A Silk Road Adventure Through China and Kyrgyzstan

This 10-Day tour through China and Kyrgyzstan is a perfect complement to the tours along the famous Silk Road. You will embrace the archaeological heritage in the ancient cities and admire the striking nature surrounding both destinations. In this tour you will visit the biggest bazaar in Central Asia, discover the largest mosque in China – the Id Kah Mosque, and be immersed in local village life in Opal Village. Here you can observe traditional village life, take part in a bread making experience, and admire the Uyghur food stalls. You will also examine the history of the Silk Road, with a visit to the Stone fort, located in downtown Tashkurgan. This fort encompasses a history of more than 2,000 years!

 

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Urumqi.

Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Sightseeing tour in Urumqi.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2, Su: Urumqi – Kashgar

Transfer to the airport. Flight to Kashgar. Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer to the city.

Sightseeing tour: you will begin your tour around Kashgar City by visiting the Apak Hoja tomb, also called ‘fragrant concubine tomb’ (Xingfei in Chinese).

This is a very tranquil place and a beautiful example of Uyghur Islamic architecture.
Next you will head to the famous lively Sunday market renowned as the biggest bazaar in Central Asia.

It is said that you can buy anything you want in the Sunday market except chicken milk cow and eggs.
You will enjoy lunch in a typical Uyghur restaurant.

After lunch we will wander through the narrow winding streets of the historic old town.

Located at the spiritual heart of the old town, Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China.

You will go inside the premise to acquaint yourself with the Islamic life of the Uyghur people.

You will have a walk in the Handicraft Street where you will see pots being hammered, wood craftsmen at work and traditional musical instrument workshops.

Day 3, Mo: Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Tashkorgan

Today we take a drive on Karakurum highway, renowned as the highest paved border crossing in the World and considered as one of the World’s most beautiful highways.

The first stop will be at Opal village located in an hour drive from Kashgar.

It is a great place to learn village life, traditional activities like bread making, and Uyghur food stalls. Half an hour drive from the village takes us to Oytagh Red Mountain.

Corner Lake (Bulung Kul) is a serene shallow lake where you can take very nice photos of the lake with stunning reflections of the sand mountains.

It is located between Mount Muztagata and Mount Gonger which are believed to be 2 of the 6 the most beautiful mountains in the World.

We will visit local Kyrgyz Yurts and listen to their stories about traditional nomadic mountain life.
Picnic lunch: You will enjoy fruits and fresh bread purchased in Opal village in a beautiful picnic spot overlooking the Karakul Lake. We will take 1.5-hour-drive from Karakul Lake to Tashkorgan.

It is an interesting small town located on the Pamir Plateau.

This area was extremely isolated until the construction of the Karakurum highway in 1987 and even today the local community leads a very traditional lifestyle with the only road to Kashgar, so it has retained a certain uniqueness.

This region is commonly known as the main road of the “old Silk Road”, the main route leading from China to West Asia.

Day 4, Tu: Tashkorgan – Kashgar

After breakfast we will visit the Stone fort, located in downtown Tashkurgan.

It has a history of more than 2000 years.

In times gone by it was the central palace of the Tajik kingdom.

Then we will hike around the Tashkurgan grassland and enjoy the scenery of Mount Mutztah Ata and Mount Pamir.

We take the Karakorum Highway back to Kashgar and arrive in the late afternoon.

Day 5, We: Kashgar – Irkeshtam – Osh

Transfer to Irkeshtam Pass.

Meeting with Kyrgyz guide and driver, and transfer to Osh. The view is “spectacularly amazing”, with the Pamir Mountain range covered with permanent snow and glaciers on the right-hand side and small hills on the left with summer pastures.

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 6, Th: Osh – Uzgen – Arslanbob

City tour in Osh.

As legends say that Osh was founded by King Solomon ages ago and had an important position on trading routes of the Great Silk Road.

Today you will visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), museum, Osh bazaar located at the same place as in the times of Great Silk Road.
After lunch transfer to Arslanbob.

On the way you will visit a market and mausoleum in Uzgen.

Uzgen town was one of the capitals of the Karakhanid State in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Dinner and overnight at the home stay in Arslanbob.

 

Day 7, Fr: Arslanbob

Free day in Arslanbob.

Hiking to the waterfall and panorama.

Arslanbob’s scenic beauty and pleasant climate, as well as two impressive waterfalls attract tourists, pilgrims and other visitors during the spring and summer. Picnic lunch. Dinner with a local family. Night at the family run accommodation.

Day 8, Sa: Arslanbob – Chichkan

Transfer to Chichkan gorge.

On the way you will see one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Central Asia, Toktogul, that funnels Naryn River into a hydroelectric station. Overnight at the guest house.

 

Day 9, Su: Chichkan – Bishkek

Transfer to Bishkek.

You will drive over the Too-Ashu gorge and through Suusamyr valley.

Great view of Tian Shan mountains is guaranteed. On arrival sightseeing tour. Farewell dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10, Mo: Bishkek – airport

Transfer to the airport. End of the tour.

 

Price

Price per person based on two-people group size: £TBC
– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing
– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi, transfer to the hotel, and a city tour exploring Urumqi’s highlights.

Day 2: Flight to Kashgar, visit Apak Hoja Tomb, explore the bustling Sunday market, and tour Kashgar’s old town.

Day 3: Drive along the Karakurum Highway, visit Opal village, enjoy Karakul Lake, and explore Tashkorgan’s unique culture.

Day 4: Visit the Stone Fort and Tashkorgan grassland, then return to Kashgar along the Karakorum Highway.

Day 5: Transfer to Irkeshtam Pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the Pamir Mountain range, and transfer to Osh.

Day 6: City tour in Osh, visit Suleiman-Too and the Osh bazaar, then transfer to Arslanbob with stops in Uzgen.

Day 7: Free day in Arslanbob for hiking and exploring the scenic beauty, waterfalls, and local culture.

Day 8: Transfer to Chichkan gorge, passing by Toktogul reservoir, and overnight stay at a guesthouse.

Day 9: Drive to Bishkek via Too-Ashu gorge and Suusamyr valley, sightseeing tour upon arrival, and farewell dinner.

Day 10: Transfer to the airport, concluding the tour.

FAQs

1. How long is the tour duration?
   • The tour spans 10 days, offering an immersive exploration of various cultural and natural landmarks.
2. What is included in the tour package?
   • The package includes accommodation, transportation, sightseeing tours, meals as specified, and entrance fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
3. Is airfare included in the tour price?
   • Airfare is typically not included in the tour price. However, internal flights may be arranged as part of the itinerary, depending on the tour package.
4. What level of physical activity is required for this tour?
   • While most activities are suitable for travellers of average fitness levels, some excursions may involve walking, hiking, or exploring uneven terrain. However, the itinerary is designed to accommodate various physical abilities.
5. Are there any safety considerations for travellers on this tour?
   • Safety is a priority, and the tour operators ensure that all destinations and activities are selected with travellers’ well-being in mind. It’s essential to follow the guidance of the tour guides and stay updated on any travel advisories for the region.
6. What type of accommodations can participants expect during the tour?
   • Accommodations vary throughout the tour and may include hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, offering travellers a mix of comfort and local hospitality.
7. Are there opportunities for cultural immersion and interaction with locals during the tour?
   • Yes, the itinerary includes visits to local markets, historic sites, and cultural landmarks, providing ample opportunities for travellers to engage with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.