Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan Tour | 1

Tour itinerary: Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan

Season: all the year around

Days: 12 | Nights: 11

12-day Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan tour is a wonderful trip along the Great Silk Road cities and stunning nature of Issyk Kul and Karakol. Take the tour and enjoy warm welcome of Central Asia!

Day 1

Tashkent

Flight to Tashkent.

Early morning arrival in Tashkent International Airport ( ETA 01:00 a.m).

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, the driver meets a sign “ANUR TOUR”.

Transfer to the hotel.

Arrival in the hotel. Extra night /early check-in.

Resting time after the flight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

12:00 Meet the guide at the hotel lobby.

Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 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 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 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.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva

Early breakfast at the hotel.

06:00 Transfer to the local airport.

07:25 Flight to Urgench by HY51.

08:55 Arrival in Urgench Airport.

Come out of the terminal and meet with our driver.

Transfer to Khiva (30 км) hotel to drop off the bags. Standard hotel check-in at 14:00.

Meet the guide at the lobby.

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 consisting of:

- 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;

- Pahlavan Mahmud Gates, 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 3

Khiva – Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:15 Transfer to the railway station in Khiva.

08:23 Departure for Bukhara by train (as per train schedule) OR transfer by car (475 km, 7 hrs).

13:35 Arrival in Bukhara.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the afternoon/evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

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 5

Bukhara – Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Sightseeing program in Bukhara countryside visiting:

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

- Sitora-I – Mohi Khosa – last Emir summer residence visit by request.

12:00 Standard check out.

14:40 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.

15:50 Departure for Samarkand by high-speed train "Afrosiyob".

17:25 Arrival in Samarkand.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Samarkand – Tashkent

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 – heart of Samarkand and 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.

16:30 Transfer to the train 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 7

Tashkent – Bishkek

Early breakfast at the hotel.

05:00 Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

07:50 Morning flight Tashkent- Bishkek by HY 777,

10:00 Arrival in Bishkek.

Meet the driver and guide at the airport meeting zone.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8

Bishkek – Issyk Kul

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Bishkek with nature 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.

- Eagle show in Bokonbayevo (traditional eagle hunting).

- 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.

Arrival in yurt camp, where Kyrgyz people still live in traditional simplicity in unity with nature. Enjoy your stay in and real experience of nomadic life in the yurt camp.

Dinner and overnight in national yurt.

Day 9

Issyk Kul – Karakol

Breakfast at the yurt camp.

09:00 Transfer to Karakol yurt camp passing the south shore of Issyk Kul.

- Jeti Oguz gorge is famous for its red rocks formations that have the name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. One can see there the Broken Heart Mountain, one of the most popular places among locals and visitors, the valley is also known as Valley of flowers. On arrival in Karakol start sightseeing in Karakol:

- Przhevalski memorial, who was a Great Russian Explorer of 19th century.

- The wooden Russian-orthodox church;

- Dungan mosque is one of the most famous places in Karakol town. The most interesting thing is that it is built without a single metal nail. More than 100 years ago there was a Chinese master who lived in this town. Dungans are people from China who had Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Karakol – Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk Kul lake nature watching:

- Grigorievskoe gorge, easy hiking around beautiful mountains.

- Issyk-Kyl lake photo stop.

Continue to Bishkek.

Resting time in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 11

Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour 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.

Transfer to back to Bishkek.

Start walking city tour around Bishkek 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).

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel,

Transfer to Manas International Airport.

Morning departure flight from Bishkek.

End of the tour.

Tour Price (PER PERSON):

Person in group	Standart	Comfort hotels
1	$3585	$3885
2-3	$2265	$2430
4-5	$1815	$1985
6-12	$1630	$1815
Single supplement	$330	$440

Book it!

- - Accommodation in standard twin- shared rooms;

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

- English-speaking professional licensed local guides in Uzbekistan (5 standard excursions), English speaking escorting guide in Kyrgyzstan;

- Meals: breakfasts in hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Beltam yurt camp (fixed menu, alcohol excluding);

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

- Eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo village;

- Train tickets Khiva – Bukhara by standard train (economy class) OR transfer by car;

- Train tickets Bukhara – Samarkand, Samarkand – Tashkent (economy class) by tourist train “Afrosiab”/”Sharq” (economy class);

- Internal flight Tashkent – Urgench (economy class, please note price subject to change);

- Tourist tax per person.

- International flights to Tashkent, Tashkent - Bishkek and from Bishkek;

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

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

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

- Transport and guide service for free time/free days (can be added by request) and after the standard city tours; transport for walking tours in Khiva and Bukhara;

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

- Check-in 14.00, checkout 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, 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 hotel, 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).

ACCOMMODATION

CITY	STANDARD	COMFORT
TASHKENT	Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle / Uzbekistan	Inspira-S / Ichan Qala / Ateca / Mirzo Boutique
KHIVA	Minor Boutique/ Malika Kheyvak/	Zarafshon Boutique/ Erkin Palace/ Asia Khiva
BUKHARA	An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya
SAMARKAND	Malika Prime/ Zilol Baxt/ Shaxzoda Elite	Dilimah / East Star/ Kosh Hovuz/ Emirhan
BISHKEK	Bugu / Discovery	Golden Dragon / Damas
ISSYK KUL	Beltam yurt camp
KARAKOL	Tagaitai	Green Yard / 78Karakol