Along Central Asia's Silk Road - Cal Alumni Association

Along Central Asia’s Silk Road

September 23 - October 09, 2027

Length: 17 days

Region(s): Asia & the Pacific

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Land, Small Group Tours

Trace the fabled Silk Road across Central Asia on a small-group journey that links caravan cities, sacred sites, and vivid contemporary culture. From Kyrgyz yurt traditions and Kazakh rock art to Uzbekistan’s blue-tiled mosques and lively bazaars, follow in the footsteps of merchants and pilgrims while meeting the people who call this storied region home.

Operated by Odysseys Unlimited

not including airfare, airline taxes/fees, or transfers

Tour Details Reservation Request

Tour Highlights

Take part in a yurt-making demonstration near Bishkek, gaining insight into traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life and craftsmanship.
Visit the Tamgaly Petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to view ancient rock carvings that illuminate millennia of spiritual and artistic expression.
Spend time in Almaty, a Russian-accented city framed by mountains, with tree-lined streets, cafés, and Soviet- and Tsarist-era architecture.
Watch a falconry demonstration that showcases Central Asia’s long-standing traditions of hunting with birds of prey.
Tour Tashkent, including a visit to a revered site that houses what is considered one of the world’s oldest Qurans, and explore the city’s blend of modern and historic districts.
Wander the historic Silk Road gem of Khiva, with its preserved city walls, minarets, and madrasas that evoke the age of caravans and khans.
Meet local artisans to see traditional crafts such as ceramics, textiles, and woodwork, and learn how these skills are passed down through generations.
Enjoy an Uzbek folklore performance that brings regional music, dance, and costume to life.
Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Bukhara, rich in mosques, caravanserais, and trading domes that reveal its long-standing role as a commercial and religious center.
Share lunches with local families for a warm, personal introduction to Central Asian hospitality, home cooking, and everyday life.
Take in the legendary city of Samarkand, where dazzling domes, tiled façades, and monumental gateways line the historic crossroads of empires.
Browse vibrant Central Asian bazaars, alive with spices, textiles, ceramics, and the hum of daily commerce.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 2

What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last 2–4 hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.