|
SILK
ROAD: FROM SAMARKAND & KASHGAR TO HUNZA
Countries
visited: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China & Pakistan |
 |
The
Silk Road, while traversing many countries, was most significant
in Central Asia, Xinjiang and Northern Pakistan. It is
from here that the different branches of the Silk Road
shot out westwards to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. From
the Great game centre of Kashgar, the trade routes continue
to Tashkurgan, Hunza and Gilgit. Our 24-day journey has
been artistically tailored to cover these areas bringing
forth memories of bygone days. Immerse yourself in the
history of the silk trade with its bazaars, camel routes,
sand dunes, majestic mountains, intense culture and ancient
peoples.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Tashkent |
|
02
|
Tashkent
/ Samarkand |
| 03 |
Samarkand |
|
04
|
Samarkand
/ Shakre Sabz / Bukhara |
|
05
|
Bukhara |
|
06
|
Bukhara
/ Ayaz Kala |
|
07
|
Ayaz
Kala / Khiva |
|
08
|
Khiva
/ Urgench / Urgench / Tashkent |
|
09
|
Tashkent
/ Ferghana |
|
10
|
Ferghana
/ Osh / Bishkek |
|
11
|
Bishkek
/ Issikul |
|
12
|
Issikul
/ Karakol |
|
13
|
Karakol |
| 14 |
Karakol
/ Naryn |
| 15 |
Naryn
/ Torogart / Kashgar |
| 16 |
Kashgar |
| 17 |
Kashgar
Sunday Bazaar |
| 18 |
Kashgar
/ Taxkorgan |
| 19 |
Sust
/ Hunza |
| 20 |
Excursion
Nagar and Hunza |
| 21 |
Hunza
/ Gilgit / Chilas |
| 22 |
Chilas
/ Abbottabad |
| 23 |
Abbottabad
/ Taxila / Islamabad |
| 24 |
Islamabad |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan covered in this tour |
| 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. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Pakistan covered in this tour |
| Taxila
(1980) |
From the ancient Neolithic tumulus
of Saraikala to the ramparts of Sirkap (2nd century B.C.) and
the city of Sirsukh (1st century A.D.), Taxila illustrates
the different stages in the development of a city on the Indus
that was alternately influenced by Persia, Greece and Central
Asia and which, from the 5th century B.C. to the 2nd century
A.D., was an important Buddhist centre of learning. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01, Fri: Arrive Tashkent
Hush ellipsis! A warm welcome in Uzbek language as we are warmly
welcomed andsubsequently conveyed through the capital city
to our hotel
Overnight: Dedeman Hotel, (1 night) (D)
Day 02, Sat: Tashkent / Samarkand - 330 Kms.
Our journey starts with a brief tour of the old part of Tashkent
- a good introductionto the Silk Road in Central Asia with
a visit to the colourful Chorsu Bazaar.Medieval history is
everywhere as we explore Kafelsashi Mausoleum, Barak Khana,Tila
Shaikh Mosque and Archives before heading off to the beautiful
and historicalcity of Samarkand. After an evening rest in our
hotel, we visit the famous RegistanSquare to see the beautiful
madrassah illuminated. Subject to shows, we willwitness an
awesome Sound & Light Show followed by a typical and delicious
Uzbekidinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel President , Samarkand (2 nights) (B, L,
D)
Day 03, Sun: Samarkand
An exciting day ahead as we explore Samarkand continuing with
a day time visitof the Registan Square which will also include
marveling the historical madrassahs.Later, we visit the remarkable
Bibi Khanum mosque, the intriguing Silk Road bazaarand the
Shahi Zinda Necropolis. Our post lunch tour includes the Afrosiab
Museum,Ulugbek's Observatory, Gur Emir, Mausoleum of Tamerlane
and time in the localbazaar. Dinner at a local restaurant joining
the local folk and learning howto dance. (B, L, D)
Day
04, Mon: Samarkand / Shakre Sabz / Bukhara - 378Kms.
A countryside drive takes us to Shakre Sabz, birthplace of
Tamerlane, the founderof Uzbekistan. This is followed by a
visit to the Ak-Saray Palace ruins, DorusSaidat Seminary, Kok
Gumbaz Mosque, Dorus Saidat and the Friday Mosque. Afterlunch,
we continue our drive to the historical city of Bukhara.
Overnight: Hotel Asia Bukhara / Zargaron (2 nights) (B,
L, D)
Day 05, Tue: Bukhara
Bukhara, a World heritage Site, is a true reflection of the
Arabian Nights. Walkingthrough the narrow lanes, we visit Lyabikhauz,
Madrassahs of Nadirkhon Devanbegi,Aziziz Khan and Ulugbek,
Khanaga, Mogaki Attari Mosque and the beuatiful PoiKalon minaret
and mosque. A Bukhara style lunch and we then visit the famousArk
Fortress, the majestic Balakhauz Mosque, Mausoleum of Ismail
Samanid andChasma Ayub. We end the day with free time at the
exotic Silk Road bazaar. Thisevening we visit with a local
family to join them for home cooked Bukhari delicacy. (B,
L, D)
Day 06, Wed: Bukhara / Ayaz Kala - 440 Kms.
A very different experience today as we depart for Ayaz Kala
through the Kizilkum(red sands) desert where we visualize the
crossing of the hordes of Chengis Khan- a man who that changed
the history of the world. As we approach Beruni citywe see
Amudarya before taking an interesting drive seeing local villages
andthe desert before reaching our Yorta - a type that Chenghiz
Khan and his largearmy may have used. Facing the Ayaz Kala,
we settle in our Yortas, a round shapednomadic tent made of
felt and bamboo sticks decorated inside with typical folkpainting.
This evening we enjoy a BBQ dinner and musical entertainment.
Overnight: Yorta (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 07, Thu: Ayaz Kala / Khiva - 100 kms
The treat of Ayaz Kala does not end with the Yorta and cultural
experience ofthe previous night. This morning we capture the
first rays of the sun fallingover the massive fort, and witness
an awe-inspiring sunrise. We continue followingthe footsteps
of Chenghiz Khan and visit the nearby Toprak Kala Fort - one
thatwas used for the ruling class. Forts here were constructed
primarily to protectthe Trans-Oxiana kingdoms from tribal raids
and later served as pleasure housesfor the rulers. After crossing
the Amudarya (Oxus River), we encounter yet anotherhighlight
of Central Asia, the city of Khiva - another World Heritage
Site. Evening,we stroll through the town and picture ourselves
in the land of a thousand andone nights!
Overnight: Asia / Malika, Khiva (1night) (B, L, D)
Day 08, Fri: Khiva / Urgench - 30 kms; Urgench / Tashkent
by air
An experience into medieval times today. Our day in Khiva starts with a visitto
Ichan Kala, Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark, Madrassah Rakhimkhon, and the local handicraftsat
the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud. From here, we visit the famous see IslamKhodja
minaret and museum, the Friday Mosque, Tashauli Palace / harem and a CaravanBazaar.
We have an excellent opportunity of meeting locals folks and joiningthem at a
traditional teahouse. After dinner, we proceed to the airport in Urgenchfor our
flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Dedeman, Tashkent (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day
09, Sat: Tashkent / Ferghana - 348 kms
We continue with the second part of the Tashkent tour visiting the famous NavoiTheatre,
Ballet Theatre and Museum of Fine Arts. Later we explore more of Uzbekistantaking
a rural scenic drive to the enchanting rich Ferghana Valley. En routewe stop
at various villages and have tea with the locals. Ferghana is alwaysa very welcome
site with its lovely rolling green fields and friendly people.
Overnight: Club motel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 10, Sun: Ferghana / Osh (KYRGYZSTAN) - 118 kms; Osh / Bishkek (by air)
In 329 BC, Alexander the Great founded a Greek settlement in the southwesternpart
of the Ferghana valley, on the southern bank of the river Syr Darya (ancientJaxartes),
at the location of the modern city of Khujand, in the state of Tajikistan.Our
visit here covers the local History Museum and the famous Sunday Bazaar inAndijan.
Crossing into Kyrgyzstan and a short drive from the border we reachOsh - the
second largest city of Kyrgyzstan. We explore with a drive throughtour of the
city before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to thecapital city
of Bishkek.
Overnight: Hotel Ak-Keme / Silk Road Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 11, Mon: Bishkek / Issikul - 254 kms
Our tour of the Krgyz capital starts with the History Museum famous for its collectionof
Bolshevik Revolution artifacts. Next we visit Frunze's House, named afterthe
Soviet General Michael Frunze who won Central Asia for the Bolsheviks inthe Civil
War. Now we are off to the Burana Tower Archaeological Museum is situatedon the
site of a caravan town dating from the 10th Century AD. We arrive in Issyk-Kulin
the evening and then drive to Cholpan Ata, a major resort centre. We enjoya dinner
caught fresh from the lake after which we take an evening we strollaround this
beautiful lake.
Overnight: Hotel New Issikul, Cholpan Ata (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 12, Tue: Issikul / Karakol - 138 kms
Cholpan Ata is a beautiful resort and we take it easy with a leisurely day. Latemorning
we depart for the Cholpan Ata Museum and the nearby historic rock drawings.This
afternoon we visit Tyup to see the Monument and Museum of Prezhevalsky -the famous
Russian explorer who spent the best years of his life in the regionconducting
research on animal and plant life. Prezhevalsky was sent by Nikolai,the Czar
of Mongolia and Tibet as part of the Russian diplomacy during the eraof the Great
Game.
Later we proceed to Karakol - the black mountains.
Overnight: Hotel Amir, Karakol (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 13, Wed: Karakol
Karakol is Kyrgyzstan at its best. Our morning excursion is to Djeti Oghuz -the
nomads' meadow with beautiful mountain scenery of the Tien Shan ranges. Wevisit
the yorta encampment of the local Kirghiz and join them for soup followedby a
BBQ lunch at the meadow. Time for short hike before visiting the local RussianOrthodox
Church and the Dungan mosque. (B, L, D)
Day
14, Thu: Karakol / Naryn - 395 kms
Today is our last full day in the Central Asian stans. As we journey towardsChina,
we have brief scenic photo shots of Kirghiz encampments. Upon arrivalat the small
border town of Naryn, we visit the well-known Naryn Mosque. Laterwe go out for
a stroll in this one street town.
Overnight: Celestial Mountain Inn, Naryn (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 15, Fri: Naryn / Torogart border - 197 kms to Kashgar (CHINA)
We start today with a visit to the Tash Rabat Caravan Sarai, which was in usetill
the end of 17th century AD. Then we are off to Torogart border Point andafter
border formalities, we proceed to Torogart Top (2752 m) where we are welcomedofficially
into China by our local guide. After completing the Chinese borderformalities,
we drive to Kashgar where we spend three interesting days filledwith activities.
Kashgar's history spans over 2000 years and its importance comesfrom its strategic
position at the foot of the Pamir Mountains. At one time merchantsbound for China
would buy camels here to convey their merchandise to the Kingdomof Cathay. For
westbound caravans, this was a resting place before their climbthrough the high
mountain passes.
Overnight: Seman, Kashgar (3 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 16, Sat: Kashgar
Kashgar is a place where time has seemingly stood still. We start the day withan
experience of Kashgi, the local name for Kashgar. We start with the Id KahMosque
(the largest in China) and Abakh Khoja's tomb (Xinjiang's most reveredmonument
and an architectural marvel). Exploring the old town we visit familyhomes, the
local bazaar and a school. One finds walking through the narrow lanesof old town,
a scene from the bygone days of the Arabian Nights with a culturethat has remained
intact stocked with people whose lifestyle is being friendly.Amongst the most
popular professions include coppersmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters,jewelers and
cobblers all using tools that are at best antiques. (B, L, D)
Day 17, Sun: Kashgar Sunday Bazaar
An experience, which only Kashgar offers. Miles from nowhere, mid-way betweenRome
and Beijing, this exotic oasis used to be the last outfitting station onthe centuries-old
Silk Road. Trade remains in bygone style, at least on Sundays,when the entire
community gathers at the world's liveliest market. Known as "thepearl on the
Ancient Silk Road", the Sunday Bazaar is dotted with stalls hereand there. Throughout
the bazaars, one finds shopkeepers that sell almost everythingwhile others specialize
in local produce, arts and crafts, garments, knives,timber, coal, and animals.
Afternoon is free at leisure and evening we join fora typically Kashgari meal. (B,
L, D)
Day 18, Mon: Kashgar / Taxkorgan
The scenery is incredible as we drive south to Karakuli Lake where we see thetwo
faces of the awesome Muztagh-ata mountain - one facing us and the other reflectedfrom
the still waters of the lake. After lunch, we have time for short hike beforecontinuing
to the end of Turkmenistan, at Tashkurgan, the border town beforewe take on the
Khunjerab Pass the following day. Tashkurgan, a city once controlledby the Bolsheviks,
is now inhabited mostly by Tajiks. This evening we strollthrough this one street
town in this faraway land with its hospitable people.
Overnight: Pamir, Tashkurgan (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 19, Tue: Sust / Hunza (PAKISTAN)
We start with our Chinese exit formalities and then drive via the magnificentKhunjerab
Pass into Pakistan. This route is a beautiful drive, with majesticviews of the
high mountains of the Karakoram and the distant Pamir Mountain Ranges.At Khunjerab
National Park, one can see Marco Polo Sheep (obis ammon poli). Weare welcomed
into Pakistan at Sust check post where after border formalities,we continue through
a spectacular scenic journey viewing lofty mountains withstops in remote mountain
villages. At Gulmit, we visit local homes, the villagecentre and school, before
reaching the mountain kingdom of Hunza (284 km).
Overnight: Hill Top / Hunza Baltit, Hunza (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day
20, Wed: Excursion Nagar and Hunza sightseeing
Hunza is probably most famous for the longevity of its people, due in main partto
the simplicity of their lifestyle and natural diet, combined with the unpollutedmountain
air. Tibetan traders referred to the beauty of this humble paradiseas "Shangri-La".
Our tour of this area will include meeting with local folks,and visits to some
of the important historical sites including the recently renovated,simple yet
overpowering, Baltit Fort and the Ganesh watch Tower. Visits to NagarValley and
Hopper Glacier are also included. Our visit to the Baltit Fort isof immense interest.
For many years the fort served as an administrative headquarterand home to the
former Mirs (rulers) of Hunza. The porters who accompanied theBalti bride for
the then Mir of Hunza built it more than 700 years ago. And thestyle of construction
originates from Ladakh. A maze of rooms serving as livingand administrative offices
were added periodically, designed with indigenouswoodwork. It is strategically
located on a prospect point, which gives it animmense overview of Hunza and neighboring
valleys. Currently it serves as a FortMuseum with a good collection of artifacts
and musical instruments from Hunza.The fort is now administered by the Aga Khan
Trust for Culture Foundation, whichundertook the reconstruction and re-establishment
to its original grandeur. Visitto Hoper offers a fine view of some of the highest
peaks in Hunza and Nagar.
We visit the villages and bazaars around Karimabad and get lots of opportunitiesof
meeting and talking with the Hunzakuts. (B, L, D)
Day 21, Thu: Hunza / Gilgit / Chilas
En route to Gilgit we witness what is surely the most spectacular view of themajestic
Rakaposhi peak. We feel so close to the peak yet it takes days of trekkingbefore
one can reach the base! We visit the Pak-China memorial for the memoriesof those
workers who sacrificed their life during the construction of the KarkoramHighway
and also at local villages before reaching Gilgit where our tour includesthe
historical rock carving of Buddha at Kargah. Next stroll through the narrowlanes
of the Gilgit Bazaar the local polo field where we may even witness a polomatch!
As we continue on the Karakoram Highway driving alongside the River Induswe stop
at several photo and village stops, including Thaleche offering the bestview
of the world's 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8125m). Leaving the Karakorumranges
we are now entering the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Overnight: Chilas Inn / Panorama, Chilas (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 22, Fri: Chilas / Abbottabad
After breakfast we visit the rock carvings at Chilas and Shatial before continuingon
this incredible highway enjoying thrilling scenery and visiting villages atThakot
and Mansehra before reaching the hill station town of Abbottabad. Afterdinner
at Abbotabad we take a tour of this popular mountain town and visit thelocal
bazaar where we find a cosmopolitan set up of people from all over Pakistan-
either visiting or as local traders.
Overnight: Pearl Continental, Abbottabad (1 night) (B, L,
D)
Day
23, Sat: Abbottabad / Taxila / Islamabad
We enter a whole different era of history as we drive to Taxila the old cityof
Gandhara civilization. The History of Taxila expands over a thousand years- from
500 BC to 500 AD. Today the Museum of Taxila reflects the pure religion,culture
and tradition of the old Gandhara Civilization. After visiting TaxilaMuseum and
archaeological site, we take a scenic drive to the twin capital citiesof Rawalpindi
/ Islamabad. The twin cities offer a blend of the old and new andour tour starts
with the famous Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi and the old garrisontown. From here
the world changes, all of a sudden, as we enter Islamabad - amodern well planned
city. In Islamabad, we start with a visit to the well-stockedFolk Heritage Museum
where one can purchase a collection of Pakistan's folk songs,music and artifacts.
Next we enter the popular Sharaparian (sweet hills), wherewe get a bird's eye
view of this beautiful and modern city, then take a drivethrough tour to see
the majestic structures designed in Islamic architecture,including the Parliament,
Judiciary, Presidential palaces, and other governmentand commercial buildings.
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a localrestaurant recapturing the
fun and experiences of our Silk Road: From Samarkand & Kashgarto Hunza journey.
Overnight: Regency / Marina (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 24, Sun: Departure
After a wonderful journey that covered the best of Central Asia, Xinjiang andNorthern
Pakistan, we bid farewell today as we are transferred to the airportfor our departure
flight. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
May 16,
Jun 27, & Aug 01
|
| Prices |
| Departure |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
min
6 participants - 2008
|
5125 |
600 |
min
2 participants - 2008 |
6210 |
600 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
- Meals
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
|
- International
Airfares
- Departure/Airport
taxes
- Personal
Insurance
- Visa fees
- Beverages & Tips
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1600 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 2
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 April 04, 2008
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