Day 01/ Arrive in Xi’an

Picked up by our guide from the airport or your hotel in Xi’an in the morning, our Silk Road journey will begin! We will start the trip off with a visit to Xi’an Museum which showcases Xi'an's rich history. The museum's collections include items from various dynasties, such as pottery, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures.Then, enjoy a tour along the wonderful Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of 14 kilometers. The original foundation was based on the ruins of the Imperial City Wall of Chang’an City, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, known today as Xi’an. Though the wall has been entirely renovated, it still resonates with history.This afternoon we will visit the Great Mosque and the Muslim street, where the way of life is markedly different from the traditions of the Han Chinese. For over 1,300 years, since the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618 - 907), Muslims have been an integral part of daily life in Xi'an, the beginning of the Silk Road.

Day 02/ Xi’an / Lanzhou (BL, by train)

We will have a full day time tour to visit the magnificent Qin Terra-cotta Army with an extension to Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world: a life-size clay soldier poised for battle. Qin's tomb was built in about 2500 years ago and was filled with more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 520 horses as well as models of palaces, pavilions, fine vessels, precious stones and rarities. UNESCO listed it in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.After visit, we’ll take a high speed train from Xi’an to Lanzhou where we’ll stay at a lovely hotel

Day 03/ Lanzhou (BL)

Today's highlights are Gansu Provincial Museum and an excursion to Bingling Temple Grottoes, 75km southwest of Lanzhou. Listed as part of the ancient Silk Road for the World Heritage candidate, Bingling Temple Grottoes, filled with stupas, murals and Buddhist sculpture carved into natural caves, were a work in progress between the 4th and 10th centuries. Taste traditional and local foods at the local market.

Day 04/ Lanzhou / Wuwei / Zhangye (BL)

Day 4 of our Silk Road Tour lets us cross the great Yellow River and head up the Hexi Corridor towards the ancient city of Wuwei. Here we’ll visit Lai Tai Han Tomb, which has become a fantastic tourist attraction in Wuwei city. Then drive to visit the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye where the biggest indoor sleeping Buddha in China is preserved. Further on to Zhangye Danxia Geopark, the Rainbow Mountains. It enjoys the honors of "The world's top ten magical geographical wonders". Upon arrival, start hiking along the north part of Danxia Landform, enjoying the great view of Qilian Shan and memorable sunset. China Rainbow Mountains are magnificent with gorgeous colors, which developed at about 200 million years ago. We will see lots of precipitous red cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. It is the best place for photography

Day 05/ Zhangye / Jiayu Guan (BL)

As we continue on our silk road journey, the snow-capped Qilian Mountain ranges wind its way westward and accompany us all the way (about 250km). We’ll visit “The Strategic Pass under Heaven” - the most west point of the present Great Wall. And visit Wei & Jin Ancient Tomb to explore the ground floor of its murals and brick Graves known as "the world's largest underground gallery".

Day 06/ Jiayu Guan / Dunhuang (BL)

Today we’ll drive about 385 km there the Great Gobi Desert. Along the way we’ll also ride camels to visit the Singing Sand Mountains. The Crescent Spring, which forms a lake between two huge sand dunes. It is like seeing a mirage - but it’s real!

Day 07/ Dunhuang (BL)

Today we get to sleep in a bit later and have a nice rest. Afterwards, we’ll drive towards the northwest of the city for the Yumen Pass. Situated in the Gobi Desert 80 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang City, it was once one of the two critical defensive passes protecting Dunhuang from invasion about two thousand years ago. Drive onwards to visit Yadan National Geologic Park. Yadan landforms rise above the flat Gobi Desert and cover a vast area. Due to its eccentric landforms, the hard-to-spot roads, low-lying terrain, strong magnetism and howling sounds made by the wind, the area is also called "Ghost City" by local people. Yadan Landforms is the largest in scale, fully developed in geology and most valuable for ornament in the world. The scenery sites have an infinite variety of fantastic phenomena and the superlative craftsmanship of nature.

Day 08/ Dunhuang / Take the train to Turpan (BL, by train)

In the morning, go to visit the world famous Mogao Grottoes which is called “the World Famous Treasure House of Arts”, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddha. After visit, transfer to Liuyuan train station to take a high speed train train from Dunhuang to Turpan.

Day 09/ Turpan (BL)

After early arrival in Turpan we’ll be taken to our hotel and later picked up to see some of the ancient sights: The Jiaohe Ruins dating from 100 BC to the 13th or 14th century are to the west of Turpan following a road 10 kilometers or about 6 miles, This city was built by digging down instead of building up from the ground. And the Tuyuq Valley, Tuyugou is an ancient village with roughly 1700 years of history, till this day they still preserve and use ancient Uyghur customs and culture. This valley village is also a pilgrimage area for many Muslims, with the main destination being The Mazar, or the tomb of the first Uyghur Muslim. It’s said that seven trips to Tuyoq is equal to one trip to Mecca. Following a lunch in an authentic Uygur restaurant we get to see the vineyards for ourselves. After that, go to visit the Flaming Mountains, overshadow the cradle of the Turpan ancient civilization and oasis agriculture. They provide a spectacular backdrop to the oases and scenery of the Turpan area

Day 10/ Turpan / Urumqi (BL)

In the morning, we will drive to the west part of Turpan for the Suleiman Minaret, the only ancient Islamic minaret left in China, and the Karez Wells, one of the three great ancient projects’ in China. The Karez Wells Folk Garden and Museum explains how the well system makes it possible for the famous orchards and vineyards to exist in these hot, dry desert communities. After that, we will drive all the way to Urumqi. It’s about 300km highway.

Day 11/ Urumqi –Kashgar (BL, by air)

After breakfast we will head for Heavenly Lake Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi), which lies on the north side of Bogda Peak of Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains), about 110 km east of Urumqi. We will be amazed by the snowy peaks of the Heavenly Mountains reflecting on the dazzlingly blue lake surface. Then drive back to Urumqi, we will also pay a visit to the National Museum. The display of ancient mummies is fantastic, for it was in this region that a great number of ancient and well preserved remains were discovered. Take an evening flight to Kashgar

Day 12/ Kashgar - Tashkurgan (BL)

Today we will drive about 4-5 hours to Tashkurgan County which is located at the south of Kashgar for the ancient stone city. We could take an easy hiking visit to the ruins of the stone city which is in the back of Tashkurgan County.

Day 13/ Tashkurgan - Karakuri Lake (3,770m) - Kashgar (BL)

Today we start our tour from the Tashkurgan Museum. We’ll drive about 2 hours to the famous Karakuri Lake and Muztagh Mountain, enjoying breathtaking scenery of high mountain pastures and snow-capped peaks. Karakuri Lake, known as "the father of glaciers", is located at the foot of Mount Muztaga-Ata, sitting at 3,600m above sea level. We will have enough time for deep exploration of the famous lake and the holy Mountain. Take a leisure walking around the majestic blue lake. Then back to Kashgar.

Day 14/ Kashgar (BL)

Spend the day experiencing its Islamic culture in Kashgar. A must visit place is Id Kah Mosque, built in the 15th century, where 10,000 people gather at midday on Fridays to pray, and a restaurant nearby which provides authentic Muslim food. Kashgar Bazaar is festooned with traditions and ancient history and has become famous throughout Asia, attracting merchants from as far as Pakistan and Kirghizstan; some tourists come especially to see it. Zhiren Street is an old street where craftsmen still produce their fare. It’s easy to lose our sense of time and direction as we wonder this bazaar, but don’t worry our guide will lead us through the maze.

Day 15/ Kashgar 

Transfer to the Kyrgyz-Chinese border Torugart.

Day 16. Torugart – Tash Rabat – Naryn (ca. 230 km, 6h) (Kyrgyzstan)

Arrival at the Kyrgyz-Chinese border Torugart (border crossing will take some time).
After crossing the border, you will be met by our team on the Kyrgyz side, and we will begin our tour of Kyrgyzstan.
We head to Tash Rabat caravanserai (3500m), which was an important site on the Silk Road.
This historical monument founded by monks in the 10th century. At the beginning of the Silk Road period Tash Rabat lost its religious significance and the monastery served as a hotel for passing caravans. Against the backdrop of green meadows of the valley, published a caravanserai looks like a powerful and approachable fortress.
Lunch at the guesthouse.
Then we continue our journey to the city of Naryn, which is located in the inner Tien Shan. The city is situated along the Naryn River, which is one of the longest rivers in Kyrgyzstan.
Dinner and overnight at the comfortable hotel.
Meals included: lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Grand Khan Tengri Hotel)

Day 17. Naryn – Kochkor - Bokonbaevo (ca. 250 km, 5h)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we go towards Issyk Kul lake, which attracts tourists from all over the world by its beautiful nature and crystal clear water.
We will stop in Kochkor, famous for its craftswomen, where we see the process of making felt used in traditional carpets.
After the felt show, we will enjoy lunch at a guesthouse.
Then we continue our journey to the village of Bokonbaevo, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. This place should be visited by every eco lover.
Here, we will witness an eagle hunting show, a demonstration of the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles, a practice that has been passed down for centuries.
Dinner and overnight in the traditional yurt.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Note: Accommodation 2pax per yurt. Shared toilets and shower are outside.

Day 18. Bokonbaevo – Skazka – Barskoon - Jeti Oguz – Karakol (180 km, 4h)

Breakfast in the yurt camp.
Today we visit other beauties of the south coast, that are located not far from each other.
The first location is Skazka canyons (which signify Fairytale) you can find objects of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal may appear in front of you.
Next destination – Barskoon gorge, famous for its waterfalls. One of the most well-known is the Manas' Bowl waterfall.
Later we arrive in picturesque mountain gorge Jety Oguz. Its name means “seven bulls”. The name is symbolic, because there are seven huge red-brown rocks resembling ranked furious bulls standing together. We will hike up to a panoramic viewpoint to take a photograph against the backdrop of the red cliffs.
In the evening we arrive in Karakol town, which is considered the main settlement of the Issyk Kul region.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel 78)

Day 19. Karakol

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will have a leisurely day, getting to know the city's history and diving deeper into Kyrgyz culture.
We begin our tour of Karakol, visiting its main attractions such as the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built in 1895, the Dungan Mosque, constructed in 1910 with unique nail-free wooden architecture.
Before lunch, we will have time for a leisurely walk around the city, to photograph old Russian houses.
Lunch at the guesthouse.
To experience Kyrgyz traditions, we assemble a traditional small yurt—setting up its wooden frame and covering it with felt, just as nomads have done for centuries.
After that we enjoy a folk performance by Kyrgyz musicians.
Next we head towards Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky. He played a significant role in mapping Central Asia and conducting research in the region.
Before dinner, we will take a 1h boat trip to enjoy the beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake and the majesty of the snow-capped mountains of the Tien Shan.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel 78)

Day 20. Karakol – Karkyra border – Kolsay National Park (240 km, 5h)(Kazakhstan) 

Breakfast in the hotel.
Today we will head to neighboring Kazakhstan. This country is located in the center of Eurasia and is considered the ninth country in the world in terms of area.
Lunch at the hotel upon arrival in national park.
Here, in the northern Tien Shan, located a system of three lakes called Kolsay. Today we will have an opportunity to visit the lower Kolsai lake, which is located at an altitude of 1800 meters and surrounded by coniferous forest from the Tien Shan spruce.
The depth of this lake is 80 meters and the water does not warm up above 10 degrees even in hot weather.
Dinner at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Kolsay Prestige Hotel)

Day 21. Kolsay National Park – Charyn Canyon – Almaty (350 km, 5-6h)

After breakfast in the hotel we head to Charyn canyons that is often called “Valleys of Castles”. The length of the valley is more than 2 km, the width is 20-80 meters. Here we can find more than 1,500 species of plants, 17 of which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, and also 103 species of nesting birds and 25 species of reptiles.
Lunch at the café.
Then we will head to Almaty, which is considered not only the largest city of the country, but also the cultural, historical and financial center.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Kazzhol Park Hotel)

Day 22. Almaty – Medeo – Kok Tobe - Almaty (ca. 70 km, 1h one way)

After breakfast, we start our city tour of Almaty.
First we explore bustling market “Green Bazaar” filled with local produce, meats, spices, and traditional Kazakh delicacies (closed on Mondays).
We will take a walk through Panfilov Park, visit the Museum of Musical Instruments, and explore one of the city's most beautiful and impressive architectural landmarks, the Zenkov Cathedral.
Next, we go the Medeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends.
Last destination is Kok Tobe hill, famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions.
To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Kazakhstan and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruit-growing gardens.
Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you would see the famous 372 meters high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus a few attractions at the top.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Kazzhol Park Hotel)

Day 23. Almaty – Airport – Tashkent (flight) (ca. 10, 30 min) (Uzbekistan)

After breakfast you will be taken to the airport to take a flight to Tashkent HY 127 (10:10 – 11:50) *
Upon arrival in Tashkent, you will be met by our team and taken to the restaurant.
Today we explore the Hazrati Imom Complex Spiritual heart of Tashkent (16-20centuary), Chorsu bazaar one of the busiest bazaars in Tashkent, Amir Temurs square with statue of Amir Temur was placed on site in 1994, Independent square, Tashkent Metro and the Museum of Applied Arts.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4*
*Subject to change. Almaty - Tashkent flights operate daily at different times

Day 24. Tashkent – Bukhara (domestic train)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to train station at 07:00.
Take a train to Bukhara at 07:54, arrive will be at 12:11.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Start sightseeing at the city of Islam and Culture: Samanid mausoleum is one of the oldest buildings (10th century), Chashmai Ayyub mausoleum also known as a Museum of water, Bolo Hauz mosque built in 1712 looks elegant and splendid, Ark Fortress and Poi Kalyan complex.
Then we visit Tim Abdullah Khan, Magok-I Attari and Lyabi-Hauz complex.
Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Sahid Zarafshon Hotel)

Day 25. Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we start our tour from Chor Minor Mosque, which has an unusual but unique look. Next location is Naqshbandi Complex is most religious place and always crowded.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Then we visit Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa Palace summer residence of Bukharas Emir, Chor-Bakr Complex ancient cemetery equal to 3 hectares and Fayzulla Khojaev House Museum.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Sahid Zarafshon Hotel)

Day 26. Bukhara – Samarkand (domestic train)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time, you can take a walk on your own and visit the souvenir shops.
Transfer to train station at 15:30 to take a train at 16:24.
Arrive to Samarkand at 18:10 and transfer to hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Emirkhan Hotel)

Day 27. Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we start the sightseeing at kingdom of Timurids dynasty, we head to Guri Amir Mausoleum of Timurids Dynasty and Registan square which has three madrasas all built in different time.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Next we visit Bibi Khanum Mosque built in 1399 by Amir Temur, Siab Bazaar oldest and still operating bazaar and Shahi Zinda Complex - nobel street cemetery XI to XX century.
Dinner at the restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Emirkhan Hotel)

Day 28. Samarkand – Tashkent (domestic train)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Before departure we visit Ulugbek observatory built in 1425-1429, Mausoleum of Hodja Daniyar and Afrasiab museum – oldest in Samarkand.
After lunch, we visit Konigil ancient paper factory to take part at master-class.
Transfer to train station at 16:30. Take a train at 17:30 to Tashkent.
Arrive to Tashkent at 20:10 and transfer to hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Ramada Hotel)

Day 29. Almaty – Airport – Departure (ca. 25 km, 50 min) Departure to the airport.