Unbelievable Silk Road Tour 4
Unbelievable Silk Road Tour 4
Destination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
Duration: 20 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Bishkek- Burana - Issyk Kul- Grigorievskoye - Semenovskoye - Karakol- Skazka - Bokonbaevo- Kyzyl Tuu - Bishkek- Osh - Khudjand - 7 lakes - Penjikent- Jartepo - Samarkand- Gijduvan - Bukhara - KhivaShavat - Kunya Urgench - Darwaza - Ashgabat - Mary - Merv - Ashgabat
Day 1: Almaty
We are glad to meet you in Kazakhstan! Guide will meet and transfer you to the Southern capital of Kazakhstan for sightseeing. The tour will start from airport transfer to seeing sites and highlights. During the tour you will learn the history of this area. In courser of the tour you will visit the famous Green Bazaar where you can find a lot of interesting things. Don't miss the chance to take a lot of vibrant photos. After it you will explore the one of the most ancient parks of Almaty, the Panfilov park. Moreover in this area you also can see one of the most outstanding wooden buildings in the world as Zenkov Cathedral. Later on you will visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame that was erected for fighter who died for independency of the country. Next destination of the tour is Medeo Gorge where you can witness the highest skating rink in the world and the dam. Later on you will be transferred to Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located as well as miring picturesque panoramic views. Here you will be able stroll along the souvenirs shop other interesting places. In the end of the day you will have a ride in the famous Almaty cableway. Afterwards transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
In course of the tour you will travel to Issyk Gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau that lays along the Kuldja tract. This place was the road of endless caravans. While being transferred to the Issyk lake you will have a chance to enjoy the pure nature of the area and learn more about history of this area as well as burial mounds of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man" appeared. This incredible sight now is the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Talking about Saka period you will have an excursion in the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK" where you can witness attributes of the Saka period as well as a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, horse equipment and the model of Saka burial mound. After it you will continue the road to the alpine lake that is located on the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level. It is worthy to note that this breathtaking lake was formed about 10,000 years ago as the result of massive landslide. In addition the natural dam was formed 300 meters high. Here you will be able to listen to the detailed story about the disaster of 1963. Then you will enjoy the picnic and nature. Later on we will drive to the hotel.
Day 3: Almaty - Bishkek
In the morning you will ah a drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival you will have a chance to visit the most prominent sights of the city like the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic and other interesting places. In addition you will be fascinated by the interesting atmosphere of Asian Bazaar. There you will have an opportunity to learn the art of bargain. The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 4: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
Toda you will travel to one of the most famous sights of Kyrgyzstan that is known as a lake Issyk Kul. You will be amazed by the view of mighty mountains that encircle the lake that can be found on the altitude of 1608 m. above sea level. This lake is the second largest mountain lake in the world that is also possesses name "the pearl of Central Asia". It is worthy to note that the lake doesn't freeze. On the route of the tour you will visit the ancient Burana Tower of 11th century and an open air museum of Balbals or stone warriors that can be found there. These stone warriors are erected for those who died as brave heroes that protect their Motherland. Later on you will arrive to Cholpon Ata city that is known as place of ancient stone inscriptions of 800 B.C. made by shamans. Moreover there you will have an excursion in the local ethnography museum. Overnight will be spent in the hotel.
Day 5: Issyk Kul - Grigorievskoye - Semenovskoye - Karakol
In the course of the tour you will visit one of the most picturesque gorges of Kyrgyzstan, the Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges. You will be amazed by the fact that are they connected at the end. While exploring this place you will have time to enjoy beautiful park and mountains and green meadows. You will be impressed by the surface of the lake that you will find there. After that you will arrive to Karakol town road to which goes through the northern shore of the lake. Here you will see the one of the most prominent sights of the region the Dungan mosque made in Chinese style without metal ligaments, also an old wooden Orthodox Church. The night will be spent in a guesthouse.
Day 6: Karakol - Skazka - Bokonbaevo
Today you will be transferred to Bokonbaevo village. On the route to it you will have a stop to explore the sight tours to which are very popular. Here you will be amazed by the view of seven red rocks situated in a row. The name of this sight is Jeti Oguz or seven bulls. In addition you will see the Broken Heart Mountain as well. You will have an opportunity to hike to the top of the mountain (20 min) there you will witness the breathtaking view of the gorge with its pure nature. After it you will have a drive via the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The next destination of the tour is located 4 km from the village of Tossor - Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. This canyon is known due to the ability constantly change its shape. Then we will drive to Bokonbaevo village where you will see a local eagle-hunter or bertutchi. In course of the tour you will participate in eagle hunting and then take photos with them. Today you will spend the night in yurts.
Day 7: Bokonbaevo - Kyzyl Tuu - Bishkek
Today you will drive back to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. On the way to it you will have a stop in Kyzyl Tuu village where you will be able to participate in putting on yurt. Suring this workshop you will learn of what the nomadic dwelling was made. Upon arrival to Bishkek city, you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek - Osh - Khudjand
In course of the tour you will have a morning flight to the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival guide will meet and accompany you for sightseeing. During the tour you will visit the most prominent sights of Osh city such as Suleiman Mountain. You will visit the Suleiman Too or Solomon's Mountain in the city center. This sight is also known as the one of the most famous places among Muslim pilgrims. Talking about it you will learn that the biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of this mountain. After it you will be transferred to Tajik border. In course of the route you will pass high and picturesque passes and take colorful photos. At the Tajik border you guide will meet you for transferring to Khujand city. It is worthy to mote that the city is the second largest in Tajikistan moreover you will find it in the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of this prominent city is 149,000. Nowadays it called Sughd of the northern province of the country. During the tour in this city you will visit a Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen and the Central Mosque that will blind you with its beauty. Overnight is in the hotel.
Day 9: Khudjand - 7 lakes - Penjikent
In course of the tour you will travel to the Fannsky Gory that is also known as Fann Mountains. This is one of the best hiking areas in central Asia that attract a lot of tourists as well as local people. Here in the mountains you will find beautiful Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes). It is about 60 km south of Panjakent. To reach them you will have a hiking tour during it don't miss a chance to take a lot of vibrant photos. While being there you will be impressed by the fact that it is consist of 7 lakes that are situated on different altitudes and colors. Then you will continue to drive to Penjakent or five villages that can be found in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a scenic Zeravshan river valley. You will be impressed to known that it is the city of the 5th -8th centuries AD that was known as "Central Asian Pompeii" due to being cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. Here you will be able to investigate the ruins of two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. Even through this site was fond in last century now you can enjoy to explore it. The night is in the hotel.
Day 10: Penjikent - Jartepo - Samarkand
In the morning you will be transferred to Jartepo border where the Uzbek guide will meet you. In course of the tour you will travel to Samarkand. This prominent city that is known as the second largest city of Uzbekistan can be found in the river Zerafshan. Moreover you will learn that is was appeared at the same age as the cities of Babylon or Rome. You will visit sites like Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. At first you will visit Registan Square that is made of three wonderful Madrasahs of the 15th -17th centuries. You will be blinded by its beauty. Then is Shakhi-Zindeh that possesses a huge collection of mausoleums of the11th -15th. Talking about this mausoleum, it was listed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was erected in honor of favorite Tamerlane's wife, after his successful operation in India. Today the night is in hotel.
Day 11: Samarkand - Gijduvan - Bukhara
In the morning you will be transferred to Bukhara. On the way to it you will have a break at the famous Gijduvan village. Here you will be able to find private pottery workshop. This school is known due to the method of creating ceramic goods that is passed through the generations. This school is the home of Narzullayevs family that blessed Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. You will be impressed by the geometric patterns with green and blue colors. Later on you will arrive to Bukhara. Where you will explore the Al Bukhary the site of which was erected for the man who was Islamic scholar, He settled the hadith collection known as Sahih al-Bukhari, observed by Sunni Muslims as one of the most reliable Hadith collections. The night in the hotel.
Day 12: Bukhara
In course of the tour you will have a great tour in this cit. You will start the travel by visiting the oldest citadel of Bukhara, Citadel Ark of 4th century. This attraction is known to be a palace for Bukhara Empire. After it you will visit the masterpiece of Later on you will visit 9th -10th century of Samanids mausoleum. Later on you will be transferred to Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. The mosque is known for forty columns that were made for Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you will have a chance to explore the shops and witness madrasahs of Bukhara as Nodir Divan Begi, which belongs to Lyabi House Ensemble. Later on you will witness the wonderful Poi Kalon complex of the 12th - 16th centuries as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Today the night is in hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara - Khiva
Today you will travel to Khiva city. In course of the tour you will continue to the travel in the city of more than 140 architectural monuments of the Middle Ages. Here you will be able to explore the narrow streets, green parks and gardens, sites and highlights that are very close to each other. Later on you will drive through the famous Kizilkum desert. Moreover you will see the view of Amu Darya river, the deepest river in Central Asia and shaped by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan flowing into Aral Sea. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 14: Khiva
In the course of the tour you will explore in the oldest city of Uzbekistan. Here you will visit the Ichan-Qala that can be found in Khiva. This site is encircled by tough walls. Inside of it you will investigate centuries old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses due to it the Ichan-Qala became unique city-monument. You will be amazed by the number of traditional dwelling houses and architectural monuments. This site became in 1969 Ichan-Qala opened a historical and architectural conservation area. In addition here you can see the Kunya-Ark fortress of the 17th century and made by Muhammad Arang Khan, Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace which a great sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. Overnight will be in the hotel.
Day 15: Khiva - Shavat - Kunya Urgench - Darwaza
In the morning you will be transferred to Shavat border where at the other side you will be met by Turkmen guide. In course of the tour you will travel to the architectural monuments as Kone-Urgench. This site used to be Khorezm capital of the10th -12th centuries. Moreover you will excursion to the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek-Khanum, IL-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey and the highest minaret in Central Asia Kutlyk Timur. Later on you will drive to the famous Gas Crater - Darwaza. This attraction is known among the world as Door to Hell. The view in the evening will mesmerize you by its mysterious beauty. The night will be in tents.
Day 16: Darwaza - Ashgabat
Today you will the road of the tour go to the capital of Turkmenistan. Upon arrival you will have a chance to see the most prominent sights of Ashgabat. Here you will explore the new parks, fountains and statues of the great men of antiquity, also visit Carpet Museum, the Park 10 years of Independence as well as the World of children's fairy tales. Night is in the hotel.
Day 17: Ashgabat - Mary - Merv
Today you will have a tour in Mary Mary city. On the course of the tour you will have a stop in Annau. Here you will be able to see the remains of the 15th century of Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque. Moreover you will investigate Abiward or Abi-ward that is known as an ancient Sassanid city of modern Turkmenistan. This city was fond in last century in about 8 km west of the Kahka station in an area of 12,000 m2. The central part of the area is about 60 feet high and 700 feet round. Later on you will explore the Ancient Merv that was added to UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is known as one of the most prosperous in ancient timed due its location on the crossroad of Great Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. Then you will see its famous sights like mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd which go back to XII c, representing attractive Seljuk period brickwork and architectural décor. Night is in the hotel.
Day 18: Mary - Ashgabat
In course of the tour you will drive Ashgabat. Upon arrival you will experience real life of Turkmen people by visiting famous Russian bazaar, Lenin Monument, Ertugrul Gazi mosque and get impression of them. In the evening, you will have the city tour. Night is in the hotel.
Day 19: Ashgabat
In the morning you will have a tour in wonderful site that is known as the "Ancient Nisa". This place famous for being the national park of the Parthian kings that was listed to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later on you will see such prominent sights as the mosque "Ruhy" and the Mausoleum of the first President of Turkmenistan. Later on you will drive to horse farm and ride along gorges. On the route you will visit Saparmyrat Hadji Mosque in Gokdepe. Return back to Ashgabat. Night is in the hotel.
Day 20: Flight
Transfer to international airport of Ashgabat.
Transport in Kz:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus
Transport in Kg:
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
Transport in Tm:
02 pax - Sedan
04-08 pax - Minibus
10 pax - Bus
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Issyk Kul - "Karven" Resort
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Guesthouse
Bokonbaevo - Yurts (4 pax in 1)
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Penjikent - "Umariyon" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Porso" Hotel 3*
Khiva - "Old Khiva" Hotel 3*
Darwaza - Tents with dinner
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*
Mary - "Merv" Hotel 3*
- Visa support to Turkmenistan
- Provision of mineral water
- English speaking guide in Turkmenistan
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- Migration tax (12 $)
- English speaking guide
- Museum admissions
- Use of cameras on monuments for additional payment
Note: Availability of 2 photos (5×6) for each traveller in order to be presented at the points of entry.