Silk Road: Central Asian Odyssey
22 Days Starting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Visiting: Bishkek, Son Kul, Tash Rabat, Kazarman, Osh, Kokand, Khodjent, Fann Mountains, Penjikent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TRE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia with the "Silk Road: Central Asian Odyssey" tour. Explore the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Wander through Kyrgyzstan's stunning lakes and mountains, and experience the warmth of local hospitality in traditional homestays. Discover the ancient Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, marveling at their architectural wonders and UNESCO sites. Travel through the Fergana Valley to the breathtaking Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, where you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this remote region. Learn about the traditional crafts of silk weaving and ceramics, and enjoy the vibrant bazaars and historical sites that tell the stories of these fascinating lands. With a focus on cultural immersion and responsible travel, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people and landscapes of Central Asia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour will begin early afternoon at our hotel in Bishkek, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals. After a spot of lunch, we will make a short walking tour to see the main sights and watch the spectacle that is the Changing of the Guards. This evening, we will enjoy a local dinner - soaking up the city by night.
Day 2: In Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll have a look around this small city, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals, visiting the excellent museum and taking a wander around the bustling Osh Bazaar.
Day 3: Bishkek - Son Kul (3,016M)
Location: Son Kul
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey starts in earnest this morning as we begin a full day’s drive along the fertile Chuy Valley and then up through the mountains to the beautiful Son Kul. Here we will stay in a yurt camp on the side of this spectacular 3,000m glacial lake and have a chance to venture out and meet the local nomads who spend their summers here. Tonight we will have a traditional Kyrgyz nomad’s dinner replete with vodka toasts! Driving distance 360km, 6-7 hours approx.
Day 4: In Son Kul
Location: Son Kul
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll be free to explore this beautiful region, either on foot or on horseback (optional and payable locally). Anyone wanting to can hang out around the camp, watching the nomads go about their traditional life or watch the extraordinarily varied bird life on the lake. There might even be a game of Kok Baru (Buzkashi) to watch in the afternoon.
Day 5: Son Kul - Tash Rabat (2,900-3,100M)
Location: Tash Rabat
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving early this morning, we will spend the day driving towards the famous Silk Road caravanserai of Tash Rabat through one of the most spectacular regions of the Tien Shan, the Mountains of Heaven. On arrival, we’ll settle into our cosy yurts for the evening. Driving distance 230-250km, 5-6 hours approx.
Day 6: In Tash Rabat
Location: Tash Rabat
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After exploring the 11th century caravanserai today there will be a chance to either walk or ride (optional and payable locally) through these beautiful mountains. Being so peaceful and seemingly remote, it is sometimes hard to imagine that these were once major thoroughfares for Silk Road caravans. Those wanting a more laid back day can simply walk around the lush, green valley - home to horses, yaks, sheep and, of course, nomads. Tonight we’ll have another traditional dinner in the home of our hosts.
Day 7: Tash Rabat - Kazarman
Location: Kazarman
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a long drive but through some really stunning mountain scenery. We’ll stop en route for a picnic lunch and the odd photo opportunity. Arriving in the small village of Kazarman this evening, we’ll stay with a local family and enjoy some of their home-cooking. Driving distance 330km, 8-9 hours approx.
Day 8: Kazarman - Osh
Location: Osh
Accommodation: Imenjon Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Imenjon Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive over Kaldama Ashuu pass, which at 3062m offers some amazing views. We'll stop in Jalal-Abad for lunch with a local family and then continue on to the ancient city of Osh, where we’ll have a chance for some sightseeing this afternoon. We’ll visit Solomon’s Throne – Suleiman Too – the rock that looms over the city and is an important Muslim pilgrimage site protected by UNESCO. Tonight we’ll stay in the wonderful home of our friend Imanjan, enjoying traditional cuisine and hospitality.
Day 9: Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Location: Kokand
Accommodation: Silk Road Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Silk Road Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we say goodbye to our Kyrgyz team and cross the border into Uzbekistan (our third ‘stan), where we drive through the Fergana Valley. This incredibly fertile region was the breadbasket of the Central Asian USSR and is still one of the wealthiest parts of the whole region. Our first stop today will be in the town of Margilon, centre of the still thriving silk trade in the area. Here we hope to see the entire silk-weaving process from cocoon to end product. We will also visit nearby Rishton,renowned for its blue and green ceramics. We continue to Kokand to spend the night.
Day 10: Kokand - Khodjent (Tajikistan)
Location: Khodjent
Accommodation: Sugdiyon Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Khujand Deluxe Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Most traffic these days now leaves the Fergana Valley via a new route to Tashkent. However, we plan to stick as close as possible to the original Silk Road route by following the famous Syr Darya River into Tajikistan. After a picnic lunch by the beautiful Kairakum reservoir, we continue to the Silk Road town of Khodjent, which once played host to Alexander the Great’s armies. We check in to our homestay and have dinner in the shady courtyard, prepared by our hospitable host Hussein.
Day 11: Khodjent - Fann Mountains
Location: Fann Mountains
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a look around Khodjent we will continue our journey as we drive up to 2800m over the Shakristan Pass and through the 6km-long tunnel to arrive in the Fann Mountains. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty lying south of the Zarafshan River and the legendary Iskandar Kul (the lake of Alexander the Great, 2200m). Tonight we’ll stay at a guesthouse in the beautiful village of Saratog, where the scenery is totally unspoilt. Driving distance 260km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 12: In Fann Mountains
Location: Fann Mountains
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll have a full day to explore the famed alpine scenery of this rarely visited part of Central Asia. Abounding in deep blue lakes and sporadically inhabited by Tajik pastoralists, the area is still relatively undiscovered and allows for a fascinating insight into this gem of a country.
Day 13: Fann Mountains - Penjikent
Location: Penjikent
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descending from the striking Fann Mountains today, you will take the four-hour drive west into the greener Zerafshan valley and on to Penjikent, one of Tajikistan's historical highlights. It is also home to Penjikent Plov, known as the best in country due to its unique local rice. This afternoon, we will visit the Ethnographic museum for an introduction to the culture and history of this ancient city before heading to the city bazaar to meet some of the locals and soak up the atmosphere. Later this afternoon, we head for the 2,000-year-old ruins of Penjikent. This Sogdian town was once home to 20,000 people during the early days of the Silk Road and in its on-site museum you can see some of the frescoes that once adorned the walls of the city's better homes. Wandering the ruined streets, you can easily imagine the well-laden caravans that would have passed this way. Notable sites here include the ruler's fortified citadel; the Shakhristan (inner walled city), that contained two Zoroastrian temples; and the Necropolis.
Day 14: Penjikent - Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Bibikhanum Boutique or similar
Accommodation Name: Malika Classic or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final Tajik excursion today will be en route to the Uzbek border. Sarazm is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia and yet only began being excavated in 1976 after a local man was found to have secretly discovered a bronze axe. An exciting site to visit as discovery continues, with the religion of these people from over 5,500 years ago is yet to become clear. We will then continue the short distance further to the Uzbek border before reaching the most famous of all of Silk Road cities, Samarkand.
Day 15: In Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Bibikhanum Boutique or similar
Accommodation Name: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We’ll enjoy a full day wandering through this incredible city, taking in such sights as the Bibi Khanym mosque, Tamerlane’s tomb and, of course, a full guided visit to the magnificent Registan.
Day 16: Samarkand - Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel Asl or similar
Accommodation Name: Sasha & Son Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll drive along the Royal Road to Bukhara, stopping during the journey to look at the remains of an old caravanserai and to enjoy lunch. On arrival in Bukhara, we will familiarise ourselves with the town’s mellow streets and alleyways. There will be some free time before dinner this evening. Driving distance 300km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 17: In Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel Asl or similar
Accommodation Name: Sasha & Son Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We have all morning for sightseeing today. Starting with the Ismaili Samani mausoleum, we will continue via the Jama Majid (or the mosque of forty pillars) to the Ark where Connolly and Stoddard – two luckless British officers – met their deaths while playing the Great Game. From here we will visit the historically important Zindan, followed by the Kolan Minaret and beautiful mosques and madrassas that lie beneath it. En route there is silk weaving, knife making and metal engraving. We will have the remainder of the day free for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns.
Day 18: In Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel Asl or similar
Accommodation Name: Sasha & Son Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a second full-day in Bukhara, we’ll spend the morning visiting the SitoraiMokhi Hosa, the impressive summer residence of last Emir of Bukhara. Once more the afternoon has been left free for personal exploration of this endlessly fascinating place, which remains for many, the most evocative of all the Silk Road towns.
Day 19: Bukhara - Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning in Bukhara, schedules permitting we plan to take an afternoon train to Khiva - checking into our hotel in the heart of this UNESCO protected old town. This evening there will be time to take a first wander around the quiet streets of this wonderfully preserved Silk Road city. If the train schedules (which are always subject to change) do not allow for this, we'll take a full day's drive across the desert to Khiva instead.
Day 20: In Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There’ll be ample time to soak up the atmosphere of Khiva today.We’ll visit some of the most colourful and sumptuous sites, including the Kukhna Arc, the Mohammed Khan Madrassa, and the Alloquli Khan Madrassa, bazaar and caravanserai. In addition, we will see the Kalta Minor Minaret, and Jama Majid Mosque with its amazing wooden pillars, before enjoying some free time to explore further at your leisure.
Day 21: Khiva - Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: City Palace Hotel
Accommodation Name: City Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Taking a morning flight to the Uzbek capital, we then have the rest of the day to look around some of the main sights of Tashkent. We’ll take in the Khast Imam Complex which houses a 7th century Koran, as well as Independence Square and Chorsu Bazaar. Tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our journey.
Day 22: Tour Ends Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today those taking the suggested group flights will depart early in the morning before breakfast. For those that have made alternative arrangements, the tour will finish after breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 21 breakfasts, 21 lunches, and 18 dinners.
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Transport
Transportation is provided by minibuses and includes one domestic flight.
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Group Size
The maximum group size for the tour is 12 participants.
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Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
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Expert Team
The tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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Accommodation
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary is included.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Fitness Rating
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating.
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas are tour
ationality dependent and travel insurance is mandatory but not included. -
Tips
Tips are optional and not included, but guidance will be provided in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included, but an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK can be provided.
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Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included only if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
This tour offers an incredible variety of experiences and scenery as
we travel through three very distinct countries. However with the
exception perhaps of Uzbekistan, this should not be considered as
an in-depth tour of any of the individual countries, as it offers more
of an ‘overview’ of the region.
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense
of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour,
especially as all walks are optional. Bear in mind, though, that the length of the tour and distance covered means that it can be
tiring and there are some long drives involved.
It should be noted that whilst in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan you will be dining and staying in yurts and homestays for much of the time, so you should be prepared for communal living and sleeping arrangements, limited shower access and long-drop toilet facilities for parts of the trip. But don’t panic too much – this is genuine adventure travel and your overall experience will easily make up for the lack of modern conveniences, plus accommodation in Uzbekistan is considerably more comfortable!
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited.
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for Tajikistan but NOT for Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please
note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except in the
homestays and yurts.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please
note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except in the
homestays and yurts.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the heart of Central Asia using a combination of minibuses and a domestic flight, ensuring a seamless journey across diverse landscapes and cultures, from the bustling cities to the serene mountains and valleys.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and authenticity with stays at the Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel, yurt camps by glacial lakes, homestays with local families, and charming guesthouses like Imenjon Guesthouse and Silk Road Hotel, offering a genuine taste of Central Asian hospitality.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will experience a variety of accommodations including hotels, yurt camps, and homestays. In Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, you will often stay in yurts and homestays, which means communal living and sleeping arrangements with limited shower access and long-drop toilet facilities. In Uzbekistan, the accommodation is more comfortable with stays in hotels.
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Are there any physical activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes optional physical activities such as walking and horseback riding in the beautiful regions of Son Kul and Tash Rabat. These activities are optional and payable locally. The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating, so anyone in reasonable health should be able to participate.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 21 breakfasts, 21 lunches, and 18 dinners. Meals will often feature local cuisine, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Kyrgyz nomad dinners and home-cooked meals at homestays.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. It is recommended to purchase a policy that adequately covers the trip, especially considering the geographical areas visited.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes minibuses and one domestic flight. This allows for comfortable travel between the various destinations on the itinerary.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several cultural experiences such as learning about the silk weaving process in Margilon, visiting the Ethnographic museum in Penjikent, and exploring the historical sites of Samarkand and Bukhara. You will also enjoy local hospitality at homestays and have opportunities to interact with local communities.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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