ROAD TO SAMARKAND 23 DAYS FROM PER PERSON
$13,980 FULLY INCLUSIVE WITH FLIGHTS FROM NEW ZEALAND
ALL MEALS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
ncover the beauty of Samarkand U Learn about silk production Discover holy Bukhara Meet nomads in Kyrgyzstan Lose yourself in vibrant bazaars Watch traditional eagle hunting
PRICE INCLUDES • 20 breakfasts, 20 lunches, 20 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 3 – 4 star accommodation, plus guesthouse • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for New Zealand passport holders
Explore the golden city of Samarkand
ITINERARY DAYS 1-2: FLY VIA DUBAI TO BISHKEK Fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital and cultural hub. Enjoy a welcome lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a city tour to see Ala-Too Square, the White House and Oak Park. DAY 3: AL A ARCHA NATIONAL PARK This morning, drive to Ala Archa National Park for a leisurely hike through its picturesque scenery of rugged peaks and dramatic gorges. Return to Bishkek for a free afternoon.
See golden eagles hunting
EXPERIENCES YOU’LL LOVE ne of Central Asia’s most iconic experiences, O witness the skill and majesty of golden eagle hunting – an age-old Kyrgyz practice – in the spectacular setting of Kyrgyzstan’s highlands. T ake to the tranquil, vivid-blue waters of Issyk Kul, the world’s second largest alpine lake, enjoying a relaxing cruise as you admire the spectacular views of the rugged Ala-Too Mountains. I n Kochkor, visit a wonderful local cooperative where women are trained in traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts and given space to show and sell their work, allowing them to earn a wage and keep old traditions alive.
38
DAY 4: L AKE ISSYK KUL Visit the magnificent 12th-century Burana Tower before departing for Cholpon-Ata. Set on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the astonishing collection of 8th Century petroglyphs etched into glacial stone nearby. Later, take a cruise on the beautiful Lake Issyk Kul, admiring its spectacular alpine-esque surroundings. DAY 5: DRIVE TO K AR AKOL Drive to Karakol, stopping at Semenov Gorge for a gentle hike, and Kyrchyn Jailoo ethnic village en route. This afternoon visit the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer, and visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the Chinese mosque. DAY 6: JETI-OGUZ GORGE Rise early to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Karakol’s Sunday morning animal market which rivals Kashgar’s famous animal market. In the afternoon, travel to the Jeti-Oguz Gorge for a walk through the canyon of red sandstone. Visit an Irdyk village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Dungan family. This evening enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Dungan family.
VISIT
W E N DY W U TO U R S . CO. N Z
DAY 7: EAGLE HUNTING Depart Karakol early and travel to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon, due to its unusual shapes and colours. Travel further to the village of Bokonbaevo to watch an eagle hunting demonstration, a millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition practised with majestic golden eagles. Continue to Naryn, where you will stay the night. DAY 8: JOURNEY TO TASH R ABAT Pass through dramatic mountain and valley landscapes to reach Tash Rabat, a small stone caravansary that was of great significance at the height of the Silk Road. Enjoy the peaceful valley said to contain some of the finest landscapes in Kyrgyzstan before returning to Naryn. DAY 9: KOCHKOR Transfer to Kochkor, the centre of Kyrgyz felt handicrafts. Visit a traditional ‘shyrdak’ (wool carpet) workshop and a co-op that provides training for local women in traditional handicrafts. In the evening you will travel to a guesthouse near Chong-Kemin National Park. DAY 10: CHONG KEMIN NATIONAL PARK Travel from Kochkor to Chong Kemin, a quiet valley with small villages surrounded by magnificent mountains. Enjoy a walk in the foothills before travelling to Bishkek airport for your flight to Tashkent. DAY 11: TASHKENT Explore Tashkent’s sights, including the Barak Khana Seminary, Kukeldash Madrassahs, Tila Shaikh mosque and their archives. Browse the wares of Chorsu bazaar before experiencing a ceramic workshop.
