Once the centre of mighty empires, the lands of Turkestan are found in modern-day Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. Through this diverse region - with fearsome deserts and soaring mountains - great Khans controlled the citadels of Khiva, Bukhara, Kokand and Kashgar. Silk Road caravans scaled the mountain passes to ply their trade in the Kashgar baazars and 19th century adventurers played cat-and-mouse amongst the valleys and peaks of the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains. We explore Uzbekistan's treasures before crossing to Osh, a city with 3000 years of history. Winding high on rugged roads, we cross the remote Irkeshtam Pass before finishing in Kashgar - as centuries of intrepid travellers have done before us!
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | (Thu) Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to hotel. Visit the Museum of History, Barak Khan Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and Chorsu Bazaar. Overnight train to Khiva. |
| 3 | Arrive Khiva. Explore Djuma Mosque, Kunya Ark and Toza Bog Palace. |
| 4 | Drive to Ayaz Qala, our base for visiting the Toprak Qala, Qavat Qala and Ayaz Qala fortress complexes. Overnight in yurts. |
| 5-7 | Drive across the Kyzyl Kum desert to Bukhara. Ark Fortress, Poikalon Ensemble and Samanid Mausoleum. |
| 8-9 | Continue via Alexander the Great's fortress to Nurata. Overnight in Sentab village in Nurata mountains. Optional short walks in area. |
| 10 | Full day tour in Samarkand. Visit Registan Square, Shah-I-Zinda Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory and local bazaar. |
| 11-12 | Return to Tashkent. Cross the Kamchik Pass (2267m) to the Fergana Valley. |
| 13 | Visit regional towns known for handmade ceramics and silk textiles. |
| 14 | Cross into Kyrgyzstan. Explore baazar at Osh. Climb Solomon's Throne. |
| 15-16 | Travel to Sary-Tash. Cross the Irkeshtam Pass (2841m) to Kashgar. |
| 17 | Explore Kashgar – old town, Abakh Hoja’s Tomb and Id Kah Mosque. |
| 18-19 | Visit colourful Kashgar Sunday Market. Trip ends in Kashgar the following morning (Mon). |
Trip Highlights
Gallery
Video
From Our Blog
Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments
At A Glance
From USD $3,395*
Trip Length |
19 days |
Trip Code |
PCTA |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Strenuous) | |
| Min Altitude | Max Altitude |
| 3752m | |
Countries Visited |
|
| China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan | |
Start City |
|
| Tashkent | |
End City |
|
| Kashgar | |
