Silk Road treasure 4

 

Silk Road treasure 4
Country: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan   
Time of the tour: 16 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore - Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake - Penjakent - Jartepo - Samarkand - Bukhara - Farab - Turkmenabad - Mary - Merv - Ashgabat

Day 1: Almaty
We are glad to impress you by the Silk Road treasure 4. On arrival, you will have the city tour and visit the famous parts of Almaty. Start from the Green Bazaar. It is one of the most colorful bazaars of Central Asia. You will have an opportunity to buy east goods. Then visit the famous parks as Panfilov Park and see the sacred Zenkov Cathedral. In the afternoon, you will visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame and then travel to the Medeo Gorge with the highest mountain skating rink in the world. The next destination is Kok-Tobe hill. See the biggest TV tower in the world and capture it. In the evening you will have an idea to see the whole city by the famous Almaty cableway. You will be impressed by tours. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
The next day of tour will start by travelling to the Trans-Ili Alatau or Issyk Gorge. You will find it located along the Kuldja tract. Don't miss to take vibrant photos. On your way you can see the burial mound of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man" was originated. It is important to note that it is the state symbol of Kazakhstan. In the second part of day you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK" and see the history and culture of the Saka period and a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and of course the model of Saka burial mound. Passing over 1756 meters above sea level the beautiful lake of Issyk will catch attention on tours. In the evening is transfer to a hotel for rest.

Day 3: Almaty - Bishkek
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bishkek. It is the capital and the largest city of Kyrgyzstan located at about 800 meters (2,600 ft) altitude along the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range which is the part of the Tian Shan mountains (4,855 meters), (15,928 ft). You will admire the beauty of nature. In the afternoon, you will visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic and other interesting places of visit. Rest is in a hotel.  

Day 4: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
Be ready at 8 a.m. The driver will drive you to the pearl Issyk Kul Lake. On arrival, you will see it is surrounded by the great mountains as well as the second largest alpine lake in the world of 1608 m above sea level which is also called "the pearl of Central Asia". The lake is never freezes due to salt bottom. On the route you will visit the Burana Tower and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). The site belongs to the 11^th century. Afterwards you will transfer to a hotel.

Day 5: Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol
In the morning we will travel to Karakol city where we can find ancient stone inscriptions found in the 800 B.C. There are petroglyphs made by shamans more than 2 000 years ago. In the afternoon you will drive along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol and visit the sacred Dungan mosque. The fact is that this site was built in Chinese style without nails. In addition, you will see an old wooden Orthodox Church. In the evening is rest in a hotel.

Day 6: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek
Today you will travel to Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bulls and amaze by seven red rocks located in a row. We are sure you will like it on tours. On the way you will see the Broken Heart Mountain. This is a great idea to see panorama views and take many photos. We will continue drive to Bokonbaeva village and meet an eagle hunter. He will show you an eagle show and then you can take photos. On arrival to Bishkek, night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand
We are happy to present the next day of our tour having flight to the city of Osh in the morning. When you arrive to the destination point, you will visit the Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too is located in the city center and considered to be pilgrimage for local Muslims. According to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon was buried at the foot of it. Then we will drive to Tajik border You will pass via Batken region where you can see apricot trees and flower - Aigul. After meeting with Tajik guide you will be transferred to Khujand city. It is second largest city of Tajikistan and located on the Syr Darya River at the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is 149,000. It is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan which is today - Sughd. Then you will visit the Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was elected. We will walk to see the Central Mosque. Night is in a hotel.

Day 8: Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake
Today you will travel to high Mountain lake - Iskanderkul of 2 255 m. a. s. l, located at the famous Fann Mountains. You will have an opportunity to enjoy on warm beaches. If you want to see the waterfall, then hike for about 40 minutes and amaze by the unique nature. Tajikistan is considered to be the second place among the CIS countries for volume of water resources which is the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries. You can find more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. Rest is in a home stay.

Day 9: Iskanderkul - Penjakent
This tour will start by driving to Penjakent through Shahriston pass. The height of it is about 3 378 m. Penjakent is located in Khujand of Tajikistan in a delightful Zeravshan river valley. The city was appeared in the 5^th -8^th centuries AD and one of the most significant cultural and crafts centers of Sogd or "Central Asian Pompeii". You will learn more about a ruler's palace, where two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses were decorated with paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods as well as see the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper's church. Transfer to hotel for rest.

Day 10: Penjakent - Jartepo - Samarkand
We will transfer you to the Tajik-Uzbek border in the morning. You will be met by the Uzbek driver transfer to Samarkand. Rest is in a hotel.

Day 11: Samarkand
Today you will have the city tour of Samarkand. The city is located in the valley of the river Zerafshan and considered to be the second largest city of Uzbekistan the same as Babylon or Rome. Then visit the Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the unique architecture of three Madrasahs belonging to the 15^th - 17^th centuries. Shakhi-Zindeh is famous for the largest collection of mausoleums found in the 11^th-15^th centuries and then included to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque is another site was built to the beloved Tamerlane's wife. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand - Bukhara (Morning train transfer)
In the morning, you will travel to Bukhara by train.  The city tour. On the way you will visit an ancient citadel in Bukhara of the 4^th century as Citadel Ark. It served dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Visit Samanids mausoleum of the 9^th -10^th century as well as the Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. You will find forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you will visit souvenir shops and get gifts for your family and friends. On the way you will see the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara - Nodir Divan Begi of Lyabi House Ensemble. Afterwards visit the Kalon complex of three structures built in the 12^th - 16^th centuries as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. In the end of day is transfer to a hotel.

Day 13: Bukhara - Farab - Turkmenabad - Mary - Merv
Meet your local guide at Alat/Farap border point. When you arrive over there you will be checked up and travel to Mary province. On arrival visit an Ancient Merv, located at the road crossing of the Great Silk Road. It is one of the largest and biggest cities of the ancient world as well as the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Guided tour:Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, SoltanSanjar Mausoleum, IbnZeid Mausoleum. Afterwards is rest in a hotel.

Day 14: Mary - Ashgabat
The tour will start by travelling to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will visit the Annau Seyitjemaleddin Mosque as well as Abiverd, located in eight kilometres west of Kaka. Abiverd is one of the most important trading cities of Khorasan. Then we will drive to Gypchak village and see mausoleum and mosque. In the afternoon, we will travel to Old Nissa. It is considered to be the Sanctuary of Parhian Kings. Nisa was the capital of Parthian Empire for 600 years and the main enemy of Rome Empire. Later on, you will visit Monuments of Archabil avenue and see the new part of Ashgabat as Health Path of Turkmenbashy built on mountains, Monument of Constitution "Alem" Culture and Recreation Center. After rest in a hotel, we will visit Park devoted to Turkmen horses-the pride of Turkmen, Gulistan Bazar, Monument for the Victims of the Earthquake of 1948, Monument of Lenin, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque. You will have free day of visiting the main streets of Ashgabat as well as see the Palace of Happiness! Night is in a hotel.

Day 15: Ashgabat
The last day will be continued of city tour. Walk to the impressive "AltynAsyr" Oriental Bazar- Jygyldyk bazaar! You will have an opportunity to find different kind of goods and bargain! Afterwards we will visit Horse Farm where we can see the Turkmen Horses - Akhalteke. For sure you will like them on tours! In the second part of day, visit the National Museum of History which is considered to be the biggest museums in Central Asia. Then, you will have an idea to see the Arch of Neutrality where rocket and tripod style built and symbolize neutral status of Turkmenistan. It is over 300 feet including 40 feet rotating statue of first President of Turkmenistan: Saparmyrat Nyyazow (Turkmenbashy). Later on, you will walk to the Park of Independency and see fountains and statutes of Monuments of Independency and Ruhnama. Transfer to hotel for rest.

Day 16: Flight
Flight for next destination. Thank you for Silk Road treasure 4.

 

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

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

Transport in Tajikistan:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex 

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

Transport in Turkmenistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-08 pax - Minibus
10 pax - Bus

 

Price per person:
02 pax - 2 430 $
04 pax - 1 820 $
06 pax - 1 600 $
08 pax - 1 430 $
10 pax - 1 375 $
Single - 280 $                                    

Early check-in - 25 $
Single early check-in - 45 $ 

Half board - 245 $
Full board - 350 $ 

English speaking guide - 1 285 $ per group 

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

 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Issyk Kul - "Karven" Resort
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Boutique Hotel
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Iskandarkul - Homestay
Penjakent - "Umariyon" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Merv - Merv-3*Hotel
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*
- Train tickets in UZ
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- English speaking guide in TM 

Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guides
- Migration tax 12$+4$ bank fee in TM
- Fee for using cameras on monuments in TM