The Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Overview
Highlights
- Discover the contrast between mountainous Kyrgyzstan and the plains of Uzbekistan
- Overnight in a yurt by alpine Song Kul Lake like the nomads of Central Asia
- Discover Silk Road ancient cities of Khiva, Bokhara and Samarkand
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Itinerary
Arrive in Bishek, a former Silk Road settlement. Kyrgyzstan's capital is a young city, starting life as a clay fort built by the Khan of Kokand in 1825 only to be destroyed by the Russians 43 years later. It was rebuilt in 1878 and it is from this time that Bishkek e...
Leaving behind the city we head into the heart of this small nation. At its centre lies Issyk Kul Lake, surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains. Along the way we visit the Burana Tower, all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. The tower is believed to be the o...
The great Russian explorer Prjevalsky died in Karakol before an expedition to Tibet and the small museum dedicated to him gives a great insight into the 19th century Central Asian explorers. In the city we have the opportunity to see the Chinese influence at the Dunga...
We continue along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake where we make a stop for the opportunity to take a bracing dip into the cold waters of the lake. Continuing on we stop again to view the waterfalls within the dramatic 10km long Barskaun Gorge, as well as having a...
The women of the town are famous for felt-making and this morning we have the chance to see how 'shirdaks', traditional felt applique rugs, are made by hand. We then set off along a dramatic mountain road via Kalmak-Ashu Pass at a lofty 3346m where we can drink in o...
This morning you may choose to relax by the lake, or depending on weather conditions, it may be possible to take a hike into the mountains surrounding the lake. Leaving the camp we walk along grassy, undulating slopes through the Moldo-Toor range. Song Kul Lake offers...
We spend the day on the road driving through the wild mountain scenery of the inner Tien Shan Mountains as we make our way west. Our drive takes us along the stunning Suusamyr valley, which is situated at an altitude of 2000-3200m between the dramatic ridges of Kyrgyz...
After breakfast we set off on a scenic drive along the Ala-Bel pass (3175m) before following the course of the Chichkan River to the junction with its tributary, the It-Agar River. From here we start a mostly easy walk on an earth trail which is stony in some sections...
Today we leave Toktogul and again drive through the wild landscapes that make Kyrgyzstan such a memorable place to visit. Our destination is Djalal-Abad, located at the north-eastern end of the Fergana Valley and nestled in the foothills of the Baba Ata Mountains. The...
We start the day travelling 90 kilometres north to the charming village of Arslanbob. Here we spend the day accompanied by a local guide, walking through the walnut groves of Arslanbob sometimes referred to as 'The Royal Woods of Kyrgyzstan'. The trees can reach 30 m...
Leaving Djalal Abad behind we make our way into the expansive Fergana Valley and past the city of Osh, which according to legend was founded by either King Solomon or Alexander the Great! Although it dates back to the 5th century BC, very little remains to suggest its...
This morning we head out to start the final leg of our journey. We must travel by convoy of smaller vehicles as we cross over Kamchik Pass at 2300m. We make a stop at Rishtan town, famous for its ceramics, where we visit a workshop. The Silk Road introduced Chinese ce...
This morning we head out with a local guide to explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which has been on this site for over 2000 years. Although much of it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1966 it has been rebuilt as a modern model city, with spacious avenues a...
Today, we have a little free time to explore more of the city before our flight to Urgench in the early evening. A further 40-minute bus journey will take us to the remarkable ancient city of Khiva, which will be our base for the next two nights. The early history ...
On this morning's walking tour, we may well feel like we are stepping into a scene from the film 'Arabian Nights' as we explore the majestic Old Citadel. This 12th century fortress dominated the city before a palace, harem, barracks and mosques were constructed. It is...
Today's drive to the fabled city of Bokhara will take up the day, but is broken up with plenty of stops as we travel through expansive plains and past old caravanserais. As home to the famous Islamic poets, Firdausa and Rudaki, Bokhara is considered by some to be the ...
Today's day of sightseeing starts off with a walking tour. Highlights include the Lyab-i Hauz which once supplied the city's water; the striking blue-tiled Abdul Khan madrassah and the 9th century Mghoki Arrar Mosque. We will also visit the Kalyan minaret, which, as t...
Today has been left free for you to spend as you wish. You may choose to climb the 46 metre-high Kalyan minaret for stunning views over the city. Alternatively, you may like to explore the Taqi-Sarrafon market - one of the four domed bazaars in Bokhara. Used as a money exchange during the height of the Silk Road, it is now home to plenty of souvenir shops.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
This morning, we will drive a short distance to Gijduvan - a town celebrated for its crafts and trade since the 10th century. Here, we will visit the famous ceramic centre. Our next stop is Karmana, where we plan to visit the 10th century Mir-Said Bakhram Mausoleum. H...
We spend this morning driving to Samarkand. Stormed by Alexander the Great and reduced to ashes by Genghis Khan, Samarkand was nevertheless transformed into the most glittering city in Transoxiana by Tamerlane, who made it his capital in the 14th century. Even today, ...
This morning's sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide and takes us to the Shah-i- Zinda - a beautifully-tiled necropolis of tombs, mosques and mausoleums belonging to Tamerlane's family, friends and the prophet Mohammad's cousin. We will also visit the Ulug-Beg O...
Today, there is more free time for further exploration. Later this afternoon, we transfer to the train station for our modern high speed train back to Tashkent. Arriving just after 7pm, we will have time to enjoy our last evening of the tour.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tashkent. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Tashkent at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would lik...
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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.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Brigitta
Oct 2023
The Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
The two countries were very different. Kyrgyzstan was landscapes, people and livestock. Uzbekistan had more beautiful historical monuments, that I have ever seen. T...
Trusted Customer
Jul 2023
The Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Stunning scenery in Kyrgyzstan. wonderful architecture in Uzbekistan.
Clive
Oct 2022
The Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
In both countries the tour and Itiniery were excellent. and a complete contrast. Tourist Infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan is very basic by western standards and that is ...
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