Journey Through Central Asia…Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan
March 20 to April 07, 2022
Led by Dr. Mehreen Chida Razvi, PhD in the History of Art & Archaeology from SOAS, University of London.

Central Asia presents a colorful melting pot of people and cultures. Since the end of the 2nd millennium nomads from the north have periodically occupied these regions, settling and mingling with the local population to create new cultures and civilizations. From the middle of the 1st millennium BC until the 10th century AD the territories of modern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan were part of the Persian Empire. You will explore shimmering desert towns, UNESCO-listed palaces, stark soviet towers, bizarre oil-boom buildings and the history of the ancient trading routes between east and west. Stretching all the way from China to the Mediterranean, the Silk Road is a historic and cultural marvel. Caravans laden with, amongst many other things, gold, ivory, spices, furs, jade, exotic animals and of course, silk, trundled along the vast network of trade routes that made up the road for nearly two millennia. Not only were goods transported on the route but it also acted as a bridge that brought cultures and ideas together; Islam and Buddhism reached China thanks to the Silk Road while it facilitated the spread of Persian, Greek, Roman, Indian, Arabian and Chinese influences around the world. Central Asia was a major center for three great religions: Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Islam. Mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and traditional souks offer a glimpse of times past.

Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides and extensive drives.
*** Superior: - Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)

LODGING Level:
**** Luxury: Regular style- usually large- hotels, typical western standard with ample venues, and full amenities. (4 or 5 stars)

Trip remarks:
We will be covering great distances by road during this journey. The roads are very good and the air-conditioned bus very comfortable. You will often be served cold water, tea and fruits along the way. We will make several rest stops (some will not be five star bathrooms and others will be in the beautiful wilderness). It is important to recognize the exhausting nature of some of the long driving days as well as some of the site visits where you might have to walk on uneven terrain. By signing up for this tour, participants are acknowledging their full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that they are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with open mind, a sense of adventure, and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope with the tour.

Visas: 
The process of obtaining all visas is simple. Tajikistan visa is obtained online at https://www.evisa.tj & Uzbekistan visa also can be obtained online at https://e-visa.gov.uz and no visa support letter is required. No visa required for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Only Turkmenistan requires letter of invitation or visa support letter to claim your visa.  For all travelers we will assist with arrangements of letter of invitation. We need to start applying for the letter of invitation 3 months prior to the start date of the trip, WITHOUT need for actual passport, just a scanned copy of it. In very rare occasions letter of invitation may not be secured by issuing authorities with no given reason. On basis of approved letter of invitation, you are eligible to claim tourist visa at the Turkmenistan Embassy in Washington, DC or upon arrival to international airport in Ashgabat. Please use the visa company recommended by us.