Set off on an extraordinary overland journey through 16 countries, starting in the lively city of Istanbul, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. From this vibrant hub, follow the ancient Silk Road, a historic trade route that meanders through rich cultures and captivating landscapes, guiding you deep into the heart of China. Along this iconic route, immerse yourself in the diverse customs and traditions of each region, uncovering the often-turbulent histories that have shaped them.
Your adventure will lead you through a breathtaking variety of landscapes, from the expansive green grasslands of Central Asia to the stark beauty of arid deserts, and from the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush, dense rainforests of Southeast Asia. Each setting offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure, whether it’s trekking through towering mountains or navigating the bustling markets of vibrant cities.
As you traverse some of the world's most dynamic and chaotic urban centers, you’ll feel the vibrant pulse of life in places rich with energy and character. Concluding in the ultra-modern metropolis of Singapore, this journey promises not only stunning vistas but also transformative experiences that will create lasting memories of an unforgettable adventure.
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Discover dwellings carved from the eerily eroded landscape in Cappadoccia
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Visit the bubbling and sometimes explosive mud volcanoes found in Azerbaijan
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Experience the desert proper on a 4X4 safari in Turkmenistan (route dependent)
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Feel the intense heat coming from the Darwaza Gas Crater
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Explore the ancient medressas, mausoleums and mosques of Bukhara and Samarkand
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Drive through both the Fann Mountains and Pamir Highway in Tajikistan, with time for day hikes
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Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and alpine lakes throughout Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
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Our first taste of the Great Wall of China near Jiayuguan
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Explore Lhasa with a guide - one
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential!