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The Stans, Central Asia

Departs April 17, 2018

Itinerary correct as at Feb 17, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

THE STANS, CENTRAL ASIACentral Asia or "The Stans" is a vast landlocked region of Asia, increasing in popularity amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. In Stalin’s time, the area was known as Turkestan. Soon after Independence, the five former Soviet Central Asian Republics, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, were defined as Central Asia. This is the common modern definition. Our tour covers the first four. The history of Central Asia is defined as much by the area's climate, as by its geography. Since the area is not buffered by a large body of water, temperature fluctuations are more severe. The aridness of the region made agriculture difficult and its distance from the sea also restricted the growth of industry. Thus, few large cities developed in the region, instead the area was for many centuries dominated by the nomadic horse people of the Steppe. Steppe horse riders became some of the most militarily potent people in the world.

Periodically, great leaders would organise several tribes into one force of almost unstoppable power. These included the Hun invasion of Europe, the Wu Hu attacks on China and most notably the Mongol conquest of much of Eurasia. The fracturing of the Mongol Empire led to the resurgence of the Turkic people and from one minor tribe near Samarkand arose the tyrant Timur around 1405. His descendants ruled on separately in small kingdoms and duchies for almost a further century. The dominance of the nomads ended in the 16th century, as firearms allowed settled peoples to gain control of their surroundings. Russia, China and other powers expanded into the region and had captured the bulk of Central Asia by the end of the 19th Century.

The geography is varied, including high plateaus, mountains, vast deserts, and treeless, grassy steppes. Much of the land is too dry and rugged for farming. A majority of its people earn a living by herding livestock. The two major rivers, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya used to replenish the Aral Sea. Now that most of their water is diverted for cotton growing, this sea/lake, has virtually disappeared. Water is an extremely valuable resource in Central Asia and has led to rather significant border disputes.

The Silk Road gave rise to unprecedented trade, but its true brilliance and unique place in human history were the result of the interchange of ideas, innovations and philosophies that occurred amongst the very different peoples that used it. Our travels will encompass many of these historic places along with many other “story-book” destinations. Wonderful monuments, some restored, some not; museums full of ancient artifacts; colourful bazaars, all combined with stunning landscapes, will make this a memorable experience.

There are parts of Central Asia that will have hardly seen a traveller before, and there are many wild and beautiful

Itinerary correct as at Feb 17, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

Day 01, Tuesday 17th April SYDNEY TO SEOUL Depart Sydney on Asiana Airlines OZ602 at 09.15hrs for Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. Arrive around 19.00hrs and transfer to our Seoul hotel where we stay overnight. The drive into Seoul from Incheon Airport is a little over an hour. Meals in flight.

UZBEKISTANDay 02, Wednesday 18th AprilSEOUL TO TASHKENT Transfer back to Incheon Airport around lunch time and depart Seoul on Asiana OZ573 at 16.50hrs for Tashkent, arriving at 20.20hrs. Welcome to Central Asia! Patience will be required when clearing security, customs and waiting for our baggage. Our guide will meet us at the exit and transfer our group to the hotel. (Breakfast and lunch is provided at the hotel in Seoul). B/L/ Dinner in-flight.

Day 03, Thursday 19th April TASHKENT After breakfast, we have a full day sightseeing in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. We visit the key sites of the Old City including the Hasti Imom Complex (the Kaffal Shashiy Mausoleum, Barak Khan ma- drasah, and the Tillya Sheikh mosque), Chorsu bazaar, Kukeldash madrasah and the Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

Day 04, Friday 20th AprilTASHKENT TO SAMARKAND After an early breakfast, the group will take the 08.00hrs Afrosiyob fast train to Samarkand (330km

– 2 hours) arriving around 10.15hrs On arrival check in to your hotel. An afternoon tour will include the Guri Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square. We will overnight at the same hotel for two nights. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

Day 05, Saturday 21st April SAMARKAND After breakfast we continue our city tour of Samarkand. Visit the Bibi Khanym mosque, the bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Afrosiab Museum & Shakhi Zinda necropolis. Later in the afternoon, there’s some local wine tasting. Tonight, a traditional Uzbek dinner is provided at a local family restaurant. B/D

Day 06, Sunday 22nd April SAMARKAND TO BUKHARA Today the group will again experience the Afrosiyob fast train network this time from Samarkand to Bukhara. We leave after breakfast and arrive in Bukhara about 90 minutes later. On arrival check in to our hotel where we will stay for three nights. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

Itinerary correct as at Feb 17, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

Day 07, Monday 23rd AprilBUKHARA After breakfast, today we have a wonderful full day city tour of Bukhara, visiting the following sites (time permitting) the Ark fortress,

Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub, Poi Kalyan complex with Kalyan mosque and Miri Arab madrasa, Ulug- beg and Abdulazizkhan madrasas, ancient Silk Market, Magokki Attori mosque and Labi Hauz complex. In the evening we’ll enjoy a folk show at Nodir Devonbegi madrasa (dependant on the weather conditions). Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

Day 08, Tuesday 24th April BUKHARA Our city tour of Bukhara continues today with the Chor Minor Mosque, Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Chor Bakir, Naqshbandiy Complex and the Jewish Synagogue. Dinner at a local artist’s family home with a plov (traditional rice based meal) cooking demonstration. B/D

TURKMENISTANDay 09, Wednesday 25th AprilBUKHARA – FARAB BORDER – MARY An early start today. After breakfast drive to Uzbek-Turkmen border “Farab” . Here we say goodbye to Uzbekistan for a few days and make our way across the border into Turkmenistan. After border formalities - a long, frustrating business - we change transport and guide and drive to Mary to check in to our hotel where we stay for two nights. B/D

Day 10, Thursday 26th AprilMARY – MERV – MARY After breakfast, we drive east of Mary, towards Bayram-Ali, the contemporary reincarnation of and humble suburb of the

glorious Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2000 years. Then head back to Mary where we will visit the local History Museum, presenting a wide array of archaeological finds dating back to the III mill. BC through the late XIX century, from both Ancient Merv and Bronze Age sites of the Margush country as well as interesting ethnographic displays. B/D

Day 11, Friday 27th April MARY TO ASHGABAT In the morning we have an early flight to Ashgabat on T5-128 at 07.50hrs (40 minute flight), from the newly built airport of Mary. We then head for the fortress of Old Nisa

(UNESCO World Heritage Site), the earliest Parthian Empire capital. Located in an atmospheric area on an irregular pentagon hill, at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains, Old Nisa is a beautiful landmark. Then we return to Ashgabat, en route visit Kipchak village (10 km outside Ashgabat) to see an impressive complex of the biggest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the first President. We will also visit the National Museum of History (more than 327,000 objects are on a display) exhibiting exclusive ancient artefacts from different historical and archaeological sites of Turkmenistan, including Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, Kunya-Urgench and others. We will then transfer to the hotel where we will stay for two nights (Grand Turkmen or similar). Dinner in a local restaurant. B/D

Day 12, Saturday 28th April ASHGABAT In the morning we visit the National Carpet Museum exhibiting an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various exquisite objects. Then we head to Geok-Depe (50km) to see real pure-blood Akhal-Tekke horses at Arkadash stud farm. On our way to the farm, we will pass by a former Tekke stronghold, which was the site of the biggest battle for the Russian domination in Central Asia in the late 19th century. After this excursion, we continue driving west to the Kov-Ata cave, accommodating a unique hot-water underground lake. There are heaps of stairs down into the cave so it may not be for everyone. After an optional dip in the lake (take your swimmers and a towel), we return to Ashgabat. B/D

TURKMENISTAN TO UZBEKISTANDay 13, Sunday 29th April ASHGABAT - KUNYA URGENCH - KHIVA Up early this morning to catch a flight to Dashoguz on T5-103 at 09.45hrs. Upon arrival at 10.35hrs (subject to change), we will board a bus and drive to Kunya Urgench (100 km). One of the very ancient cities of Central Asia and once the great capital of the Khorezm Empire. In 1221, this beautiful and romantic part of the world was ruined by Mongolians. The most famous monuments are the mausoleum of Hakhridin Razi, Tekesh mausoleum, minaret of Kutlug Timur, Najmiddin Kubra and Turabek Khanum mausoleum. Return to Dashoguz and drive to Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan border. After border formalities we’ll change back to Uzbek transport and your same Uzbek guide for the drive to Khiva where we will stay for two nights. B/D

Day 14, Monday 30th AprilKHIVA After breakfast there’s a full day of sightseeing in Khiva. You will visit Muhammad Amin Khan madrasa, Kelte Minar, Konya Ark, Muhammad Rahimkhan madrasa, Pakhlavan Mahmud mausoleum, Islam Khoja minaret and madrasa, Juma Masjid and Tash Hovli Palace. B/D

Itinerary correct as at Feb 17, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

Day 15, Tuesday 1st May KHIVA TO TASHKENT Today is a rest day with no better place than Khiva to have some down time to yourself. The hotel is centrally located near the ancient Trading Domes where you can wander, perhaps have a coffee at the German bakery, pick up an antique or some local handicrafts. Khiva is famous for silk carpets, miniature Islamic paintings, puppets, ceramics and wonderful calligraphy. Return to the hotel for an early dinner prior to departing for flight HY-058 to Tashkent, departing at 21:00 and arriving at 23:45. Check into the hotel for two nights. B/D

Day 16, Wednesday 2nd MayTASHKENT Our sightseeing in Tashkent today includes Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and the Navoi Theatre. If it is open, we will also visit the famous ceramics family workshop of Akbar Rakhimov. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. B/D

KYRGYZSTAN Day 17, Thursday 3rd May TASHKENT TO BISHKEK A very early start today. We board our 06.15hrs flight HY-779 from Tashkent arriving to Bishkek at 08.30hrs. Breakfast at a local restaurant next to the Airport (Uncle Tom’s Hut). Upon arrival in Bishkek, we will take a city tour of the capital: Ala-Too Central Square; Manas on horse monument; the Central History Museum which displays the life history of the Kyrgyz people from their nomadic days; Panfilov Park, open air Art Gallery where one can see oil paintings of local artists; walk through the Erkindik Boulevard; the Fine Arts Museum; The Victory Square; Youth Avenue. Finish the tour with excursion to colourful and famous Osh bazaar. Check-in to hotel at/after 14:00. The rest of the afternoon is free before we head out to dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

Day 18, Friday 4th MayBISHKEK Today is time to put on your walking shoes as we head out to Bishkek’s breathtaking Ala-Archa alpine National Park

which is in the Tian-Shan Mountains for hiking tour. There are some 20 glaciers within the park and it is also home to the endangered and very rare snow leopard. We will take a picnic lunch with us. This evening we will be entertained at the Supara Ethno complex and enjoy a Tash-Mangal barbecue. Dinner includes authentic Kyrgyz hunting dishes and other local delicacies, followed by a folklore show and Manas performance (depending on the weather, dinner will be outside in an open terrace or inside the yurt restaurant). B/Picnic lunch/D

Day 19, Saturday 5th May BISHKEK TO CHOLPON ATA After breakfast, we will head east to Cholpon-Ata, a lakeside town on the very deep and beautiful lake - Issyk Kul. After driving about 90km stop to visit Burana Historical Complex, which consists of a minaret, small archeological museum and open air museum of Balbals (carved stone warriors). We will also visit the open air Petroglyphs Museum (carved stone inscriptions) in Cholpon-Ata. After checking in to our hotel, you will be able to have a short rest or enjoy a stroll along the lake shore. This evening we will take a boat tour on the lake and enjoy dinner onboard (1.5hrs). B/D

Day 20, Sunday 6th May CHOLPON ATA TO KARAKOL After breakfast, we drive along the very scenic road for about 3 hours to Karakol at the far eastern end of the lake. Before reaching Karakol we’ll visit an eco-farm Reina-Kench, where the host will give us a guided tour around the farm. Afterwards, we’ll have an organic lunch prepared from ecologically pure products grown on the farm (depending on weather, lunch will be near the Jyrgalan river in the open air or indoors). Upon arrival in Karakol, we’ll visit the beautiful Russian church made entirely of wood (no nails) and the Dungan mosque (the Dungan’s are a minority group of Muslims living in this region and originally from Western China). En-route, we will visit the museum of Explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky. The tour will end with a visit to the shop One Village-One Product - which offers handmade food and felt products produced by local women in the Issyk Kul region. Dinner tonight is at a local family’s home with local food specialties. B/L/D

Day 21, Monday 7th May KARAKOL - JYRGALAN - KARAKOL After breakfast at our guest house we depart to Jyrgalan valley to discover the deeply hidden beautiful nature of the country. After arriving at the village, we’ll be entertained by local men taking part in the national horse games called Kok-Boru and a wonderful demonstration of Kyrgyz eagle hunting skills. We will also have the opportunity to participate in the process of cooking Kyrgyz type of bread called Boorsok - making the dough, cutting them into small diamond shape pieces and frying them in big Kazan (steel pot) on a fire. Afterwards, taste freshly cooked boorsoks with jam/honey followed with barbeque lunch prepared and served at a local Kyrgyz family’s house. In the afternoon we will go for a half-day hiking tour to surrounding mountains and enjoy the stunning view or simply relax and stay in the village and enjoy the beauty of the countryside. In the evening we will return to our guest house and have dinner there. B/L/D

Day 22, Tuesday 8th May KARAKOL TO CHON KEMIN VALLEY After breakfast depart for the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley on the north side of Issyk Kul (lake). Today is a long but rewarding drive. Upon arrival in Kalmak-Ashuu village, our

Itinerary correct as at Feb 17, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

accommodation is at a family run eco friendly guest house. This lovely guest house is located inside the quiet village with a stunning view to Kalmak-Ashuu Mountains. After checking into our rooms, there is an optional excursion towards the  Kalmak Ashuu Gorge on a horse and cart (a light hike is also possible). A delicious homemade dinner will be served on the terrace opening out to the panoramic view of the mountains and village. The evening provides free time to explore the village, introducing you to the life of these people as they go about their daily activities (depending on weather, it is possible to have bonfire in the garden of the guest house). B/D

KAZAKHSTANDay 23, Wednesday 9th MayCHON KEMIN VALLEY TO ALMATY Today we’ll head off for the Chernaya Rechka border crossing into Kazakhstan. Our Kyrgyz guide will stay with us and complete the next phase of the tour. In Almaty we’ll visit Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Cathedral, and the Sunkar Falconry to see the eagles, hawks, owls and vultures obey their master’s commands. Later, we’ll transfer to our Almaty hotel where we will stay for two nights, check in and have dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

Day 24, Thursday 10th May ALMATY A full day starting with a morning drive into the beautiful countryside to visit Esik village on the Issyk River and at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. This is where the gravesite of the golden warrior lies. Then, we’ll drive on to Ile-Alatau National Park for some light trekking (for those up to it). This area is famous for its wildlife and scenic beauty. Then we will drive back to Almaty to visit the Green Bazaar markets. Watch the locals selling and buying fresh vegetables and wares. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

Day 25, Friday 11th May ALMATY TO SEOUL Today we’ll visit the wonderful Museum of Kazakh national instruments and the Central State Museum that gives a full overview of Kazakhstan’s history. It also displays miniature replicas of the country’s greatest archaeological treasures including the Golden Man Warrior costume made from 4,000 golden parts! We’ll then take an excursion on the cable car to Shymbulak. Check-out from the hotel in the morning after breakfast. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight to Seoul - OZ578 – departing 23.10hrs. B/D

Day 26, Saturday 12th May SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA Welcome to the fabulous, mega city that is Seoul. Arrive into Incheon Airport at around 07.50hrs. A coach will collect the group at about 09:00 for a half-day orientation tour of some key sights of the city before arriving at the hotel in the Myeongdong district for check-in at around 14:00. The afternoon is free to catch up on some zzz’s or explore the bustling area around the hotel. The group farewell dinner is at our hotel tonight with the opportunity to head on out afterwards for a drink, coffee or dessert. B/D

Day 27, Sunday 13th May SEOUL Today there's a highlights' tour of the city. Visit the Gyeongbok Palace which was built in 1395 and served as the main palace until the 16th century; the National Folk Museum that displays the lifestyle of ancient Koreans; Insadong Antique Alley with its art galleries and second-hand bookstores. Then visit Namdaemun Market, considered the best of the markets for just about everything! Also visit Bukchon Hanok Village with its traditional wooden homes and if there’s time, take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, which was once a sewer but is now an oasis in the middle of the city. Be sure to allow enough time to return to the hotel at around 3.30pm for the transfer back to the airport for the flight home, OZ601 departing at around 20.00hrs. B

Day 28, Monday 14th May SEOUL TO SYDNEY Arrival into Sydney is approx. 07.40hrs.

Optional add-on Extension to South Korea.For those interested, there is an opportunity to add a 7 night extension to Korea, a wonderful and fascinating country with much to see, do and eat!

Day 1SEOUL After your main tour, you will be collected at Incheon International airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in at Center Mark Hotel (4*) or similar. The time is at your leisure and dependent on flight arrivals. Meals are at your leisure. B

Day 2SEOUL / MT. SEORAK Start with breakfast at the hotel before meeting with your local English speaking driver/guide and head to Sokcho – about 3 hours. Today you’ll visit Mt. Seorak National Park, Sinheungsa Temple, take a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress & do some short hiking to Biseondae Rock Flat. Then, check in to the Seorak Kensington Hotel (4*) or similar. B

Day 3MT. SEORAK / TAEBAEK / ANDONG After breakfast you’ll visit the gorgeous Naksansa Temple before transfering to Cheolam train Station – about 2.5hrs drive. Here’s, you’ll take V-train to Bucheon Station which is about a one hour journey. (Your driver/guide will go to Bucheon Station by his car where he will meet you and take you to Andong – about 1.5hrs drive. Overnight at Andong Grand Hotel (4*) or similar. B

Day 4ANDONG / DAEGU Today you’ll take a tour of Andong including the UNESCO-Listed Hahoe Village, Buyongdae Cliff and the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy. Then, drive to Daegu – about

Itinerary correct as at Feb 17, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

1.5hrs away. Check in at the Daegu Grand Hotel (4*) or similar. B

Day 5DAEGU / GYEONGJU Once you’ve had breakfast, you will drive about 2 hours to the historical city of Gyeongju which is often called the "Museum without Walls”. Visit the Seokguram Grotto, he UNESCO-Listed Bulguksa Temple and then overnight at Gyeongju Commodore Chosun Hotel or similar. B

Day 6 GYEONGJU / BUSAN Today you will drive to Korea’s second largest city Busan which will take about 1.5

hours. You will visit the following places of interest - Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Dongbaek Island & Nurimaru APEC House, Haeundae Beach, Busan Tower and the enormous Jagalchi Fish Markets. Camera’s ready for this one! Then check in at Crown Harbour Hotel or similar. B

Day 7BUSAN / INCHEON /DEPARTURE Breakfast is at the hotel and then, depending on your flight time, you’ll have more time to look around or, you will transfer to Busan Station by yourself (which is very easy). The KTX fast train will take you to Incheon Int’l Airport where you alight for your flight home. Note, most flights back to Australia from Incheon depart about 8.00pm but all flights are to be confirmed. The train trip is about 3.5 – 4 hours depending on the number of stops. There are currently 5 trips a day. B

Based on 4 travelling together, the cost for this Korean extension is approximately $2,750 pp on a twin share basis. Final costs will depend on final number of participants. The extension includes 6 night accommodation twin share, 6 breakfasts at the hotel, minivan day 1 then car or minivan with English speaking driver/guide from days 2 – 6. Entrance fees are included as is your return train ticket. Lunches and dinners have not been included to keep the tour as flexible as possible. Driver/guide tips are also additional. It is possible to spend more time in Seoul should you wish to do so.

Itinerary correct as at Feb 17, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au