Silk Route journey: Western China, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan

22 days
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Private Guided
A land of contrasts, China is home to modern metropolises, soaring mountain ranges and some of the world’s most recognisable tourist sites. There are countless activities and experiences available across the country, but for many a walk along the Great Wall is an undisputed highlight. Although justifiably popular, we can show you how to experience this and C...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    A land of contrasts, China is home to modern metropolises, soaring mountain ranges and some of the world’s most recognisable tourist sites. There are countless activities and experiences available across the country, but for many a walk along the Great Wall is an undisputed highlight. Although justifiably popular, we can show you how to experience this and China’s other premier attractions away from the crowds. See the Terracotta Army at a quiet time, marvel at the verdant rice terraces and minority villages of Longji, or take a boat trip through the striking karst scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBeijing
End CityTashkent

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • 50 Plus
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Rafting

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Beijing.

Day 2 : Beijing

Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel.

Day 3 : Dunhuang

You make your own way to the airport today for your flight on to Dunhuang. Here you will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel.

Day 4 : Dunhuang

This morning you'll visit the beautiful 'singing sand dunes' of Mingsha, which look fantastic in the morning light. Afterwards you continue on to the Mogao caves before driving out this afternoon to see the remote ruined city of Yadan.

Day 5 : Turpan

You fly to Urumqi today, where you'll be met for the drive to the town of Turpan. You will arrive here after 20:00.

Day 6 : Turpan

You start today with a visit to Tuyaq Valley, which is home to a charming and unspoilt Uighur village. Afterwards you'll stop at Gaochang, and also pass the Flaming Mountains at Bezeklik.

Day 7 : Kashgar

Today you will visit the ruins at Jiaohe before driving back to Urumqi. From here you fly to Kashgar.

Day 8 : Kashgar

Today's excursion is a long but stunningly beautiful one, as you drive into the mountains on the legendary Karakoram Highway to lake Karakul. The lake's altitude is 3,800m, and you'll notice a sharp drop in temperature from Kashgar, so dress accordingly.

Day 9 : Kashgar

This morning you will be taken to the Yekshemba Bazaar, Kashgar's main spectacle. After taking in the markets you will explore some of the rest of the city with your guide.

Day 10 : Tash Rabat

You cross the border at the Torugart Pass today into Kyrgyzstan. Here you'll be met by your Kyrgyz guide for the drive on to your yurt camp at Tash Rabat.Make sure you have a warm jacket or fleece handy for the border crossing, which, at altitude, is cold at any time of year.

Day 11 : Song Kol Lake

You drive on to Lake Song Kol today, passing through stunning mountain scenery and grassy plateaus. Here you'll be able to explore the hills and lake on foot.

Day 12 : Bishkek

Today is another long and beautiful drive to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. If there is time you'll be able to see a little of the city in the late afternoon.

Day 13 : Samarkand

You fly to Tashkent today, where you will be met for the drive on to Samarkand.

Day 14 : Samarkand

Today your guide will show you the key sights of Samarkand, a highlight being the outstanding Registan.

Day 15 : Samarkand

You have a further day free to explore Samarkand at your own pace.

Day 16 : Bukhara

You continue by road to Bukhara today, stopping in the town of Shakhrisabz, Tamerlane's birthplace.

Day 17 : Bukhara

Bukhara is a fabulous, bustling old city and one that feels very much 'lived in'. Your guide will show you the key sights here, and you'll sense the atmosphere as you wander the winding, dusty streets of the old town.

Day 18 : Bukhara

Today is at your leisure in Bukhara.

Day 19 : Khiva

You make the long drive through the desert to Khiva today, which will take at least nine hours.

Day 20 : Khiva

You'll spend time with your guide today exploring this beautiful old walled city.

Day 21 : Tashkent

You fly back to Tashkent today for a final overnight stay.

Day 22 : International return flight

Today you fly home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $10,016
Price per day$455
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
audley-audley-travel-39750

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