KAZAKHSTAN • KYRGYZSTAN • UZBEKISTAN TAJIKISTAN • TURKMENISTAN

Silk Road Odyssey: The Five ‘Stans

With Laura Adams, Expert on Post-Soviet Central Asia

May 28-June 16, 2013

2013

TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

Silk Road Odyssey: The Five ‘Stans With Laura Adams, Expert on Post-Soviet Central Asia

May 28-June 16, 2013 • 19 NIGHTS / 20 DAYS • GROUP SIZE: 10-35

TRACE THE PATH OF THE

GREAT CAMEL CARAVANS

along the old Silk Road on this

contemporary exploration of

Central Asia. Begin in

Kazakhstan’s modern

purpose-built capital, Astana,

and continue on to discover

five different UNESCO World

Heritage Sites, including the

historic Old Towns of the

fabled Uzbek oases,

Samarkand, Bukhara and

Khiva. Wander the fabulous

bazaars and admire the

vaulted portals of the

mosques and madrassahs,

their domes cloaked in sky-

blue ceramic tiles. Peruse the

astonishing collection of

avante-garde Russian art at

the Savitsky Museum in

remote Nukus. Along the way,

discuss current affairs with

guests from the U.S. Embassy

in Tashkent, meet with

representatives of a Tajik NGO

and converse with political

leaders in Kyrgyzstan.

“I loved the whole trip. It satisfied

all parts of me: the traveler, the

scientist, this historian, the

musician, the photographer, the

human being. In many ways I

think this was the most rewarding

trip I’ve ever taken, and that is

saying a lot”.

- A. Erdmann, Champaign, IL

Past traveler

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

STUDY LEADER

Laura Adams, Director of the Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Laura Adams has been studying national identity in the Soviet Union and post-Soviet Central Asia since 1988. Laura received her BA in sociology and Russian area studies from Macalester College and her PhD in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley.Her research has covered topics ranging from nationalist mobilization and violent protest during the end of the Soviet era to, more recently, exploring the interactions between globalization and the nation-state in the context of the visual and performing arts, and applying theories of governmentality to contemporary Central Asian societies. She has published her work on these topics in Comparative Studies in Society and History, Europe-Asia Studies, and Slavic Review, in addition to contributing chapters to edited volumes on state-society relations in Central Asia, research methods for measuring identity, and comparing sovereignty after empire in the Middle East and Central Asia. She has also conducted joint research projects with Central Asian colleagues on elite attitudes about ethnic and religious tolerance in Central Asia, and on civil society and national ideology in Uzbekistan.Her award-winning book, The Spectacular State: Culture and National Identity in Uzbekistan (Duke University Press 2010), offers unique insight into nation building in Central Asia during the post-Soviet era through an exploration of Uzbekistan’s production of national culture in the 1990s.

She was a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and at Princeton University, where she also taught courses in sociology and Central Asian studies. Currently she is teaching in the Department of Sociology and works at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies where she advises the MA program and directs the Program on Central Asia and the Caucasus.

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

T U E S DAY-W E D N E S DAY, M AY 2 8 - 2 9

Depart USA/Arrive Astana, Kazakhstan

T H U R S DAY, M AY 3 0

Astana

Explore the purpose-built capital of Kazakhstan, including Baitarek Tower, representing a tree from Kazakh folk tales, and the soaring Pyramid of Peace with its transparent peak. Ramada Plaza Astana Hotel (B, L, D)

F R I DAY, M AY 3 1

Almaty

Visit Panfilov Park, the State Central Museum, the sprawling bazaar and the delightful Museum of Musical Instruments. Observe Kazakh falconry at a falcon farm. Hotel Intercontinental (B, L, D)

S AT U R DAY, J U N E 1

Bishkek

Depart for Bishkek by way of beautiful Small Almaty Gorge. Enjoy dinner at a Bishkek restaurant with a Kyrgyz

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 5

Khujand

Enter the Historical Museum of Sogdiana through a reconstructed medieval city gate. Enjoy a discussion of ongoing humanitarian projects with representatives of a local Tajik NGO. Khujand Grand Hotel (B, L, D)

T H U R S DAY- F R I DAY, J U N E 6 -7

Samarkand

Admire UNESCO-listed Registan Square, the Bibi Khanum Mosque and Ulug Bek’s fascinating medieval observatory. Visit with students and the Vice Rector at the State Institute of Foreign Languages. Registan Plaza Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D)

S AT U R DAY- S U N DAY, J U N E 8 - 9

Bukhara

Set off for Bukhara via Gijduvan for a tour and lunch at the famed Narzulaev ceramics studio with a member of the family. Admire the Lyab-i-Khauz Plaza, explore the Kalon

Manas folk performance. Hyatt Regency Bishkek (B, L D)

S U N DAY- M O N DAY J U N E 2 - 3

Bishkek

Witness demonstrations of felt-making and Kyrgyz horse games in the countryside. Visit the State Museum of Fine Arts, featuring Kyrgyz embroidery, jewelry and felt rugs. Meet with one or more of the political leaders within the current government to discuss current processes and future plans. (2B, 2L, D)

T U E S DAY, J U N E 4

Tashkent

View the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. It was written on deerskin 19 years after the death of Mohammed. Over lunch, meet with representatives from the U.S. Embassy. Tashkent Palace Hotel (B, L)

SCHEDULE BY DAY

Mosque and Minaret and walk the old Jewish Quarter. Visit the Ark Citadel and attend an exclusive lecture by the Museum’s Senior Advisor. Enter a former madrassah for a performance by local artists. Sasha and Son (2B, 2L, 2D)

M O N DAY-T U E S DAY, J U N E 1 0 -1 1

Khiva

Drive through the austere Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sands, Desert to UNESCO-listed Khiva. Visit the Tash-Hauli Palace, built for the khan and his four wives, the Dzhuma Mosque with its interior forest of carved wooden pillars, and the Kunya Ark. Enjoy a colorful Khalfi performance of Khorezmian music and dance. Asia Khiva Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D)

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 2

Nukus

Take an exclusive private tour of the astonishing collection of avante-garde Russian art at the Savitsky

Museum in remote Nukus, capital of Karakalpakstan. Enjoy lunch in the home of a Karakalpak family. Rahnamo Hotel (B, L, D)

T H U R S DAY, J U N E 1 3

Ashkabad via Kunya Urgench

Drive from Nukus across the border into Turkmenistan, making a stop in UNESCO-listed Kunya Urgench, site of the ancient capital of Khorezm. Fly to Ashkabad in time for dinner. Sofitel Ashkabad Oguzkent (B, L, D)

F R I DAY- S U N DAY, J U N E 14 -1 6

Ashkabad

Visit the Museum of History and Ethnography. Browse the Altyn Asyr Oriental Market, one of Central Asia’s largest. Venture to renowned Akhal-Tekke horse-breeding farm and tour the farm with its owner. Explore UNESCO-listed Nisa, once a major center of the ancient Parthian Kingdom. (2B, 2L, D, inflight)

DETAILS

GROUP SIZE: 10-35 GUESTS

PRICING: per person double occupancy

$9,995 / $11,990 (SINGLE)

HIGHLIGHTS

IN KAZAKHSTAN

• Attend a presentation of traditional Kazakh falcon hunting at a falcon breeding farm.

IN KYRGYZSTAN

• Witness demonstrations of felt-making and Kyrgyz horse games in the countryside.

• Meet with one or more of the political leaders to discuss current events.

IN UZBEKISTAN

• Enjoy a meeting with representatives from the U.S. Embassy.

• Visit with students and the Vice Rector at the State Institute of Foreign Languages.

IN TAJIKISTAN

• Participate in a discussion of ongoing humanitarian projects with representatives of a Tajik NGO.

IN TURKMENISTAN

• Learn about the renowned Akhal-Tekke horse, an ancient breed, during a visit to a local farm.

TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:GENERAL INFORMATION

TOUR COST INCLUSIONS Lectures by Harvard study leader; accommodations and meals as listed in the detailed itinerary; private coach for all touring and transportation per the itinerary; three internal flights: one-way from Astana to Almaty in economy class, from Bishkek to Tashkent in economy class, and from Tashauz to Ashkhabad in economy class; group arrival and departure transfers if arriving / departing on the start / end dates; all sightseeing and excursions including entrance fees per itinerary; local English speaking guides; special cultural features as stated in itinerary; services of a tour manager throughout the program; special Welcome & Farewell receptions; bottled /purified water with meals; beverages, local beer and wine with lunches/dinners; all gratuities including to tour manager, local guides, drivers; baggage handling at the hotels and train station where available; $50,000 emergency evacuation insurance.

TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS International airfare between the U.S. and the start and ending cities; air taxes or fuel surcharges; pre- or post-tour services; independent travel arrangements, visa or passport fees; medical and trip cancellation/interruption

insurance; evacuation costs; food or beverages not included in group meals; items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcohol, telephone expense, excess baggage fees, photo/video expenses inside museums (where allowed); other items not expressly listed as included.

RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT To reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806 or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in the back of this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. If cancellation is received 91 or more days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is the non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person. If cancellation is received 90-61 days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is 50% of land tour cost paid or due. If cancellation is received 60 days or less before tour start, there is no refund.

ITINERARY CHANGES Itineraries contained in this brochure are available at the time of printing and HAA and the Tour Operator

reserve the right to change a program or accommodations as conditions warrant.

RESPONSIBILITY Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at http://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/five-stans-2013. If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806.

DISCLAIMER Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Harvard Alumni Association is not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this catalog is subject to change without notice.

QUESTIONS Please call the Travel Program at the Harvard Association at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806, email: haatravels@harvard.edu.

TOUR OPERATOR: MIR CORPORATION CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932. ©2013 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved

Photos © Peter Guttman, Devin Mitchell, Ana Filonov, Douglas Grimes, MIR Corporation.

M A P A R E A

Lake Issyk-KulKYZYL KUM DESERT

KARA KUMDESERT

KAZAKHSTAN

UZBEKISTAN KYRGYZSTAN

TAJ IK ISTANTURKMENISTAN

Khiva

Nukus

BukharaSamarkand Kokand

KhujandFergana

MargilanOsh

Kunya UrgenchTashauz

Shakhrisabze

Aktyubinsk

Atyrau

Kzyl Orda

SemipalatinskKaraganda

Almaty

Tashkent

Bishkek

DushanbeAshkabad Merv

Astana

Aral Sea

LakeBalkhash

CaspianSea

WHAT TO EXPECT:

This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. To fully enjoy this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day; flexibility and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are highly recommended as well. In true expedition style, some delays or changes in the itinerary are likely.

REGISTRATION FORM

To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book.

Please return this form by mail to:

HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA 02138

Or by FAX: 617.496.4011

Please call with any questions: 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806

I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST

PROGRAM NAME START DATE

FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL ADDRESS

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE

HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE

SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL ADDRESS

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE

HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE

METHOD OF DEPOSIT

CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA

CARD NUMBER

EXPIRATION DATE 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD

I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

ACCOMMODATIONS

CATEGORY PREFERENCE

DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH:

ROOMMATE

LAND & RAIL: MYSTICAL INDIA JAN 3-20, 2013 SUE SCHOPF

EXPLORING MYANMAR: FEB 22-MAR 7, 2013

THE LANDSCAPES OF ARGENTINA: BUENOS AIRES, MENDOZA AND THE LAKE DISTRICTMAR 12-23, 2013 DIANA SORENSEN

BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA, AND ZIMBABWE APR 14-27, 2013 JONATHAN LOSOS

THE BEST OF BOTSWANA: HARVARD UNIVERSITY ACCESSIBLE PROGRAMAPR 19-MAY 5, 2013

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ROMANOVS: FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF DYNASTYMAY 2-14, 2013

MOROCCAN DISCOVERYMAY 11-24, 2013 CHARLES COGAN

HIMALAYAN KINGDOMSMAY 31-JUN 14, 2013

THE BALKANS UNVEILEDJUN 4-19, 2013 DAVID ELMER

MONGOLIA JUN 1-14, 2013 MARK ELLIOTT

EXPLORING ICELANDJUN 8-18, 2013

TANZANIA SAFARI & RWANDA GORILLA TREKKINGJUN 11-27, 2013 DANIEL LIEBERMAN

LEWIS & CLARK IN MONTANA & IDAHO: AN EPIC AMERICAN JOURNEYJUN 26-JUL 3, 2013

ALASKA UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUNSUMMER 2013

SCANDINAVIAN SUMMER SOJOURN: SWEDEN, DENMARK & NORWAYAUG 11-24, 2013 STEPHEN MITCHELL

SRI LANKA: THE ISLAND OF SEREN-DIPITYAUGUST 2013 ANNE MONIUS

ICELAND: A WEEKEND IMMERSION SEP 13-17, 2013 DAVID AGUILAR

TURNING POINTS OF THE CIVIL WAR: GETTYSBURG-ANTIE-TAM-WASHINGTON-MANASSAS-RICH-MONDFALL 2013

LEGENDARY TURKEY: FROM ISTANBUL TO THE TURQUOISE COASTOCT 5-19, 2013 MARTIN PUCHNER

ISRAEL: EXPLORING THE HOLY LANDOCT 13-24, 2013 SUSAN KAHN

VIETNAM & CAM-BODIA WITH THE MEKONG RIVEROCT 16-NOV 1, 2013 CAROLINE REEVES

AN INSIDER’S ROMEOCT 25-NOV 2, 2013

CRUISES:

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA ON CORINTHIAN IIDEC 30, 2012- JAN 11, 2013 MICHAEL MCELROY

BELIZE & GUATEMALA ON YORKTOWNJAN 12-19, 2013 BRIAN FARRELL

HISTORY & GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN: ROUND-TRIP ANTIGUA ON SEA CLOUD IIJAN 13-20, 2013 JOYCE CHAPLIN & DAVID ARMITAGE

BRUNEI TO BALI ON CLIPPER ODYSSEYFEB 11-27, 2013 MARK VAN BAALEN

AFRICA GRAND VOYAGE FROM CAPE TOWN TO CASABLANCA ON CORINTHIANFEB 17-MAR 24, 2013

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDFEB 24-MAR 10, 2013 JOCK PHILIPS

THE NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM ON ALMALYRAAPR 13-23, 2013 ROBERT KIELY

PAPUA NEW GUINEA, YAP & PALAU ON CLIPPER ODYSSEYAPR 16-MAY 2, 2013 SCOTT EDWARDS

UNDISCOVERED LANDSCAPES AND ANCIENT CITIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ON CORINTHIANAPR 20-30, 2013 ROGER OWEN

THE BRITISH ISLES ON ISLAND SKYMAY 11-24, 2013 DANIEL ALBRIGHT

RIVERS & LAKES:

THE ONCE AND FUTURE EGYPT ON SUN BOAT III MAR 12-25, 2013 TAREK SWELIM

TREASURES OF THE MISSISSIPPI AND GULF COAST ON YORKTOWNMAR 29-APR 8, 2013

GREAT LAKES GRAND DISCOVERY: A VOYAGE TO THE FIVE INLAND SEAS ON YORKTOWNJUL 29-AUG 8, 2013

PRAGUE TO PARIS WITH A MAIN AND RHINE RIVERS CRUISE ON RIVER CLOUD IIOCT 9-22, 2013

INDIA’S HOLY RIVER GANGES ON BENGAL GANGADEC 30, 2013-JAN 17, 2014 DIANA ECK

FAMILY ADVENTURES:

FAMILY TANZANIA SAFARIDEC 26, 2012– JAN 7, 2013 KAREN KRAMER

SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNIMAR 15-23, 2013 GREGORY NAGY

WINTER IN THE WEST: A COLORADO FAMILY GETAWAYMAR 16-23, 2013

FAMILY TURKEYJUN 22- JUL 4, 2013 JOHN “JAY” ELLISON

A CHINA FAMILY TOUR OF CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS, PANDAS AND YANGZI RIVER CRUISEJUN 26-JUL7, 2013 EREZ MANELA

SPORTS EVENTS:

THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENTAPR 10-13, 2013

THE 139TH RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBYMAY 2-5, 2013

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