Tour itinerary:
Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan
Season:
April - October
Days:
18 |
Nights:
17
Discover the wonders of Central Asia: ancient cities of Uzbekistan, beautiful nature Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and enjoy visit to during 18-days tour.
Welcome to Central Asia !
Flight to Tashkent.
Arrival in Tashkent International Airport (ETA 07:00 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 with a sign “ANUR TOUR” .
Meet the guide and 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 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 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 via beautiful Red Canions with beautiful and unusual Martian landscape. Arrival in Muynak city 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 at the lobby.
-Visit to Savitsky Museum exhibiting a unique collection of antiques of Khorezm and Karakalpak, Uzbek fine arts and second largest collection of Russion avant- garde works after Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg.
The founder of the museum, Igor Savitsky devoted his life to piece-by-piece collecting of finest works of modern artists of Uzbekistan and Russian avant-gardists. In 70 s it was quite risky to become anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned the world recognition and deserved rightfully the must see sight status in Central Asia.
Transfer to Khiva. The road will take ~ 4 hours (202 km) en- route photo stops at the ruins of fortresses of ancient Khorezm.
- Ayaz-kala and Toprak-kala, the fortresses of 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 evening. Overnight at the hotel
Breakfast.
09:00 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 hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
07:15 Transfer to the train station.
08:23 Train Khiva-Bukhara (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.
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;
- Visit 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.
Optionally can be added by request :
Visit to Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Samarkand through Shakhrisabz.
Meet the guide in Shahrisabz. Excursion tour in Shakhrisabz 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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide. 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 medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
- Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.
16:30 Transfer from hotel to the train station.
17:28 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 hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
07:00 Transfer from hotel to Tashkent train station.
08:07 Departure for Kokand by train.
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) and is considered as one of the most important pre-border points.
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.
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.
Free time in the evening. Overnight.
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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:
- Ala Archa National Park (40 km from Bishkek one way);
- 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.
- Visit to the central bazaar.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Karakol via 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.
- 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 the visitors to reveal their secrets.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 Transfer to Kegen-Karjyra border, border passing formalities.
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 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. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake.
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.
Free time hiking in the area.
Later continue to Baschi Village.
Transfer to 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, although inferior to it in size. 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. Wind and water have created the beautiful "Valley of Castles", where you are always surrounded by the fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley - more than 2 km, width - 20-80 meters. For millions of years nature has been creating a unique architecture, erecting magnificent castles carefully and slowly.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Exploration of Altyn Emel National Park famous for its rich flora and fauna but also for singing dunes (barchans).
Nature phenomenon, that many scientists still try to get the reasonable explanation, is crescent-like barchan of about 120 m high that produces distinctive melodically rumbling sounds when the wind blows,
Transfer to Almaty (261 km), passing the bridge through the river Ili in vicinities Kapshagay of a water basin.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
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 against Nazi tanks somewhere 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 we will take a cable car funicular to Shymbulak Ski resort.
Leisure time in the evening. Overnight at 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 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.
Leisure time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel,
Transfer to the airport.
Morning departure flight from Almaty.
End of the tour.
- Accommodation in standard twin- shared rooms;guesthouses in Saty and Baschi;
- Meals: breakfasts in hotels; dinners in guesthouses (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;
- English-speaking professional licensed local guides in Uzbekistan (8 standard excursions), English speaking escorting guide in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan;
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums and nature fees as per program;
- Train tickets Khiva- Bukhara by standard train (economy class) OR transfer by car;
- Train tickets Samarkand – Tashkent (economy class) by tourist train “Afrosiab”/ ”Sharq”, Tashkent – Kokand by standard train " O'zbekistan" (economy class).
- Internal flight Tashkent - Nukus (economy class, price subject to change);
- Internal flight Osh - Bishkek (economy class, price subject to change);
- 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”;
- Uzbekistan: 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”.
- Please note that the tour price does includes seasonal VAT 12%.
- The program can be adjusted for a private tour, the price of individual/private tour will be different;
- 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;
- 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).