Silk Road Treasure Tours’ new small group tour has five guaranteed departure dates from Aug. 26 to Sept. 12, 2013. The price starts at $5,599 per person double and includes three- to five-star boutique hotel accommodations, domestic flights, ground transportation, Visa support, most meals and entrance fees.

Highlights include attending a dinner and folk-show in Bukhara and bargaining for handcrafted souvenirs at Chor-Su Bazaar in Tashkent, Uzbekistan; climbing the Burana tower in Kyrgyzstan, marker of the ancient city of Balasagun; exploring the ancient ruins of the Parthian capital at Nissa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkmenistan; spending the day in Khojand, one of the most ancient cities in Tajikistan, to visit the Temurmalik fortress; a sightseeing tour of Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan set at the foot of the Zailiski Ala-Tau mountain range.

Silk Road Treasure Tours specializes in custom private and group tours to the Caucasus, Central Asia Stan countries, and the destinations along the Silk Road. Zulya Rajabova, owner of Silk Road Treasure Tours and native of Uzbekistan, provides expert advice to craft authentic and unforgettable journeys for tourists, academics, historians, business and special interest groups that suit both travel goals and budget.

In addition to snow leopards, volunteers have a chance to monitor animals such as the argali mountain sheep and the Altai ibex, as well as other animals including marmots and birds.

Offering travelers the chance to make a difference during their vacation time, volunteers work as part of a small international team from a base camp set at 6,500 foot at the bottom of a breathtaking, remote mountain range and overlooking a vast area of open steppe.

Participants cver ground in Land Rovers and on foot, looking for tracks, kills, scats and the animals themselves while doing valuable research in their conservation project.

True expedition-style base camp conditions, testing but satisfying mountain surveying, off road driving, and variable mountain weather, make this Biosphere Expeditions most challenging and rewarding expedition.

For more information visit http://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/altai 

This year is the 40th anniversary of the list that now has 962 World Heritage Sites, from the Taj Mahal in India, to the Parthinian Fortresses of Nisa along Central Asia’s Silk Road.

Bestway’s World Heritage Tours include the epic 29-day India Northern & Southern Heritage that visits 16 World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal, the cave temples of Ajanta and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Also featured are visits to the cities of Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mysore and more. Departures in 2012 will be Sept. 23, Oct. 4, Nov. 21 and Dec. 1, with six small-group departures in 2013.

The tour is priced from $6,525 per person. Shorter versions of 15 and 17 days are also available.

The 18-day Route of the Caravans — Central Asian Silk Road explores the same routes that the traders of the Silk Road traveled centuries ago. The tour visits five neighboring Central Asian nations — Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

On this journey, guests will visit seven World Heritage Sites, including Samarkand, Itchan Kala, ancient Merv and the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa.

Departures in 2012 will be Sept. 8 and Oct. 6, with five small group journeys in 2013. Tour costs start from $5,095 per person.

The 14-day World Heritage Tour of Morocco visits major highlights of ancient Morocco, including six World Heritage Sites. Starting and concluding in Casablanca, the tour takes in Rabat, Fez and Marrakesh, and travels through the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and sparkling Atlantic Ocean coast. Departures in 2012 will be every Friday. The tour costs start from $2,880 per person.

There are several other tours in the program. All tours are on small group format with tour sizes ranging between seven and 16 people. Tours include first class or best available hotel accommodations, most meals and inter-country transportation, and exclude international airfare. Bestway also customizes tours to suit individual needs.

The tour visits the cities of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Samarkand. This small group tour has eight guaranteed departure dates from July 21, 2012, to May 1, 2013, and starts at $3,359 per person, double, and includes four-star and boutique hotel accommodations, Visa support, most meals, a wine tasting, silk and carpet making workshop and more.

The tour begins in Tashkent, the center of the Great Silk Road for several centuries, where guests will visit the old Chorsu Bazaar, and handicraft centers, as well as museums, art galleries and ancient sites. After a short flight to Urgench, guests will stop in Khiva to explore the antiquities of Ichan Kala (Old City) and the Khiva Silk Carpet Workshop to watch apprentice carpet makers hand-weave silk rugs patterned after Khiva-style majolica tiles, doors and miniature paintings. On day four, guests take a sightseeing drive to Bukhara through the Kizilkum desert, which was the main portion of the Silk Road connecting the East to the West. The following day in Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for producing a variety of Central Asian carpets, guests will explore 16th century trade domes, silk bazaars, carpet workshops, puppet and jewelry markets and more. In the evening, guests will watch a folklore show featuring local dancers, singers and fashion stars.

On day six, guests will visit the Summer and Winter Residences of the local Emirs of Bukhara — a nice place to shop for suzani (the traditional embroidered wall-hangings and quilts which have become a popular choice among interior designers in the U.S.), adras chapans, jewelry and more; the Museum of Applied and Decorative Art; and the Summer Palace Silk Road Bazaars, followed by a wine tasting in a centuries old Nugai Karavansarai.

The group then heads to Samarkand through Rabota Malik Karavan Serai. Guests will stop at the Gizhduvan School of Ceramics for an introductory workshop. Moving on to explore Samarkand’s handicraft centers, Registan Square and the Green Bazaar, guests will quickly realize Samarkand is truly a shopper’s paradise. From Samarkand, guests will enjoy a day excursion to Shakrisabz, a World Heritage Site known for carpet weaving and fine wine. The last full day will be spent in Samarkand visiting the Art & Crafts Center and a paper factory; attending a silk making workshop where they will learn all about making silk carpets; and enjoying a traditional dinner with an Uzbek family.

Price includes all costs aside from consular fees, gratuity for the guides and international airline flights; Visa support; local air tickets from Tashkent to Urgench; air-conditioned ground transportation; English-speaking guides/escort; hotel accommodations in double room at four-star Tashkent Palace Hotel and boutique properties in Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara; meals, including breakfast and dinner; entrance fees to museums and monuments; folklore show in Bukhara; wine tasting; silk making workshop; pre-departure travel package and Silk Road gifts; Uzbek language classes; and unlimited travel counseling.

The package includes Tashkent, the capital and economic center of Uzbekistan, where clients will explore ancient mausoleums and mosques in the Old City and get a taste of everyday life watching craftsman at work at the lively Chor-Su Bazaar. The next morning, they will fly west to Nukus, a city near the Aral Sea, for a sightseeing tour and visit to the Savitsky Museum, famous for its collection of early 20th century art from Russia and Central Asia.

On day four, guests will drive through the Kyzyl Kum (Red Sands), the 11th largest desert in the world and one of the main Silk Routes, stopping at the yurts and a local chaykhana (tea house) for a picnic lunch, to Bukhara for a three-night stay in one of the most ancient cities of the Silk Road and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Bukhara, guests will take the Golden Road to Samarkand through the ancient city of Shakhrisabz, also the birthplace of the Great Amir Timur.

In Samarkand, clients will stay three nights in this World Heritage Site with more than 3,000 years of history, where Alexander the Great married his love, Roxana, a local Bactrian princess. Guests will embark on a full-day exploration in ancient Samarkand visiting Registan Square, Ulugbek’s Observatory, the Shahi Zinda Ensemble and one of the oldest wineries of Uzbekistan. On the last full day, clients will have photo opportunities from the highest point of Samarkand, visit local bazaars and handicraft centers, and experience the traditional food of an Uzbek family before driving back to Tashkent for a farewell dinner.

The price includes all costs except consular fees, gratuity for the guides and international airline flights. Silk Road Treasure Tours specializes in custom private and group tours to Central Asia Stan countries and destinations along the Silk Road. For more information, email info@silkroadtreasuretours.com.

Your tour will include stops in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. The tour package includes: Accommodation in mentioned hotels in twin/double sharing room on bed & breakfast basis, Services for air-conditioned comfortable transport with professional driver as per programme, All airport transfers, Entrance fees to sites listed (except photo & video charges), All excursions as per itinerary, Entrance fees for all mentioned monuments, Uzbekistan visa support.

Prices begin at Aud 940 pp for 4 people and $1286 pp for 2 people and a single supplement of Aud 143 is payable for single rooms. Optional items including additional tours, meal plans and air tickets are available at an extra charge.

Contact Gateway Travel on (02) 9745-3333 or sales@russian-gateway.com.au  to enquire or book now.

The government is planning to construct ecotourism infrastructure in Akcha Kul zone of Ellikala district, as well as a tourism complex and ethnographic park at Ustyurt zone of Kungrad district. The program also includes measures on creation of new tourist itinerary for pilgrims from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan (Karakalpakstan hosts historical and archeological complexes Mizdakhan and Sultan Vays Baba, sacred places attractive to pilgrims), as well as development of infrastructure of tourist sites.

Ancient fortresses Kyrg-Kyz, Ayaz-Kala, Janbas-Kala, Ichan Kala mausoleum, Toprak-Kala ancient settlement and other historical and archeological monuments, located in Karakalpakstan, are of huge scientific and cultural interest for local and foreign tourists. In the near future new hotels in Nukus and Turtkul district are planned, whereas Nukus Hotel in Karakalpak capital is to be reconstructed.

The trip begins in Uzbekistan. Guests will arrive in Tashkent, the capital, to explore ancient mausoleums, mosques and the Chor-Su Bazaar. While in Uzbekistan, guests visit the best-preserved cities of the Silk Road including Khujand, located not far from the border of Uzbekistan, for a day trip to one of the most ancient cities of Tajikistan; Samarkand, a city more than 2,750 years old to visit several sites including the Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is now the main location for Uzbek’s international music festivals; and Bukhara, another World Heritage Site, to experience local hospitality with an Uzbek family and a folk-show in Medreseh Nodir Divan Begi.

From Bukhara, guests will drive to Turkmenistan and through the Kara Kum desert from Mary to Merv. Once belonging to the Achaemenian Empire in the 6th century BC until the invasion by Alexander the Great, Merv is the oldest well-preserved heritage city of the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will then head to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, a haven of museums and bazaars. Here guests will discover the ruins of the ancient Parthian state capital currently being restored by UNESCO, along with fortresses, the National Museum of History and Ethnography and the Carpet Museum. Guests will take a sightseeing drive to Khiva, one of the three historical cities on the ancient trade route, to explore Uzbekistan’s open-air museum of unparalleled examples of architecture.

Continuing onto Kazakhstan, guests will arrive in Almaty, the former capital which is situated at the foot of the Zaili Alatau Mountain Range. Guests will visit the gardens, parks and promenades at Alatau Park and see the Chimbulak mountainous area. Across the Kazakh Steppe, guests will drive to one of the greenest cities in Central Asia, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. Originally a caravan rest stop from China to Europe, Bishkek now features bazaars offering foods, clothes, woodcarvings, and more. The last full days will be spent on the beaches of Issyk Kul (Warm Lake), one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world which, although surrounded by the snowy Ala-Tau mountains, never freezes.

Price includes all costs aside from consular fees at the Embassies, gratuity for the guides and international airline flights; visa support; domestic airline flights; ground transportation; English-speaking guides/escort; accommodations in three- and four-star hotels; meals including breakfast and dinner; entrance fees to museums, monuments and parks; folklore show in Bukhara; pre-departure travel package; and Silk Road gifts. For more information, call 888-745-7670 or email info@silkroadtreasuretours.com

Packed with 120 exciting holidays, there are 23 fabulous new treks and tours in addition to lots of old favourites.

Highlights include four new trips to the must see destination of 2012, Burma, some wild and remote treks in Nepal, and the southernmost trek in the world in Tierra del Fuego.

Once again the Mountain Kingdoms Early Bird booking incentive will reward those keen to book, and this year applies to all 2012 flight inclusive holidays featured in the new brochure.
Clients booking before the 30th November 2011 will receive a £50 discount – visit www.mountainkingdoms.com  for details and conditions.

NEW TREKS & TOURS

Bhutan

Birding in Bhutan – an exceptional specialist tour created for true birding enthusiasts in a paradise of rare and endemic birds.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.
Mount Chomolhari & the Bonte La – magnificent high mountain trekking beneath snowy peaks, through remote valleys and across high passes.

Nepal

Village Trails of Nepal – the perfect gentle walking holiday combining relaxed day walks, comfortable hotels and the spectacular Himalaya.

Annapurna & Everest Panorama Trek – two short tea house treks amidst the breathtaking scenery of Nepal’s two most famous mountain ranges.

Everest Base Camp in Style – exhilarating strenuous trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar, staying in the Khumbu’s best lodges.

Rolwaling & Bigu Gompa – a glorious trek to one of Nepal’s best ‘off the beaten track’ mountain valleys, next to the Tibetan border.

Api Base Camp with Tashi Tenzing – a reconnaissance trek led by Tenzing Norgay’s grandson, in a remote, little visited, corner of Nepal.

The Kagmara La Pass to Dolpo – a thrilling trek in ‘Wild Nepal’, from the calm waters of Rara Lake, over the Kagmara La to isolated Upper Dolpo.

India & Sri Lanka

Incredible India & Brahmaputra River Cruise – an enthralling tour encompassing both the frenetic energy and serene beauty of India.
Leh & Indus Valley Trails – a delightful short summer walking holiday to the mountains and monasteries of ‘Little Tibet’.
Trails of Buddha’s Island, Sri Lanka – a gentle walking holiday visiting the island’s main historical, cultural, wildlife and scenic highlights.

Mongolia & Central Asia

Genghis Khan Trails & Naadam Festival – take the Trans-Mongolian train from Beijing to experience ancient cities, desert travels, mountain walks and traditional festivities.

Nomads & Ibex Trek – a two week magical, mountain adventure in the remote northwest corner of Mongolia.
K2 & Gasherbrum Base Camps – a sensational trek through wild, dramatic and unspoiled scenery into the heart of the Karakoram mountains.

Burma

First Class Tour of Burma – a relaxed exploration of the cultural and scenic highlights of the Golden Land, staying in quality hotels throughout.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.

Golden Trails of Burma – gentle walks, cultural highlights and comfortable accommodation – the best way to explore this remarkable country.
Mount Phongun & the Burmese Himalaya – trekking in the remote highlands of northern Burma, with an ascent of Phongun Razi (3,635m/11,920ft).

Other destinations

Northern Lights & Husky Sledding, Norway – an action-packed winter adventure in Norway’s icy north, aiming to see the dazzling Northern Lights and taking in a thrilling sledding experience.

Tierra del Fuego – the Ultimate Adventure – from the southernmost trek in the world to Patagonia, via a voyage through the Beagle Channel.

Bedouin Trails of Jordan – easy walking and sightseeing in Jordan, from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea.

Serengeti Walking Safari – unspoiled landscapes, impressive wildlife and luxury camping – the best way to experience wild Africa.

Ngorongoro Highlands & Serengeti Wilderness – a fabulous walking safari in style in two of Africa’s most pristine wildlife areas.

On some sections of the route the maximum speed of the train reached 150 miles per hour. The first train was delivered to Tashkent at the end of July. The second train will be delivered in September this year. The electric train consists of two locomotives, eight passenger carriages and one dining carriage. The train has VIP, first-class and economy class seats. The total capacity of the train is 257 passengers. For more information, visit www.uzbektourism.uz/en