Central Asia 4 STAN tour - 3

Tour itinerary: Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Tajikistan

Season: April - October

Days: 14 | Nights: 13

Explore Central Asia for 2 weeks to acquaint beautiful culture and traditions and of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.

Open your soul towards the worldview visiting capitals and historical cities of Central Asian, enjoy staying overnight near Darvaza crater under the starry sky and light hiking in beautiful Seven lakes of Fann Mountains. Discover Central Asian '-stan' countries of different landscapes and beautiful nature of deserts, mountains and lakes that are woven in a classical sightseeing tour around the Great Silk Road cities.

Book a tour for your suitable dates!

Day 1

Almaty

Flight to Almaty.

Arrival in 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 hotel. Check in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Almaty

Breakfast in 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 is dated of 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 hotel.

Day 3

Almaty – Tashkent

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:20 Transfer to Almaty Airport.

12:20 Departure flight Almaty - Tashkent by KC 127.

12:50 Arrival in Tashkent 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”.

Transfer to the hotel to drop off the bags. Meet the guide at the lobby.

Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (4 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:

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

- Tashkent chimes, one of major symbols of Tashkent, were brought from defeated Koenisberg 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 builit in 1947 is one of the best opera theatres of the world 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 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.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva

Breakfast in the hotel.

06:00 Transfer to the local airport.

07:25 Flight Tashkent-Urgench HY 51.

08:55 Arrival in Urgench.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver in the meeting zone.

Transfer to hotel. Standard check in after 14:00.

Start WALKING excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”). 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;

- Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin;

- Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum;

- Minaret and Islam-Khoja Madrassah, Mosque and Jami Minaret.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Khiva – Kunya Urgench – Darvaza

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:

- the founder mausoleum 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 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 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 yurt.

Day 6

Darwaza – Ashgabat

Camp- style breakfast

Transfer to Ashgabat, on arrival in Ashgabat start sightseeing:

- 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).

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

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

- Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118m column that consider the highest building in the country);

- Neutrality Arch - unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun;

- National Museum, where one can see more than 166 unique exposition from Ancient Merv and Nissa.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Ashgabat – Mary – Bukhara

Take-away breakfast.
Transfer to the airport.
06:20 Departure for Mary by morning flight.

07:00 Arrival in Mary.

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 border post Farab/Alat. Border crossing back to Uzbekistan usually takes shorter time.
16:00 The driver meets at Uzbekistan side of the border. Transfer to Bukhara.

Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight.

Day 8

Bukhara

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide at 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;

- Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with 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 to Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.

Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight.

Day 9

Bukhara – Shahrisabz – Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz town.

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 favourite Tamerlane’s son Jahongir.

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

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

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

Free time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Samarkand

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide at 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;

- famous Registan Square – heart of Samarkand and 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 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 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 11

Samarkand – Seven Lakes – Penjikent

Breakfast at the hotel.

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

Meet the guide and driver at the Tajikistan part of the border. Start sightseeing - nature watching 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 of dammed origin, besides the lake Hazorchashma. Lakes are called Marguzor, but each of the lakes has its own name: Nezhigon (other references Mizhgon), Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma. The difference in level between the upper and lower lake is 692 meters.

Transfer to the hotel in Penjikent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 12

Penjikent – Khujand

Breakfast in the guesthouse.

Transfer to Khujand via Istaravshan town.

-Located in the northern foothills of the Turkistan mountain range, 78 km southwest from Khudjand , 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 Achaemenid Empire. During the Soviet era, the city was known as Ura-Tyube.

Overview sightseeing in Istaravshan visiting:

- Mazori Sharif mausoleum;

- Kog Gumbaz madrasa (16 century);

- Kuhi Mug, the ruins of ancient fortress.

Afternoon arrival in Khujand.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13

Khujand – Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start Khujand sightseeing tour.

Khujand, the second-largest city and one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan, was the furthest point Alexander the Great reached in Central Asia, so the city was named Alexandria Eschate (Alexandria the Furthest). Sightseeing tour on arrival:

- Pushkin square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square;

- Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum;

- Muslihiddin memorial complex;

- Panjshanbe bazaar (the name Panjshanbe comes from the Persian language meaning “Thursday”). Panjshanbe is one of the oldest markets in Tajikistan.

- Arbob palace.

15:00 Afternoon border crossing BP Oybek to Uzbekistan (takes about 30 min-1 hr).

16:00 Meet the driver at Uzbekistan side of the border. Transfer to Tashkent (appr. 2 hrs drive).

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14

Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel,

Transfer to the airport.

Morning departure flight from Tashkent.

End of the tour.

Book it!

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

- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms;

- Accommodation based on shared yurt or private tent in Darwaza camp (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow);

- Meals: breakfast at hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp ( fixed menu, alcohol excluding); lunch in a guesthouse in 7 lake trip ( home-made traditional meals, fixed menu);

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

- English speaking local guides in Uzbekistan (5 standard excursions), local guide on Almaty ( 1 standard excursion), local guide/s in Turkmenistan ( D 5- D7) and escorting guide in Tajikistan( D 11- D13) ;

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

- Internal flights Tashkent– Urgench, Ashgabat – Mary (economy class);

- Tourist tax per person.

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

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

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

- Transport for walking tours in Khiva and 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”.

The tour is published on January 19, 2024 and the rates as per program and conditions specified are actual for 180 days ( 6 month) from the date of publication.

All the rates will be subject to change if the request is after 180 days/6 month from date of publication because any changes in the seasonal tariffs for hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may cause the increase of rates.

- Any changes in the basic itinerary and service content may cause the change of the tour prices.

- If the hotels, noted in the program are fully booked or not available for the dates or in case of late / last-minute booking, the tour company reserves the right to book the other hotels of the same category and similar service as per room availability.

- Please note that during the national holidays, during the big summits, fairs, festivals, major sport and cultural events, some parts of the roads can be temporarily blocked for delegations and events as per government decrees.

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

- 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;

- Please note yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions. Single accommodation in the guesthouses, yurts and homestays is subjest of availability in high season;

- 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).

ACCOMMODATION

CITY	STANDARD	COMFORT
ALMATY	Voyage Hotel	Renion Park/ Kazhol Park
TASHKENT	Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle / Uzbekistan	Inspira-S / Ichan Qala / Ateca / Mirzo Boutique
KHIVA	Minor Boutique/ Malika Kheyvak/	Zarafshon Boutique/ Erkin Palace/ Asia Khiva
DARWAZA	Yurt camp
ASHGABAT	Ak Altyn	Sport
BUKHARA	An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya
SAMARKAND	Malika Prime/ Zilol Baxt/ Shaxzoda Elite	Dilimah / East Star/ Kosh Hovuz/ Emirhan
PENJIKENT	Panjakent Plaza
KHUJAND	Parliament / Sugdiyon
Or other hotels as per rooms availability