Join Sophie Ibbotson, explorer, guidebook author and development consultant, for a night on the Silk Road.  Sophie will transport you from the ice-capped peaks of the Pamir and Tien Shan Mountains to the sands of the Kyzylkum and Aralkum, via the mighty rivers, lakes and oases which brought life to otherwise uninhabitable lands in Central Asia.

Focusing on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, Sophie will cover more than 2,500 years of history, setting these two fascinating countries into their historical and geographical context. She will highlight the intangible cultural heritage of the people, as well as the best ways for you to experience local culture first-hand

Sophie is the founder of Maximum Exposure Ltd, the author of five Bradt Travel Guides, and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador for Tourism. When she’s not working in Central Asia and the Caucasus, you will probably find her on a ski slope or in a good bookshop or country pub.

Rudaki monument, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Suzani seller, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Mir-i-Arab Madrassa, Poi Kalon, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Traditional Uzbek dancer

Sleep-out at yurt camp