5-Stan Ethno Tour

Flight to Ashgabat.

Early morning arrival at Ashgabat International Airport ( ETA 04:00 am).

Migration formalities (  PCR/ visa/passport control usually take 1.5 - 4 hr).

Please come out of the terminal, the driver is meeting with the signboard ANUR TOUR at the meeting zone. 

Transfer to the hotel.  Early check-in.

Free day/ Resting time after the flight.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start sightseeing in Ashgabat visiting:

- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118m column that consider the highest building in the country),

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

- National Museum with exposition from Ancient Merv and Nissa. 

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

- A trip to ancient Nissa (18km from Ashgabad) that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of the I millennium BC).

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Transfer to Darwaza crater, en route visiting 

- Ahalteke horse stable. 
The road changes from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, continuing 10 km deep inside. 

In 1971, geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists hoped the fire would go out in a few days, but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate - Darwaza. The views are impressive, especially at sunset and at night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible feelings. 

Camp-style dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.

Camp - style breakfast.

10:00 Transfer from Darvaza gas crater to Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan border post Hojeily ( about 5 hrs drive)

Border formalities  ( visa/ passport control) on both sides. 

The driver will meet at the Uzbekistan side of the land border.

Transfer to Nukus

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Meet the guide and driver. The transfer to the yurt camp near present shoreline of Aral sea (~7 hours, 400 km), en route visiting:

- Mizdakhan necropolis;

- Ship cemetery and Aral Sea museum in Muynak, once located on the shore of the Aral Sea that is now more than 200 kilometers from the present sea shore.

- Ustyurt Plateau - a huge plateau that is surrounded with canyons and rocks, the area is especially beautiful in the sunset.

Arrival in yurt camp near Aral Sea.

Camp-style dinner and overnight in a comfortable yurt camp. 

Camp – style breakfast.

Return transfer to Nukus ( approx. 8 hr drive).

Davlitgirey (Kurgancha qala) and abandoned caravan sarai (XIII);

Ustyurt Plateau is a great source of oil and gas; besides it is a gorgeous place full of Karakalpak legends.

-Photo stop at Sudochie lake.

Lunch in Kungrad. Continue to Nukus.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the driver in the lobby.

- Visit Savitsky Museum exhibiting a unique collection of antiques of Khorezm and Karakalpak, Uzbek fine arts, and second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde works after the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg.

The founder of the museum, Igor Savitsky devoted his life to piece-by-piece collecting of the finest works of modern artists of Uzbekistan and Russian avant-gardists. In the 70s it was quite risky to become an anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned world recognition and rightfully deserved the must-see site status in Central Asia.

Transfer to Khiva  (180 km, ~ 3,5 hours) en-route photo stops at the ruins of fortresses of ancient Khorezm.

- Ayaz-kala and Toprak-kala, the fortresses of the Kushan period of Ancient Khorezm that used to be mighty border forts protecting the residents from raids of nomadic tribes.  The forts were built in ~4-7th century BCE, during the ages when Khorezm achieved its independence. The fortresses are located on the hills quite close to each other and visitors are welcome to have a short overview tour in the monumental forts that currently are drowning in sands.

Arrival in Khiva. Check in at the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start the walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-Kala (translated as “Inner Town”) -  the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia :

- Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark;

- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;

- Madrassah of Muhammad Aminhan;

- Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva;

- Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was;

- Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan;

- Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,

- Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Khoja, the prime minister of the Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country and is an early example of the architecture of the 14th century.

- Mosque and Jami Minaret.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Continue walking sightseeing in Khiva:

- Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum;

- Nurullabay palace.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start the Bukhara countryside tour:

- Samanids Mausoleum (9th century), a monument of early medieval architecture.

- The last Bukhara Emir’s summer residence, "Sitorai-Mokhi-Khossa". Located 4 km away from Bukhara. Once this palace life was in full swing and sealed people's fates. The palace witnessed the triumph and the last days of the Bukhara emirs

Master class of golden embroidery Zarduzlik ( about 1 hr)

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Morning at leisure.

11:00 Transfer to Asraf village, en-route visit

- Gijduvan pottery workshop where visitors are welcome for a tour around the workshop and observe the process of ceramic making and painting.

The owners demonstrate the stages of making ceramics from turning the potter’s wheel to making paints from natural ingredients, decorating the ceramics in a distinctive style, drying, and firing. Take a tour around the museum hall with a unique collection of various ceramic schools. 

Master-class of painting the ceramics and late lunch in master’s house.

Photo time near Aydarkul lake.

Aydarkul is a beautiful lake in the Kyzyl Kum desert which is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, abundance of fish and relaxing atmosphere.

It is possible to take a camel ride at the yurt camp (extra about 20 USD per person).

Traditional /camp-style dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.

Breakfast at the yurt camp

Morning at leisure, photo time.

Transfer to Nurata mountains.

- Nurata mounts, that is a unique place famous for Uzbekistan largest collection of ancient stone inscriptions – petroglyphs, some of the earliest ones are dated 9000 BC, while the latest inscriptions of 15 Century were made by sufi darvishes in Arab. Nowadays, the petroglyphs are a popular sight to visist in the National Park –reserve.

It is possible to take a horse riding in the surroundings (extra, usually, 15 – 20 USD per person – the locals offer horse riding at the area).

Lunch at the guesthouse.

Transfer to Samarkand.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Continue sightseeing in Samarkand (5-6 hrs):

– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – a unique complex of mausoleums on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of Abbas ibn Kussam;

– Paper factory "Meros”  in Konigil village that produces unique paper that can be preserved for more than 400 years and is used in craftworks.

Bread-baking master class and tea break. 

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

– Khoja Doniyor Mausoleum - the mausoleum over the grave of one of the saints. According to legend, back in the 18th century, the ashes of the Old Testament biblical prophet Daniyar (Daniel) were buried in the mausoleum, the remains of which were brought to Samarkand and buried by order of Amir Timur.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to the border Jartepa. Border crossing ( visa/ passport control usually takes 30 min- 1,5 hr).

Meet the guide and driver at the Tajikistan part of the border.

Take an off-road trip to pristine lakes located in the Fann Mountains; locals call the lakes Haftkul ( Seven Lakes) or Marguzor, after the name of the largest and most beautiful lake. 

 Every lake has its own name:  Nezhigon  (or Mizhgon),  Soybean, Gushor,  Nofin,  Hurdak,  Marguzor,  Hazorchashma. Six of the lakes are of dammed origin, besides Lake Hazorchashma.

The difference in level between the upper and lower lakes is 692 meters

Please note there are some shaky/ bumpy parts of the road; there is a mountainous, narrow track with photo stops.

Lunch at the guesthouse ( traditional meals).

Transfer to Penjikent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Morning light sightseeing in Penjikent:

- Ancient Penjikent - the ruins of the old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs.  The ruins were once a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and the foundations of the houses.

Transfer to Dushanbe with a short photo stop near Iskanderkul.

- Iskanderkul Lake- a lake of Alexander the Great - is a beautiful lake of about 30000 ha. According to legends, Iskanderkul Lake was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great’s path to Central Asia from India passed through this lake.  

Continue to Dushanbe, passing Iskanderkul Lake, the Anzob Tunnel, and the Anzob Pass with amazing panoramic views.

Evening arrival in Dushanbe.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Kalai Khum village (337 km) with sightseeing en route:

- Norak water reservoir, which locals call the Tajik Sea.

The highest point of the day trip is Shurab Pass (2 267 m), which lies along but does not cross the Afghanistan border. This part of Tajikistan is very beautiful, the mountain range is really impressive - these are the famous Pamir Mountains. 

One can compare the sights around to the ocean of white and blue mountains.

Transfer along the natural border - the Pyanj River.

Arrival in Kalai Khum. 

Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Transfer to Khorog, a small, beautiful town surrounded by rocky mountains.

Enjoy the gorgeous natural sights, and en route, you will meet the Pamir people.

One can notice the difference in the appearance of Tajik people and Pamir locals.

They have fair skin, blonde or light brown hair, and sky - blue eyes.

Isolation from other regions by mountain ranges made the traditions of the local people quite different from those of the Tajik people. 

Easy hiking in the Pamir Mountains. 

Resting time in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. 

Breakfast at the guesthouse. 

Morning at leisure.

Transfer back to Kalai Khum (~337 km) with light hiking, sightseeing, and photo stops en route.

Arrival in Kalai Khum.

Resting time in the evening.

Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Breakfast at the guesthouse. 

Transfer to Dushanbe, the capital and the largest city in Tajikistan.

The road passes through mountain passes, opening gorgeous views.

Take photo stops en route to enjoy the magnificent nature and take an easy hike.

Arrival in the afternoon.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:

- Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana.

- Tajik flagpole, one of  the world's tallest flagpoles (165-meter flagpole);

- Main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni, the forefather of the Tajik Nation, is located on the main square. A 40-metre high monument built in memory of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty;

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

- 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. You will also be able to visit the Old Medressa (Madrasai Kuhna) of the 16th-17th century with a museum inside, the new Medressa of the 17th-18th century, as well as the Caravan Saray.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start sightseeing tour in Khujand:

- Khujand, the second-largest city and one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan, was the furthest point Alexander the Great reached in Central  Asia, so the city was named  Alexandria  Eschate (Alexandria the Furthest).

- Pushkin Square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square;

- Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum; 

- Muslihiddin memorial complex;

- Panjshanbe Bazaar (the name Panjshanbe comes from the Persian language, meaning “Thursday”) is one of the oldest markets in Tajikistan;

- Arbob Palace received its particular significance in 1992, when it was the place for the meeting of the Tajik Soviet ministers, who officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. Also, it was the site where the Tajik flag was chosen.

Transfer to the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan land border, Oybek.

15:00 Border crossing ( visa/ passport control usually takes 30 min - 2 hr).

16:30 Meet the driver at the Uzbekistan side of the land border. Transfer to Tashkent (about 2 hrs).
Arrival at the hotel in Tashkent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

10:00 Meet the guide at the hotel. Transfer to Centre of Islamic Civilization.

It is suggested to be at the complex about 20 – 15 min before the start.

- 11:00 Start excursion with audio guide in Centre of Islamic Civilization – the unique complex that is listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest complex devoted to the Islamic civilization.

The Centre presents the historical connection of pre-islamic history, the cultural value of Islam religion in the history and science renaissance, and the ways how islam became the uniting source for weaving traditions into modern tendencies and innovative development of the region. The complex exhibits precious artefacts, the unique items of household, historical costumes and applied arts, the wall of history, informative panels, so-called “time-capsules” and the key sight is the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). 

A standard visit to the complex with audio guide takes about 2 hrs, the audio excursions are arranged in Uzbek, Russian and English languages. Please note it is highly recommended to book the entrance tickets in advance.

- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four waters”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of the old city in the bazaar.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:10 Transfer to the railway station in Tashkent.

08:10 Departure for Kokand by train "O'zbekistan".

12:28 Arrival in Kokand.

Come out of the terminal; the guide meets you at the exit of the terminal with a signboard "ANUR TOUR".

Start a sightseeing tour around Kokand.

Kokand (mentioned as Khavakand or Kokan, derived from a tribal name) is an ancient city that, due to its favorable location, was one of the convenient fortified points of caravan routes in the Great Silk Road.

Nowadays, Kokand is a modern town at the crossroads of Tashkent, the Fergana Valley, Andijan, and the other route to Khujand (Tajikistan) and is considered one of the most important pre-border points.

- Khudoyar-Khan Palace of the 19th century is listed in the world heritage of UNESCO and, at present, houses the Kokand Regional History Museum, which exhibits a unique collection of more than 3000 artifacts from ancient, khanate, and tsarist periods of the region.

- Norbut-Biy Madrassah, the largest madrassa in Kokand. The madrassa was built in the 18th century by captured architects as well as the famous Bukharian architect Usto Muhammed Salih Kasim, so the design and construction are quite typical of some monuments of the 18th century in Bukhara.

- Modari Khan Mausoleum (Modari-Khan means Mother of Khan)  was built in 1825 by order of the widow of Umarkhan,  famous poetess Nodira, to honor the tomb of her mother-in-law. Since then, the mausoleum became the family mausoleum where most of the female members of the khan family were buried.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Transfer to Fergana with sightseeing en route.

- Rishton (50 km west of Fergana) is famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to the ancient tradition that is more than 800 years old. Masters hand down their trade secrets from father to son. The unique red clay ceramic masterpieces are decorated with naturally made ultramarine, turquoise, and azure ornaments known as blue glaze "ishkor",

- Workshop of the famous potter Rustam Umarov, where visitors are welcome to observe the finest Rishtan ceramics in wonderful handmade and painted tea sets, lagans, and beautifully decorated jugs and vases.

Master class on painting ceramics and lunch in the master's house.

Transfer to Fergana

- Fergana  is a relatively young city that was founded as a strategic fortified point in Turkestan in 1876 during the tsarist period of the region. The town was initially called New Margilan and, later, in the Soviet period, renamed as Fergona in 1924. Nowadays, Fergana is a flourishing, beautiful town, and despite its young history, it has become the central point of the Fergana Valley.

- Visit Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex and the Regional Museum of Fergana.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Meet the guide at the hotel. Start sightseeing in Fergana and Margilan:

- Fergana is a relatively young city that was founded as a strategic fortified point in Turkestan in 1876 during the tsarist period of the region. The town was initially called New Margilan and, later, in the Soviet period, renamed Fergona in 1924. Nowadays, Fergana is a flourishing, beautiful town, and despite its young history, it has become the central point of the Fergana Valley.

- Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex.

- Margilan (“Marg” from Persian green grass, “lon”- “place“) was an inhabited settlement in the Fergana Valley since the 4th-3rd centuries BC, the town was well known for its crafts and finest silk fabrics from the Great Silk Road period up to now.

-  Workshop of Sobirjon Ota, where visitors can have a tour around the house and observe the process of silk manufacture with traditional decoration “ikat”.

Transfer to Andijan.

On arrival in Andijan, transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to the Uzbek- Kyrgyz border, Dostyk (ETA 09:00)

Border crossing formalities (40 min- 1, 5 hrs depending on the customs formalities and tourist flow). Meet the guide and driver.

Transfer to Osh,

 Start sightseeing tour in Osh, the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan, visiting

- Suleiman Too (Suleiman is the prophet Solomon - Suleyman in the Quran, “Too “is “mountain”). The museum is the only UNESCO site on the whole mountain, with many sacred places in caves and paths. It is quite unusual – the museum with rare artifacts is located in the largest cave of the mountain. Besides, there are several caves, rocks, and niches, each with its own name. The locals and pilgrims believe every spot of the mountain is sacred and come here to follow the rituals and pray for a better life and good health; couples come to pray to be blessed with a child. It is believed that every spot of the mountain is sacred. There is a watching platform with beautiful panoramic views of the city and surroundings.

15:30 Transfer to Osh Airport

16:45 Flight Osh - Bishkek.

17:25 Arrival at Bishkek Airport. 

Meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:

- Ala Archa Natural Park (~35 km from Bishkek, ~ 40min). Easy hiking and photo stops in Ala Archa gorge.

Start walking a city tour around Bishkek, visiting:

- Oak Park, the city center. It is also known 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 the Kyrgyz garrison, and a military band.

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

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

The tower was originally 45 m, but because of the great earthquake, part of the minaret was destroyed, and its height was reduced to 25 m. There are many beautiful legends about this place, and it is interesting to learn more.

- Issyk-Kul Lake is one of the most wonderful lakes in the world, located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “Hot Lake” and is considered one of "the pearls of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. There are many activities that entertain people on the beach: windsurfing, scooters, aqua parks, parachutes, and rides on boats and ships. In winter, there are also spots for alpinism where people enjoy incredible landscapes.

Leisure time and light walking at the lakeshore.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Sightseeing around Almaty includes visiting:

- Panfilov Park. The name of Panfilov Park comes from 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. The Zenkov Wooden 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 that 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 from the 17th century.

- Medeu, the world's largest speed skating rink, is known as Medeu. 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 the Shymbulak Ski Resort.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.