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Home , Boom Gorge, Bukhara, Chor Minor, Kalyan minaret, Karakul (Xinjiang), Kongur Tagh

CHINA () ALA-ARCHA NATIONAL PARK . Ak Falls . Square . Baitik Baatyr Mausoleum . Observatory . Apak Hoja Mausoleum . Alpinist Cemetery . Siab . Sunday Market . Bibi-Khanym . Areya Street . Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis . Gaotai Ancient Homes . Gur-e Amir Complex . ALMATY . Ou'er Daxike Night Market . Panfilov Park . Zenkov Cathedral . Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble . Green Bazaar . Magok-i-Attari Mosque . Kala Kule Lake . Central Mosque of Almaty . Chor-Minor Madrasah . Bulungkol Valley . Arbat Shopping Street . Toki-Sarrofon Dome . Caravan Campsite . Telpak Furushon Dome . Oytagh Red Mountain ALTYN-EMEL NATIONAL PARK . Toki-Zargaron Dome . Village . Singing Dune . Kalyan . Camel Riding . Katutau Mountain . Aktau Mountain . Kalyan Mosque . Kyzylauyz Petroglyphs . Miri-Arab Madrasah . Ulugbek Madrasah . Besshatry Burial Mounds . Abdulaziz Madrasah SCENIC DRIVE . Ark Fortress . Mountains . Tash Rabat . Bolo-Khauz Complex . Chatyr Kul Lake . Mausoleum . Naryn . Amir Temur Square . Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum . Dolon Pass . Alisher Navoi Theatre . Hamman Bozori Kord . Orto Tokoy Reservoir . State Museum of (Medieval Bath) . Boom Gorge . Folklore & Fashion Show . Independence Square . Teahouse BISHKEK . Monument of Independence . Ala-Too Square . Arch of Ezgulik

Day 1 | Singapore – Kashgar

00:15-05:50 CA970 | Singapore – Beijing (5hrs 35mins) 08:20-15:25 CA1477 | Beijing – Kashi (7hrs 5mins)

15:25-16:30 Immigration at Kashgar Airport 16:30-17:00 Transfer to Kashi Tianyuan International Hotel 17:00~ Free & Easy

Dinner recommendation for client: Yasim Kariagim Silk Road Uighur Restaurant 库木代尔瓦扎路 Kumudaierwazha Road - 8mins walk from hotel Popular among locals for its Uyghur delicacies: lamb and liver skewers with naan bread.

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Day 2 | Kashgar

Kashgar, an ancient oasis in the , was one of Silk Road‘s busiest stops. It was a vital meeting point where the European, Arab and Asian dealers used to trade silk, spices and other goods.

08:00-08:30 Transfer to Apak Hoja Mausoleum 08:30-10:30 Apak Hoja Mausoleum - opens 08:00-17:30

Commodities are not the only things getting exchanged through the Silk Road, but also ideas and religions. Apak Hoja is a wonderful testament to Islamic renaissance. The legend has it that 72 descendants of Islamic missionary Yusuf Hoja, spanning over 5 generations, were buried here. Yusuf‘s son Apak carried on and became the leader of a famous Islamic sect during the 17th century. Today, the tomb is considered the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang.

10:30-11:00 Transfer to Sunday Market 11:00-13:00 Sunday Market - opens 08:00-18:00

Sunday Market is renowned as the biggest bazaar in : a pivotal trading point where goods have been traded for more than 2,000 years. The market is separated into more than 20 sections. Silk and carpets made in (a neighbouring Silk Road city) is sold here, as are colourful local crafts.

Despite its name, the market is open every day. However, Sunday remains important as it‘s the only day when herders from surrounding villages make their way to Kashgar to sell camels, yaks, fat-tailed sheeps and other livestocks at the Mal Bazaar section.

At lunchtime, the bazaar is a good place to hunt for traditional street food such as dried fruits, saffron lamb, mutton polo, zonza (yogurt mixed with shaved ice) and samsa (sheep meat dumpling).

13:00-13:30 Transfer to 13:30-15:00 Old Town - Areya Street

A walk through Kashgar's old center will reveal the legacy of the Muslim . The Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group with deep roots in the region, descending from ancient Sogdian who were among the first trans-continental traders as observed by .

The freshly renovated Areya Street still retains most of its authentic charm. Amidst the beautiful Uyghur architecture, skilled furniture makers and blacksmiths can be seen at the street practicing their traditional crafts. It‘s one of the most vibrant and happening places in Kashgar.

15:00-16:00 Transfer to Gaotai Ancient Homes 16:00-17:30 Gaotai Ancient Homes

Unlike Areya Street, the Gaotai Ancient Homes around Jeifang Lu have not been redeveloped and the sprawling old mud houses with narrow alleys that twist haphazardly look like they come right out of early 20th century.

17:30-18:00 Transfer to Id Kah Mosque 18:00-19:45 Id Kah Mosque - opens 08:50-22:00, closed on Friday

Located at the heart of Kashgar, Id Kah Mosque is the symbol of the city and remains the largest mosque in . As many as 5,000 people gather here to pray 5 times a day during the week.

19:45-20:00 Walk to Ou'er Daxike Night Market 20:00-21:30 Ou'er Daxike Night Market - opens 20:00-midnight

21:30-21:45 Walk back to hotel

This is the best night market to sample local delicacies including fried fish, chickpeas, kebabs, fried dumplings known as hoshan and bubbling vats of goat‘s head soup. Top off a meal with a glass of tart pomegranate juice or freshly churned vanilla-scented ice cream.

Day 3 | Kashgar – Lake – Kashgar via

Linking China to through the world‘s highest paved roads, this ancient Silk Road goes through the rugged, beautiful terrains of Karakoram mountains, where some of the remotest civilizations reside. Due to its impressive, high elevation scenery, Karakoram is dubbed as the Eight Wonder of the World.

07:00-08:15 Set out from hotel to Upal Village 08:15-08:45 Upal Village

Despite its small size, Upal Village was a significant stop where ancient merchants would stop for lunch before they embarked on the challenging journey through Karakoram‘s weather-beaten terrains. In this stop, you can observe traditional bread-making activities and purchase fresh naan!

08:45-09:15 Drive to Oytagh Red Mountain 09:15-09:45 Oytagh Red Mountain

This scenic valley and its ‗oasis village‘ is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of multi-coloured mountains topped by snow-capped peaks of Kunlun Shan.

09.45-10:45 Drive to Caravan Sarai campsite 10:45-11:15 Caravan Sarai campsite

Next, continue the scenic drive along Gaizi River until you reach Caravan Sarai campsite with backdrop of the Konger Mountain range. (Note: Due to close proximities to neighbouring countries, client must carry passport, will be checked by authorities at the Gaz check point.)

Historically, Karakoram is part of the caravan trail, where goods with high profits (but also with huge risks) are transported. Merchants form big caravans of camels and traders roped together, sometimes numbering hundreds, to protect themselves from bandit attacks. Along the way, are built as important stopping points where merchants could rest and recover from the day‘s journey.

11:15-12:15 Drive to Bulungkol Valley 12:15-12:45 Bulungkol Valley

The journey continues through the dramatic surroundings of Kumtagh, known locally as the white sand mountain, before making a quick stop at Bulungkol valley dotted with sheeps, goats and cows. You can also catching the stunning reflection of the white sand dunes in the shallow Corner Lake of Bulungkol.

12:45-13:15 Drive to Karakul Lake 13:15-14:30 Lunch with local Kyrgyz family at a lakeside restaurant 14:30-16:30 Karakul Lake

Located 3,600 meters above sea level, Karakul Lake is blessed with picturesque views of Mount , Mount and Mount Kongur Tiube. On a clear day, the lake reflects colours ranging from dark green to azure and light blue.

Nothing conjures up the spirit of Silk Road like travelling by two-humped Bactrian camel. After lunch with a local Kyrgyz family, take a 1-hour camel or horse ride along the lake (included in package).

There are two Kirgiz settlements and a small number of yurts along the lake shores. Yurts are portable, round tent made with animal skins and are used as a shelter by Central Asia nomads. With their ability to thrive and navigate through the harsh Central Asia environment, nomads played an integral route to link up different civilizations who depended on them to distribute goods when the Silk Road formed.

16:30-19:30 Drive from Karakul Lake to Upal Village 19:30-20:30 Dinner at Upal Village (client‘s own expense)

Dinner recommendation for client: Urumqi Laohuimin Dapan Chicken Shop 314 National Rd, Shufu, Xinjiang, China Try Dapan Ji (大盘鸡), also known as Big Chicken, a traditional dish well-seasoned with ground Sichuan bell peppers! This popular cuisine originated from Ürümqi, Xinjiang‘s capital and a major Silk Road hub during China‘s .

20:30-21:45 Drive back to hotel at Kashgar

Day 4 | Kashgar – – Tash Rabat – Naryn

At an elevation of 3,752m above the sea level, Torugart Pass is one of the world‘s most beautiful border crossing. The pass is a favourite crossing for the caravans along the Silk Road and marauding armies of .

The trip will start from the mountainous desert landscape from the Chinese side. Gradually, as you pass through to Kyrgyz side, the scenery gradually unfolds into dramatic lush meadows of Tian Shan mountain ranges stretching into the horizon.

Beijing Time 09.00 Departure from hotel to Torugart Pass 10:30 Customs check at Chinese side 12:00 Road checkpoint on Chinese side 13:00 Crossing of the actual border

Kyrgyzstan Time 11:00 Pick up by car from the Kyrgyz side 11:30 Customs check at Kyrgyzstan side

Important Notes:  The pass is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, including the period of October 1-9. In the case that client can only travel in early October, the entire itinerary will have to be reversed.  It is also not advisable to cross the border during Friday. In the case of delay, the client will have to stay back until Monday which is not desirable.  The precise timing of crossing is also crucial, as the two borders operate on different timing. Chinese post operates between 10:00 and 17:00 local time, while Kyrgyz post operates between 09:30 and 17:00 local time. Both post observes 2-hour lunch break or longer. Note that Kyrgyz time is 2 hours behind Beijing time.  In emergency case where border crossing is unsuccessful, the contingency plan is to book a flight from Kashgar to Bishkek. Flight duration is likely 19-30 hours, thereby the itinerary will continue from Day 6 directly.

13:30 Arrival at Tash Rabat 13:30-15:30 Tash Rabat

Drive pass through through Tian Shan mountain range and around the breathtaking Chatyr Kul lake before arriving at Tash Rabat. Built on the gentle slope of an alpine valley 3,500m above sea level, Tash Rabat is a picturesque stone from the 15th century—arguably the best-preserved Silk Road monument which has completely retained its original atmosphere.

15:30-18:00 Drive to hotel in Naryn 18:00-19.00 Dinner at Celestial Mountains Inn (included in package)

Drive pass through scenic valley villages such as At-Bashy on the way to Naryn, a unique city located at the foothills of red mountains, where the longest river in Kyrgyzstan (Naryn River) runs through.

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Day 5 | Naryn – Bishkek

08:30-09:30 Breakfast at Celestial Mountains Inn (included in package) 09:30-11:30 Drive to Kochkor 11:30-12:30 Lunch at Kochkor (client‘s own expense)

Start the morning with a scenic drive, passing through a narrow gorge called Dolon Pass. There are wonderful views of the valley, the majestic mountain ranges of Tian Shan glaciers and ice caps. Finally, stop at the small traditional village of Kochkor for lunch.

12:30-15:30 Drive to Bishkek

Continue the scenic drive, first passing through Orto Tokoy Reservoir with its striking turquoise colours. Orto Tokoy provides water supply which flows down to Bishkek via River . Next, enter the meandering steep sided cliffs of Boom Gorge. The road eventually approaches Bishkek in Chui Valley with scenic mountain views in the distance.

15:30-16:45 Check-in at Hotel Holiday Bishkek 16:45-17:00 Walking tour from hotel to Ala-Too Square 17:00~ Free & Easy at Ala-Too Square

Bishkek was founded when the Uzbek khan of built a small clay fort by a settlement on a tributary of the River Chu in 1825, connecting several stop-off points on the Silk Road, essentially linking Western China with the heart of Central Asia.

In 1862, Bishkek was captured by who were lured by the fertile soil and wild pastures of . Walking towards Ala-Too Square, notice that Bishkek is an interesting example of a czarist-planned city; laid on a grid with wide boulevards flanked by large trees and marble buildings evoking the nostalgia of Old Soviet.

Public squares and parks focusing on heroic statues are common in Bishkek, with the most significant one being Ala-Too Square. The square was built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz SSR, at which time a massive statue of Russian communist hero Lenin was the centrepiece. In 2003, a new statue called Erkindik (Freedom) was installed in its place. Later in 2011, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence, a statue of Manas was erected. Manas is a legendary hero forming the classic centrepiece of Kyrgyz history, culture and literature.

At night, Ala-Too Square is bustling with food kiosks and makeshift karaoke stalls (an oddity unique to Bishkek). Client can spend time at Ala-Too Square to heart's content before walking back to hotel.

Day 6 | Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park – Bishkek

08:00-09:00 Breakfast at Hotel Holiday Bishkek

09:00-10:00 Drive to Ala Archa National Park

10:00-13:00 Hike the gorge

October is a time of golden autumn in Kyrgyzstan, making it an excellent time to visit national parks to enjoy pure air and untouched beauty of nature. Splendid autumnal colours burst with the changing of leaves to bright golden spectrum and light dusting of snow on the mountains.

Ala Archa‘s rugged gorge provides plenty of options including trips to glaciers, forested valleys, waterfalls, and rivers that are rich in trout. Several rare species of fauna and the area‘s famous juniper trees are under protection in this national park, including the rare snow leopard.

While exploring the beautiful natural surroundings of the park, client will also visit Baitik Baatyr mausoleum (revered Kyrgyz hero), Ak Falls, and an alpinist cemetery. Each destination can be reach via different trails with varying levels of difficulties and client gets to pick themselves.

13:00-14:00 Barbeque lunch

14:00-17:00 Hike the gorge

17:00-18:00 Return to Bishkek hotel

Day 7 | Bishkek – Almaty

07:00-08:00 Breakfast at Hotel Holiday Bishkek 08:00-14:00 Drive to Almaty 14:00-15:00 Lunch at Daredzhani (client‘s own expense)

This Georgian restaurant is famed as the best eatery in Almaty. Client can try various cuisine such as chicken djigari (roasted chicken giblets with Caucasian spices), kachapuri (cheese stuffed bread), beef chashushuli (cubed beef chunks), chakapuli (stewed lamb with tarragon, cilantro, parsley and garlic shoots), odjakhuri (roasted beef strips).

While the client dines, our staff will check the luggage in to the nearby hotel (6mins walk away).

15:00-16:00 Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Right outside Daredzhani is Panfilov Park, named after 28 heroes who died for the freedom and independence of Kazakhstan when fighting against the Nazis outside Moscow. In the park, there is an eternal flame commemorating the end of the Civil War and World War II.

Standing tall in the middle of the park is Zenkov Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church and it‘s also the world‘s second tallest wooden building. Entrance is free of charge.

16:00-16:15 Walk to Green Bazaar 16:15-17:15 Green Bazaar - opens 8am-6pm, closed on Monday

Plunge into the real sights, smells and crowd of a Central Asia market. Stalls are piled with nuts, fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs. Client can also buy kymyz (fermented horse milk), shubat (fermented camel milk) and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice here.

17:15-17:30 Walk to Central Mosque of Almaty 17:30-18:30 Central Mosque of Almaty - closed on Friday

Another example of Silk Road‘s religious legacy, Almaty‘s multi-towered, white-marble mosque is one of the largest in the country, with space for 3,000 worshippers in the main prayer hall. The mosque is crowned by a golden dome with a diameter of 20 meters and decorated with reaching as high as 47 metres. The big dome was decorated with Koran calligraphic execution of Turkish masters.

18:30-18:45 Walk to Arbat Shopping Street 18:45-20:45 Arbat Shopping Street

Also known as Zhybek Zholy (Silk Road) Street, this tree-lined pedestrian street provides a diverse shopping experience from upscale shops like Zara to small unique shops like TSUM. The street is also the place where local artists sell their paintings. Plenty of dining options are also available in the area.

20:45-21:00 Walk to Otrar hotel

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Day 8 | Almaty – Altyn-Emel National Park

06:00-07:00 Breakfast at Otrar hotel 07:00-10:00 Drive to Altyn-Emel National Park 10:00~ Altyn-Emel

Upon arrival, visit Kyzylauyz Petroglyphs in Taigak Gorge, where you can five groups of inscriptions in Tibetan language. After picnic and some rest, continue to Besshatry Burial Mounds, which used to be a place of worship for the ancient Scythians dwelling on the territory in 1st century BC.

In the afternoon, transfer to Altyn-Emel hotel. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 | Altyn-Emel National Park – Almaty

07:30 Breakfast 07.30~ Tour to Singing Dune / Singing Barchan

Sightseeing tour to the Singing Dune, a unique phenomenon of the nature reaching 120m in height and 3km in length. This sandy hill consists of very fine pure sand, which starts to ―sing‖ in dry, windy weather and its sound is similar to organ music. Before a sandy storm, the dune sounds like a drum.

A grand panorama of the surroundings can be admired from the Dune. In the south – thin strip of the Ili River is visible as well as purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, looking out from the white peaks of the Ketmen ridge. On the west the horizon is obstructed by the steep slope of the Big Kalkan, and the Small Kalkan – from the east. In the north – violet-blue ridge of Djungarian Alatau mountains, Chulak mountain, Matai and Altyn-Emel are visible.

12:00 Return to hotel and lunch 12:00~ Tour to Katutau and Aktau mountains

Katutau Mountains (Harsh Mountains) are very ancient ruined mountains with preserved volcanic outputs. Water, time and wind carved intricate shapes in the rock. Sedimentary rock of the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean is preserved there.

Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) are world-renowned paleontological field. In the layers of Paleogene lacustrine deposits well-preserved remains of ancient animals whose age is estimated at 25-30 million years have been found. Among the finds there are the remains the giant rhinos, crocodiles, turtles. Huge conical mountains reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids augments the beauty of the landscape with variety of shapes and colours.

18:00-22:00 Drive from Altyn-Emel to Almaty

Day 10 | Almaty – Tashkent

08:30-09:45 Breakfast at Otrar hotel 09:45-10:15 Transfer to airport 10:15-12:15 Duty-free shopping and lunch at client‘s own expense 12:15-12:50 KC127 | Almaty – Tashkent (1hr 35mins) - flies every day except Saturday 12:50-14:00 Immigration at Tashkent International Airport 14:00-14:30 Transfer to City Palace Hotel Tashkent 14:30-15:30 Check-in and rest at hotel

15:30-15:45 Walk to Amir Temur Square 15:45-16:15 Amir Temur Square

Standing at the heart of the city is an impressive statue of the great ancestor, Amir Temur, a prominent figure of Middle Ages who founded , unifying regions as far as from Caucasus to China, from Siberia to India, for 200 years. Relax and soak in the sights of historically important buildings around Amir Temur Square.

16:15-16:30 Walk to Alisher Navoi Theatre & State Museum of History of Uzbekistan 16:30-17:00 View the theatre and museum exterior from the outside

With a capacity of 1,400 spectators, Alisher Navoi Theatre is Tashkent‘s national opera theatre.

Founded 136 years ago, the State Museum is one of Central Asia‘s oldest museums and houses over 250,000 exhibits, most notably Buddhist remains from the Kushan era.

The linked the seagoing trade of the Indian Ocean with the commerce of the Silk Road through the long-civilized Indus Valley. The loose unity and comparative peace of such a vast expanse encouraged long-distance trade, brought Chinese silks to Rome and created strings of flourishing urban centres.

17:00-17:20 Walk to Independence Square 17:20-18:00 Independence Square (Mustakillik Maydoni)

The Independence Square is surrounded by several monuments, mountains and historical buildings. See the Monument of Independence and Arch of Ezgulik.

18:00-20:00 Free & Easy and dinner (client‘s own expense)

Plenty of eateries in the area serve mouth-watering food. Don‘t forget to try Uzbek national dishes such as plov (rice with spices, carrot, meat and zeera) and shashlik (meat roasted kebab style over charcoal).

20:00-20:15 Walk to City Palace Hotel Tashkent

Day 11 | Tashkent – Samarkand

06:00-07:00 Breakfast at City Palace Hotel Tashkent 07:00-07.20 Transfer from hotel to Tashkent Train Station 07:20-08:00 Train station 08:00-10:10 Train from Tashkent to Samarkand

Samarkand is one of the most famous Silk Road cities, with fantastic Timurid architecture and history spanning over two and a half millennia, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia. Prospering from its location on the trade route between China and the Mediterranean, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the crossroads and melting point of world cultures.

10:10-10:30 Transfer from train station to Registan Plaza 10:30-11:30 Check-in at Registan Plaza 11:30-11:45 Transfer to Ulugh Beg Observatory 11:45-12:30 Ulugh Beg Observatory

The Silk Road was not only the passage of goods but also ideas. Scientists and scholars travelled from court to court, spreading scientific knowledge along the way. Astronomy was one of the first sciences to emerge, as a navigational tool developed by medieval Iranian astronomers.

This beautiful observatory was an unusual and progressive construction during the Middle Ages, not only to Central Asia but also the whole world, as Ulugh Beg successfully catalogued the position of a thousand fixed stars with unprecedented accuracy, greatly advancing the field of astronomy. Visit the underground chamber of a famous astronomer‘s great sextant, which can still be seen cut into the rock.

12:30-12:45 Transfer to Siab Bazaar 12:40-13:45 Siab Bazaar

An oriental market selling spices, vegetables, fruits, sweets and nuts—said to be so tasty that Uzbek residents travel all the way here for their portion. For lunch, check out over 17 different kinds of Samarkand bread. Apart from the edible products, pieces from local artisans and masters are also sold. Along with ripen fruits and hot bread, Uzbek people are very sociable in Siab Bazaar (even with strangers), what better way there is than to learn about the Silk Road history and latest happenings in Samarkand from the people themselves?

13:45-14:35 Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Right nearby to the bazaar is the majestic blue domes of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which impresses in both size and beauty. In antiquity, the dome was compared with the dome of heaven and the arch of portal— with the Milk Way. Legend has it that the formidable ruler built the mosque in honour of his favourite wife. Hundreds of architects, painters and builders were taken to Samarkand for the 5-year construction.

14:35-14:45 Transfer to Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis 14:45-16:00 Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis

Walk along the narrow medieval streets of the mysterious Shakhi-Zinda (translates to ―The Living King‖ in Persian), which is defined by a unique ensemble of sparkling blue-coloured ancient tombs on both sides. Shakhi-Zinda is the burial site of royal persons and nobles, with the main mausoleum symbolizing the grave of Prophet Muhammad‘s cousin, Kusama Ibn Abbas, who preached in that region.

16:00-16:15 Transfer to Registan Square 16:15-17:45 Registan Square

Dive into the World of Eastern Fantasy right at the heart of the Samarkand ancient city. From three sides, the square is surrounded with grand madrassahs: Ulughbek, Sherdor and Tilla-Kori, each with their own unique décor, portals of which are facing the center of the space. The massive scale and intricate detail of the work is beyond compare. In the past, one could see many trade rows around the square, where artisans, farmers and merchants used to sell their goods.

17:45-18:00 Transfer to Gur-e Amir Сomplex 18:00-19:00 Gur-e Amir Сomplex

The majestic complex consists of a khanaka, the madrasah of Muhammad Sultan (grandson of Amir ), and later, tombs of the mighty ruler Amir Timur (Tamerlane).

19:00-19:15 Transfer to Registan Plaza 19:15~ Free & Easy

Dinner recommendation for client: Oasis Garden Abdurakhmon Zhomiy St., 59 A, Samarkand, Uzbekistan - 6mins walk from hotel The menu is varied with plenty of traditional Uzbek and European dishes, alcoholic and soft drinks.

Day 12 | Samarkand – Bukhara

09:00-11:00 Breakfast at Registan Plaza and Free & Easy

11:00-11.30 Transfer from hotel to Samarkand Railway Station

11:30-12:00 Lunch at train station - client‘s own expense

12:00-14:55 Train from Samarkand to Bukhara

14:55-15:30 Transfer from train station to Lyabi House Hotel

15:30-16:30 Check-in and rest at hotel

16:30-16:40 Walk to Hamman Bozori Kord

16:40-18:00 Hamman Bozori Kord - opens 7am-10pm; reservations required after 3pm

Visit the 500-year old bath house, where the décor has been kept authentic and unchanged since medieval times. Public bathing has a long-standing tradition and is an integral part of town planning in Silk Road cities. Beginning with steam room, full-body oriental massage with aroma of spices, covered and rinsed in bubble soap and ending with a warm tea in the lounge—the relaxing experience provides a welcome relief from the heat and dust of long adventures through the wilderness of Silk Road. Every pore is cleaned, muscle stretched and the sweet warm smell lingers as a pleasant memory until next week.

18:00-18:15 Walk to Nadir Divanbegi Medressa

18:15-19:30 Folklore and Fashion Show at Nadir Divanbegi Medressa - starts 18:30 in October

The cultural show exhibits traditional Uzbek prints while accompanied with traditional music and dancing. Dinner is included in the package.

19:30-19:40 Walk to Lyabi House Hotel

Day 13 | Bukhara

09:00-10:00 Breakfast at Lyabi House Hotel

10:00-17:00 Guided walking tour of Bukhara

Bukhara was historically a big commercial center on the Great Silk Road. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a city-museum with over 140 architectural monuments done in exquisite oriental taste. The following sites will be visited throughout the tour with a professional guide to narrate the story behind the structures:

Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble: Formed with three large monumental buildings surrounding a pond: Kukeldash Madrasah, Khanaka and Nodir Divan-begi Madrasah. It was a principal source of water.

Magok-i-Attari Mosque: Central Asia‘s oldest mosque boasts an illustrious history of sacredness. Remains of a Zoroastrian temple and a Buddhist temple have been found beneath it.

Chor-Minor Madrasah: Decorated with four minarets and crowned with blue domes. Each of the four minarets carry its own shape and architectural features, reflecting four religions of the world.

Trading domes: Four trading domes from 14th to 17th century have survived to this date, each specializing in different goods: Toki-Sarrofon (currency exchanges), Telpak Furushon (books), Tim Abdullakhan (carpets and fabrics) and Toki-Zargaron (goldsmith and jewelleries).

Kalyan Minaret: Standing tall at 47metres, the minaret dominates Bukhara skyline and pointed way for trade caravans and pilgrims travelling to Bukhara.

Kalyan Mosque: The roof of the galleries encircling the mosque's inner courtyard has 288 domes resting on 208 pillars.

Miri-Arab Madrasah: Historically a spiritual center of the city, it still functions as a religious educational institution today, where future imams and religious mentors receive their education.

Ulugbek Madrasah: Built during the Timurid dynasty as a tribute to a great astronomer and mathematician Ulugbek, it is the most ancient of the three madrasahs.

Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah: Luxuriously decorated facade with four massive crossing archs. It was the last structure of such scale to be built in the Bukhara khanate.

Ark Fortress: The fortified residence of Bukhara rulers and the city‘s highest point.

Bolo-Khauz Complex: The complex consists of an ancient reservoir, a Friday mosque and a minaret.

Ismail Samani Mausoleum: A masterpiece of Central Asian architecture built for the founder of the , which saw the creation of Persianate culture and identity into the Islamic world. The mausoleum is characterized by excellent composition and balanced design of its facades and interiors.

Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum: Legend has it that Bible prophet Job struck the ground with his stick, creating a source of crystal clear water sprang in the desert, which is believed to possess healing power. The building features a -style conical dome uncommon in Bukhara.

17:00-17:20 Walk to Silk Road Teahouse

17:20-18:30 Silk Road Teahouse - opens 9am-8pm

Drinking tea is an institution in Uzbekistan. People come to drink tea, talk with friends and relax. When a guest visits, it is served immediately. Visit Uzbekistan‘s best tea house with true Bukharan hospitality and lavishly designed interior. Choose from 6 different type of tea spices and have it served in traditional preparation method with the same old flavour and aroma.

18:30~ Free & Easy

Dinner recommendation for client: Minzifa 6, Hodja Rushnoiy Str., Bukhara, Uzbekistan - 7mins walk from hotel Dine in an open-air terrace with unique dishes blending authentic Bukhara flavour with European cuisine.

Day 14 | Bukhara – Tashkent – Singapore

06:00-07:00 Breakfast at hotel 07:00-07:30 Transfer from hotel to Bukhara-1 Train Station 07:30-08:05 Bukhara-1 Train Station 08:05-14:25 Train from Bukhara to Tashkent

Optional: Visit Khazrati Imam Complex & Bazaar - available only for late flight schedule

14:25-14:45 Transfer to Khazrati Imam Complex 14:45-17:00 Khazrati Imam Complex

Forming the Old Town, this ensemble is brimming with Islamic architectural gems such as Khazrati Imam Mosque, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Mausoleum of Hazrat Imam, Namozgah Mosque, Tomb of Kaffal Shashi, Barak-Khan Madrasah, Al-Bukhari Islamic University and Muyi Madrasah. Buildings can be entered at additional cost.

17:00-17:30 Walk to Chorsu Bazaar 17:30-18:30 Chorsu Bazaar

Topped with a giant green dome, Tashkent‘s most famous bazaar houses Tashkent's farmers market selling spices, grain, dairy products and fruits of the season.

18:30-19:00 Transfer to airport 19:00-22:20 Duty free shopping and dinner at client‘s own expense

22:20-08:50 OZ574 | Tashkent – Seoul (+1) (10hrs 30mins) 16:10-21:30 OZ751 | Seoul (+1) – Singapore (+1) (5hrs 20mins)