajissay

Drive to Kajissay on the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, stopping en route at the Burana Tower. (B,D)

Nov
17
Karakol > Altyn Arashan > Karakol

Board a Military 4WD vehicle for the drive to Altyn Arashan gorge to visit the thermal wells. Return to Karakol for overnight. (B,D)

Nov
18
Karakol > Cholpon-Ata > Bishkek

Drive along the northern shores of Issyk-Kul to Bishkek, visiting Ruh-Ordo historic centre in Cholpon-Ata en route. (B,D)

Nov
18
Bishkek > Osh > Fergana (Uzbekistan)

Morning flight to Osh for a short visit. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to Fergana Valley. Local specialty dinner in a chayhana (tea room). (B,D)

Meet your fellow travellers

Meet Lyndon and your fellow travellers at our social evenings held prior to departure, and receive detailed tour information, as well as hints and tips for your travels.
enquire about tour now

Tour pricing:

from $19,495

per person twin/double share*
$22,995 per person in a single room*

THIS TOUR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. CONTACT US TO ENQUIRE ABOUT AMAZING ALTERNATIVE TOURS!

To secure your place now:

Send your $2,000 non-refundable deposit per person with
completed booking form to Discover Travel.

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Download booking form

Tour Inclusions:

  • Economy class return airfares from Christchurch
  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels (or best available)
  • Transfers and transport by air, road and train as per itinerary
  • Meals: 24 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 25 dinners (D)
  • Sightseeing and excursions with local guide where applicable as per itinerary
  • Admissions to all excursions
  • Gratuities/tipping for all group activities
  • Tour escort

Not included:

Travel insurance (compulsory), any meals/beverages not specified, airport porterage and items of a personal nature.

Conditions:

Price - The price of $19,495 per person is based on twin-share. Single Supplement - for those travellers wanting their own room, the tour price is $22,995. Payments - the price quoted is for payment by direct bank transfer. Bank Transfer: 06 0801 0495605 02 - Discover Travel Worldwide Ltd, using ‘SilkRoad2025’ as a reference. VISA or Mastercard payments will incur a 1.5% convenience fee and American Express a 3% fee. To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of $2,000 per person and completed booking form is required. Final payment will be due no later than 3 February 2025. As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory. Prices are based on a minimum group size of 10/maximum of 16 (excluding tour escort). Should the group size be less than 10, excluding tour escort, the tour will not proceed.
Our trip was fabulous!! Every aspect was extremely well organised and so easy. GAdventures and our tour guide, Tam, had a well planned and great itinerary so while we got to see some amazing sights, it was still really well paced and relaxing. The timing for everything that you and the GAdventures tour organised for us was perfect. We had no glitches at all and would highly recommend all of the options to others. Thanks so much for all of your efforts for us; they were much appreciated. Hopefully we can arrange another wonderful trip with you again in the not too distant future.
Vietnam & Cambodia, Chris & Robyn
We have had an excellent holiday and a much-needed break. Thank you for your part in making our holiday a success.
Indonesia, Jane & Richard
Our trip was outstanding, our guide was great and we had a whole lot of optional extras that we took the opportunity to enjoy. Everything was seamless and well organised, we had a fantastic group that was just 11 people through Vietnam and 1 extra joined us through Cambodia. I couldn't speak highly enough of G Adventures and their staff. It was a truly memorable experience and I would certainly recommend. Many thanks for all your help and yes we are slowly readjusting to the freezing weather here!
Vietnam & Cambodia, Robyn
My trip to India was fabulous and went without any issues. Thank You!
India, Janine