Silk Road wonder tour: Tour 3

Silk Road wonder tour: Tour 3
Destination: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Duration: 16 days
Places to visit: Almaty – Charyn – Issyk – BAO – Bishkek – Issyk Kul northern shore – Karakol – Bishkek – Osh – Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake – 7 lakes – Penjakent – Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara – Khiva – Tashkent

Day 1: Almaty
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Almaty city for sightseeing tour. In course of the tour you will visit the most outstanding sights of Southern capital of Kazakhstan. Travelling here will give the opportunity to learn more about history and development of it. The first sigh to explore will be Green Bazaar. This sight is popular even among local people. Don’t miss the chance to bargain there. Then is Panfilov park that is known as one of the oldest parks full of trees and flowers. Later on visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame that was erected for those who died fighting for freedom and independence of the country. After it you will be transferred to the famous Medeo Gorge and enjoy skating rink. Kok-Tobe will surprise you by the biggest TV tower in the world as well as breathtaking landscape. Here you can also visit shopping domes and buy gifts for your friends and family. You will return to the city with the help of Almaty cableway. Afterwards we will drive to hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Almaty
Today you will be transferred to the prominent sight in tours to Kazakhstan, the Charyn Canyon. You will be equipped by the 1,5L of bottled water. In addition you can take some snacks and drinks as well but in a container with a lid on it. The road to this canyon will take about 4 hours. On the way to it you visit the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. Don’t miss to take photos of them! Upon arrival you will enjoy the fascinating panorama and have a short hiking trip. You will go to the bottom of the canyon to witness the beauty of the so called Castles Valley made of bizarre shapes. Then the road will lead you to the bank of icy cold Charyn River. Here you will see yurts (felt dwellings) and open air café which work only in summer season. You will have the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful panoramic views. Night is in the hotel.

Day 3: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
The tour will go to the Trans-Ili Alatau to explore Issyk Gorge which is situated along the Kuldja tract. This area was used by trading caravans many years ago. In course of the tour you will have an opportunity to learn more about history of this region while observing the breathtaking scenery. Also you will see the burial mounds of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found. It is important to note that it became the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. You will have an excursion in the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK” where the artifacts of the history and culture of the Saka period as well as a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and of course the model of Saka burial mound can be seen. Then you will reach the destination of the tour that is located on the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level to enjoy the beauty of Issyk lake. This prominent sight appeared 10 000 years ago due to the huge landslide that also resulted of formation the natural dam of about 300 meters in height. The breathtaking water surface of the lake will festinate you during the tour. Also there is a natural disaster happened in 1963. Afterwards is transfer to hotel.

Day 4: Almaty – BAO – Almaty – Bishkek
We are glad to present the tour of travelling to the Big Almaty gorge of an altitude of 2,510 m above sea level where you can see the Big Almaty Lake. We have no doubt you will love it. It is considered to be one of the most picturesque lakes in Trans-Ili Alatau. The surface of the lake is calm and surrounded by celestial mountains. The Big Almaty Lake appeared due to movement of an ancient glacier. The temperature of water is always pleasant and even in July the water temperature does not exceed 10 degrees. Water of this lake is potable and thus the access to this lake is controlled by government. You will get acquainted with scientific premises for astronomical and space researches near the Big Almaty Lake of an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. Being there you will have the chance to see panorama view and capture it! The lake is surrounded by the great mountain peaks covered with Tian-Shan fir-tree, aspen and juniper. Afterwards we will drive to Bishkek at 15:00. It will take about 4 hours. The night will be spent in a hotel.

Day 5: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
Today you will have Bishkek City Tour. Visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Сentral Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and others. Then we will travel to the famous Issyk Kul Lake. You will see the second largest alpine lake in the world of 1608 m. above sea level which is also called "the pearl of Central Asia". The interesting thing that this lake is never freezes. Later on we will visit wonderful Burana Tower (11^th century) as well as an open air museum of Balbals or stone warriors. Overnight will spent in the hotel. 

Day 6: Issyk Kul – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol
The morning will start by driving to Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges. You will be impressed by the national park of green meadows and pastures. There are a lot of waterfalls and small mountain streams. Don’t miss to capture evergreen forest and take the smell of landscape. After that we will drive to Karakol city and get acquainted with the Dungan mosque (was built without nails) in Chinese style.  You can also see an old wooden Orthodox Church and enjoy ancient heritage. Your night is in a guesthouse.

Day 7: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
We will start our day to Jeti Oguz gorge (Seven Bulls). When you arrive there you will see seven rocks situated in a row. On its back you will see the Broken Heart Mountain. Spend 20 minutes and see wonderful panoramic view of gorge! After that we will drive to Bokonbaeva village and meet berkutchi (an eagle hunter). You will have the opportunity to take photos with them and participate in eagle hunting. We are sure you will like to hold them! Over the time, we will continue the route to Bishkek. Today you will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek – Osh – Guliston – Khudjand
You will have the flight to Osh city in the morning and then drive to Tajik border. You will drive among mountain passes. On your route you will drive through Batken region and see apricot trees and of course the unique flower – Aigul. You will be met by Tajik driver who accompanies you to Khujand city. You will pass by Anzob pass (3 372 m) and enjoy panoramic views. It is important to note that Khujand is the second largest city of Tajikistan and situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is about 149,000. In addition it is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Visit the Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. Then we will see the Central Mosque in the middle of the city. Overnight is in a hotel. 

Day 9: Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake
The day of the tour is devoted to visit alpine lake Iskanderkul. The altitude of this sight is 2 255 m. a. s. l.  You will find it in the Fann Mountains that is known as one of the beautiful places in Central Asia. Here you will enjoy breathtaking scenery under warm sunlight. To see wonderful waterfall you need to hike about 40 minutes. During the tour you will learn that Tajikistan is on the second place among the CIS countries for volume of water resources. Furthermore it has the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. You will spend the night in a guesthouse. 

Day 10: Iskanderkul – 7 lakes – Penjakent
You are going to visit the breathtaking Fannsky Gory (Fan Mountains). In course of the tour you will have to hike in order to reach the striking Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes). This site is known due to 7 lakes with different colors and altitudes. In addition you will meet with locals and learn more about their culture. Then you will head on to the Penjakent. This sight is also known as “five villages” that can be found in Khujand area of Tajikistan near Zeravshan river valley. It is believed that the city appeared in the 5^th and 8^th centuries AD and was also known as one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. Due to it the city possesses another name "Central Asian Pompeii". In course of the tour you will visit two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses with paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods and others, while the ruins of this ancient city were found only in the last century. Tourists can see remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper’s church. The night is in a local guesthouse. 

Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo – Samarkand
Today you will be transferred to the border for further tour in Uzbekistan. You will drive to Samarkand city that is located in the valley of the river Zerafshan. This city is also known as the second largest city of Uzbekistan with the age similar to like Babylon or Rome. During the tour you will explore such sights as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is a complex of three Madrasahs of the 15-17^th centuries. Tourists like to visit it in tours in Uzbekistan. Shakhi-Zindeh is a complex that represents a big collection of mausoleums of the 11^th-15 centuries. It is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built for favorite Tamerlane’s wife, after his success in India. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand city – Gijduvan – Bukhara
In the morning you will head on to Bukhara. On the way o it you will visit the popular place in tours, Gijduvan village. Here you will be able to visit private pottery workshop. In course of the tour you will learn the secrets of making Gijduvan ceramics, the skill of which were passed through generations. Today you will see the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family which glorified Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. The ceramics of this school is known due to the geometric pattern with green and blue colors. Then we will continue to drive to Bukhara. Night is in a hotel.

Day 13: Bukhara
The tour is devoted to explore the main sights of Bukhara city. The first to explore will be Citadel Ark of the 4^th century that was used as a palace of several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. In course of the tour you will visit the famous Samanids mausoleum of 9^th and 10^th century that is known for its beauty. Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque well known due to the forty columns which were built for Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you can stroll along the shops where you can see a lot of souvenirs and visit one of most famous madrasahs of Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi. It is part of breathtaking Lyabi House Ensemble. Then you will explore Poi Kalon complex of three buildings of the 12^th - 16^th centuries that are known as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The night is in a hotel. 

Day 14: Bukhara – Khiva
Moring drive to Khiva. On the travel you will see more than 140 architectural monuments. In course of the tour you will know that the city is known as a "town museum" goes back to the middle Ages. The tour will show you the beauty of the city with its narrow green streets with shops as well as parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments of different centuries. You will be impressed to see the Kizilkum desert during the drive from Bukhara to Khiva. Furthermore you will have an opportunity to enjoy the view of Amu Darya River. It is the deepest river in Central Asia that is made due to the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan that flow into Aral See. Night in a hotel.

Day 15: Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent
Today you will explore the oldest city of Uzbekistan. Be prepared to see inside of Ichan-Qala that is rounded by strong walls. Here you will see old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses which made Ichan-Qala into city-monument. Here you will be able to explore at least 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala became a historical and architectural conservation area. But even here you will find the most breathtaking attractions like Kunya-Ark fortress of 17th century, found by Muhammad Arang Khan, Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace, an incredible sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. Night is in a hotel.

Day 16: Tashkent – Airport
Morning transfer to airport. 

Price per person:
02 pax – 2 325 $
04 pax – 1 645 $
06 pax – 1 440 $
08 pax – 1 310 $
10 pax – 1 235 $
Single – 265 $

Early check-in – 30 $
Single early check-in – 45 $ 

Half board – 240 $*
Full board – 415 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) – 50 $ per person
 

English speaking guides:
KG – 435 $ per group
UZ – local 130 $ per group or escort 370 $ per group
TJ – 445 $ per group
KZ – 420 $ per group

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
      Issyk Kul – “Karven” Resort
      Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
      Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
      Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
      Iskandarkul – “Dilovar” Gueshouse
      Penjakent – “Umariyon” Hotel 3*
      Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*
      Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*
      Khiva – “Porso” Hotel 3*
      Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*
- Mineral water supply
- Entrances to all museums in Kg, Kz & Tj
- Flight tickets Bishkek – Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)           

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Museum admissions in Uz
- Flight tickets Urgench-Tashkent