The Great Silk Road Across China & Uzbekistan
Navigate the old Silk Road in the footsteps of ancient traders and adventurers. Begin in Beijing, where jade and silks were readied for market, and follow the trail of the countless caravans through Western China and Central Asia, a fascinating region rich with layers of Chinese, Turkic, Indian and Persian cultures.
Days 1-3: Beijing, Dunhuang
Arriving in Beijing, pay a visit to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Fly to Dunhuang to experience the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, an incredible repository of Buddhist murals. Explore Crescent Moon Lake and take a short camel ride.
Days 4-8: Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar
In Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Minority Peoples' Museum with its collection of local mummies. Inspect Turpan's ancient karez irrigation system, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, begun in 366 AD, and the underground tombs of Astana. Fly to Kashgar to browse its unrivaled market.
Days 9-12: Tashkent, Samarkand
Fly to Tashkent, and drive to fabled Samarkand, experiencing the majestic Registan, the city's centerpiece and Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane.
Days 13-15: Shakhrisabze, Bukhara
Pay a visit to Shakrisabze, Tamerlane's birthplace, en route to Bukhara's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Visit Kukeldash Madrassah, built in 1568, and the Kalon Mosque and Minaret. Explore the Ark Citadel, dating back two thousand years. Shop the bazaar for traditional handicrafts, learn about local restoration projects and enjoy a performance by local artists.
Days 16-19: Khiva, Tashkent
Continue overland to Khiva, another World Heritage Site. A walking tour includes the Tash Hauli Palace and the 9th century Dzhuma Mosque with its 115 carved wood columns. Visit the Kunya Ark, dating back to the 5th century. Fly to Tashkent and visit the capital's Alisher Navoi Theater, Shahid Memorial Complex and Independence Square before a farewell dinner.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
19 Days |
| Departures in 2010: |
1 |
| Dates: |
September 12-30, 2010 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 5-16 travelers |
$6,895** |
| Single Supplement |
$695 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
| **Land tour costs includes internal flight costs, which are subject to change.
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MIR Signature Features
- Inspect Turpan's ancient karez system, collecting the meltwater from the Tien Shan Mountains
- Explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves and their colorful frescoes
- Dine at a Bukharan madrassah as traditional dancers swirl past
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Beijing, fly to Dunhuang |
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| Day 3: |
Dunhuang |
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| Day 4: |
Urumqi |
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| Days 5-6: |
Urumqi |
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| Days 7-9: |
Kashgar, fly to Taskent |
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| Days 10-12: |
Samarkand |
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| Days 13-15: |
Shakhrisabze, Bukhara |
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| Days 16-17: |
Khiva |
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| Days 18-19: |
Tashkent |
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| Beijing |
The Forbidden City (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tiananmen Square, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall, Great Hall of the People, Chinese History Museum, Hutong Neighborhoods
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| Dunhuang |
West Thousand Buddha Caves, Mogao Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), desert camel ride, Dunhuang Museum
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| Urumqi |
Capital of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China, Xinjiang Regional Museum, Red Hill
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| Turpan |
Jiaohe Emin Minaret, Grape Valley, Gaochang, Astana Tombs, Turpan Museum, Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves |
| Kashgar |
Aidkah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, Kashgar Sunday Market, Old Town |
| Tashkent |
Square of Independence, the Navoi Theatre, Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, visit ceramics master, Tashkent Metro
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| Samarkand |
"Crossroads of Culture" (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Registan, Shah-i-Zinde, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Uleg Bek Observatory
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| Bukhara |
"Historic Centre of Bukhara" (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lyab-i-Khauz Plaza, Kukeldash Madrassah, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, Ark Citadel, Zindan Prison, Ismael Samani Mausoleum |
| Khiva |
Old city/Ichon-Qala (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kyzyl Kum Desert, Amu Darya River, Tash-Hauli Palace, Dzhuma Mosque, Kunya Ark |
Suggested Extensions
Combine this trip with additional time in Beijing or a visit to Shanghai or Xi'an. Contact us for details.
Some images this page courtesy Peter Guttman
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