The Silk Road & Rural Kyrgyzstan + Mountainous Tajikistan
16 - 29 December 2024
Description:
Embark on an unforgettable journey as you add the majestic landscapes of Tajikistan to your renowned Silk Road & Rural Kyrgyzstan itinerary. Begin by delving into the rugged beauty of Tajikistan's mountainous terrain, where every turn unveils breathtaking vistas of towering peaks and lush valleys.
Then, explore the centuries-old Silk Road cities of Samarqand and Bukhara. Spend a night in the cozy comfort of a traditional nomadic yurt (tent) erected in Kyrgyzstan's lush and tranquil Ferghana Valley.
Experience living in a traditional Kyrgyz village, get a taste of life and customs in the rural, peaceful and picturesque Ferghana Valley. Visit traditional Kyrgyz bazaars and watch a match of Kok Boru, a traditional nomadic game played on horseback.
Conclude the trip with a night in a tent under the stars by the pristine waters of Lake Papan. This lake, flanked by sky-reaching peaks, is one of the largest lakes in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Countries: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 14 days
Cost: USD2320 (Approximately SGD3160, MYR10900, EUR2175)
Start & End city: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Max. Capacity: 6 travelers
What's included in the price:
Accommodation (Twin-sharing)
Transportation (Trains, private-hire vans, intra-city transport)
Guide fee
Tickets to places of interest (Historical sites, national parks)
Camping and homestay experience
Breakfast at guesthouses
What's not included in the price:
Travel insurance
Meals (Lunch & dinner on most days)
Visa (If applicable)
Flight tickets to and from home country
Muhd Hidayat (Singapore)
It has been my dream to explore Central Asia and didn’t regret going to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan with The Untold Direction! To the most amazing tour guide, Misha, thk you so much for guiding us throughout the trip! Will consider to travel with them in the future!!
Day 1: Khujand, a bustling cultural tapestry
Plunge yourself into the hustle and bustle of life in Khujand, Tajikistan's second largest city. Nestled along the banks of the Syr Darya River and surrounded by the majestic Fergana Range, Khujand boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 2: Sword makers & the Capital
We will head south towards Dushanbe, the Tajik capital. On the way, we will stop at the fame Bozor-e-kord, a site where bladesmith still craft sword using millennia-old techniques.
Then, we will continue towards the capital, home to an interesting mix of modern-day skyscrapers, soviet-era apartment blocks, and neighborhoods of haphazardly-built dwellings.
Days 3 & 4: Mountains & Lakes
Travel to the breathtaking Iskandarkul Lake, where you'll immerse yourself in nature with invigorating hikes and mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.
Then drive down serpentine country road that hug majestic and rugged Fann Mountains. Nestled in their shadows are the Seven Lakes, a series of interconnected mountain lakes renowned for their constantly changing hues.
Get the ultimate local experience by indulging in the delicious cuisine and spending nights in a homestay.
Days 6-8: Explore Silk Road Cities
Take a stroll down the timeless back alleyways of the Silk Road cities of Samarqand & Bukhara. These cities were major towns along the Silk Road, and centuries-old markets, mosques, schools and buildings dating back to that era are preserved in pristine condition.
8th Night: Travel like a local
After exploring Bukhara for the day, spend the night on board a sleeper train that will whisk you across the country’s vast farmlands and deserts. Travelling on platskart class (6 bunk beds a compartment) is an experience in itself, where you get to be up close with citizens from all walks of life, such as cross-country traders, farmers visiting a neighbouring village for a wedding ceremony, students returning home for the semester, and hawkers peddling their goods on board.
During our trips, we take other forms of public transportation too (metro, marshrutkas, trolley buses, public buses) to experience how locals travel.
Day 9: Explore Tashkent, the Uzbek Capital
Walk the streets and take in the sights of Tashkent's unique cityscape, where centuries-old Silk Road buildings stand juxtaposed with their more modern Soviet counterparts. Ride the Tashkent Metro - home to some of the world's most beautifully decorated subway stations - and see the Samarkand Kufic Quran - one of the world's oldest copies of the Quran - on display!
Learn how this young nation is blazing its own path after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Days 10-12: Live like a local
The Muzayev family warmly welcomes you to stay at their home for a few days in the Kyrgyz countryside. Experience living in their village Borbash and get a taste of life and customs in the rural, peaceful and picturesque Ferghana Valley.
The women of this family of bakers and farmers will also teach you how to cook plov, a traditional rice and meat dish, over an open-air fire.
End the day with a trip to the village’s banya, a traditional sauna house.
Days 11-14: Bazaars, Eat Local, Kok Boru Matches & Explore Canyons & Lakes
Visit traditional Kyrgyz bazaars where produce, food, livestock and traditional garments are sold. Watch a match of Kok Boru, a traditional nomadic game played on horseback.
Nature lovers will certainly love the short hikes along lakes and in canyons.
Sample the rich & delectable cuisine of the region.
Days 12-13: Cup of Tea, the Valley, the Milky Way
Spend the night in the cosy comfort of a traditional nomadic yurt erected in the middle of a lush and green valley.
At night, sit out for a while, with a cup of hot tea in hand, and share stories with your travel mates. Or look up and marvel at the beauty of the sky filled with bright stars and, possibly, the Milky Way.
Get up just in time for sunrise to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
