Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed, a degree of flexibility is built into the route. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested and opening times of museums may change without notice. Early and late season tours may stay in alternative Yurt camps. See day 15 for details. There are several train journeys where porters are not available, please pack light and make sure you are able to carry your bag along long station platforms and up flights of stairs. Please also be prepared for some long travel days.
When arriving in Tashkent you will be provided with two customs forms, both should be handed to immigration who will retain one copy. The other should be stamped and returned to you. Please keep this document safely as you will need to produce it when leaving Uzbekistan.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
China |
Kyrgyzstan |
Uzbekistan |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
£0.20 |
$0.30 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.30 |
£0.40 |
$0.80 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.30 |
£0.30 |
$1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.20 |
£1.00 |
$2.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£7.50 |
£3.00 |
$6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£14.00 |
£5.00 |
$10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
|
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
|
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
It can take up to 7 weeks to obtain all the visas required for the tour; so you may be without your passport for this period of time. Due to the complexities of obtaining visas we recommend that you do not plan to leave your country of origin any more than 2 weeks before the commencement of the tour. Allow approx US$300 for visas and visa service charges. Please check with the appropriate embassy in your own country as visa costs may vary.
UZBEKISTAN: Visas required for all nationalities before arrival into Uzbekistan.
KYRGYZSTAN: All nationalities require visas, which must be obtained before departure.
CHINA: All nationalities require a visa which must be obtained before departure. We have recently been advised by our visa agency, Visa Swift, that applications for Chinese visas are sometimes rejected, particularly for more remote regions including Kashgar. To assist with the application we are enclosing a letter including details of the entry and exit points, our local agent contacts and dates of travel. Please ensure that this is included with your application when arranging your visa. Aprox 8 weeks before departure we also email/ post an official invite from our local agent. If you are using Visa Swift then this will be sent to them direct. If you are arranging your visa direct and have not received this by the time you arrange your China visa, please contact us direct and will arrange this for you.
Registering with the Chinese authorities: You are required to register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival in China: Chinese authorities are now actively enforcing this requirement. If you are staying in a hotel, registration is done on your behalf as part of the check-in process, and you will be registered for the duration of your tour. Please note that if you intend to arrive more than 24 hours before your tour starts or to stay in China after your tour has finished and you are not staying in a hotel, you will need to register with the local Public Security Bureau.
We would strongly recommend that all visas applied for in the UK should be processed through Explore’s recommended visa service, Visa Swift.
Please note: When applying for visa authorisation from local agents please make sure your occupation matches exactly what is on the application. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, tick-borne encephalitis, infectious hepatitis and polio. N.B. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against meningitis. Special Note: Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Western China/Central Asia: Primarily a temperate climate, with the four seasons encompassing a wide spectrum of extremes due to its area. Spring and autumn departures generally avoid excessive heat and cold. In the summer temperatures may reach as high as 40°C.
Kyrgyzstan: Although we can expect bright days, the air in the high mountains is cool, and evenings can be cold. Bear in mind that conditions in mountain areas can change at any time. Sub-zero temps may occur at the Torugart Pass.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
Warning: please be aware when packing that porters are not always available at stations or in hotels and there can be lots of steps so please pack light. You must be able to carry your own luggage. Warm clothes are needed for the colder nights in the desert areas of northwest China. In Kyrgyzstan you experience high altitudes and temperatures may drop rapidly at night to below freezing. For most of the trip lightweight clothing is advised with hot, dry conditions. Clothes should be casual and practical: convention demands that long trousers are worn in some places, and women must sometimes cover their arms, legs and head. Lightweight raingear is recommended.
Please be aware, before boarding a flight in China, that the Chinese authorities will only allow bottles onto aircraft if they have been checked in as main luggage. Any bottles in the hand luggage may be confiscated.
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Footwear
Comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. Lightweight walking boots are recommended for the optional walk in Ala Archa gorge.
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Equipment
A water bottle and small torch are useful plus a mug for train journeys. You may want to bring a swimming costume. Extras: Possibly rehydratiom salts due to hot weather.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
The most famous overland trading route of the ancient world was the so-called Silk Road, which skirted mountains and deserts to run from Chang’an (now Xian) to the distant lands of the Mediterranean. Then, about a thousand years ago, it was suddenly abandoned and tales were told of treasures buried beneath the sands, guarded by demons. We take up the intriguing story in Xian, the very starting point of the Silk Road to the West, and trace some of the main archaeological and cultural sites back to the province of Xinjiang. Further along the Silk Road, we journey to Kashgar and have the opportunity to visit the famous Sunday Market. Travelling onwards we cross the rugged mountain ranges and experience the sprawling ‘Hungry Steppe of Central Asia.’ We explore the dazzling golden cities of Bokhara and Samarkand shrouded in mystery and virtually unapproachable until this century. An incredible journey for the intrepid traveller.
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Please note:
CHU29JUN10 onwards Please note: Due to group flight changes your inbound flight will now depart Beijing late Fri eve instead of Sat AM. Your rooms will be available until you depart the hotel.
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Please be aware, before boarding a flight in China that the Chinese authorities will only allow bottles onto aircraft if they have been checked in as main luggage. Any bottles in the hand luggage may be confiscated.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
