Kazakhstan has launched an excursion train called Jibek Joly (the Silk Way). The first test tour follows a route from Almaty to Tashkent with a stop in Turkestan. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism, just over 100 travelers participated in the first-ever ride, which is designed to last five days.
«A new Jibek Joly excursion train is composed of five new Kazakhstani-made modern railway cars that haven’t been used on any other route. The crew of a trainmaster, eight experienced car attendants and a technician ensure exceptional customer service,» the agency said in a statement.
The ministry added that the sleeping accommodations are adorned in golden hues and decorated with ethnic patterns. Furthermore, the bar car offers a selection of local and European cuisine.
«It was our first ride on an excursion train. We stopped for one day in Turkestan and for two in Tashkent,» one of the passengers shared their experience.
According to the ministry, tickets were available for sale at travel agencies.
Alexandr An, a representative of Khan Turan Travel agency, explained that this first train cruise was a probe. The dates of the second tour are unknown.
«That was a test train cruise. The next one will feature more days and excursions, with Bukhara as one of the main stops. However, we don’t know yet when it will take place. The dates are not yet defined. Regarding the ticket price for the first tour along the Almaty-Turkestan-Tashkent route it was $271.53,» he said.
Earlier this year, Kazakhstan and China arranged to launch an excursion train going from Chinese Xi’an to Almaty. The Board of Kazakhstan Railway and Xi’an’s city government agreed on the project. According to the plan, the train will stay in Almaty for several days.
