the silk road travel guide

52 Useful Tips for Travelling the Silk Road (Backpacker’s Guide)

January 19, 2020.

Thinking about travelling the Silk Road? You’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. This in-depth post will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip.

From the windswept steppe of Kazakhstan to the mighty Pamir Mountains and to the oasis towns of Uzbekistan, the Silk Road has it all. For thousands of years, travellers and traders made the treacherous journey along the Silk Road, across vast deserts and over high mountain passes.

Nowadays, it’s rather easy to see the countries of the Silk Road for yourself. Visa issues have basically disappeared and there is now plenty of infrastructure to accommodate tourists.

I’ve spent over 6 months travelling around the Central Asian Silk Road countries, and have learned a ton about the region.

• 1 What is the Silk Road?
• 2.2 Kyrgyzstan
• 2.3 Kazakhstan
• 2.4 Uzbekistan
• 2.5 Tajikistan
• 2.6 Turkmenistan
• 2.7 Afghanistan (Wakhan Corridor)
• 3 Silk Road Travel Routes
• 4 Food along the Silk Road
• 5 People & Culture of the Silk Road
• 6 Visas for travelling the Silk Road
• 7 Safety along the Silk Road
• 8 Transportation while travelling the Silk Road
• 9 Accommodation while travelling the Silk Road
• 10 Silk Road Travel Costs
• 11 When to travel the Silk Road
• 12 Communication along the Silk Road
• 13 Internet & SIM Cards for the Silk Road
• 14 Travelling the Silk Road Wrap-up

What is the Silk Road?

1 – The Silk Road wasn’t just one route: The Silk Road was a vast network of trade routes that connected Europe to Asia. The most well-known route is the one from China to Turkey, via Central Asia and Iran. Other routes travelled to Arabia, India, and Southeast Asia.

2 – This post will focus on the Central Asian Silk Road : Most travellers who plan a trip to the Silk Road visit the Central Asian ‘stans and China. While places such as Iran and Turkey are also technically on the Silk Road, that’s not usually the first thing that comes to mind when people visit them.

3 – Where does it start? Where does it end?: People typically consider Xi’an in China to be the starting point, and Istanbul in Turkey to be the endpoint of the Silk Road.

Where to visit along the Silk Road

4 – There are 7 different countries that make up the Central Asian Silk Road: China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and northern Afghanistan are the countries that most consider being part of the Central Asian Silk Road.

Let’s go over the highlights of each of them below:

5 – History, nature, and delicious food: China has an incredibly long history, and it’s Silk Road corridor from Xi’an to Kashgar is no exception. Travelling along the Chinese Silk Road is an incredible experience. You’ll get to visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, taste some delicious noodles in Lanzhou, visit the famous Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, and check out the famous flaming cliffs of Turpan.

6 – Kashgar, China’s westernmost city: Closer to Baghdad than Beijing, Kashgar is an oasis city far from the rest of China. It’s inhabited by ethnic Uyghur people, and has always been an extremely important location on the Silk Road. When you visit Kashgar, you’ll be able to roam around its old city, visit animal markets, and take a road trip down the Karakorum Highway to the Pakistani border.

7 – Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers: Kyrgyzstan is without a doubt the most naturally beautiful Central Asian country. While small in area, it boasts a number of different landscapes. One of my personal favourites is the Alay Valley in the southern part of the country.

There are countless different treks that you can do while in Kyrgyzstan, and there is pretty good information floating around online about the best ones. The Ala-Kul trek is one of the most popular ones, although if you want to get really off the beaten path, treks such as the Heights of Alay will be right up your alley.

8 – Mountaineers will be right at home: Some of the most accessible 7,000-meter peaks in the world are located in Kyrgyzstan, and there are a number of agencies that assist experienced climbers in making attempts on these giant mountains.

I personally attempted to climb Lenin Peak when I was in Kyrgyzstan, it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done but was incredibly beautiful.

9 – There are nice beaches in Kyrgyzstan: You probably wouldn’t expect to have a nice beach day with a mountain backdrop while you’re in Central Asia, but the massive Issy-Kul in Kyrgystan gives you this opportunity! There are a bunch of towns along the shores of Issy-Kul with great little beach resorts.

This lake is actually a popular summer destination among tourists from Russia and other parts of Central Asia!

Check out my backpacker’s guide to Kyrgyzstan for more info on this amazing country!

10 – Vast steppes and gorgeous mountains: While most of Kazakhstan is an empty steppe, there are some large mountains located in the Almaty and Altai regions of the country. The mountains in the Almaty region are super accessible (just a short bus ride from the city), and there are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities here.

11 – Almaty is the most European-like city in Central Asia: When you arrive in Almaty, you’ll notice immediately how European it feels. Everything from the architecture, cuisines, and way that people dress is quite a bit different than most of Central Asia. It’s a wonderful city to spend some relaxation time in after being in rural areas for a while. I ended up loving it so much I stayed in the city for almost two months!

12 – If you like history, Uzbekistan is for you: Out of all the Central Asian ‘stans, Uzbekistan has by far the best-preserved historical sights. The old cities of Bukhara and Khiva feel like living museums – you can wander around their endless alleys all day. Samarkand has the famous Registan and Gur-e-Amir (Mausoleum of Timur) which are two incredible sights that you can’t miss while travelling the Silk Road.

13 – The Aral Sea, one of man’s greatest mistakes: The Aral Sea was once a thriving sea in Uzbekistan, surrounded by fishing towns supporting tens of thousands of people. The Soviet Union decided to redirect the waters of the Aral Sea to use it as irrigation for cotton fields. Over time, this has lead to the Aral Sea almost completely drying up. Nowadays, one can visit the depressing former fishing town of Moynak to gain more insight into how the disaster affected people on the ground.

14 – Tashkent, the Soviet capital of Central Asia: Tashkent was the Soviet capital of Central Asia, and definitely still gives off those kinda vibes. The city is made up of giant 8-lane roads, large European looking buildings, and has plenty of monuments to look at if you’re bored.

For more info on travel in Uzbekistan, be sure to check out my detailed 2-week Uzbekistan itienerary !

Ceilings in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

15 – World’s greatest road trip: Tajikistan is home to the Pamir Highway, arguably the world’s greatest road trip. The Pamir Highway travels through Tajikistan’s mountainous Pamir Region near the border with Afghanistan. When travelling on the highway, you’ll drive over epic 4,500 meter passes, descend into gorgeous valleys, and meet some of the most hospitable people on Earth.

16 – Undiscovered, yet ready to explore: Tajikistan often gets overshadowed by neighbouring Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, but it’s so unique and beautiful it’d be a shame to miss it. There are plenty of regions of Tajikistan that see almost no tourists (the Bartang Valley, parts of the Fann Mountains, the Eastern Pamir). Tajiks are very friendly and the Persian influence on their culture is very unique from the rest of Central Asia.

Turkmenistan

17 – The North Korea of the Silk Road: Turkmenistan is a very closed off country, and is often touted as the North Korea of Central Asia. Tourist visas are impossible to get without visiting on a guided tour, making the country pretty off-limits for most backpackers.

Afghanistan (Wakhan Corridor)

18 – Marco Polo’s route to China: During his travels along the Silk Road, Marco Polo passed through the Wakhan Corridor and Little Pamir to enter China via the Wakhjir Pass (4,923 m). This is one of the most remote and treacherous trade routes around, but locals have no choice but to use it.

19 – One of the most untouched places on the planet: Visiting Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor is like a trip back in time. Much of the region still doesn’t have any electricity and internet access is-non existent. This place isn’t for everyone, but experienced travellers will remember it for the rest of their lives.

For more info on visiting, check out my detailed guide to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor .

Silk Road Travel Routes

So now that you know a little bit about the countries that lie along the Silk Road, what is the best way to travel through them?

Let’s go over a few classic Silk Road travel itineraries.

20 – China to Central Asia – the classic Silk Road route: If you want to follow the classic route that traders would’ve taken towards Europe, begin your journey in Xi’an and start heading west. You should stop in Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Turpan, Urumqi, and Kashgar before crossing the Irkeshtam Pass into Kyrgyzstan.

When you’re in Kyrgyzstan, you’ve got a few options. You could head south to Tajikistan along the Pamir Highway, or go north to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan’s Capital) before crossing to Almaty for a little taste of Europe in Central Asia. From either Tajikistan or Kazakhstan, cross the border into Uzbekistan and check out the famous oasis cities of Bukhara and Khiva.

You can end your trip after Uzbekistan, or consider applying for a Turkmenistan transit visa to continue onto Iran if you’ve got even more time.

21 – The Central Asia Loop itinerary: If you want to focus on the heart of Central Asia, you need to visit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

I’d recommend flying into Almaty, then heading down to Bishkek for some time exploring Kyrgyzstan (Karakol and Osh are must-sees). After that, head south to Dushanbe, Tajikistan via the Pamir Highway and Wakhan Valley (and hop into Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor if you’re up for it!).

After Dushanbe, visit Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains (if you’re not yet tired of mountains) before crossing the border into Uzbekistan. While in Uzbekistan, check out Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent before taking an overnight train back to Almaty.

Food along the Silk Road

22 – Food along the Silk Road is very diverse: Plov, Lagman, Shashlik, Samsas and Beshbarmark are just some of the unique foods that you’ll encounter while travelling around this part of the world. Central Asian food tends to be meat and dairy heavy, whereas Chinese food focuses much more on spices to add flavour.

23 – Plov and Lagman are the most common dishes: In all of the Central Asian countries, you’ll be able to find plov and lagman. Plov is a rice dish with meat and veggies (usually beef and carrots). Lagman is a noodle dish that originates from Uyghur parts of Central Asia. It’s typically made with pulled noodles, meat and vegetables. Spice levels with lagman vary, I only ever found it spicy enough in Xinjiang (China).

24 – Kumis is an alcoholic dairy drink: Made from fermented horse milk, you’ll often find kumis in rural areas of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It’s got a slight alcohol percentage and a sour taste that takes some getting used to!

People & Culture of the Silk Road

25 – The Silk Road is incredibly diverse: There are so many different ethnic groups in Central Asia, it’d be impossible to list them all. The most common ones that you’ll encounter are Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Dungans. As a result of the Soviet Union and China, there are also plenty of Han Chinese, Russians, and Koreans scattered around Central Asia.

26 – Islam is the most common religion: All Central Asian ‘stans are Muslim, and much of the Xinjiang region of China is as well (at least.. for now). Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are the most liberal areas, with plenty of people drinking alcohol and not fasting during Ramadan.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are more conservative, especially the southern regions of both countries. However, they are still much more liberal than places like Pakistan or Saudi Arabia .

27 – People are extremely hospitable: One thing that all of the people living in Central Asia have in common is their hospitality. No matter where I went, I was always welcomed with open arms and a cup of chai. People don’t see very many tourists around here and want to treat their guests as well as they can. You don’t have to worry about people being unfriendly here – just keep a smile on your face and you’ll have a wonderful time.

28 – Dress code varies from country to country: In liberal Almaty, girls can wear whatever they want and nobody will bat an eye. Try to do that in southern Tajikistan and you’ll get a different reaction.

In more religious areas, you should dress modestly. For the dudes, pants and a t-shirt is fine everywhere in Central Asia. For females, nothing revealing and you’ll be ok.

Visas for travelling the Silk Road

29 – Visas issues in Central Asia are disappearing: Central Asia used to be one of the most difficult regions to travel around. Travellers would need a visa for every country, and they wouldn’t be easy to get.

Nowadays, things are a lot easier. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan offer 30-day visa-free access for a number of nationalities. Kyrgyzstan gives 60-days for most people. Tajikistan still requires an e-visa, but it is easy to apply for online and can be gotten within a week or so and is valid for 45-days.

China still requires a visa, but it should be fairly straightforward to apply for before you leave home.

Turkmenistan is still locked down. You can’t get a tourist visa without a guided tour, although travellers are sometimes able to visit independently on a short 5-day transit visa.

30 – Border crossings aren’t too bad: Unless you fly everywhere, you’ll end up having to cross some borders while travelling the Silk Road.

Most border crossings in Central Asia are fairly straightforward now, and you don’t need to worry about a strict bag inspection or anything.

Exceptions are borders into and out of China. Expect a full bag inspection, as well as a search of all the photos on your electronic devices.

Safety along the Silk Road

31 – Central Asia is reasonably safe: I’ve spent a long time in Central Asia, and never once had any safety issues. While this is simply anecdotal, governments usually just advise travellers to proceed with caution while in Central Asia.

There are areas that are more dangerous than others. Parts of the Uzbek/Kyrgyz border infrequently have small violent clashes (you wouldn’t visit here anyway), and southern Tajikistan sometimes has issues.

The areas that tourists usually visit are very safe, in my opinion.

32 – Be careful with nature: I’d guess that most issues that arise when travelling in Central Asia are due to altitude sickness and twisted ankles. If you’re planning a trip along the Pamir Highway, you need to be sure to properly acclimatize or you could get altitude sickness. When hiking, always be careful and go with a guide if you’re unsure of your abilities.

33 – Driving can be dangerous:  Like everywhere in the world, Central Asia has some crazy drivers. Combine this with windy mountain roads, and you’re asking for disaster.

All you can do here is get out of a vehicle if you feel unsafe. If the driver smells like alcohol, that’s a bad sign.

In many places, you can take a train rather than drive, but driving is required to travel around Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

34 – Don’t forget your travel insurance: No matter where you go, you should always have travel insurance – Central Asia is no exception. Even though Central Asia is safe, accidents can still happen.

I personally use and recommend World Nomads. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of  adventure sports and activities (important if you plan on doing any hiking or other outdoor activities while in Central Asia).

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS HERE

Transportation while travelling the Silk Road

35 – Travelling the Silk Road involves long journey times: Distances are massive along the Silk Road, and the roads and railways are usually not the most modern.

For example, a train from Xi’an to Kashgar takes a solid 40 hours, and a minivan from Bishkek to Osh takes about 14 hours.

Patience is key here, but at least you’ll be able to look out the window and enjoy views of the epic scenery of Central Asia.

36 – When you can, take the train: Trains aren’t always an option, but in China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan they have pretty good networks. Trains are much more comfortable for long distances than buses, and they often run overnight so you can just sleep in a bed the entire journey.

37 – Get ready for a lot of marshrutka rides:  Marshrutkas (minivans) are the backbone of Central Asia. They run throughout all of the former Soviet Union countries and are pretty affordable.

Try to avoid sitting in the very back – it’s uncomfortable and you can’t see anything. Bring plenty of water, as these things don’t usually have air conditioning and the Central Asian summer gets bloody hot.

38 – Consider flying if you’re short on time: While I prefer overland travel, I understand that not everybody has 6 months to spend screwing around in Central Asia.

If you need to get from Osh to Bishkek (and you’ve already seen that epic drive at least once), then just take the $30 flight and skip the 14-hour long drive.

Accommodation while travelling the Silk Road

39 – Most forms of accommodation are available: In most places that you’ll visit while travelling the Silk Road, there are both budget and mid-range accommodation types available.

Hostels are common in Central Asia and are very affordable. Hotels are also found in all cities and large towns.

In rural areas, I recommend staying at a homestay to experience true Central Asian hospitality.

40 – When you’re in Kyrgyzstan, you need to sleep in a yurt :  The yurt is the traditional home of nomadic Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Mongolian people. A yurt is a round, single-room building that is usually white on the outside. They’re warm and comfortable even when high in the mountains.

Tourist yurts are common in Kyrgyzstan, and the perfect place to spent a night while trekking.

41 – Research your Xinjiang accommodation in advance: The far west Chinese province of Xinjiang has a lot of restrictions on which hotels foreigners are allowed to stay at. The list is always changing, so you need to do a bit of research to find where you’ll be allowed to stay during your trip.

If you’re travelling with a tour, this would be arranged for you.

Silk Road Travel Costs

42 – Central Asia is a pretty cheap place: While not as cheap as India or Vietnam, travelling in Central Asia is still very affordable. If you stick to hostels, local food, and public transport, you can easily keep your budget around $35 per day.

If you want a bit more luxury, push that budget to $50 and you’ll be able to have amazing meals and stay in pretty nice places.

43 – China can be a bit more pricey: With China’s economic boom, prices have been increasing. While travelling in China is affordable for the most part, certain things like entrance fees and train tickets can add up over time.

44 – Money-saving tips: To save some money while travelling in Central Asia, I’d recommend using Couchsurfing and hitchhiking when possible.

Couchsurfing is a great way to meet locals, and you’ll save a bit of cash. Hitchhiking in Central Asia is fairly easy, although you sometimes have to pay a small amount (even locals do this).

When to travel the Silk Road

45 – Summers are super hot: The Central Asian summer is extremely hot. Summer temperatures can reach 50°C in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and cities like Tashkent and Dushanbe get pretty unbearable. Central Asia is quite dry, so you don’t need to worry about humidity, at least.

However, summer is the perfect time if you want to get into the mountains of Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan. The trekking season is short here, usually running from June to mid-September. If you’re at all interested in outdoor adventures, summer is a great time. You’ll just need to bear the city heat while you pass through them.

46 – Spring and Autumn are perfect: For the most comfortable experience, travel the Silk Road during spring or autumn. These seasons bring comfortable temperatures, especially in places like Uzbekistan. In the mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, things will be a bit chilly but it’s still possible to do some short hikes.

47 – Winters are harsh: Central Asia is a land of extremes. Winter brings freezing temperatures to much of the region. While travel is doable at this time of year, bring warm clothes and understand that certain summer activities just won’t be possible.

Snow-covered landscapes are beautiful, and the Silk Road landscapes look unique while covered in a blanket of fresh white snow.

If you’re a skier, you’ll be happy to know that Almaty, Bishkek, and Karakol have some great hills! Rental prices are pretty reasonable.

Communication along the Silk Road

48 – Russian is the most useful language: The five Central Asian ‘stans spent quite a while in the Soviet Union, and the Russian language spread throughout them during this time.

In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, almost everybody knows Russian, especially in the cities. It’s much more common to hear Russian being spoken in Bishkek than Kyrgyz.

Uzbekistan still has quite a lot of Russian speakers as well, especially in Tashkent. In Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, Russin is less common but it’s still possible to find some speakers of it.

While you obviously don’t need to learn Russian to travel in Central Asia, it sure does help to learn the Cyrillic alphabet and some basic phrases.

I recommend picking up a Russian phrasebook before leaving home.

49 – People love if you learn a word or two in their local language: Just learning how to say “thank you” in Kyrgyz ( rahmat )  makes Kyrgyz people super happy. I always try to do this when travelling, and in Central Asia, it’s a really great thing to do.

50 – Plenty of people know English: With tourism increasing along the Silk Road, more and more people are learning some English to work in the tourism industry. At hotels and hostels, you’ll usually be able to find an employee who knows English.

In cities like Bishkek and Almaty, so many young people know English and are eager to practice with foreigners. I’ve had people start friendly conversations with me just because they heard me speaking English.

Don’t stress if you don’t know any Russian or local languages. I always manage to get by with English, Google Translate, and some patience.

Internet & SIM Cards for the Silk Road

51 – Internet quality varies along the Silk Road: In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, there is cheap and fast internet almost everywhere. I was able to get 3G signal at Lenin Peak base camp at 3,600 meters in Kyrgyzstan. In Kazakhstan, I paid about $5 for 9GB of data with unlimited social media use (including YouTube and Instagram). In Kyrgyzstan, I paid $4 for 40GB of data.

On the other side of the spectrum are Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The internet there is somewhat expensive, and coverage is pretty bad outside of the main cities. It’s still worth picking up a local SIM card, but you need to be a bit mindful of your data usage. WiFi is also less common here, although decent hostels will have it.

52 – You need to get around China’s Great Firewall: In China, the internet is restricted and most foreign websites are blocked. All Google and Facebook services are inaccessible, as well as sites such as Reddit and Wikipedia.

To access these sites, you need to use a VPN. The best VPN for travelling in China right now is NordVPN .

I’ve used a bunch of different VPNs while travelling and had by far the best experience with NordVPN . They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 customer support, and high-speed servers that are reliable and consistent.

Travelling the Silk Road Wrap-up

I hope this post has helped you learn a bit more about travelling the Silk Road! I love Central Asia so much, and I’m sure you’ll love it too. It’s such an undiscovered and beautiful place to travel around.

If you have any questions, ask in the comments below!

Otherwise, check out some of my other epic guides:

• Guide to travelling in Kyrgyzstan
• Guide to travelling in Mongolia
• Guide to travelling in China
• Guide to travelling in Pakistan
• Guide to travelling in Saudi Arabia
• Guide to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor

21-year old Canadian dude who loves to visit off-the-beaten-path places, climb tall mountains, and try delicious foods.

Read more about me

Want more like this?

5 thoughts on “ 52 Useful Tips for Travelling the Silk Road (Backpacker’s Guide) ”

Wow looks so beautiful😍, I want to visit Silk road and Pamir Highway. How is temperature in Central Asia (May – Sept). Did you visit with a tour or autostop? I want take a tour because its more cheaper, we’re 4 people. I wanna book tour with Pegas Adventure. Anyone used this tour company?

You’ll love Central Asia 🙂

Temperatures depend on where you are in Central Asia – summertime peaks in July & August, so you should try to be in the mountains during those months where temperatures will be pretty comfortable. In the lowlands of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, summer temperatures can soar to above 40 degrees.

I don’t know much about tour agencies in Central Asia – If you have four people you could even consider renting a car and driving it on a big loop. Public transport is also very easy to take, but with four people it might end up costing the same just to rent your own car. You can even take it between countries, as long as the rental company allows it.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Hope this helps 🙂

Do you think it would be ok for two women traveling alone, say a mother-duaghter duo?

I’d say so, although some previous travel experience in a less developed country would be good to have.

Locals might be a bit surprised, as this isn’t something they’d typically encounter, although there shouldn’t be any hostility about it.

People in Central Asia are generally friendly and welcoming to foreigners! Feel free to email me if you have more questions.

Thank you for this lovely guide. You’ve done the hard footwork and then share such useful information with us! I hope that you’ll get to travel all the places in the world you desire, and are always at the right place, at the right time. ☀️🌈🌳🌸🌟☃️

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

The big trip: how to plan the ultimate Silk Road adventure through Central Asia

The old trade routes of the silk road give travellers endless options to explore central Asia, from lake-scattered mountain plateaus to ornate mausoleum complexes and lively cities packed with soviet architecture.

The name ‘Silk Road’ evokes images of Marco Polo and endless camel caravans stretching from Beijing to Baghdad and on to the Venetian Lagoon. But the fact is there was no single, definitive trail. Rather, the Silk Road was an umbrella term for a web of trade routes between China and Europe formed over a period of around 1,600 years, from the second century BC to 1450. While these routes wound as far south as India and Southeast Asia, most of their traffic moved overland through the heart of Central Asia, over snowy passes and through scorching deserts. Routes changed over time as new warlords demanded higher taxes from caravans wanting to travel through their territory. Other times, it was because of dangers caused by brutal brigands capturing riches such as silk, tea, ivory and precious metals, and enslaving travellers. Relics of the era can be found across the region today — particularly in the Central Asian segments of the Silk Road.  

Few merchants and travellers made the full journey from Europe to China, as most goods and gold changed hands many times at various points along the Silk Road. Similarly, today, travellers tend to approach the region in bite-sized chunks — travelling the full length would take longer even than Marco Polo’s famous 24-year, 13th-century journey.

History buffs and architecture lovers often focus on Uzbekistan, where preserved mosques and madrasas hide behind fortress walls, and Soviet-era architectural oddities can be found. Trekkers and mountaineers turn towards Kyrgyzstan, a country of snowy peaks and a proud nomadic heritage. Kazakhstan blends the two, with a few attractive Silk Road ruins and impressive landscapes that make it an easy choice to add to any itinerary. The legendary, mountain-backed Pamir Highway — one of the world’s most epic road trips and the northern segment of the ancient Silk Road, described by Marco Polo in the 13th century — lies mostly within Tajikistan’s borders, but travellers intent on seeing it will have to contend with access restrictions and safety concerns.  

Itinerary 1: S ilk Road Cities

Once major hubs for global trade and centres of cultural exchange, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s cities are now welcoming oases for history lovers, complete with ornate Islamic architecture and crumbling ruins.

Arriving in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, board a train (13-17h) to Turkistan to explore the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Dating to the late 14th century, it’s believed to be the earliest example of the Timurid architectural style — intricate tilework, multiple minarets and domes — that came to define the Silk Road. Set aside half a day to visit the partially excavated ruins of 10th-century desert fortress Sauran, 25 miles north west of Turkistan.

Cross the border to Uzbek capital Tashkent, a pleasant city of parks and fountains that, with nearly three million inhabitants, is the biggest in Central Asia. The 18th-century Kukeldash Madrasah, built as an Islamic school, is one of the largest in Central Asia. Inside the nearby 16th-century Hazrati Imam complex is the world’s oldest surviving Quran , brought to Taskkent by Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur.From Tashkent, travel to Urgench by plane, bus or train (3h/14h/15h) and continue by shared taxi to Khiva (30min), the best preserved fortress city along the Central Asian Silk Road. The 2,400-year-old Itchan Kala (old town) is packed with ancient architecture; it would be easy to spend two days here, wandering the winding streets and climbing lofty minarets for views of the city.

Days 8-12  

Go by train to Bukhara (6h) for three nights, then onward by train to Samarkand (1.5h). Both cities are UNESCO listed; Samarkand is the more famous, but Bukhara is the more appealing as it blends ancient and modern so well. Sixteenth-century trading domes are still in use, standing beside all-but-abandoned synagogues, family homes and bakers’ kiosks. In Samarkand, don’t miss the Gur-e-Amir, a mausoleum complex that contains the tomb of tyrant Timur, whose empire stretched from Aleppo to Delhi, and the imposing Registan — a plaza at the heart of the city that contains three ornately mosaiced madrasas. On the edge of the historic centre, the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex, with its colourful, tiled facades, is also worth a visit.  

From Samarkand, add a trip to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s birthplace. Once envisioned as the capital of the Timurid Empire and eventual resting place of the conqueror, plans stalled when Timur unexpectedly died during a military campaign in 1405. Today, it’s a small, traditional town; just past a modern statue of Timur, the restored Chubin Madrasah has been converted into a museum dedicated to the tyrant and his empire.  

Itinerary 2: Soviet Legacy

The Soviet Union ruled over much of Central Asia for more than half the 20th century, leaving an enduring physical and ideological legacy that can still be observed in the Silk Road nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Start in Almaty, exploring the history of Kazakhstan’s Soviet-era capital through the architecture and art of the era. A guided walk with the company Walking Almaty can be one of the best ways to uncover Modernist mosaics and Imperial-era buildings across the historic centre. In the mountains above the city is the modernist Medeu Highland Skating Rink, which opened in 1951. Soviet skaters broke more than 200 world records here before the USSR collapsed. It remains a popular venue, as well as an active competition venue.

Travel west by car to Bishkek, across the border in Kyrgyzstan, where Soviet architecture surrounds a Lenin statue in the city centre. Just over an hour east of the city lies Issyk-Ata Sanatoria — a throwback to the Soviet-era hospital-spa-summer-camps, where tourists can stay overnight in dilapidated, pastel-blue dormitories. Guests can hike up the valley to a small waterfall (a three-mile round trip), returning for a dip in the sanatoria’s hot springs. Before returning to Bishkek, detour to Ata Beyit Memorial Complex, an hour west of Issyk-Ata. A secret mass grave of Soviet Kyrgyzstan’s intelligentsia was revealed here by a deathbed confession from one of the guards on duty the night of the massacre.

It’s a nine-hour overland journey by bus or shared taxi via Kazakhstan — or a one-hour, 20-minute flight — from Bishkek to Tashkent in Uzbekistan. Rebuilt after a devastating 1966 earthquake, Tashkent today is still a showcase of Soviet modernism. Wander from the stone Monument to Courage Earthquake Memorial to the Islamic Modernist dome of Chorsu Bazaar and the brutalist facade of Hotel Uzbekistan. Then descend beneath the streets to ride the Soviet-era train carriages of the Tashkent Metro, where each of the 43 stations has its own distinct architectural style and artistic elements. Don’t miss a trip to see Physics of the Sun, a giant industrial solar furnace complex built by the Soviets in 1981 on a hilltop outside Parkent, 31 miles east of Tashkent. Brutalist in design and still operational today, it uses thousands of mirrored panels to channel heat from the sun.

Finish your trip in the far west of Uzbekistan, with a long journey from Tashkent to the town of Nukus on the former shores of the Aral Sea — around 15 hours by car. This remote location is home to the Nukus Museum of Art, which displays collector Igor Savitsky’s world-class Soviet avant-garde art haul. Poor water management by the Soviets turned the Aral Sea (once the world’s fourth-largest lake) into a dust bowl, which can now be toured in a 4WD vehicle to see the carcasses of marooned ships. The barren scrublands are a devastating ecological warning as well as starkly beautiful. Independent visitors can arrange a bed for the night at Mayak Yurt Camp, which can also provide a driver for an unforgettable trip into the desert on the edge of the town of Moynaq, near the former shore.

Itinerary 3: Mountains & outdoor adventure

Lace up your hiking boots and head into the Tien Shan. The ‘heavenly mountains’ — a range that defines the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — live up to their name, offering divine views of snow-capped peaks. There’s adventure here for every level of ability.  

From mountain-flanked Almaty in Kazakhstan, it’s a three-hour drive to 93-mile-long Charyn Canyon for hikes among red-rock towers and through labyrinthine gorges. The alpine village of Sati makes an ideal base for visiting the Kolsai Lakes. From the nearest lake, it’s an easy five-mile hike to the next, then a challenging two-and-a-half miles to the final one. Two valleys east, you’ll find Lake Kaindy; created by an earthquake in 1911, it contains a partially submerged forest of spruce trees, whose exposed tips make for a surreal sight.

Cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and make for Karakol, founded in 1869 as a military outpost. Its wooden cottages are now interspersed with hostels catering to armies of hikers. The three-day trek to Ala-Kul lake is Kyrgyzstan’s most popular, climbing to an altitude of 3,900 metres for epic views over the lake from the Ala-Kul Pass. At the end of the trek, visitors can hire a Soviet-era military truck for a day trip to the Altyn-Arashan springs to sooth sore muscles.

Days 9-11  

Hike around Issyk Kol lake, staying at lakeside yurt camps such as Feel Nomad or Bel-Tam . Support conservation initiatives on a guided hike of   Baiboosun Nature Reserve or make the easy, one-mile hike to the Shatyly Panorama for views over Issyk Kol and the snowy Tien Shan peaks.  

Continue to Song-Kol lake at a breathtaking 3,015 metres. Drive up in around four hours from Kochkor on Issyk Kol’s western side, or take one to two days hiking and horse-trekking there from Kyzart, 45 miles west of Kochkor. Spend a full day at the lake, horse-riding through the grasslands in solitude. Afterwards, drive to Bishkek for day hikes up the forested slopes of nearby Ala Archa National Park or to explore the Soviet architecture of the capital.

How to travel: a practical guide

What visas will I need for Central Asia?

Visa policies have loosened considerably over the last decade, with travellers on UK passports currently allowed visa-free entry to Kazakhstan (30-day stay), Uzbekistan (30 days) and Kyrgyzstan (60 days). Longer stays will still require a visa, which must be issued at an embassy or through each country’s e-visa platform . You still need a visa to enter Tajikistan, which can be applied for online before arrival (avoid the on-arrival service, which is a frustrating, time-consuming process).  

Am I likely to need any travel permits?

Trips to some remote border regions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan do require special permits. If your itinerary includes the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan, for example, you’ll need a permit from the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, and it’s best to apply for it with your initial country visa application to save time. Applying for permits can involve Soviet-style bureaucracy; if travelling independently, it’s worth paying a local tour company to do it on your behalf. Fees are usually £25 to £40 per permit.  

How should I manage money while travelling?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Central Asia’s cities but rarely outside of them, and even in cities you’ll still need cash for small purchases. ATMs are widespread in the big cities, but they can unexpectedly run out of cash — particularly on weekends — so it’s worth also carrying some foreign currency. British pounds and Euros can reliably be changed in cities, but in towns and rural areas US dollars are the easiest to exchange.

What languages are spoken across the Central Asian Silk Road?

Russia is the common language in this region. Tourism businesses in popular destinations will usually have English-speaking staff; it’s harder to find English speakers in rural areas.  

How should I dress while travelling here?

Locals across the region typically dress more conservatively than in the West. While visitors aren’t usually expected to adhere to local norms, you may be the target of unwanted attention if you don’t cover your shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas; the capital cities across Central Asia tend to be more liberal.  

Related Topics

• CITY GUIDES
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• RELIGIOUS TRAVEL

You May Also Like

10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland

A guide to Jaipur's craft scene, from Rajasthani block printing to marble carving

Summer flash sale – up to $20 off.

Visiting North Carolina: Here’s what the locals love

The essential guide to visiting Dublin

How to plan a weekend in South Moravia, Czech wine country

The essential guide to visiting Scotland

The essential guide to visiting Alaska

• Environment

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• History & Culture
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Destination Guide
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Traveling Without a Passport

Travelling The Silk Road by Overland: Exploring a History the Length of the World

Exploring a history that spans the length of the world is no mean feat, our Silk Road travel guide will take you on a journey like no other!

The Silk Road is woven into the very fabric of our world. It needs no introduction, but then, it does, if only to let our imaginations run wild with the thought of travelling or driving the Silk Road. From its geographical configuration (at least 4,000 miles, in more than 40 countries) to its role in history, not many routes can claim the glory that belongs to the Silk Road. While its moniker came courtesy of Chinese silk, other goods such as spices and jade were also carried from east to west upon it.

The Silk Road has also had a social and cultural impact on the world. In its heyday, the route formed bonds and links between different ethnicities across its sprawling and complex network. In total there are more than twenty ethnic groups along the Silk Road; many with their own languages, customs, and traditions. Life around the Silk Road remains mostly unknown to us, but the legends, myths, and rituals warrant a closer look.

For explorers and travellers, this route is the embodiment of wanderlust; its very name suggests a voyage like no other, it is a trip through time. Buddhist art, Islamic architecture, lost dynasties, ruins, ancient cities, and dramatic scenery are only the beginning of what there is to discover. How do you explore something that spans most of the world? The answer: overlanding. When you overland, the purpose of your trip is not the destination but the journey, and there is no adventure more suited to this style of travel than that of the Silk Road.

See Also: The Fastest-Growing Destinations for 2019

Silk Road travel guide

The Silk Road is best described as a collection of intricate paths that form a network (so intricate that a travel guide is definitely required reading). Beginning in the former capital of China, Xī’ān, the route crosses mountain-tops and desert plains into Central Asia. The Silk Road played a considerable role in the development of China, Korea, Japan, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Europe, Africa, and Arabia.

The main artery of this track follows the Great Wall, over the Pamir Mountains into Afghanistan, and from there it leads to the Levant. Roads branched off this central route towards towns and cities, river ports, markets, and pilgrimage sites. Many cities located on the system flourished and became wealthy hubs during its trading days. As well as silk, other popular items traded along the route were salt, sugar, porcelain, and spices.

Along with metropolises rich in heritage and culture, the Silk Road is a haven for scenery, given that the route passes through so much wilderness and some of the highest places on earth. Visitors can discover cosmopolitan cities steeped in the past, semi-nomadic farming lifestyles, and explore hidden gems in a diversity of landscapes.

Best time to visit the Silk Road

March, April, and May are the perfect time to visit countries along the Silk Route. The weather will be around 15-20 degrees Celsius, and spring will be blooming. September and October are also another great time to visit; you can feast on juicy grapes and ripe dates. The winter is often too cold, and the summers are busy and hot.

Where to stay

The accommodation options along the Silk Road vary as much as the route itself. From luxurious hotels in urban habitats and guesthouses in towns, to local homestays in rural villages and cozy yurts under the stars, where you stay is really up to you. Not all the destinations will have as many options, particularly if you venture to remote locations that can be found on the route. Travellers who want to take away the hassle of figuring out where to stay should ideally pick a tour that will handle this element for them.

You will need visas for many countries along the Silk Road. This may seem a little daunting at first, but with a bit of research and the right planning, it can be a relatively easy process. Make sure you are up to date on any travel requirements for the countries you are visiting and apply for visas well in advance. Passport holders can also obtain a visa on arrival in certain countries, and tour companies often help with letters required to support your visa application.

What to pack

You can pack for the Silk Road as you would for most trips. A combination of shorts and t-shirts for the warm days, and extra layers for the cooler evenings. It may also make sense to pack a light waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes are a must. It’s also helpful to carry a backpack with essential travel items like a hat, a pair of sunglasses, lip balm, sunblock, snacks, refillable water bottle, and camera.

Being respectful while travelling the Silk Road

When meeting locals along the Silk Road it’s important to be aware of their culture, customs, and traditions. Doing a little research where possible will go a long way, and following in your host or tour guide’s example is the best practice. Likewise, when visiting temples and religious sites, it’s important to remember that these are sacred spaces and places of worship for the locals. Be respectful of dress requirements and visiting restrictions.

Medicines on the Silk Road

Depending on where you go on the Silk Road, you may need certain medications, though it’s best to acquire this information from a doctor or travel clinic. It’s also well worth packing some treatments for colds, upset stomachs, nausea, and fever. It also doesn’t hurt to travel with some bug spray and antiseptic creams, or a mini first aid kit. Also, do not carry any medicine that contains tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine, or opiates, as they are illegal in most of Central Asia.

See Also: Are You a Respectful Traveller?

Driving the Silk Road

From the silk traders that led to the naming of the road to the legendary rulers who used it satisfy their own ambitions, the cities along this ancient route have drawn visitors from far and wide. While it’s possible to travel the Silk Road by train (the most popular form of transport), understandably many visitors want to experience it more viscerally on a road trip.

If driving the Silk Road appeals to you, keep in mind that even today, the journey will require a substantial amount of travel days and preparation for you to get the most of out your trip. If you want to discover the route by road, we recommend doing it via overland vehicle. This removes the limitations of public transport, without sacrificing the chance to explore the Silk Road along old tracks that were used by historical figures like Marco Polo and Genghis Khan.

The Silk Road crosses some of the most exciting terrains on the planet; it won’t come as a surprise that it is here that overlanding was born. These days, visitors rarely get the chance to travel the entire route, but Dragoman has plenty of itineraries ranging from nine to 127 days that will let you experience the region thoroughly and authentically.

Silk Road travel itinerary

To follow in the footsteps of the remarkable explorers and traders who crisscrossed the world on this epic route, you’ll need an overland tour that travels through cities and destinations where the legacy of the Silk Road lives on. From bargaining in the market lanes of Tabriz and meandering the backstreets of Bukhara, to falling asleep alongside shepherds in the Pamir Mountains and exploring ancient towns, travelling the Silk Road can bring many dreams to life.

Overlanding is a unique and unrestricted way to visit the Silk Route. Imagine getting off the tarmac and taking the road less travelled? Staying with local families or heading off to remote villages and enriching your life with unchartered experiences? Overlanding captures the true spirit of the Silk Road, allowing travellers to form meaningful connections with the places they visit. Dragoman has been operating overlanding tours since the 1980s, so take advantage of their in-depth knowledge by opting for a carefully curated Silk Road travel itinerary.

• Turkey, Iran and the Silk Route : From the whirling dervish to Persian culture, this route will take you to some of the most beautiful cities. Shiraz, Tehran, and Istanbul may be cosmopolitan, but they sired some of the world’s oldest poets and artists. This route is teeming with breathtaking architecture, sacred sites, desert plains, art, and literature.
• Kyrgyzstan and the Chinese Silk Route:  Even today, for travellers, Kyrgyzstan’s pastures and mountaintops are a gateway to Central Asia. For merchants on the Silk Road, this country also played a pivotal role. This is probably why a number of Silk Road sites can be found in the region. This route will also take you to Xī’ān, the starting point of the Silk Road, and another gateway to Kashgar (the epicentre for regional trade in China) and beyond. In Xī’ān, you can take a guided tour of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, and explore the Great Mosque and Shaanxi Museum.
• Central Silk Route: This route will take you through Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, important trading posts on the Silk Road. Among the minarets, golden domes, and tiled mosaics of these cities, you’ll discover the history and culture left behind in Uzbekistan by traders and merchants that tread upon these roads all those centuries ago.
• Western Silk Route:  Start in Istanbul, a city where the spirit of the Silk Road manifests as east and west come together, and end your trip in the opulent marble palaces of Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. You’ll have the opportunity to sail over the Caspian Sea, explore the Black Sea mountain monastery at Sumela, and walk through the ancient valley of Ihlara. The valley was a haven for Byzantine monks who chiselled churches into its cliffs.
• Silk Route and Mountains of Central Asia:  On this route, you can follow the famous Pamir Highway over the Kyzyl Art Pass, the frontier between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and one of the highest and most remote border crossings in the world. You’ll trek through the Fann Mountains, a stunning range of jagged peaks 30km east of Penjikent, camp beside Iskanderkul Lake, a glacial waterbody found in Tajikistan’s mountainous region and see the silk-weavers of Fergana Valley. Visitors will also see some cultural hubs that are filled with memories from the golden days of trade, including Samarkand in Uzbekistan, a city potently reminiscent of the Silk Road. The walled old town and grand architecture will quickly work its magic on you.

This story was created in partnership with: Dragoman 

Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.

Related Articles

• Destinations
• Tips & Tricks

Top Countries You Haven’t Been (Yet!)

Ever felt like you're being fed the same destination over and...

• Central America

Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit Right Now?

Costa Rica, known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant...

• Destination Guide
• North America
• South America

Your 4 Must-Visit Inclusive Destinations

Nothing connects people from different parts of the world and disparate...

Walking South America: The Best Hiking Trails

Get unlimited access to the world's best travel stories. subscribe now., privacy overview.

• Sightseeing
• China National Silk Museum
• China Silk Photos

Basic Facts

Other routes, scenery along the road, silk road adventure.

You May Like

• Destinations

Wild Junket

Silk Road Travel Guide

Last Updated on September 20, 2022

Here’s a comprehensive, detailed Silk Road Travel Guide I wrote, based on my overland journey through Central Asia. 

The Silk Road is the greatest travel route of all time, spanning 8,000km across continents, weaving through deserts, mountains and grasslands and bringing traders from East to West and vice versa. The original overland odyssey has long lured travelers, from the likes of the world’s first professional traveler, Marco Polo, to modern-day Silk Road author, Colin Thubron. For centuries, caravans of over 1,000 camels trekked through Central Asia trading everything from gold to gunpowder.

But these days, traveling the Silk Road can seem daunting even for the most hardened traveler. It often involves crossing vast distances and challenging terrain like deserts, mountain passes and seas. As if the distance is not intimidating enough, almost all the countries in Central Asia require visas to enter, so crossing this many borders means you’ll be facing a mountain of red tape.

Planning is indeed key, especially so if you intend to travel for a few months across several borders. Based on what I learned on my Silk Road journey, I’ve compiled some tips and info below that will hopefully help you plan an amazing trip. 

Table of Contents

Highlights of the Silk Road

How to go: independently or with a tour operator, is it safe to travel the silk road, visas: central asia’s red tape, when to travel the silk road, accommodation: camping, guest houses or hotels, cost of travel on the silk road, some extra tips:.

You’ll be surprised to know that the Silk Road isn’t even one distinct highway, but rather a network of tributaries. Granted, trails that weave through vast deserts are now replaced by tarred highways and paved roads, and caravans are substituted by massive cargo trucks.

The old world romance may be gone today, but in an era where untouched frontiers are rare, traveling the Silk Road still gives you the opportunity to take a peek into a relatively unknown region. It’s this history behind the Silk Road that makes overland travel in Central Asia a truly epic journey.

The route traditionally started in China’s Xi’an (then known as Chang’an) and continued northwest through the Xinjiang province, and eventually into Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Syria. Some tributaries extended as far as India and Rome. Other Silk Road stops – Iraq and Afghanistan – are sadly off-limits for now. There are numerous options to traverse the Silk Road that vary in length and stops. I chose to travel from Kyrgyzstan to Turkey , taking two months to explore six countries.

Using the word “epic” to describe this journey is clearly an understatement, as the Silk Road passes through so many magnificent sights across very distinctive cultures. It’s hard to pick the best, but here are some of my personal favorite parts of the journey:

• Celebrating Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day in Bishkek with horse races and carnivals.
• Witnessing the impressive burning Darvaza gas craters in the middle of the Karakom Desert.
• Being overwhelmed by the complete bizarreness of the sterile and empty city,  Ashgabat in Turkmenistan .
• Marveling at the turquoise tiled domes and ancient medressas (Islamic schools) of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva in Uzbekistan. The trio offered some of the most impressive architecture I’ve seen in my travels. The ones that stood out were Shah-i-Zinda avenue of mausoleum in Samarkand and Konya Ark in Khiva.
• Stumbling upon a Sunday animal market in Taraz, Kazakhstan, where hundreds of cattle and sheeps were on sale. What an experience!
• Meeting friendly locals everywhere in Iran and getting invited to our guide’s home for a lovely dinner with his family in Tehran.
• Ending my journey in Istanbul Turkey , one of the most fascinating cities in the world!

To traverse this challenging route, I chose to travel on an overland expedition with Oasis Overland , a UK tour operator specializing in overland travel. I opted to travel with an overland tour operator, because it was easier logistically in terms of border crossings and getting around each country.

As for options in Central Asia, there aren’t many companies that organize overland expeditions. Adventure tour operators that do this route include Oasis Overland , Dragoman and Odyssey Overland . I went with Oasis Overland because of recommendations from friends and also because it offered the longest trips at the most affordable prices. They seemed to be the most experienced in the overland travel business and the most reputed one as well.

Oasis Overland does several routes in Central Asia, ranging from the shortest – Ashgabat to Bishkek Silk Road Highlights trip (20 days) to the longest London to Beijing Trans-Asia route (17 weeks). I went on the Bishkek to Istanbul trip which took 78 days (although I joined part of the trip and it took 63 days).

Take note that some countries on the Silk Road only allow travelers on guided tours to enter. Turkmenistan is one example. We had a Turkmen guide join us on our overland trip during our time in the country. In Iran, only certain nationalities (namely British, American and Canadians) need to join guided tours. Don’t let this deter you from going though — if you dislike joining tour groups, opt for an individual tour and do your research to find the best guide in town. Turkmenistan and Iran were my favorite countries on this trip.

As for independent travelers, we met many people along the way who were either backpacking and staying in hostels. I was really surprised by the amount of people who had their own campervans and had driven from Germany, France and Switzerland. Getting a vehicle across borders can be a pricey and complicated process (except in Iran where it’s free!), but that doesn’t seem to deter them. I f you’d rather travel independently, it is difficult but definitely possible.

The Silk Road passes through a volatile part of the world. There are pockets of the region that may be unstable and unsafe to visit during certain times, so always keep an eye of the news and your country’s foreign advisory to keep abreast of the latest happenings. In general, I felt very safe throughout the trip especially so in Iran, considered to be unsafe by many. (Read more about how traveling in Iran is really like).

Before we started our journey, things seemed to be fine and peaceful in the region, but along the way, riots and protests broke out in the Kurdish region of Turkey and all of a sudden, we were in an unsafe region. Thankfully, Oasis Overland did some investigations, spoke to the Foreign Office and decided to change our route. The Silk Road offers a variety of routes, so you should always be able to steer yourself away from potential trouble.

No specific vaccinations are officially required for travel along the Silk Road but check with your doctor before traveling. Bring a proper first-aid kit with basic medication for headaches, diarrhea, stomach bug and infections. Always be prepared as you might always encounter problems finding a simple pharmacy on the way.

Ever since the Soviet days, Central Asia has been tucked behind the Iron Curtain, hidden amidst layers of bureaucracy and red tape. Almost every country in this region requires visas for entry (except Kyrgyzstan) and it can be a tedious and expensive process. The ever-changing rules for visa applications in Central Asian nations makes it worse and deters even the most seasoned traveler.

In general, it is recommended that you start applying for your visas at least two months before your trip (you can usually apply up to three months in advance), depending on the number of countries you intend to visit. Keep in mind that visa applications are a major cost for any traveler in Central Asia, so start saving! Also, if you end up not having enough time to apply for all your visas at home, don’t fret, you can still do that the road. In fact, it is easier and faster to apply for visas on the road . However, you’ll need to have a flexible travel schedule and plan enough time at each capital city to get your visas.

To save some time and pain, I used the services of The Visa Machine to help me do all the legwork. They charge an administration fee for each visa they help you to apply for, but considering all the time they saved me, it’s pretty worthwhile. 

Most of the Silk Road passes through deserts and mountains, so expect extreme weather — scorching summers and deadly winters. Spring and autumn (May and September) are the best seasons to visit, as temperatures are milder and conditions not as harsh. Most tours do Silk Road trips only during this period, although some of them (such as Dragoman) have regular departures from March all the way to December.

From October to March, some of the mountain passes such as Torugart Pass may be closed. Ramadan is a religious holiday largely celebrated in Central Asia by way of fasting, so be aware of that when visiting.

In general, Central Asia is great for budget travelers as it’s cheap and there are lots of hostels and eateries to choose from. Budget hotels usually range from $20 to $40 per night for a double room, which luxury hotels can go for as high as $200 to $300 a night. Uzbekistan in particular has a more developed tourism infrastructure than the other countries in the region, and you can easily find good quality guesthouses as cheap as $15 a night with proper facilities and good location. Note that some hotels in Iran do not allow unmarried couples or couples of mixed nationalities to share a room.

Community-based tourism is rather popular and easily available in Kyrgyzstan . It’s great way to stay with locals, get to know their culture, and travel on the cheap. You can arrange homestays with families, bike tours with a local guide, horse treks with nomads or yurt experiences. A great resource is CBT Kyrgyzstan where you can contact the CBT office in each region directly.

Campsites are not common along the Silk Road; during our trip, we usually bush camped out in the fields, deserts and even vineyards. We only stayed at three campsites on our entire trip, and the only one worth recommending is Ruslan Camp in Kazakhstan’s Aksu Zhabagaly Nature Reserve. If you’re traveling independently, think twice before you bring a tent with you unless you’re planning to bush camp the entire way.

Money situation is not as easy as I’d expected. You can use your Visa card in most banks and ATMs, but few places in Central Asia accept Mastercard. The best country to get cash is Kyrgyzstan, where you can withdraw in both Kyrgyz soms and US dollars.

In Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, there are black markets with competitive rates which make exchanging currencies more worthwhile than withdrawing cash. Take note that in Iran, foreign credit or debit cards are not accepted in the banks or ATMs . You will need to bring cash (in USD) with you to exchange when in the country. I have the habit of withdrawing money in the destination, but this time round I brought substantial USD to exchange there.

• Many countries on the Silk Road will only issue visas for entry on specific dates (eg Iran and Turkmenistan) so it is best to visit them earlier on in your itinerary or stick closely to your plan.
• Bishkek is a good place to fly into if you’re traveling from Europe; you can get flights on Pegasus Airline as cheap as €200 each way. Check for flights to Bishkek here.
• Many of the Silk Road countries are Muslim – both sexes should dress modestly ; Iran is especially strict. Women will need to wear a headscarf in public. Here are some Iran travel tips for solo female travelers .
• Read up on local etiquette . For instance, in many Silk Road countries you will be expected to remove your shoes before entering a house.

Disclaimer: Oasis Overland gave me a discount on this trip, but all opinions expressed above are my own. 

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides . She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Comments

Your journeys are inspiring. My closest is the Trans-Mongolian Express I took from Beijing to Moscow in 2011. I look forward to overlanding Africa and Central Asia someday soon. Thank you for sharing your journeys.

One of the greatest route in the history. I think you had experience there thanks for sharing this with us.

shay maree Corbett

How long did this trip take you and how long would you recomend?

My trip was around two months. I started in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and ended in Cappadocia, Turkey. I definitely recommend taking at least two months if you want to see all the countries in Central Asia.

This trip looks so awesome. Right now I’m looking to see if I can negotiate extended leave from work next year to do something like this. Thanks for sharing.

You May Also Like

Why i travel to ‘dangerous places’, skydiving gold coast australia — at 12,000 feet above ground, video: paragliding off lion’s head in cape town.

The essential guide to backpacking China's Silk Road

Apr 18, 2017 • 6 min read

Climbing the Overhanging Great Wall at Jiayuguan Megan Eaves / Lonely Planet

The section of the ancient Silk Road that runs through China is an epic journey through desert dunes to the end of the Great Wall, a length of pink mud that ends abruptly in the magnificent beige towers of the Jiayuguan Fort.

This is not a voyage that many travellers experience; it's often and understandably overlooked in favour of more accessible and famous destinations in China.

But for adventurous travellers looking for something truly different, backpacking the Chinese Silk Road reaps glorious rewards: sand-sledding down a magical unmoving sand dune, a camel ride around an oasis, a trek up the end of the Great Wall and sipping wine under grape trellises are just a few of the possibilities. So don a sand-proof rucksack and check out our guide to backpacking the Silk Road through China.

Historically, the Silk Road was not one but many routes that connected east and south Asia to Mediterranean Europe, so named because the largest commodity traded down the route was sought-after Chinese silk. The route traditionally started in Xi’an (then known as Chang’an),  China  and continued northwest through modern-day Gansu and Xinjiang provinces before reaching Central Asia.

Several historical splits in the road mean that you have options when deciding your route. By far, the most traversed portion of the route is from Xi’an to Lanzhou and Jiayuguan in Gansu. From here, you can choose to head northwest to Urumqi in Xinjiang, where fascinating Uigher culture, China’s wine country, and the soaring peaks of the Tian Shan mountains await.  Alternately, the southern route heads through the fiery desert of Gansu, with its huge dunes and ancient Buddhist caves, ending in the distinctly Central Asian city of Kashgar , renowned for its bustling Sunday livestock market. Adventurous travellers and those with extra time could potentially explore both routes by heading southward from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang in Gansu, then upwards to Urumqi and finally south again to end in Kashgar.

Don’t-miss sights

Zhangye Danxia National Geopark . This incredible desert landscape is striking for its orange, red and yellow hues of layered clay and sandstone, forming bizarre rainbow mountains. While you're in Zhangye, also be sure to see the Giant Buddha Temple , which contains one of the largest wooden reclining Buddha statues in China.

Jiayuguan Fort . The ancient Great Wall ends in this towering mud fortress, which rises out of the desert like a mirage. Just a few kilometres northwest of Jiayuguan town, the fort boasts a few touristy activities like archery and camel rides, but the real reason to come is for the sweeping views from its ramparts.

Overhanging Great Wall . Named because it looks like a dragon hanging over a cliffside, this portion of the Great Wall is one of the most visually stunning: a mud maze that zigzags its way up a stark desert mountain. The wall is open for climbing and views from the top are incredible.

Singing Sands Dune . To call this a single dune would be an understatement. On the outskirts of Dunhuang , Singing Sands Dune is the first in a series of thousands of dunes that make up the Taklamakan Desert. This particular dune, though, is legendary for having never covered the oasis below, despite thousands of years of sand erosion. Adventurous types can climb the dune for great vistas of yet more dunes – and then sand-sled back to the bottom.

Mogao Grottoes . Just outside of Dunhuang, this series of caves contains an incredible wealth of Buddhist art and murals.

Turpan Grape Valley . China may not be known for its quality winemaking just yet, but Turpan – an oasis town – is home to one of the oldest and most prolific wine-making regions in the country. No matter the quality of the wine (some is actually quite quaffable), sipping a fresh glass of white under grape trellises as a brook babbles nearby is great way to beat the desert heat.

Jiaohe Ruins . This 2300-year-old archaeological site contains the ruins of an ancient capital that was destroyed by Mongol invaders around the 13th century. What remains today is an elaborate network of structures in various states of decay, connected by a maze of streets.

Tian Chi Lake . This mountain lake, whose name means ‘heavenly’, sits in the cradle of the Tian Shan mountains underneath the looming 5445m gaze of Bogda Peak. A popular destination with domestic tourists, the lake's serenity is sadly hampered by honking boat horns and tramping visitors, but if you can find a spot of solitude, the vistas are incredible. It’s also possible to camp or stay in a yurt with a local Kazakh family – highly recommended for delivering a slice of the water and surrounding forest to yourself.

Kashgar's Grand Sunday Bazaar . One of the largest and liveliest markets in all of Asia, Kashgar’s bazaar is open every day but is especially bustling on Sundays, when the livestock market adds cattle, horses, sheep and goats to the mix.

Getting around

China’s northwest is historically one of its least connected regions. The Jiayu pass, where the impressive Jiayuguan Fort was built in the 1370s, marks the end of the Great Wall and the border of the ancient Chinese empire.

The region spreads over 2400km, most of which is separated by vast tracts of desert. Though you can still get on a long, bumpy bus ride if you want to, the region is now connected by high-speed rail, making getting around a breeze. Regular flights also connect most of the main airports in the region: Xi’an, Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, Urumqi and Kashgar all have commercial airports, and tickets are often discounted.

Part of the allure of this trip is the vast journey overland, which hearkens to a day when explorers, traders and Buddhists rode and walked for weeks across the harsh desert. Doing at least part of your journey by rail is a good way to experience these landscapes up close. The entire journey could be done in 10 days by rail if pressed, but two to three weeks allow for explorations further afield and several days in each stopover to see the sights properly. Flying from Xi’an to Lanzhou and beginning your rail journey there would shorten the journey for those in a hurry.

An ideal Silk Road trip would include overnight or several-day stops in Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi (or Tian Chi Lake) and Kashgar.

Tips and recommendations

Most of this route follows extreme desert, so pack for dry heat. Carry plenty of sunscreen and breathable clothing that covers the skin. A bandana or lightweight scarf can be useful for shade and breathing in dusty conditions.

If taking an overnight train trip, equip yourself with food and plenty of sealed, bottled water before you embark. Hot meals are offered on trains, but tend to be very basic Chinese staples like rice, vegetables and stir-fried meats. Instant noodles, fruit, nuts and seeds are ubiquitous, easy to carry and keep well. Trains also usually sell beer and wine, but at high mark-up, so be sure to pack your own, as having a ganbei (bottoms up) is a great way to meet locals and make friends while travelling.

Officially, the entirety of China is in one time zone, China Standard Time, but the northwest, particularly Xinjiang province, often operates on its own locally created time zones. When purchasing train and bus tickets, double-check the departure time.

In general, Mandarin is spoken throughout the region, including by taxi drivers and hotel staff and at large stores and restaurants. However, in some more remote areas and at smaller cafes, you may find older people only speak local dialects of Chinese or Uigher.

This article was originally published in August 2013 and updated in April 2017.

Explore related stories

Wildlife & Nature

Jul 17, 2024 • 8 min read

From lazing on beaches in Turkey to sipping Guinness in Dublin or traveling through Mongolia, here are the best places to visit in September.

May 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 23, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 21, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Nov 7, 2023 • 5 min read

Aug 25, 2023 • 6 min read

Aug 11, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 8, 2023 • 9 min read

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

Silk Road Travel Planning

Once past Istanbul, the world changes scale Nicolas Bouvier

How do you start planning a Silk Road trip? How do you decide where to go, for how long, in what order, at what time of the year? Which form of transport should you take? How much will it cost?

And once you finally get there, what should you spend your time on? How do you get around? How do you talk to people? What are they like? Is it safe?

We are here to help you answer those questions. We have been traveling the Silk Road since 2008 and have been writing about it since 2011. Below, we will try to introduce you to Silk Road travel in a condensed format, and link out to some of the hundreds of articles found on this website if you want to delve in deeper.

Enjoy the trip! Steven & Saule

Table of Contents

Quick links

Start planning.

• Basic itinerary questions
• Books and literature
• Overland travel on the Silk Road in 2023: where to go with so many borders still closed?
• Custom tours and tour templates

Health and safety

• Is it safe?
• Health tips
• Have a back-up plan
• Travel insurance tips
• Travel with kids
• Single females
• Halal travel
• Racism and sinophobia
• Travel with pets

Practical details

• Visas and invitation letters
• Border crossings
• Accommodation
• Rules for drones
• Phone and internet
• Maps & Sending a package
• Self-driving
• Car & motorbike rental
• Ride-hailing and taxi apps
• Ferries:  Caspian Sea  –  Persian Gulf  –  Black Sea
• Long-distance cycling

Country guides

• Turkmenistan
• Afghanistan

Asia, so good for the heart, so bad for the nerves Nicolas Bouvier

Where is the Silk Road?

The Silk Road is a name for an ancient network of trade routes connecting the Eurasian continent.

We can name plenty of reasons why it is not an accurate name, but the fact of the matter is, the Silk Road is a powerful brand. It immediately conjures up images of romance, exploration and exoticism. So we decided to keep that name as the tagline for our travel guide.

So which modern countries fall under this umbrella? For the purpose of this travel guide, the Silk Road starts in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan) and fans out to Iran, the Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan), Mongolia, Western China, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Where does Caravanistan come in?

We write comprehensive guides on the basics of travel (visas, transport, et cetera) for the 13 countries listed above. For the 5 Stans of Central Asia, we write much more: in-depth guides to places and things to do, and background articles.

Is our travel guide any good?

Yes. Lonely Planet calls it a “peerless online travel guide to the region” , while Bradt Guides says it is  ”the most comprehensive online guide to travelling the Silk Road”.  Founder and editor of Wired Magazine Kevin Kelly thinks we are “highly reliable, immensely helpful, and always inspiring.”

Once you know what is on offer, it’s time to start planning! Our itinerary page gives tips for those looking at a big East-West trip across Eurasia, as well as for anyone with a more modest time frame.

Reading is always a good way to get inspired and find ideas that can pull you deeper into a particular place or culture; we have a big list of books from travelogues to politics on the Silk Road and per country.

In when to visit  we discuss the weather, festivals and events to time your trip right. Finally, things to see and do in Central Asia is a huge chapter, that we are still busy writing and rewriting, with lots of practical detail on everything from how to find a match of kok boru to organising a ski trip on horseback.

If you are planning an organised trip: we can help. We specialize in finding you the right partner for custom-made tours . Have a look at some of our tour templates to get started.

We discuss your (parents’/kids’) worries about safety in Central Asia . We have an article on how to not get sick , and on travel insurance in case something does happen. Finally, we’d like to inculcate you with the importance of having a back-up plan . Things don’t always go according to plan in Central Asia.

If you are not a single white heterosexual man, do not fret! We have advice for getting on the Silk Road with kids , with pets , as a single woman , a Muslim or as LGBT , and how to deal with racism and sinophobia on the Silk Road.

The basics for getting into and out of these countries: visas and border crossings . Once you are there, how to get online and things to consider when selecting accommodation .

Food is always a sore topic in Central Asia, especially for vegans. How to overcome the language barrier is another difficulty.

Silk Road by train ? It’s possible these days to idle your days away on the train from Istanbul to Urumqi.

If you are a motorist, we have articles almost as long-winded as the road you will be traveling on, about self-driving from Georgia all the way to China . If you do not have your own wheels, read our guide to car and motorbike rental first.

Then there are the ferries across the Caspian Sea , Black Sea and the Persian Gulf .

Finally, we give some pointers for all the long-distance cyclists out there.

We have 5 country guides, for Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan . We discuss more practical details: everything from paying with cigarettes in Turkmenistan to internet on the Pamir Highway.

And we write about the places to go and the things to do and see along the way.

The world is a caravanserai, with one entry and one exit Omar Khayyam

Travel Guide

Tours & rental.

• Custom tours
• Search all tours
• Pamir Highway tours
• Uzbekistan tours
• Kyrgyzstan tours
• Car & motorbike rental

Visa invitations

• Russia (tourist)
• Russia (business)

Get to know us

• What people say
• Letter from the Silk Road
• Terms & Conditions
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have a request for this tour operator? Send a message

Not exactly what you were looking for? Check out our custom tour offer: competitive prices, tailored to your needs and wants. Customize your tour

How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary on the Silk Road: First-Timer Travel Tips (2024)

A 10-day Silk Road trip can cover most of the highlights along China's Silk Road. But how to make the most of your 10 days might be a difficult task. In this article, we provide four itinerary ideas covering the best parts of China's Silk Road for mainstream/cultural/natural/photography interests as possible starting points for your Silk Road journey.

Content Preview

• 10-Day China Classical Silk Road Tour
• 10-Day Ethnic Minority and Tibetan Culture Exploration Tour
• 10-Day Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour
• 10-Day Silk Road with Ejina Qi Photography Tour

How Much Is a 10-Day Trip on the Silk Road?

Itinerary 1) 10-day china classical silk road tour.

Are you a lover of China's Silk Road culture? If so, this itinerary is designed for you! From east to west, delve into the important cities on China's ancient Silk Road to get an in-depth understanding of its history and culture with this 10-day journey.

• Days 1–3: Xi'an
• Day 4: Zhangye
• Days 5–7: Dunhuang and Jiayuguan
• Day 8: Turpan
• Days 9–10: Urumqi

During the first stage of the trip, you would spend about 1 week on Xi'an, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. Deeply explore the culture of China's Silk Road, with precious human heritage and wonders of nature. Highlights include the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, and Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye.

The second stage of the trip moves on to exotic Xinjiang. Xinjiang holds an important section of routes on the ancient Silk Road. Explore cultural relics of the Silk Road and experience exotic Uighur charm in Turpan and Urumqi.

This well-planned itinerary is for your inspiration. Let us know your interests and we'll tailor-make a tour uniquely suited to you.

Itinerary 2) 10-Day Ethnic Minority and Tibetan Culture Exploration Tour

This itinerary offers a diverse exploration of China's Silk Road. There are many ethnic minorities living along the Silk Road, and they live in harmony even despite their different customs, cultures, and languages. With this itinerary, you would explore the differences of Hui, Tibetan, and Uyghur cultures.

• Days 1–2: Lanzhou
• Days 3: Xiahe
• Days 4–5: Zhangye
• Day 6–7: Dunhuang
• Day 9–10: Urumqi

Xiahe is located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, and it is famous for having a similar feel to Tibet. Labrang Monastery in Xiahe is the biggest Tibetan Monastery in Gansu Province, and you would have the opportunity to chat with a monk there, which would allow you to make a personal exploration of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Gannan has vast grassland scenery and plateau landscapes, which are different from the scenery of Gobi and Danxia desert landforms in the northwest of Gansu Province. The special upland topography gives Gannan cold-to-mild weather in summer (from June to August), so Gannan is an ideal summer destination for escaping China's heat.

The carefully-crafted itinerary above is just for your inspiration. Contact us for a personalized journey.

Itinerary 3) 10-Day Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour

This itinerary includes Qinghai and Gansu, which were two important regions in China's Silk Road, extending trade onto the Tibetan Plateau. Qinghai is famous for high plateau lakes, while Gansu features Gobi Desert landscapes, Danxia landforms, and Buddhist grottoes.

• Days 1–2: Xining
• Days 3–5: Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake
• Days 6–7: Zhangye
• Days 8–10: Dunhuang

Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake are the most famous tourist attractions in Qinghai Province. Qinghai Lake is the largest lake in China and routinely on "Most Beautiful Lakes in China" lists. Every summer, the lake is decorated with golden clothing, as thousands of rape flowers spread from the shores of Qinghai Lake. So, summer is its most beautiful season.

Chaka Lake is famous for its crystal-blue water, covered with a thick crust of salt, which reflects the world around: the blue sky, white clouds, and green mountains — all making up some amazing salt flat scenery.

The itinerary above is a suggestion for those who want to see both Tibetan-plateau and desert-corridor scenery and cultures. Please feel free to contact us for a worry-free private travel experience that's tailored to your interests.

Itinerary 4) 10-Day Silk Road with Ejina Qi Photography Tour

This itinerary is recommended in autumn when the splendid golden poplar forests scenery draws photography enthusiasts.

In addition to the must-see cultural sites along China's Silk Road , two highlights are highly recommended for photographers: Zhangye with its colorful Danxia mountains and Ejina's golden poplar forest.

• Days 1–2: Zhangye
• Days 3–4: Ejina Qi

Ejina Qi is located in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is famous for its scenery of charming and endless poplar forests. Usually the poplar trees' leaves take on their golden yellow color from mid-September to late October, when there is a fairytale world of stillness — stark-desert twisted poplars and mirror-like blue lakes!

Above itinerary is just for your inspiration. Contact us to start your worry-free trip design and travel experience.

Insider tip: The temperature rise and fall between morning and evening is large throughout the northwest China, so warm clothing is needed even when traveling in the summer (from June to August).

The more people traveling in your group, the cheaper the price. For a private tour based on two travelers and 4–5-star hotels, the travel cost is US$300–400 per person per day. So, the whole trip would be from around US$3,000 each.

Read more information about China Silk Road trip cost.

Our private tour prices include domestic airfares and/or bullet trains, accommodation, entrance fees, tour guides, and transfers.

Early booking for transport, accommodation, and tours could result in savings. For peak vacation times, such as Christmas and New Year, make your reservations at least 3 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact us for a tailor-made private tour that makes the most of your travel opportunities.

More itinerary insperations:

• 2 Weeks on the Silk Road: 3 First-Timer Itineraries
• How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary on the Silk Road

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Central Asia
• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty & Referral Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Since 2003, over 15000+ Customers Explored Silk Road with us

• [email protected]
• +86 135 6583 4056

Top Silk Road Destinations

• China Silk Road Tours

Silk Road Xinjiang Tours

Silk Road Photography Tours

Silk Road Winter Tours

Luxury Silk Road Tours

• Great Silk Road Tours

15 Days Great Silk Road from Kashgar to Tashkent

20 days silk road to uzbekistan kyrgyzstan & china, 23 days uzbekistan to pakistan via karakoram highway.

10 Days Silk Road Xinjiang and Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

16 Days Silk Road Travel to Uzbekistan and China

11Days 5Stan Adventure

• Silk Road Group Tours

7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour to Kashgar, Turpan and Urumqi

7 days silk road group tour to gansu & qinghai.

18 Days Travel Silk Road in China with Escorted Guide

19 Days Xinjiang China and Uzbekistan Tour

• Oriental Express
• Expat & Group Tour
• China Group Tours
• North Xinjiang Tours
• South Xinjiang Tours
• Xinjiang Border Transfer
• Xinjiang Trekking Route
• Top China Tours
• Gansu Tours
• Qinghai Tours
• Yunnan Tours
• Sichuan Tours
• Fujian Tours
• Ningxia Tours
• West China Tours
• Hainan Tours
• Inner Mongolia Tours
• Northwest China Tours
• Tibet Tours
• Jiangxi Tours
• Guizhou Tours
• Northeast China Tours
• Hunan Tours
• Shanxi Tours
• Beijing Tours
• Xi'an Tours
• Shanghai Tours
• Chengdu Tours
• Zhangjiajie Tours
• Kashgar Tours
• Zhangye Tours
• Dunhuang Tours
• Lanzhou Tours
• Pingyao Tours
• Urumqi Tours
• Turpan Tours
• Guangzhou Tour
• Nanjing Tours
• Chongqing Tours
• Harbin Tours
• Huangshan Tours

Cities of Silk Road

Silk Road Destination

Turkmenistan

Top Destinations

• The Best Silk Road Tour Operator
• Words from Our CEO
• Travel agency cooperation
• How to book Your Silk Road Tour
• Silk Road Review
• Cancellation Policy
• Tailor Made
• Silk Road Guide
• Customize your trip

Email: [email protected] Tel: +86 135 6583 4056

12 Days Ultimate Xinjiang: Kashgar & Stunning Kanas

6 days gansu silk road to rainbow mountain & mogao grottoes, 6 days kashgar in-depth tour, 8 days china tour to qinghai and gansu, 23d join-in group tour to xinjiang, silk road & tibet, silk road travel.

Since 2009,Over 12000+ Customers of Silk Road.

Silk Road Travel, Experience the Thousand Years of Vicissitudes

Follow the footstep of Marco Polo to explore the fascinating histories of the ancient trading Silk Road route, enjoy the distinctive cultures and art, as well as the ethnic styles and folk customs. Our adventures begin from the start point of Xi'an , may add Luoyang. Express train to Qinghai Province or Hexi corridor of Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang , passes the vast Gobi desert and mountains to Xinjiang . Witness the wonders of Terracotta Warriors, the Buddhism treasure of Mogao Grottoes , the mystery of Taklamakan desert, the bustling Kashgar Bazaar . You can extend your overland trip to Central Asia of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan . As the Excellent Silk Road Tour Operators , we promise you a great holiday with our 15years' experience, the attention to detail, and offer of the best of everything!

Most Popular Silk Road Travel Itineraries in Small Group

Traveling is one of the best ways to know new friends . Traveling Silk Road and China in a small group is afforable and more fun . There are thousands of travelers joined our small groups in the past years and 99% are very satisfied with our arrangements and service. We are here to provide inbound tourists and expats in China the most fantastic tours. No matter traveling along the silk road from Dunhuang, Gansu or Xi’an to the far west China like Xinjiang and Tibet .

Kashagar-Taxkorgan-Urumqi-Heavenly Lake-Turpan

$1020 View Details

Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Chaka

$980 View Details

10 Days Silk Road Group Travel to Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai

Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Chaka

$1450 View Details

13 Days Silk Road Group Tour: Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai

Kashgar - Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Chaka

$2070 View Details

11 Days Xinjiang Group Tour to Kashgar & Kanas

Kashgar-Taxkorgan-Urumqi-Turpan-Beitun-Hemu-Kanas-Urho

$1890 View Details

11 Days North Xinjiang Group Tour to Kanas Lake, Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake

Urumqi - Fuhai - Hemu - Kanas - Burqin - Dushanzi - Yining - Tekes - Naraty

$1580 View Details

Most Popular Silk Road Tours

Silk Road Travel will provide a life-time adventure for you. Create your own silk road trip from the sample itineraries below. Our experts will tailor-made an intimate and delightful adventure to meet all your needs. The choices are endless!

11 Days China to Kyrgyzstan Overland Tour: Urumqi to Bishkek

Urumqi - Kashgar - Tash Rabat - Kochkor - Issyk Kul - Bishkek

$1909 View Details

Kashgar - Kuqa - Turpan - Urumqi - Uzbekistan

$3738 View Details

8 Days of Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou to Urumqi

Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi

$1633 View Details

12 Days China Silk Road Train Tour

Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Lanzhou - Xian

$2967 View Details

11 Days Silk Road Xinjiang Tour

Kashgar - Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Xian

$2599 View Details

10 Days Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Xi'an

Xi'an-Kashgar-Urumqi-Turpan-Dunhuang

$2400 View Details

18 Days South Xinjiang and Silk Road Tour with Badan Jaran Desert Safari

Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Hotan - Kuqa - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Badan Jarain - Zhangye - Xining

$4160 View Details

9 Days Luxury Silk Road Tour from Xi’an to Urumqi

Xi'an - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi

$1750 View Details

12 Days Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou to Kashgar

Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar

$4600 View Details

Extend Your Silk Road Tour

Extend your silk road tour to the top destinations of China and neighbour countries. We are always here to waiting for you.

18 Days Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang Tour

15 days silk road and tibet adventure, 14 days fascinating maritime silk road to xi'an dunhuang and xinjiang, 16 days silk road and yunnan, what our customers say.

Lesley and her team have arranged 10000+travelers to fulfilled their dreamed adventure to silk road and other destinations of China. Her passion is to create fabulous,perfect memories for every client with her professional,dedicated and enthusiasm. We are very proud to have the excellent reviews.

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2024

Garwin Kim Sing

from Saudi Arabia

 Thank you. Thanks again for organising a memorable trip for me. I made many friends.

Reviewed on Jul 03, 2024

from Australia

Hi Leah,  We have completed our Silk Road tour and thank you and Lesley for making our trip so memorable. You have been an excellent delight to deal with as you are courteous and all our queries sent to you were answered promptly and professionally.🙏. 

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2024

Reviewed on Jun 05, 2024

Chou Sin Kuan

To Lesley, Leah,

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

Chnoong Kheng Lee

from Singapore

Reviewed on May 22, 2024

Why Choose Us

100% tailor made.

Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements .

Explore your interests at your own speed .

Select your preferred style of accommodation.

Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists.

Expert Knowledge

All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions.

The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish .

Make the most of your time and budget .

Professional Arrangements

Friendly and Professional Guides and Drivers

No Shopping Stops and Hidden Cost

Lowest Price and Excellent Service Promised .

24/7 Customer Service.

Trusted service

Reputable & Licensed Travel agency established in 2005.

Professional and skilled Tourism staff with dedicate 1-1 Service.

Best Possible arrangement to experience the culture and local lifestyle.

No lost if cancel the tour 30days in prior without train and flights.

Latest Silk Road Travel Information

Here are the updated information along this mysterious route! Fresh ideas and tips about the destinations on the Silk Road Travel.From the starting city of Xi’an in China to the famous trading post of Bukhara in Uzbekistan.Our team personally visited most places on our website. Believe you will have a wonderful holiday with our authentic experience and knowledge.

Sven Hedin in Xinjiang 130 years ago

March 17th, 2022

Gansu May Travel

October 22nd, 2021

My Impression of Kashgar

March 02nd, 2021

How to Travel to the Silk Road Hexi Corridor

February 26th, 2021

Info Enteriies

Our Clients Travel Stories

• Stuart’s Travel blog
• Malaysian Group North Silk Road Story
• Liz’s Great Silk Road Blog
• Elsa’s Xinjiang Silk Road Blog
• Singapore Group South Silk Road Story

• Email: [email protected]
• TEL: +86 135 6583 4056

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• Belgorod oblast
• Bryansk oblast
• Ivanovo oblast
• Kaluga oblast
• Kostroma oblast
• Kursk oblast
• Lipetsk oblast
• Moskovskaya oblast
• Sergiev Posad
• Orlovskaya oblast
• Ryazan oblast
• Smolensk oblast
• Tambov oblast
• Tula oblast
• Tver oblast
• Vladimir oblast
• Voronezh oblast
• Yaroslavl oblast
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Moscow Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Moskovskaya oblast: Moscow .

Moscow Oblast - Overview

Moscow Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in the Central Federal District. Moscow, the capital city of the country, is the administrative center of Moscow Oblast. At the same time, Moscow is not part of this region, it is a separate federal subject of Russia, a city of federal importance.

The population of Moscow Oblast is about 7,769,000 (2022), the area - 44,379 sq. km.

Moskovskaya oblast flag

Moskovskaya oblast coat of arms.

Moskovskaya oblast map, Russia

Moskovskaya oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

23 June, 2022 / Natural Spring Gremyachiy Klyuch in Moscow Oblast .

23 March, 2022 / Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces .

31 January, 2022 / Vasilyevsky (Shcherbatovsky) Castle in Moscow Oblast .

1 August, 2021 / Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery near Moscow .

4 August, 2020 / Sights of Moscow Oblast - the heart of Russia .

More posts..

History of Moscow Oblast

The territory of the Moscow region was inhabited more than 20 thousand years ago. In the first millennium AD, this land was inhabited mostly by the Finno-Ugric peoples (Meryane and Meshchera). In the 9th-10th centuries, the Slavs began active development of the region. The population was engaged in hunting, fisheries, agriculture, and cattle breeding.

In the middle of the 12th century, the territory of the present Moscow region became part of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, the first towns were founded (Volokolamsk in 1135, Moscow in 1147, Zvenigorod in 1152, Dmitrov in 1154). In the first half of the 13th century, the Vladimir-Suzdal principality was conquered by the Mongols.

In the 14th-16th centuries, Moscow principality became the center of unification of Russian lands. The history of the Moscow region is inextricably linked to military events of the Time of Troubles - the siege of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery by the troops of False Dmitry II, the first and second militias.

More historical facts…

In 1708, by decree of Peter the Great, Moskovskaya gubernia (province) was established. It included most of the territory of present Moscow oblast. In 1712, St. Petersburg became the capital of the Russian Empire and the significance of the Moscow region as the country’s economic center began to decrease.

In 1812, the Battle of Borodino took place near Moscow. It was the biggest battle of the Russian-French War of 1812. In the second half of the 19th century, especially after the peasant reform of 1861, the Moscow province experienced economic growth. In 1851, the first railway connected Moscow and St. Petersburg; in 1862 - Nizhny Novgorod.

The population of the Moscow region increased significantly (in 1847 - 1.13 million people, in 1905 - 2.65 million). On the eve of the First World War, Moscow was a city with a population of more than one million people.

In November, 1917, the Soviet power was established in the region. In 1918, the country’s capital was moved from St. Petersburg to Moscow that contributed to economic recovery of the province. In the 1920s-1930s, a lot of churches located near Moscow were closed, a large number of cultural monuments were destroyed. On January 14, 1929, Moscow Oblast was formed.

In 1941-1942, one of the most important battles of the Second World War took place on the territory of the region - the Battle for Moscow. In the postwar years, the growth of economic potential of the region continued; several science cities were founded (Dubna, Troitsk, Pushchino, Chernogolovka).

In the 1990s, the economy of Moscow Oblast experienced a deep crisis. Since the 1990s, due to the motorization of the population and commuting, road traffic situation in the Moscow region significantly deteriorated. Traffic jams have become commonplace.

Pictures of Moscow Oblast

Moscow Oblast scenery

Author: Mikhail Grizly

At the airport in the Moscow region

Author: Evgeny Davydov

Nature of Moscow Oblast

Author: Alexander Khmelkov

Moscow Oblast - Features

Moscow Oblast is located in the central part of the East European Plain, in the basin of the rivers of Volga, Oka, Klyazma, Moskva. The region stretches from north to south for 310 km, from west to east - 340 km. It was named after the city of Moscow, which however is not part of the region. Part of the administrative authorities of the region is located in Krasnogorsk.

On the territory of the Moscow region, there are 77 cities and towns, 19 of them have a population of more than 100 thousand people. The largest cities are Balashikha (518,300), Podolsk (309,600), Mytishchi (262,700), Khimky (256,300), Korolyov (225,300), Lubertsy (209,600), Krasnogorsk (174,900), Elektrostal (149,000), Odintsovo (138,900), Kolomna (136,800), Domodedovo (136,100).

The climate is temperate continental. Summers are warm, winters are moderately cold. The average temperature in January is minus 10 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 19 degrees Celsius.

One of the most important features of the local economy is its proximity to Moscow. Some of the cities (Odintsovo, Krasnogorsk, Mytishchi) have become in fact the “sleeping districts” of Moscow. The region is in second place in terms of industrial production among the regions of Russia (after Moscow).

The leading industries are food processing, engineering, chemical, metallurgy, construction. Moscow oblast has one of the largest in Russia scientific and technological complexes. Handicrafts are well developed (Gzhel ceramics, Zhostov trays, Fedoskino lacquered miniatures, toy-making).

Moscow railway hub is the largest in Russia (11 radial directions, 2,700 km of railways, the density of railways is the highest in Russia). There are two large international airports - Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo. Vnukovo airport is used for the flights within the country.

Attractions of Moscow Oblast

Moscow Oblast has more than 6,400 objects of cultural heritage:

• famous estate complexes,
• ancient towns with architectural monuments (Vereya, Volokolamsk, Dmitrov, Zaraysk, Zvenigorod, Istra, Kolomna, Sergiev Posad, Serpukhov),
• churches and monasteries-museums (the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Joseph-Volokolamsk monastery, Pokrovsky Khotkov monastery, Savvino Storozhevsky monastery, Nikolo Ugresha monastery).

The most famous estate complexes:

• Arkhangelskoye - a large museum with a rich collection of Western European and Russian art of the 17th-19th centuries,
• Abramtsevo - a literary and artistic center,
• Melikhovo - an estate owned by A.P. Chekhov at the end of the 19th century,
• Zakharovo and Bolshiye Vyazyomy included in the History and Literature Museum-Reserve of Alexander Pushkin,
• House-Museum of the composer P.I. Tchaikovsky in Klin,
• Muranovo that belonged to the poet F.I. Tyutchev,
• Shakhmatovo - the estate of the poet Alexander Blok.

The architectural ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest museum of the Moscow region is located in Serpukhov - Serpukhov Historical and Art Museum.

The places of traditional arts and crafts are the basis of the souvenir industry of Russia:

• Fedoskino - lacquer miniature painting,
• Bogorodskoe - traditional manufacture of wooden toys,
• Gzhel - unique tradition of creating ceramics,
• Zhostovo - painted metal crafts,
• Pavlovsky Posad - fabrics with traditional printed pattern.

Some of these settlements have museums dedicated to traditional crafts (for example, a toy museum in Bogorodskoe), as well as centers of learning arts and crafts.

Moskovskaya oblast of Russia photos

Landscapes of moscow oblast.

Nature of the Moscow region

Country road in the Moscow region

Moscow Oblast landscape

Author: Mikhail Kurtsev

Moscow Oblast views

Author: Asedach Alexander

Country life in Moscow Oblast

Author: Andrey Zakharov

Church in Moscow Oblast

Author: Groshev Dmitrii

Churches of Moscow Oblast

Church in the Moscow region

Cathedral in Moscow Oblast

The questions of our visitors

• Currently 2.85/5

Rating: 2.9 /5 (197 votes cast)

Leninsky District, Moscow Oblast

Leninsky District is an administrative and municipal district, one of the thirty-six in Moscow Oblast, Russia. It is located in the center of the oblast just south of the federal city of Moscow. The area of the district is 202.83 square kilometers. Its administrative center is the town of Vidnoye. Population: 172,171; 145,251; 74,490. The population of Vidnoye accounts for 33.0% of the district's total population.

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leninsky_District,_Moscow_Oblast

Coordinates 55°33'25.739" N 37°42'31.371" E

Sygic Travel - A Travel Guide in Your Pocket

More interesting places

• Privacy Policy
• STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS