| Total Days | 133 |
|---|---|
| Nights in hotels | 70-75 |
| Nights in organized campsites | 10-15 |
| Nights in rough camps (bush camps) | 45-50 |
| Camp dinners from our chef | 60-65 |
| Restaurant dinners | 20-25 |
| Restaurant breakfasts | 30-35 |
| Roadside lunches | 108 |
| Tour staff will include a chef; a bike mechanic; a medic; and more as needed. | |
| Support vehicles will carry your bags. There will be limited seating for rider pick ups. |
Read more about What to Expect on your tour. You may also want to read through our TDA 101 information kit which has more information about how to prepare for a tour.
Make History
Cycle the ancient route of the silk trade across the entire continent of Asia; from Shanghai to Istanbul. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo, General Zhang Qian and Genghis Khan. Like them, you will depend on muscle and will, your body and your mind – the Silk Route Cycling Expedition will be unlike anything you’ve ever done before. You and your companions will bike over 12,000 kilometres, through seven countries; a journey that took the merchants, soldiers and adventurers of the past many uncomfortable months — if they made it at all!
As a Silk Route Rider, you will camp below sea level in the stunning deserts of China’s Xinjiang province and cycle to the top of the world, climbing to over 4,500 m through the Pamir mountains in Tajikistan. You will stay in ancient caravanserais and shop in markets that have thrived for two thousand years. You will be amazed at the layers of history emerging from the sand, shake your head at all that has been lost and take heart from all that is being preserved and created.
Joining for Shorter Sections
Going the distance on the Silk Route is a unique experience. But if your time frame or interest is more limited, you may sign up for a section of the tour – joining and leaving the group at almost any point along the route. Take some time and review the many options. We have highlighted eight pre-determined sections on the website, but you can also choose to start and end anywhere along the route.