3 Divine Stans of Central Asia
3 Divine Stans of Central Asia
Title of tour: 3 Divine Stans of Central Asia
Days / Nights: 12/11
Overnights: Almaty, Karakol, Kochkor, Son Kul, Chon Kemin, Bishkek, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara
Day 1: Almaty
After arrival you will be met at the airport and then you will transfer to the city of Almaty. This day you will have a city tour. You will explore the popular place of Almaty Green Bazaar. This is a place where you can enjoy walking around colorful places, bargain with local merchants and get a discount. You can also buy fresh fruit or vegetables. Then you will lead to the oldest parks in Almaty is Panfilov Park. You will explore there the fascinating wooden building– Zenkov Cathedral. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. After you will get to the next spot Medeo gorge, where you will learn information about the skating rink. There are located the dam that protects from the dangerous landslide the city. The tour continues with exploring the tallest TV tower in the world is located on Kok-Tobe hill, where you will get by the winding mountain road. You will also walk along the park in Kok Tobe and capture it! The park will give you chance to see beauty panorama view of the city. You can also buy souvenirs from the shops. The day ends with driving from the fascinating Almaty cableway from the top of the hill to the center of the city.
Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Kegen border – Karakol
This day is devoted to transfer to amazing Charyn canyon. This natural Park has existed for many millions of years and fascinates with its beauty. The height of the canyon rocks is about 150-300 meters. This is one of the places on Earth that is breathtaking in its beauty and grandeur. Given the size and geological features of the Charyn canyon, it is often referred to as the "younger brother" of one of the largest gorges on the planet – the American Grand Canyon. You can enjoy a walk through the "Valley of Castles" and see beautiful towers and fabulous statues that resemble the faces of people and animals. The canyon was formed 12 million years ago with the help of water, wind and sun. The road to the canyon takes about 154 km. You will have a chance to fascinate the spectacular views of the canyon, and then you will be transferred to Kyrgyz border. Today you will arrive to Karakol. You will spend the night in the guesthouse.
Day 3: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Kochkor
Today you will start the tour with exploring Jeti Oguz. The mountain gorge stretches for 37 km and is covered with lush vegetation. And then transfer to Kochkor village. This gorge is unique for its Seven Red rocks standing in one line. You will also see the Broken Heart Mountain. You will have a chance to observe the fabulous panoramic views of the gorge from the top of the mountain. Then you will drive to Bokonbaevo village along the fascinating southern road. There you will meet the local eagle-hunter. He will tell you about the ancient method of hunting and you will learn that he hunts hares and foxes. This night will be in the home stay.
Day 4: Kochkor – Son Kul
You will travel today to the second largest lake of Kyrgyzstan Son Kul Lake. The lake is charming for its beauty and nature. Take beautiful photos along the way. Nomads from ancient times live on this lake in the summer and live in portable dwellings yurts. The beautiful water surface amazes travelers. In one day you can marvel at the beauty of the lake, as the weather on the lake is changeable, you can see all 4 seasons. After arrival you can walk along it beaches and breathe fresh air. You will rest the night in the yurts.
Day 5: Day 5: Son Kul – Kochkor – Chon Kemin
Today you will have a wonderful trip to Chon Kemin. Along the way you will stop over Kochkor village. During the tour you will see the spectacular landscapes and drive via amazing gorge and Kalmak Ashuu Pass that is 3 225m. above the sea level. You will meet the local family that will tell you about making the national felt carpet. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the making of felt carpet and produce your own. There you will have a chance to visit museum of handicraft. There store a lot of examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolfs, horse saddle decorations, carpets and many other things. Then you will transfer to Chon Kemin village. The night will be in the house of a Kyrgyz family.
Day 6: Chon Kemin – Bishkek
This day you will have 3 hours of horse riding. The path will show you a beautiful panorama of the gorge, and you will also go up to the mountains, where you will enjoy the forests and pristine nature. Don't miss the opportunity to take photos. Then you will transfer to Bishkek. During the tour you will explore Burana Tower. These are remnants from the time of the Great Silk Road of the 11th century, which was built by the Karakhanids. Other ancient remains can also be seen on site. Also don't forget to visit open air museum full of Balbas or stone warriors. The stones are placed in honor of the soldiers who fought for the honor and freedom of the Motherland. Then you will go to the top of the tower and direct to Bishkek. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
The first part of the day is devoted to a sightseeing tour where you will explore the main attractions. You will discover Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others place of interest. Then you will drive to the fascinating site - Ala Archa gorge. In Soviet times, this place was closed, but now everyone has access to this charming gorge. Ala Archa will surprise you with its views, rich in flora and fauna, as well as a panorama. You can do hiking here and take photos of the gorge. The gorge is located on the spur of the Tien Shan Mountains. After that, you can go to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek – Tashkent
After breakfast you will transfer to Tashkent by plane. You will arrive to Tashkent International Airport and met at the meeting area. Then you will transfer to the capital of Uzbekistan and explore the fabulous attractions. The first spot will be Independence square. This is the main square of the country with a lot of attractions. Then you will be offered to stroll along the local Broadway. You will see here the shops and cafes and have a chance to buy souvenirs. After you will go to fascinating Tashkent metro, this metro is very popular and favorite place of tourists. It was opened 1977. In course of the tour you will explore the amazing old part of the city where you will find Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. And the best highlight will be the Othman Quran that is the oldest copy of 8th c. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 9: Tashkent – Samarkand (train)
Today you will transfer to Samarkand by morning train. Samarkand is an ancient city that dates back 2500 years. This is the second largest city in Uzbekistan, which is located in the valley of the Zeravshan river. Samarkand is the same age as Rome and Babylon. Today you will see the most important sites of the city such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. The Registan is a complex of three madrassas ages 15-17, from the greatness and beauty of the area impossible to resist. Shakhi-Zindeh has mausoleums that are included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list and dates back to the 11th-15th century. Bibi Khanum Mosque built by Tamerlane in honor of his wife, the mosque is Grand and beautiful, a fine example of medieval architecture. This night you will rest in the hotel.
Day 10: Samarkand – Bukhara (morning train)
After breakfast you will travel to Bukhara. This day is devoted to a city tour of Bukhara where you will explore the magnificent sights. You will explore the first destination the oldest citadel in Bukhara of 4th c. – Citadel Ark. It was a palace for Bukhara Empire. Then you will get to Samanids mausoleum, it dated to 9th – 10th c. This is the fabulous masterwork of medieval age. Further you will continue tour with exploring Chashma Ayub (Job's well) and explore that you will direct to the amazing shopping domes where you can buy souvenirs. Then you will discover the popular site of Bukhara Nodir Divan Begi madrasah that is the part of Lyabi House Ensemble. This day you will complete with discovering amazing Poi Kalon complex. This is outstanding architecture of Bukhara. There are located three structures in the 12th – 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 11: Bukhara – Tashkent (flight or train)
This day you will explore the sights of Bukhara and the first attraction will be Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex. This attraction close to Bukhara city. This complex is dedicating to famous Sufi Leader and Philosopher. This is the Muslim pilgrimage places for all people of Islamic world. He was mentor of Amir Timur. There were located the mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, courtyard with pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Then you will drive to Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. This is the former country residence of the Emir, which is located four kilometers North of the city of Bukhara. The construction of the Palace complex was completed in the early XX century. It was named as “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. You will end the tour with transferring to Sumiton village, there you will explore Chor Bakr memorial complex. The town of dead and the complex is a symbol of the four sides of the earth, it represents that all people are equal. The tour ends with transferring Tashkent by flight. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 12: Tashkent – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Your driver will transfer you to Tashkent international airport. Flight for next destination.
Transport in KZ:
02 pax – Sedan
04-10 pax– Mercedes Sprinter (14 seats)
Transport in KG:
02 pax – Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter
Transport in UZ:
02 pax – Sedan
04-06 pax – Minivan
08-10 pax – Minibus
Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 1 815 $
04 pax – 1 260 $
06 pax – 1 005 $
08 pax – 925 $
10 pax – 840 $
Single – 175 $
Early check-in – 25 $
Single early check-in – 45 $
Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 1 985 $
04 pax – 1 430 $
06 pax – 1 175 $
08 pax – 1 095 $
10 pax – 1 010 $
Single – 275 $
Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in –70 $
Half board – 150 $
Full board – 290 $
Entrance fees – 40 $ (*with escort guide only)
Supplement for escort guide in UZ – 220 $ per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3* / “KazZhol” Hotel 4*
Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
Kochkor – Homestay
Son Kul – Yurts (4 pax in 1)
Chon Kemin – Homestay
Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*/ “Plaza” Hotel 4*
Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*/ “Ramada” Hotel 4*
Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*/ “Diyora” Hotel 4*
Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*/ “Omar Khayam” Hotel 4*
- Train tickets
- Mineral water during the tour
- Horse riding in Chon Kemin gorge
- English speaking guides in KZ, KG
- English speaking local guides in UZ
- Entrances to all museums in KZ, KG
Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- Entrances to all museums in UZ