Road to Samarkand

Days 1-2 : Fly to Urumqi

Fly overnight to Urumqi.

Day 3 : Tian Chi Heavenly Lake

Travel to Tian Chi Heavenly Lake for breathtaking views of the crystal clear lake at the top of the mountain range. In the evening fly to Kashgar, one of the most remote cities in the world, and heart of the Silk Road.

Day 4 : Explore Kashgar

Explore the elegantly tiled Abakh Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and the alleyways around Id Kah Square.

Day 5 : Tian Shan Mountains

Travel from China into Kyrgyzstan across the magnificent Tian Shan Heavenly Mountains, through the spectacular Torugart Pass to Tash Rabat Caravanserai en-route to Naryn.

Days 6-7 : Kochkor Village & Karakol

Drive to Kochkor Village and sample a traditional lunch at a Ger Camp. The next day continue to Karakol via Bokonbayevo Village where we can see the locals hunting with eagles.

Days 8-9 : Animal Market

Explore the colourful and vibrant Sunday animal market, and discover the varied religious influences in the region at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and the Chinese mosque. In the afternoon there will be some easy walking in Jety-Orguz and the beautiful Valley of Flowers. The next day drive to Cholpon-Ata stopping at Przhevalskii Musuem and Grigoriev Gorge on the way.

Day 10 : Lake Issyk-Kul

Enjoy some easy walking around the lake, surrounded by stunning snowcapped peaks. Later see the incredible petroglyphs of ibex, wolves and deer etched into glacial stone and take an afternoon cruise on Lake Issy-Kul.

Days 11-12 : Bishkek

Drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan and a city of wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings combined with numerous Soviet-style apartment blocks. En route visit the Burana Tower, a monument created in the 11th Century and still intact today. Later this afternoon you will have the option to visit Ala Archa National Park or enjoy the time at your own leisure. The next day rise early and have a brief visit to Ala Too Square and Oak Park. Afterwards board a morning flight to Tashkent. Visit the Majestic 16th Century Kukeldash Medressa, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Khan Medressa and Khast Imom Complex, including the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum.

Day 13 : Tashkent to Khiva

This morning explore Chorsu Bazaar, the Crying Mother Monument, and the Museum of Applied Arts. Fly to Urgench and drive to the ancient city of Khiva, for a three night stay.

Day 14 : Kuhna Ark Fortress

This morning explore the small city of Khiva including the Kuhna Ark Fortress and wander around the many medressahs, mosques and minarets within the ancient city walls.

Day 15 : Khiva

Visit the ruins of Elliq-Qala, an impressive fort and temple complex dating back to the 4th Century BC and enjoy lunch at a yurt camp. Remainder of the day is at your own leisure.

Day 16-18 : Sacred Bukhara

Travel to Bukhara, Central Asia’s most sacred city with a history spanning more than 2,500 years. Spend two days touring the city. Explore the Ark Fortress, Chor Minor, Kalon Minaret, Labi-Hauz Plaza and the summer residence of the last Bukharan Emirs.

Days 19-21 : UNESCO Samarkand

Travel to UNESCO listed Samarkand, the birthplace of Tamerlane, and where the Silk Road splits, east to China and India, and west to Persia. Over the next two days explore historical sights including Shakrisabz, the Registan, Sher Dor Medressa, the Bib-Khanym Mosque, Shah-I-Zinda and the Ulugh Beg Observatory.

Days 22-23 : Samarkand to Tashkent

Continue your journey to Tashkent passing through the impressive Tamerlane Gate. Spend the following day in Tashkent and explore the city including the Crying Mother Monument, Chorsu Bazaar and the Amir Timur Mayadoni.

Day 24 : Fly Tashkent to UK

Fly to the UK arriving the same or following day.

Tour includes:

all international airfares
all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
all accommodation
all meals
entrance fees, guides and daily tours
visa fees for EU and UK passport holders

Wendy Wu Tours is the leading independent specialist tour operator to China in the UK. They offer an extensive range of tour itineraries to enable you to visit famous tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Yangtze River or the Terracotta Warriors in China, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Taj Mahal in India.

Many of their tours also take you off the beaten track, to emerald lakes and traditional villages, allowing you to enjoy the authentic China experience. Other unforgettable excursions include a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, attending a Buddhist ceremony or cruising on a traditional junk boat. They also offer the opportunity to explore a bustling city like Hong Kong or Dubai en-route for a few nights.

Our Opinion
Wendy Wu Tours allow you to not only visit famous attractions but really discover the country’s culture, natural beauty and hidden treasures. Coupled with their affordable, all-inclusive style pricing, it’s no surprise that the company is growing from strength to strength and winning multiple industry awards along the way!