5-stans tour in Central Asia 3: 14 days

The following measures are taken against the covid-19 virus in this tour.

Number of Persons Restrictions
Corona Virus Training for All

Safe Social Distance Regulation
Sanitary control

Tour itinerary: Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Tajikistan – Turkmenistan

Season: April - October

Days: 14 | Nights: 13

The two-week 5-Stan tour is a great chance to travel to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan and visit the capital and historical cities, amazing natural sights and learn more about interesting culture features and traditions of five countries.

Your Central Asia journey starts now!

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. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Almaty

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.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Almaty – Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Bishkek by car (250 km ~ 4-5hrs) to the border cross Kegen. Border crossing usually takes 30 min~1h.

Please note: while passing the border one needs to be ready to handle all the luggage across the border by him/herself (~300 m).

Continue to Bishkek.

Arrival at the hotel, check-in.Short time to rest.

in the afternoon start Bishkek walking 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.

Day 4

Bishkek – Issyk-Kul

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Transfer to Issyk-Kul lake sightseeing en-route:

- Issyk-Kul 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.

- 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.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Issyk-Kul – Bishkek - Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Bishkek sightseeing en-route 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 itself.

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

- 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.

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 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 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.
Around the Square there are the Museum of History of Timurids, Uzbekistan hotel, Forum Palace and famous chimes.

- Tashkent striking clock, one of 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 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 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 the 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 old city in bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in post cards 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.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Tashkent – Khujand

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 Meet the driver in the lobby.

Transfer to Uzbek - Tajik border post "Oybek" (~100 km). Border crossing to Tajikistan takes about 30 min-1 hr.

Meet the guide and driver at the Tajikistan side of the border and transfer to Khujand (70 km, 1h.) – the center of Sugd region of Northern Tajikistan.

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, Khujand’s central market that has many stores offering different kinds 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 routes passed through Khujand and had always made Panjshanbe crowded with merchants and travelers.

- Arbob palace.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Khujand – Penjikent – Samarkand

Breakfast.

09:00 Start driving to Penjikent through Istaravshan town (ancient name-Kiropolis). It's one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan.

Sightseeing tour in Istaravshan visiting:

- Mazar-i Sharif mausoleum;

- Kok-Gumbaz madrasa (16th century);

- Kuhi Mug, the ruins of an ancient fortress.

Arrival in Penjikent, a city in the Sugd province that was an ancient town in Sogdiana.

Start city tour in Penjikent visiting:

- The ruins of the old town area on the outskirts of the modern city. 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 that stood 2500-years ago - was once a Sogdian trading city on the Silk Road.

Transfer to Tajik-Uzbek border post Jartepa. Border crossing (ETA 16:00).

Meeting the driver at Uzbekistan part of the border

Transfer to Samarkand. Hotel check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9

Samarkand

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: 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;

- 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.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara

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.

Day 11

Bukhara

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 evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Bukhara – Mary – Ashgabat

Breakfast in the hotel.

08:30 Transfer to the border post "Olot – Farab". 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 Ancient Merv (UNESCO) visiting:

- Historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum;

- Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum,

- Medieval castles – “Kesk” fortresses (6-7 centuries) and others.

Return to Mary.

- Visit the History Museum of Merv region.

Transfer to the airport.
Departure for Ashagbat by evening flight (40 min).

Arrival in Ashgabat.

Transfer to the hotel. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13

Ashgabat

Breakfast.

09:00 Start Ashgabat city tour with visiting:

- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque with four minarets reminding the Blu Mosque of Istanbul was built in honor Ertogrul the father of the Osman I, the founder of Ottoman Empire,

- 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.

- Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. It is considered the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousands of people). There are a beautiful garden and fountains near the mosque.

- Ancient Nissa (18km from Ashgabad) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of I millennium BC - I millennium BC).

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14

Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel,

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.

Morning departure flight from Ashgabat.

End of the tour.

Price per person:

Person	Standart	Comfort
1	$3670	$3935
2-3	$2285	$2485
4-5	$1715	$1895
Single supplement	$370	$475

Book it!

Price included
Not included

- Turkmenistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);

- Accommodation based on shared yurt (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow);

- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms;

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

- English speaking professional licensed local guides in Uzbekistan (3 standard excursions), escorting guides in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan;

- Meals: breakfast at hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp;

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

- Tourist tax per person.

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

- Internal flights Mary – Ashgabat (by request, price subject to change);

- Kazakhstan e/visa, Kyrgyzstan e/visa, E-visa to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan e-visa (if required); Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent) and migration tax 10+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent);

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

- Turkmenistan: Tourist fee 2 USD per person per night (obligatory) charged in the hotels;

- Uzbekistan: Transport for a walking tour in Bukhara; guide/transport service for free time after the standard city tours;

- Meals: lunches and dinners except those specified in the included section;

- Personal/travel insurance; portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.