Tour itinerary:
Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Tajikistan
Season:
April - October
Days:
16 |
Nights:
16
16-day journey around Central Asia is an ideal tour for family vacation, enjoying the trip to beautiful Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Impressive Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan nature sights of green valleys, gorges, picturesque mountain passes and canyons are combined with sightseeing of stunning complexes in legendary Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Welcome to Central Asia!
Flight to Bishkek.
Early morning arrival in Manas 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. Early check-in.
Breakfast at the hotel.
11:00 Meet the driver and guide. 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).
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
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.
- Skazka (Fairy tale) Canyon and enjoy an easy hike among the impressive red rocks;
- 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 has 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 in the yurt camp.
09:00 Transfer to Karakol en-route nature sightseeing:
– Jeti Oguz gorge is famous for its red rocks formations that have the name Seven Bulls. One can see there Broken Heart Mountain, one of the most popular places among locals and visitors. By request, light hiking tour to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge.
Arrival in Karakol, start light sightseeing tour visiting
- 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.
09:00 Transfer to Bishkek en- route photo-stops and nature sightseeing
- Grigorievskoe gorge, easy hiking around beautiful mountains.
- Ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.). These petroglyphs were made more than 2 000 years ago by shamans. They depict wolves, long-horned ibex, goats, horses, snow leopards, sacrifices and some hunting scenes.
- Photo-stop with a view to Issyk Kul lake ( North shore).
Evening arrival in Bishkek.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start Bishkek countryside 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.Time to explore the area, take photos and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful nature.
15:00 Transfer to the airport.
18:40 Evening flight to Tashkent by HY 780 (1,5 hrs).
19:00 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, the driver meets at the Airport meeting zone with a sign “ANUR TOUR”.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide.Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs) :
-Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed in 1994 after of the Amir Temur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
- 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 theatre 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 , the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second 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 that symbolize 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 km) hotel to drop off the bags. Standard hotel check-in at 14:00.
Meet the guide and 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,
- 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 Transfer Khiva-Bukhara by car (475 km, 7 hrs) via Kyzylkum desert with stops en-route.
Evening arrival in Bukhara.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 in Bukhara (5 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);
- 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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time in Bukhara, morning at leisure.
11:00 Transfer to Samarkand, 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 a 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.
Optional (by request), a master-class of painting ceramics, suzani embroidery and traditional bread baking.
Continue to Samarkand. Arrival in Samarkand in the afternoon, check in the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the driver and guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (5 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;
- Samarkand bazaar Siab.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Meet the guide . Continue sightseeing program in Samarkand (5 hours):
- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of 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;
- Khoja Doniyor Mausoleum - the mausoleum over the grave of one of the saints. According to legend back to XVIII century, the ashes of the Old Testament biblical prophet Daniyar (Daniel) are buried in the mausoleum, the remains of which were brought to Samarkand and buried by order of Amir Timur.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to border Jartepa. Border crossing usually takes 30 min- 1 hr.
Meet the guide and driver at Tajikistan part of the border.
- Visit Sarazm (UNESCO World Heritage) museum.
Transfer to pristine Marguzor lakes, the road is off-road ( there are some shaky parts) mountainous narrow track with photo -stops.
- On the western edge of the Fan Mountains in the valley of the river Shing there are seven lakes, six of them are dammed origin, beside the lake Hazorchashma.
Locals called the lakes as Marguzor by name of the most beautiful lake, but every lake has its own name: Nezhigon (or Mizhgon), Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma.
The difference in level between the upper and lower lake - 692 meters
Easy hike and photo stops en-route. Lunch at the guesthouse.
Transfer to Penjikent.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Morning light sightseeing in Penjikent:
- Ancient Penjikent - the ruins of the old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. The ruins were once a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples, the foundation of the houses.
Transfer to Dushanbe with short photo stop near Iskanderkul.
- Iskanderkul Lake- a lake of Alexander the Great - is a beautiful lake of about 30000 ha. According to legends, the Iskanderkul Lake was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great’s path to Central Asia from India passed through this lake.
Continue to Dushanbe passing Iskanderkul lake, Anzob tunnel and Anzob pass with amazing panoramic views.
Evening arrival in Dushanbe.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:
- Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana.
- Tajik flagpole-one of the World tallest flagpoles (165-meter flagpole);
- Main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni-the forefather of Tajik Nation located on the main square. A 40-metre high monument built to the memory of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty;
- Mehrgon Bazaar - one of the biggest markets of Dushanbe;
- Gissar Fortress- the remains of the Bukhara Emirate Beck’s palace. Its thick walls once guarded a pool, garden, and palace, while the fortress itself opposed a noisy market and caravanserai.The place was famous for its center of commerce during the Silk Road. You will also be able to visit the Old Medressa (Madrasai Kuhna) of 16-17 th century with a museum inside, the new Medressa of 17-18 century as well as Caravan Saray.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight.
Transfer to Dushanbe International Airport.
Morning departure flight from Dushanbe.
End of the tour.
- 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;
-Kyrgyzstan: local English speaking guide/s (D 1 – D 5); Uzbekistan: English-speaking local guides (5 standard excursions); Tajikistan: English-speaking escorting guide (D 13 – D 15);
- Meals: breakfast at hotels; home-made traditional breakfast and dinner in Beltam yurt camp, home-made lunch in a guesthouse in 7 lakes;
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums as per program;
- Internal flight Tashkent – Urgench (economy class);
- Tourist tax per person.
- International flights to Bishkek, Bishkek – Tashkent flight, return flight from Dushanbe;
- Kyrgyzstan e/visa, E-visa to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan e-visa (if required);
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- Transport and guide service for free days and free time after the standard city tours; transport for walking tour in Khiva and Bukhara, guides for guideless trips;
- 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 December 13, 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
|
STANDARD
|
COMFORT
|
BISHKEK
|
Soluxe/ Bugu
|
Golden Dragon / Smart hotel
|
ISSYK KUL
|
Beltam yurt camp
|
KARAKOL
|
Tagatai
|
Green Yard/78Karakol
|
TASHKENT
|
Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle
|
Inspira-S / Ichan Qala / Ateca / Mirzo Boutique
|
KHIVA
|
Minor Boutique/ Malika Kheyvak
|
Zarafshon Boutique./Asia Khiva/ Erkin Palace
|
BUKHARA
|
An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya
|
SAMARKAND
|
Shaxzoda Elite/ Shahdil/ Zilol Baxt
|
East Star/ Kosh Hovuz/ Dilimah
|
PENJIKENT
|
Panjakent Plaza
|
DUSHANBE
|
Rumi Hotel
|
Or other hotels of the same category
|