Tour itinerary:
Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan
Season:
April – October
Days:
18 |
Nights:
17
Discover the wonders of Central Asia!
Magnificent ancient cities of Uzbekistan - Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, flourishing Fergana valley and stunning nature of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan - Issyk Kul, Jety Oguz, Kolsai lakes, Kayindy gorge, Charyn Canyon are presented in the 18 day Central Asia tour.
Book a private tour at a special price and enjoy your vacation to feel the adventurous nomadic spirit and explore the legendary Silk Road sights.
Flight to Tashkent.
Arrival in Tashkent International Airport (ETA 00:50 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 with a sign “ANUR TOUR” .
Transfer to the hotel. Extra night.
11:00 Meet the guide and start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs):
- 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" (“Good way”) 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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
06:00 Transfer to the local airport
07:25 Flight Tashkent-Nukus by HY 11
09:05 Arrival in Nukus.
Come out of the terminal to meet the driver and guide at the meeting zone.
- Drive to Muynak that used to be one of the richest city in the delta of Amu-darya,”the gates to Uzbekistan from the sea”. Nowadays there is only cemetery of Aral Sea.
-Visit Mizdakhan necropolis on the way back to Nukus (about 20 km from Nukus), an ancient cemetery, and located next to the remains of the Gyaur-Kala fortresss (4-3 Century BC).
-Gaur Kala (translated as the fortress of pagans) was a Zoroastrian town with citadel, the fire altar and a large cemetery nearby. Even after Arab invasion and Islam expansion, the town was inhabited until 14 Century and people continued to bury their relatives in Mizdakhan as they believed the place was a sacred place.
Drive back to Nukus.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the driver in the lobby.
- Visit Savitsky Museum exhibiting a unique collection of antiques of Khorezm and Karakalpak, Uzbek fine arts, and second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde works after the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg.
The founder of the museum, Igor Savitsky devoted his life to piece-by-piece collecting of the finest works of modern artists of Uzbekistan and Russian avant-gardists. In 70 s it was quite risky to become an anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned world recognition and deserved rightfully the must-see site status in Central Asia.
Transfer to Khiva (180 km, ~ 3,5 hours) en-route photo stops at the ruins of fortresses of ancient Khorezm.
- Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala, the fortresses of the Kushan period of Ancient Khorezm that used to be mighty border forts protecting the residents from raids of nomadic tribes. The forts were built in ~4-7th century BCE, during the ages when Khorezm achieved its independence. The fortresses are located on the hills quite close to each other and visitors are welcome to have a short overview tour in the monumental forts that currently are drowning in sands.
Arrival in Khiva. Check-in the hotel.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide and start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”) - 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,
- Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV century.
- Mosque and Jami Minaret.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the driver at the lobby. Transfer by car Khiva –Bukhara (475 km, 7 hrs) via Kyzylkum desert with short stops en-route. Arrival in Bukhara in the evening.
Transfer to hotel. Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Start walking sightseeing in Bukhara (5 hrs):
- 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;
- Ulughbek 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.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 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.
14:30 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.
15:50 Departure for Samarkand by train "Afrosiyob"/ "Sharq".
17:20 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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Shakhrisabz enjoying the beaituful nature vews en-route.
Meet the guide in Shahrisabz. Start sightseeing tour in Shakhrisabz (2 -3 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 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.
Return to Samarkand.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide and driver at the hotel's lobby.
Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):
– Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants decorated with gold ornaments and considered as one of the most significant places in the world;
– Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a 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 which 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) belonging to Abbas ibn-Kussam;
– Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.
16:30 Transfer to the railway station in Samarkand.
17:30 Departure for Tashkent by speed 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.
07:00 Transfer from hotel to Tashkent train station.
08:07 Departure for Kokand by train "O'zbekistan".
12:11 Arrival in Kokand.
Come out of the terminal and meet the guide and driver.
Kokand, mentioned as Khavakand or Kokan derived from a tribal name, is an ancient city that due to favorable location was one of the convenient fortified points of caravan routes in the Great Silk Road. Nowadays, Kokand is a modern town at the crossroads of Tashkent, Fergana valley to Andijan and the other route to Khujand, Tajikistan.
Start sightseeing tour around Kokand visiting :
- Khudoyar-Khan Palace of 19 century is listed in the world heritage of UNESCO, at present days houses Kokand Regional History Museum that exibits a unique collection of more than 3000 artefacts from ancient, khanate and tsarist periods of the region.
- Norbut-Biy Madrassah, the largest madrassa in Kokand. The madrassa was built in XVIII century by captured architects as well as the famous Bukharian architect Usto Muhammed Salih Kasim, so the design and construction is quite typical to some monuments of XVIII Century in Bukhara.
- Modari Khan Mausoleum ( Modari-khan means “ Mother of Khan”) was built in 1825 by order of the widow of Umarkhan, famous poetess Nodira to honor the tomb of her mother-in-law. Since then the mausoleum became the family mausoleum where most of the female members of khan family were buried.
- Rishton (50 km west of Fergana) famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to ancient tradition that is more than 800 years. Masters hand down their trade secrets from father to son. The unique red clay ceramic masterpieces are decorated with naturally made ultramarine, turquoise and azure ornaments known as blue glaze "ishkor",
- Workshop of the famous potter Rustam Umarov where visitors are welcome to observe the finest Rishtan ceramics in wonderful hand made and painted tea sets and lagans and beautifully decorated jugs and vases.
Transfer to Fergana.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.
Continue sightseeing in Fergana valley:
- Fergana is a relatively young city that was founded as a strategic fortified point in Turkestan in 1876 during tsarist period of the region. The town was initially called as New Margilan, further in soviet period renamed as Fergona in 1924. Nowadays, Fergana is a flourishing beautiful town and despite its young history became the central point of Fergana valley.
- Visit Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex ;
- Continue to Margilan. Margilan (“Marg” from Persian green grass, “lon”- “place“) was inhabited settlement in Fergana valley since IV-III Centuries BC, the town was well known for its crafts and finest silk fabrics from the Great Silk Road period up to now.
- Said-Ahmad Hodji Madrassah where craftsmen produce original silk carpets,
- Silk factory Yodgorlik where visitors are welcome to observe the process of silk manufacture with traditional decoration “ikat”.
Transfer to Andijan. Arrival in the afternoon.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to the Uzbek- Kyrgyz border Dostyk ( ETA 09:00)
Border crossing formalities (40 min- 1, 5 hrs depending on the customs formalities and tourist flow). Meet the guide and driver.
Transfer to Osh, Osh is the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan.
Start sightseeing tour visiting:
- Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too (Suleiman is the prophet Solomon -Suleyman in Quran, “Too “is “mountain”. The museum is the only UNESCO sight of the whole mountain with many sacred places in caves and paths. It is quite unusual – the museum with rare artefacts is located in a largest cave of the mountain. Besides, there are several caves, rocks and niches each with its name. The locals and pilgrims believe every spot of the mountain is sacred and come here to follow the rituals and pray for better life and good health; couples come pray to be blessed with a child. It is believe that every spot of the mountain is sacred. There is a watching platform with beautiful panoramic views to the city and surrondings.
- Osh Bazaar, a colorful bazaar with more than 2000 years history, plays an important role in the Great Silk Road as a major landmark. Nowadays, along the visitors may take a walk around and enjoy shopping in the shops of national clothes, embroidery, handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Main Square with Lenin statue. Kyrgyz people are very respectful to the history of Soviet period and kept the monument to Lenin in main cities as the country major developments were made during soviet time.
15:30 Transfer to Osh Airport.
16:45 Departure by flight Osh -Bishkek
17:25 Arrival in Manas Airport.
Meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Morning Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:
- Oak Park in 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 legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).
- Victory Square, where in the centre you can see the Victory monument, a memorial which was completed in 1984. Usually the main festival events are held in Bishkek at eternal flame, on Victory Square, where is posted 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.
Transfer to Beltam yurt camp with nature sightseeing en-route.
- Eagle show in Bokonbayevo (traditional eagle hunting).
- Issyk-Kyl lake is 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, 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.
Breakfast at the yurt camp
Transfer to Karakol passing Jety Oguz:
- 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 overview sightseeing tour:
- 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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 Transfer to Kegen-Karjyra border, border passing formalities ( luggage/ visa/ passport control).
Transfer to one of the most beautiful places of Kazakhstan, Kaindy Gorge.
-Kaindy lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley.
The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are well-preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water, and dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake.
Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the valley with the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are well-preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water. Dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron.
Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in Saty village.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Morning exploring Kolsai Lakes (1800 m above sea level) enjoying gorgeous views and photo stops en-route.
Transfer to Almaty with nature sightseeing en-route.
- 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 Colorado River in North America. Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique in its kind not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during Paleogene and reminds the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon is up to 150-300 meters. Extraordinary dissection of the terrain is striking: the numerous ravines form a dense chaotic network. Nature has been craving the unique landscape of the canyon to so-called "Valley of Castles" surrounded by sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley - more than 2 km, width - 20-80 meters.
Evening arrival in Almaty.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight 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 back in 1941 fighting in World War II 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 visitors may take a cable car funicular to Shymbulak Ski resort and enjoy the panoramic views to the surroundings.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel,
Transfer to the airport.
Morning departure flight from Almaty.
End of the tour.
- Accommodation in standard twin- shared rooms in hotels and guesthouse in Saty;
- Accomodation in 2-4 pax shared yurts in Beltam yurt camp;
- Meals: breakfasts in hotels; dinners in yurt camp and Saty guesthouses (traditional meals, fixed menu, alcohol excluding);
- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class/SUV transport as per road conditions including transfers to- from airports, train stations and borders;
- Uzbekistan: English-speaking local guides (9 standard excursions and museum guide in Savitsky museum), Kyrgyzstan- Kazakhstan: English speaking local guides ( D 12- D 17);
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums and nature fees as per program;
- Train tickets Bukhara – Samarkand, Samarkand – Tashkent (economy class) by train “Afrosiab”/ ”Sharq”, Tashkent – Kokand by standard train " O'zbekistan" (economy class).
- Internal flight Tashkent - Nukus (economy class) and Osh - Bishkek (economy class);
- Tourist tax per person.
- - International flights to Tashkent, from Almaty;
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- E-visa to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan e/visa, Kazakhstan e/visa (if required);
- Meals: lunches and dinners, except those specified under “Tour Price Includes”;
- 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”.
The tour is published on November 09, 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 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;
- Please note yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer homemade/camp-style traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions.
- 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).
ACCOMMODATION
CITY
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STANDARD HOTELS
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COMFORT HOTELS
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TASHKENT
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Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle
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Inspira-S / Ichan Qala / Ateca / Mirzo Boutique
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NUKUS
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Pana/ Jipek Joli
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KHIVA
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Minor Boutique/ Malika Kheyvak/ Arqanchi
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Zarafshon Boutique/ Erkin Palace/ Asia Khiva
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BUKHARA
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An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya
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SAMARKAND
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Shaxzoda Elite/ Zilol Baxt/ Khan/ Sandhill
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East Star/ Kosh Hovuz/ Dilimah
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FERGANA
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Asia Fergana
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ANDIJAN
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Chinor
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BISHKEK
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Soluxe/ Bugu
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Golden Dragon/ Sim
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ISSYK KUL
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Beltam yurt camp
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KARAKOL
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Tagatai
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Green Yard/ Karakol 78
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SATY
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Guesthouse
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ALMATY
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Voyage
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Renion Park/ Kazzhol Park
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Or other hotels of the same category as per room availability for the dates
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