The Wonders of the Silk Road: Uzbekistan and Kirghizistan

Upon your arrival at the airport, you are greeted by your guide, then transferred to your hotel. A breakfast is served, with check-in scheduled in the afternoon, giving you time to recover peacefully from your journey.

You then begin a panoramic tour of Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, where ancient traditions and urban modernity coexist. The discovery continues in the old town, the historical and spiritual heart of Tashkent. You visit Khasti Imam Square (16th–21st centuries), a major religious center of the city. The Barak-Khan Madrasah (16th century), a former seminary where religious and secular sciences were taught, illustrates the intellectual importance of the region. You then discover the Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, a pilgrimage site, followed by the Tilla Shaykh Mosque, which houses a remarkable collection of manuscripts. The visit concludes at the Mouyi Mouborak Madrasah (16th–19th centuries), now transformed into a library, where the Quran of Caliph Uthman (7th century) is preserved, considered one of the oldest Quranic manuscripts in the world, brought to Tashkent by Tamerlane.

You set out to discover the Tchor Sou Market, Tashkent's oldest bazaar. As you walk through its lively aisles, you observe colorful stalls of spices, dried fruits, and handcrafted products that reflect local daily life and traditions. The visit includes the discovery of several emblematic pavilions of the market, witnesses to its central role in the commercial and social life of the capital.

You experience a unique moment in Tashkent's metro, known for the refined aesthetics of its stations, decorated in an Art Deco style. Each stop highlights a facet of the country's history and culture. You discover the Cosmonauts Station, dedicated to space exploration, the Cotton Workers Station, linked to Uzbekistan's textile history, as well as Alisher Navoi Station, dedicated to the famous Uzbek poet.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel. Dinner in the city, then night at the hotel.

The day is devoted to discovering Khiva, and more particularly the Itchan Kala, the "inner city", listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by walls 2,200 meters long and accessible through four monumental gates, this fortified city offers a remarkable immersion in the history of Central Asia. The imposing minarets and terraces of clay houses create an evocative setting, reminiscent of the atmosphere of the ancient caravan cities of the Silk Road.

Visit of the must-see monuments:

• Walk around the ramparts to the west and enter the city through the West Gate, where you discover the ceramic map of Khiva.

• Visit of the Mohammed Amin Khan medresa (19th century), now converted into a hotel.

• Discovery of the Kalta Minar minaret, of which only the base was built in 1855, when it was supposed to become the highest in the Muslim world.

• Visit to the Khan's prison, a testament to the punishments in force until the early 20th century.

• Visit to the Konya Ark Citadel, now transformed into a museum: you will discover the mosque and its mint, decorated with faience, as well as the reception court and throne room, symbols of the power of the khans of Khiva.

In the late afternoon, you have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Ak Cheikh Bobo bastion, from where a panoramic view opens onto the ramparts and the main monuments of the walled city of Khiva.

In the evening, dinner in a local restaurant.

After breakfast at the hotel, departure at 9:00 am for a final immersion in the architectural and craft heritage of Khiva.

Visit of the sumptuous Tash Khaouli Palace (19th century), the khan's second residence, comprising: The harem, The state rooms, The guest pavilion, covered with faience featuring pre-Islamic patterns.
This palace perfectly illustrates the traditional way of life in Khiva and the refinement of its craftsmanship.

You visit the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Mahmoud (19th century), dedicated to Pakhlavan Mahmoud, a famous wrestler, poet and Sufi master of the 13th century, venerated as the patron saint of Khiva. This pilgrimage site is distinguished by its ceramic majolica decoration, revealing the refinement of local architectural art and the spiritual importance of the site.

Those who wish can climb to the top of the Islam Khodja minaret, symbol of Khiva, to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view.

Visit of the Islam Khodja madrasa, now transformed into a museum of decorative arts and photography.

Free lunch and free time for personal discoveries.

After breakfast at the hotel, your local guide meets you at 9:00 AM for a full day discovering the old city of Bukhara the Noble. An ancient sacred city long forbidden to non-Muslims, Bukhara was one of the great spiritual centers of Islam in Central Asia, with up to 200 madrassas and 365 mosques.

Morning: Bukhara's emblematic monuments: Visit to the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani (9th–10th centuries), one of the oldest buildings of Muslim architecture, built in fired brick by the founder of the Samanid dynasty. Discovery of the Mausoleum Chashma Ayub, housing a legendary well attributed to the prophet Job and now converted into a water museum. Visit to the Bolo Khauz Mosque (1712), recognizable by its twenty carved wooden pillars and its minaret built in 1917. Exploration of the Ark Citadel, a fortress nearly 2,000 years old, comprising the monumental entrance and throne court, the Friday Mosque transformed into a calligraphy museum, as well as the chancellery, now a small museum retracing life in Bukhara in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Lunch free in the city.

Afternoon: Immersion in architectural and commercial heritage with the Poi-Kalyan Complex (12th–16th centuries): the Kalon minaret (46 m), the only monument spared by Genghis Khan in 1220; the Great Kalon Mosque, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers; the Mir Arab madrassa, a Quranic school still in operation.
Plunge into the atmosphere of ancient markets:

• Toki Zargaron (16th century), former dome of jewelers, now converted into a handicraft market.

• "Koch" Madrassas, a unique architectural ensemble.

• Ulugh Beg Madrassa (15th century), founded by the prince astronomer.

• Abdul Aziz Khan Madrassa (17th century), with refined decorations.

• Toki Telpak Furushon (16th century), former hat sellers' market.

• Hammam Bozori Kord (16th century), former public bath frequented weekly by residents of Bukhara.
  

End of day: Between spirituality and craftsmanship:

• Magok-i-Attari Mosque (11th–12th centuries), built on the remains of an ancient Zoroastrian temple and now transformed into a carpet museum.

• Toki Sarafon (16th century), former money changers' market.

• Lyab-i-Khauz Complex (1620): Khanaga Nadir Divan Beghi, former dervish inn now used as an exhibition hall; statue of Nasrudin, an emblematic historical and satirical figure; Nadir Divan Beghi madrassa, decorated with a Mongol sun and fantastic birds; Kukeldash madrassa, the largest in Bukhara, comprising 140 cells spread over two levels.
  
  Return to the hotel after this day of immersion in the history and architecture of Bukhara.

After breakfast at the hotel, departure at 9:30 am to explore the monuments located on the outskirts of Bukhara. In the afternoon: return to the city and free time to do some shopping, discover the souks or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the old town of Bukhara.

Night at the hotel in Bukhara.

Morning: Discovery of gems outside the city: Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khossa, former summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara, located 5 km from the historic center. Built in 1914, it stands out for its refined plaster and stucco decorations. The visit includes the courtyard, reception halls, rose gardens, pond and harem, which is said to have housed up to 40 women and today hosts a suzani embroidery museum.

Mausoleum of Bakhoviddin Nakchbandi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Asia. This sanctuary houses the tomb of Bakhoviddin Nakchbandi, founding master of the Nakchbandiya Sufi order, one of the great Sufi brotherhoods. A place filled with spirituality, where many pilgrims come to pay their respects.

Chor Minor Madrasah, a singular building recognizable by its four distinctive towers, unique of its kind in Central Asia.

Morning: Craftsmanship and history on the road to Samarkand:

• Gijduvan, renowned for its ceramic craftsmanship. Visit to Mr. Narzoullayev's workshop, a sixth-generation potter, who shares in English-speaking guide the know-how and techniques passed down through time.

• Photo stop at the sardoba of Rabati Malik (14th century), an ancient water point used by caravans.

• Discovery of the remains of the Rabati Malik caravanserai (11th century), whose monumental gateway is still visible. Arrival in Samarkand around 1:00 PM.

Lunch at a local restaurant, then hotel check-in.

Afternoon: Exploration of Tamerlane's capital. Samarkand, jewel of the Silk Road, was one of the main cities of ancient Sogdiana and a major trading center until Genghis Khan's Mongol invasion. Two centuries later, Tamerlane made it the capital of his empire, restoring its central role in Central Asia.

You discover the famous Registan square, a vast monumental ensemble emblematic of Samarkand, composed of three madrasas:

• Ulugh Beg Madrasa (15th century), founded by the astronomer prince of the Timurid dynasty.

• Tilla Kari Madrasa (17th century), nicknamed the "golden mosque".

• Sher-Dor Madrasa (17th century), recognizable by its lion representations adorning the portal.

Return to the hotel after the visit.

Evening: dinner in town to discover local gastronomy.

After breakfast at the hotel, you continue exploring Samarkand, the former capital of Tamerlane.

Morning: Discovery of Samarkand's historical treasures:

• Bibi Khanum Mosque (15th century), built by Tamerlane to celebrate his victory over the Delhi Sultanate. Originally constructed with 400 marble pillars, it was among the largest mosques of its time. Weakened over the centuries, it underwent restoration in 2003.

• Siyob Market, the largest bazaar in Samarkand, renowned for its traditional "non" breads and dried grapes, emblematic specialties of the region.

Free lunch.

Afternoon : History and astronomy :

• Afrasiab Archaeological Museum, located on the Afrasiab hills, where ancient Samarkand stood before its destruction by Genghis Khan. Traces 20 centuries of the city's history. Its masterpiece: pre-Islamic Sogdian frescoes (8th century), unique testimonies to the glorious past of the region.

• Ulughbek Observatory (15th century), one of the greatest observatories of the Middle Ages. Founded by Ulughbek, grandson of Tamerlane and astronomer king. Thanks to his giant sextant, he calculated with remarkable precision the coordinates of 1,018 stars, with only a few seconds of error.

Evening: in Samarkand. Return to the hotel and night in Samarkand.

After breakfast at the hotel, you continue with the last cultural discoveries in Samarkand before heading to Tashkent.

Morning: Iconic monuments of Samarkand:

• Gour Emir Mausoleum (15th century), tomb of Tamerlane. Its blue dome illustrates the importance of Emperor Temour in the region's history. Nearby, you will also discover the statue of the sovereign.

• Mausoleum of Saint Daniel, a place of worship with an interreligious dimension. According to tradition, Tamerlane brought relics here from Iran. Dating from the early 20th century, the site is today venerated by Muslims, Christians and Jews. Free lunch.
  

Afternoon: Last immersion in Samarkand's history: Chakhi Zinda Necropolis ("The Living King"), a remarkable architectural complex dedicated to Koussam Ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed. This complex once contained 44 monuments, about half of which are preserved today. It houses in particular the mausoleums of two sisters and two wives of Tamerlane, as well as those of kings of his generals.

Free time for last-minute shopping in the souks or craft shops in the city.

Transfer to the station to take the high-speed train to Tashkent.

Upon arrival in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

Departure by train through Kamchik Pass (2,110 m elevation), offering beautiful panoramic views of the mountains and valleys of Uzbekistan.

Morning: Discovery of Kokand: Arrival in Kokand, one of the historic cities of the Fergana Valley. Visit to the palace of Khudoyar Khan, former residence of the khans of Kokand. Discovery of the Jami Mosque, an emblematic building of the city.

Afternoon: Immersion in local craftsmanship. Drive to Rishtan, renowned throughout the valley for its traditional ceramics. Rishtan, famous for its ceramics made from local red clay, decorated with natural blue and green pigments, then varnished according to ancestral know-how. Drive to Marghilan, heart of silk production in Uzbekistan.

Arrival in the evening, dinner and night in Marghilan.

Visit to the Yodgorlik silk factory in Marghilan to discover local craftsmanship and traditional products (approximately 1 hour).

Visit to the History Museum, located nearby.

On the way, visit the historic site of Uzgen, which houses three mausoleums and an 11th century minaret.

Day 12
Today, you set off on a hike through a walnut forest, which leads you to the waterfalls located on the outskirts of the village.

You have lunch on site, in this natural setting conducive to relaxation and discovery.

You resume your journey along the winding road towards the Sary-Chelek Lake, crossing mountainous landscapes with changing colors. Lunch during the journey.

Day 14
Horseback riding to explore this alpine lake perched at 1,837 m altitude. You then enjoy a moment of relaxation around the lake.

The fresh water lake of Sary-Chelek is one of the most remarkable natural sites in Kirghizistan. It is located approximately 500 km from Bishkek and 300 km from Osh. The place is equally suited to hiking in the wilderness or to a timeless break, far from the rhythm of daily life.

A bit of history:
The lake was formed approximately 10,000 years ago, following a landslide. In 1959, the site was the subject of research aimed at protecting wildlife and flora. A legend tells of a beekeeper who watched over his hives on the shores of the lake. One day, a bucket of honey is said to have spilled into the water, giving it a golden hue. The beekeeper then named it Sary-Chelek, meaning "yellow bucket". Others attribute this name to the surrounding trees, whose yellow and orange leaves in autumn give the lake a particular coloration.

The lake extends over 7.5 km, with a width between 150 and 350 meters, and reaches a maximum depth of 234 meters. Access remains relatively difficult, only possible from the north or south. To the north, a route leads towards the Talas mountains, crossing high passes and canyons. To the south, access is from the village of Arkyt, located approximately 20 km away.

The region is home to more than 1,000 plant species, 160 bird species and 34 mammal species, including deer, bears, lynx and wolves. Relaxation around the lake.

You pass through the mining landscapes of Tachkomur, then through the Lower Naryn Gorge, bordered by red sandstone walls, before reaching the Toktogul Reservoir.

After settling into a guesthouse, take a walk around the village or relax on the beach of the artificial lake.

Arrival in the Soussamir valley, which offers open and harmonious landscapes, characteristic of the Kyrgyz highlands.

Passage along the Kokomeren river, considered one of the emblematic natural sites of Kyrgyzstan, offering beautiful opportunities for rafting, fishing and photography.

Day 17
Day of relaxation and discovery of nomadic lifestyle. You participate in traditional activities with your host family: Making kumis (fermented milk, depending on the season). Herding the flock. Milking cows or mares (depending on the season).

If you wish, you can leave after lunch for a short horseback riding trek.

Travel back in time with a visit to the historic Tach Rabat Caravanserai. Located on the route to Khasgar, the Tach Rabat caravanserai, the Stone Hotel, is probably the best-preserved site on the Silk Road, and you will be able to feel its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it featured numerous rooms serving to shelter merchants.

Arrival in the city of Naryn, a small town nestled in the heart of the mountains, crossed by the Naryn river.

You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, demonstrating the region's artisanal expertise.

In the evening, you attend a traditional Kyrgyz folk show. On the program: a Manas storyteller, traditional music and songs that immerse you in the country's epic and legends.

You stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Tatar invasions. You then climb to the top of the minaret, where you enjoy a clear view over the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which helps you better understand the history of the site.