5-stan tour in Central Asia 3: 18 days

Flight to Almaty.

Evening arrival in Almaty International Airport n.

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. Arrival in the hotel. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

 Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Charyn Canyon. Sightseeing in the "Valley of Castles".

Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique in its kind not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during Paleogene and reminds the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America, although inferior to it in size. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon is up to 150-300 meters. Extraordinary dissection of the terrain is striking: the numerous ravines form a dense, chaotic network. Wind and water have created the beautiful "Valley of Castles", where you are always surrounded by the fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley - more than 2 km, width - 20-80 meters. For millions of years the nature has been creating a unique architecture, erecting magnificent castles carefully and slowly.

Transfer to Kolsai Lakes, easy hiking near Kolsai lake 1 (1800 m above sea level).

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Transfer to Kaindy gorge. Exploring 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.

Easy hike in the gorge with photo stops.

Transfer to Almaty. Arrival in the evening.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 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.

- 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.

13:00 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.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start afternoon 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.

15:30 Transfer to Manas International Airport.

19:50 Departure flight Bishkek – Tashkent by HY 778.

20:10 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 in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Take away breakfast.

05:30 Transfer to the local airport

07:15 Flight Tashkent-Nukus HY 11.

08:55 Arrival in Nukus. Come out of the terminal, meet the driver and guide.

- 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.

- 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.

-  Transfer to Muynak. Muynak city used to be one of the richest city in the delta of Amu-darya,” the gates to Uzbekistan from the sea”. Nowadays, there is only ship cemetery of Aral Sea 200 kilometers from the present seashore.

Return to Nukus.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 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 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 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, 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 evening. 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 – 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;

- Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country.

- Mosque and Jami Minaret.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to Uzbek- Turkmen border post Shavat /Dashoguz. Border passing formalities (passport, visa control / sanitary control (PCR test requirements) might take from 1 hr up to 2-2,5 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

-the founder mausoleum of Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII centuries);

-the mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym (XII-XIV centuries);

- minaret Mamun (X-XI centuries);

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

-Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in 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 Darwaza 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 yurt.

Breakfast in the yurt camp. 

09:00 Transfer to Ashgabat, the road changes from off-road to asphalt road.

- 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).

On arrival in Ashgabat, start light sightseeing in Ashgabat:

- 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, where you can see more than 166 unique  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. 

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel/ take away breakfast.

Transfer to Ashgabat Airport.

Morning flight Ashgabat – Mary.

Arrival in Mary. Come out of the terminal, meet the driver.

Transfer to the Ancient Merv (UNESCO) for sightseeing in the historical park visiting:

- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum - the best remaining testimony to Seljuk power at Merv is the 38 m-high Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, located in the center of Sultan Kala. The building was restored with Turkish aid and rises dramatically in the open plain. Sanjar, the grandson of Alp-Arslan, died in 1157, reputedly of a broken heart when, after escaping from captivity in Khiva, he came home to find that his beloved Merv had been pillaged by Turkic nomads.

- Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum;

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

- History museum of Merv region.

Afternoon transfer to Turkmen –Uzbek border post Farab/ Alat. Border passing formalities (passport and visa control takes shorter than on arrival to Turkmenistan). The driver meets at Uzbek side of the land border. Transfer to the hotel in Bukhara.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara:

- 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.

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 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 and 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.

– 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;

– Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

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.

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 at the guesthouse.

Transfer to Penjikent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent visiting: 

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

- The archaeological site of the ruins of old Penjikent - a walled inter-city (2500-years ago) that was a Sogdian trading city on the Silk Road.

Transfer to Khujand via Istaravshan town, 78 km southwest from Khujand.

 Istaravshan is one of the most ancient cities of Tajikistan (more than 2500 years). Ancient name Cyropolis founded by Cyrus the Great in 544 BC as a boarding fort of the Achaemenid Empire.Overview sightseeing in Istaravshan visiting:

- Mazori Sharif mausoleum;

- Kog Gumbaz madrasa (16th century);

- Kuhi Mug, the ruins of the ancient fortress.

Arrival in Khujand, check-in the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start sightseeing tour in Khudjand visiting

-  Pushkin square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square;

-  Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum;

-  Muslihiddin memorial complex;

-  Panjshanbe bazaar (Khujand’s central market that has many shops offering different kind of goods and services. The name Panjshanbe comes from Persian language meaning “Thursday”. Panjshanbe is considered as one of the oldest markets in Tajikistan. The Silk Road which passes Khujand city that always made Panjshanbe a crowded place).

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

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

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

Transfer from the border post to the hotel in Tashkent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

11:00 Meet the guide and driver. 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.

Transfer to the Tashkent International Airport