The most renowned overland trading route of ancient civilisations was the Silk Road, crossing rugged, mountainous and desert areas where tales were told of mystical cities, lively open-air bazaars and a seemingly endless hive of activity. Historically, the Silk Road was a remote and arduous path and one can only imagine the kind of difficulties those who travelled this renowned road had to overcome. It spanned from China’s former imperial capital, Xian, westward through to Europe.
With so much to see and experience, this journey will take you along the Silk Road from Kashgar in China to some of the most amazing ancient cities such as Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements. Along the way you will discover breathtaking sites, view beautiful Islamic architecture and see some of the most captivating scenery you will ever encounter.
DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO BEIJING
Fly overnight with Malaysia Airlines to Beijing for an overnight stay. Enjoy a rickshaw tour through the traditional Hutong area before visiting the 2008 Olympic Games site and the copy markets.
DAY 3: BEIJING TO KASHGAR
This morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Kashgar (via Urumqi).
DAY 4: KASHGAR
Your touring today includes a visit to the Id Kah Mosque and the elegantly tiled Abakh Hoja Tomb, which was built in 1640 to reflect the artistic style of Samarkand.
DAY 5: KASHGAR TO NARYN
Travel from China into Kyrgyzstan today, across the magnificent Tianshan (Heavenly Mountain range) that forms a natural divide between the two old rivals. Your adventure begins as you drive to Torugart Pass where you will cross the border into Kyrgyzstan. After crossing the border, travel to the Tash Rabat Caravanserai, which has been restored to its former glory, before continuing onwards to Naryn where you will stay overnight.
DAY 6: NARYN TO KOCHKOR VILLAGE
Leave Naryn today and travel to Kochkor Village where you will enjoy a traditional lunch in a ger before partaking in a ‘shyrdak’ demonstration (making of Kyrgyz wool carpets).
DAY 7: KOCHKOR VILLAGE TO KARAKOL
Travel to Karakol today. En route you will visit Bokonbayevo Village where you will have lunch with a local family and enjoy a demonstration of the ancient practice of eagle hunting.
DAY 8: KARAKOL
Rise early this morning to visit the Sunday animal market. You will also visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a Chinese mosque before enjoying an easy hike in Jety-Orguz and the Valley of Flowers.
DAY 9: KARAKOL TO CHOLPON-ATA
This morning you will visit the Przhevalskii Museum before continuing to Cholpon-Ata.
DAY 10: CHOLPON-ATA
Today you will explore the Petroglyphs of Ibex; wolves and deer etched into glacial stone dating back to the 8th Century BC. Also visit the Ethnographical Museum in Cholpon- Ata and Grigoriev Gorge. Later, enjoy an afternoon cruise on Issy Kul.
DAY 11: CHOLPON-ATA TO BISHKEK
Drive to Bishkek today, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. En route you will visit the Burana Tower, a monument from the 11th Century.
DAY 12: BISHKEK
This morning you will visit Ala Archa National Park before exploring Bishkek, including Ala Too Square and the Historical Museum.
DAY 13: BISHKEK TO TASHKENT
Fly to Tashkent today, the capital of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival visit the 1966 Earthquake Memorial and Khast Imom Complex, including the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum and the Mausoleum of Aba Bakr Kaffal Shoshi.
DAY 14: TASHKENT TO KHIVA
You will fly to Urgench this morning and drive to the ancient city of Khiva, originally a Silk Road trading post that has retained its historical mosques, palaces and tombs within its ancient city walls. Upon arrival you will visit the Kuhna Ark Fortress and wander around the many madrassahs, mosques and minarets within the ancient city walls.
DAY 15: KHIVA
Today you will visit Elliq-Qala, an impressive fort and temple complex, which dates back to the 4th Century BC.
DAY 16: KHIVA TO BUKHARA
Travel to Bukhara today, Central Asia’s most sacred city with a history spanning more than 2,500 years.
DAY 17: BUKHARA
Today you will explore the many ancient sites of this charming city, including the Ark Fortress, Chor Minor and Kalon Minaret.
DAY 18: BUKHARA
Continue your explorations of the city of Bukhara, visiting the Labi-Hauz Plaza and the summer residence of Emir.
DAY 19: BUKHARA TO SAMARKAND
Travel to Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements. Now a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, this mystical city is where the Silk Road diverged east to China, south to India and west to Persia.
DAYS 20-21: SAMARKAND
Over the next two days you will explore the many significant sites of Samarkand, including the Timur’s Guri Amir Mausoleum, the Registan, Sher Dor Medressa, the Bibi- Khanym Mosque, Shah-I-Zinda and the Ulug Beg Observatory.
DAY 22: SAMARKAND TO TASHKENT
Leave Samarkand this morning as you continue your journey to Tashkent, passing through the Tamerlane Gates en route.
DAY 23: DEPART TASHKENT
This morning you will enjoy a city tour visiting the famous sites around Tashkent; wander through Independence Square and visit the Crying Mother Monument, Chorsu Bazaar, the Amir Timur Maydoni and Broadway Entertainment Street. Later this afternoon you will be transferred to Tashkent airport for your overnight flight to Australia.
DAY 24: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA
Arrive home this morning.
|
![[Logo] Wendy Wu Tours](/site/images/WWLogo_180x115.gif)
