Silk Route journey: Western China, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan
Overview
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Itinerary
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Beijing.
Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel.
You make your own way to the airport today for your flight on to Dunhuang. Here you will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel.
This morning you'll visit the beautiful 'singing sand dunes' of Mingsha, which look fantastic in the morning light. Afterwards you continue on to the Mogao caves before driving out this afternoon to see the remote ruined city of Yadan.
You fly to Urumqi today, where you'll be met for the drive to the town of Turpan. You will arrive here after 20:00.
You start today with a visit to Tuyaq Valley, which is home to a charming and unspoilt Uighur village. Afterwards you'll stop at Gaochang, and also pass the Flaming Mountains at Bezeklik.
Today you will visit the ruins at Jiaohe before driving back to Urumqi. From here you fly to Kashgar.
Today's excursion is a long but stunningly beautiful one, as you drive into the mountains on the legendary Karakoram Highway to lake Karakul. The lake's altitude is 3,800m, and you'll notice a sharp drop in temperature from Kashgar, so dress accordingly.
This morning you will be taken to the Yekshemba Bazaar, Kashgar's main spectacle. After taking in the markets you will explore some of the rest of the city with your guide.
You cross the border at the Torugart Pass today into Kyrgyzstan. Here you'll be met by your Kyrgyz guide for the drive on to your yurt camp at Tash Rabat.Make sure you have a warm jacket or fleece handy for the border crossing, which, at altitude, is cold at any time of year.
You drive on to Lake Song Kol today, passing through stunning mountain scenery and grassy plateaus. Here you'll be able to explore the hills and lake on foot.
Today is another long and beautiful drive to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. If there is time you'll be able to see a little of the city in the late afternoon.
You fly to Tashkent today, where you will be met for the drive on to Samarkand.
Today your guide will show you the key sights of Samarkand, a highlight being the outstanding Registan.
You have a further day free to explore Samarkand at your own pace.
You continue by road to Bukhara today, stopping in the town of Shakhrisabz, Tamerlane's birthplace.
Bukhara is a fabulous, bustling old city and one that feels very much 'lived in'. Your guide will show you the key sights here, and you'll sense the atmosphere as you wander the winding, dusty streets of the old town.
Today is at your leisure in Bukhara.
You make the long drive through the desert to Khiva today, which will take at least nine hours.
You'll spend time with your guide today exploring this beautiful old walled city.
You fly back to Tashkent today for a final overnight stay.
Today you fly home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Valid for new bookings made on or before October 31, 2020, for travel by Dec. 31, 2021. Travel dates may be moved to departures up to December 31, 2022. Excludes select cruises and airfare. Additional charges may be incurred based on changes to your trip such as accommodation and/or seasonality.
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We want to help you navigate the uncertainty that remains around travel by giving you the flexibility to book a trip to any of our destinations in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean this year in complete confidence. With our 14-day cancellation policy, you can cancel your trip up to two weeks before you’re due to depart for any reason and receive a full refund, when you book your trip on or before October 31, 2020 for travel before December 14, 2021**.
Valid on new bookings within the US, Canada or Caribbean made on or before October 31, 2020 for travel by December 14, 2021. Certain policy variations may apply dependent on property selection and dates. Specific details will be provided by your specialist. Any portion of a new booking paid with an existing travel credit will be refunded in the form of a travel credit. Excludes flights and select properties.
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