Road to Samarkand$10,285 - 26 Days - Fully Inclusive From New ZealandThe most renowned overland trading route of ancient civilizations was the Silk Road, which spanned from China’s former imperial capital of Xian, westward through to the far away lands of Europe. The route crosses rugged, mountainous and desert areas where tales were told of mystical cities, lively open air bazaars and a seemingly endless hive of activity. With the addition of Central Asia to our existing Silk Road programme, our coverage of this historic journey is almost complete. Spanning the ‘Golden Route’ from China’s Kashgar, where the unrivalled Sunday Bazaar is held, we travel through the spectacular alpine scenery of Kyrgyzstan to the breathtaking ancient cities and classic Islamic architecture of Uzbekistan. The ancient towns of Khiva and Bukhara are laden with treasures of this magical period in time. This extraordinary journey is an absolute must for the avid explorer. TOUR ITINERARYDays 1-2: Auckland to BeijingFly overnight to Beijing with Malaysia Airlines. Enjoy a rickshaw tour, visit the 2008 Olympic Games site and the silk markets. Days 3-4: Beijing to Kashgar via UrumqiFly to Kashgar. The following day we visit Old Kashgar, the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. Day 5: Kashgar to Naryn via Tash RabatDrive to the Chinese border at Torugart Pass before continuing to Tash Rabat. From this fortified Silk Road caravanserai, we continue onto Naryn. Day 6: Naryn to Kochkor VillageToday we travel to Kochkor Village and enjoy a traditional lunch in a ger before partaking in a ‘shyrdak’ show (making of Kyrgy wool carpets). Days 7-8: Kochkor Village to KarakolDrive to Bokonbayevo Village and enjoy a demonstration of eagle hunting. Later we continue to Karakol and enjoy an easy hike in Jety-Orguz and the Valley of Flowers. Tomorrow we visit the Sunday animal market, Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and the Chinese Mosque. Days 9-10: Karakol to Cholpon-AtaVisit the Przhevalskii Museum and drive to Cholpon-Ata. Tomorrow visit the petroglyhph’s of Ibex and enjoy a cruise on Issy Kul. Days 11-12: Cholpon-Ata to BishkekDrive to Bishkek, climb the Burana Tower en route. Tomorrow we visit Ala Archa National Park and explore Bishkek, including Ala Too Square and the Historical Museum. Day 13: Bishkek to TashkentFly to Tashkent and visit the 1966 earthquake memorial and Khast Imom Complex including the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum and the Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shoshi. Day 14: Tashkent to Khiva via UrgenchFly to Urgench and drive to Khiva. Tour the Kuhna Ark Fortress and the many madrassahs, mosques and minarets within the walls. Days 15-16: Khiva to BukharaVisit Elliq-Qala, a series of forts dating from the 4th Century BC. Tomorrow we drive to Bukhara. Days 17-18: BukharaOver the next 2 days explore the Ark Fortress, Chor Minor, Kalon Minaret, the Labi-Hauz Plaza and the summer residence of Emir. Days 19-21: Bukhara to SamarkandDrive to Samarkand. Over the next 2 days visit Timur’s Guri Amir Mausoleum, the Registan, Sher Dor Medressa, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-I-Zinda and the Ulug Beg Observatory. Day 22: Samarkand to TashkentContinue to Tashkent passing through Tamerlane Gates en route. Days 23-25: Depart TashkentWander through Independence Square and visit the Crying Mother Monument, Chorsu Bazaar, the Amir Timur Maydoni and Broadway Entertainment Street. Transfer to the airport for our flight New Zealand via Kuala Lumpur (2 night stopover included). (B) Day 26: Arrive AucklandArrive home this morning. |
Price Guide
This tour departs from Auckland only, due to flight schedules. Travellers from other cities must make their own way to / from Auckland to join this tour, at their own expense. Travel Info
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Images from Road to Samarkand
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