The Name of tour: Gems of Central Asia
Duration: 16 days
Visiting landmarks: Almaty, Bishkek, Issyk Kul, Karakol, Khujand, Iskanderkul Lake, Penjakent, Samarkand, Bukhara Khiva, Tashkent
Day 1: Almaty
This day you will arrive to the amazing country Kazakhstan. Today you will discover the fascinating sites and have highlight tour. You are going to visit the famous and popular attractions and visit cultural and sports centers. Today you will immerse into the history and development of the former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty. Our company offers you to explore the prominent attraction of Almaty - Green Bazaar. You will discover to buy interesting goods, enjoy colorful rows, and today you will also have a chance to bargain. Here you will have a chance to make amazing photos! Further you will travel to the oldest Almaty parks – Panfilov Park. You are going to discover fabulous building Zenkov Cathedral that is one of the most enchanting buildings in Almaty. Along the way you will have a chance to see the fascinating landmarks, green trees, alleys and flowers. Afterwards you will visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. After that you will follow the route and explore the wonderful Medeo Gorge where you will have a chance to try your skills and discover the highest skating rink in the world. After that you will travel to Kok Tobe hill by the mountain path. You are going to explore the perfect place for travelling. Today you will explore the highest TV tower in the world. During the tour you will stroll, walk and discover the fascinating landmarks. This day you will also walk and buy some souvenirs in Kok Tobe Park. This day you will complete with the riding from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the Almaty cableway and enjoying the amazing scenery of the city. After that you will travel to the hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Almaty
After the breakfast you will travel to fabulous Charyn Canyon on a comfortable car or minivan. This day you will be provided by 1,5L of bottled water. Tourists will also be able to take all sorts of snacks and snacks but in a container with a lid. It takes about 4 hours to reach the canyon, and you can enjoy the views of the steppes and the beautiful nature of Kazakhstan. Our customers will also be able to experience the beautiful scenery and views. Along the way, you can explore the local museum along the way and also visit the Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts. During the tour, you will also be able to see a charming panorama on the canyon, it will be able to impress you with its views, and you will also be able to take beautiful photos. No doubt you will like this tour! You will remember this day and beauty of the canyon for the rest of your life. Here you can walk and wander through the famous Valley of Castles which stretches for 2 km and attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique views of the fabulous castles and towers. During the tour you will explore that the canyon was formed about 12 million years ago with the help of Mother Nature, sun, wind, rain and has a height of rocks from 150-300 meters.
Day 3: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
In the morning you will travel to the fabulous gorge on Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge that is located in the Kuldja tract. Before caravans travelled in this place in ancient times. Along the way you will have a chance to discover the pure nature and inspired by the amazing panorama. This day you will immerse into the history and discover the landscapes. This day you are going to explore the burial mounds of Saka period, where you will discover "Golden Man" that is the significant symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. After that you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”. This day you will have a fascinating opportunity to explore the finds dedicated the history and culture of the Saka period, also a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and of course the model of Saka burial mound. Further you will travel to the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level where you will have a chance to feast your eyes upon the fabulous lake Issyk. Lake Issyk is located at an altitude of 1714 m above sea level in the Issyk gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau. According to geologists, it was formed about 1800-2000 years ago as a result of an extensive mountain collapse, which created a natural 300-meter dam and dammed the valley. You will hve a chance to make a picnic in the wonderful valley. This day you will rest the night in the hotel for overnight.
Day 4: Almaty – BAO – Almaty – Bishkek
This day you will have a fascinating tour and discover the charming landscapes. You are going to travel today to the stunning Big Almaty gorge of an altitude of 2,510 m above sea level where you can see the Big Almaty Lake. The area of the Big Almaty Lake is about 0.42 sq. km, the maximum size in the plan is 1.6*0.7 km, the depth is up to 45 m, the water temperature in summer is no higher than 10-12 degrees. The reservoir is filled with clear and environmentally friendly fresh water. In calm sunny weather, its mirror-like surface reflects the majestic mountain slopes. The lake is surrounded by high banks covered with wooded vegetation. The color of the water is surprisingly beautiful. It can change throughout the day, taking on turquoise, ultramarine, and emerald hues. The depth of the BAO depends on the time of year. It becomes most full-flowing in July—August. In winter, the water level can drop by 15-20 meters. Recently, due to mudflows descending from the slopes of the mountains, there has been a decrease in the size of the lake's water area. But the main culprit for the decline in water volume is its selection for the drinking needs of a large metropolis. You will have a chance to take photos today! This day you will also have a chance to enjoy the fabulous nature, observe the fantastic panorama and discover a lot of facts. Our team promises you will like it! After that you will travel to Bishkek at 15:00. The way will take about 4 hours. This night you will rest the hotel.
Day 5: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
After breakfast you will transfer to the city where you will have a chance to discover the main sites of the capital Bishkek. During the tour you will discover magnificent sites as Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Сentral Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and others. Then you will travel to pearl of Kyrgyzstan, Issyk Kul Lake. Today you will have a chance to discover the fabulous lake, explore the interesting sites and get the information. You will see the lake that is surrounded by mountains on all sides. You are going to explore the interesting views and explore that it is located at an altitude of 1,608 meters and has salty and healing qualities. This lake is very unique and about 80 mountain rivers flow into the lake and none of them flow out. People from all over the world want to visit this lake and explore its beauty. During the tour you will have a break at the ancient landmark called Burana Tower or Minaret. You will see that the minaret was built in 11 century by Karakhanids. Today you are going to see open air museum of Balbals (stone statutes). This night will be in the hotel.
Day 6: Issyk Kul – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol
Today you will travel to the picturesque place Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges. During the tour, you will be able to explore that these two gorges are connected to each other. On a tour of Kyrgyzstan, you will be able to marvel at the beautiful scenery, see many charming places, and take photos. Here you can see beautiful snow-capped mountains, and junipers. Here you can also explore the types of yurts, get to know the locals and see their way of life. The place itself fascinates with beautiful views, chic charm and attracts tourists from all over the world to tours. Take beautiful photos and remember this day for a long time. Then your tour will continue and you will go to the city of Karakol. In Karakol, you can explore the sights. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Dungan Mosque and also the Orthodox Church. The mosque is made in the Chinese style without a single nail. Today you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 7: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
This day you will start the tour with travelling to an amazing attraction called Jeti Oguz gorge. You will explore that this gorge is translated as Seven Bulls. It is considered one of the most fascinating sights of Kyrgyzstan surrounded by beautiful forests. After arrival to the gorge you will discover beautiful red stones that stand in a single row. This day you will explore the fabulous views of the gorge and discover the top of the mountains (20 minutes). You will have a great chance to have photos near the Broken Heart Mountain. This place has a lot of interesting stories and legends. After that you will travel to Bokonbaevo village where you will have a chance to visit berkutchi (an eagle hunter). In the tour you will be able to explore the methods of eagle hunting and learn that these traditions are very ancient that came to us from the 12-13 century. The secrets and methods themselves are passed down from generation to generation from father to son. They usually hunt hares, foxes, wolves, and many other animals. You will have the opportunity to see the eagle hunt and take pictures with them! After that, you will continue the tour with a trip to the capital Bishkek. Today you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek – Osh – Guliston – Khudjand
This day you will have a morning flight to Osh city in the morning. Further you will travel to Tajik border. Along the way you will see the charming mountain passes and explore amazing landscapes. You will also go through Batken region. You will also see the apricot trees and the unique flower – Aigul. Then you will meet Tajik driver and after that you will transfer to Khujand city. This day you will also drive along the amazing Anzob pass (3 372 m). Don’t miss a chance to take photos of the pure nature. In the tour you will be able to explore that Khujand is the second largest city in Tajikistan. And to investigate that this is the Northern Province in Tajikistan (Sogd). This city is located on the banks of the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Ferghana Valley River. The population of the city is about 149,000 people. Our guests today will have a great opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes and tours, see many interesting sights, such as the Khujand Palace of Culture, and the president of Tajikistan was elected there for the first time. Then you will go to explore the Central Mosque in the city center. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 9: Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake
This day you will have a fabulous tour in Mountain lake – Iskanderkul (2 255 m. a. s. l.). You will find the lake in Fann mountains, which are one of the most charming in the Central AsiaYou will have a chance to visit the perfect place for trekking and hiking. You will also discover emerald surface and was named after the commander Alexander the Great. Upon arrival you will discover the fascinating landscapes of the nature and walk along it beaches. This day you will also have chance to get to the waterfall about 40 minutes. During the tour you will see that the nature of Tajikistan is very charming and has powerful water resources. And here are located water reserves higher than of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. This night you will spend in the the guesthouse.
Day 10: Iskanderkul – 7 lakes – Penjakent
This day you will travel to fascinating Fannsky Gory (Fan Mountains). You will discover that it is the perfect place for hiking and exploring nature. After that you will transfer to Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes) where you can have a short hiking trip. Along the way you will be inspired by 7 lakes that attract people with different colors and altitudes. During the tour you will meet the local residents and discover their way of life. Afterwards you will transfer to charming city Penjakent ("five villages"). During the tour you will explore that experts have discovered near the modern city of the settlement of the 5th century AD. During the tour, you will be able to explore that the medieval city of Sogd was located here. Not far from the city. This place was considered the cultural center of all of Asia. At that time, the city already had a level of construction skills. And even then, Penjakent had the status of "Central Asian Pompeii". In ancient times here were situated two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses with paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods and others, while the ruins of this ancient city were found only in the last century. This day you will also have a chance to discover the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper’s church. This day you will rest the night in the the local guesthouse.
Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo – Samarkand
This day you will have hearty breakfast and then you will travel to amazing country Uzbekistan. This day you will transfer to the border at 10 am, to Samarkand city. During the tour you will explore the best sites and discover a lot of attractions and get the interesting facts. During the tour, you will be able to explore the ancient city and find out that it is about 2500 years old. Samarkand is the same age as Babylon and Rome and is the second largest city in the country. The city itself is located in the valley of the Zeravshan River. Today you are going to explore the best attractions and get acquainted with Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. In the tour you will be able to explore that Registan Square is a very beautiful square of Samarkand with beautiful landscapes, where there are three madrasas that go back to the 15th-17th centuries, no one can resist the grandeur of the square. After that, you can explore the interesting Shahi-Zinde complex, which has many mausoleums on its territory, which were included in the UNESCO list, and which go back to the 11th-15th centuries. Today you will also be able to explore the local Bibi Khanum Mosque, which has a very beautiful landscape and was also built in honor of Tamerlane's beloved wife. You will rest the night in the hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand city – Gijduvan – Bukhara
After breakfast you will travel to Bukhara. During the tour you will explore Gijduvan village where you will have a chance to explore private pottery workshop. This day you will explore Gijduvan ceramics. Here you will know that the 6th generation Narzullaev family is engaged in this beautiful art form. This ceramics is known all over the world and also school. Ceramics use geometric patterns and colorful colors like blue and green. Then you will travel to Bukhara. Today you will rest the night in the hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara
Today you will have a chance to explore the fabulous city Bukhara. The first destination of the tour will be ancient landmark Citadel Ark that dates back to 4th century, this was a site where Bukhara Emirs. You are going to discover the enchanting citadel in Uzbekistan. After that you will travel to the masterpiece of art Samanids mausoleum of 9th and 10th century. No doubt you will like this place! After that you will travel to Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. You are going to be inspired by forty columns that were built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Further you will stroll along the shops where you can buy some souvenirs. After that you will visit Nodir Divan Begi that is one of the main sightseeing of Bukhara which is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble. You will discover that this mosque was erected in honor of Bukhara vizier. You will continue the tour with discovering Poi Kalon complex, this is a fascinating art of Bukhara. You will explore 3 amazing structures built in the 12th and 16th centuries. Guests will explore Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah in it. The overnight will be in the hotel.
Day 14: Bukhara – Khiva
This day you will direct to Khiva. Bukhara is a fabulous city that has more than 140 architectural monuments. In general Bukhara city or a "town museum" goes back to the middle Ages. You will explore that Khiva is the ancient year of Uzbekistan. Khiva in Uzbekistan is a real open-air Museum, with perfectly preserved ancient architecture and charming beauty. The history of Khiva is inextricably linked with the legendary state of Khorezmshahs. This day you will travel from Bukhara to Khiva through Kizilkum desert where you will be amazed by the fabulous views of Amu Darya River that is deepest sea in Central Asia. Upon arrival to Khiva you will have a free time. This night you will rest in the hotel.
Day 15: Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent
Our team provides you the interesting highlight tour where you will have a chance to explore the city. This day you will discover the inner Khiva. You are going to see one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan. Ichan-Qala is rounded with powerful walls. Today you will find old sound buildings, mosques, palaces, Minarets, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses made Ichan-Qala into extraordinary city-monument. Ichan-Qala has over 400 traditional dwelling houses and 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala changed into historical and architectural conservation area. During the tour you will discover the spectacular Kunya-Ark fortress (17th century), found by Muhammad Arang Khan. You will also discover Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. This day you will end with the evening flight in Tashkent. This night will be in the hotel.
Day 16: Tashkent – Airport
Morning transfer to airport.
Kyrgyzstan Transport:
02 pax – Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter
Uzbekistan Transport:
02 pax – Sedan
04-08 pax - Minivan (Grand Starex, Istana)
10 pax - Midibus (Mitsubishi Rosa, Sprinter)
Tajikistan Transport:
01-05 pax – Hyundai Starex
06-10 pax – 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
Price per person:
02 pax – 2 325 $
04 pax – 1 645 $
06 pax – 1 440 $
08 pax – 1 310 $
10 pax – 1 235 $
Single – 265 $
Early check-in – 30 $
Single early check-in – 45 $
Half board – 240 $*
Full board – 415 $*
Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) – 50 $ per person
English speaking guides:
KG – 435 $ per group
UZ – local 130 $ per group or escort 370 $ per group
TJ – 445 $ per group
KZ – 420 $ per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
Issyk Kul – “Karven” Resort
Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
Iskandarkul – “Dilovar” Gueshouse
Penjakent – “Umariyon” Hotel 3*
Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*
Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*
Khiva – “Porso” Hotel 3*
Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*
- Mineral water supply
- Entrances to all museums in Kg, Kz & Tj
- Flight tickets Bishkek – Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Museum admissions in Uz
- Flight tickets Urgench-Tashkent