Unbelievable Silk Road Tour 3
Unbelievable Silk Road Tour 3
Destination: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan
Duration: 16 days
Places to visit: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Burana - Issyk Kul - Grigorievskoye - Semenovskoye - Karakol- Skazka - Bokonbaevo - Kyzyl Tuu - Bishkek- Almaty- Issyk - Almaty- Tashkent- Samarkand - Bukhara - Gijduvan - Samarkand - Oybek border - Penjikent - Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe- Norak - Dushanbe
Day 1: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
Upon arrival you will be met at Manas International Airport and transferred to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The road will take a lot of 30 minutes. In course of the tour you will explore the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many other interesting places of interest. After it you will see the Ala Archa gorge the road to which will take 45 km from Bishkek. Upon arrival you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of Natural Park which lies on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. At Soviet Union this place could enter only V.I.P. people. Nowadays you can freely enter this place. The fact is that before the access to this mountain was strictly controlled by the government. Nowadays everyone is free to spend time and enjoy picnic. Don't miss to capture it the panorama view. Later on you will return to Bishkek. The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 2: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
In the morning you will have a tour to the Issyk Kul lake. This lake is lays among high mountains on the attitude of 1 608 m above sea level. It is interesting to know that the lake is known to be the second largest alpine lake in the world. Travelers as well as locals call it "The pearl of Central Asia". The lake doesn't freeze due to the salty water. On the way you will have a stop at the Burana Tower and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). You will be amazed by the view of the minaret of 11th century. Many years ago this place served as a mark for city to rest and the stone warriors are dedicated to heroes who lost their lives protecting Motherland. Later on you will continue to Cholpon Ata town here you will be able to see the ancient stone inscriptions found in the 800 B.C. by shamans. In addition you will have an excursion the local ethnography museum. Overnight will be in the hotel.
Day 3: Issyk Kul - Grigorievskoye - Semenovskoye - Karakol
In the morning you will have a drive to Karakol. On the way you will have a tour in the picturesque gorges as Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye that are connected at the end. This area will captivated you by the breathtaking view of Natural Park and see mighty mountains the top of which are covered by snow. In the tour you will see green valleys and wild animals as hares, fox, yaks and others. During the tour you will see the view of the amazing lake. Later on you will continue to Karakol city. There you will be able to see the significant sights like Dungan mosque which was built in Chinese Buddhist style without nails and an old wooden Orthodox Church. Today you will spend the night in a guesthouse.
Day 4: Karakol - Skazka - Bokonbaevo
In course of the tour you will travel to the Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bulls. Tours to this sight is popular among travelers because it will amaze you by the seven red rocks which are situated in the row. In addition you can hike to the top of the Broken Heart Mountain that will amaze you by its panoramic view. After it you will drive via southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake which will take about 4 km from the Tossor village to the magnificent Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. This sight is incredible because red sand formation take different shapes. Don't miss the chance to take vibrant photos of this picturesque view of it. Later on you will have a stop in Bokonbaevo village where the local eagle-hunter. In addition you will have a chance to participate in eagle hunting and hold eagles for photos. The night is in the yurts.
Day 5: Bokonbaevo - Kyzyl Tuu - Bishkek
Today you will drive to Bishkek city. On the way to it you will have a stop in Kyzyl Tuu village. This site is known by its yurt workshop. You will be able to learn the way of making the nomadic dwellings and its wooden skeleton. After you will finish putting yurt you can spend some time there. When you arrive in Bishkek, you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 6: Bishkek - Almaty
In course of the tour you will be transferred to Almaty city. The road to the southern capital of Kazakhstan will take about 4 hours. Upon arrival you will learn history of this area bye exploring the significant sights of the city. The first sight is the famous green bazaar where you can see a lot of different goods. Don't forget to take a lot of vibrant photos of the colorful place. Moreover you will have an opportunity to bargain o buy staffs by cheaper prize. Then is the oldest park of the city that is known as a Panfilov Park where you can also explore the famous Zenkov Cathedral. The Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame made for people who died for freedom of the country. Later on we will have a tour in the Medeo Gorge that is famous due to the ski rink and the celestial mountain among it. After it you will drive to the tallest TV tower that is located in Kok-Tobe hill. By travelling here you will witness the picturesque view that can captivate anyone. Here you will have a chance to visit souvenirs shop. You will return on a Almaty cableway. Night is in the hotel.
Day 7: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
Today you will travel to the Issyk Gorge that can be found in Trans-Ili Alatau of the Kuldja tract. It is interesting to know that many years ago travelers passed through this area. Due to the transfer you will learn a lot about history and see the burial mounds of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found. Nowadays this sight is known as the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Moreover you will have an excursion in the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK" where you can witness the attributes of the Saka period like copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and the model of burial mound. Later o you will arrive to the lake that is located on the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level. Issyk lake was formed 10,000 years ago due to the massive landslide that as well resulted of formation of the natural dam of 300 meters in height. The surface of this lake will mesmerize you while listening about the natural disaster of 1963. The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 8: Almaty - Tashkent
Today you will have a morning flight Tashkent. Upon arrival to the international airport you will meet the guide who accompanies you to the city. Here you will have a guided city tour that will start from exploring the Independence Square dedicated to the victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will have an opportunity to stroll along the local Broadway that separate the Independence Square and Amir Timur Square. Moreover you will have tour in the famous Tashkent metro the first line of which was opened in 1977. Then you will explore the old part of the city Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex including madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. In addition you will see the one of the most signifixcant sight of the tour to Uzbekistan the Othman Quran which is known as world's oldest Quran copy found in the 8th century. You will spent the night in the hotel.
Day 9: Tashkent - Bukhara
In course of the tour you will have a morning flight to Bukhara. Upon arrival you will explore the sights of the city which are going to help you learn the history of the city. The tour will start with visiting the most ancient citadel of the city - Citadel Ark of 4th century. This wonderful sight served as a place for dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Next sight for visiting is the Samanids mausoleum that was found in the 9th and 10th century. Later on you will visit the Chashma Ayub (Job's well) and Bolo-Hauz mosque. This mosque is known as a building of forty columns that was built to Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. There are a lot of souvenir shops where you can buy national things. Madrasahs of Nodir Divan Begi is the next attraction but it interesting to know that it belong to the Lyabi House Ensemble. Then you will end the day by visiting Poi Kalon complex of 12th - 16th century of three structures as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 10: Bukhara - Gijduvan - Samarkand
In the morning you will have a tour to Samarkand. During the transfer you will have a stop in the Gijduvan village where you can visit the pottery workshop. You will be amazed by the fact that the method of making it passed through generations. Nowadays this school is the home of the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family. That made the goods of the geometric pattern colored in green and blue colors famed among world. Then you will visit memorial complex of Al Bukhary that was built in honor of the Islamic academic Al Bukhary who presented the hadith collection known as Sahih al-Bukhari of Sunni Muslims. On arrival to Samarkand, you will have the night in hotel.
Day 11: Samarkand
In course of the tour you will explore the second largest city of Uzbekistan - Samarkand. This prominent city is located in the Valley of Zerafshan River with the age similar to Babylon or Rome. The tour will go through the interesting places as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. You will be impressed by the Registan Square of three fascinating Madrasahs of 15th -17th centuries. After it is Shakhi-Zindeh with its huge collection of mausoleums found in the 11th - 15th centuries that is also added to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque that was erected to Tamerlane's wife, after his visit in India. This night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand - Oybek border - Penjikent
In the morning you will be transferred to Oybek Border and then to Penjakent. This city also have another name "five villages" that can be found in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a beautiful Zeravshan river valley. This significant city appeared in the 5th and 8th centuries AD that used to be a cultural center of Sogd. Due to it the city received the name "Central Asian Pompeii". In course of the tour you will witness the remains of two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses made with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. The ruins waere found in the last century due to it the tourists can travel here. Overnight will be in the hotel.
Day 13: Penjakent - Iskanderkul Lake
In course of the tour you will travel to alpine lake Iskanderkul the altitude of which is 2 255 m. a. s. l. This lake is located in the famous Fann Mountains that is considered to be one of the best places for hiking in Central Asia. Upon arrival you will be able to enjoy the golden beach as well as witnessing the great view of the nature. In addition you can hike for 20 minutes to see the picturesque waterfall. It is hard to not mention that Tajikistan is considered to be the second place among the CIS countries for volume of water resources and has the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. The night is in a guesthouse.
Day 14: Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe
In course of the tour you will be transferred to Dushanve but before you will have a hiking tour at Fann Mountains. This mountain is known among locals as "Kuhistan" that can be translating as Mountainous Country. These celestial mountains hide at least 30 virgin and variegated lakes at different size and shape. This area attracts even locals to enjoy the great view of nature that has rich flora and fauna. Later on you will continue to drive to Dushanbe through Anzob pass the altitude of which is 3 372 m and tunnel of Isticlol. The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 15: Dushanbe - Norak - Dushanbe
Today you will have a tour in the Norak water reservoir that people call as Tajik Sea. This sight is known to be the largest reservoir in Tajikistan, with a capacity of 10.5 km2. Even through it is known as the hydroelectric the main purpose of this sight is irrigation of agricultural land. Moreover you will be amazed by the boats where it will be possible to ride. But you will be mesmerized by the gorge that can be found in the middle of the lake. Later on you will drive back to the capital of Tajikistan where you will explore the most prominent sights of the city like the Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. Moreover at the Ministry of Inner Affairs you can take a lot of vibrant photos of the biggest National Flag in the world. The size of which is 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. After it you will have an excursion in the Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments and enjoy. Overnight will be in the hotel.
Day 16: Dushanbe - Airport
Morning transfer to airport.
Transport in Kg:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus
Transport in Kz:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter
Transport in Uz:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Minibus
Transport in Tj:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Issyk Kul - "Karven" Resort
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Guesthouse
Bokonbaevo - Yurts (4 pax in 1)
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Tashkent - "Samir" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Porso" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Penjikent - "Umariyon" Hotel 3*
Iskandarkul - Gueshouse "Dilovar"
Dushanbe - "Meridians" Hotel 3*
- Mineral water supply
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Museum admissions
- Flight tickets Tashkent - Bukhara