Central Asia 4 STAN tour - 4

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. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Sightseeing around Almaty includes visiting

- Panfilov Park. The name of the Panfilov Park comes after the heroes of Panfilov. There is a big monument in commemoration of the heroic actions made by 28 Almaty Soldiers who died in 1941 near Moscow.

- Zenkov Cathedral. Zenkov Wooden constructed Cathedral is one of the eight unique wooden buildings in the world. It is one of the few buildings to survive the 1911 earthquake, despite the fact it is built entirely of wood and constructed without nails;

- National Musical Instruments Museum. In the Museum of Musical Instruments, one can find various national musical instruments, the oldest of which is dated 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.

Leisure time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet with a guide & driver in the hotel's lobby and start of Almaty city tour

- Visit to Panfilov's Park with Zenkov's Orthodox Cathedral, Great Patriotic War Memorial and National Musical Instruments Museum;

- Visit Central Mosque and Green Bazaar;

- Drive to Medeo world skating rink. There will be an opportunity for a short hiking tour upstairs to the top of the dam to enjoy the beautiful view of surroundings;

- Take a cable car to Chimbulak ski resort;

Return to Almaty.

Leisure in the afternoon. Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Sightseeing around Almaty includes visiting

- Panfilov Park. The name of the Panfilov Park comes after the heroes of Panfilov. There is a big monument in commemoration of the heroic actions made by 28 Almaty Soldiers who died in 1941 near Moscow.

- Zenkov Cathedral. Zenkov Wooden constructed Cathedral is one of the eight unique wooden buildings in the world. It is one of the few buildings to survive the 1911 earthquake, despite the fact it is built entirely of wood and constructed without nails;

- National Musical Instruments Museum. In the Museum of Musical Instruments, one can find various national musical instruments, the oldest of which is of the XVII century.

- Medeu, the World's largest speed skating rink known as Medeo. At the end of the gorge there is a ski resort Shymbulak, situated at an altitude of 2.200 m above sea level. It is one of Central Asia's top skiing spots where one can take a cable car funicular to Shymbulak Ski resort.

Leisure time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

06:00 Transfer to the airport.

09:00 Morning flight to Bishkek by KC107.

10:30 Arrival in Bishkek.

Meet the driver and guide at the airport meeting zone.

Start  Bishkek  sightseeing tour visiting:

- Oak Park - city center. It is known also 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 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 central bazaar.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Issyk Kul with sightseeing en-route:

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

- Continue driving to Issyk-Kul. The lake is called "the pearl of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. Arrival to Issyk-Kul, accommodation in the hotel on the North Shore of the lake.

- Easy hike near the lake. Issyk Kul is one of the most wonderful lakes of the world, located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “Hot Lake”. 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.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure, easy hike at the lakeshore.

09:00 Transfer to Bishkek with sightseeing en-route:

- Visit a place with ancient pictures on stones- petroglyphs, where you can see a panorama view of the Issyk Kul Lake. Shamans made these petroglyphs and told people that this place was the middle of the world. The stones are at the same place waiting for the visitors to reveal their secrets.

- Ala Archa National Park (40 km from Bishkek).

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport.

Morning flight to Dushanbe.

Arrival in Dushanbe.

Meet the driver and guide at the airport meeting zone.

 Start Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:

- Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana;

- Tajik flagpole-one of  the World tallest flagpoles (165-meter flagpole);

- Main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni-the forefather of Tajik Nation located in the main square. A 40-meter high monument built to the 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 16-17th century with a museum inside, the new Medressa of 17-18 century as well as Caravan Saray.

Transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure.

12:00 Transfer to Iskanderkul (140 km, 2 hrs.), north to the "Land of Mountains" en- route enjoying gorgeous views of green, sometimes barren rocks, rushing mountain streams and steep rocks.

Take few photo stops en - route.

Arrival in Dushanbe, light sightseeing in the afternoon.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Light hiking tour to Iskanderkul lake, sightseeing en-route:

-  Iskanderkul, enjoy the view of the pearl of Fan Mountains – Iskanderkul Lake (Alexander Lake, 2195 m).

Arrive at the Iskandarkul, have a picnic at the most beautiful lake in the Fan Mountains.  Learn more about legends about Alexander the Great.

- Later visit the "Niagara fall" of Tajikistan- that's how locals name this waterfall. On a vibrating viewing platform watch the waterfall 40 meters deep. Excursion and hike to the waterfall and Snake Lake.

Transfer to Penjikent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start the sightseeing tour in Penjikent - an ancient town in Sogdiana and now it is a city in the Sugd province of Tajikistan on Zeravshan River.

- 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 ancient Penjikent - the ruins of the old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins.

- Museum of Rudaki,  Penjikent is a birthplace of Abu-Abdallah Rudaki, the forefather of Persian Poetry.

Transfer to border Jartepa. Border crossing usually takes 30 min- 1 hr.

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

Transfer to Samarkand. Arrival at the hotel and check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):

- 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: Ulugbek 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 15th 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. 

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Continue sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):

- 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;

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

- Paper factory ”Meros”  in Konigil village that produces 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.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Transfer to Bukhara, en- route visiting 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 the 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 of painting ceramics, suzani embroidery, and traditional bread baking.

Continue to Bukhara.

Arrival in the afternoon, check-in the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):

- 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 afternoon. Overnight.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Free day in Bukhara.

12:00 Standard check out.

14:30 Transfer from hotel to the train station.

15:50 Departure for Tashkent by tourist train "Afrosiab" or "Sharq".

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.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

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

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

- Tashkent chimes, one of the major symbols of Tashkent, were brought from defeated Koenigsberg in 1945 as a sign of the great victory and eternal glory of patriots who fought in World War II.

- Theatre Square with the Opera House: State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theatres of the world that performs both classical and national repertoires.

- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan. There are fountains, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers of World War, arch "Good and noble aspiration" crowned with birds of happiness and prosperity, road "Ok Yul" leading to Independence Monument and a monument to Happy Mother symbolizing the hope for a great future.

- 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 is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts pilgrims and visitors all over the world.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel,

Transfer to the airport.

Morning departure flight from Tashkent.

End of the tour.