What to expect on a Silk Road tour
What is the Silk Road?
Contrary to its name, the Silk Road isn’t a single road but an intricate network of roads and trading routes formed over centuries to facilitate trade between the West and the Far East. While silk was a hugely popular export from China, spices, cotton, wool, precious metals and more were traded via the Silk Road. It served not just as a trade route, but also formed a framework for the spread of culture, religion, technology, art and even of empires.
Where does the Silk Road run to and from?
It’s generally agreed amongst experts that the Silk Road begins in Xian, China, and traverses Central Asia and ancient Persia before reaching Istanbul, Turkey. From there, an existing network ferried goods into Europe.
What is the best time of year to visit the Silk Road?
As its vast distance, pinpointing a time where weather is favourable for the entire route is very challenging. However, the spring and autumn months generally offer the best balance of temperatures, being cool enough in hot desert countries like Uzbekistan and Iran, yet sufficiently warm in more mountainous regions such as Kyrgyzstan or Georgia.
What is the best way to see the Silk Road?
There are plenty of options for travellers to explore these ancient trade routes. Fly into Xian to see the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors - where it all began Traverse dusty desert plains via high-speed train in Uzbekistan. Trek through snow-capped mountains in Kyrgyzstan. Journey along isolated, bumpy routes by 4x4 on a small-group tour in Tajikistan, cycle parts of the stunning Caucasus mountains in Georgia, or if you’re looking for a more comprehensive Silk Road tour, why not conquer much of it in one epic trip on our Five Stans of the Silk Road trip.
The great benefit of travelling with our expert tour leaders is their personal touch, as they share their own stories and experiences, while introducing you to people and customs as you go. It adds real dimension and personal touch to your experience.
Is the Silk Road a good place to travel solo?
All of our small group trips are ideal for solo travellers, who often make up around half of out tour participants. The Silk Road is not an easy place to travel completely independently: English isn’t widely spoken, and infrastructure in many countries is limited. However, for a solo traveller travelling as part of a group, it’s perfect as all the complexities of logistics and travel arrangements are handled on their behalf, giving you the time and space to enjoy the places you visit and the company of your fellow travellers.
Regarding single supplements and single rooms, if you're comfortable sharing with another traveller of the same sex, we do not charge a supplement. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to book your own room for the duration, Explore may charge a single supplement, which depends on the specific tour chosen. Generally, single rooms are readily available for a supplement, but it's recommended to check each trip's page or contact our team to find out where single rooms are available.
Are Silk Road tours suitable for vegetarians?
The Silk Road covers a vast area, with many different cultures and cuisines, so the availability of vegetarian meals can vary significantly. In Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, there are plenty of delicious options for vegetarians, so you’ll get to experience unique flavours and fresh local ingredients. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s cuisines tend to lean more on meat and dairy so you won't always find lots of choice if you are vegetarian. In all cases, your tour leader will help you navigate the local cuisine as much as possible.
What are some of the best books about the Silk Road?
We recommend reading Foreign Devils on the Silk Road: The Search for the Lost Treasures of Central Asia by Peter Hopkirk; Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron; and Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan.