| HIGHLIGHTS: Uzbek, Osh, Fergana Valley, Tien Shan, Kashgar, Pamir, Karakoram, Taklamakan, Naryn and more.
Arrival into the Uzbek capital and a chance to explore the old town and Chorsu Bazaar then to Kokand and the potters town of Rishton and continuing through the Fergana Valley we visit the silk producing town of Margilan where the friendly locals still dress in traditional costume and with hardly a tourist in sight we take
pleasure in the sights, sounds and aromas of the most interesting bazaar in the Fergana Valley. We continue to Osh strategically located at the western gateway of the Fergana Valley, and which prospered with Silk Road trade until the Mongol armies destroyed the city in the 13th century. High passes of the Tien Shan
Travelling towards the Chinese frontier there is little traffic and apart from a few other small settlements in the river valleys the country is strangely alluring with its barren and rugged landscape. We steadily climb through the Tien Shan Mountains to the newly opened Irkeshtam Pass enroute to the legendary Silk Road market town of Kashgar. Located between the massive mountain ranges of the Tien Shan to the north, the Pamir to the west, the Karakoram to the south and the largest desert in Asia, the Taklamakan, to the east. From China's western frontier and via the Torugart Pass (3752m) we travel back into Kyrgyzstan, past yurts,
traditional home to Central Asia's nomads, to the Tash Rabat Caravanserai. Tash Rabat, one of the few remaining caravanserai of the Silk Road, is a
large impressive stone shelter in a beautiful valley setting and dates from the 10th century.
Travelling north the road cuts through the rugged Kyrgyz steppe and spectacular mountains can be seen enroute to Naryn. Surrounded by the snow capped peaks of the Tien Shan, Lake Issyk Kul (warm lake) is one of the world's largest bodies of fresh water and, despite an altitude of 1,600 metres, never freezes. Continuing northwest & onto Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan we visit the alpine scenery of Al Archa Canyon before leaving the lakeside scenery and high plains of central Kyrgyzstan and travel by air to Tashkent. After a day in the Uzbek capital we take the overnight train to Bukhara. Across the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Samarkand
& Bukhara Bukhara is alive with history, the Ark Fortress, the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the world's oldest monuments and the Kalyan Minaret
standing at 47 metres makes it one of the tallest in Central Asia. At the covered bazaars, rugs, silks and spices are still traded in a time honoured tradition dating back centuries. Our drive into the Zerafshan Mountains provides us with magnificent views as we travel to Shakrisabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, and where the ruined entrance towers of his Ak-Serai Palace still stand. Shakrisabz is a pretty market town with winding mud lanes of traditional homes and a relaxed atmosphere among its many mosques and teahouses. This afternoon we arrive in Samarkand. No city is so evocative of the Silk Road as 'golden' Samarkand.
Registan Square is the most spectacular architectural ensemble in Central Asia. Made up of three madrassas (places of learning) and a mosque, this beautiful square is inspiring. Other highlights include Shah-i-Zinda, the narrow alley of tombs and mausoleums, Bibi Khanym Mosque and the Ulug Bek Observatory. We return to Tashkent and spend the evening in the Uzbek capital.
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Experience the Silk Road 21 Day Tour departing Tashkent.3 nights accommodation in Hotels twin share, 1 night in a Yurt shared, 12 nights in a Guesthouses twin share, 3 nights in a Homestays shared, 1 night onboard a train in a 4 berth.19 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 5 Dinner.Tour Leader.Tour Dossier.Group Size 15 maximumConditions Valid for sale until 4 June 2012.Price is per person twin share with some multi share.Airfare not included.Additional conditions may apply, please enquire for further details.Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes. Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice.Prices are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, please enquire for further details. |
