Silk Road travel: Tour 2

 

Silk Road travel: Tour 2
Destination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
Duration: 10 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore - Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe


Day 1: Almaty
On arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Almaty for a city tour. We will visit the central park and learn more about history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. This tour will be continued to Green Bazaar. This is one of the best places for shopping of oriental goods. The next destination of a tour is visiting Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral. We will walk to the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame dedicated for fighters who died for freedom of Kazakhstan. In the afternoon we will travel to Medeo Gorge and see the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam. Then we will go to Kok Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located. See the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Rest is in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
In the morning we will travel to Trans Ili Alatau, situated along the Kuldja tract - Issyk Gorge. Travelers will have a chance to see nature and history of this region and see the burial mounds of Sakas period, where the famous "Golden Man" is originated. It is a public symbol of Kazakhstan. We will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK", devoted to the history and culture of the Sakas period, counting a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Sakas burial mound. Afterwards we will drive to mountainous Lake Issyk that located on elevation of 1756 meters above sea level formed because of landslide about 10,000 years ago dam of 300 m high. Night is in a hotel.

Day 3: Almaty - Bishkek
Today we will travel to Bishkek. It is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, located at about 800 meters (2,600 ft) altitude near the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range. This range is an extension of the Tien Shan Mountains, which rise to 4855 meters and run a thrilling background for the city. You will have a city tour and see Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic and other places of wonder. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 4: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
We will travel to Issyk Kul Lake. It is the second largest alpine lake in the world located at the altitude of 1 608 m. above sea level. This Lake enfolded by mountains and has remedial qualities. This lake never freezes due to salty water on the bottom. On the route see Burana Tower of 11^th century and an open air museum of Balbals or stone warriors. For sure you will be impressed. Overnight is in a hotel

Day 5: Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol
In the morning we will drive to Karakol city. On the way we will see ancient stone inscriptions of 800 B.C. These petroglyphs were made more than 2 000 years ago by shamans. The tour will be continued to Karakol city along the northern shore of the lake. On arrival you will find a Dungan mosque, which was built in a Chinese style without using nails and an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in a guesthouse.

Day 6: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek
We are glad to present you the next destination of our tour is Jeti Oguz. It has red rock formation situated in row. It is translated as Seven Bulls. You will see Broken Heart Mountain. Here you will enjoy a panorama view of the gorge and then drive to Bokonbaeva village. See a local eagle-hunter and take photos of wild birds. This skill passed via generation. We will continue our way to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.
           
Day 7: Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand
In the morning is flight from Bishkek to Osh. Here you will visit Suleiman Mountain which is considered to be sacred place of pilgrims for local Muslims. It was said that biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman) was buried at the foot of it. Then, we will cross Tajik Kyrgyz border. On the way you will drive via Batken region famous for its apricot trees and flower - Aigul. Tajik guide will meet you on the border and transfer you to Khujand city. This city is the second largest city in Tajikistan, placed at the mouth of the Fergana Valley, with the population of 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan - Sughd. In the afternoon, visit a Cultural Palace of Khudjand where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. End your day by visiting a Central Mosque. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 8: Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake
We are going to see Iskanderkul Lake located in the Fann Mountains with altitude of 2 255 m. a. s. l. This place is one of the most famous places for a hiking in Central Asia. You will enjoy beach and hike 40 minutes to see a wonderful waterfall. Tajikistan is in the second place among CIS countries for volume of water resources. The highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers are here. Night is in a home stay.

Day 9: Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe
The last day of our tour will start by transfer to Dushanbe through Anzob pass of 3 372 m high and tunnel of Isticlol. Travelers will have a lot of photo stops. Today you will have a city tour and visit Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament as well as walk to National park to make photos of Ministry of Inner Affairs and see the biggest National Flag in the world. It is about 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. We will walk to Central Museum and visit to Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. Transfer to a hotel for sleep.

Day 10: Flight
In the morning is transfer to airport.


Transport in Kazakhstan:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus

Transport in Kyrgyzstan:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter

Transport in Tajikistan:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex


Price per person:
02 pax - 1 610 $
04 pax - 1 105 $
06 pax - 975 $
08 pax - 840 $
10 pax - 815 $
Single - 170 $

Early check-in - 25 $
Single early check-in - 45 $

Half board - 160 $
Full board - 270 $

English speaking guide - 855 $ per group


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" Boutique Hotel
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
  Iskandarkul - Homestay
  Dushanbe - "Meridians" Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour

Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guides