5-Stan Family Tour: 20 days

Flight to Ashgabat.

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

Migration formalities (  PCR/ visa/passport control usually takes 1,5 - 4 hr).

Please come out of the terminal, the driver is meeting with the sighboard 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 Ashgabat city tour:

- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118m column that considers 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.

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

-Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. It is considered the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousand people).

There are beautiful gardens and fountains near the mosque.

Transfer to the hotel.

Free time in the afternoon.Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport.
06:20 Departure for Mary by morning flight.

07:00 Arrival in Mary. 

Transfer to the border post "Olot – Farab". Border crossing back to Uzbekistan.
Meeting the driver at the Uzbekistan side of the border. Transfer to Bukhara.

Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start walking sightseeing program in Bukhara (5 hrs):

- 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);

- 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, visitors can purchase different souvenirs of a wide range from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;

- 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.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.

- Countryside trip to the last Bukhara's Emir’s summer residence "Sitorai-Mokhi-Khossa";

- Bakhauddin Naqshbandi mausoleum (the founder of Naqshbandi Sufi Spiritual order) located near Bukhara the memorial complex of Bakhauddin Nakshbandi is considered as one of the most significant religious places of Bukhara that attracts many visitors.

- Chor-Minor Madrasah - Chor-Minor is known as madrasah Halif Niyazkul (in Persian “Four minarets”) was built by merchant in 1807 in Bukhara.

Transfer to the hotel.  

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning at leisure.

11:00 Meet the driver at the lobby at your hotel in Bukhara.

Transfer to famous Gijduvan pottery workshop ( about 50 min drive from Bukhara) 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 of ceramic masterpieces with a unique collection of the ceramic items of Gijduvan and other regions of Uzbekistan. 

Master-class of painting ceramics and lunch at the master's house.

After drying and burning  the painted ceramics, the master will send the hand-made ceramics to your hotel in Samarkand within next two days.

Continue to the hotel in Samarkand. 

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

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

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

Take an off-road trip to pristine lakes located in Fan Mountains, locals called the lakes Haftkul ( Seven lakes) or Marguzor by 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, beside the 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 Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent visiting :

- Museum of Rudaki – As Penjikent is a birthplace of Abu-Abdallah Rudaki, the forefather of Persian Poetry. Before lunch, visit the local bazaar and mosque.

- The Sarazm Museum (UNESCO World Heritage).

- The archaeological site of the ruins of old Penjikent - a walled inter-city (2500-years ago) - was once a Sogdian trading city on the Silk Road. Today, only ruins are left owing to the fact that the main construction material was clay-bricks.

14:00 Transfer to Tajik - Uzbek border post Jartepa,

Migration formalities ( border crossing usuallt takes about 30 min-1,5 hr).

The driver will meet at Uzbekistan side of the border. Transfer to Samarkand.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hrs):

– Gur Emir Mausoleum – burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants decorated with gold ornaments, considered as one of the world significant places;

– Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture consists of three grandiose buildings: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori.

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

– Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

- Carpet factory “Hudjum” to observe the process of the finest carpets weaving.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Continue sightseeing program in Samarkand (5 hours):

– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums  formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) belonging to the Muslim person named 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;

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

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

17:35 Departure for Tashkent by train "Afrosiyob"/"Sharq".

20:05 Arrival in Tashkent. 

Transfer to the hotel 

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

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

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

- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theaters in the world that 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 the 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 the earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the 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 pilgrims and visitors all over the world.

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

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Countryside sightseeing in Tashkent, please choose one of the options below (guide and transport services are included for 5- 6 hrs).  Because the program today can be flexible, the entrance fees today are not included, tourists can buy the entrance tickets at the ticket offices on their own.

Resting time in the evening.  Overnight at the hotel.

Opt 1. Chimgan Tour

10:00 Meet the driver and guide at the hotel. Transfer to Chimgan Mountains area, 120 km from Tashkent, about 1,5 –2 hrs one way.

-  Amirsoy cable way ride. Entrance fees in Amirsoy complex/ Amirsoy cable way are not included, visitors can buy entrance tickets at the tickets offices of Amirsoy.

- Take a photo stop with panoramic views to Charvak Lake and Chimgan mounts.

After lunch in the local café in the place called Bochka, transfer back to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent (ETA by 17:00).

Opt 2. Sun Institute and Uzumfermer.

09:30 Meet the guide and driver. Transfer to Parkent (45 km, ~1 hour on the way)

- The Big Solar Furnace- the heliotechnical complex is one of the two largest solar structures in the world.  Due to its ideal location, Parkent Solar Furnace has a number of advantages that contribute to the accumulation of environmentally friendly solar energy. 

The visitors can participate in simple experiments and watch the work of solar panels - heliostats, compare electronic and sundials, boil water and learn how to light Olympic fire.

- Winery Uzumfermer (excursion around the winery and winetasting of local wines. Entrance fees to be paid at the winery ticket office).

Transfer to Tashkent (1 hour). Transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure.

11:30 Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

14:10 Departure flight Tashkent– Almaty by KC 128.  

15:30 Morning arrival in Almaty International Airport.

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, meet the driver with “ANUR TOUR” sign. Transfer to the hotel. Arrival in hotel. Time to rest after the flight.

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 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.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Transfer to Bishkek passing the border post "Korday". Border passing formalities usually take 30 min - 1 hour. Please note: while passing the land borders one needs to be ready to handle all the luggage across the border by him/herself.

Arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:

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

Transfer to the yurt camp near Issyk Kul with nature sightseeing en-route.

- Burana Tower was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the north capital of the Turkic lingual state of the Karakhanids, and the small nearby museum with its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments. 

-  Eagle show in Bokonbayevo;

-  Issyk-Kul  translated as “Hot Lake” - one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Asia. Due to the salty water Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. 

Enjoy your stay and real experience of nomadic life in the yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in a yurt.

Breakfast at the yurt camp.

Morning at leisure / photo-time in the yurt camp located near Issyk Kul lake.

Transfer to Bishkek en-route nature sightseeing:
-  Skazka ( Fairytale) canyon. The locals called the canyon Fairytale ( Skazka) for beautiful red rocks that create images of towers of famulous castles. Photo time and easy hiking between the picturesque rocks.
Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:

- Ala Archa Natural park (~35 km from Bishkek, ~ 40min)

Take an easy walk high up to observe the view of mountains and rich Kyrgyz nature, spectate birds and animals living their lives, watch how cold water of Kyrgyz rivers falling down the mountains, and continue its way among ancient trees and gorge itself.

Time to explore the area, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful nature views.

Transfer to back to Bishkek.

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.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Manas International Airport.

Morning departure flight from Bishkek.

End of the tour.