A SILK ROAD ODYSSEY from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan

Today, journey to Chon-Kemin, with a stop en route at the historic Burana Tower, a 12th-century Karakhanid minaret and fascinating museum complex. Explore ancient mausoleums, balbals, petroglyphs and the remains of a citadel. Then continue into the tranquil Chon-Kemin Valley, surrounded by forests, farmland and magnificent mountains. Later, experience an exhilarating display of Kyrgyz nomadic traditions through traditional horseback games.

Hotel: GH Kemin for 1 night

Continue your tour of Kyrgyzstan through the spectacular Boom Gorge towards Cholpon-Ata, travelling along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this vast alpine lake is renowned for its dramatic scenery. Later, explore the fascinating Stone Garden, featuring ancient petroglyphs, stone circles, tombs and balbals. Enjoy dinner in Karakol with a local Uighur family, sampling traditional cuisine and witnessing a lively lagman-making demonstration.

Hotel: Green Yard for 1 night

Begin the morning by visiting Karakol’s historic Holy Trinity Cathedral, dating from 1872, followed by the elegant Dungan Mosque. Later, travel towards Bokonbaevo, stopping at the spectacular Jety-Oguz Gorge to admire its famous Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rock formations. Continue to the enchanting Skazka, or Fairy Tale, Canyon. Arrive in Bokonbaevo, the centre of Kyrgyz felt handicrafts, where you can participate in making traditional carpets.

Hotel: Yurt camp for 1 night

In the morning, experience the ancient Central Asian tradition of eagle hunting, an important part of Kyrgyz nomadic heritage. Learn how skilled hunters train and work with these magnificent birds, traditionally used for both competitions and everyday life. Continue your journey towards Bishkek, enjoying the changing landscapes and spectacular mountain scenery along the way.

Hotel: Hotel Ambassador for 1 night

Discover Ala-Archa National Park, nestled at 2,100 metres with its spectacular mountain scenery, glacial streams, spruce forests, and diverse wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard. From there transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, explore Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, where historic mosques and restored buildings blend with modern architecture, shopping centres and colourful oriental bazaars.

Hotel: Al-Anvar for 2 nights

Explore Tashkent’s historic Old Town, where you will see the Kukeldash Madrasah, Khast-Imam Square, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum. See the historic Quran attributed to Caliph Osman. Continue to the Rakhimov family ceramic workshop, where you can try pottery yourself and then take a wander through bustling Chorsu Bazaar and experience traditional local life.

After an early morning start take the train to Samarkand and explore this ancient Silk Road city, renowned for its remarkable cultural heritage. Begin at magnificent Registan Square, once the heart of Samarkand, and admire its three historic madrasahs. Next, visit Gur Emir, the magnificent mausoleum of Tamerlane. Tonight, enjoy an authentic dinner in a traditional national house, experiencing local cuisine and hospitality.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Samarkand for 3 nights

Continue exploring Samarkand, beginning with the magnificent Shakhi Zinda, renowned for its tiled mausoleums and atmospheric passageway. Next, visit Hazrat Khizr Mosque for panoramic views across the old city and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Discover the Afrosiyab Museum and archaeological site, revealing Samarkand’s ancient origins. In the afternoon, visit Ulugbek Observatory, showcasing the city’s scientific achievements, followed by the peaceful Saint Daniel Mausoleum.

Visit Konigil village and discover the traditional craft of Samarkand papermaking at a local mulberry-paper workshop. Afterwards, explore the village’s charming artisan workshops before enjoying a hands-on cooking class and lunch featuring local specialities. Later, return to Samarkand and spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring independently or relaxing.

Take a morning train to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most captivating historic cities. Upon arrival, discover this remarkable city-museum, where centuries of history are woven into its streets and architecture. Explore ancient mosques, imposing citadels, magnificent mausoleums and beautifully preserved madrasas. Once a major crossroads on the Great Silk Road, Bukhara continues to revive its historic traditions, offering a fascinating glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.

Hotel: Hotel Caravan Plaza for 3 nights

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant oriental bazaar, filled with traditional colours, aromas and local crafts. Afterwards, visit the famous puppet workshop before exploring Bukhara’s historic architectural treasures. Discover the Ark Citadel, Samanid Mausoleum and Chor Minor. Continue to Lyabi Khauz Square, then visit Chashma-Ayub, Bolo Mosque and the magnificent Poi Kalon complex. As a final highlight, explore the historic trading domes and Magok-i-Attori Mosque, completing your fascinating journey through Bukhara’s heritage.

Next, travel to Gijduvon to visit the renowned Narzullaev Ceramics Workshop and Museum. Here, discover generations of pottery traditions and observe skilled craftsmen at work. Afterwards, admire colourful ceramics featuring distinctive floral and geometric patterns in green, yellow, brown and blue. Continue exploring the workshop’s beautiful bowls, plates, jugs and teapots before returning to Bukhara to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure.

Proceed by train through the striking Kizilkum Desert towards ancient Khiva, following historic routes once travelled by great armies and nomadic hordes. Upon arrival, discover this UNESCO-listed open-air museum, once an important stop along the Great Silk Road. Explore the magnificent walled city of Ichan-Kala, home to around 60 historic monuments, including mosques, minarets, mausoleums, palaces and the imposing ancient city walls.

Hotel: Hotel Orient Star Khiva for 3 nights

Immerse yourself in the enchanting old town of Khiva, beginning with the imposing Kunya Ark Fortress and Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah. Admire the beautifully decorated Islam Khodja Minaret, followed by visits to the Palvan Kari Complex and Rafanek Madrasah. In the afternoon, continue discovering Khiva’s architectural treasures, including the Uch-Avliyo Mausoleum, Juma Mosque, Tash-Hauli Palace and Arab Mohammed Khan Madrasah.

Travel into the Kyzylkum Desert to discover the remarkable ancient fortresses of Khorezm. Rather than traditional castles, these extraordinary sites comprise enormous mud-brick fortified cities and citadels rising dramatically from the desert landscape. Many date back more than 2,000 years, offering a fascinating insight into the region’s ancient civilisations. Along the way, explore some of the most impressive examples, including Toprak Qala, Ayaz Qala and Koy-Kirilgan Qala.

Take a morning flight to Tashkent and, upon arrival, explore the city’s modern side. First, experience the unique Tashkent Metro, renowned for its ornate stations and artistic design. Afterwards, visit the Museum of Applied Art, showcasing carpets, ceramics, jewellery and traditional crafts. Continue to Independence Square and Alisher Navoi Theatre Square. Admire the impressive Romanov Palace from outside, which features ornate turrets and decorative openwork.

Hotel: Al-Anvar for 1 night

After lunchtime, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to Perth. Upon arrival home on Day 20, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you home, marking the conclusion of your fabulous Silk Road Odyssey from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan.