The Five Stans Aboard the Golden Eagle Train

Having crossed into Uzbekistan, we are greeted by the oasis city of Bukhara. The World Heritage-listed city dates back more than 2,500 years. We appreciate its history and grandeur during a visit to The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, who ruled here in earlier times. Just outside the city, the Palace of Moon-like Stars, the last Emir’s summer residence, invites us to stroll its grounds and pavilions. Upon returning to the station, we enjoy a barbecue along the platform before our train departs.

Tajikistan’s capital sits along the banks of the Varzob River; its centrepiece, the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Incredibly, the building was originally designed as a teahouse. Our guide reveals the story of its transition to a grand palace in detail as we wander its majestic rooms and golden halls. A glittering chandelier weighing almost seven tonnes hangs from the ceiling of the Zarandud Hall, whose many columns are adorned with 24-carat gold leaf. Absorb the grandeur further while enjoying tea and some local delicacies inside the palace. With an air of regality, we then return to our luxury train.

Thought to be the birthplace of the Turco-Mongol conqueror Amir Timur, Shahrisabz was once one of Central Asia’s great cities. We pass the proud statue of Amir Timur surveying his lands en route to the Ak-Saray Palace. The imposing twin facades of the ruined, yet still exquisite, palace stand as beacons to Timur’s ambition.

One of Central Asia’s longest inhabited cities, Samarkand marks the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. Now described as the Paris of the Muslim world, the city’s grand mosques reflect its tradition as a mecca of ancient arts and crafts. We explore the grand architecture of Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Ulugh Beg Observatory. We later return to see the awe-inspiring Registan Square awash with light at dusk; its three facing madrassahs illuminated during a staggering display of colour.

East of Samarkand, our train pulls into Margilan, known for its silk production. A visit to Yodgorlik Margilan Factory acquaints us with the raw materials and manufacturing processes that sees the region punching well above its weight in the global silk stakes. Our train then takes us to the city of Andijan. Here, we look upon the Jami Complex, comprising a madrasah, mosque and minaret. Taken together, the complex stands as one of the largest in Central Asia. This afternoon, our train delivers us across the border to Kyrgyzstan and its second-largest city, Osh. Conspicuous from all points within the city is the curiously shaped Sulayman Mountain, a popular destination for Muslim pilgrims. 

We take the opportunity to delve further into the city during a choice of Your World experiences:

— Discover the proliferation of Soviet-era murals, as well as monuments dedicated to soldiers who fought during World War II and the victims of the Chernobyl disaster. 

— You may prefer to take part in a traditional bread making class. Get to know the various styles, shapes and tastes of this staple of the Kyrgyz diet.

Our train rolls along tracks past the undulating hills arising from the Fergana Valley. Enjoy breakfast on board as you take in these remote scenes. Alighting from our train, we make our way to the Khudayar Khan Fortress and admire the intricate blue tiling that is prevalent within traditional Islamic architecture. Wander the courtyards of this vast complex, then enter its interior to see a collection of jewellery, clothing and metalware housed within what is now a museum. Back aboard our train, we begin the next leg of our journey, making our return to Tashkent. Our train’s restaurant car sets the scene for our Farewell Dinner, which we enjoy while taking in the ever-changing vistas.

We pull into the platform in Tashkent and disembark the Golden Eagle for a final time. Should you wish, take the option to check into the Hyatt Regency Tashkent after lunch. Alternatively, join us for a further exploration of Tashkent. 

Stand before the blue-domed rotunda of the Shahid Memorial Complex, which honours those killed during Stalin’s purges. We then head to the Tashkent TV Tower for panoramic views of the city. You can even track your progress as you ascend the tower, courtesy of the elevator’s CCTV feed of its shaft and system of cables. Nearby, the Monument of Courage observes the loss of life and property experienced by Tashkent’s residents as a result of the 1966 earthquake which devastated the city. Then, passing beneath the broad blue and white colonnade at Independence Square, we discover its gardens, fountains and monuments. A short walk brings us to Romanov Palace. Formerly the private residence of disgraced Russian royal, Grand Duke Nicholas Konstantinovich, the palace became an art museum after his death and is usually closed to the public. 

This afternoon, you may like to pay a visit to the Alisher Navoiy Opera and Ballet Theatre, whose productions include Uzbek music and dance, as well as international opera and ballet. Afterwards, wander Sayilgoh Street, also known as Broadway. This bustling pedestrian area is renowned for the many artists and musicians who line the street and offer their goods and services. Of course, you’re also welcome to explore independently or relax at our hotel.

On our final full day in Tashkent, we make a beeline for Chorsu Plaza, a lively marketplace whose vendors trade in everything from fresh produce to clothing and wood carvings. From here, we head to Tashkent’s underground metro network, the first to be established in Central Asia. Each station is individually styled, often lavishly so, with different themed murals and ornamentation throughout. At Abul Kasim Madrassah, observe the creation of many art and craft pieces, and perhaps purchase a one-off keepsake. 

This afternoon, immerse yourself in Tashkent with a final Your World experience:

— Take a tour of some of the city’s imposing Soviet architecture. Your guide will explain what daily life was like behind the Iron Curtain for the residents of Tashkent. Contemplate the facades of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, the Tashkent Circus, and the Wedding Palace, among other grand structures. 

— Appreciate the detailed craftsmanship of Uzbek ceramics at the Rakhimov Family Ceramics Studio. Akbar and Alisher are a father and son team who have studied hundreds of years of Uzbek styles and techniques, which now suffuses their own work. 
 
You may prefer to spend this afternoon on your own schedule, exploring the city at leisure or simply relaxing at our hotel.

This evening, we celebrate our magnificent journey during a Farewell Dinner.

Enjoy a final breakfast at our hotel. We are then transferred to Tashkent’s airport, our journey at an end.