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Moghul Caravan
INDIA + PAKISTAN + CHINA + KYRGYZSTAN + UZBEKISTAN
- 34 days
Day 10. Lahore Once the capital of the Moghul Empire, Lahore boasts some remarkable architecture of this period, most notably the Lahore Fort, the Shalimar Gardens and the impressive Badshahi Mosque. Days 11-12. Peshawar We leave early this morning for the tribal city of Peshawar. Located near the infamous Khyber Pass, this is one of the most colourful and exciting cities in Pakistan. Day 13. To the Swat Valley Travelling north we visit the remains of the Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist Monastery before continuing on to the fertile Swat Valley where snow capped mountains rise up from pine clad hills. Days 14-15. Chilas to Gilgit Over the winding Shangla Pass to join the Karakoram Highway and onto the popular summer resort town of Besham. Further along massive river valleys to arrive in the thriving market town of Gilgit. Days 16-17. Hunza Explore Gilgit's bustling bazaar before joining the Karakoram Highway north to the spectacular Hunza Valley. To the east we catch glimpses of Rakaposhi, massive at 7788 metres, one of the highest peaks in the area. The beauty and tranquillity of the Hunza Valley inspired James Hilton's famous novel 'Lost Horizon'. Enjoy Karimabad's terraced slopes, trees and mountain peaks and spectacular Baltit Fort. Day 18. To Tashkurgan North of Hunza, the Karakoram Highway is at its most spectacular, with many snow-capped mountains over 7000 metres. We pass huge scree slopes and the massive Ghulkin and Passu Glaciers before crossing the 4730 metre Khunjerab Pass into China, the highest point on our journey. Day 19. To Kashgar To the legendary Silk Road market town of Kashgar. Located between the massive mountain ranges of the Tien Shan to the north, the Pamir to the west, the Karakoram to the south and the largest desert in Asia, the Taklamakan to the east.
Follow in the footsteps of Babur, great grandson of Tamerlane, last of the Timurid Dynasty of Central Asia and founder of the Moghul Empire. Discover all the highlights of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva plus the stunning scenery of Kyrgyzstan and northern Pakistan. Travelling through the diverse scenery and cultures of five countries, across mountain ranges, remote valleys and great deserts with time to meet the people and really explore the regions.
Itinerary - Delhi to Tashkent Days 1-2. Delhi We explore Delhi - Old and New, and discover its place in history, and contemporary India. Old Delhi was built in the 17th century by the Moghul rulers and is home to Red Fort and Jami Masjid Mosque. The bazaars and back streets of Chandi Chowk give way to the wide tree-lined streets, government buildings and grand residences of New Delhi. Day 3. To Shekawati Crossing into Rajasthan State we visit the region of Shekawati, known for its beautifully painted havelis (mansions) which date back to the 18th century. This area is often referred to as the 'open air gallery of Rajasthan'. Days 4-5. Jaipur We continue to Jaipur, the "Pink City" in the state of Rajasthan. Founded by the warrior-astronomer Jai Singh in 1727. We visit the Amber Fort and City Palace as well as the observatory he built which is said to be based on the plans of one built by Ulug Bek in Samarkand 100 years before. Day 6. Agra Enroute to Agra we will stop at the mysteriously abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built at the height of the Moghul Empire it stands today perfectly preserved. Situated on the Jumna River, Agra was the capital of India under the Moghuls. The most impressive building of this era is the Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan as a striking tribute to his wife. Day 7. Delhi After a free morning in Agra we journey though the countryside and return to Delhi. (Join Delhi: If you are commencing in Delhi on day 7 your program starts tonight with a pre-tour meeting). Day 8. Amritsar This afternoon we board the Shatabdi Express and travel northwest across the plains of northern India to the fertile lands of Punjab Province and to the city of Amritsar. Amritsar is the holy city of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple their place of worship. Day 9. To Lahore Before crossing the border into Pakistan we visit the Holy Sikh, Golden Temple on our city tour.
S m a l l G ro u p J o u r n ey s
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1. Passu - Pakistan Almost at the border with China, the Karakoram Highway meets the Passu Cathedral 2. Taj Mahal - Agra one of India most awe inspiring buildings and a monument to love 3 & 4. Kashgar Daily life in the in this desert oasis in far Western China 5. Hawa Mahal The Palace of the Winds in Jaipurs beautiful pink city 6. Small group Pakistan 7. Kyrgyzstan Overland across the high Kyrgyz plateau 8. Shah-i-Zinda Samarkand A spectacular mausoleum complex 9. Bukhara A cresent moon rises over the Kalyan Madrasa
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