5-stan tour in Central Asia 7: 35 days

Connecting flights via Istanbul to Tashkent by TK 370

01:55 Arrival in Tashkent. 

Migration formalities usually take 30 min to 60 min: passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, the driver meets with “ANUR TOUR” sign.

Transfer to hotel. Resting time after the flights to get over the jet lag.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 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 of 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 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 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 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, one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia, attracts 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 the old city in the bazaar where people come for trades.

- 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 afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet the driver at the hotel in Tashkent.

06:00 Transfer to the local airport.

07:25 Flight Tashkent - Nukus  HY 11.

09:05 Arrival in Nukus.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver and guide. 

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

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

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

Photo stop in Ustyurt Plateau to enjoy unusual landscapes.

Arrival in the yurt camp, located close to Aral Sea.

Resting time in the afternoon. BBQ dinner and overnight in a yurt.

Camp-style breakfast.

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

- The Regional History and Aral Sea Museum and the ship cemetery of the Aral Sea. 

- 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 (4-3 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 Islam expansion, the town was inhabited until 14th Century and people continued to bury their relatives in Mizdakhan as they believed the place was a sacred place.

Arrival in Nukus.

Resting time in the afternoon. 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 70 s it was quite risky to become an anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned world recognition and deserved rightfully 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 the hotel.

Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide and start 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 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-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV 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 Turkmen – Uzbek Border post Shavat/Dashoguz.

Pass the border. Border passing formalities (passport and visa control might take 1 to 2 hrs depending on the customs formalities). Meet the guide and driver at Turkmen side of the border. Transfer to Kunya – Urgench.

Start sightseeing tour with visiting:

- Mausoleum of the founder of Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII C);

- Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym; minaret Mamun (X-XI);

- Minaret Kutlug -Timur (XII-XIV c, the highest minaret in Central Asia);

- Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II BC - III A.D.);

- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city - date of its bookmark is roughly estimated by XI century).

- In the afternoon transfer to Darvaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, 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 - Darwaza. The views are impressive, especially in sunset and night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings. 

BBQ 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 15 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 foothill lands of Kopetdag made favorable ecological conditions for the birth of strapping and wanton horses.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Ashgabat sightseeing tour:

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at 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 in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start WALKING sightseeing tour 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);

- 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;

-  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.

10:00 Sightseeing program in Bukhara countryside visiting:

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

- 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 as well as pilgrims.  The memorial was rebuilt several times in XIV - each Emir of Bukhara wanted to build something new near the mausoleum. This complex impresses with its incomparable style of oriental architecture, which reflects the spirit of the Sufi Order.

- Sitora-I – Mohi Khosa – last Emir summer residence visit by request.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 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 the ceramic items of Gijduvan and other regions of Uzbekistan. 

By request, a master class in painting ceramics, suzani embroidery, and traditional bread baking.

Continue to Samarkand.

Arrive in Samarkand in the afternoon, check in the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Shakhrisabz

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 deported from conquered Khorezm skillful builders, masters and artisans. Some parts of the gate tower survived to the present day.

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

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

- Mausoleum Gumbazi-Seyidon of the XVI century where the descendants of Ulugbek are buried.

Return 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. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand visiting (5-6 hrs):

– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of 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;

– 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.

Breakfast at the hotel.

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

Meet the guide and driver at Tajikistan part of the border. Start sightseeing tour:

-The Sarazm Important Bird Area (UNESCO World Heritage) lies downstream of the city on the tugay-vegetated floodplain of the river.

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 indie color ripple. Most of them are cold to swim even in summer. These lakes belong to Fann Mountains system.

On the western edge of the Fan Mountains in the valley of the river Shing there are seven lakes, six of them are 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 lake is 692 meters. Easy hike at the lakes. Lunch in the guesthouse.

Afternoon arrival in Penjikent. 

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Dushanbe with photo stop near Iskanderkul.

- Iskanderkul Lake, known as a lake of Alexander the Great The area of the lake is 30000 ha. According to the legend, 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, Anzob tunnel and 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 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 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 which officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. Also, it was the site where the Tajik flag was chosen.

Transfer to border Patar/ Andarhan.

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

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

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Meet the guide at the hotel lobby. Start sightseeing tour around Kokand visiting :

Kokand (mentioned as Khavakand or Kokan derived from a tribal name) is an ancient city that due to 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 as one of the most important pre-border points.

- Khudoyar-Khan Palace of 19th century is listed in the world heritage of UNESCO, at present days houses Kokand Regional History Museum that 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 XVIII century by captured architects as well as the famous Bukharian architect Usto Muhammed Salih Kasim, so the design and construction  is quite typical to some monuments of XVIII 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 khan family were buried.

- Rishton (50 km west of Fergana) famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to ancient tradition that is more than 800 years. 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 hand made and painted tea sets and lagans and beautifully decorated jugs and vases.

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. Continue sightseeing in Fergana valley:

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

- Visit Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex;

- Continue to Margilan. Margilan (“Marg” from Persian green grass, “lon”- “place“) was inhabited settlement in Fergana valley since IV-III 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 unique collection of literary works of Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur, an outstanding  ruler and the founder of Mogol 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.

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

- 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 legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).

- Victory Square, where in the centre you 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 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.

- Visit to the central bazaar for shopping.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the yurt camp

Transfer to Issyk Kul lake with nature sightseeing en-route:

- Issyk-Kyl lake is located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “hot Lake” and is considered as one of the pearls of Central Asia. Due to the salty water, Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities.

Arrival in yurt camp, where Kyrgyz people still live in traditional simplicity in unity with nature. Enjoy your stay in and real experience of nomadic life in the yurt camp.

Dinner and overnight in national yurt. 

Breakfast at the yurt camp

Transfer to Karakol with sightseeing en-route:

- Jeti Oguz gorge is famous for its red rocks formations that have the name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. One can see there the Broken Heart Mountain, one of the most popular places among locals and visitors, the valley is also known as Valley of flowers.

On arrival in Karakol,  start sightseeing visiting:

- Przhevalski memorial, who was a Great Russian Explorer of 19th century.

- 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 had Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

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, easy hiking in Altyn Arashan valley.

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

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to Kegen-Karjyra border, border passing formalities ( luggage/ visa/ passport control).

Transfer to one of the most beautiful places of Kazakhstan, Kaindy Gorge.

-Kaindy lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest 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 blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley.

The water of the lake is very cold, that is why 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.

 Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest 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 blocked the valley with the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are well-preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water. Dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. 

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Srart Almaty sightseeing tour 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.

- 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.

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.

Breakfast at the hotel,

Transfer to the airport.

Morning departure flight from Almaty.

End of the tour.