Silk Road Adventure

Beginning in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, the heart of the Silk Road, take the chance to explore the old town and Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest Bazaars in Central Asia, found in the unique complex of trade halls crowned with magnificent blue domes. In the evening of Day 1 you join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your joining instructions.

We have an early morning train to whisk us to Kazakhstan and arrive late at night into Almaty. 

Nestled into the mountains Almaty will deliver diversity of architecture, history, influences and cuisine. We spend some time exploring the city inluding the fascinating Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral), a wooden structure built entirely without nails.

Often referred to as the "Valley of Castles" due to the unique rock formations that resemble medieval castles, today we visit the spectactular Charyn Canyon.  The Karkara Valley is also famous for its mare's milk called “Kumys”, a traditional drink in Central Asia. Tonight we sleep in yurts.

After breakfast, we drive along beautiful mountain ridges and vast green valleys to reach Karakol visiting horse stables on the way to see the marvellous horses of Kyrgyzstan.
Upon arrival in Karakol we have a city tour.

We drive along the southern shore of magnificent Lake Issyk Kul to Bokonbaevo village. One of the few places left in Kyrgyzstan where eagles are still trained we can take the time to visit with an eagle hunting family and learn about this ancient nomadic tradition. 
We also stop in beautiful Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon.  The canyon consist of mottled petrified clay and look very picturesque with dark blue Issyk Kul Lake in the background.
 

After breakfast we drive to Naryn making stops along the way.  We visit Kochkor village along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake and learn about local felt production.
In Naryn we enjoy a city tour including the local museum, art gallery and central square. 
 

We drive to Tash Rabat, the only building of its kind in Kyrgyzstan, a 10-15th century caravanaserai situated in a picturesque valley. Enjoy the views, consider the footsteps that have passed this way on the ancient Silk Road and relax in nature. 
We return to Naryn for the night.

We leave Naryn to journey to Son-Kul Lake, renowned for its stunning scenery, surrounded by rolling hills and snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountains. Are you brave enough for a dip? 
We stay the night in local yurts.

Chichkan provides a remote and tranquil setting and we enjoy the mountain scenery, sometimes blanketed in flowers or in snow.  We travel via Suusamyr valley, famous for its lush pastures and wild horses. The remote location and high altitude can provide clear night skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
 

Our journey takes us to Osh, strategically positioned at the eastern gateway of the Fergana Valley, and which prospered with Silk Road trade until the Mongol armies destroyed the city in the 13th century. This afternoon we gain an insight into its heart and soul visiting the spiritual Suleiman Mountains as well as its colourful bazaar.

 Today we cross the border to Uzbekistan and explore the Fergana Valley. Famous for silk weaving and potters there is an opportunity to witness many of these ancient crafts still being produced today. 

Today we visit the potters of Rishton, Kokand Fortress and then on to Khujand. One of the oldest cities on the Silk Road, Khujand in Tajikistan has a history dating back more than 2,500 years and is located on the Syr Darya River. 

Today we have the opportunity to visit the pristine natural environment of the Seven Lakes in the Shing Valley nestled in the rugged peaks of the Fann Mountains. We enjoy exploring the turquoise lakes and lush landscapes.
Tonight our accommodation will reflect our rustic surroundings and will have shared facilities.

Today we travel to the Zeravshan River valley and the town of Penjikent. The ruins of the ancient Sogdian city of Panjakent dates back to the 5th–8th and includes well-preserved ruinsi ncluding the citadel, and Zoroastrian fire temples. From there we continue our journey to Golden Samarkand. 

Samarkand never fails to impress.The Registan is simply the most spectacular architectural ensemble in Central Asia. Comprised of three madrassas (places of learning) and a mosque, this beautiful square is inspiring. Other highlights include Shah-IZinda, with its narrow alleys of tombs and mausoleums, Bibi Khanym Mosque and the Ulug Bek Observatory. We also take the time to visit Guy-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of fearsome Tamerlane. 

Another day to explore this wonderous city. 

This morning we board our train to Bukhara and spend the afternoon starting to explore this city of living history. From the Ark Fortress that sits imposingly in the centre of town we gain an appreciation for the import this city had during ancient times. 

Today we spend more time exploring in the covered bazaars where rugs, silks and spices are still traded as they were in the heyday of the Silk Road and exploring them gives a real sense of what it could have been like in the days of Marco Polo. Spend time sitting by the city ponds in the shade of the mulberry trees and reflect on all that you have seen. 

Spend the morning at leisure before we journey back to where we began, joining an afternoon train to Tashkent. 

Our adventure has drawn to a close. Say farewell to your travelling companions and tour leader before departing your hotel.