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Almaty, Kazakhstan
Start your journey in Kazakhstan's cultural capital. Explore the Green Bazaar for local produce and snacks, and take the cable car up Kok-Tobe hill for panoramic views. The city is modern and well-connected, making it an ideal gateway to Central Asia.
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan's laid-back capital is a great base for acclimatising to the region. Visit Osh Bazaar for a taste of local life and try lagman noodle soup. The nearby Ala Archa National Park offers stunning gorge walks just 40 minutes from the city.
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Osh, Kyrgyzstan
One of Central Asia's oldest cities, Osh sits at the foot of sacred Sulayman Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bustling Jayma Bazaar stretching along the river bank is one of the largest in Central Asia. Don't miss the plov — Osh is famous for its version of this classic rice dish.
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Khujand, Tajikistan
Tajikistan's second city and an ancient Silk Road hub founded by Alexander the Great. The Panjshanbe Bazaar is a sensory feast of spices, dried fruits, and silk textiles. The fortress ruins and regional museum give a great introduction to Tajik history.
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Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The crown jewel of the Silk Road, Samarkand dazzles with its turquoise-domed Registan ensemble and Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. Stroll through the ancient Afrasiab ruins at sunset for an unforgettable view. Try non bread fresh from a tandoor oven and local Samarkand wine.
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Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara's walled old city is one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world. Wander the Kalon Minaret and Lyabi-Hauz plaza lined with mulberry trees and teahouses. Stay in a restored caravanserai guesthouse for an authentic Silk Road atmosphere.
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Khiva, Uzbekistan
Khiva's Ichon-Qala walled inner city feels like a perfectly preserved open-air museum and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Islam Khodja Minaret offers sweeping views over the ochre rooftops at golden hour. It's the most remote of Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities but absolutely worth the journey.
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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan's surreal marble-clad capital is unlike anywhere else on earth, with golden statues and grandiose Soviet-Turkmen architecture. Visit the vast Tolkuchka Bazaar on the outskirts to see the real city beyond the monuments. Arrange your visa well in advance as Turkmenistan remains one of the world's most restricted destinations.
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Darvaza, Turkmenistan
Camp overnight beside the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the 'Door to Hell' — a collapsed Soviet-era gas field that has been burning since 1971. The fiery crater is most spectacular after dark under a canopy of desert stars. This is a once-in-a-lifetime detour through the Karakum Desert.