Journey Itinerary

Silk Road Adventure

Days Eastbound Countries Distance Activity level 22 to Tashkent + 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 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 - 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 Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest Bazaars in , 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 Valley

After breakfast this morning we travel beyond the capital to the rarely visited oasis of , the lyrical land of fruit and honey. En route we stop at one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, , and the potters town of Rishton.

Sightseeing - Kokand Excursion including , Rishton potteries

Meals - Breakfast

Day 3: Fergana Valley and to

Continuing through the Fergana Valley we visit the silk-weaving town of – 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 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

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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 , Central Square

Meals - Breakfast & lunch

Day 7: Day excursion to

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

Meals - Breakfast

Day 8: To

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 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 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 , 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

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 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 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 .

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, 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:

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 , Ak Mosque , Anush Mohammed's Bath, Kuhna Ark, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Islam 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, , 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

Sundowners Overland - Silk Road Adventure Page 7 of 9 Itinerary (cont.)

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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