Central Asia, or "The Stans", is a vast landlocked region of Asia, popular amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. In Stalin’s time, the area was known as Turkestan. Soon after its independence, the five former Soviet Central Asian Republics, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, were defined as Central Asia. This is the common modern definition, and our tour covers all five.

The Silk Road was a network of Eurasian trade routes spanning 6,400 km, which played a central role in facilitating economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between the East and the West. Its unique place in human history resulted from the interchange of ideas, innovations and philosophies among those who travelled it. Our journey will encompass many historic places and “story-book” destinations. Beautiful monuments, some restored, some not, museums full of ancient artefacts and colourful bazaars, combined with stunning landscapes, will make this a memorable experience.

The history of Central Asia is defined as much by its climate as by its geography. The region's aridness made agriculture difficult, and its distance from the sea restricted the growth of industry. As a result, few large cities developed. Instead, the region was dominated by the nomadic horse people of the Steppe. These Steppe horse riders became some of the most militarily successful people in the world.

Periodically, great leaders would organise several tribes into one force of almost unstoppable power. These included the Hun invasion of Europe, the Wu Hu attacks on China, and, most notably, the Mongol conquest of much of Eurasia. The fracturing of the Mongol Empire led to the Turkic people's resurgence. The tyrant Timur, was a Turco- Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire in and around Central Asia, becoming the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty. An undefeated commander, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest military leaders and tacticians in history. His descendants ruled separately in small kingdoms and duchies for almost a century. The dominance of the nomads ended in the 16th century, as firearms allowed settlers to gain control of their surroundings. Russia, China and other powers expanded into the region and captured the bulk of Central Asia by the end of the 19th Century.

Central Asia’s geography is varied, with high plateaus, mountains, vast deserts, and treeless, grassy steppes. Much of the land is too dry and rugged for farming, so the majority of the population earn a living by herding livestock. Central Asia's water is a precious resource, leading to occasional border disputes.

Some parts of Central Asia have hardly seen a traveller, making it all the more fascinating. Bring your camera and curiosity, with many wild and beautiful landscapes to explore.

INCLUDED

• Internal local flights and transportation as per the itinerary
• Twin-share accommodation
• Transfers to and from hotels as per itinerary
• Meals as listed on the itinerary
• Entry fees to places of interest as per itinerary
• All tipping, including drivers and guides
• Experienced English-speaking local tour guide/driver
• Escorted by an Australian host (subject to minimum of 10 clients)

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights to the start and end of the tour
• Electronic travel authorisation or tourist visas
• Travel insurance
• Any meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, hotel charges
• Transfers to and from airports if not travelling on our group flights

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tours depart with a minimum of 4 clients
• No more than 16 clients on any trip
• Tour extensions – before or after tour extensions can be arranged on your behalf
• International flights can be arranged by Blue Dot Travel
• Business or premium economy flights can be arranged at an additional cost if available
• To book and reserve your place on a tour, a deposit of $500 and a completed booking form is required

ITINERARY

TOUR MAP