Journey Itinerary
Silk Road Adventure
Days Eastbound Countries Distance Activity level 22 Tashkent to Tashkent Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan 3,780 km
Designed especially for travellers who seek high adventure among the peaks and mountain passes of the Tien Shan Mountains, this journey traverses some of the least travelled routes of the Silk Road. Your adventurous spirit will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery in unspoilt wilderness. 'A fantastic journey offering insights into history, culture, cuisine and landscapes. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip from day one with excellent guides and organisation.' Darrell & Heather Fisher, Australia
Sundowners Overland - Silk Road Adventure Page 1 of 9 Itinerary
Day 1: Tashkent
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.
Day 2: To Fergana Valley
After breakfast this morning we travel beyond the capital to the rarely visited oasis of Fergana Valley, the lyrical land of fruit and honey. En route we stop at one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, Kokand, and the potters town of Rishton.
Sightseeing - Kokand Excursion including Minaret, Rishton potteries
Meals - Breakfast
Day 3: Fergana Valley and to Osh
Continuing through the Fergana Valley we visit the silk-weaving town of Margilan – where tourists are seldom seen, and the friendly locals dress in traditional wear. The local bazaar with its seductive sights, sounds and aromas is one of the most interesting in the valley. Our journey then takes us across the border 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.
Sightseeing - Excursion to Margilan including Bazaar & Half Day Osh City Excursion including Suleiman Mountains, Museum and Osh Bazaar
Meals - Breakfast
Day 4: To Toktogul
After breakfast we begin our drive towards Toktogul Lake, the biggest in Kyrgyzstan. On the way we stop in Uzgen town to visit the historical complex of Karakhanids, a wonderful example of medieval architecture. This afternoon we arrive at our accommodation on the south shore of Toktogul Lake.
Sightseeing - Toktogul Lake, Uzgen town
Meals - Breakfast & dinner
Sundowners Overland - Silk Road Adventure Page 2 of 9 Itinerary (cont.)
Day 5: To Son Kul
Today we head to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. We travel through Suusamyr Valley and Karakeche Pass.
Step into the nomadic life where the Kyrgyz people still live in traditional simplicity. You spend time with friendly Kyrgyz families and taste their fresh airan (yogurt) and kumis (a fermented national drink from mare’s milk).
You have time explore the area and enjoy the peaceful and picturesque landscapes. Tonight we sleep in yurts.
Sightseeing - Son Kul Lake, Suusamyr Valley
Meals - Breakfast & dinner
Day 6: To Naryn
After breakfast, we leave the lake and drive to Naryn. The drive takes us along beautiful mountain ridges and vast green valleys.
Upon arrival into Naryn we have a city tour including local museum, art gallery and central square.
Sightseeing - Naryn city tour, Blue Mosque, Central Square
Meals - Breakfast & lunch
Day 7: Day excursion to Tash Rabat
We drive to the At-Bashi region and reach Kara Koun Canyon where we visit Tash Rabat Caravansersai, a legacy of the Great Silk Road.
We return to Naryn this evening.
Sightseeing - Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Meals - Breakfast
Day 8: To Karakol
After breakfast we drive to Karakol making stops along the way. We visit Kochkor village along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake and learn about local felt production.
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.
This evening we arrive into Karakol.
Sightseeing - Kochkor village, Skazka Canyon
Meals - Breakfast
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Day 9: To Karkara
We spend the morning exploring Karakol with a visit to Dungan Mosque, Orthodox Cathedral and the local history museum. We then head out towards the Karkara Valley, near the Kazakhstan border.
We arrive at our yurt camp and have time to enjoy the area. Perhaps a walk along the canyon, climbing up the hills for a picturesque panoramic view or you might like to simply sit and breathe in the fresh air.
Sightseeing - Karakol city tour, Karkara yurt camp
Meals - Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: To Chon Kemin
This morning we drive out to Chon Kemin Valley via the petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata.
Chon Kemin is a unique natural reserve where glaciers are bordered with green coniferous forests and steppe regions. We see the contrast of green meadows in the valley against permanent snow covering the ranges of Kungei-Ala-Too and Zailiyskiy-Ala-Too which tower above us.
Sightseeing - Cholpon Ata Petrogylphs
Meals - Breakfast and dinner
Day 11: To Bishkek and fly to Tashkent
Leaving the lake’s glistening waters behind, we continue on to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. Along the way we stop to wander around the Burana Tower, before spending the evening enjoying Bishkek’s many parks and intriguing soviet buildings. This evening we fly to Tashkent.
Sightseeing - Burana Tower Historical Complex, Bishkek city tour
Meals - Breakfast
Day 12: To Samarkand
This morning we depart by train to Samarkand – the most evocative city of the Silk Road, often referred to as ‘Golden Samarkand’, after the romantic poem ‘The Golden Road to Samarkand’ by English poet, James Elroy Flecker, who strangely never visited the area. Still, that is a minor detail when we consider that the city’s 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.
Sightseeing - Full Day Samarkand City Tour including Registan Square, Guri Emir Mausoleum, Shah-i- Zinda Complex, Ulug bek Observatory, Bibi Khanym Mosque
Meals - Breakfast
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Day 13: Samarkand
Today we will visit the site of the ancient settlements of Afrasiab that existed more than two thousand years ago, as well as the Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel on the fringe of Afrasiab.
Sightseeing - Afrosiab Museum, silk and paper workshop
Meals - Breakfast
Day 14: Samarkand
The day is yours to get lost in the history of this fabled city.
Sightseeing - City Exploring and free time
Meals - Breakfast
Day 15: To Bukhara via Shakhrisabz
A spectacular drive through the Zerafshan Mountains takes us to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Beside the ruined entrance towers of his Ak-Serai Palace, the pretty market town offers a relaxed atmosphere with traditional homes, tea houses and mosques.
Later, we arrive in Bukhara.
Sightseeing - Excursion to Shakhrisabz
Meals - Breakfast
Day 16: Bukhara
Bukhara is alive with history, the Ark Fortress, Samanid Mausoleum; one of the world’s oldest monuments and the Kalyan Minaret are just some of the wonders not to be missed. In the covered bazaars, 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.
Sightseeing - Full Day City Tour including Citadel Ark, Bolo- Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Poyi Kalon Ensemble, Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah, Kosh Madrasah Ensemble, Lyabi Khauz Ensemble, Magoki Attori Mosque, Coumpol Bazaar & evening performance
Meals - Breakfast
Sundowners Overland - Silk Road Adventure Page 5 of 9 Itinerary (cont.)
Day 17: Bukhara
Today you can enjoy your free time in Bukhara. The old town is well worth exploring, and the chaikanas (tea-houses) inviting.
Sightseeing - City Exploring and free time
Meals - Breakfast
Day 18: Khiva
We continue our Silk Road Adventure onwards across the Kyzyl Kum desert by train to Khiva.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 19: Khiva
Today we explore the old city of Khiva – one of the best- preserved examples of a walled Khanate city with foundations dating from the 10th century. A truly magnificent sight to behold, as we draw nearer Khiva rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of well-preserved and impressive architecture.
Sightseeing - Half Day City Tour including Itchan Kala, Ak Mosque , Anush Mohammed's Bath, Kuhna Ark, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Islam Khoja Minaret
Meals - Breakfast
Day 20: Khiva and to Tashkent
Spend the day soaking in the glittering sites of this fascinating city before making our way to the railway station to board our final train this afternoon, returning to Tashkent tomorrow morning.
Sightseeing - City Exploring and free time
Meals - Breakfast
Day 21: Tashkent
Our journey concludes where it all began and you can enjoy a final day in Tashkent.
Sightseeing - Full Day Tashkent City Tour including Khast Imam square, Chorsu bazaar, Amir Timur square, Monument of Courage, Mustakiliq square, Museum of Applied Art
Day 22: Tashkent
Our adventure has drawn to a close. Say farewell to your travelling companions and tour leader before departing your hotel this morning.
Meals - Breakfast
Journey Summary
Sundowners Overland - Silk Road Adventure Page 6 of 9 Itinerary (cont.)
Day 1 Tashkent - journey begins
Day 2 Depart to Fergana Morning onboard train
Day 3 Fergana to Osh (Kyrgyzstan border crossing)
Day 4 Osh to Toktogul
Day 5 To Son Kul
Day 6 Son Kul to Naryn
Day 7 Day excursion to Tash Rabat
Day 8 Naryn to Karakol
Day 9 To Karkara yurt camp
Day 10 To Chon Kemin
Day 11 To Bishkek and fly to Tashkent Evening flight
Day 12 Tashkent to Samarkand Morning train
Day 13 Samarkand
Day 14 Samarkand
Day 15 To Bukhara via Shakrisabz
Day 16 Bukhara
Day 17 Bukhara
Day 18 To Khiva Afternoon train
Day 19 Khiva
Day 20 Khiva and to Tashkent Afternoon departure
Day 21 Tashkent Morning arrival
Day 22 Tashkent - journey concludes
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Sundowners Overland - Silk Road Adventure Page 8 of 9 What's included
Group size Meals Transfers
15 maximum 20 breakfasts All transfers including to and from the 2 lunches airport, and your flight between Bishkek 4 dinners and Tashkent.
Accommodation Sightseeing Expertise
18 hotel / guesthouse (twin share) Comprehensive schedule of sightseeing An experienced Tour Leader 2 yurt (shared) with certified Local Guides. You’ll have a accompanies the whole journey to keep 1 train (shared 2 berth) generous sprinkling of free time to relax your adventure on track. Local Guides or explore on your own. are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.
Contact Us
Client enquiries and reservations Travel agent enquiries and Client enquiries and reservations
Australia: 1300 559 860 reservations Level 1, 51 Queen Street, New Zealand: 0800 770 156 Australia: 1300 559 860 Melbourne, VIC, 3000 UK: 0208 877 7657 New Zealand: 0800 770 156 Australia Europe: +44 208 877 7657 UK: 0208 877 7657 T: +61 3 9672 5300 Worldwide: +61 3 9672 5386 Europe: +44 208 877 7657 www.sundownersoverland.com [email protected] Worldwide: +61 3 9672 5386 [email protected]
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