Wendy Wu Road to Samarkand

– Cruise on the beautiful Lake Issyk Kul
– Discover the ancient city of Bukhara
– Visit the mesmerising cities of Samarkand and Khiva

Days 1-2: Fly to Bishkek
Fly overnight to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. On arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Ala Archa National Park
Take a city tour, visiting Ala-Too Square, the White House and Oak Park before heading to this national park for a leisurely hike through picturesque landscapes before heading back to Bishkek for a free afternoon
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Lake Issyk Kul
Visit the stunning Burana Tower before departing for Cholpon-Ata, home to a collection of petroglyphs. Later take a cruise on Lake Kul, where you can enjoy the alpine-esque views
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Drive to Karakol
Drive to Karakol, stopping at Semenov Gorge and Kyrchyn Jailoo ethnic village on the way. In the afternoon, visit the Przhevalsky Musuem, the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the Chinese Mosque
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Jeti-Orguz Gorge
Immerse yourself in Karakol’s sunday morninig animal market before travelling to Jeti-Orguz Gorge. Later, enjoy dinner with a local Dungan family.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Eagle Hunting
Travel to Bokonbaevo to watch an eagle hunting demonstration. Continue to Naryn
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Journey to Tash Rabat
Pass through the dramatic mountainous landscapes to reach Tash Rabat, a significant point during the height of the Silk Road. Return to Naryn
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Kochkor
Transfer to Kochkor, known for being a centre of Kyrgyz felt handicrafts, which you’ll learn about throughout the day. In the evening, continue on to a guesthouse near Chong-Kemin National Park
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Chong Kemin National Park
Enjoy a walk in the quiet valley before traveling to Bishkek for your flight to Tashkent
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Tashkent
Explore the many sights of Tashkent, including the Barak Khana Seminary and the Tila Shaikh Mosque. Browse the wares of Chorsu bazaar before experiencing a ceramic workshop
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Golden City of Samarkand
Travel to the legendary city of Samarkand where you’ll enjoy a tour of its best sights before having the rest of the day to do your own exploring
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Samarkand
Explore more of the city’s iconic sights, including Gur Emir, Bibi-Khanum and the Siab Bazaar. Later, see the mausoleum of Daniel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Konigil Village
Visit Ulugbek’s Observatory before visiting the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Continue onto Konigil to visit a papermaking workshop before heading back to Samarkand.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Shakhrisabz
Travel to the birthplace of Tamerlane and explore the city, including the remnants of the Ak-Sarai Palace and Kok-Gumbas Mosque. Returning to Samarkand in the afternoon.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Bukhara
Journey to Bukhara, visiting Gijduvan, famous for handmade ceramics. Continue onto Bukhara, where you can begin your exploration that afternoon
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Bukhara
Spend a full day exploring all of Bukhara’s historical sights, including the Ark Fortress and the selection of mosques and madrassahs.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 18 – Bukhara
Visit the Emir’s summer palace before heading to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum. After, return to Bukhara and spend the rest of the day at leisure
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 19: Khiva
Take a journey across Kyzyl Kum desert, stopping at Amudarya River to reach Khiva.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 20: Itchan Kala
Explore ancient Khiva, including the UNESCO inner-walled city of Ithcan Kala and the Kunya Ark.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 21: Fly to Tashkent
Transfer to Urgench to fly to Tashkent. On arrival, you’ll be able to visit the Museum of Applied Arts and Mustakilik Square.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 22: Fly Tashkent to UK
Transfer to Tashkent Airport for your journey back to the UK
(Breakfast)

Kyrgyz Women Cooperative
In Kochkor, visit a local cooperative where women are trained in traditional handicrafts

Cruise Lake Issyk Kul
Take to the waters of Lake Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world

Golden Eagle Hunting
Witness the skill and majestic of an age-old Kyrgyz tradition

– Return international flights
– All Accommodation
– All meals: 20 breakfasts, 19 lunches and 20 dinners
– All transportation & transfers
– All sightseeing & entrance fees
– English speaking National Escort & local guides
– Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders

Go Beyond

Venture off the beaten track to explore fascinating destinations away from the tourist trail. You will discover the local culture in depth and see sights rarely witnessed by other travellers. These tours take you away from the comforts of home but will reward you with the experience of a lifetime.

Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by both a National Escort and local guides. There will usually be no more than 18 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.

This tour has a physical rating of 3. A good level of fitness is required as you need to be comfortable walking for 2-3 hours and covering longer distances. Other activities such as cycling will be at a gentle pace and will involve straightforward terrain