5- Stan tour around Central Asia is a tailor-made 20-day trip, including the most popular sights of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Sightseeing in historical places is spiced with incredibly beautiful natural sights of Darvaza crater, Charyn Canyon and Issyk-Kul. These places are marvelous within their origin born, reflect the natural spirit of the countries, mixed with scents of spices and charred herbs.
You will see everything what Central Asia is proud of - golden colors with glittering mosaics, ancient mosques on whose steps Amir Temur was walking once upon a time.
Welcome to Central Asia tour! Welcome to Uzbekistan!
Flight to Tashkent, the biggest city in Central Asia with 2.5 million population.
Arrival in Tashkent International Airport named after Islam Karimov, first President of Uzbekistan.
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. As Tashkent airport not far from the city center, the transfer will not take a long time (20 – 40 minutes depending on the hotel location).
Arrival in the hotel. Check-in.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.
Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:
- Amir Temur Square founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square was renamed in 1994 after Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
- Tashkent chimes, one of the major symbols of Tashkent, were brought from defeated Koenigsberg 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 built in 1947 is one of the best opera theatres of the world that 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 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.
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 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.
Breakfast in the hotel.
08:30 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:
- Mausoleum of the founder 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 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 a yurt.
Camp- style breakfast
09:00 Transfer to Ashgabat with sightseeing en-route visiting:
- 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 a beautiful garden and fountains near the mosque.
- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque with four minarets reminding the Blu Mosque of Istanbul was built in honor Ertogrul the father of the Osman I, the founder of Ottoman Empire,
- Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118m column that is considered the highest building in the country);
- Neutrality Arch - a unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun;
- National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique expositions from Ancient Merv and Nissa.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
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 "Olot – Farab". Border crossing back to Uzbekistan usually takes shorter than 1 hr.
Meeting the driver at the Uzbekistan side of the border.
Transfer to Bukhara.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz town through beautiful Takhta Karacha pass (320 km). Photo stops en-route.
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 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.
Continue to Samarkand. Arrival in Samarkand. Hotel check-in.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
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 – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture, the ensemble of grandiose buildings: Ulugbek 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 15th 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;
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 the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 Meet the driver in the lobby.
Transfer to
Meet the guide and driver at the Tajikistan side of the border and transfer to Khujand (70 km, 1h.) – the center of Sugd region of Northern Tajikistan.
Start sightseeing tour in Khujand:
- Khujand, the second-largest city and one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan, the furthest point Alexander the Great reached in Central Asia, so the city was named Alexandria Eschate (Alexandria the Furthest).
- Pushkin square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square;
-Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum;
- Muslihiddin memorial complex;
- Panjshanbe bazaar, Khujand’s central market that has many stores offering different kinds of goods and services. The name Panjshanbe comes from Persian language meaning “Thursday”. Panjshanbe is considered as one of the oldest markets in Tajikistan. The Silk Road routes passed through Khujand and had always made Panjshanbe crowded with merchants and travelers.
- Arbob palace.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Dushanbe by car over Shakristan and Anzob passes (~ 5 hrs).
Arrival in Dushanbe, check-in the hotel. Short rest.
In the afternoon 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);
- The main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni-the forefather of Tajik Nation located in the main square. A 40-meter high monument built to the memory of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty;
- Mehrgon Bazaar - one of the biggest markets of Dushanbe.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight.
- 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 the 16-17th century with a museum inside, the new Medressa of 17-18 century as well as Caravan Saray.
Back to Dushanbe.
10:40 Transfer to the Dushanbe International Airport.
13:40 Вeparture flight for Almaty.
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 the hotel. Check-in.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the 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 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 which is of the 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.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to 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,
A visit to Kyzylauyz petroglyphs located in the gorge Taigak. Sightseeing tour at Besshatyr burial mounds is the main sight of the national park. Burial mounds are concentrated at the territory of 2 sq.km and could have a height from 2 to 20 m.
Picnic lunch and exploration of the area.
Resting time in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in Baschi village.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Ash-tree Grove on the Temerlik River.
Picnic lunch at nature.
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.
Time for walking among columns and towers made by nature.
Transfer to Almaty (261 km,~ 4hrs) 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.
09:00 Transfer to Bishkek by car (250 km ~ 4-5hrs) to the border cross Kegen. Border crossing usually takes 30 min~1h.
Please note: while passing the border one needs to be ready to handle all the luggage across the border by him/herself (~300 m).
Continue to Bishkek.
Arrival at the hotel, check-in.Short time to rest.
in the afternoon start Bishkek walking tour visiting:
- Oak Park - city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among 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 central bazaar.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Transfer to Issyk-Kul lake sightseeing en-route:
- Issyk-Kul is called "the pearl of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul poss
- 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 for the visitors to reveal their secrets.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Karakol.
On arrival, start sightseeing in Karakol 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.
- Museum of N.M. Przhevalski (Russian explorer of Asian continent),
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Jeti Oguz gorge.
- 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. By request, light hiking tour to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge.
- Continue to Bokonbaevo village, to stop for a local eagle-hunting show. The eagles are fed to hunt hares and foxes (a traditional way of nomadic hunting). After excursion transfer to Bishkek.
Arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel,
Transfer to the airport.
Morning departure flight from Bishkek.
End of the tour.
- Turkmenistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);
- Accommodation based on shared yurt (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow);
- 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;
- English speaking professional licensed local guides in Uzbekistan (5 standard excursions), escorting guides in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan;
- Meals: breakfast at hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp, camp-style lunches during Altyn Emel trip and home-made dinner in Baschi;
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums as per program;
- Train tickets Samarkand – Tashkent (economy class) by tourist train “Afrosiab”/”Sharq”.
- Tourist tax per person.
- International flights to Tashkent, Dushanbe – Almaty, from Bishkek;
- Internal flights Tashkent – Urgench and Mary – Ashgabat (by request, price subject to change);
- Kazakhstan e/visa, Kyrgyzstan e/visa, E-visa to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan e-visa (if required); Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent) and migration tax 10+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent);
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- Turkmenistan: tourist fee 2 USD per person per night (obligatory) charged in the hotels;
- Uzbekistan: transport for walking tours in Bukhara and Khiva; 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”.
Accommodations:
|
City |
Standart |
Comfort |
|
Tashkent |
Navruz / Aster Group Hotel / Gloriya / Praga |
|
|
Khiva |
Erkin Palace/ Asia Khiva/ Bek Khiva |
|
|
Bukhara |
||
|
Samarkand |
||
|
Fergana |
Club777 |
Asia Fergana |
|
Khujand |
Sugd |
Sugd |
| Bishkek | Madison Ave / De’mar | Plaza Bishkek |
| Karakol | Green Yard | Karagat |
| Altyn Emel | Guesthouse | Guesthouse |
| Dushanbe | ||
| Almaty | Otrar / Voyage | Renion Park |
|
OR OTHER HOTELS OF THE SAME LEVEL |
||
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