About This Experience
This expertly curated land expedition brings together a diverse mix of ancient heritage, modern encounters, and raw natural beauty. You’ll travel with knowledgeable guides, sleep in a mix of comfortable hotels, desert guesthouses, and local homes, and explore fabled cities like Samarkand, Kashgar, and Istanbul.
This isn’t a quick stopover or highlight reel. It’s a slow-travel experience, designed for those with the luxury of time and a deep curiosity about the world. Whether it’s riding trains through China’s Gansu Corridor, sharing meals in Kyrgyz family homes, or walking through centuries-old cities built by empires long gone, each day brings a new perspective.
You’ll uncover Buddhist cave temples, Silk Road forts, and mausoleums of mighty rulers. You'll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, meet local artisans and monks, and witness firsthand the vibrant cultural mosaic that still thrives along this legendary trade route.
Highlights
Explore over 40 cities, towns, and cultural sites across China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran (optional), and Turkey
Walk the entire length of a major Silk Road branch from Xi’an to Istanbul
Visit icons like the Terracotta Army, Samarkand’s Registan, Göreme Open Air Museum, and Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia
Enjoy immersive cultural exchanges with nomadic Kyrgyz families, Sufi dervishes, Uighur artisans, and more
Stay in a range of accommodations—from desert camps and local guesthouses to boutique hotels
Experience cross-border train travel, scenic drives through mountain passes, and boat rides to remote Buddhist caves
Learn from local experts and historians at significant archaeological and religious sites
Follow in the footsteps of Silk Road legends while carving your own modern-day route through Asia
Best Time to Go
April to October: This window provides the best overall conditions for overland travel across such diverse terrains, with spring and autumn offering ideal weather for the desert and highlands.
Who This is For
This is a journey for seasoned travellers, cultural explorers, and history enthusiasts who crave more than snapshots. It’s ideal for those with a spirit of adventure, an interest in ancient civilizations, and a desire to engage deeply with local people and customs.
If you're drawn to transformative travel—one that stretches your worldview and leaves you with stories for a lifetime—this is for you.
Why We Chose This Experience for You
"This Silk Road expedition is one of the few remaining journeys on Earth that can still be described as an odyssey. It’s an immersive experience designed for those who understand that the destination is only part of the story—the real magic lies in the space between, in the conversations, the food, the shared moments, and the sheer scale of the landscapes and legacies you're traversing." – Sybarite Team
Example Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Xi’an, China
Begin your journey in the ancient capital of Xi’an. After meeting your fellow travellers and guides, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing on the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Exploring Xi’an
Visit the towering Big Wild Goose Pagoda, walk the historic city walls, and explore the Muslim Quarter’s vibrant lanes. In the afternoon, visit the Great Mosque—an incredible blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture.
Day 3 – Terracotta Warriors & Train to Lanzhou
Spend the morning exploring the legendary Terracotta Army, an archaeological marvel that remains one of China’s most iconic sites. Later, board the overnight train heading west—your first step along the Silk Road.
Day 4 – Lanzhou to Xiahe
Arrive in Lanzhou and travel by road to Xiahe, home of the Labrang Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan monasteries outside of Tibet. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
Day 5 – Tibetan Culture & Monastic Life
Explore Labrang Monastery in-depth and learn about Tibetan Buddhism in this cultural melting pot of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han influences.
Day 6 – Binglingshi Caves & Overnight Train to Jiayuguan
Enjoy a scenic boat ride to reach the Binglingshi Caves—Buddhist carvings set into cliffs above the Yellow River. Return to Lanzhou to board the overnight train through the Gansu Corridor.
Day 14 – Entering Kyrgyzstan via the Irkishtam Pass
Cross from China into Kyrgyzstan through dramatic high-altitude landscapes. Stay with a local family in the remote village of Sary Tash, nestled in the shadow of the Pamirs.
Day 23 – Ancient Merv & Mary (Turkmenistan)
Explore the sprawling ruins of Ancient Merv, once one of the great cities of the Islamic world. Return to Mary and visit its excellent museum.
Day 42 – Cappadocia, Turkey
Spend the day wandering the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Explore cave churches at Göreme, descend into Kaymakli underground city, and watch the sunset over Love Valley’s fairy chimneys.
Day 45 – Istanbul: The Journey’s End
Arrive in Istanbul, where East meets West. Visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Celebrate the end of your Silk Road odyssey with a farewell feast in one of the world’s great cities.
