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Road to Samarkand

From $6,971 - 26 Days, Fully Inclusive from selected Australian cities

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 sights, view beautiful Islamic architecture and see some of the most captivating scenery you will ever encounter.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2 AUSTRALIA TO URUMQI

Fly overnight with China Southern Airlines to Urumqi (via Guangzhou) for an overnight stay.

DAY 3: URUMQI TO KASHGAR

Visit the Heavenly Lake; a large pristine lake surrounded by alpine meadows and mountains. Next, see the International Bazaar and the local markets. This evening fly to Kashgar, once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road trading route.

DAY 4: KASHGAR

Explore the elegantly tiled Abakh Hoja Tomb, the Id Kah Mosque and the old alleys around Id Kah Square.

DAY 5: KASHGAR TO NARYN

Travel from China into Kyrgyzstan across the Tian Shan Range (Heavenly Mountain) to Torugart where you cross the border into Kyrgyzstan. Continue to the Tash Rabat Caravanserai en route to Naryn.

DAY 6: NARYN TO KOCHKOR VILLAGE

Leave Naryn and travel to Kochkor Village. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a Ger before watching a ‘shyrdak’ demonstration (making of Kyrgyz wool carpets).

DAY 7: KOCHKOR VILLAGE TO KARAKOL

Travel to Karakol, visiting Bokonbayevo Village en route. Enjoy lunch with a local family and watch a demonstration of eagle hunting.

DAY 8: KARAKOL

Rise early and visit the colourful Sunday animal market, the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a Chinese mosque. Enjoy an easy afternoon hike in Jety-Orguz and the Valley of Flowers.

DAY 9: KARAKOL TO CHOLPON-ATA

See the Przhevalskii Museum before continuing to Cholpon-Ata.

DAY 10: CHOLPON-ATA

Explore the petroglyphs of ibex, wolves and deer etched into glacial stone. Also visit the Ethnographical Museum and Grigoriev Gorge. Later, relax on an afternoon cruise on Issy Kul, which is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped peaks.

DAY 11: CHOLPON-ATA TO BISHKEK

Drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. En route visit the Burana Tower, a monument from the 11th Century.

DAY 12: BISHKEK

Visit Ala Archa National Park, an alpine national park in the Tian Shan Mountains 40km south of Bishkek. This afternoon return to Bishkek and explore Ala Too Square and the Historical Museum.

DAY 13: BISHKEK TO TASHKENT

Fly to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. 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

Fly to Urgench and drive to the ancient city of Khiva, originally a Silk Road trading post which has retained its historical buildings. Visit the Kuhna Ark Fortress and wander around the many madrassahs, mosques and minarets within the ancient city walls.

DAY 15: KHIVA

This morning visit Elliq-Qala, an impressive fort and temple complex dating back to the 4th Century BC.

DAY 16: KHIVA TO BUKHARA

Travel to Bukhara, Central Asia’s most sacred city with a history of over 2,500 years.

DAYS 17-18: BUKHARA

Explore the Ark Fortress, Chor Minor and Kalon Minaret. Tomorrow, visit the Labi-Hauz Plaza and the summer residence of the last Bukharan Emirs.

DAY 19: BUKHARA TO SAMARKAND

Travel to Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements. This UNESCO World Heritage listed site 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 explore the historical sites of Samarkand, including Shakhrisabz, 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 and travel to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, passing through the Tamerlane Gates en route.

DAY 23: TASHKENT TO BEIJING

Explore Tashkent, including Independence Square, the Crying Mother Monument, Chorsu Bazaar, the Amir Timur Maydoni and Broadway Entertainment Street. Later this evening fly overnight to Beijing, the capital city of China.

DAY 24: BEIJING

Arrive into Beijing this morning. Take a rickshaw ride through the Hutong area where you will see traditional Chinese housing and architecture, the influence of Feng Shui and feel the sense of community. Later, visit the 2008 Olympic Games site including the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.

DAY 25: DEPART BEIJING

This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Beijing airport to board your overnight flight to Australia (via Guangzhou).

DAY 26: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

Price guide

From $6,971 per person

26 Days, Fully Inclusive Twin Share
Departing Sydney, Melbourne and Perth*
*Perth passengers may require a stopover in Guangzhou at an additional cost

Price Includes Tour cost $6,580, China Southern Airlines Fuel Surcharge $280 & Tipping $111 (Subject to change with Tipping payable on arrival in China. See Booking Conditions)
From $960 Single Hotel Room Option
From $5,124 per person Land Only (Urumqi to Beijing) includes tipping
Tour
Code
Departure
Date
Return
Date
Twin Share Price
AUD
2013      
CRS1304 06 Oct 31 Oct $6,971
2014      
CRS1402 04 May 29 May $6,971
CRS1404 05 Oct 30 Oct $6,971

Important Note:  Above prices include Fuel surcharges and tipping of $391 (correct as at Dec 2012 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD111 is payable on arrival in China.

Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book.  Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date.

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Why not?

Wish to extend your stay in Beijing? Why not explore the historical sights Beijing has to offer? See our Beijing Short Stay.

Additional fees and taxes may apply.