destination
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

Central Asia has long tugged at the heartstrings of the adventurous. With its sunny blue skies and striking landscapes, spectacular ancient cities and Islamic architecture, complex histories and fascinating cultures; it’s easy to see why this is such a captivating region.

A cultural crossroads between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, it was across these remote lands that nomadic empires, conquerors and Silk Road traders traversed, leaving behind a rich cultural and archaeological legacy.

Retrace history as you explore the stunning oasis cities of the Silk Road, admiring the vaulted domes, towering minarets and intricate tile work of medieval Islamic architecture. Tour imperial palaces, mosques and mausoleums, wander the cobbled streets of historic walled towns and shop for colourful wares in ancient market bazaars.

Discover contrasting desert and mountain landscapes, cycle along glacial rivers or tackle a challenging mountaineering expedition on one of the region’s highest peaks.

Journey through luscious green valleys dotted with farms and grazing livestock, trek among dramatic glaciers and snowcapped peaks and explore fairytale stone villages where age-old traditions have been preserved.

Whichever route you take, don’t miss the outstanding landscapes and cultural treasures of Central Asia!

 
 

Find your Central Asia trip


 

Leaders in Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel practice is at the heart of every program that we offer in Central Asia. When you book one of our adventures you’re supporting true sustainability in the protection of local communities, natural environments and wildlife.

Innovative Itineraries

Our Central Asian program is packed with unique itineraries and quality inclusions. From completing the classic Trans Siberian Train Journey or tracing the historical trade routes of the Silk Road, to trekking in the spectacular Pamir Fann Mountains or ascending to Peak Lenin base camp—the choices are as exciting as they are varied.

Fully Supported, Highly Inclusive

All of our Central Asian journeys are supported by well-maintained private vehicles, which means we can be flexible with our start times and stop off points. Carefully selected hotels, informative guided commentary, quality train journeys, internal flights and most meals are all included to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Expert Guides

Our guides in the field are what make your Central Asia experience special. They’re a passionate group of tourism professionals with extensive knowledge about the long and varied history of the region, the tapestry of cultures that occupy these lands, the best walking trails and most authentic restaurants to eat at.


A young Uzbek girl&#160;-&#160;<i>Photo:&#160;Peter Walton</i>

The 'Five Stans' of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are connected by the 'greatest route in the history of mankind', the ancient Silk Road, which today represents countless historic and cultural sites along its network. Sustainable tourism allows these sites to be preserved and protected, ensuring that the communities nearby enjoy the economic benefit that tourism can bring. To minimise our impact on the natural environment we practice the '7 Principals of Leave No Trace', in addition to supporting local economies by employing guides and support staff from local communities. Our Animal Welfare Code of Conduct and Child Welfare Code of Conduct ensure the well-being of animals and children encountered on our adventures.


Hotels

In cities and large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable and where we have seen a good track record with traveller satisfaction over many years.

Camping

While trekking in most parts of Asia you will enjoy fully supported camping. Quality two person tents will be erected in scenic wilderness settings where our crew look after all the logistics, leaving you to relax at the end of the day. Campsites also feature a dining tent and a toilet tent with a sit toilet.

Homestays

During homestays, a local family opens their home providing a wonderful insight into the local culture, cuisine and lifestyle. Expect simple but clean and comfortable communal lodgings with shared bathrooms and a warm reception from your hosts.

Ger camps

A ger is a circular felt tent used by the nomadic people of Mongolia and sometimes in Central Asia. Spacious with comfortable beds, our gers allow you to experience ‘life on the steppe’ as you interact with a local family. In the evening, candles illuminate the gers providing an atmospheric night time experience.



A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.


Trip reviews


The Silk Road with World Expeditions and Maria Visconti
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips