Jibek Joly train arrives in Samarkand for first time

The Jibek Joly (Silk Road) travel train made its first visit to Samarkand. The train departed from Almaty on January 2 and has already visited Turkistan and Tashkent, Kazinform News Agency reports.

This is the second trip of the Jibek Joly tourist train along the route of the Great Silk Road. On its first trip, the train returned from Tashkent. This time Kazakhstani travelers, including media representatives and bloggers, departed from Almaty en route Almaty-Turkistan-Tashkent-Samarkand-Shymkent-Almaty.

The Jibek Joly tourist train was launched under the auspices of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, marking a pivotal element in the execution of the nation's tourism development strategy. The project's objectives include creation of new travel opportunities, strengthening cultural ties between countries, and enhancement of travel accessibility for citizens.

The Jibek Joly travel train left Almaty on November 16 for its first trip. The tourists made  one-day stop in Turkistan and spent two days in Tashkent. The tour lasted for five days throughout November 20.

The geographical area covered by the Jibek Joly tourist train has expanded. The new tour route now includes two additional cities: Shymkent and Samarkand.

As earlier reported, Kazakhstan had welcomed a record-breaking number of tourists in 2024.