The Great Silk Road

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Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Hunza Valley

       

Highlights

       

·          Explore incredible Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand

·          Stay with an eagle hunter, Kashgar Sunday markets

·          Follow the Karakorum Highway

·          Enjoy trekking in spectacular mountain scenery

·          Experience the hospitality of the people from Hunza Valley

       

Facts

      

Code: SACS

Style: Traveller

Trek Grade: A – Easy (Optional)

Maximum group size: 18

Staffing: Fully escorted by Silk Road Adventure tour leader Iman Rahim and local guides at sites

Transport: Private vehicle, local jeep for excursions

Accommodation: 23 nights in tourist class hotels, 2 nights in yurt

Activities: Extensive walking at sites and optional treks

Meals: Included as per itinerary (B – breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner). Allow US$15-18         per day for other meals.

Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary.

Tipping: To avoid embarrassment and save you money, all tours operate a tipping kitty. Please allow US$15-20 per week for this tour.

       

Guarantee departure: 29th May

Itinerary

       

Option A Central Asia

       

Day 01- Tashkent

Arrival at Tashkent. Evening tour briefing by your tour leader. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02- Tashkent- Urgench- Khiva

We take a morning flight to Urgench and drive to Khiva. Half day sightseeing of Ichan kala, Kalta Minor, Islam-Khodja Medresa and Minaret, Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum and the bazaar. Overnight in hotel. (B)

Day 03- Khiva-Bukhara

Today we drive to Bukhara. Free afternoon at leisure. Evening dinner with folklore show in Nadir Devonbegi Medresa where you will enjoy the Bukharian dance at "Lyabi Khauz".

Overnight in hotel. (B)

Day 04- Bukhara

Full day sightseeing of Bukhara including visit of Poyi Kalyan, Mir Arab Medresa,

Amir-Alim-Khan Medresa, Ulug Beg Medresa, Abdulaziz Khan Medresa, silk, jewelry and carpets market, Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Lyabi Hauz with Nadir Divanbegi Medresa and Kukeldash Medresa.

Overnight in hotel. (B)

Day 05- Bukhara- Shakhrisabz Samarkand

Drive to Samarkand. En-route we stop at Shakhrisabz for visit of Ak-Sarai (White Palace), Juma Mosque (1915), Kok Gumbaz Mosque (1456), Dorut Tilovat and Dorus Siadat complexes.

Overnight in hotel. (B)

Day 06- Samarkand

Full day sightseeing of Samarkand's Guri-Emir Mausoleum, Rukhabad Necropolis (XV c.), Registan Complex (XVII c.), Bibi-Khanum Cathedral Mosque (XV c.), Ulugbek Observatory (XV c.), Shakhi-Zinda Mausoleums Ensemble and Siyab bazaar.

You will be invited to a local family for dinner Overnight in hotel. (BD)

Day 07- Samarkand- Tashkent

In the morning we drive back to Tashkent (4-5 hours drive). On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon at leisure overnight in hotel (B)

Day 08- Tashkent-Bishkek

Today we fly to Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital city. In the afternoon, we visit the History Museum famous for its collection of Bolshevik Revolution artifacts. Later, we tour Frunze 's House, named after the Soviet General Michael Frunze who won Central Asia for the Bolsheviks in the Civil War.

Overnight in hotel (B)

Day 09- Issik Kul Lake

Drive to Issik Kul Lake, en route visit Burana Tower Archaeological Museum situated on the site of a caravan town dating from the 10th Century AD. We arrive at Issyk-Kul in the evening and drive to Cholpan Ata, a major resort centre. Evening stroll around this beautiful lake.

Overnight in hotel (B)

Day 10- Tash Rabat

Drive to Tash Rabat Saray caravan and spend the night in a typical Kyrgyz Yurt. Tash Rabat Saray Caravan         was in use until the end of 17th century AD. (B).

Day 11- Turgat Pass-Kashgar

Travel to the Torogart border check point. After border formalities, we proceed to Torogart Top (2752 m) where we are welcomed officially into China by our local guide. Overnight in Kashgar (B)

       

      

Option B Hunza valley Extension

       

Day 12- Tashkurgan
Today the Option (A) trip will end after breakfast. If you wish to carry on to Hunza valley, we drive on the famous Karakorum highway to Tashkurgan via Karakul Lake for a stunning view of Mustaghata Mountain Overnight at hotel. (B)

Day-13 Passu- Pakistan

After immigration formalities, we drive via Khunjerab pass (4750m) to Sost which is the last border town in China. Later transfer to Passu village for overnight (B).

       

KARAKORAM HIGHWAY

From Islamabad the modern capital of Pakistan, to Kashgar in the west of Xinjiang, China, the Karakorum Highway winds its way through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. Before the highway was completed in 1971, these areas were inaccessible to everyone except the most tenacious mountaineer.

       

Work on the road began in 1959. The job was so formidable that by 1965, the workers had laid only the most rudimentary surface. In 1967 it was announced that the road would extend over the Khunjerab Pass to terminate in Kashgar. Seven battalions from the Pakistan Army and a further 10,000 men from the Frontier Works Organisation were needed to complete the 1,300km of road. Since then, the route has been extended to 7027m.

       

KHUNJERAB NATIONAL PARK

Once the road enters the Khunjerab National Park, the hills and valley begin to open out.  The final ascent to the top of the Khunjerab pass is covered by twisting round 12 hairpin bends.  Although almost impossible to spot, this area is home to the snow-leopard, Marco Polo sheep, wild goats, yak, ibex, and several rare birds and animals.  At 4733m, it is the world's highest paved boarder crossing and even the slightest exertion leaves one breathless.

      

Day-14 Passu

Today we set off on a day trek on the Yunz Pass (3000m). En route we have magnificent glacier and mountain views. Overnight in Hotel (B)

Day-15 Passu - Gulmit

Trek through the valley, crossing the Hunza River on suspension bridges with wonderful views of the Passu Glacier. Later we drive to Gulmit where we can relax in the gardens of our hotel or continue exploring the lovely village. In the evening we have a traditional meal with one of the families in the village. (BD)

Day-16 Gulmit

An optional hike to Borith Lake, the route crosses the Ghulkin Glacier (no special skill or equipment is required). It is possible to take a van up to the lake instead. (B)

Day 17- Karimabad- Hoper Valley Duiker
Drive to Nagar Valley. Walk down to the Hoper Glacier. Later, return to Karimabad the capital of Hunza. Visit the ancient Baltit Fort, transfer to Duiker village for a stunning view of surrounding mountains and the valley. Overnight at hotel (B)

 

HUNZAKUTS

The areas we visit is populated by Hunzakuts; the people famous for their longevity – some live to over 100!  This can perhaps be attributed to a healthy and unique diet consisting heavily of walnuts and fruit, particularly the apricot which grows abundantly. Hunzakuts are Ismailis - a moderate sect of Islam whose religious leader is the Aga Khan.  With their distinct culture and language the people are extremely proud of their Hunza heritage. They have a rich history though and participated in prosperous trading along the silk route.

       

Karimabad, the main centre for Hunza, is a spectacular setting. The attractive crescent-shaped valley laid out before you and encircled with mountains. Views in one direction include Ultar Peak, at 7388m, first conquered by Japanese climbers Mr Yamasaki and Mr Mazuka from Japan Alpine Club in 1998 (both whom died on their descent). In the opposite, direction is Rakaposhi (7788m), undoubtedly the most prominent and well-known mountain in the Gilgit/Hunza area of the Karakoram Mountain Range.

       

Imposing Baltit Fort is the former Palace of the Mirs (rulers) of Hunza until 1960. It is now a museum dedicated to the conservation of the Hunza people's history and culture and is a must for all visitors. It soars above the village of Karimabad, with Ultar Peak and its glacier as a curtain backdrop and commanding a majestic view of Mt. Rakaposhi and Diran Peak (7266m). The views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from Karimabad are stunning.

       

Altit is a small neighboring valley to Karimabad, with a very old, small fort perched on a rocky outcrop high above the Hunza River - the only river that cuts through the width of the mighty Karakorum. The fort's balcony overlooks a village of mud houses with flat rooftops used as extra work areas. The fort itself is under restoration - reopening dates have not yet been announced.

       

Duiker Viewpoint - Duiker Viewpoint from where you will see sunrise overlooking magnificent snow-covered peaks including Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7266m).

       

NAGAR VALLEY - which can be seen from Duiker is on the opposite, eastern side of the Hunza River. This is another fertile valley and is predominantly Shia Muslim. (B).

       

       

Day 18- Karimabad Duiker
Full free day for relaxation.  Enjoy the stunning view of the mountain scenery or take a hike to Ultar meadow (B)

Day 19- Karimabad

Return to Karimabad a day of shopping or wander around Karimabad village. Overnight at hotel (B)

Day 20 Tashkurgan Kashgar (China)
We drive to Sost and depart Hunza valley. On arrival at Tashkurgan, meet your bus driver and transfer to Kashgar. Overnight in hotel. (B)

Day 21- Kashgar Sunday market
Today we will visit the famous Sunday market, Join the locals for fresh dumplings and tea, watch the horse traders race their prospective animals and see the shepherds buying and selling their flocks at Kashgar's Sunday market. (B)

       

Option C Turfan and Dunhuang Extension

       

Day 22 Urumqi-Tianche Lake
Morning flight to Urumqi. Visit Urumqi museum where the Mummies are on display and visit the markets. Drive to Tianche lake. Overnight in Yurt (B).

Day 23 Turfan
Drive to Turfan. Visit the underground irrigation system of Kerez Wells which maintains Turfan as an oasis city . Finish the tour with a visit to the underground tombs of the ancient Turkic civilization and view the mummified remains of the royal family. (B)

Day 24 Turfan Overnight train

More sightseeing of Turfan. Later transfer to the railway station for overnight train to Dunhuang.
Overnight on board.

Day 25 Dunhuang
Morning arrival and transfer to Dunhuang city. Visit the famous MOGAO GROTTOES and spend the day touring the caves of the Magao Grottoes. Dunhuang is recognized as having one of the largest Buddhist art collections in the world. The five layers of caves are decorated with frescoes and murals, clay figures and carvings that date from the 4th Century to the 14th Centuries

Sunset visit to Crescent Moon Lake and Ming Sha sand dunes. Overnight in Dunhuang (B)

Day 26- Dunhuang

This amzing journey will end after breakfast (B)

(Note) Per and post arrangements can be done on request

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Tour Cost for Option A (Day 01-11)

No of Pax.	4-5	6-9	10 above	Single Supplement
Price in US Dollar per person	$ 1940	$ 1570	$ 1375	$ 190

Tour Cost for Option B (Day 12-21)

No of Pax.	4-5	6-9	10 above	Single Supplement
Price in US Dollar per person	$ 1222	$ 1040	$ 910	$ 130

Tour Cost for Option C (Day 12-21)

No of Pax.	4-5	6-9	10 above	Single Supplement
Price in US Dollar per person	$ 680	$ 640	$ 560	$ 130

       

TOUR COST INCLUDES

• All domestic transportation and transfers. Soft sleeper class trains.
• Flights from Tashkent to Urgench, Kashgar to Urumqi
• Twin sharing accommodation in tourist class hotels with en-suite bathrooms, 2 nights in Yurts with communal facilities
• Meals half board. Please check itinerary above for (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner inclusions
• All the sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary and entrance fees
• Fully Escorted by SRA experienced tour leader and English-speaking guides at sites
• Visa support

TOUR COST EXCLUDES

• Visa Fees
• Tashkent airport arrival transfer and final day transfers
• Flight from Tashkent Bishkek. At time of publication, the flight cost is 141 Euro and is subject to fluctuation
• Personal expenses in hotels such as laundry, telephone and room service, etc.
• Optional activities
• Meals not mention above
• Single supplements
• Tips for Guides and drivers

       

Note:

*** The tour cost given above may change due to currency exchange fluctuations. Final cost will be confirmed on final payment.         Pre and post tour arrangements can be booked according to your wishes***

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