Jibek Joly Tourist Train Now Includes Samarkand in Expanded Route
The “Jibek Joly” tourist train will now be extending its route to include Samarkand, thanks to an agreement between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This exciting development comes as the train embarked on its second journey from Almaty on January 3, offering a unique opportunity for over 100 tourists to explore Turkestan, Tashkent, and now Samarkand.
According to reports from the Kazinform agency, the train will complete its journey and return to Almaty five days after departure, with a stop in Shymkent on the way back. The tour, which will last until January 7, includes meals, tickets to attractions, guide services, and transportation for a comprehensive travel experience.
Organized by “Passenger Transportation,” a company under “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy,” in partnership with Kazakh Tourism, this rail tour follows the success of the first train tour from Almaty to Tashkent in November. The collaboration aims to promote tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.
In a related development, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced plans to negotiate with Kazakhstan for mutual travel using national ID cards instead of international passports. This initiative mirrors a similar arrangement with Kyrgyzstan since September 2023, facilitating easier and more convenient travel between the neighboring countries.
With the expansion of the “Jibek Joly” tourist train route to include Samarkand, tourists can look forward to a rich and immersive travel experience that showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
