Extended Silk Road Tour along 5 Central Asian countries
| Destination: | Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Tajikistan – Turkmenistan | ||
| Route: | Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Karakol – Chopon Ata – Issyk Kul Lake – Bishkek – Ala Archa Gorge – Bishkek – Tashkent – Samarkand – Penjikent – Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Bukhara – Mary – Merv – Dashoguz – Kunya Urgench – Khiva – Tashkent | ||
| Description: | Extended tour to Central Asia including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan comprises combination of historical, architectural and cultural components | ||
| Best season: | March - November | ||
| Duration: | 20 days/ 19 nights | ||
| TOUR ITENARY | Tour code: CAT#1 | ||
| Day 01 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | ||
| Arrival in Almaty in the evening, meet at the airport & transfer to the hotel. Check in the hotel. Overnight in Almaty. | |||
| Day 02 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Full day sightseeing in Almaty: 28 Panfilov Guards Park, Zenkov Wooden constructed Cathedral, St. Nicholas Cathedral, National Musical Instruments Museum. Continuation of the program. Central State Museum, Almaty’s Green Bazaar, Panoramic view at observatory. Overnight in Almaty. | |||
| Day 03 | Almaty, Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon - Karakol, Kyrgyzstan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Karakol ( Kyrgyzstan) via Charyn Canyon (450km about 8 hours). En route watch the natural landscapes. Arrival in Karakol. Check in the hotel. Overnight in Karakol. | |||
| Day 04 | Karakol - Chopon Ata - Issyk Kul Lake | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour around Karakol: Museum of Prjevalsky, Dungan Mosque and Orthodox Chirch. Transfer to Chopon Ata to visit Petroglyphs, the rock carvings lying under the open sky. Arrival to hotel and check-in. Overnight in Issyk-Kul Lake. | |||
| Day 05 | Issyk-Kul lake - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Bishkek (250km, about 4 hours) via Boom Canyon. The origin of Boom Canyon is one of the most interesting geographical mysteries of the Tien-Shan En route visit Burana Tower (XI c.) – the minaret in the old city Balasagun which was the center of the state of Karakhanids. Arrival in Bishkek and accommodation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Bishkek. | |||
| Day 06 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Ala-Archa gorge - Bishkek | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting of National Natural Park “Ala-Archa”. It is situated 40 km away from Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountain range at the height of 1600 m to 4860 m (“Korona” (Crown) Peak). The park’s best offerings are trekking and climbing in rocky, icy, spruce-clad canyons up to an elevation of almost 5000 m above the sea level. Afternoon back to Bishkek. Sightseeing tour around Bishkek. Visiting of Ala-Too square, History Museum, Victory square, Kyrgyz Philarmony. Overnight in Bishkek. | |||
| Day 07 | Bishkek – Tashkent, Uzbekistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for departure flight HY-778 (0840-0910) to Tashkent. End of the tour for the segments. Arrival in Tashkent. Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Lunch at local restaurant. Half day sightseeing in Tashkent: visit the old part of the city – Khast Imam complex as well as possessing a rich Islamic Library with highlight immense Osman Koran (1200 y.o.), Chorsu bazaar, Kukeldash madrasa (XVI c.). Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent. | |||
| Day 08 | Tashkent – Samarkand, Uzbekistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Half day sightseeing in Tashkent: visit to Independence (Mustakillik) Square with governmental buildings, A. Navoi theatre square, A. Temur Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Drive to Samarkand (330 km). En route visit the mausoleum of Imam Al-Bukhari. Arrival in Samarkand. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Samarkand. | |||
| Day 09 | Samarkand, Uzbekistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Full day sightseeing in Samarkand: Gur Emir Mausoleum (XVc.), Registan Square (including Sher Dor, Tilla Kari and Ulugbek madrasas – XV-XVII cc.). Lunch at local restaurant. Continuation of sightseeing: Bibi Khanim mosque and mausoleum (XV c.), Siyab bazaar (one of the oriental bazaars), Khazrat Khizr mosque, Shahi Zinda necropolis (XIV-XV cc.), the observatory of Ulugbek (XVc.). Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Samarkand. | |||
| Day 10 | Samarkand – Penjikent, Tajikistan – Samarkand | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Penjikent ( 40 km – 30-40 min) located on Tajikistan territory. Meet at border point “Jartepa” (09:00). Customs procedures. Arrival in Penjikent and keep on driving to the ruins of ancient Penjikent located within 5 minutes drive of modern Penjikent. Penjikent, a major Sogdian city is dating back to 5th century and was destroyed with Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Presently the ruins are excavated and you can see different teams of archeologists working on sites. Lunch at local restaurant (13:00). After lunch visit the ancient-archeological diggings “Sarazm” (5000 years BC). Drive back to Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border (16:00). After border formalities pass to Uzbekistan. Arrival in Samarkand. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Samarkand. | |||
| Day 11 | Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Bukhara, Uzbekistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Shakhrisabz (170 km). Arrival in Shakhrisabz. Half day sightseeing program in Shakhrisabz: ruins of Ak-Saray Palace, Jahongir mausoleum, Dor-ut Saodat complex: Khazratiy Imam Mosque, Dor-ut Tillavat complex: Gumbazi-Seiidan, Kok Gumbaz Mosque. Lunch at local restaurant. Drive to Bukhara (280 km). Arrival in Bukhara. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Bukhara. | |||
| Day 12 | Bukhara, Uzbekistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Full day sightseeing in Bukhara: the dynasty mausoleum of Samanids (IX-Xcc.), Chashma Ayub (XIVc.), Bola Havuz ensemble (XVIII-XXcc.), Ark citadel (XIX-XXcc.). Lunch at local restaurant (13:00). Continuation of the sightseeing program (14:00): Poi-Kalon complex (Kalon minaret (XIIc.), Kalon mosque (XVc.) and Miri Arab madrasa (XVIc.)), Ulugbek madrasa (XVc.), Abdulaziz Khan madrasa (XVIIc.), Trade Domes (Toki Telpakfurushon, Toki Zargaron, Toki Sarafon), Ancient Silk Market, Magoki Attori mosque and Lyabi Hauz complex. Dinner with folk show at Nadir Devan Begi madrasa. Overnight in Bukhara. | |||
| Day 13 | Bukhara, Uzbekistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. AM visit to “Sitorai Mohi Khosa” (XIX-XX cc.) – the summer palace of last Bukhara Emir, Said Alimkhan, the complex of Nakshbandi. Lunch at local restaurant. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Bukhara. | |||
| Day 14 | Bukhara, Uzbekistan – Mary, Turkmenistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Bukhara and drive to Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border ALAT / FARAB ( 130 km). After border formalities, cross the border. Meet with representative of Turkmenistan travel company. Drive to Mary via Turkmenabat (app. 300 km – 4.5 hours). Lunch (optional) at local restaurant in Turkmenabat. Arrival in Mary and accommodation at the hotel. After having a short rest, walking tour around the hotel: city bazaar & central square. Dinner (optional) at local restaurant. Overnight in Mary. * Passports with 2 colored photos will be required for registration at the CTB in Turkmenabat on the way to Mary. |
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| Day 15 | Mary – Merv – Ashgabat, Turkmenistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bayramaly (it is around 35 km and takes 40min driving) to have SS of Old Merv includes: Gyz Gala & Oglan Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Buddist Complex (IV-VI), Beni Makhan Mosque-first Mosque build in Central Asia (VII), Erk Gala (VI BC), Soltan Gala (XI), Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum (XII), Ibn Zeid Mausoleum (XII). After SS of Old Merv drive to Mary to visit a Local Museum of History & Ethnography located in XIX c. built 2 stored merchant house. After museum lunch break and then proceed to Ashgabat (it is around 370 km and takes 5 hours direct driving). En route stop to visit the Ruins of Abiverd Medival Town (IVMIL-XVIIAD). Arrival accommodation. | |||
| Day 16 | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan | ||
| Full day SS of Ashgabat includes: Park dedicated to AkhaltekeHorses-the pride of Turkmen, Arch of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Gulistan Bazar (known as “Russian Bazaar” 1950s since it was built as then many Russian used to go there for shopping. Despite it is very rare to see them there its old public name is common to hear), Monument of Lenin which was erected in 1927 and survived the earthquake of 1948, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque known in public as Turkish Mosque, “Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi” which is biggest mosque in Central Asia & Mausoleum Complex of the tombs of Turkmenbashy and his parents with his brothers, Old Nissa-The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings(Nissa is situated in 15 km to the west of Ashgabat & founded in the III century B.C. Nissa was the capital of Parthian Empire which lasted for about 600 years and was the biggest competitor for the Rome Empire. Here there were the palace & temple buildings, the depositories & the treasury of the Parthian Kings. During the Old Nissa excavations the monumental constructions are exposed-the temples (round & tower). Taking into consideration the great scientific-cultural meaning, the site of the ancient town is declared the historical-cultural preserve. It was inscribed at the World Heritages Book by the UNESCO), Walking tour to via Park of Independency with stops to visit Monument of Independency & Ruhnama. After SS transfer to hotel & rest. | |||
| Day 17 | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan | ||
| Full day SS of Ashgabat includes: Ashgabat’s famous Oriental Bazar- Jygyldyk (Tolkuchka in Russian-open on Thursday, Saturday & Sunday-best day to visit) where it is sold almost everything: camels (Sundays only) , carpets (Sundays only) , cars (Sundays only) and etc. where is possible to find plenty of souvenirs such as carpets, aladjas, handcrafts, felts, embroideries, jewelers ( Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays only) and etc. It is also one of the best places to meet face-to-face with Turkmen culture and people.After Bazar drive to the Hippodrome of Ashgabat to watch the Sunday Horse Race which is free to enter for all(races are held on Sundays from April till June & September till November. However, race time & date is subject to be changed by the State Association of “Turkmen Atlary”) which gives a chance to see & familiarize with the best horses of Turkmenistan: Turkmen Horses-Akhalteke which thought to be the rootstock of Arab, Thoroughbred and etc in motion and “horse crazy” people rooting for their favorite horses without any betting. After Hippodrome & lunch break proceed with SS includes: National Museum of History & Ethnography for extra entry fee paid on spot (closed on Tuesdays) , Cable Way lifted Mountain Observing Center (closed on Mondays) , located close to Ashgabat on Kopetdag Mountains. After SS transfer to hotel & rest. | |||
| Day 18 | Ashgabat – Dashoguz – Kunya Urgench – Khiva, Uzbekistan | ||
| Morning transfer to the airport of Ashgabat to catch a flight to Dashoguz. Type of Aircraft Boeing 717-200. Flight T5-101. Departure at 06.50 & arrival at 07.50 (flight time & costs are subject to be change). Upon arrival Drive to Koneurgench-the capital of Khorezmshahs (III-XVI cc) (It is around 120 km and takes about 1,5 hours direct driving). SS of the old city includes: Portal of Caravansaray (XI-XIV), Mamun Minaret (X-IX), Il Arslan Mausoleum (XII), Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum (XIII), Academy of Horezm (III-XIII), Kutlug Timur Minaret (XIV)-one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum (XIV). After SS proceed back to Dashoguz to border pass “Dashoguz-Shavat” (It is around 130 km and takes about 2 hours direct driving) to cross in to Uzbekistan. Approximately time of being at the “Red Line” (Real Border) is 15.00 PM. After border formalities, pass to Uzbekistan territory. Meet and drive to Khiva (app. 80 km.). Arrival in Khiva and check in the hotel. Dinner at the hotel/local restaurant. Overnight in Khiva. | |||
| Day 19 | Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent, Uzbekistan | ||
| Breakfast at the hotel. Full day sightseeing in Khiva: Ichan Kala – a UNESCO World Heritage Site including: Medrassa Muhammad Amin Khan, Kelta Minar, Kunya Ark, Medrassa Muhammad Rakhimkhan. Lunch at local restaurant. Continuation of sightseeing program: Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret & medrassa, Djuma Mosque and Minaret, Tash Hovli Palace. Dinner at local restaurant. Drive to Urgench ( 30 km) for flight HY-1058 (2040-2210, subject to change) to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent. Meet at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check in the hotel. Overnight in Tashkent. | |||
| Day 20 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | ||
| Transfer to the airport for departure flight to next destination. End of the tour. | |||
Please kindly note that the program can be altered or put any changes by the guests’ requests and suggestions so that it can come to their full satisfaction or meet any requirements. |
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