Interesting historical and educational tour will introduce you to the most interesting places in 4 countries of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) : from desert of Kyzyl Kum to the Pamir-Alai mountain. Also, the most interesting places in Kyrgyzstan include Bishkek, Osh, Jeti-Oguz, and of course, Lake Issyk-Kul, surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains.. You will see ancient UNESCO world heritage masterpieces in Samarkand, Bukhara, Osh, Sarazm, the blooming Fergana Valley and its magnificent craftsmen. Throughout the trip, a variety of landscapes await you every day, steppes and deserts change into blooming oases and snow-capped mountains. And everywhere you will find the hospitality of locals with their centuries-old traditions.
Tour program
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1
Tashkent
Arrival at the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel. Rest. Excrusion in Tashkent - Old City: the architectural and cult complex Khast-Imam (Khazret-Imam), with a grandiose Friday mosque, the medieval mausoleum Kafal Shashi (XVI century), Barak Khan madrasah (XVI century), Muyi Muborak madrasah with one from their original Korans of Caliph Osman (7th century), the oldest in the world; operating Kukeldash madrasah (XVI-XVII, colorful oriental bazaar Chorsu. People's Friendship Square; Amir Temur (Tamerlane) square with a park, an equestrian statue of Tamerlane, surrounded by historical and administrative buildings - the Palace of Forums, the Temurids Museum, Tashkent chimes, the original hotel building “Uzbekistan”; the monument “Courage” - a memorial about the devastating disaster - the Tashkent earthquake of 1966; the Opera and Ballet Theater (1945) and the light and music fountain; Mustakillik (Independence) Square with the Independence Monument, the Ezgulik arch, the eternal flame, fountains; Palace of Grand Duke N.K. Ro.
2
Bukhara
Transfer by speed train Afrasiab (8:23-12:29) to fabulous Bukhara, one of the most ancient cities of the East. Excursion. Mausoleum of the Samanids (IX - X centuries) - the family tomb of the rulers of Bukhara, the oldest in Central Asia; Mazar Chashma Ayub (XIV - XIX centuries) - mausoleum - sarcophagus over an ancient sacred spring; Ark fortress (VII – XIX centuries) – residence of Bukhara rulers - emirs; the Poi-Kalyan complex (XI-XVI centuries) is the visiting card of Bukhara with the Kalyan minaret (XI century) 47 meters high, with the existing Miri-Arab madrasah (XVI century), the Kalyan mosque (XV century) with the original multi-domed gallery; trading domes (XVI century), where since ancient times local craftsmen sold their products. And today tourists can buy magnificent souvenirs and products of folk craftsmen here: gold embroidery, carpets, suzani, ceramics, embossing, knives and much more.
3
Bukhara
Excursions around Bukhara: Lyabi-Khauz complex (XVI-XVII centuries) - the “heart” of old Bukhara with an ancient swimming pool, Nodir Divanbegi Madrasah (XVII century); Chor-Minor (XVIII century) - a small mosque of an original form with four minarets; Sitora-i-Mokhi Khosa (XIX century) is the summer country residence of the last emir of Bukhara. The interior of the palace rooms is richly decorated with magnificent paintings, stucco, wood carvings and ganch.
4
Bukhara. Samarkand
Freetime. Transfer by speed train Afrasiab (15:44-17:27) to the legendary Samarkand , the same age as Rome (170 km, 3 hours)
5
Samarkand
Excursion: “Heart” of Samarkand - Registan Square (XIV-XVI centuries) with 3 famous madrassas: Sherdor, Ulugbek and Tillya-Kori, a grandiose cathedral the Bibi-Khanum mosque (XV century), the magnificent Gur-Emir mausoleum (XV century), in which Tamerlane, his sons and grandson Ulugbek are buried, Observatory of Ulugbek (1420) - the grandson of Tamerlane, a famous ruler and astronomer, Shahi-Zinda (XI-XVIII centuries) - necropolis of the rulers and nobility of Samarkand, consisting of many magnificently decorated mausoleums, the exotic Siab bazaar.
6
Tajikistan mountains.
8.00 Transfer Samarkand border Jartepa drive to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2h). The Seven Lakes are located in the west of the Fann Mountains; each of them has its own colour, which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma you will enjoy a picnic. After lunch drive to Penjikent, a major Sogdian city in the 5th century destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Sightseeing in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and mosque. Visit ancient Penjikent located a 5-minute drive away from modern Penjikent.
7
Kokand
Transfer from to Kokand (Uzbekistan) via Istaravshan founded by Persian King Kier in VI c. B.C., (old city, bazaar, Kok-Gumbaz mosque-medrese (XVI c.) and an excursion to Khujand (visit to "Panchshanbeh" Bazaar, Sheikh Muslihitdin Complex, local museum.) Then transfer across the Uzbek border to ancient Kokand. Hotel.
8
Kokand – Rishtan – Margilan - Osh
Excursion to Kokand: the palace-residence of Khudoyar Khan (1871), which houses the local historical museum, Norbut-Biya madrasah (XVIII century), Modarikhon mausoleum (XIX century). Transfer to Fergana (350 km, 3 hours). Through Rishtan, a small town famous for the dynasties of potters and ceramists. Here you can watch them at work and purchase original products as souvenirs. Next transfer through Margilan (Excursion) to the silk factory centre (Here you can get acquainted with the process of manual production of silk fabrics, from unwinding the cocoon to painting them, and also buy inexpensive souvenirs made of silk.). Drive to Osh (Kyrgyzstan).
9
Osh. Flight to Bishkek
Visit Suleiman Mountain, historical museum, located in the biggest cave. After excursion in the museum follow the way of all pilgrims up to the top of the hill and visit a little mosque of Babur, and take a bird eye’s view of the city. Flight to Bishkek. Overnight in a hotel.
10
Bishkek – Cholpon Ata
After breakfast, one-hour drive to Burana Tower (UNESCO site) near Tokmok town.After excursion further drive to Issyk Kul Lake. Arrival to Cholpon Ata town we have several things to do: 1) Open air Petroglyphs site; 2) Rukh Ordo. After excursions, drive to the resort. Accommodation on the shore of the lake. Overnight.
11
Cholpon Ata – Karakol - Kajisay
After breakfast, drive to Karakol town. Upon arrival start city tour. We visit Museum of N. M. Przhevalski, Dungan mosque and Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church. Short drive to Dzhety Oguz gorge for walking. Drive to – Kajisay. Overnight in Oymotash yurt glamping.
12
Kajisay – Bishkek city
Drive to Bishkek city along the south shore of Issyk Kul. Visit on the way Skazka canyons. Evening arrival back to Bishkek and get accommodated at the hotel.
13
Excursion in Bishkek
There are many interesting objects to see and here they are: 1) The Monument of Kyrgyz National hero Manas; 2) Kurmanjan Datka and Lenin monuments; 3) Ala Too main and old square; 4) Fine art gallery; 5) Colorful Osh market with lines of fruits, vegetables, sweets and salads; 6) Victory Square devoted to the WWII; 7) State Philharmonic Square and building. Transport to Almaty (250km- 4 hours).
14
Excursion in Almaty
The former capital and the largest city of Kazakhstan. You will visit the Central city park of the Panfilovs, with the Piously-Voznesenskiy orthodox cathedral of 1907. (Architect A.Zenkov), which is constructed of Tien-Shan fir-trees without any nails; a memorial for victimsof the II-nd World War; the Republic square; The high-mountainous dam protecting from torrents; an ice skating rink “Medeo”; a mounting skiing resort “Chimbulak”. Transfer to the airport. Flight to Tashkent.
15
Flight home
Flight home
Tour price
Ask the operator for group (more than 6 people) and seasonal pricesBook Now
Included
Accommodation in 4-star hotels in standard double/twin rooms; 14 nights;
Meals: breakfasts at hotels; lunch on day 6; dinner on day 10;
Comfortable transportation (see table below) for all transfers according to the itinerary;
Local guides for excursion days according to the itinerary; a separate guide in each city;
Entrance tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary;
