5-stan tour in Central Asia 7: 35 days

Flight to Tashkent.

Afternoon/evening arrival at Tashkent 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. As Tashkent airport is not far from the city center, the transfer will take about 20 – 40 minutes, depending on the hotel location.

Arrival at the hotel. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

09:00 Meet with a guide.

Start a sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs), visiting old and new parts of the city:

- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994, after Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
Around the Square, there is the Museum of History of Timurids, the Uzbekistan Hotel, the Forum Palace, and the famous Tashkent striking clock.

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

- Theater Square with the Opera House: The State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi, built in 1947, is one of the best opera theaters in the world and 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, and 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 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 7th century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.

- 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 where people come for trade. The bazaar's 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 the oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets, and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delicious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.

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

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

05:30 Transfer to the local airport.

07:15 Flight Tashkent - Nukus  HY 11.

08:55 Arrival in Nukus.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. 

Transfer to the Aral Sea lake shore with sightseeing and photo stops en route.

The Aral Sea is the former fourth-largest lake in the world, bordering Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In the 1960s, the construction of melioration canals for cotton irrigation from the Amu Darya River began, and the Aral Sea began to shallow.  The area of the Aral Sea is rapidly decreasing, towns and villages that were once the seaports are now far away from the present shoreline.

The same is true with Muynak, once located on the shore of the Aral Sea; now it is separated from the sea by 200 kilometers.

Photo stop in the Ustyurt Plateau to enjoy unusual landscapes.

Arrival in the yurt camp, located near the Aral Sea.

Resting time in the afternoon.

BBQ dinner and overnight in a yurt.

Camp-style breakfast.

09:00 Transfer to Muynak via the beautiful Red Canyons with the beautiful and unusual Martian landscape. Arrival in Muynak city, which used to be one of the richest cities in the delta of the Amu-Darya,” the gates to Uzbekistan from the sea”. Nowadays, there is only the cemetery of the Aral Sea. 

- Visit the Mizdakhan necropolis on the way back to Nukus (about 20 km from Nukus), an ancient cemetery, and located next to the remains of the Gyaur-Kala fortress (4th-3th century BC).

- Gaur Kala (translated as the fortress of pagans) was a Zoroastrian town with the citadel, the fire altar, and a large cemetery nearby. Even after the Arab invasion and Islamic expansion, the town was inhabited until the 14th century, and people continued to bury their relatives in Mizdakhan as they believed the place was sacred.

Arrival in Nukus.

Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

06:00 Meet the driver at the lobby.

- Visit to Savitsky Museum exhibiting a unique collection of antiques of Khorezm and Karakalpak, Uzbek fine arts, and the second largest collection of Russion 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 70 s, it was quite risky to become an anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and the first years since Uzbekistan's independence, the museum earned world recognition and rightfully deserved the must-see sight status in Central Asia.

Transfer to Khiva. The road will take ~ 4 hours (202 km) 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 the~4th-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 are currently drowning in sand.

Arrival in Khiva. Check in at the hotel.

Resting time in the evening.

Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start the walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Itchan-Kala (translated as “Inner Town”). Itchan-Kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia, consisting of :

- Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark;

- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;

- Madrassah of Muhammed 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 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.

Free day in Khiva to have some rest and enjoy leisure sightseeing, shopping, and photo time on your own.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to the Turkmen – Uzbek Border post Shavat/ Dashoguz.

Border-passing formalities (passport and visa control usually take 1.5 to 3 hours). Meet the guide and driver at the Turkmen side of the border. Transfer to Kunya – Urgench.

Start sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench:

- the founder mausoleum of the Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (12th-13th centuries);

- mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym ; minaret Mamun (10th-11th centuries);

- minaret Kutlug-Timur (12th-14th century, the highest minaret in Central Asia);

- Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (2nd century BC–3rd century AD);

- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city - date of its construction is roughly estimated to be the 11th century).

Transfer to the Darvaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, and continue 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 - Darvaza. The views are impressive, especially at sunset and night, when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings. 

Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.

Breakfast at the yurt camp.

Transfer to Ashgabat, on arrival in Ashgabat, start sightseeing:

- Anau mosque ruins of the 15th century and Anau culture remains of the Bronze Age in the suburban area of Ashgabat;

- Ahalteke horse stables, where you will have an opportunity to see the most beautiful horses in the world. Archeologists and historians proved that horses were handled on the territory of Turkmenistan a minimum of five thousand years ago. The specialists note that the foothill lands of Kopetdag made favorable ecological conditions for the birth of strapping and wanton horses.

Resting time in the evening. 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 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.

A trip to ancient Nissa (18 km from Ashgabad), which 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.

Takeaway breakfast
Transfer to the airport.
06:20 Departure for Mary by morning flight.

07:00 Arrival at Mary Airport. 

Transfer to the land border, Farab - Alat. Border crossing, migration formalities ( visa/ passport control). 
The driver meets 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 to survive 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 16th century, and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry, and money exchange. Nowadays, 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 (pair) 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 that impresses the imagination;

- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel, dating back to the 1st 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 in the lobby.

Start the Bukhara countryside tour by visiting

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

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

-  Chor-Minor Madrasah - Chor-Minor, known as Madrasah Halif Niyazkul (in Persian, “Four minarets”), was built by a 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 in Bukhara, 

11:00 Transfer to Samarkand, en route visiting the famous 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 of ceramic masterpieces with a unique collection of ceramic items from Gijduvan and other regions of Uzbekistan. 

By request ( as extra), ceramic painting master class.

Continue to Samarkand.

Arrival in Samarkand in the afternoon, check in at the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to  Shahrisabz and the beautiful Takhta Karacha pass.

Meet the guide in Shahrisabz.

Excursion tour in Shakhrisabz includes visiting ( 2,5 hrs)

- Ak Saray Palace (“White Palace”), the ruins of the summer palace of Tamerlane. The palace was constructed and decorated by skillful builders, masters, and artisans who were deported from conquered Khorezm. Some parts of the gate tower survived to the present day.

- Mausoleum of Dorus-Saodat ("The Place of Power", 14th century) contains the tomb of Eldest and favourite Tamerlane’s son, Jahongir.

- Visit Kok Gumbaz, so-called “House of Meditation.

- Mausoleum Gumbazi-Seyidon of the 16th century, where the descendants of Ulugbek are buried. 

Return to Samarkand. Transfer to the hotel.

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 one of the world's most significant places;

– Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture—which 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 the 15th century.

– Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

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

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand, visiting (5-6 hrs):

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

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

– Mausoleum of Hoji Doniyor, also known as Saint Daniel.

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

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meet the driver at the hotel in Samarkand.

08:00 Transfer to the border post Jartepa. Border crossing usually takes 30 min-1 hr.

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

Transfer to Marguzor, the famous seven lakes - seven wonderful water mirrors full of mountain riverside drops. Each lake looks different whenever the sun changes its position. Colors may vary from deep blue to an indie color ripple. Most of them are cold to swim even in summer. These lakes belong to the Fann Mountains system.

On the western edge of the Fann Mountains in the valley of the river Shing, there are seven lakes, six of which are of dammed origin, besides the lake Hazorchashma. Lakes are called Marguzor, but each lake has its own name: Nezhigon, Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma. The difference in level between the upper and lower lakes is 692 meters. Easy hike at the lakes.

Transfer to Penjikent. Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent, visiting: 

-The Sarazm Museum (UNESCO World Heritage).

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 foundation 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, the 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 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.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start sightseeing tour in Khujand:

- Khujand, the second-largest city and one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan, 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.

- had 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 border Patar/ Andarhan.

15:00 Border crossing usually takes 30 min- 1 hr.

16:00 Meet the driver at the Uzbekistan part of the border. Transfer to Kokand. 
Arrival at the hotel in Kokand.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

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, Fergana valley to Andijan, and the other route to Khujand (Tajikistan), and is considered one of the most important pre-border points.

Start sightseeing tour around Kokand, visiting:

- Khudoyar-Khan Palace of the 19th century is listed in the world heritage of UNESCO, and at present houses Kokand Regional History Museum that exhibits a unique collection of more than 3000 artefacts 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.

- Rishton (50 km west of Fergana) is famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to an 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.

Transfer to Fergana.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.

Continue sightseeing in the Fergana Valley:

- 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 ;

- Continue to Margilan. 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.

- Said-Ahmad Hodji Madrassah , where craftsmen produce original silk carpets,

- Silk factory Yodgorlik , where visitors are welcome to observe the process of silk manufacture with traditional decoration “ikat”.

Transfer to Andijan to visit

- Bobur Literary Museum with a unique collection of literary works of Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur, an outstanding  ruler and the founder of the Mughal Empire,

- Art and Literature Museum,

- Memorial park complex on the Bog-I Shamol named after Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur is one of the most beautiful places in Andijan, popular among the locals and the visitors of the city.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to the Uzbek- Kyrgyz border Dostlik. 

Border crossing formalities usually take from 1 hr- 2 hrs depending on the tourist flow that day.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start sightseeing in Bishkek, 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, observe birds and animals living their lives, watch how the cold water of Kyrgyz rivers falls down the mountains, and continue its way among ancient trees and the gorge itself.

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

In the afternoon, start a Bishkek walking tour visiting:

- Oak Park - city center. It is also known as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among 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.

- Visit the central bazaar.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09.00  Transfer to the Issyk-Kul lake (~ 2 hours, 260 km) en route visiting:

- Burana Tower (11th-century minaret) was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the northern capital of the Turkic linguistic state of the Karakhanids, and a nearby open-air museum with its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments. 

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 of 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 Transfer to Karakol.

On arrival, start sightseeing in Karakol, visiting:

- The wooden Russian-Orthodox church.

- Dungan mosque is one of the most famous places in Karakol town. The most interesting thing is that it is built without a single metal nail. More than 100 years ago, there was a Chinese master who lived in this town. Dungans are people from China who practice the Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.

- Museum of N.M. Przhevalski (Russian explorer of the Asian continent).

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day in Karakol to have some rest and enjoy leisure sightseeing and photo time on your own.

Optional ( can be added by request as extra), an off-road trip to hot springs in Altyn Arashan, and easy hiking in Altyn Arashan valley.

Evening dinner in a guesthouse of the Dungan family.
Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to Kegen-Karjyra border, border passing formalities ( luggage/ visa/ passport control usually take 40 min - 2 hrs).

Transfer to one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan, Kaindy Gorge ( off-road part of the trip)

-Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forests at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide that blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water flooded the valley.

The water of the mountain lake is very cold, and the stems of fir trees overlook the crystal lake surface like a flooded forest. Take photo stops in Kayindy Gorge and at the observation platform of the lake. The green slopes, fresh air, and stunning azure lake create the enchanting atmosphere of Kayindy National Park. 
Please note that Kayindy Gorge is located in the pre-border area, at the posts, visitors will need to have their passports/IDs.

Transfer to Saty village.

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Exploring one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan, Kaindy Gorge.  Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forests at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide that blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold; as a result, the needles of the flooded trees are well preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water, and dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake.

Afternoon transfer to Almaty.

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 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 the Shymbulak Ski Resort.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day in Almaty to have some rest and enjoy leisure sightseeing, shopping and photo time on your own.

Optional ( can be added by request as extra):

- Hunn Ethno village visit;

- Sunkar falcon farm ( falcon show).

Back to Almaty.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to Almaty International Airport.

Morning departure flight from Almaty.

End of the tour.