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Join award-winning writer, Anissa Helou, on this culinary exploration of Central Asia. Spanning the bustling bazaars of Kashgar and the wide-open expanses of Kyrgyzstan, this journey will see you savoring diverse regional specialties and rich cultural traditions. Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders as you experience where the East meets the West along the original paths of the ancient Silk Road.
With years of traversing the boundaries between East and West, celebrated author and chef Anissa Helou leads us on this carefully curated itinerary through Central Asia. Beginning in Kashgar, this trip encompasses bustling markets, ancient architecture, and gourmet finds as you venture into the unique territories of Western China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. In the capable hands of Anissa, immerse yourself in the culture of these unique destinations through their art, architecture, history, and of above all, their delicious cuisine. Learn the secrets to crafting local delicacies as you enjoy the hospitality and unspoilt nature of this seldom-visited region.
Anissa Helou is a London-based cookbook author, teacher, and chef specializing in the cuisines of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa. Anissa was born in Beirut, she is the daughter of a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. Over the years she has published 9 books; her Latest book, Feast: Food of the Islamic World, was named one of the most anticipated cookbooks of Spring 2018 by Bon Appetite.
Arrive in Kashgar • Enjoy a welcome reception with a traditional lamb banquet dinner • In the morning, experience the vibrant bursts of color and sounds at the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar • Meander through the distinctly Central Asian Kashgar Old Town • Admire the Islamic architecture of Abakh Khoja Mausoleum and the Id Kah Mosque
Drive across the border and transfer to the Tash Rabat Caravanserai (yurt camp) for an authentic nomadic experience • Enjoy a light hike in the spectacular Tiyan Shan Mountains as you get to know the local nomads
Take in the scenic drive to the charming Song Kul Lake, considered to be the pearl of Kyrgyz Summer Pastures, via the Moldo Ashuu pass • See first hand how the locals make their famous hand-pulled noodles • Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz kebab meal on the shores of Song Kul Lake
In the morning, drive to Chong Kemin via Kochkor village • Learn the tricks of the trade in a local cooking demonstration with a Kyrgyz family • Arrive in Chong Kemin and enjoy dinner at a local home, complete with a traditional musical performance
Drive to Bishkek and visit Burana Tower, an ancient minaret set in a stunning landscape and standing as one of Kyrgyzstan's most important historical sites • Enjoy a local cooking demonstration and lunch with a Kazakh Family • Set off to catch your evening flight to Tashkent
Wake up with a visit to the local market to sample different bread followed by a visit to a number of the city's landmarks: The Khazret Imam, Sheik Tellya Mosque, and the Chor-Su Bazaar to watch craftsmen at work • Get lost in the bustle of the market and bargain for souvenirs • Accept an invitation by our local host for a plov demonstration and sample other local traditional dishes
Embark on a scenic drive to Samarkand along the same route as the ancient Silk Road • Enjoy a 'monumental' exploration beginning in Registan Square, with its soaring porticoes, stunning decoration, and fabulous history • Pay a visit to the Afrasiyab Archeological Reserve and Mausoleum of Amir Temur • Take part in cooking an Uzbek dish called Qozon Kabob at the home of a local chef
Pack your bags in the morning and take the train to Bukhara • For lunch, visit a traditional family where you get the chance to cook wedding pilaf, manti, or somsa • Enjoy a traditional Uzbek tea ceremony with your hosts • Visit the Sacred Bukhara, the Kalyan Minaret and The Fortress Ark • Try on traditional outfits at the National Costume Exhibit in the former home of merchant Fayzullo Khojaev
Visit the Magoki Attari, followed by lunch in a Chinar restaurant to experience the famous Bukharian-style version of palov • Enjoy a farewell dinner in style at Nihol restaurant, where you can enjoy Bukharian kebabs as you reflect on your culinary adventure through Central Asia • Fly back to Tashkent in the evening for your final night on this gastronomic adventure
After breakfast at the hotel, and your WildChina team will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight to your next destination
The first international hotel in Kashgar, the Radisson Blu offers rooms with picturesque views of the city and Kirzlesu River outside floor-to-ceiling windows.
A stone's throw from Bukhara's ancient monuments, Minzifa Boutique Hotel is an exquisite family-run hotel decorated in traditional Uzbek style.
Conveniently located in the center of the city, Tashkent Palace features comfortable amenities, a classical appearance, and sophisticated interior design.
This new, comfortable and welcoming four-star hotel offers 60 spacious rooms of various categories from standard to super-suites and cottage for a family.
Your journey is considered a moderate adventure. Moderate adventure includes full days outside the hotel, with drives up to 3 or 3 ½ hours on mainly well-maintained, paved roads. We may spend up to 4-5 hours walking or hiking.
Your guide will arrange the logistics of your trip, including meals, hotel reservations, sites, and activities, as well as providing you with information about the local region. You will also be traveling with a WildChina expert, who will serve as an in-depth source of knowledge covering your trip as a whole. Your WildChina guide is specific to each local region, but your WildChina expert will accompany you throughout your journey, escorting you to all locations. Your WildChina guides will be confirmed during booking.
Meals are included, as listed in your itinerary. We strive to arrange meals that highlight authentic local cuisine in clean, local establishments.
It is safe to drink bottled mineral water, but tap water, even in 5-star hotels, is not safe for drinking. We will provide bottled water, tea, and snacks throughout your journey.
We request guests with severe allergies to consult their physicians prior to traveling and to bring all necessary medicines with them. Inform us ahead of time of specific allergies, such as peanuts or shellfish, or sensitivities to MSG, so that we can do our best to ensure these items are not used in your meals.
This trip will run in fall 2021. The exact dates will be confirmed soon.
Twin Share: From USD $5,580 per person
Single Traveler: From USD $6,980 per person
The land costs above do not include domestic flights and trains.
Economy Domestic Air and First Class Train: From USD $200 per person
This journey begins in Kashgar, China. The airport, Kashgar Airport (KHG), also known as Kashi Airport, is about 10km north of downtown Kashgar, in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The airport serves domestic cities, with daily flights to and from Urumqi and Xi'an, as well as weekly flights to and from Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai.
The journeys ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The airport, Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), is the main airport in the country and serves domestic and international destinations.
Uzbekistan Airways flies to most major cities, including London, Dubai, New York, Paris, and Bangkok. Other international airlines that fly into Tashkent included Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, China Southern Airlines, and Asiana Airlines.
You can secure your booking by paying a deposit of USD $500 per person. To start the booking process, click on the 'Let's Plan Your Trip' button below and get in touch with one of our travel designers.
1. Deposit: A deposit of $500 USD per person is required to secure your reservation. Once your deposit has been received, we will send your confirmation along with a detailed itinerary, materials for your visa application, packing list, and general information to prepare you for your trip to China.
2. Full payment: Full trip payment should be made 60 days prior to departure. Once full payment has been made, your trip tour guides will be confirmed and you will receive your guide information. We will check your visa and make sure you're all ready for the trip.
Nearly every visitor to China will need a tourist 'L' visa before arriving. We cannot obtain your visa, but we will send instructions to get you started, recommend agencies, and help answer any questions along the way. We will also provide you with an official invitation letter for your visa application after your booking is confirmed. We recommend getting your visa at least two (2) months before trip departure to avoid logistical problems.
For travel to Kyrgyzstan, holders of passports from the United States, Australia, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand, and more are eligible for visa-free travel for up to 60 days. WildChina will help you determine if you need a visa, and if you do, we will help guide you in securing this in time for your departure.
For travel to Uzbekistan, some passport holders (such as those from Australia, the EU, Canada, and New Zealand), are eligible for visa-free travel. For other nationalities, including the United States, visitors will need to apply for an e-Visa prior to arrival. WildChina will help you to determine whether you need to apply for a visa and we will help guide you through securing this prior to departure.
All WildChina trips are refundable, less deposit, if formal written cancellation is lodged at least 60 days prior to departure. See our full cancellation policy for more information.
This trip is guaranteed to run once we receive bookings from eight (8) passengers. Should the trip be cancelled due to lack of sign-ups, WildChina will fully refund any deposits or fees paid.
For more information, see terms and conditions for our small group tours.Thank you for your inquiry. One of our Travel Designers will be in touch with you shortly.
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