23 Days Uzbekistan to Pakistan via Karakoram Highway

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 jag 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. 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 bazaar. 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.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tash Rabat Caravanserai on the Great Silk Road (Stone Castle from the 14th century). The building is unique. Tash Rabat is located at the very heart of Tian Shan Mountains. Tash Rabat was built of stone blocks inside a mountain at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level. In total there are 31 rooms in the mountain. The walls are 1 m thick. There are also underground prison cells formerly used to incarcerate thieves in ancient times. 

Overnight will be spent in yurts near Tash Rabat Caravanserai.

After breakfast we start our way to be at the Kyrgyz-Chinese border at 12 o'clock. The road will go along mountain gorges in the most remote areas of Kyrgyzstan. This region is the most famous one among shepherds. It has the best grass for cattle and the cleanest air. On the entire route you will enjoy views of our unbelievable nature!

Your Chinese Guide will wait for you at the border and bring you to the downtown Kashgar. 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. Continue to visit the Handicraft street, it gathered hundreds of handicraft workshops, which has become a boutique exhibition for handicraft in Kashgar and Central Asia.

Then 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. It is quite interesting to witness their typical methods of bargin.  Return to hotel for the night and have a good rest!

Today we will adventure to Taxkorgan, a town in the far west of Xinjiang Province in China, bordering Pakistani, Tajik, and Afghani.This region is commonly known as the main road of the "old Silk Road" the main route leading from China to West Asia.

On the way, you can experience beautiful Karakul Lake where the herds of livestock around the lakeside are reflected in lake Kirghiz herdsmen usually settle down and graze their herds before shuttling you onward to Kashgar.

Stay one night and explore its peculiar folk customs of Tajik nationality. Taste snack and milk tea provided by local herdsman and spend your rest of day at leisure.

After breakfast, head to Immigration office of custom, take the private car or public bus to Sost to meet your guide from Pakistan.the former site of the Pakistan border check post. The check post is now located a few km north of Sust and has the name Afiyatabad. Sust is the jumping off point for people going to Kashgar and we will visit the bazaars of this border town. on arrival at Sost meet our Pakistani guide later will drive to Passu

Welcome to Pakistan! Crossing into Pakistan the valleys become greener and the mountain scenery more stunning.

Please note: Pakistan Travel service only can meet you at Sost border, while the expenses on the private border transfer is super expensive, we suggest you take the public bus to Sost that we will prepare the new blanket for the berth if required.

oday Pakistan adventure begins from Passu, the massive Cathedral Ridge is one of the most stunning ranges in all the Himalayas can be seen here. We will explore the beautiful small village along the Silk Route, after breakfast drive to Borth village to see the beautiful Borith Lake, This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan, Its water is warm to swim one can swim here if interested!

Continue our hiking to Ghulkin Village via the Ghulkin glacier, it takes 2 hours. Ghulkin is the another beautiful village, Here we will visit some traditional houses/Families to see the culture.

After lunch ,we will go to Gulmit,The largest city and commercial capital along Pakistan's Northern Karakoram Highway is Gilgit. As the call to prayer echoes across the city, the streets fill with colorful trucks and locals wearing traditional clothing begin to appear all around you. Gilgit is buzzing with energy, has chaotic bazaars and feels worlds away from Hunza even though it’s only a few hours away.it.

Drive to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza afternoon we will be visiting Baltit Fort, One of The Karakoram's more beautiful forts and a UNESCO Heritage sight built on a hill, fort is surrounded by high mountains and there is a great view from its Terrace where you can see Hunza river flowing between beautiful trees with famous Rakaposhi Peak on left and Lady Finger peak on right.

If you turn around you will see Ultar peak also. Kids enjoy the history. Give 2-3 hours for the visit. After visit you can go and enjoy local food Chapshoro (some call in local pizza) beside Car park.

Early morning tour to Duiker Village for sunrise depends on the weather 
Duiker Viewpoint - an early morning jeep excursion can be taken to Duiker Viewpoint from where you will see sunrise overlooking magnificent snow-covered peaks including Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7266m). Following breakfast at Duiker, return down to the villages to visit Altit. 

And proceed to Hoper valley Nagar Valley - which can be seen from Duiker is on the opposite, eastern side of the Hunza River . This is another fertile valley and is predominantly Shia Muslim. A half day excursion to probably one of the world's fastest moving glaciers at Hoper. This glacier leads down from Karakoram Mountain range.

Today we will follow the West bank of Indus to Besham (altitude 850 m) a small transit village fast becoming a town. It is at the junction of Swat valley. A road goes West via scenic Shangla Pass into the Swat valley.

Morning drive on KKH to Islamabad. En-route visit Taxila, 4 0 km north of Islamabad . Taxila ranks among the great archaeological site of the world. Conquered by Alexander the Great in 327 BC, it progressed under the Mauryans and the Great Kushans and became a learning centre. Destroyed by the White Huns it finally fell to the first great Muslim conqueror, Mahmud of Ghazni in 1000 AD. 

We will leave the Indus River at Thakot by crossing a bridge and continue through Chatar plains, Mansehra and Abbotabad to The Capital Islamabad. Overnight at hotel.

Half day tour of the capital city of Islamabad visit of Faisal Mosque, Shakra Parian view point and Rawalpindi Raja Bazar. 
Later transfer to the airport for onward flight.