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SILK
ROAD: FROM KHIVA TO KASHGAR
A
World Heritage Sites Tour of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & China |
 |
The Silk Road is the story of one of the
world's oldest and grandest of the trade routes which cast
its shadows on the cultures of China, Central Asia and Western
Asia. Whilst the Silk Road started from Xian in China, it
was Central Asia that made inroads into different trade routes.
We trace this historical route and see the influence of the
Silk Road in the Central Asian countries of Uzbekistan and
Kyrgyzstan and Western China. Timed with the Sunday Bazaar
at Kashgar, this becomes a journey of a lifetime.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Depart home city for Tashkent |
|
02
|
Arrive Tashkent (UZBEKISTAN) |
| 03 |
Tashkent |
|
04
|
Tashkent/Urgench/Khiva (Flight - Drive) |
|
05
|
Khiva |
|
06
|
Khiva/Bukhara (Drive) |
|
07
|
Bukhara |
|
08
|
Bukhara / Gijduvan / Shakhrisabz / Samarkand (Drive) |
|
09
|
Samarkand |
|
10
|
Samarkand / Tashkent (Drive) |
| 11 |
Tashkent / Ferghana via Kamchik Pass (Drive) |
| 12 |
Ferghana Valley |
| 13 |
Ferghana/Osh/Sary
Tash (KYRGYZSTAN) (Drive) |
| 14 |
Sary
Tash / Kashgar (CHINA) (Drive) |
|
| 15 |
Kashgar |
| 16 |
Kashgar
(Sunday Bazaar) / Urumqi (Flight) |
| 17 |
Urumqi |
| 18 |
Departure
flight |
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan covered on this
tour |
|
Itchan Kala (1990) |
Itchan
Kala is the inner town, protected by brick walls about
10 metres high, of the old Khiva oasis, which was the
last resting place of caravaneers before crossing the
desert to Iran. Although few very old monuments still
remain there, it is a coherent and well-preserved example
of Moslem architecture of Central Asia, with outstanding
structures such as the Djuma Mosque, the mausoleums and
the medersas and the two magnificent palaces built in
the beginning of the 19th century by Alla-Kulli-Khan. |
| Historic
Centre of Bukhara (1993) |
Situated
on The Silk Road, Bukhara is more than two thousand years
old. It is the most complete example of a medieval city
in Central Asia, with an urban fabric that has remained
largely intact. The monuments of interest include the
Ismail Samani's famous tomb, a masterpiece of 10th-century
Moslem architecture, and a number of 17th-century medersas. |
|
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (2000) |
The
historic centre of Shakhrisyabz contains a collection
of exceptional monuments and ancient quarters which bear
witness to the centuries of its history, and particularly
to the period of its apogee, under the empire of Timur,
in the 15th century. |
|
Samarkand - Crossroads of Cultures (2001) |
The
historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting
pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century
BC as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand had its most significant
development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the
15th centuries. The major monuments include the Registan
Mosque and madrasahs, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda
compound and the Gur-Emir ensemble, as well as Ulugh-Beg's
Observatory. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
DAY
01 SAT: Depart home city for Tashkent
Today we start Silk Road our adventure as we board our flight for Tashkent, the
capital city of Uzbekistan.
DAY 02 SUN: Arrive Tashkent (UZBEKISTAN)
Khush Kelibsizlar - Welcome to Uzbekistan! As we are driven to our hotel in the
city center, we get our first glimpse of Tashkent, a city rebuilt after the 1966
earthquake. Tashkent rightfully claims to be the cultural capital of Central
Asia. Balance of the day is free to allow time to get over the jet lag.
Overnight: Dedeman Hotel, Tashkent (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 03 MON: Tashkent
Our Silk Road adventure starts with a visit first to the old part of the city
where we visit the Kafelsashi Mausoleum, the Barak Khana, the Tila Shaikh Mosque
and Archives and the Kukeldesh Madrassah. We then visit the History Museum of
Uzbekistan followed by the magnificent Navoi Theatre which has housed some of
the world renowned ballets like Don Kikhot, Nutcracker, Giselle, Swan lake, and
1000 and one nights.
Evening is a welcome dinner at a typical Uzbek Restaurant. (B, D)
DAY 04 TUE: Tashkent/Urgench/Khiva (Flight - Drive)
A short flight takes us to Urgench, the capital of the Khorezm Province which
lies between the Amu-Darys River and Turkmenistan. It is a halting point for
tourists on their way to Khiva. Upon arrival we take a brief tour of the town
and then proceed top the historical city of Khiva.
Overnight: Hotel Malika, Khiva (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 05 WED: Khiva
A day into history as we explore the World Heritage Site at Khiva, a city where
time has stood still. Our visit starts with the main site of Ichan Kala followed
by Kalta Minor, the Kunya Ark, the Rakhimkhon Madrassah, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan
Makhmud, the Friday Mosque and the Tashauli Palace and Harem. To complete the
feeling, we climb the Khodja Minaret to take in the amazing fairy tale panorama. (B,
D)
DAY 06 THU: Khiva/Bukhara (Drive)
Our drive to Bukhara is through the arid setting of the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Along
the way we stop as oasis like settings where we see how humans have survived
over the centuries in this barren landscape. Prior to arrival in Bukhara, a visit
will be made to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the Summer Residence of the former Emirs
of Bukhara. The setting in Bukhara is best described a revival of the 1001 Arabian
Nights. Evening, subject to performance, we will be entertained at a Bukhara
folk show.
Overnight: Hotel Zargaron, Bukhara (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 07 FRI: Bukhara
One of the grandest of Uzbek centers, Bukhara is an open museum with many mosques,
madrassahs and a grand minaret. We spend the day visiting some of the finest
examples of Islamic Architecture in the world, where exquisite tile and mosaic
work complements the beautiful brick-work; no wonder the city is a World Heritage
Site. Our visit includes the Lab-e-Khauz Complex with the Nadirkhon Devanbegi
Madrassah, the Mogak Attari Mosque and the Poi Kalon Minaret. We also visit the
Madrassahs of Aziz Khan and the Ulugbek Ark Fortress, the residence cum army
headquarters of the Bukharan Emirs that houses an interesting collection of objects
from those days and the Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid, which features the best
of 10th century brickwork, with a marked Zoroastrian influence. (B, D)
DAY 08 SAT: Bukhara / Gijduvan / Shakhrisabz
/ Samarkand (Drive)
This morning we start off with a visit to a local family ceramic factory in Gijduvan
and then continue to visit the World Heritage Site of Shakhrisabz, home town
of Tamerlane. This historic centre contains a collection of exceptional monuments
and ancient quarters, which bear witness to centuries worth of history, and particularly
to the period of its climax in the 15th century under the empire of Tamerlane.
Samarkand is one of the top centres of Islamic architecture.
Overnight: Hotel Malika Prime, Samarkand (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 09 SUN: Samarkand
The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting pot of the world's
cultures and has been declared a World Heritage Site recently. Founded in the
6th century BC as ancient Afrosiab, Samarkand had its most significant development
in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries. We start our day with
visit to the Urgut Market, which is known in this region. We then visit the Afrosiab
Museum, located on the site of ancient Afrosiab and the Historical Museum of
Uzbek Culture & Art, with the wooden coffin of Tamerlane and a large copy
of the Koran. We culminate the day with a visit to Ulugbek’s Obervatory & Gur
Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. (B, D)
DAY 10 MON: Samarkand / Tashkent (Drive)
We save the best for last. Our tour today takes us to the major monuments and
includes the Registan Mosque and the adjoining madrassas, Bibi-Khanum Mosque,
the Shakhi-Zinda compound. PM we depart for Tashkent.
Overnight: Dedeman Hotel (1 night) (B, D)
DAY 11 TUE: Tashkent / Ferghana via Kamchik Pass (Drive)
Today we depart for the beautiful Ferghana Valley enroute we see the picturesque
Kamchik Pass. Soon after the pass we descend into the fertile plains of Ferghana
valley. Our first visit enroute will be of Kokand once seat of the powerful khanate
which across upto Yarkand In China. We shall visit the fort residence of Khan
Khodoyar - the last Khan of Kokand. Visit the museum and later see the old madrassah
of Narbutabey
Overnight: Hotel Asia Ferghana (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 12 WED: Ferghana Valley
Morning we visit Yodgarlik Silk factory where learn about the traditional silk
weaving through all processes. Later we visit Rishton to see the famous Ferghana
pottery works. We also visit the house of master potter Rustam – see his
workshop and the Pottery museum. Lunch will be a wonderful experience - at the
residence of this famous potter, Rishton! (B, L, D)
DAY 13 THU: Ferghana/Osh/Sary Tash (KYRGYZSTAN)
(Drive)
An early scenic drive with an interesting road border crossing into Kyrghyzstan
and
we head for the 2nd capital city of Kyrghyzstan, Osh. PM we visit the colourful
Osh bazaar –and see Suleiman Gora, the museum and also get a beautiful
view of the Ferghana valley. Later we visit Babur’s House on top of the
hill. Babur was the founder of the Great Moghuls who migrated to India and were
the builders of magnificent structures including the Taj Mahal, the Red Forts
and the Shalimar Gardens. Continue onto Sary Tash.
Overnight: Yurt Camp (1 night) (B, D)
DAY 14 FRI: Sary Tash / Kashgar (CHINA) (Drive)
An early start to ensure good border time crossing into China. We pass through
the high passes over the dirt track to Sary Tash which is also the vintage point
to a beautiful Pamir panorama with towering mass of the 7173m Peak Lenin. We
continue to the border crossing at Irkishtam Pass 3800m and continue to enter
Xinjiang Province of China - our destination Kashgar – the location of
the Great Game as well as a major and popular trading stop on the Silk Road.
Overnight: Kashgar Quinibagh Hotels (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 15 SAT: Kashgar
If one would like to see a place where time has stood still it is Kashghar (Kashi).
Walking through the narrow lanes of this old town evokes a scene from the Arabian
Nights. Kashgar has remained sheltered from outside influences with locals who
are very friendly. Amongst the most popular professions are coppersmiths, carpenters,
jewelers and cobblers, all using tools of bygone days. Our tour of Kashgar also
includes the Abak Hoja Tomb, the Id Kah Mosque and the old town. (B,
D)
DAY 16 SUN: Kashgar (Sunday Bazaar) / Urumqi
(Flight)
One of the most popular event in the whole province town is the weekly Sunday
Bazaar that draws a variety of ethnic groups like the Uyghur, Tajik, Kyrgyz and
Kazakh to the streets of Kashgar. They come on foot, bikes, horsebacks, modern
motorcycles and donkey carts, all with the hope of selling merchandise that ranges
form scissors to camels. Evening we take a flight to Urumuqi, the capital of
the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.
Overnight: Hualing Grand Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
DAY 17 MON: Urumqi
Today we take a full day tour of Urumqi. We drive to Heavenly Lake which is nestled
at the most scenic place in the region. Here we take a boat ride and see the
Kazakh herdsme’s grassland. PM we visit the Regional Museum where we also
visit the mummies hall followed by the Erqaqiao Grand Bazaar. Evening we enjoy
a typical Uyghur farewell dinner (B, D)
DAY 18 TUE: Departure flight
After a wonderful and unforgettable Silk Road adventure, we bid farewell. Transfer
to the airport for our departure flight home to make an optional extension to
other countries in the region. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
|
2009
Sep 26,
2009
2010
May
15 & Sep 4, 2010
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2009 |
3595 |
560 |
| 2010 |
3695 |
660 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Accommodation
as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
• Meal
Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All
sightseeing and transfers
• Services
of local English speaking guide
• Entrance
fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
• Necessary
visa supports
• Tour
flights: Tashkent/Urgench, Kashgar/Urumqi
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Insurance & Visa
fees
• Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Tashkent/Urgench
& Kashgar/Urumqi |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 06
and a maximum of 16
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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