Silk Road travel: Tour 3
Silk Road travel: Tour 3 Destination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Duration: 14 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore - Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake - Penjakent - Jartepo - Samarkand - Bukhara - Tashkent
Day 1: Almaty
We are glad to see you on a tour along Silk Road. The driver will meet you and drive to the city. today you will have a city tour and visit the Green Bazaar. On this bazaar you will have an opportunity to buy oriental goods and learn more about local life. This tour will be continued visiting Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral. The next destination is visiting the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, built in the memory for those who passed away for freedom of Kazakhstan. Then we will travel to the Medeo Gorge and enjoy seeing the highest mountain skating rink in the world. The next destination is Kok Tobe hill where you can see the highest TV. Then see Almaty city by cableway. Night is in a hotel.
Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
In the morning we will travel to Trans Ili Alatau as Issyk Gorge located along the Kuldja tract. You will learn more about history of this region and see the burial mounds of Sakas period, where the "Golden Man" is placed. It is the symbol of Kazakhstan. We will travel to see 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. Then we will have a tour to Issyk Lake, laying at the altitude is 1756 meters above sea level. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 3: Almaty - Bishkek
Today is transfer to Bishkek. It is the largest city and the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek is located at about 800 meters high near the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range. This range is a leeway of the Tian Shan Mountains that increases to 4,855 meters high and delivers a remarkable background to the city. You will have a guided tour and visit Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic and so on. Rest is in a hotel.
Day 4: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
In the morning we will travel to Issyk Kul Lake. It is alpine lake bordered by mountains with the elevation of 1608 m. above sea level high. Issyk Kul Lake is the second largest Lake in the world known as "the pearl of Central Asia". On the way we will visit Burana Tower of 11
th century and an open air museum of Balbals or stone warriors. In past times it used for caravans who traveled from this way. Transfer to a hotel for rest.
Day 5: Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol
In the morning we will have a tour and travel to Karakol city. You will visit ancient stone inscription as petroglyphs (800 B.C) found by witchdoctors 2 000 years ago. The tour will be continued at the northern shore of the lake to Karakol where you can have excursion to the Dungan mosque, built in Chinese style without using metal nails. Then visit an old wooden Orthodox Church. Overnight is in a guesthouse.
Day 6: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek
The next destination is Jeti Oguz gorge. Jeti Oguz or Seven Bulls has red rock formation placed in a row. On the way you will see a Broken Heart Mountain. You can spend 20 minutes and see a striking panorama view. The next destination is driving to Bokonbaeva village and learn more about eagles and see an eagle hunting. In addition, you will have a chance to see take photos with birds. Night is in a hotel.
Day 7: Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand
In the morning is flight Morning flight from Bishkek to Osh. On arrival you will visit Suleiman Mountain or Solomon's Mountain. This sacred mountain is located in the center of the city. According to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon or Suleiman was buried at the foot of it. We will drive to Tajik border through mountains and high passes. On a tour we will pass Batken region and see its apricot trees and exclusive flower called Aigul. The guide will wait you on the border and accompany to
Khujand city. It is the second largest city in Tajikistan. Its population is about 149, 000. This city is situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. Khujand is deliberated to be the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, nowadays called Sughd. We will visit Cultural Palace of Khujant, where the first president of Tajikistan was selected as well as Central Mosque. Transfer to a hotel for sleep.
Day 8: Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake
We will travel to Iskanderkul Lake. It is an alpine lake located in the Fann Mountains with the altitude of 2 255 m. a. s. l. This area is perfect for hiking. On arrival to the lake you will have a walk at the beach. In addition, you will see a waterfall if you hike 40 minutes. Among CIS countries Tajikistan is in the second place for its volume of water resources. In Tajikistan there are more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. Overnight is in a home stay.
Day 9: Iskanderkul Lake - Penjakent
This tour will start by travelling to Penjakent via Shahriston pass with a height of 3 378 m. Penjakent or five villages is found in Khudjand area of Tajikistan, in a striking Zeravshan river valley since the 5-8 centuries AD. This city is also called "Central Asian Pompeii" with a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, dwelling houses with abundant paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. The ruins of this ancient city were found only in the last century. On tour travelers will have an idea to see dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers church. Transfer to a hotel for sleep.
Day 10: Penjakent - Jartepo - Samarkand
In the morning is transfer to Tajik-Uzbek border. The guide will meet you and transfer to Samarkand. Transfer to a hotel for sleep.
Day 11: Samarkand
Samarkand is second largest city of Uzbekistan and situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It has the same age as Babylon or Rome. Today you will have a city tour and visit Registan square, Shakhi Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square will amaze travelers with three outstanding Madrasahs of the 15-17
th centuries. Shakhi Zindeh has a very beautiful collection of mausoleums, found in the 11th-15th centuries. It is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque is dedicated to beloved Tamerlane's wife, after his effective operation in India. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand - Bukhara (Morning train transfer)
Today is transfer to Bukhara by train. On arrival you will have a city tour and visit citadel in Bukhara of 4th century. It is the masterpiece of 9th -10th centuries as Samanids mausoleum. Your journey will be continued to Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo Hauz mosque where you can admire forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu Fayud Khan. We will walk along souvenir shops and see madrasahs Nodir Divan Begi of Lyabi House Ensemble. Don't miss to visit Poi Kalon complex which has three structures built in the 12
th-16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Transfer to a hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara - Tashkent (Morning train)
You will arrive in Tashkent by train. Then you will have a city tour and visit Independence square. It is the main symbol of victory in World War II. This tour will be continued by walking to a local Broadway and see Tashkent metro opened in 1977. The next destination is seeing Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. It has numerous madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. In the end of day we will visit Othman Quran. It is the world's oldest Quran copy of 8
th century. Nigth is in a hotel.
Day 14: Tashkent - Departure
Transfer to Tashkent international airport for flight.
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
Transport in Uzbekistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Minibus
Price per person:
02 pax - 2 040 $
04 pax - 1 470 $
06 pax - 1 305 $
08 pax - 1 165 $
10 pax - 1 125 $
Single - 220 $
Early check-in - 25 $
Single early check-in - 45 $
Half board - 195 $
Full board - 335 $
English speaking guide - 1 355 $ per group
Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - 35 $ 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
Penjakent - "Umariyon" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Tashkent - "Samir" Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Train tickets Samarkand - Bukhara, Bukhara - Tashkent.
Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guides