Jewels of the Silk Road & Tajikistan – LUXURY RAIL

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Often referred to as the lovechild of Las Vegas and North Korea, this quirky nation will have you captivated from the moment you land in its fascinating capital.

Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala and the Soviet city built after the devastating earthquake of 1948.

The city’s extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting.

Upon arrival you will board the Golden Eagle. Once settled into your cabins, lunch will be served in the Restaurant Cars. This afternoon you have the opportunity to explore Ashgabat and highlights on your panoramic city tour includes visits to the National Museum and Wedding Palace.

National Museum of History and Ethnography of Turkmenistan

Visit the National Museum of History & Ethnography. The museum has a rich collection of ancient artefacts from Turkmenistan. More than 500,000 exhibits are displayed here. It has 9 halls, each dedicated to a certain period or theme. The museum reveals the variety of Turkmenistan’s landscape its flora and fauna, fossils and rare geological finds. The Hall of Independence illustrates the modern development of the country. The Hall of Ancient History presents a collection of flint tools from the Mesolithic era (50,000 years B.C.), used by primitive people in Western Turkmenistan, along with Neolithic ceramics and ornaments from the first human settlements along the northern slopes of Kopet-Dag

Kipchak Mosque

The Kipchak Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia which stands as a symbol of national pride, with its gleaming white marble facade, adorned with golden domes and towering minarets that dominate the desert skyline. It serves as a tribute to the nation’s late president and is surrounded by an impressive courtyard and the final resting place of the first president of Turkmenistan.

Wedding Palace

The Wedding Palace contrasts with its modernist, futuristic design. Resembling a gigantic, intricate star, this iconic structure represents a blend of contemporary style and national symbolism, and it stands as a vibrant hub for Turkmen celebrations.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train

A further morning of touring in Turkmenistan features a visit to nearby Nisa.

Old Nisa

This morning, you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nissa (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site) Nisa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence nor a mausoleum.

The Golden Eagle departs Ashgabat at lunch and makes a scheduled stop tonight at Ichoguz. You leave the train and make a short journey to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of the Karakum desert. Known as the ‘Door to Hell’. The Darvaza area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 metres. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater flame away into the remoteness of the Karakum desert.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train

Your train travels towards Urgench, from where you will transfer to the ancient city of Khiva via rail.

Khiva

Khiva is a city of approximately 50,000 people located in the Xorazm Region of Uzbekistan. According to archaeological data, the city was established at the beginning of the Christian era. It is the former capital of Khwarezmia and the Khanate of Khiva. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, discover its impressive mosques, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train

Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999.

The Ark

The highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. Your touring program will also transport you to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. Stroll through the mosque’s large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and deeply recessed niches, and you will be transported to a bygone era.

Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as we explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub cocooned by a pool and embraced by the soothing shade of mulberry trees and local tea rooms.

This evening, weather permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs – a unique farewell to an incredible city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train

More so than any other town, just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road. Founded in the 6^th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors.

Samarkand City Tour

Today you will visit some of its most significant sites including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. As the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, you will be whisked away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. From your prime front-row seats, you’ll be treated to a dazzling light show that weaves the rich tapestry of Samarkand’s history and significance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and you will spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Your tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and here in a small library you’ll be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.

This evening, enjoy your dinner onboard the Golden Eagle as your travel overnight to your next destination of Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train

This morning, arrive into Almaty, Kazakhstan our final destination onboard the Golden Eagle Train. Bid farewell to the Golden Eagle. Today you will take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ritz Carlton Almaty or similar

Following breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Dushanbe, on the Varzob River, is the capital of Tajikistan.

Upon arrival, meet with your guide and driver before setting off on a city tour.

Dushanbe City Tour

Ismail Samani monument

Visit the Ismail Samani monument, honouring the first king of Tajiks and the founder of the Samanid State, whose influence extended across Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran during the 9th and 10th centuries.

State Flag Square

Located in the centre of the city, to the left of the Nation Palace, this flagpole entered the Guiness Book of Records as the tallest flagpole In the world. Standing at 165, with an area of 1800sqm, the width is 30m by 60m.

Botanical Gardens

Visit the Botanical garden with its many old trees – a favourite place for the Tajiks. Later, you will visit the local bazaar – Mehrgon, where you will feel the real spirit of Tajikistan and see the oriental art of trading.

Enjoy dinner this evening in a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Serena Dushanbe or similar

This morning you will travel to Iskandarkul Lake. Iskanderkul is a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province. It lies at an altitude of 2,195 metres on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains. The area of the lake is 30000 ha. Today you will also see Niagara Fanns – a waterfall from which water falls from 35m.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Local guesthouse or similar

Distance & Duration: 130km, 2-3hr of driving

Continue your journey this morning to Penjikent.

Orientation tour

Visit the Museum of Rudaki. Penjikent is the birthplace of Abu-Abdallah Rudaki, who is considered by many to be the father of Persian Poetry. You will also visit the local bazaar and mosque.

Following lunch in a local restaurant, this afternoon explore ancient Penjikent – the ruins of the old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Sarazm ruins – one of the ancient settlements in Central Asia with a 5500 – year civilisation. In 2010, Sarazm was added to the list of Human Heritage by UNESCO.

Dinner this evening is in a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Local guesthouse or similar

Distance & Duration: 160km, 3-4hr of driving

Haf Kul-seven lakes

Drive to Seven Lakes. Explore Haf Kul-seven lakes of different colours in the Fann mountains of Tajikistan. You will visit the following lakes: Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin lakes (2139m), Khurdak, Marguzor, and Khazorchashma (2400m). Lake Khazorchashma in Marguzor valley is the most beautiful and clean lake in this valley.

Enjoy a walking tour between 6 lakes – Marguzor to Khazorchashma lakes, located at altitudes from 2000 to 2400 m. Hiking time is 2-3 hrs.

Enjoy lunch at a local house during your hiking adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Rudaki guesthouse or similar

Distance & Duration: 80km each way

After breakfast drive back to Dushanbe. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before setting off to explore the National Museum.

Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities

Start your guided city tour with a visit to the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities which exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilizations: the Greek, Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian periods. The most notable piece in the museum is the largest, fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue.

Hissar Fortress

Lastly, you will visit Hissar Fortress, a historic site dating back to the 18th century and occupied until 1924. Nearby, you’ll discover two plain Madrassahs—one from the 18th century and the other from the 19th century. Further, a 16th-century mausoleum graces the landscape. In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at a restaurant, complete with an engaging show program to cap off your day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Serena Hotel or similar

Distance & Duration: 230km, 4-5hr of driving

Today following breakfast, the day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals

Breakfast