Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan)

The most renowned overland trading route of ancient civilizations was the Silk Road, which spanned from China’s former imperial capital of Xian, westward through to the far away lands of Europe. The route entailed crossing rugged, mountainous and desert areas where tales were told of mystical cities, lively open air bazaars and a seemingly endless hive of activity. With the addition of Central Asia to our existing Silk Road programme, our coverage of this historic journey is almost complete. Spanning the ‘Golden Route’ from China’s Kashgar, where the unrivalled Sunday Bazaar was held, we travel through the spectacular alpine scenery of Kyrgyzstan to the breathtaking ancient cities and classic Islamic architecture of Uzbekistan. The ancient towns of Khiva and Bukhara are laden with treasures of this magical period in time. This extraordinary journey is an absolute must for the avid explorer.

Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan

Bishkek

Bishkek sits at the foot of the Alatau Mountains, part of the Tian Shan Range. Originally established by Silk Road Traders, Bishkek was captured by the Russians in 1877 and served as a fortress called Pishpek until 1991, when it became the capital of an independent Kyrgyzstan. Although a young and growing city, the Russian and Asian history is obvious.

Issy Kul Lake

Lake Issy Kul is nestled between the Kungey Alatau to the north and the Terskey Alatau to the south, which together form the northern section of the Tian Shan Mountains. Issy Kul measures at 170km long, 70km across and has a depth of 695m. Its north side was a popular holiday spot during the Russian influence and the landscape here is easier to navigate and explore. The south side on the other hand possesses better scenery and is home to the Kyrgyz shepherds. However it is possible to see trails of the ancient civilizations and caravanserais established along the silk route dating back to the 5th Century BC when the route travelled between China’s Xinjiang province and Bishkek.

Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, the hub of Central Asia and dates back to the 3rd Century. The city’s Silk Road heritage is retained in the Chorsu Bazaar and Museums, while the modern city has interesting Soviet relics, statues and architecture.

Bukhara

Bukhara is Central Asia’s holiest city and possesses a history that spans well over 1000 years. It is considered to be Central Asia’s cultural centre with the old town widely referred to as an architectural wonder; offering a true glimpse of pre- Russian tradition with its many fortresses, madrassah’s and remnants of a lively open air marketplace.

Samarkand

The city of Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements and a significant Silk Road City. Made famous by James Flecker’s poem, ‘The Golden Road to Samarkand’, no other city is more reminiscent of the Silk Road history. The modern city is set amongst its ancient treasures; glorious minarets, domes, Timur monuments and lively bazaar, which for many visitors resonates a mythical ambience.

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Images from CENTRAL ASIA

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