Legends of the Silk Road

Explore the Silk Road from Beijing to Tashkent on this private journey

OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNING LUXURY HOLIDAYS 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION

Tailor-Made Tour

Duration23 Days
Flights IncludedYes
Prices From £ 7595

Places Visited : Beijing, Xiahe, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar, Torugart, Issyk Kul, Bishkek, Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent

Follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps on a journey from the imperial heartland of China’s eastern seaboard to the dry, dusty capitals of Central Asia – Kashgar, Bukhara and Samarkhand – whose names are synonymous with the ancient caravan trade across the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts, and with the near-mythical figures of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Timur the Lame. This vast and remote region offers a unique holiday experience for the adventurous traveller.

Featuring desolate places, lost cities, ancient trading outposts and vibrant markets, this adventurous tour takes you on a grand exploration of the fabled Silk Road.

Remember, this trip can be personalised to suit your travel needs - we can tailor everything from hotel, travel type, duration and more.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

UK

Fly to Beijing.

Day 2

Beijing

Arrive Beijing in the morning. Stay at the Kapok hotel for the night. Day is at leisure to rest after your long flight.

Day 3

Xiahe

Fly to Lanzhou today and drive to Xiahe. Stay at the Labrang Hotel for two nights.

Day 4

Xiahe

Enjoy a tour of Labrang Monastery and visit the stunning grasslands of Ganjia.

Day 5

Xiahe

Drive back to Lanzhou, visit the Gansu History Museum and board an overnight soft sleeper train to Dunhuang.

Day 6

Dunhuang

Arrive in Dunhuang in the morning and transfer to the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel for the night. Take a trip to the extraordinary Mogao Caves to see some of the world's finest examples of Buddhist art. After lunch visit the nearby Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Oasis. Board the overnight soft sleeper train to Turpan.

Day 7

Turpan

Arrive in Turpan and transfer to the Turpan Silk Road Hotel for two nights. Visit the remarkable Karez system, Emin Minaret and Mosque, and a local market in town. Enjoy a traditional Uyghur musical performance.

Day 8

Turpan

Visit the impressive ruins at Gaochang. Later visit the Beziklik Caves on the flanks of the Flaming Mountains.

Day 9

Urumqi

Drive to Urumqi and stay at the Urumqi Sheraton for two nights. Later visit Red Hill Park for some great views of the city.

Day 10

Urumqi

Enjoy a full day excursion to the Heavenly Lake scenic area outside Urumqi.

Day 11

Kashgar

Take the first available flight to Kashgar. Transfer to the Barony Hotel for three nights and enjoy some free time.

Day 12

Kashgar

Visit the peaceful Id Kah Mosque and the lavishly decorated Abakh Khoja tomb.

Day 13

Kashgar

Stroll through the old city and have lunch with a local family. (Visit the Sunday Market if your stay coincides with this weekly spectacle.)

Day 14

Torugart

In the morning complete border formalities, then cross the Torugart pass into Kyrgyzstan. Arrive at the ancient Tash Rabat caravanserai and spend the night in a basic traditional yurt. Have dinner with a local family (optional stay in a guesthouse at nearby Naryn, if preferred).

Day 15

Issyk Kul

Spend the morning around the caravanserai. In the afternoon drive to Issyk Kul and stay at a lakeside hotel for two nights.

Day 16

Issyk Kul

Explore the beautiful lake area. A visit to the nearby town of Cholpon-Ata can be arranged where you can observe local life and see some ancient petroglyphs.

Day 17

Bishkek

Drive through the spectacular countryside to Bishkek and stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for one night.

Day 18

Samarkand

In the morning fly to Tashkent and complete border formalities. Afterwards drive to Samarkand and check in to the President Hotel for two nights.

Day 19

Samarkand

Enjoy a visit to the Registan, one of the most impressive madrassah complexes in the world. Later visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum and the stunning Albukhary complex.

Day 20

Bukhara

Enjoy leisure time in Samarkand before driving to Bukhara. Check in to the Bukhara Palace Hotel for two nights.

Day 21

Bukhara

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bukhara's many madrassas, its minaret and trading domes. Afterwards explore the quiet backstreets or the interesting markets on your own. Perhaps try a traditional hammam to unwind in the evening.

Day 22

Tashkent

Enjoy a day at leisure. In the evening fly to Tashkent and stay the night at the Grand Orzu Hotel.

Day 23

Tashkent, UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving the same day.

What's Included

✓ International flights from the UK in economy
✓ 21 nights accommodation
✓ Domestic flights in economy
✓ All road travel and transfers by private chauffeur-driven vehicles
✓ English-speaking guides
✓ Breakfast daily in China, half board in Uzbekistan and full board in Kyrgyzstan
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary

Places and Experiences in this tour

Similar Tours

Ultimate Silk Road

Tailor Made Tours

Duration: 28Days
Prices from :£7500
Flight :Included

Places Covered:

Xi'an, Dunhuang, Urumqi, Kashgar, Torugart Pass, Song Kol, Issyk Kul, Karakol, Bishkek, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva

view details

China's Ancient Silk Road

Tailor Made Tours

Duration: 19Days
Prices from :£7195
Flight :Included

Places Covered:

Shanghai, Luoyang, Xi'an, Xiahe, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar, Beijing

view details

What our clients say on Trustpilot

Plan your Next Adventure

Now is the time to begin planning your next adventures in Asia. Our Travel Specialists are ready to take your call and discuss the perfect getaway you have been dreaming of.

Make An Enquiry

0208 566 3739

Join our mailing list

For the latest TransIndus news, upcoming events, exclusive discounts, travel inspiration & more!

Order TransIndus Brochures 2025/26

Order Brochures