Day 1. Arrival to Tashkent. Khush Kelibsizar – welcome to Uzbekistan! Transfer to a hotel. Unremarkable at first, Tashkent requires closer examination to reveal its charm. The evergrowing hub of Central Asia will surprise you with its cosmopolitan way of life, the contrasts between old and new.
In the afternoon a city tour of Tashkent will visit the main sites of the city: the History Museum; the main city square Mustakillik - Independence Square - the largest city square in the former Soviet Union, which once held the tallest statue of Lenin (30m.);
the ancient Khazret Imam Square with the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum; the Barak Khan Madrasah the Namazgokh Mosque, and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque.
We also visit Chorsu square the centre of ancient Tashkent with the Kukeldash Madrasah, the Jammi (Friday) Mosque and the Chorsu bazaar – the oldest city market rebuilt in the ancient style and a delightful place to spend a few hours.
Overnight at the hotel.


Day 2. We leave the Uzbekistan capital and head to Samarkand (320km.) Samarkand - often called the Gem of the East – is the city which evokes romance just with its name! The city is as old as Rome and reached the height of its fame under the rule of Timur. He made Samarkand the capital of his grand Empire which stretched from southeastern Turkey through the Middle East and Central Asia including North-Western India to the approach to Kashgar in China. During his reign Timur built a new city and populated it with artisans and craftsmen from the places he had conquered . They created striking harmonies of perfection between the mausoleums, madrassahs, mosques and city squares. Conquered and destroyed many times Samarkand has risen from the ashes each time like a Phoenix.
You can feel the grandeur of the old city, when you catch a sudden view of the Bibi Khanum Mosque (15th century), the largest of its time in the world, standing beside a noisy and crowded oriental market. Registan Square -”Sandy Place” - was the heart of ancient Samarkand, the centre of trade and cultural life, a breathtaking oriental masterpiece with three blue madrashas. Shah-i-Zinda – “tomb of the living king” - is a burial complex, often referred to as “the street of the dead”. It is considered one of the holiest places for Muslims, an important place of pilgrimage. The Gur-Emir Mausoleum is the resting place of the military genius Amir Temur who is buried here along with several of his sons and one of his grandsons. It is a fine example of Timurid architecture; simplicity and harmony of shapes together with a sumptuously decorated interior. We will have two days to explore wonders of Samarkand, its splendour and glory. Once you discover Samarkand you will be enchanted by its magic forever!
Overnight at a hotel.

Day 3. Continue our fascinating tour through the marvels of Samarkand. In the evening you attend a performance at the theatre of Historical Costume “El Merosi”. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 4. We will leave the enchanting Samarkand and drive to Bukhara(268 km) on the way stopping at Shakhrisabz - the birthplace of Tamerlane, or Timur and his residence during his reign. This “Green town“ is probably one of the most unassuming of the tourist attractions, where locals still wander amongst the historic landmarks. Most of the landmarks are in ruins, it is not like Khiva, but it feels more authentically historical. We will visit Ak-Sarai ,literally the "White Palace", which was the greatest of Tamerlane’s palaces. It was built by artisans of Khorezm after Tamerlane had destroyed Kunya Urgench and deposed its rulers in 1379.
Arrival to Bukhara.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5. Bukhara is one of holiest cities in Central Asia and was once the intellectual and spiritual centre of Islamic world. Bukhara entered history in 500BC as a vassal state of the Persian Empire. When Islamic armies arrived in 650 AD, they found a multiethnic and multireligious state; after their conquest in the next century, Islam became the dominant religion and remains so to the present day. Owing to its strategically important location Bukhara was one of the main trading centres of the Silk Road. During its heyday it had 365 mosques – one for each day of the year. Later it became a pawn in the "Great Game" between Russia and Britain. Bukhara is in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. We will have full day city tour to discover all the hidden treasures of this magnificent city. Our guide takes you to the Kalyan minaret – once the tallest minaret in the Islamic world, the Kalyan mosque – one of the ancient mosques, the famous Mir-i Arab Madrassah, and Samanid's Mausoleum - pearl of the East, and many other astonishing places.
You will be overwhelmed by Bukhara’s elaborate mosques, winding alleys, caravanserais and splendid madrashas. Improve your bargaining skills in the numerous bazaars and relax at famous chaikhana house with a cup of green tea while chatting with locals.
In the evening you will have dinner with folklore performance at Nodir Divan madrashah. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 6. During our second day in this remarkable city, we will continue our acquaintance with its culture and history. In the afternoon we drive towards Khiva (450km.) via the Kyzylkum (translated Red Sand) desert (435 km). Watching the hypnotising desert landscape it’s easy to immerse yourself in the region’s mysterious history and to imagine yourself a Silk Road trader, or an ancient warrior or maybe even a great explorer. This seemingly endless and uninhabitable land gives you a good insight into the ancient way of life when journeys between the Silk Road cities were measured in days and weeks rather than hours as nowadays.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7. Often called an “open air museum”, Khiva today is a well preserved and restored town thanks to a conservation programme in 1970 - 1980. This enchanting town with its towering minarets and domed roofs will capture your imagination as soon as you enter its gates. You will enjoy getting lost wandering through its maze of narrow streets passing mosques, madrashas (Islamic religious schools) and caravanserai (old overnight stops for caravans) and becoming engulfed in its mystical past.
Khiva consists of two parts. The outer and more modern town - Dichan Kala, was formerly surrounded by a fortified wall with 11 gates. The inner town, or Itchan Kala, is protected by 2.2 km long brick wall, whose foundations are believed to have been laid in the 10th century. The old town boasts more than 50 historic monuments and 250 old houses, mostly dating from the 18th or the 19th centuries. The Kalta Minor or Short Minaret - was built in 1852: one of the most ambitious projects of the ruling Khan. It was intended to be the tallest minaret in the Islamic world so that the Khan could see all way to Bukhara. Its construction was abandoned at 26 metres because of the Khan’s death. The Islam Khodja Madrasah and Minaret both built in 1910 are the newest monuments in Khiva. The madrashah houses what is probably Khiva’s best museum - the museum of handicrafts. Here you will find fine wood carving, hand embroidery, carpets, household utensils, pottery and traditional Uzbek clothes. Tash Khauli (Harem) has the most striking architectural decoration in the city: ceramic tiles, carved marble and painted wood. Khiva is in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Our guide will take us through Khiva’s inner city introducing us to its remarkable history and rich culture. Khiva is beautiful at dawn or at the twilight – don’t miss your chance of capturing the best pictures of your journey!
Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Tashkent.
Overnight at a hotel.

Day 8. Free time in the morning. In the afternoon flight to Bishkek. Transfer to a hotel. Kyrgyzstan is arguably one of the most stunning countries in world. Landlocked, it is often referred as the Switzerland of Central Asia since 90% of the land is higher than 1500m.with the highest peak, Pobeda, at 7437m. Due to its mountainous landscape a third of the country is permanently under a blanket of snow. Lush valleys, sky blue mountain lakes, and snowy peaks will take your breath way!

Day 9. Bishkek was originally just a caravan rest on one of the many Silk Road routes through theTian Shan range. The location was fortified in 1825 by the Uzbek Khan of Kokhand - the official founding date of the city. In 1862 the fort was occupied by Tsarist Russia and remained under its Empire till Soviet times when city was known as Frunze. Mikhail Frunze was a close associate of Lenin and was born in Bishkek. Nowadays it’s a vibrant lovely city retaining the charm of the Soviet era with its well maintained squares and buildings, surrounded by snow capped mountains.
Our city tour will introduce you to the main sites of Bishkek: the State Historical Museum with two yurts, a small archaeology exhibition and a beguiling display of Kyrgyz carpets, embroidery and other traditional handicrafts. The Osh Bazaar is the biggest market in Kyrgyzstan - a typically noisy and colourful oriental Bazaar.
Today we set off to Issyk-Kul Lake. En route we stop to visit the Burana archeological and architectural site. The name Burana is believed to be derived from a Turkic dialect word munara - "minaret". For centuries, all that remained of Burana was the unfinished, 25metre high minaret and the overgrown mound of the old citadel. Originally the minaret was higher but it was badly damaged by an earthquake in the 16th century. Near the minaret there are also ruins of three mausoleums. It is thought that Burana is the historical city of Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanids State in the 10th -12th centuries. Apparently Balasagun was so important that Genghis Khan's Mongol Horde spared the city from destruction when they began to conquer the world in the early 13th century. We continue our journey to Cholpan Atta which is located on the shores of Issykul Lake.
Arrival and accommodation in a hotel at Issyk-Kul Lake Optional: a boat trip around the lake (1hr.) Excursion to Ruh-Ordo Center in Cholpon-ata.
Overnight at a hotel.

Day 10. We drive to Karakol along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake (160km.) With its high location at 1609m above the sea level and a huge surface area of 6 206 sq. km (179 km long and 60 km. wide) Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. Despite its location at such a high altitude the lake never freezes, hence the name - Issyk-Kul which means “hot lake” in Kyrgyz. The waters of 134 rivers flow into this unique lake. With no rivers flowing out of Lake Issyk-Kul the mineral substances carried here by the rivers and rains are all accumulated in it.. Since ancient times, Issyk-Kul has been renowned for its healing mineralised water, its hot springs and the medicinal mud used for treating many diseases.
Lake Issyk-Kul still keeps a lot of secrets. Recently some reports were released about an astonishing discovery of ruins at the bottom of the lake. The ruins are of the ancient city of Chigu, the capital of the Usuni State and the trade centre of the Tian Shan on the Great Silk Road and date back to the 2nd century BC.
On the way we visit Przhevalsky museum. Nikolai Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky was a Russian geographer and explorer of Central and Eastern Asia. He discovered the only extant species of wild horse named after him. Upon arrival to Karakol, we will engage in a sightseeing tour, including Dungan mosque, an Orthodox Church and an old colonial house. After lunch we drive to Djety-oguz gorge. There we will spend an afternoon hiking in the gorge. Overnight stay is in a hotel.

Day 11. Today’s destination is Naryn town. We will have a unique opportunity to observe the traditional felt-making process and shyrdaks, which are traditional felt rugs made by sewing patterns of contrasting felt together using patterns often inspired from nature such as mountains, animal horns and birds. They are still used today by the Nomadic tribes and shepherds in Tien Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan to decorate their yurts and houses. On arrival you will be taken to your accommodation, which will be in the form of a guesthouse.

Day 12. Our Kyrgyz adventure is near completion as we head towards to Kyrgyz-Chinese border point “Torugart”. After completing customs formalities, we drive to Kashgar (approx. 170 km). Kashag is a vibrant Islamic centre and the largest oasis town in China’s Central Asia. Its history spans over 2000 years and its importance derives from its strategic positions at the foot of the Pamir Mountains allowing access of the Silk Road routes to Central Asia. Its mosque – the largest in China, can host as many as 10,000 worshipers on the busy praying times. Overnight accommodation in a hotel.

Day 13. In the morning we’ll drive to Karakol Lake, located at the foothills of the beautiful Muztagata Mountain, 3600 meters above the sea level, via the famous and stunning Karakorum highway, built on one of the most inhospitable terrain in the world. It is the highest paved international road in the world, connecting China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an altitude of 4,877 meters. On our way we stop at a traditional Uygur village, Opal, to see the Mausoleum of the well-known 11th century‘s Uygur philologist Mohammed Kashgeri, as well as Karavan Sarai old ruins by the bank of the Gaz River, Bulunkul Lake. We will also visit the nomadic Kyrgyz people still living in felt yurts. We will then return to Kashgar.
On arrival dinner will be served with a folk show at the Uygur restaurant. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 14. Today we will experience a more relaxed pace and do what locals usually do on Sundays – go to the Sunday market! Your visit to the colourful and chaotic Kashgar’s Great Sunday Bazaar is without doubt a must and will ease the tension in your wallet. In this bustling place you will have a great choice of local goods: such as livestock, jewellery, clothes, carpets. You will have a great opportunity to practise your negotiation skills, absolutely vital for your travel on the old trading route. Rub shoulders with the locals; try your art of bargaining, striking a deal and buying something not really essential! Beware of energetic traders with loaded carts of different goods, breaking their way through cacophony of the market! In the afternoon we will stroll through the old parts of the town. In the evening you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Urumqui. Upon arrival you will be whisked off to your accommodation at the hotel.

Day 15. We will leave Urumqui for a while to return here in a few days’ time and head to Turpan (approx. 200 km), which claims to have the longevity records with many inhabitants over 100 years old. Our guided tour will include a startling 2000-year-old Karez system, an engineering miracle designed to bring water to the dry desert town. This ancient irrigation system is comprised of a series of wells linking underground channels to bring ground water to the surface. Ancient oasis towns are fully dependent on this form of irrigation and if the system becomes neglected, the towns would dry up and die. We will also visit the astonishing Emin Minaret (44 meters high, completed in 1778) – one of the architectural gems of the Silk Road and the mosque nearby. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 16. Full day of sightseeing around Turpan will take us to the impressive ruins of Gaochang, an ancient city (approx. 47 km), built in the 2nd century BC, once the capital of the Kingdom of Gaochang under the Han dynasty. Later we will visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (approx. 56 km) hidden on the flanks of the Flaming Mountains – a breathtaking site with 67 caves dating from 317 to 1368. Translated from the Uygur language as a “place of the paintings”, Bezeklik was an important centre for Buddhist worship. Sadly most of the cave paintings are now in a terrible state but nevertheless this place is definitely worth a visit. Tuyoq – a beautiful ancient village with the oldest in the Turpan area, Buddhist caves dating back to the 4th century. At the end of the day we will relax in the famous Grape valley, a pleasant park with vineyards and fruit trees. Embark on an evening transfer to the railway station to board our train to Dunhuang.
Overnight accommodation is on the train.

Day 17. In the early days of the Silk Road, Dunghuang was an important trading centre, with the Great Wall extension. The city was fortified with a line of beacon towers stretching westward into the dessert and became the key support base for caravans.
We will go on a day trip to the Mogao Caves – the world’s richest treasure-trove of Buddhist manuscripts, wall paintings and statuary dating back to 4th up to 14th century; created during nine dynasties they mark the height of Buddhist art.
In the afternoon we will visit the nearby Mingsha “rumbling” sand dunes, which indeed sound like thunder as the sand sweeps over them, overlooking small and mysterious Crescent Lake. This place offers arguably the best sunset view and the most stunning desert scenery that you will encounter along the entire length of the Silk Road. Overnight accommodation at a hotel.

Day 18. Full day excursion to Yumengguan pass (approx. 90 km one way) to see one of the finest layout of the Han dynasties Great Wall fortifications, known as the Jade Gate Pass as the great jade caravans from Hotan passed by. Transfer to the railway station to board our train to Urumqui.
Overnight stay on board the train.


Day 19. Upon arrival to Urumqui you’ll be transferred to the hotel for breakfast.
Urumqui - the “Beautiful Pastures” – is the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and is the most modern and the least Muslim city in Xinjiang. Having settled relatively recently it did not play a significant role in the early Silk Road trade.
Half-day excursion to Xinjiang regional museum displaying archaeological treasures from the Silk Road and Xinjiang’s minority cultures. A display of well-preserved 3000-year-old mummies, excavated from Loulan at Takla Makan desert, completes the exhibition. We continue towards Heaven Lake (Tian Chi) (approx. 120 km one way). The picturesque drive brings you up to almost 2000 metres above sea level and there you can admire beautiful waterfalls, alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains. The lake is located at the foothills of Heavenly Mountains, where Kazakh families put their yurts in summer and graze their herds of horses, sheep and cattle. Take in a boat ride on the lake. Enjoy a Kazakh traditional lunch at Yurt by the lakeside. Return to Urumqui. Dinner is accompanied with a Uygur Folk show for your entertainment.
Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 20. In the morning exploit your last chance to visit the local Chinese market. You will have great pleasure wandering along the streets and selecting traditional Uygur silk, Chinese cotton or colourful silver gold gauze cloth from Pakistan in amidst the yelling of sellers. In the afternoon you’ll transfer to airport for your flight to Tashkent. Arrival and overnight accommodation at the hotel. Free time.

Day 21. Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy your last day in Central Asia at the traditional Sunday Bazaar. Are your bargaining skills up to the local standards now? Can you strike a good deal?
In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to airport for your flight home. Our amazing Silk Road and thrilling Odyssey is over.

 Major Highlights of this Tour: 

Magnificent Old Silk Road cities – Khiva, Merv, Samarkand, Bukhara, included on the UNESCO World Heritage list Lake Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in SouthAmerica. The Karakum dessert – fascinating shifting sand dunes Dunghuang's Mogao Caves – the world’s richest treasure-trove of Buddhist manuscripts The Karakoram Highway, the highest international paved road in the world, connecting China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range Oriental bazaars, full of life, color, noise Mouthwatering Central Asian food – the ubiquitous shashlik, plov, nan bread, exotic fruits

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