Central Asia VIP Tour

Tour itinerary: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Bishkek – Issyk Kul – Bishkek – Tashkent – Bukhara – Shahrisabz – Samarkand – Tashkent

Season: all the year round

Days: 12 | Nights: 11

Day 1

Almaty

Flight to Almaty.

Arrival at Almaty 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” or with your name on it.

Transfer to the hotel from Almaty airport to the city center may take about 30 min- 1 hr depending on the hotel location and traffic. Arrival in the hotel. Early check-in.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 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.

Day 2

Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Charyn Canyon that is often called "Valley of Castles". The length of the valley is more than 2 km, the width is 20-80 meters. It looks like the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in North America.

Time for walking among columns and towers made by nature.

Picnic lunch at nature.

Transfer to Almaty (261 km, ~ 4hrs) passing the bridge through the river Ili in vicinities Kapshagay of a water basin.

Arrival in Almaty in the evening.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Almaty – Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:15 Transfer to Almaty International airport.

10:15 Morning departure for Bishkek by KC 107.

11:00 Arrival in Bishkek 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” or with your name on it.

Transfer to the hotel. As Bishkek airport not far from the city center, the transfer will not take a long time (about 40 minutes depending on the hotel location).

Arrival in the hotel, drop off the bags.

Start Bishkek sightseeing tour 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.

- Visit the colorful central bazaar and TSUM (Department Store).

- In the afternoon, transfer to the National Flag hill located on one of the highest points of Bishkek where one can see the panoramic view of the city in sunset time.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening, Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Bishkek – Issyk Kul

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Issyk Kul with Bishkek countryside trip visiting:

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

Arrival in Ala-Archa's entry and prepare for a light hiking tour.

Take a 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.

- Issyk-Kyl 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 as 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.

Day 5

Issyk Kul – Bishkek – Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Transfer to Bishkek with sightseeing en-route visiting:

- Burana Tower (11th-century minaret) was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the north capital of the Turkic lingual state of the Karakhanids and 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.

16:40 Transfer to Manas International Airport.

18:40 Evening flight to Tashkent by HY 780 (1,5 hrs).

19:00 Arrival in Tashkent International Airport named after Islam Karimov, first President of Uzbekistan.

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” or with your name on it.

Transfer to the hotel. As Tashkent airport not far from the city center, the transfer will not take a long time (20 – 40 minutes depending on the hotel location).

Arrival in the hotel. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Tashkent

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.

Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent 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 the Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.

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

- 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 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 waters”, 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.

Day 7

Tashkent – Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

06:30 Transfer to the railway station in Tashkent.

07:28 Departure for Bukhara by high-speed train "Afrosiyob" OR morning flight ( depending on the air schedule).

11:19 Arrival in Bukhara.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Transfer to the hotel to drop off the bags.

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;

- Visit 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.

Optionally can be added by request:

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

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Bukhara countryside tour visiting:

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

- 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 attract many visitors.

- Chor-Minor Madrasah - Chor-Minor is 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.

Day 9

Bukhara – Shahrisabz – Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Samarkand via Shahrisabz.

Start sightseeing program in Shahrisabz visiting:

- 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.

Continue to Samarkand. Arrival in Samarkand. Hotel check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start sightseeing program in Samarkand visiting:

- Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants is decorated with gold ornaments and is considered as one of the most significant sights of the world;

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

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

- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of the Muslim saint Abbas ibn- Kussam;

- Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Samarkand – Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Continue sightseeing tour in Samarkand visiting:

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

- Mausoleum of Khoji Doniyor known also as Saint Daniel. Khoja Donier is considered as a saint patron of Samarkand, people believe that a visit to the mausoleum can bring health and success; many visitors come here to make wishes near the almond tree. A holy spring is located at the foot of the hill of the mausoleum; people claim the water has healing and miraculous properties;

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

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

16:30 Transfer to the railway station in Samarkand.

17:28 Departure for Tashkent by high-speed train "Afrosiyob".

19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

Morning departure flight from Tashkent.

End of the tour.

Tour Price (PER PERSON):

Person in group	Standart	Comfort hotels
1	$3610	$3825
2-3	$2265	$2445
4-5	$1835	$2010
Single supplement	$610	$725

Book it!

- Accommodation in standard twin - shared rooms;

- Early check-in on D 1;

- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class/SUV transport as per road conditions including transfers to-from airports and train stations;

- English-speaking escorting guide in Kazakhstan- Kyrgyzstan; English-speaking local guides in Uzbekistan (5 standard excursion);

- Meals: breakfasts in hotels;

- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums, and nature fees as per program;

- Train tickets Tashkent – Bukhara, Samarkand - Tashkent by tourist train “Afrosiab”/”Sharq” (business class); OR air tickets with possible airfare supplement (depending on the air schedule/prices);

- Tourist tax per person.

- - International flights to Almaty, Almaty –Bishkek; Bishkek – Tashkent, from Tashkent;

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

- Kazakhstan e/visa, Kyrgyzstan e/visa, E-visa to Uzbekistan (if required);

- Meals: lunches and dinners;

- VAT 15 %, personal travel/medical insurance, portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.

- By request, the flight Almaty - Bishkek can be replaced for a transfer Almaty - border post "Korday"- Bishkek ( depending on visa/migration formalities);

- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;

- Please note that the tour price does not include seasonal VAT 15 %, VAT can be added to the basic tour price.

- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;

- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;

- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;

- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;

- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).