20 Days Silk Road to Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan & China

Clients will arrive in Urgench at 05:30, please arrange the early airport transfer for them.

Flight suggestion: European traveler: flight to Paris and then Paris flight to Urgench by HY252 (20:10-05:30). This day is free for your jet leg.

After delighted buffet, you will be transfered to Khiva. Today you will have a wonderful sightseeing tour in the oldest city of Uzbekistan. It will be inside of Ichan-Qala, the inner city in Khiva rounded with strong walls. Centuries old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses transformed Ichan-Qala into unique city-monument. Ichan-Qala consists of over 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala was designated a historical and architectural conservation area. 

The most remarkable sites in it are the Kunya-Ark Fortress dating back to 17th century, found by Muhammad Arang Khan, Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace, an incredible sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. Night is in a hotel.

Today we will drive to famous fortresses: Ayaz Qala and Turpak Qala. 

Ayaz Qala is an ancient castle of Khorezm, named on behalf of legendary warrior-slave Ayaz, a Turkic folklore hero. Fortress dates back II century AD. 

Tuprak Qala,  means ‘clay fort' was the royal city of Khorezmian ruler Artav. Archeologists claim that fortress was built in 1 or 2-century AD. It was occupied until 6th century AD. Continues wars and invasions exhausted the city and remained it without any sign of life. Evening return to Khiva and overnight.

Early in the morning we will have transfer to a fascinating city of Bukhara. With its more than 140 architectural monuments, Bukhara is a "town museum" dating back to the Middle Ages. The city consists of narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments belong to different epochs, but locate very close to each other. The road from Khiva to Bukhara goes through famous Kizilkum desert. 

On the way we will enjoy the view to Amu Darya river, the deepest river in Central Asia, formed by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan) and flowing into Aral See. Upon arrival in Bukhara you will have free time. Night is in a hotel.

Today you will have a full day of sightseeing tour in the fascinating city of Bukhara. At first you will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara dating back to the 4th century named Citadel Ark which served as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will see Samanids mausoleum, a real masterpiece of architecture of 9th -10th century. Then the tour continues to Chashma Ayub, meaning Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque, known also as the mosque of forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. 

Then you have a chance to walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi which is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. The tour will end with visiting Poi Kalon complex, the unique sample of architectural art of Bukhara. It consists of three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Night is in a hotel.

Today you will have a sightseeing tour in the surrounding area of Bukhara. First you will visit Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, located few kilometers from Bukhara. It is a memorial complex of famous Sufi Leader and Philosopher, one of the Muslim pilgrimage places for all people of Islamic world. Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the spiritual masters of Amir Timur. Today complex consists of mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, courtyard with pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. 

Then you will drive to see the countryside residence of Bukhara Emirs named Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. The palace is the sample of combination of various architectural styles. Emir named the palace on behalf of his wife who died young “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. After excursions we will transfer to Bukhara railway station to depart to Samarkand. Night is in a hotel.

Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the city of Babylon or Rome. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights such as  Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. 

Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to 15-17th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand that no person can stop admiring its beauty and majesty. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh represents a big collection of mausoleums dating back to 11th-15 centuries being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built in honor of favorite Tamerlane's wife, after his successful campaign in India. Overnight is at the hotel.

Today you will continue exploring Samarkand city. You will visit Ulughbek Observatory, built in 15th century by Ulughbek, one of the most famous Samarkand rulers and scientists. Working in observatory, Ulughbek created in 1437 the “Zidji Guragoni” catalog, which had information about 1018 celestial bodies. Unfortunately, he was killed by order of his own son. 

After it you can walk along the Local Broadway surrounded by souvenir shops, teahouses, sweets and workshops. Then you can visit National bazaar Siab, oriental bazaar, where it is easy to find Uzbek traditional handmade products and local sweets. 

Also you will see carpet factory, a unique handmade carpet factory where over 400 women sew carpets without using traditional techniques. Afternoon transfer to Tashkent (350 km, 4.5 hrs drive or alternative is by train). Night is in a hotel. 

Today you will visit Independence square which is the main square of the country, erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will have a chance to walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between independence square and Amir Timur square. Further you can take a ride in famous Tashkent metro, among the most beautiful subways in the world. First line was opened in 1977. 

Then you will visit the old part of the city which includes: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The highlight of its exhibits is the Othman Quran which is the world's oldest Quran copy dating back to 8th c. Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century. His blood spred over the Quran that you still can see on its pages.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to railways station of Tashkent to depart to Kokand town. Upon arrival to Kokand you will have city tour of Kokand. 

Here we will visit Khudayar Khan Palace, historical monument of architecture that perfectly mixed all kinds of traditional arts and crafts, Modari Khan Mausoleum, built for the mother of ruler of Kokand Umarkhan, and Norbutabi Madrasah which was the greatest spiritual school in Kokand in the 19th century. 

After excursions we will depart to Rishtan town in order to visit private pottery workshop. Here craftsmen from ancient times preserved a special technology of making pottery and pass from generation to generation. Then you will be transferred to Fergana town. Night is in a hotel.

Transfer to Kyrgyz border. Your guide will pick you up at Uzbek-Kyrgyz border and accompany you to Osh city. In Osh city you will go for a walk there and visit the most famous place – Suleiman Mountain. 

Suleiman Too (Solomon's Mountain) is situated in the center of the city and it is considered to be a pilgrimage place for local Muslims. According to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. After it we will visit an Asian bazar. Night you will spend in a hotel. 

After early breakfast we start our long drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. The route takes you along roads that wind along incredible gorges. During your drive be prepared for amazing views of the impressive mountains and gorges. Son Kul lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level. Kyrgyz nomads started to come to this wonderful area with their families for rest and relaxation. Herders of the Naryn region come to the lake to use it as a pastureland. 

After our arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings. Overnight is in nomadic collapsible dwellings – yurts. They are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.

Start your way to Kashgar by driving 4hrs along the Kyrgyz-Chinese border. Kashgar is an ancient city with special local cultural and ethnic characteristics along the Silk Road. 

On the way, you will appreciate the natural landscape of mountain gorges where drove freely walk about and graze. On your arrival, check in the hotel and have a good rest.

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion of Kashgar. Pay a visit to Id Kah Mosque, the largest Mosque in China and the most sacred mosque for the locals to practise their Islamic activities at 09:00. Continue the visiting to Old Town at 10:30 with the open ceremony of Maxilap show. Come and Join the exciting movement in this well-preserved Uighur residential area. 

Our speciality: Relaxing in the Hundred-years Tea house,taste the local rose tea and nang-bread!

After Lunch in the local Restaurant. Then we will take to the hotel and have a good rest

Today, you will drive to Sunday Bazaar that is combined two section. The covered bazaar sells the clothing, nuts, household goods and many things out of your imagination.The outdoor Animal Bazaar is the first bazaar we visit, where the farmers and buyers arriving by donkey cart, truck, bicycle, horseback, motorbike or on foot, with their animals. It's loud, lively and cheerful as they arrive. It is quite interesting to witness their typical methods of bargin. 

In the afternoon, take the overnight soft sleeper train to the hottest place in China—Turpan. It is an important city on the branch of ancient silk road from Kumul to Kashgar and also one of the centers of the Uighur cultures.

Our first stop is BezkIlik Thousand Buddha Caves located in the center of Flaming Mountains. Then continue to Tuyoq Valley, an ancient oasis-village. We will have lunch in the local Uighur family before exploring this traditional village surrounded by the impressive grape trellis and the stories of the adventurers all of the world.

About 3pm, head up to the Karez Well irrigation system that produce the best melons and grapes in China. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups. 

Today's tour end up with the 2hrs's exploration of Jiaohe Ruins, resembles Pompeii, but 300 years older.where you can experience the way of life of the Uighur ancestors.

Half a day for you free at leisure. In the noon, catch the flight to the charming Xian, an ancient city with a long history and colorful culture. There are many historical sites worth visiting. Disembarking at Xian International Airport, your driver will meet and transfer you to check in the hotel. Relax and prepare for your tommorrow's cultural trip.

Tour starts at 08:00 and then drives about 1 hour to the countryside of the Xi'an city and visits the most imposing historic site Terracotta Warriors, the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. 

After lunch in the local restaurant, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda with 7 floors in total. It is the traditional Chinese style decorated with some Buddha statues, where Tourists can see variety of Buddha statues and have panoramic Xi'an city at the top floor. 

Continue our sightseeing of the popular Muslim Street. Relax with free wandering along the street when tasting he local delicacies and experiencing the local lifestyle. Then drive to the hotel and have a good rest.

Today is an another day to explore the history and culture in Xi’an.

We will visit Shaanxi Museum, one of the major museums in China. It is home to numerous unearthed cultural artifacts and represents the imposing image of a 13-dynasties capital. 

Afterwards, drive to the Ancient City Wall, the most well-preserved city wall and the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. You will have a bird's-eye view of panorama of Xi’an city when wandering along the city wall

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and have a good rest in the hotel.

Today our journey comes to an end after a good breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport or train station based on your schedule.