Silk Road trip: Tour 3

 

Silk Road trip: Tour 3

Day 1: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
We are glad to see you on a tour around Silk Road! On arrival at Manas International Airport your driver will meet you and then accompany to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek. The distance is just 30 minutes. We will visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and so on. In the afternoon we will visit the Ala Archa gorge. It is 45 km from Bishkek. Everyone will enjoy outstanding view and take many vibrant photos. The gorge lies on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. In the end of day, we will return to Bishkek. Rest is in a hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
Having a hearty breakfast, we will travel to the Issyk Kul lake. The area is enclosed by great mountains and also it is second largest alpine lake in the world of 1608 m. above sea level. Travellers as well as locals call it "The pearl of Central Asia". This lake is never freeze. Later we will continue our route to the Burana Tower and an open-air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). This minaret was built in the 11^th century. Before many years ago traders used to take a rest there. Stone warriors are devoted to brave heroes who died protecting Motherland. Then we will drive to Cholpon Ata town where you can see ancient stone writings found in the 800 B.C. by shamans (2000 years ago). There are petroglyphs made by ancient people. On the way you will visit the local ethnography museum. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 3: Issyk Kul - Grigorievskoye - Semenovskoye - Karakol
Travelers will drive to the outstanding gorges as Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye. They are covered by snow on the top. The nature of the park is exclusive. You will see green valleys and wild animals as hares, fox, yaks and others. If you continue to drive you will see wonderful lakes. In the afternoon we will drive to Karakol city. On the way we will visit the famous Dungan mosque built in Chinese Buddhist style without pins. See an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in a guesthouse.

Day 4: Karakol - Skazka - Bokonbaevo
Today we will visit Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bulls. See seven red rocks which are positioned in the row. It is very renowned gorge among travellers. See the Broken Heart Mountain full of secrets. We will pass by the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. It takes 4 km from the Tosor village to the splendid Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. Travelers will be impressed by remarkable red sand formation in different shapes. Then we will drive to Bokonbaevo village and get acquainted with a local eagle-hunter. Rest is in nomadic dwellings - yurts.

Day 5: Bokonbaevo - Kyzyl Tuu - Bishkek
In the morning we will travel to Bishkek city. On the route we will visit Kyzyl Tuu village and learn more about yurt workshop. Yurts are renowned nomadic felt dwellings made of a wooden skeleton. Transfer to a hotel for sleep.

Day 6: Bishkek - Almaty
In the morning we will drive to Almaty city. It is about 4 hours one way. Upon arrival you will have a city tour and visit Green Bazaar. Then visit the oldest Almaty parks as Panfilov Park and see Zenkov Cathedral. Travelers will visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame made for the reminiscence of the fighters who fought for freedom and independence of Kazakhstan. In the afternoon we will visit the Medeo Gorge and enjoy surrounded mountains! See the famous panorama as Kok Tobe hill. Admire the tallest TV tower in the world! There are a lot of souvenir shops where you can buy national attributes. Afterwards enjoy the city with the help of Almaty cableway. Transfer to a hotel for rest.

Day 7: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
We will travel to visit wonderful gorges of Trans Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge. It is located lengthwise the Kuldja tract. Guests will see the burial mounds of Saka period, where the celebrated "Golden Man" was found. Today it is deliberated to be the national symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK" and find ancient attributes of the Saka period as for example: copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and the model of Saka burial mound. We will pass by the route of 1756 meters above sea level and see wonderful mountain lake as Issyk. This lake was found 10,000 years ago because of success of the natural dam of 300 meters in height. This lake has different shapes as its turquoise water surface. Night is in a hotel.

Day 8: Almaty - Tashkent
In the morning is a flight. On arrival at Tashkent International airport you will be met by the driver who accompanies you to a hotel. Travelers will have a city tour and visit Independence Square devoted to the success over fascism in World War II. We will walk along the local Broadway between Independence Square and Amir Timur Square. We will visit the famous Tashkent metro. It is one of the most beautiful metros in the world opened in 1977. Afterwards visit old parts of the city as Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex containing madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. Then see Othman Quran! Is is the world's oldest Quran copy originated in the 8^th century. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 9: Tashkent - Bukhara
Today is the flight to Bukhara. When you arrive, we will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara - Citadel Ark (4^th century). The Citadel Ark combined many dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Afterwards we will visit Samanids mausoleum! The ancient inheritance found in the 9^th and 10^th century! The tour will be continued to Chashma Ayub (Job's well) and Bolo Hauz mosque which are devoted to Bukhara governor Abu Fayud Khan. See souvenir shops where you can buy national things. Visit madrasahs of Nodir Divan Begi belonging to the Lyabi House Ensemble. In the end of day visit Poi Kalon complex of the 12^th - 16^th century) It is famous for three structures as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Rest is in a hotel.

Day 10: Bukhara - Gijduvan - Samarkand
After breakfast we will drive to Samarkand. On the way we will have rest in the Gijduvan village and participate in the pottery workshop. It is worth noting that Gijduvan ceramics is priceless heritage and the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family. It has different geometric pattern colored in green and blue colors. We will continue our tour to Bukhara. Visit memorial complex of Al Bukhary who was religious academic presented the hadith collection known as Sahih al Bukhari of Sunni Muslims! It is pondered to be the state heritage of Uzbekistan. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 11: Samarkand 
Today we will visit Samarkand located at the Valley of Zerafshan River. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan like Babylon or Rome. Travelers will enjoy the city tour of Registan square, Shakhi Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the state heritage of Uzbekistan and has three amazing Madrasahs originated in the 15^th -17^th centuries. Shakhi Zindeh is famous for a great collection of mausoleums found in the 11^th - 15^th centuries. It is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built by Tamerlane after his trip in India. Rest is in a hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand - Oybek border - Penjikent
The morning will start by travelling to Oybek Border and then to Penjakent. Penjakent city or "five villages" is found in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a gorgeous Zeravshan river valley. There were five villages originated in the 5^th and 8^th centuries AD. Penjikent city was the most significant cultural centers of Sogd and also named as "Central Asian Pompeii". It is the palace of two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses made with paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. In addition, travelers will see dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper's church. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 13: Penjakent - Iskanderkul Lake
Today you will visit the high Mountain lake - Iskanderkul (2 255 m. a. s. l.). It is the famous Fann Mountains. It is the brilliant area of one of the best places in Central Asia. There is a warm and sandy beach where you can enjoy. Try to hike 20 minutes and see a attractive waterfall. It is main to note that Tajikistan is deliberated 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. Night is in a guesthouse.

Day 14: Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe
Today we will have hiking at Fann Mountains. Fann mountains is great place, also known as "Kuhistan" (Mountainous Country). In Fanns, we can see more than 30 pure lakes with dissimilar size and shape. Travellers will visit Fann Mountains on days off. The astounding nature of rich flora and fauna makes the country - farfetched! In the second half of the day you will drive to Dushanbe via Anzob pass (3 372 m) and tunnel of Isticlol. Night is in a hotel.

Day 15: Dushanbe - Norak - Dushanbe
We are happy to extant the next day of visiting Norak water reservoir - Tajik Sea. It is the largest reservoir in Tajikistan, with a volume of 10.5 km2. The reservoir stipulates the hydroelectric plant which is situated in the dam. Its waters used for irrigation of local agricultural land. In the course of tours, you will see boaters, which is current there. The middle of the lake is enclosed by the enormous gorges and snow tops peaks from all four sides. You will return back to Dushanbe in the second half of the day and have the city tour. Visit the Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. Walk to the Ministry of Inner Affairs and see the biggest National Flag in the world of 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. Visit the Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 16: Dushanbe - Airport
Morning transfer to airport. Flight to the next destination.

 

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

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

Transport in Uzbekistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Minibus

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

Price per person:
02 pax - 2 175 $
04 pax - 1 545 $
06 pax - 1 360 $
08 pax - 1 225 $
10 pax - 1 180 $
Single - 260 $

Early check-in - 35 $
Single early check-in - 60 $ 

Half board - 225 $*
Full board - 415 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - 35 $ per person

To be 2 in one yurt (now 4 pax) - 10 $ per person

English speaking guides:
KG - 505 $ per group
KZ - 235 $ per group
UZ - local 120 $ per group or escort 315 $ per group
TJ - 340 $ per group

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