Journey Through Central Asia:
The Five 'Stans
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"This was my first MIR trip and I hope it will not be my last.
I found it to be well organized and beautifully run. The destinations were great. Instead of my former expectations, I found very friendly people, religious tolerance and indifference, some poverty-but people with a lot of pride in what they had accomplished in the few years since independence, and an expectation of a brighter future."
Robbie Harte
Massapequa, NY |
More than 2,000 years ago, the great trade routes that linked Europe and China opened Central Asia to foreign cultures, customs and religions. Join a modern-day caravan on an epic journey to five of these exotic countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Days 1-2: Almaty
Begin the tour in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Seated at the foot of the Tien Shan mountain range, Almaty was built by the Russians in 1854 on the site of the Silk Road oasis Almatu.
Days 3-6: Lake Issyk-Kul, Bishkek, Osh, Fergana Valley
Travel through the soaring rock formations of Charyn Canyon to beautiful alpine Lake Issyk-Kul. The majestic Kyrgyz Alatau range hovers over Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. From Bishkek, fly to the fabled Fergana Valley. According to ancient Chinese sources, the Fergana Valley was thriving as early as the 4th century BC.
Days 7-16: Tashkent, Samarkand, Penjikent, Bukhara, Khiva
Beyond Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, explore the blue-tiled mosaics of Samarkand, the interlocking brickwork of Bukhara, and the winding alleys of Khiva. Cross the border into Tajikistan for a day visit to the 5th century ruins of Penjikent.
Days 17-21: Tashauz, Ashkabad, Nisa, Merv
The last stop is Turkmenistan, trailing more than 2,500 years of stormy history. Explore the ruins of the Parthian city of Nisa and those of mythical Merv. Get a final taste of Turkmen culture as we stroll the Tolkuchka Bazaar in Ashkabad, admiring the deep red carpets and handcrafted jewelry.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
21 Days |
| Departures in 2008: |
5 |
| Dates: |
April 15-May 5, 2008 |
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May 13-June 2, 2008 |
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August 26-September 15, 2008 |
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October 14-November 3, 2008 |
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October 21-November 10, 2008 (final departure added due to demand) |
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| Land Tour Cost for 2008 |
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| 5-16 travelers |
$6,095 |
| Single Supplement |
$995 |
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| Departures in 2009: |
5 |
| Dates: |
April 14-May 4, 2009 |
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May 12-June 1, 2009 |
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August 25-September 14, 2009 |
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October 13-November 2, 2009 |
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October 20-November 9, 2009 |
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| Land Tour Cost for 2009 |
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| 5-16 travelers |
Pricing for 2009 trips is not yet available. Please call us for more information. |
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MIR Signature Features
- Wander the shores of high-altitude Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan's crown jewel
- Respond to the unsurpassed majesty of the Registan in Samarkand
- Interact with the people of Central Asia in fabulous open bazaars
- Explore the extensive ruins of the ancient Silk Road oasis, Merv in Turkmenistan
Map
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| Days 1-2: |
Almaty |
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| Day 3: |
drive to Lake Issyk-Kul |
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| Day 4: |
drive to Bishkek |
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| Day 5: |
fly to Osh, drive to Fergana |
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| Day 6: |
Fergana Valley |
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| Day 7: |
fly to Tashkent |
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| Day 8: |
Tashkent |
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| :Day 9: |
drive to Samarkand |
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| Day 10-11: |
Samarkand with day trip to Penjikent |
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| Day 12: |
drive to Shakhrisabze, Bukhara |
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| Days 13-14: |
Bukhara |
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| Day 15: |
drive to Khiva |
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| Day 16: |
Khiva |
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| Day 17: |
drive to Tashauz, fly to Ashkabad |
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| Days 18-21: |
Ashkabad with day trips to Nisa and Merv |
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Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Treasures of the Trans-Caucasus.
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