Title of tour: Fabulous Square of Central Asia
Days / Nights: 16/15
Overnights: Almaty, Karakol, Kochkor, Son Kul, Chon Kemin, Bishkek, Osh, Khujand, Penjakent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent
Day 1: Almaty
Today you will arrive to the airport of Almaty and your guide will transfer you the city, this day you will have highlight tour and see the best attractions of the city. The first destination of the tour will be Green Bazaar. This is a place where you can enjoy the colorful rows, bargain, and make a lot of colorful photos. You can buy national Souvenirs here and give them to your family and friends. Then you will direct to next spot called Panfilov Park. There you will find the fabulous structure made of wood– Zenkov Cathedral. After exploration of sport, culture and history you will get to the Medeo Gorge, where you will explore the highest skating rink in Central Asian and observe Shymbulak resort. Then you will continue tour with visiting Kok-Tobe hill where is located the highest TV tower in the world. You will drive there by the mountain road. You will have a chance to walk along the fascinating trails in the Kok Tobe Park. You will also have a chance to see the panoramic views of the city and take photos. Don’t miss chance to visit shop of national souvenirs. You will finish the tour with transferring from the hill to the city by the cableway of Almaty. Night will be in the hotel.
Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Kegen border – Karakol
This day you will have a trip to Karakol town in Kyrgyzstan, but your first destination will be Charyn Canyon. This is Natural Park. The canyon was formed 12 million years ago, with the help of Mother Nature as an architect. Water, sun, and rain have formed the canyon's fabulous shape over the years. You will travel for about 3 hours, and during this time you will be able to enjoy the charm of nature, you will learn about the culture, history and traditions of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival at the canyon, you will be able to see beautiful landscapes and enjoy nature. The uniqueness of the canyon will impress you. The canyon is rich in flora and fauna, as well as beautiful sights. You will also have a chance to walk there. Then you will lead to Kegen border and met by the local guide. After arrival to Karakol city, you will explore the unique Dungan mosque that was built without any nails in Chinese style. Then you will be offered to visit an old wooden Orthodox Church. Thr night will be in the guest house.
Day 3: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Kochkor
After breakfast you will explore the amazing gorge called Jeti Oguz. This gorge is famous for the Seven Rocks standing in one row. From Kyrgyz it translates as Seven Bulls. Along the way you will explore the Broken Heart Mountain. There you will have a chance to take photos. There you will be offered to see the panoramic views of the gorge from the top of the mountains. Then you will drive along the south part of Issyk Kul Lake and get to Bokonbaevo village. You will meet the local eagle hunter and he will tell you about hunting of nomads. He will tell you about hunting hares and foxes with the help of eagles. Then you will continue tour with transferring to Kochkor village where you will visit local family. They will show you the fascinating producing of Kyrgyz national felt carpet. This night will be in a home stay.
Day 4: Kochkor – Son Kul Lake
After breakfast you will transfer to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan- Son Kul Lake. The lake is located at an altitude of 3016 meters and can show you the most beautiful views of Kyrgyzstan. Don't miss the opportunity to take photos on the way. Since ancient times, the lake has been inhabited by nomads who live in portable dwellings yurts. You will also be able to enjoy the clean nature and fresh air. Upon arrival, do not miss the opportunity to walk along the lake and see the beautiful water surface. You will spend the night in the yurts, made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.
Day 5: Son Kul – Chon Kemin
This day you will transfer to Kochkor village and then Chon Kemin gorge. You will travel through the fascinating gorge and Kalmak Ashu pass (3 225 meters high). Don’t miss chance to admire the fabulous mountainous views. This road is fascinating and full of adventure, here you can enjoy the real clean nature of Kyrgyzstan and see remote areas. You will also see animals grazing on pastures, such as yaks. Kyrgyzstan surprises with its beauty and hospitality, many people try to see the beautiful territories of this charming country. Tourism in Kyrgyzstan is developing better and better every year. You will spend the night in home stay.
Day 6: Chon Kemin – Burana – Bishkek
Today you will have 3 hours for horse riding. This gorge is famous for its beautiful views, mountains and pure nature. You will be able to climb up the mountains, see beautiful landscapes, en This gorge is famous for its beautiful views, mountains and pure nature. You will be able to climb up the mountains, see beautiful landscapes, and enjoy the charming forests. You will also be able to get some fresh air and take some memorable photos. You will also be able to get some fresh air and take some memorable photos. Then you will transfer to the capital of Kyrgyzstan and along the way you will visit Burana Tower. This minaret was built in the 11th century by the Karakhanids.During the time of the Great Silk Road, it played a significant role, for travelers it was a place to relax, here the capital Balasagyn was laid out Here you will have a chance to observe the fascinating stone warrior or Balbals. You will have a chance to go up to the tower and observe the panoramic view. Then you will drive to Bishkek. This night is in the hotel.
Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
This day you will have a city tour of the capital Bishkek. You will see the most interesting attractions such as Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. Then you will travel to the fabulous Ala Archa National Park. It is located 45 km. from the capital. You will see the fascinating views of the gorge and admire the fir trees lying on the slopes of the mountains. It is important to note that in Soviet times, access to the gorge was prohibited and only certain people could enter here, now everyone can enjoy the charming views of the gorge. You will have a chance to hike a little bit and fascinate the views of the gorge. Then you will finish the tour with driving to Bishkek. Night will be in the hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek – Osh
Today you will transfer from Bishkek to Osh city by plane. You will explore here the amazing and holy place called Suleiman Mountain. it is located right in the center of the city and is visible from all sides. Many Muslims visit this place, as 3 trips to this mountain is equivalent to a trip to Mecca. You can find out that at the foot of the mountain, according to legend, the Holy prophet Suleiman was buried. There are you will also explore amazing Asian Bazaar. Don’t miss chance to take fascinating photos and buy interesting goods. This night will be in the hotel.
Day 9: Osh – Guliston border – Khujand
Today you will transfer to Kyrgyz-Tajik border in the morning. There you will meet the local guide and travel to Khujand city. Khujand is the second largest city. The location of the city is on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. Here live about 149,000. The city called Sughd and it is the most northern province of Tajikistan. In the second part of the day you will visit Cultural Palace of Khujand. You will learn that here was elected the first president of Tajikistan. You will continue tour with exploring the Central Mosque. The mosque is located in the center of the city. This night will be in the hotel.
Day 10: Khujand – Penjakent
Today you will transfer to Penjakent via amazing Shahriston Pass. This pass is located at the altitude 3 378 m. The city is located on Khujand area of Tajikistan in wonderful Zeravshan river valley. Penjakent is five villages that were formed in the 5th-8th century. They played a very important role. The history of Punjakent is 5500 years old. It is a significant center of Sughd culture, since ancient times it was also called "Central Asian Pompeii". There is a chance that five villages began the history of this important city. There were erected a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. It is important to note that the remains of the city were found in the last century. Travelers can admire here ruins of houses and other buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers church. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 11: Penjakent – Jarpeto – Samarkand
Today you will drive to Tajik – Uzbek border. You will get acquainted with your guide. Then you will drive Samarkand. Samarkand is an ancient city of Uzbekistan that dates back 2500 years. The city is the same age as Rome and Babylon. Samarkand is located in the valley of the beautiful Zeravshan River. This day you will explore the fascinating landmarks as: Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan is a large square where 3 powerful madrasas of 11-15 centuries are located; its grandeur will impress you. Shahi Zinda will surprise you with mausoleums of the 15th-17th centuries, which are UNESCO heritage sites. Then you will explore the grand mosque Bibi Khanum that you will explore. You will learn that mosque was built in honor of Tamerlane’s wife. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand – Bukhara (train)
This day you will travel to Bukhara by train. You are going to have a city tour here. The destination of the day will be Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex of Sufi Leader and Philosopher. The site is located not far from Bukhara. This site is mostly visited by for people of Islamic world. Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the mentors of Amir Timur. There are located 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 lead to amazing place - Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. Sitorai Mokhi Khosa was built in the mid-19th century and is considered the Palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, Said Alimkhan. The complex means as “Star - like and moon - like Palace”. Then you will transfer back to city. Night you will rest in the hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara
This day you will continue exploring fascinating city Bukhara. The tour route will take you today to the first destination called Citadel Ark of 4th c. This is the most ancient citadel in Bukhara. It was a place for ruling of Bukhara Emirs. After that you will explore the Samanids mausoleum where you will see the masterpiece of masterwork of 9th -10th century. Then you are gouing to explore Chashma Ayub that means “Job's well” and Bolo-Hauz mosque. This is significant mosque that was erected to governor of Bukhara Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you will transfer to see the amazing shopping domes. During the tour you will feast your eyes upon the amazing madrasah called - Nodir Divan Begi. The madrasah is the part of Lyabi House Ensemble. You will finish the tour with exploring Poi Kalon complex. This is the perfect architecture of Medieval Age. Here you will also see three structures and was built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 14: Bukhara – Tashkent
You are going to have a flight today to the capital Tashkent. You will have a city tour and explore the main square of the city Independence Square. Then you will direct to local Broadway where you will see the main squares Amir Temur and Independence. You will also explore the magnificent site Tashkent metro that is one of the most beautiful subways in the world. You will continue tour with exploring the old part of the city: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. This includes several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. Today you will see interesting site Othman Quran. It is the priceless attraction of Uzbekistan and the oldest Quran copy of 8th c. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 15: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Tashkent
After breakfast you will drive to Chimgan Mountains. There you will have a riding by chair lift and observe Beldersay peak 30 min one-way. Along the way see the pristine nature and have free time. Then you will transfer back and explore Charvak lakeside beach. During the tour you will have free time where you will have some water activities (as per season). This is artificial lake and popular among residents and travelers. Then you will drive to Tashkent. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 16: Flight
Transfer to airport and flight to your destination.
Transport in KZ and KG:
02 pax – Sedan (KZ) or Mitsubishi Delica (KG)
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter
Transport in TJ:
02-02 pax – Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax – 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax – 3 cars: Hyundai Starex
Transport in UZ:
02 pax – Sedan
04-06 pax – Minivan
08-10 pax – Minibus
Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 2 540 $
04 pax – 1 715 $
06 pax – 1 465 $
08 pax – 1 270 $
10 pax – 1 190 $
Single – 265 $
Early check-in – 25 $
Single early check-in – 45 $
Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 2 725 $
04 pax – 1 915 $
06 pax – 1 665 $
08 pax – 1 470 $
10 pax – 1 390 $
Single – 440 $
Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 70 $
Half board – 205 $*
Full board – 415 $*
Entrance fees – 45 $*
Meals and entrance fees are available with escort guide only.*
Supplement for escort guide in Uzbekistan – 240 $ 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, “Nomad’s Dream” camp (4 pax in 1)
Chon Kemin – Homestay
Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4* /“Plaza” Hotel 4*
Osh – “Sun Rise” Hotel 3*
Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*/ “Diyora” Hotel 4*
Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*/ “Omar Khayam” Hotel 4*
Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*/ “Ramada” Hotel 4*
- Mineral water during the tour
- English speaking local guides in UZ
- Entrances to all museums in KZ, KG, TJ
- English speaking escort guides in KZ, KG, TJ
- Train tickets Samarkand – Bukhara, economy class
Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- Entrances to all museums in UZ
- English speaking escort guide in UZ
- Bukhara – Tashkent train – from 35$
- Bukhara – Tashkent flight – from 50$