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.

Day 01, Fri: Arrive Tashkent (UZBEKISTAN)
Hush ellipsis! A warm welcome in Uzbek language as we are warmly welcomed and subsequently 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 introduction to 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 historical city of Samarkand. After an evening rest in our hotel, we visit the famous Registan Square to see the beautiful madrassah illuminated. Subject to shows, we will witness an awesome Sound & Light Show followed by a typical and delicious Uzbeki dinner 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 visit of the Registan Square which will also include marveling the historical madrassahs. Later, we visit the remarkable Bibi Khanum mosque, the intriguing Silk Road bazaar and the Shahi Zinda Necropolis. Our post lunch tour includes the Afrosiab Museum, Ulugbek’s Observatory, Gur Emir, Mausoleum of Tamerlane and time in the local bazaar. Dinner at a local restaurant joining the local folk and learning how to dance. (B, L, D)

Day 04, Mon: Samarkand / Shakre Sabz / Bukhara – 378Kms.
A countryside drive takes us to Shakre Sabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, the founder of Uzbekistan. This is followed by a visit to the Ak-Saray Palace ruins, Dorus Saidat Seminary, Kok Gumbaz Mosque, Dorus Saidat and the Friday Mosque. After lunch, 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. Walking through the narrow lanes, we visit Lyabikhauz, Madrassahs of Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Aziziz Khan and Ulugbek, Khanaga, Mogaki Attari Mosque and the beuatiful Poi Kalon minaret and mosque. A Bukhara style lunch and we then visit the famous Ark Fortress, the majestic Balakhauz Mosque, Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid and Chasma Ayub. We end the day with free time at the exotic Silk Road bazaar. This evening 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 city we see Amudarya before taking an interesting drive seeing local villages and the desert before reaching our Yorta – a type that Chenghiz Khan and his large army may have used. Facing the Ayaz Kala, we settle in our Yortas, a round shaped nomadic tent made of felt and bamboo sticks decorated inside with typical folk painting. 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 of the previous night. This morning we capture the first rays of the sun falling over the massive fort, and witness an awe-inspiring sunrise. We continue following the footsteps of Chenghiz Khan and visit the nearby Toprak Kala Fort – one that was used for the ruling class. Forts here were constructed primarily to protect the Trans-Oxiana kingdoms from tribal raids and later served as pleasure houses for the rulers. After crossing the Amudarya (Oxus River), we encounter yet another highlight 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 and one 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 visit to Ichan Kala, Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark, Madrassah Rakhimkhon, and the local handicrafts at the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud. From here, we visit the famous see Islam Khodja minaret and museum, the Friday Mosque, Tashauli Palace/harem and a Caravan Bazaar. We have an excellent opportunity of meeting locals folks and joining them at a traditional teahouse. After dinner, we proceed to the airport in Urgench for 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 Navoi Theatre, Ballet Theatre and Museum of Fine Arts. Later we explore more of Uzbekistan taking a rural scenic drive to the enchanting rich Ferghana Valley. En route we stop at various villages and have tea with the locals. Ferghana is always a 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 southwestern part of the Ferghana valley, on the southern bank of the river Syr Darya (ancient Jaxartes), 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 in Andijan. Crossing into Kyrgyzstan and a short drive from the border we reach Osh – the second largest city of Kyrgyzstan. We explore with a drive through tour of the city before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to the capital 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 collection of Bolshevik Revolution artifacts. Next we visit Frunze’s House, named after the Soviet General Michael Frunze who won Central Asia for the Bolsheviks in the Civil War. Now we are off to the Burana Tower Archaeological Museum is situated on the site of a caravan town dating from the 10th Century AD. We arrive in Issyk-Kul in the evening and then drive to Cholpan Ata, a major resort centre. We enjoy a dinner caught fresh from the lake after which we take an evening we stroll around 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. Late morning 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 region conducting 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 era of 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. We visit the yorta encampment of the local Kirghiz and join them for soup followed by a BBQ lunch at the meadow. Time for short hike before visiting the local Russian Orthodox 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 towards China, we have brief scenic photo shots of Kirghiz encampments. Upon arrival at the small border town of Naryn, we visit the well-known Naryn Mosque. Later we 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 use till the end of 17th century AD. Then we are off to Torogart border Point and after border formalities, we proceed to Torogart Top (2752 m) where we are welcomed officially into China by our local guide. After completing the Chinese border formalities, we drive to Kashgar where we spend three interesting days filled with activities. Kashgar’s history spans over 2000 years and its importance comes from its strategic position at the foot of the Pamir Mountains. At one time merchants bound for China would buy camels here to convey their merchandise to the Kingdom of Cathay. For westbound caravans, this was a resting place before their climb through 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 with an experience of Kashgi, the local name for Kashgar. We start with the Id Kah Mosque (the largest in China) and Abakh Khoja’s tomb (Xinjiang’s most revered monument and an architectural marvel). Exploring the old town we visit family homes, the local bazaar and a school. One finds walking through the narrow lanes of old town, a scene from the bygone days of the Arabian Nights with a culture that 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 between Rome and Beijing, this exotic oasis used to be the last outfitting station on the 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 "the pearl on the Ancient Silk Road", the Sunday Bazaar is dotted with stalls here and there. Throughout the bazaars, one finds shopkeepers that sell almost everything while others specialize in local produce, arts and crafts, garments, knives, timber, coal, and animals. Afternoon is free at leisure and evening we join for a 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 the two faces of the awesome Muztagh-ata mountain – one facing us and the other reflected from the still waters of the lake. After lunch, we have time for short hike before continuing to the end of Turkmenistan, at Tashkurgan, the border town before we take on the Khunjerab Pass the following day. Tashkurgan, a city once controlled by the Bolsheviks, is now inhabited mostly by Tajiks. This evening we stroll through 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 magnificent Khunjerab Pass into Pakistan. This route is a beautiful drive, with majestic views 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). We are welcomed into Pakistan at Sust check post where after border formalities, we continue through a spectacular scenic journey viewing lofty mountains with stops in remote mountain villages. At Gulmit, we visit local homes, the village centre 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 part to the simplicity of their lifestyle and natural diet, combined with the unpolluted mountain air. Tibetan traders referred to the beauty of this humble paradise as "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 Nagar Valley and Hopper Glacier are also included. Our visit to the Baltit Fort is of immense interest. For many years the fort served as an administrative headquarter and home to the former Mirs (rulers) of Hunza. The porters who accompanied the Balti bride for the then Mir of Hunza built it more than 700 years ago. And the style of construction originates from Ladakh. A maze of rooms serving as living and administrative offices were added periodically, designed with indigenous woodwork. It is strategically located on a prospect point, which gives it an immense overview of Hunza and neighboring valleys. Currently it serves as a Fort Museum with a good collection of artifacts and musical instruments from Hunza. The fort is now administered by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Foundation, which undertook the reconstruction and re-establishment to its original grandeur. Visit to 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 opportunities of 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 the majestic Rakaposhi peak. We feel so close to the peak yet it takes days of trekking before one can reach the base! We visit the Pak-China memorial for the memories of those workers who sacrificed their life during the construction of the Karkoram Highway and also at local villages before reaching Gilgit where our tour includes the historical rock carving of Buddha at Kargah. Next stroll through the narrow lanes of the Gilgit Bazaar the local polo field where we may even witness a polo match! As we continue on the Karakoram Highway driving alongside the River Indus we stop at several photo and village stops, including Thaleche offering the best view of the world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8125m). Leaving the Karakorum ranges 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 continuing on this incredible highway enjoying thrilling scenery and visiting villages at Thakot and Mansehra before reaching the hill station town of Abbottabad. After dinner at Abbotabad we take a tour of this popular mountain town and visit the local 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 city of 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 Taxila Museum and archaeological site, we take a scenic drive to the twin capital cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The twin cities offer a blend of the old and new and our tour starts with the famous Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi and the old garrison town. From here the world changes, all of a sudden, as we enter Islamabad - a modern well planned city. In Islamabad, we start with a visit to the well-stocked Folk Heritage Museum where one can purchase a collection of Pakistan’s folk songs, music and artifacts. Next we enter the popular Sharaparian (sweet hills), where we get a bird’s eye view of this beautiful and modern city, then take a drive through tour to see the majestic structures designed in Islamic architecture, including the Parliament, Judiciary, Presidential palaces, and other government and commercial buildings. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant recapturing the fun and experiences of our Silk Road: From Samarkand & Kashgar to 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 and Northern Pakistan, we bid farewell today as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures May 16, Jun 27, & Aug 01

Inclusions

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 Insurance / Visas Tips / Beverages

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 min 6 participants US $ 5125 • CA $ 5125 US $ 600 • CA $ 600 2008 min 2 participants US $ 6210 • CA $ 6210 US $ 600 • CA $ 600

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1400 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 16 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.