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Secrets of Central Asia
Prices From: $4995 AUD
Tour Code: PASE
Countries Visited: China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to hotel. Our pre-departure meeting takes place this evening.
Day 2: Tashkent
With most of its historic buildings flattened in an earthquake in 1966, the Tashkent we see today is a fine a example of Soviet-era architecture and city planning. As the capital of Uzbekistan, this surprisingly green city contains many interesting examples of 1960s architectural styles and enjoys a cosmopolitan mix of cuisines and influences. The ancient heart of the city still beats in the shady squares and vibrant markets of the old town. Families still live in communities of courtyards and imams from small medrassas and mosques still call the faithful to prayer. We explore this charming city with a tour that includes the Museum of History, Amir Timur Square, Barak Khan Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and the Chorsu Bazaar.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
An early start as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Urgench (please note that flight schedules are subject to change at short notice). From there we travelled on to the northwest of the country to visit the museum-city of Khiva. As legend has it, this place has a history that dates back to the time of Shem, son of Noah. A settlement was certainly established here by the 8th Century AD and began to flourish in the early 16th Century. A colourful procession of conquering Khans, Silk Road traders, Great Game spies and Russian invaders has long captured the imagination of writers and poets. It is also a photographer's delight, particularly in the evenings when the sun begins to set. This beautifully preserved town is perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the old city. Upon entering through its gates we are greeted by towering minarets and numerous medressas. Our guide takes us through these many monuments, including the Kunya Ark (fortress), the Pakhlavan Makhmud complex, the Djuma Mosque and Muhammed Amin Khan Madrassah. At night we enjoy a special meal in the Bikajon-Bika Madrassah.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Khiva is enchanting at dawn, with its empty streets and sense of thousands of years of history making an early-morning stroll well worthwhile. After breakfast we embark on an 80km journey to Ayaz Kala, northeast of Khiva on the fringes of the Kyzyl-Kum Desert. Ayaz Qala and its sister ruins of Toprak Qala and Qavat Qala are relics of the Khorezm towns that existed here in the Amu-Darya Delta some 2000 years ago. The most impressive of the sites is Toprak Qala, which was settled in the 1st Century BC and later flourished in the 3rd Century AD, as capital of the region. Qavat Qala was a substantial oasis that fell to the brutal treatment of Genghis Khan's marauding troops. To its east lies Ayaz Qalam, an impressive mud-walled hilltop fortress from the 6th-7th Centuries. We also visit Qoy Qyrylghan Qala, a temple mausoleum of Khorezm Khans dating from the 4th Century BC and home of Uzbekistan's oldest known inscriptions. Our desert adventure continues this evening as we stay in traditional Central Asian yurts and swap our own tales under the stars.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Ample opportunity to relax with free time this morning. With the impressive sights of Bukhara and Samarkand ahead of us, this is an ideal opportunity to catch up on some research, or simply sit back and imagine you are a trader who has made it safely through the desert! Our own journey continues this afternoon as we drive the 450km to Bukhara through the Kyzyl-Kum (meaning 'red sands') desert. Along the way we meet the Amu Darya River – once known as the Oxus. This river bubbles up far to the south-east in the Pamirs and then runs west through the area now bordering modern Afghanistan - once famous throughout the ancient world for its lapis-lazuli mines. Curling slowly northward the river bisects the Kyzyl-Kum and Kara-Kum (‘black sands’) deserts, before stretching toward the southern tip of the shrinking Aral Sea. It was the Greeks who named this part of Central Asia ‘Transoxiana’ – literally ‘beyond the river’ – a name that echoes through the ages in literature and poetry - and the imagination of travellers.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city. With more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see and we have an extensive sightseeing program here to make the most of our time. On our explorations over two days we visit, amongst many other sites, the imposing Poikalon complex (comprising the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrassah), Samanid Mausoleum, Chor Minor and, of course, the Ark Fortress, the ancient heart of the city and the scene of several gruesome events! With its many monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th Century AD, Bukhara has a vast span of history and architecture to uncover and the meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations give us a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. The twilight hours lend themselves to wandering the areas around the Lyab-i-House Pool, a central gathering place where we enjoy a traditional chaikhana (tea-house) style dinner one evening. Trading domes near here still offer an intriguing and colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is the place to test your haggling skills, as well as share a joke or two with friendly local merchants. This is truly a magical place and it is sure to cast its spell on us too!
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
With regret, we leave captivating Bukhara and continue east towards Samarkand, stopping en route to visit Bronze Age petroglyphs at Sarmysh Gorge. Our next destination is Nurata, formerly known as Nur and founded in the 3rd Century BC by Alexander the Great. This ancient town was once regarded as the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppes, and the ruins of Alexander’s hilltop citadel stand testament to its ancient history. The city was also an important Muslim place of pilgrimage, reaching its peak in the 10th Century AD as devotees flocked to its many significant graves and memorials. We visit the Chashma, a complex of religious constructions that serves as the central point for such pilgrimages. After lunching in a local teahouse we continue onto Aidarkul Lake, where we again camp in yurts. The evening has a festive feel as we gather together for a traditional barbecue with our local hosts. We may be grateful for the free time the following morning as the celebrations are likely to run late into the evening! For those who are feeling active, optional camel trekking may be available. After lunch we depart for Samarkand.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners
We have a full day of sightseeing and exploration in Samarkand, a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its founding in the 5th Century BC, this crossroads of cultures, religions, peoples and languages has been a centre of artisans and traders, as well as the prize for many a conquering army. Alexander the Great stormed its walls in 329 BC and many other rulers chose to make it their capital in the centuries that followed. Even the Soviet occupiers declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, although it only kept that honour for four years! One highlight of our visit will be standing in the iconic Registan Square, with the three medrassas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tillya Kari) towering over us. Close by stands Bibi Khanum Mosque built by the 14th Century ruler Timur and often compared to the Taj Mahal, as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man's love for his wife. This mosque overlooks a busy and colourful bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and huge array of produce, as well as encounter friendly greetings from the local traders. Our sightseeing also includes several more key sites including the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum complex, Gur Amir Mausoleum and Ulugbek Observatory.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
We leave Samarkand and return towards Tashkent, continuing past the capital to Chimgan, the winter sports area. Although we are definitely in the wrong season for any snow, this is still a lovely spot to pass the afternoon, and we relax with a picnic lunch and enjoy the views. It’s an early start the next day as we head into the Fergana Valley, a fertile bowl fringed by the Tian Shan mountains to the north and the Pamir Altay mountains to the south. We cross the Kamchik Pass (2267m) to gain a sense of the geography of the region - and begin to understand why the Fergana Valley has always regarded itself as a little cut-off from the rest of the country. Arriving in Kokand in time for lunch, we have an afternoon to explore the Khudayar Khan Palace, capital of the Kokand khanate in the 18th and 19th centuries, and now home to a fascinating museum of local history. We also have time to visit several mosques and medrassas before continuing to Fergana, regional capital and our base for the next two nights.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Today we enjoy a more relaxed pace as we move between the artisan towns of Fergana, Margilan and Rishton. In Margilan we start our day with a stroll through the bazaar, before continuing to a silk production centre – one of the few to still retain traditional methods. Here we can see the many processes used to turn the raw silk cocoons into beautiful silk cloth and exquisite tapestries, carpets and embroideries. For many visitors a real highlight is learning how the traditional and distinctive Uzbek cloth (‘khanatlas’) is made. From Margilan we move to Rishton, and after lunch with a local family we visit a pottery centre to learn about the delicate ceramics for which the town is famous. A local master will show us how he crafts each piece by hand before carefully decorating and firing them in a traditional kiln. Be prepared for some shopping today – even the most seasoned travellers will find it hard to resist a purchase!
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
Our final Uzbek excursion takes us to Andijian, birthplace of Zahiruddin Babur – a 15th century ruler who boasted ancestry from the lines of both Timur the Great and Genghis Khan. Here we visit Babur’s memorial and learn about his legacy in Afghanistan and India – his descendents were the founders of the Mughal empire. In the afternoon we farewell our Uzbek friends and cross the border into Kyrgyzstan. Osh, the border town where our Kyrgyz hosts greet us, boasts 3000 years of history, with purported links to the empires of Suleiman the Magnificent, Alexander the Great and the Mongol Hordes. We visit Suleiman's Mountain, a site of huge Islamic importance, and have a chance to browse the bazaars and backstreets. This is a small and sleepy city, and we enjoy a relaxing evening here, perhaps settling into a local chaikhana (teahouse) to watch the world go by.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
We enter the high mountains of the Pamir-Altay range, climbing to the crossroads of Tadjikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China at Sary Tash. This afternoon is free for trekking, with excellent walks (both long and short) from our campground base. Our second night in Kyrgyzstan is spent camping under the stars, with an early start the following morning as we must reach the border in good time. This is one of Central Asia's most remote crossings, only opened to foreign visitors in the last few years. We say farewell to our Kyrgyz friends and are greeted by our Chinese team, completing border formalities (which can take some time!) before continuing to Kashgar, also known as Kashi, the ‘crown jewel’ of the Silk Road. The Irkeshtam Pass is a rugged and challenging crossing, and today we must expect the unexpected!
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 1 dinner
Situated at an altitude of 1,289 metres at the end of the spectacular Karakoram Highway from Pakistan, Kashgar is still an important trading centre. It first fell into Chinese hands nearly 1,000 years ago when extensions to the Great Wall and explorations along the Silk Road opened the area to trade. When the Han Dynasty collapsed, an interregnum followed until the town was captured briefly for the Tang Dynasty before falling again, this time into Arab hands. The great Genghis Khan occupied the city in 1219, and Marco Polo was reputedly a visitor here in 1265. With the downfall of the Mongols, the town was incorporated into Tamerlane’s empire before entering another period of instability, this time lasting 350 years. We enjoy a city tour, including the old town, the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. The following day we experinece one of the greatest market days in the world, The Kashgar markets.
The colourful Sunday Market sees the town come alive as merchants from near and far bring in their wares. It is a photographer’s dream with the endless stream of fascinating faces and varied activities taking place. The Sunday Market is divided into two markets dfrom hte animal market where you will see traders barter for lambs, goats cattle and sometimes even camels. The other market is evrything else under the sun from silk, to exotic foods to musical instruments!
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
An early start as we head up into the mountains and across the Torugart Pass (3752m). This ancient gateway takes us through some spectacular scenery. The drive takes about 4 hours with the second part on unpaved roads. We reach Chinese customs (at an elevation of approximately 2000m) before heading into non-man's land for a further 70kms. At the next checkpoint we say goodbye to our Chinese hosts as they introduce us to our Kyrgyz team who will escort us through Kyrgyz border formalities. Once all the paperwork is completed, we continue on to the beautiful 13th Century caravansarai at Tash-Rabat. There is plenty of time to relax here with a free day to enjoy trekking in the area or simply enjoy the stunning setting of our camp.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners
After breakfast we drive to Son-Kul Lake, a beautiful spot where many nomadic herders choose to make their summer camp. With gentle pastures set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, this is the perfect place for an afternoon hike - perhaps dropping in on a local family along the way. We stay for two nights in traditional felt tents (yurts) and sample some traditional dishes from our Kyrgyz hosts.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners
From Son-Kul's pastures we wind our way across country towards the village of Kochkorka. Here we are welcomed by local families who are our genial hosts for the night. By using these homestays we are supportting a community initiative, but the pleasure is all ours with fabulous home-cooked meals and laughter ringing well into the evening.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
A more leisurely day today as we get our first glimpses of turquoise Lake Issy-Kul and explore the Barskoön Gorge on foot. Our day is relaxed and we share a picnic lunch in these idyllic surrounds. We continue this evening to our simple guesthouse at Tamga village on the southern shore. From here it is a short stroll to the local beach, where a spectacular view of mountain peaks and clear blue water awaits.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Over the next two days we follow the shore of this impressive lake - so large it never freezes, hence the name Issyk-Kul - meaning 'Hot-Lake' in the local language. From Tamga via the iconic red sandstone formations of Jeti-Öghüz Canyon to Karakol, where traditional wooden houses are laid out European style. Along the north shore to Cholpon-Ata, where sandy beaches and ancient petroglyphs await us.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 1 dinner
After breakfast we start on the road to Bishkek. Along the way we stop at the 11th Century Burana Tower, a minaret in the old city of Balasagun. This was the centre of state during the reign of the Karakhanids, once-great feudal rulers of Central Asia. After joining a local family for lunch, we arrive in Bishkek, with an introductory city tour to show us the sights of the capital.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
We travel approximately 40kms from Bishkek to visit Ala-Archa Gorge, part of a national park created in 1976 and occupying some 19,500 square kilometers of territory. With snow-covered peaks and steep spruce-forested slopes, the area is rich in flora and fauna and a pleasure to explore. On our return to Bishkek we have time to visit some of the city's sights, including the National Museum and Gallery.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
We fly from Bishkek to the Uzbek capital Tashkent. In this cosmopolitan city there is a plentiful choice of restaurants and activities for our final evening's entertainment. Our journey ends on Day 14 (Fri) after breakfast.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
Tour Grade:
| Start Date | End Date | Price |
| 31 Jul 2008 | 29 Aug 2008 | $5299 |
| 28 Aug 2008 | 26 Sep 2008 | $5299 |
| 04 Sep 2008 | 03 Oct 2008 | $5299 |
| 28 May 2009 | 26 Jun 2009 | $5299 |
| 18 Jun 2009 | 17 Jul 2009 | $5299 |
| 09 Jul 2009 | 07 Aug 2009 | $5299 |
| 30 Jul 2009 | 28 Aug 2009 | $5299 |
| 27 Aug 2009 | 25 Sep 2009 | $5299 |
| 03 Sep 2009 | 02 Oct 2009 | $4995 |
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