For centuries the West knew very little about silk and the people who made it, establishing this elaborate, light, soft and sensuous fabric as one of the most desirable and expensive materials. For more than two thousand years the Chinese kept the secret of silk to themselves, making it the most zealously guarded secret in history. Let us take you to the place where silk was invented, diverse, magnificent China – “the dragon awakening in the East,” and to two of Central Asian most mysterious and astonishing countries - Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Our journey through history encompasses the very essence of the Silk Road’s legacy and history, unearthing its hidden treasures from beneath the layers of centuries. We will venture through the labyrinths of the old Silk Road cities - “a necklace strung out like a pearls across the Orient”, discovering the cradles of different civilisations, encountering the wide range of ethnic groups, exploring their rich traditions and diverse religions. Let’s embark on the Silk Road pilgrimage…
Arrival to Tashkent. Khush Kelibsizar – welcome to Uzbekistan! Transfer to a hotel. Sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2.
We leave the Uzbekistan capital and head to Samarkand (320km.)Guided tour in Samarkand - often called the Gem of the East. 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. Arrival to Bukhara. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5.
Sighseeing tour in Bukhara - one of holiest cities in Central Asia and once the intellectual and spiritual centre of Islamic world. 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). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7.
Sighseeing tour in Khiva - “open air museum”. 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. Free time. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 9.
City tour of Bishkek - originally just a caravan rest on one of the many Silk Road routes through theTian Shan range. In the afternoon drive to Issyk-Kul Lake, en route we stopping to visit the Burana archeological and architectural site. 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.
Drive to Karakol along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake (160km.) Visit to Przhevalsky museumUpon arrival to Karakol, we will engage in a sightseeing tour. After lunch we drive to Djety-oguz gorge. Afternoon hiking in the gorge. Overnight at a hotel
Day 11.
Today’s destination is Naryn town. Observe the traditional felt-making process and shyrdaks, which are traditional felt rugs. Overnight at a hotel
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). Overnight at a hotel
Day 13.
In the morning we’ll drive to Karakol Lake via the famous and stunning Karakorum highway, built on one of the most inhospitable terrain in the world. 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. 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 head to Turpan (approx. 200 km). Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 16.
Full day of sightseeing around Turpan and surroundings. Evening transfer to the railway station to board our train to Dunhuang. Overnight accommodation is on the train.
Day 17.
Guided tour in Dunghuang once an important trading centre. In the afternoon we will visit the nearby Mingsha “rumbling” sand dunes. 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. Transfer to the railway station to board our train to Urumqui. Overnight stay on board the train.
Day 19.
Guided tour in Urumqui - the “Beautiful Pastures” – is the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. We continue towards Heaven Lake (Tian Chi) (approx. 120 km one way). Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 20.
In the morning exploit your last chance to visit the local Chinese market. 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? 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
For detailed itinerary of the tour please click here
For detailed itinerary of the tour please
PRICES
EXCL. FLIGHTS: £2,389 INCL. FLIGHTS: £2,789 * NO HIDDEN COSTS!
Accommodation & meals:
18 nts 4* hotel DBL
Full-board Transport: small coach and boat Tour staff & support: English-speaking guide, transfer driver Other services & Info >>>
TOUR MAP
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