Orient Silk Road Express Train
Ashgabat, Nisa, Merv, Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Tashkent, Turkestan & Almaty
based on 14 nights inc. flights & selected experiences
Price includes:
Accommodation
Selected experiences
Daily Breakfast
Full Board while on train
Price is based on two people sharing one room.
At a Glance
Once-in-a-lifetime experience to experience Silk Road's cultural treasures through 3 Central Asian countries!
Replaces long, bumpy drives typical of a Silk Road journey with unprecedented comfort of train facilities
Relax by the Issyk Lake, an azure blue lake at stunning alpine setting
Appreciate the multi-coloured Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan's little brother to the Grand Canyon
Insight into Turkmenistan, the world's most bizarre nation, and the eccentric Türkmenbasy cult
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Best time to Visit
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We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday.
Itinerary
Unravel the very best of Silk Road's cultural sites in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the comfort of your train. End off by basking in the natural beauty of Almaty Province with turquoise lakes and rugged canyon. Exact itinerary may slightly differ depending on your departure dates.
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Days 1-13: Uzbekistan
Start your journey in the eccentric Turkmenistan, full of modern boulevards, golden domes and white marble buildings. Make a side trip to the ancient ruins of Nisa. Your train then draws into the iconic ancient city of Merv, once renowned as the world's most populated city.
Bid farewell to Turkmenistan and say hello to Uzbekistan, undoubtedly the jewel of Central Asia with legendary cities such as Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand echoing the long-lost romance of towering minarets, dizzying labryinths and bustling markets. You will also visit Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Timur empire, as well as Uzbek's capital city of Tashkent studded with caravanserais and ancient monuments.
Journey to the lesser-visited Silk Road sites as you venture out to Kazakhstan, home to Turkestan's magnificent Mausoleum of Khawaja Ahmed Yasawi. The glorious steppe lulls you to sleep as your train whooshes into Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan.
Accommodation: Orient Silk Road Express (12 nights)
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Days 13-15: Almaty
Our representative will pick you up once you disembark in Almaty. Enjoy a city tour of Almaty's historical centre including the Panfilov Park, the exotic Green Bazaar and goes up to Kok Tobe Hill for a panoramic view of the city.
Drive to Charyn Canyon to enjoy the stunning view of a huge gorge with cliffs and rocks of various colorus. The canyon is a part of the Charyn National Park territory and you will have an opportunity to see the old ash-tree grove as well as the Castle Valley, one part of 154-meter canyon with cliffs resembling towers. Time permitting, you will also visit the Yellow Canyon (also known as Lunar Canyon due to its moon-like landscape). Trek to the platform site with a view of the stunning full-on yellow panorama! It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Next, travel to an altitude of 1,756 meters above sea level to the postcard-perfect Lake Issyk, located in the valley with the same name. Lying along the Kuldja tract, where hundreds of years ago the trade caravans passed through, the gorge is evocative and visually striking. You will also visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, a complex of 80 Saks burial mounds (kurgans). This is also the burial ground of the world-famous Golden Man, a Scythian warrior prince.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Almaty (2 nights)
Experiences
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Almaty City Highlights
Get a taste of the very best of Almaty, including the charming Panfilov Park, the exotic Green Bazaar, Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, the Central Mosque and Central Sate Museum.
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Charyn Canyon
Known as the little brother of Grand Canyon, Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon is spectacular at 154km long and 300m deep. Visit the famous Valley of Castles with its unique towering structures.
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Helicopter: Almaty's Natural Highlights
Fly over Turgen Waterfalls, Lake Kolsai, and enjoy 1-hour landing stop each at Charyn Canyon and Singing Sand Dunes on this 3.5 hours of flight.
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Issyk Lake & Gorge
Today, you will visit Issyk Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges on Trans-Ili Alatau region, including a visit to the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”.
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Kok Tobe Hill with Gondola Ride
Enjoy panoramic views of Almaty from Kok Tobe Hill, home to the world’s tallest TV tower.
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Nomad Ethnic Centre
Glimpse into centuries-old traditions and culture of the Great Steppe's nomadic tribes at NOMAD Ethnic Centre. Learn to weave materials, prepares traditional Kazakh dishes and appreciates how yurts function.
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Turgen Falls
Depart to Turgen Gorge natural park. See the Golden Man, Snow Leopard statues, walk up to the waterfall and take a rest while you enjoy the trickling sound of the majestic fall.
Location
Ashgabat, Nisa, Merv, Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Tashkent, Turkestan & Almaty
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
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