Pearl cities of Central Asia
Name of tour: Pearl cities of Central Asia
Length: 16 days and 15 nights
Overnight stays: Almaty, Bishkek, Issyk Kul, Karakol, Khujand, Iskanderkul Lake, Penjakent, Samarkand, Bukhara Khiva, Tashkent
Day 1: Almaty
Today you will arrive to wonderful country Kazakhstan. This day is devoted to a highlight tour. Today you will explore some of the most important sights of the country, you will be able to visit cultural and sports centers. You will learn about the development and history of the former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty. You will be offered to observe one of the most colorful places of Almaty - Green Bazaar. Travelling here you will have a chance to buy interesting goods, enjoy colorful rows, and today you will also have a chance to bargain. Don’t miss chance to take amazing photos! Then you will go the oldest Almaty parks – Panfilov Park. You will also see the fabulous building Zenkov Cathedral that is one of the most enchanting buildings in Almaty. There are located a lot of interesting sites, green trees, alleys and flowers. Further you will visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. The tour route will take you today to wonderful Medeo Gorge where you will observe the highest skating rink in the world. You will go to Kok Tobe hill by the mountain path. This is the perfect place for travelling. You will observe the highest TV tower in the world. You will walk in Kok Tobe park and observe the amazing landscape of green land. You will also walk and buy some souvenirs for your family or friends. The tour will be completed 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. Then you will transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Almaty
Today you will transfer to amazing Charyn Canyon on a comfortable car or minivan. You will be provided by 1,5L of bottled water. You can also take some snacks or drinks as well but in a container with a lid on it. Drive to the canyon will take about 4 hours where you can see the steppes, nature of Kazakhstan. Along the way you will also explore the amazing the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. Upon arrival at the canyon, you will be able to see a charming panorama that will attract you with its views, and will be able to take beautiful photos. We are sure that you will remember the beauty of the canyon for the rest of your life. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a walk 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. In the tour you will learn that the canyon was formed about 12 million years ago with the help of Mother Nature and has a height of rocks from 150-300 meters. The canyon is charming in the summer where you can see eco cafes and nearby yurts, nomad dwellings.
Day 3: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
This day you will transfer to the spectacular gorge on Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge which is situated along the Kuldja tract. Caravans used to travel to this place in ancient times. During the tour you will observe the pristine nature and admire the amazing panorama. You will also have a chance to plunge into the history. You will have a chance to see the burial mounds of Saka period, where you will observe "Golden Man" that is the great symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Further you will explore the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”. You will have an amazing opportunity to explore the finds dedicated to 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. Then you will be transferred to the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level where you will reach the fabulous lake Issyk. The birth of lake Issyk occurred about 10,000 years ago, when a large fragment of rock fell into the river after a strong mountain collapse, thereby blocking it. The resulting natural dam with a height of 300 meters was the beginning of the birth of the mountain lake. You will have a chance to enjoy the wonderful colors of the water surface and take photos. You will also get the information about the natural disaster occurred in 1963. You will have a wonderful picnic and free time. Then you will be transferred to the hotel for overnight.
Day 4: Almaty – BAO – Almaty – Bishkek
Our company is happy to provide you wonderful tour, and today you will travel to the picturesque Big Almaty gorge of an altitude of 2,510 m above sea level where you can see the Big Almaty Lake. Since the lake is high-altitude, even in summer it is quite cool and the water temperature in the reservoir does not exceed 10° C. But this is not a hindrance for people who, even in the winter season, sink into the icy lake water to cheer up and saturate their body with regenerating energy. The lake is surrounded by a truly wild and unusual beauty: glacial deposits, slopes and stones, rocks and soothing fir trees on the slopes of the Tien Shan. Swimming in the lake is prohibited, because the water in the lake is drinkable. Bing there you will have a chance to see scientific premises for astronomical and space researches near the Big Almaty Lake of an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. Don’t miss chance to take amazing photos today! Today you will have the opportunity to fully enjoy nature, see a beautiful panorama and breathe fresh mountain air. We promise you will love it! Then you will transfer to Bishkek at 15:00. You will travel about 4 hours. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 5: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
This day you will start with the city tour where you will explore the main sites of the capital Bishkek. You are going to explore such magnificent sites as Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Сentral Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and others. After that you will transfer to pearl of Kyrgyzstan, Issyk Kul Lake. You can enjoy the beautiful lake, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. This is the largest lake in the country, located at an altitude of 1,608 meters and has salty and healing qualities. About 80 mountain rivers flow into the lake and none of them flow out. The lake does not freeze in winter. Travelers from all countries try to visit this crystal of Central Asia. Along the way you will have a chance to visit the ancient site called Burana Tower or Minaret. This minaret was built in 11 century by Karakhanids. You will see an open air museum of Balbals (stone statutes). Night will be in the hotel.
Day 6: Issyk Kul – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol
This day you will transfer along the amazing Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges. These two gorges are connected to each other. During the tour, you will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes and take photos. See snow-capped mountains and juniper forests. You will also meet local residents and yurts on the tour. This place has a special charm and attracts tourists with its pure nature. You will have a chance to take photos and remember this day forever. Further you will transfer to Karakol city. In Karakol you will have a chance to visit the interesting attractions of the city such as Dungan mosque that was built in Chinise style and without any nail. Also you will be fascinated by the picturesque old wooden Orthodox Church. This night will be in the guesthouse.
Day 7: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
Today you will start the tour with transferring to a wonderful natural site called Jeti Oguz gorge. From Kyrgyz it is translated as Seven Bulls. This is one of the most beautiful sights of Kyrgyzstan surrounded by beautiful forests. Upon arrival in the gorge, you will see beautiful red stones that stand in a single line. You will be fascinated by the views of the gorge, which you can see directly from the top of the mountains (20 minutes). Do not miss the opportunity to take photos near the Broken Heart Mountain, which has many stories and legends. Then you will transfer to Bokonbaevo village where you will get acquainted with berkutchi (an eagle hunter). This day you will know about the ancient methods of hunting with the help of eagle that came us from the 12-13 centuries. Hunting methods are passed down from generation to generation from father to son. They usually hunt hares, foxes, wolves, and many other animals. You will have a chance to see the eagle hunting and take photos with them! Then you will drive to Bishkek. night will be in the hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek – Osh – Guliston – Khudjand
Today you will have a morning flight to Osh city in the morning. After that you will transfer to Tajik border. During the tour you will drive along the fabulous mountain passes and observe amazing landscapes. Along the way you will pass Batken region. It is important to note that there is growing apricot trees and the unique flower – Aigul. After arrival you will meet Tajik driver and then you will be driving to Khujand city. Today you will travel along the amazing Anzob pass (3 372 m), you will also have a chance to see the fascinating panoramic views and take photos. Khujand is the second largest city in Tajikistan; it is the Northern Province of Tajikistan (Sughd). The city is located by the Syr Darya river, at the mouth of the Ferghana valley. The city has a population of 149000 people. Today you will have a chance to visit the Cultural Palace of Khujant. It important to note that there was elected the first president of Tajikistan. After that you will observe the Central Mosque in the middle of the city. You will spedn the night in the hotel.
Day 9: Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake
Today you will have an entertaining tour to Mountain lake – Iskanderkul (2 255 m. a. s. l.). This lake is located in the Fann mountains, which are one of the most beautiful in Tajikistan. This is a great place for trekking and hiking. The lake attracts with its emerald surface and was named after the commander Alexander the great. After arrival to the lake you will see fabulous landscapes of the nature and walk along it beaches. You will also have chance to get to the waterfall about 40 minutes. The nature of Tajikistan is very attractive and has powerful water resources. As well as has the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. This night will be in the guesthouse.
Day 10: Iskanderkul – 7 lakes – Penjakent
After breakfast you will transfer to the spectacular Fannsky Gory (Fan Mountains). This is a great place for hiking and exploring nature. Then you will travel to Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes) where you can have a short hiking trip. During the tour you will admire 7 lakes that attract people with different colors and altitudes. Along the way you will meet the local inhabitants and observe their way of life. Then you will drive to amazing city Penjakent ("five villages"), Archaeologists have discovered near the modern city of the settlement of the 5th century ad. A medieval Sogdian city has long been located here. Also close to the city. The settlement was considered a kind of cultural center of all Asia. He had a very high level of construction skills for that time. The city itself had the same name – Panjakent - and had the proud status Of "Central Asian Pompeii". There were located 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. Today you will have a chance to observe the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper’s church. You will spend the night in the local guesthouse.
Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo – Samarkand
After delicious breakfast you will transfer to fascinating country Uzbekistan. You will travel to the border at 10 am, to Samarkand city. Today you will have amazing city tour. Samarkand is an ancient city of Uzbekistan, which dates back about 2500 years. Samarkand is located in the valley of the Zeravshan River and is the second largest in Uzbekistan. Samarkand is the same age as Babylon and Rome. This day you will have a chance to get acquainted with Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the beautiful square of Samarkand, where three madrassas are located, dates back to the 15th-17th century, and no one can resist the beauty of the square. Then you will explore the wonderful Shakhi-Zindeh is a beautiful place where there is a large collection of mausoleums included in the UNESCO list and date back to the 11th-15th centuries. Today you will also observe the fabulous Bibi Khanum Mosque that was built due to Tamerlane and admire you with amazing views. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand city – Gijduvan – Bukhara
In the morning you will drive to Bukhara. Along the way you will stop over at Gijduvan village where you will observe private pottery workshop. Today you will know more about Gijduvan ceramics. In this place, the 6th generation Narzullaev family is engaged in this beautiful art form. This school of ceramics is known all over the world. Ceramics use geometric patterns and colorful colors like blue and green. After that you will drive to Bukhara. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara
The next day of the tour is dedicating to the city tour in Bukhara. Today you will explore the fascinating sites of this fabulous city, Bukhara. You will visit today Citadel Ark that dates back to 4th century, this was a site where Bukhara Emirs. This is the most ancient citadel in Uzbekistan. Then you will get to the picturesque Samanids mausoleum of 9th and 10th century. We sure you will like it! The tour route will take you to Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. You will be inspired by forty columns that were built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you will walk along the shops where you can buy some souvenirs. Then you will have a chance to visit Nodir Divan Begi that is one of the main sightseeing of Bukhara which is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble. This mosque was built in honor of Bukhara vizier. Today you will explore Poi Kalon complex, this is a fascinating art of Bukhara. There you will observe three structures built in the 12th and 16th centuries. You will find Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah in it. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 14: Bukhara – Khiva
After breakfast you will head to Khiva. Bukhara is a wonderful city with 140 architectural monuments. In general Bukhara city or a "town museum" goes back to the middle Ages. Khiva is the ancient year of Uzbekistan. Khiva in Uzbekistan is a real open-air Museum, with perfectly preserved ancient architecture and pristine beauty. The history of Khiva is inextricably linked with the legendary state of Khorezmshahs. Today you will transfer from Bukhara to Khiva through Kizilkum desert where you will fascinate the fabulous views of Amu Darya River that is deepest sea in Central Asia. After arrival to Khiva you will have a free time. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 15: Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent
Today you will have a chance to have city tour. You will explore the inside of Khiva. Khiva is the most ancient city of Uzbekistan. Ichan-Qala is rounded with powerful walls. Today you will find old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, 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. There you will get to the spectacular Kunya-Ark fortress (17th century), found by Muhammad Arang Khan. Also there are Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. Today you will end the tour with the evening flight in Tashkent. Thes night will be in the hotel.
Day 16: Tashkent – Airport
Morning transfer to airport.
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