The Wonders of the Silk Road: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed by your guide and then transferred to your hotel. 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 city, 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 place of pilgrimage, and the Tilla Shaykh Mosque, which houses a remarkable collection of manuscripts. The visit ends at the Moyie Mubarek 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 Timur.

You set out to discover the Chor Sou Market, the oldest bazaar in Tashkent. As you walk through its bustling aisles, you observe the colorful stalls of spices, dried fruits, and artisanal products that reflect the daily life and local 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 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 overnight at the hotel.

The day is devoted to discovering Khiva, and more particularly to 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:

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

• Visit of the Mohammed Amin Khan madrasah (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.

• Passage through the Khan's prison, a testimony to the punishments in force until the early 20th century.

• Visit of 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 courtyard and the throne room, symbols of the power of the khans of Khiva.

In the late afternoon, you have the opportunity to climb to the summit of the Ak Cheikh Bobo bastion, from where a panoramic view opens up over the ramparts and 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 to the sumptuous Tash Khaouli Palace (19th century), the khan's second residence, comprising: The harem, The state rooms, The guest pavilion, covered with glazed tiles featuring pre-Islamic motifs.
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 stands out for its majolica ceramic 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 admire an exceptional panorama.

Visit to 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 will meet you at 9:00 AM for a full day discovering the old city of Noble Bukhara. A former sacred city long forbidden to non-Muslims, Bukhara was one of the great spiritual centers of Islam in Central Asia, with up to 200 madrasas and 365 mosques.

Morning: Bukhara's emblematic monuments: Visit 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 Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, housing a legendary well attributed to the prophet Job and now arranged as a water museum. Visit the Bolo Khaouz 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 Bukhara's life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Free lunch in town.

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 madrasa, a Quranic school still in operation.
A dive into the atmosphere of ancient markets:

• Toqi Zargaron (16th century), former dome of jewelers, today converted into a craft market.

• "Koch" Madrasas, unique architectural ensemble.

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

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

• Toqi Telpak Furushon (16th century), former hatmakers' market.

• Hammami Bozori Kord (16th century), former public bath frequented weekly by Bukhara's residents.
  

End of day: Between spirituality and craftsmanship:

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

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

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

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 city 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, the pool and the harem, which once 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 imbued with spirituality, where many pilgrims come to pay their respects.

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

Morning: Crafts and history on the Samarkand road:

• Guijdouvan, renowned for its ceramic craftsmanship. Visit to the workshop of Mr. Narzoullayev, a sixth-generation potter, who shares in English the skills and techniques passed down over time.

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

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

Lunch in 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 commercial 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 will discover the famous Registan square, a vast monumental complex emblematic of Samarkand, composed of three madrasas:

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

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

• Madrasa Sher-Dor (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 raisins, emblematic specialties of the region.

Free lunch.

Afternoon: History and astronomy:

• Afrasiab Archaeological Museum, located on the hills of Afrasiab, 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 of the region's glorious past.

• Ulugbek Observatory (15th century), one of the greatest observatories of the Middle Ages. Founded by Ulugbek, grandson of Timur 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 of 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 also discover a statue of the sovereign.

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

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

Free time for last shopping in the souks or craft shops of 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.

Train departure through the Kamchik Pass (2,110 m altitude), offering beautiful panoramas 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 Khoudayar 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 Richton, renowned throughout the valley for its traditional ceramics. Rishtan, famous for its red clay ceramics decorated with natural blue and green pigments, then glazed 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.

Along 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 at the edge of the village.

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

You resume the winding road towards the Sary-Chelek Lake, crossing mountainous landscapes with changing colors. Lunch en route.

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

The freshwater 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 suitable for both hiking in the great outdoors and a timeless retreat, far from the pace of everyday life.

A bit of history:
The lake was formed approximately 10,000 years ago, following a landslide. In 1959, the site underwent 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 allegedly 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 for 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 cliffs, before reaching the Toktogul reservoir.

After settling into a guesthouse, take a walk around the village or enjoy a relaxing moment on the artificial lake beach.

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

Passage along the Kokomeryn 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). Gathering the herd. Milking cows or mares (depending on the season).

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

Travel back in time with a visit to the ancient Tach Rabat Caravanserai. Located on the road 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 many rooms used 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, showcasing the region's artisanal craftsmanship.

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 tales 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 allows you to better understand the history of the site.

After breakfast at the hotel.