5 Stan Capital Tour

Tour itinerary: Bishkek – Almaty – Dushanbe – Khujand – Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Mary – Ashgabat

Season: all year round

Days: 12 | Nights: 12

12-day Central Asia tour around the capitals and main historical cities of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan for sightseeing in Bishkek, Almaty, Dushanbe, Tashkent and Ashgabat along with the famous pearls of the Great Silk Road - Khujand, magnificently beautiful Samarkand, sacred Bukhara and legendary Merv.

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Day 1

Bishkek

Flight to Bishkek.

Early morning arrival in Manas International Airport.

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the staff holding a sign “ANUR TOUR”.

Transfer to the hotel. Early check-in.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Surrounded by snow-peaked mountains Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan welcomes visitors with wonderful green parks, gardens and squares, delicious food and sincere openhearted Kyrgyz hospitality. No wonder that among all the cities of Central Asia, Bishkek rightfully received the epithet as the greenest capital city.

11:00 Meet the driver and guide. Start walking city tour around Bishkek visiting:

- Oak Park, the city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among locals and tourists in Bishkek.

- Ala-Too Square is the central square in Bishkek. It serves as a place for state events and celebrations. Philharmonic hall – situated at the top of Rose Alley.

- Statue of Manas (Manas is a legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).

- Victory Square where one can see the Victory monument, a memorial was completed in 1984. Usually, the main festival events are held in Bishkek at the eternal flame, on Victory Square with the guard of honor, forces of Kyrgyz garrison and a military band.

- State History Museum is a perfect display of the Kyrgyz people and the history of the country of Kyrgyzstan.

- Visit the colorful central bazaar and TSUM (Department Store).

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Bishkek – Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel

10:00 Transfer to Almaty by car (250 km ~ 5hrs) to the border cross Korday. Border crossing usually takes 30 min~1h.

Please note: while passing the border one needs to be ready to handle all the luggage across the border by him/herself (~300 m).

Continue to Almaty. Afternoon arrival at the hotel, check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel.

Almaty is the largest city, trade and economic center of Kazakhstan. The population is more than 1 147 000 people. Almaty city is located at the foot of the Tian-Shan Mountains.

09:00 Meet the guide and start sightseeing around Almaty:

- Panfilov Park. The name of the Panfilov Park comes after the heroes of Panfilov. There is a big monument in commemoration of the heroic actions made by 28 Almaty Soldiers who died in 1941 near Moscow.

- Zenkov Cathedral. Zenkov Wooden constructed Cathedral is one of the eight unique wooden buildings in the world. It is one of the few buildings to survive the 1911 earthquake, despite the fact it is built entirely of wood and constructed without nails;

- National Musical Instruments Museum. In the Museum of Musical Instruments, one can find various national musical instruments, the oldest of which is of the XVII century.

- Medeu, the World's largest speed skating rink known as Medeo. At the end of the gorge there is a ski resort Shymbulak, situated at an altitude of 2.200 m above sea level. It is one of Central Asia's top skiing spots where one can take a cable car funicular to Shymbulak Ski resort.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Almaty – Dushanbe

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to the airport.

11:10 Departure flight Almaty - Dushanbe by KC 131.

12:00 Arrival in Dushanbe International Airport.

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, the guide and driver meet with a sign “ANUR TOUR”.

Dushanbe as the capital of Tajikistan, is a comparingly modern city that was founded in 1925 from Dushanbe village ("Dushanbe" means "Monday", deviated from Dushanbe bazaar, an important trade center of the region). Today Dushanbe is the largest city in Tajikistan, famous for its hospitality and colorful bazaars.

Start Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:

- Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana. National Museum consists of 22 large and small exhibition halls — departments of nature, antiquity and the Middle Ages, modern history, fine and applied arts. The exposition area of the National Museum of Tajikistan is rather large.

- The State flag square in the center of Dushanbe and Tajik flagpole that entered the Guinness Book of Records as the Highest Flagpole. It is still considered one of the highest in the world. The height of the flagpole is 165 meters, area 1800 m², width 30 meters, and length 60 meters.

- The main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni-the forefather of Tajik Nation located in the main square. A 40-meter-high monument was built in honor of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty in the VIII-IX century.

- Mehrgon Bazaar - one of the biggest markets of Dushanbe.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Dushanbe – Khujand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Continue Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:

- Gissar Fortress- the remains of the Bukhara Emirate Beck’s palace. Its thick walls once guarded a pool, garden, and palace, while the fortress itself opposed a noisy market and caravanserai. The place was famous for its center of commerce during the Silk Road. Old Madrassa (Madrasai Kuhna) of the 16-17th century with a museum inside, the new Madrassa of the 17-18th century as well as Caravan Saray.

Transfer to Khujand (300 km, 5 hrs).
Evening arrival in Khujand. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Khujand – Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

Khujand was the farthest point Alexander the Great reached in Central Asia, the city was named Alexandria Eschate (Alexandria the Farthest), the city became one of the important entrepots on the great Silk Road.

09:00 Start sightseeing tour in Khujand visiting

- Pushkin square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square;

- Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum;

- Arbob palace (Arbob palace had its particular significance in 1992, when it was the place for the meeting of the Tajik Soviet which officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. Also, it was the site where the Tajik flag was chosen.

Transfer to the border post Oybek (ETA 15:00).

After crossing the border, meet the driver at the Uzbek side of the border (ETA 16:00).

Transfer from the border post to the hotel in Tashkent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

Tashkent is the largest city in the Central Asia, the heart and soul of modern Uzbekistan, where one can see a unique combination of ancient monuments, oriental bazaars and modern buildings of interesting history.

09:00 Meet the guide at the hotel lobby. Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs):

- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994 after of the Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.

- Tashkent striking clock, one of major symbols of Tashkent.

- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theater of the world performs both classical and national repertoires.

- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present and future of the country. There are fountains standing for life energy of Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second World War.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;

- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts the pilgrims and visitors all over the world.

- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four waters”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of old city in bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in postcards and international magazines and became one of the major sights of interest both for locals and guests – one can see oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delirious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.

- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:20 Transfer to the railway station in Tashkent.

08:24 Departure for Samarkand by speed train "Afrosiab" or "Sharq".

10:44 Arrival in Samarkand. Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Samarkand, one of the most ancient cities of the world, the important trade and economic center was the capital of Uzbekistan in 1925-1930. The city is considered as the pearl of Central Asia, the world - famous historical city.

Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):

- Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants is decorated with gold ornaments and is considered as one of the most significant sights of the world;

- Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture, the ensemble of grandiose buildings: Ulugbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori;

- Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century;

- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of the Muslim saint Abbas ibn- Kussam;

- Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;

- Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

20:00 Transfer to the railway station in Samarkand.

21:03 Departure for Bukhara by speed train "Afrosiab" or "Sharq".

22:34 Arrival in Bukhara.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9

Bukhara

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):

- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);

- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;

- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;

- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);

- There are three trading domes or so-called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;

- Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;

- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;

- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.

Optionally can be added by request:

Visit Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Bukhara – Mary – Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Meet the driver in the lobby. Transfer to Uzbek- Turkmen border post Alat/Farab. Border passing formalities (passport and visa control might take 1 to 2 hrs depending on the customs formalities).

Meeting with guide and driver at Turkmenistan side of the border.

Transfer to Mary en-route visit to the Ancient Merv (UNESCO) for sightseeing in the historical park visiting:

- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum;

- Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum;

- Medieval castles – “Kesk” fortresses (6-7 centuries);

- History museum of Merv region.

Transfer to Mary airport.

Evening flight to Ashgabat (40 min).

Arrival in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel.

Ashgabat is the capital and the largest city of Turkmenistan, which name can be translated as the "city of love", Ashgabat is also known as white-marbled city. It is located in the south-west part of the country, in the extensive oasis, which lies at the foothills of Kopet-Dagh, on the very edge of the hot desert.

09:00 Start Ashgabat sightseeing tour visiting:

- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque with four minarets reminding the Blue Mosque of Istanbul was built in honor Ertogrul the father of the Osman I, the founder of Ottoman Empire,

- Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118 m column that is considered the highest building in the country);

- Neutrality Arch - a unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun;

- National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique expositions from Ancient Merv and Nissa.

- Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. It is considered the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousand people). There are a beautiful garden and fountains near the mosque.

- Ancient Nissa (18 km from Ashgabat) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of I millennium BC - I millennium BC).

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Ashgabat

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.

Early morning departure flight from Ashgabat.

End of the tour.

Tour Price (PER PERSON):

Person in group	Standart	Comfort hotels
1	$4975	$5225
2-3	$3165	$3265
4-5	$2435	$2545
6-12	$2175	$2295
Single supplement	$390	$495

Book it!

- Turkmenistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);

- Accommodation in a standard double/twin-shared rooms in hotels;

- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class transport as per road conditions including transfers to/from train stations, airports and land borders;

-Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan part: local English speaking guides (D 1 – D 3); Tajikistan: escorting English-speaking guide (D 4 – D 6); Uzbekistan: English-speaking local guides (3 standard excursions); Turkmenistan: English-speaking local guides (2 standard excursions);

- Meals: breakfasts at the hotels;

- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums and natural fees as per program;

- Train tickets Tashkent – Samarkand, Samarkand – Bukhara by tourist train “Afrosiab”/”Sharq” (economy class).

- Internal air tickets Mary – Ashagabat (economy class);

- Tourist tax per person.

- International flights to Bishkek, Almaty – Dushanbe flight, return flight from Ashgabat;

- Kazakhstan e/visa, Kyrgyzstan e/visa, E-visa to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan e-visa (if required); Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent) and migration tax 10+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent);

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

- Transport for walking tour in Bukhara; guide/transport service for free time after the standard city tours;

- Meals: lunches and dinners;

- Personal/travel insurance; portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.

The tour is published on December 12, 2024 and the rates as per program and conditions specified are actual for 180 days ( 6 month) from the date of publication.

All the rates will be subject to change if the request is after 180 days from date of publication because any changes in the seasonal tariffs for hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may cause the increase of rates.

- Any changes in the basic itinerary and service content may cause the change of the tour prices.

- If the hotels, noted in the program are fully booked or not available for the dates or in case of late / last-minute booking, the tour company reserves the right to book the other hotels of the same category and similar service as per room availability.

- Please note that during the national holidays, during the big summits, fairs, festivals, major sport and cultural events, some parts of the roads can be temporarily blocked for delegations and events as per government decrees.

- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;

- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;

- Please note yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer homemade/camp-style traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions.

- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;

- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;

- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;

- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).

ACCOMMODATION

CITY	STANDARD	COMFORT
BISHKEK	Soluxe/ Bugu	Golden Dragon / Smart Hotel
ALMATY	Voyage Hotel	Renion Park/ Kazhol Park
DUSHANBE	Rumi Hotel
KHUJAND	Parliament / Sugdiyon
TASHKENT	Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle	Inspira-S / Ichan Qala / Ateca
SAMARKAND	Shaxzoda Elite/ Sandhil/ Khan	East Star/ Kosh Hovuz/ Dilimah
BUKHARA	An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya
ASHGABAT	Ak Altyn	Sport
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