Central Asia 4 STANS tours

Tour itinerary: Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan

Season: April - October

Days: 15 | Nights: 14

Four stan tours in Central Asia countries

A good tour including all the pearls of Central Asia - you will be everywhere and see everything.

Starting from Tashkent city tour to the land of lakes in Kyrgyzstan - there won't be anything missed.

Day 1

Tashkent

Flight to Tashkent.

Arrival in Tashkent in the morning (ETA 09:00).

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver holding a sign “ANUR TOUR” with your name on it.

Meet with your tour manager. You will have time to discuss the tour details.

10:00 Meet the guide and start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:

- Amir Timur Square;

- Theatre Square with the Opera House;

- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present, and future of the country;

- 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;

- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kafal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century;

- Chorsu bazaar;

- Tashkent Metro.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight.

Day 2

Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva

Early breakfast at the hotel.

06:00 Transfer to the local airport.

07:25 Flight to Urgench by HY51

09:55 Arrival.

Come out of the terminal and meet with our driver.

09:00 Transfer to the hotel in Khiva to drop off the bags. Standard check-in at 14:00.

Meet the guide at the lobby.

Start walking excursion (5-6 hours) 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 the next monuments:

- 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; Juma Mosque and Jami Minaret.

Finish your excursion. Back to the hotel.

Overnight.

Day 3

Khiva - Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:15 Transfer to the train station

08:45 Train Khiva-Bukhara OR transfer by car (as per train schedule).

14:48 Arrival in Bukhara.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight.

Day 4

Bukhara - Samarkand

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (6-7 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 stores offering you souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;

– Caravanserai Saifuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);

– There are three trading places or so-called covered bazaars: Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century. 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 standing in front of each other with a distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;

– Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impressing the imagination of every visitor;

– 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.

14:30 Transfer from hotel to the train station.

15:50 Departure for Samarkand by speed train Afrosiab or Sharq.

17:20 Arrival in Samarkand.

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

Overnight.

Day 5

Samarkand - Penjikent - Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Meet up with our driver in your hotel and transfer to Uzbek - Tajik border Jarteppa (40 km)

09:00 Arrival Uzbek - Tajik border pass. Border passing (passport/visa control) usually takes 30-40 min.

Meet the driver and guide in Tajikistan side of the border, transfer to Penjikent (~50 km, 30 min)

Arrival and start the excursion program in Penjikent:

- Museum of Rudaki – As Penjikent is a birthplace of Abu-Abdallah Rudaki, considered by many to be the father of Persian Poetry. Visit the local bazaar and mosque.

- Lunch in a traditional Chaikhana (tea room/tea house), for the lunch you will get a chance to taste delicious Tajik plov (rice with meat and vegetables) cooked according to Penjikent recipe.

- Ancient Penjikent - the ruins of the old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins.

- Sarazen ruins - one of the ancient settlements in Central Asia with a 5500-year civilization. In 2010 Sarazm was added to the list of Human Heritage by UNESCO.

In the evening transfer back to Tajik - Uzbek border pass (ETA 16:00)

Cross the border to Uzbekistan, meet the driver and transfer back to Samarkand.

Overnight.

Day 6

Samarkand - Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6-7 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;

- Famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a 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 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 with our driver.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight.

Day 7

Tashkent - Kokand - Fergana

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:00 Transfer to the railway station.

08:07 Departure to Kokand by train.

12:13 Arrival in Kokand.

Meet with your guide and driver at the meeting zone. Start sightseeing tour around Kokand (4-5 hours) visiting:

- Khudoyar-Khan Palace of 19 century,

- Jami Mosque.

- Norbut-Biya Madrassah,

- Modari Khan Mausoleum.

- Rishton (50 km to the west of Fergana) famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to the 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",

- The workshops of the famous potter Rustam Umarov.

Transfer to Fergana.

Leisure time in the evening. Overnight.

Day 8

Fergana - Margilan - Andijan

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Continue sightseeing in Fergana valley:

- Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex

- Margilan visiting 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 to visit: Bobur museum, Art and Literature Museum, Bog-I Shamol.

Back to the hotel.

Overnight.

Day 9

Andijan - Osh - Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 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 for overview sightseeing tour visiting:

- Suleiman mountain and The State Museum of Kyrgyzstan,

- Osh Bazaar,

- Main Square with Lenin statue.

Transfer to the local airport.

16:45 Flight Osh-Bishkek

17:25 Arrival in Bishkek Airport.

Meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight.

Day 10

Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:

- Ala Archa National Park;

- 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, wherein the center you can see the Victory monument, a memorial which was completed in 1984. Usually, the main festival events are held in Bishkek at the 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 the central bazaar

Back to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Bishkek - Issyk-Kyl - Karakol

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Karakol via Issyk Kul.

- Burana Tower (80 km from Bishkek) and an open-air museum of Balbans (stone warriors). You will get to enjoy a traditional lunch and then continue trip to the lake. The tower was originally 45m but because of the great earthquake, its height was reduced to 25m. There are many legends about this place that capture visitors’ imagination.

- Issyk Kul Lake surrounded by the celestial mountains. It is the second-largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m. above sea level). The lake is called "the pearl of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities.

Upon arrival, 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.

- Przewalski Memorial in Karakol.

Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 12

Karakol - Saty

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 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.

Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse in Saty village.

Overnight.

Day 13

Saty - Charyn Canyon - Altyn Emel

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

A morning exploring Kolsai Lakes (1800 m above sea level) enjoying gorgeous views and photo stops en-route.

Transfer to Charyn Canyon. Sightseeing in the "Valley of Castles".

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.

Free time for hiking in the area.

Later continue to Baschi Village.

Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.

Day 14

Altyn Emel - Almaty

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.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight.

Day 15

Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet with a guide and start 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 which is dated to 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 we will take a cable car funicular to Shymbulak Ski resort.

Transfer to the airport.

Evening/night departure flight from Almaty.

Accommodations:

City	Standart	Comfort
Tashkent	Arien Plaza, Grand Capital	Navruz / Aster Group Hotel / Gloriya / Praga
Khiva	Arqanchi/Muso To’ra / Old Khiva/Malika Khiva	Erkin Palace/ Asia Khiva/ Bek Khiva
Bukhara	AsSalom, Zargaron	Devon Begi, Sofia, Asia Bukhara, Malika Bukhara
Samarkand	Zilol Baxt / Malika Prime / Caravan Serial / City Hotel	Dilimah / Grand Samarkand / Emirhan
Fergana	Club777	Asia Fergana
Bishkek	Madison Ave / De’mar	Plaza Bishkek
Karakol	Green Yard	Karagat
Saty	Guesthouse	Guesthouse
Baschi	Guesthouse	Guesthouse
Almaty	Otrar / Voyage	Renion Park
*OR OTHER HOTELS OF THE SAME LEVEL*

Costs:

Number of participants	Price in Standart	Price in Comfort
1 person	$6495	$7165
2-3 persons	$4100	$4580
4-5 persons	$3325	$3755
6-8 persons	$2975	$3435
9-10	$2745	$3210
11-12 +tl	$3285	$3625
13-15 + tl	$3075	$3445
Single supplement	+$320	+$460

Tour Price includes:

- Accommodation in a standard twin shared rooms;

- Accommodation homestay/guesthouse in Saty and Baschi villages;

- Tourist tax per person;

- Meals: breakfast at hotels; homemade meals in Baschi and Saty guesthouses ;

- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class transport /SUV as per terrain requires, including transfers to-from airports, train stations, and border posts;

- English speaking professional licensed local guides in Uzbekistan (6 standard excursions) and local and escort guides in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan as per program;

- Single Entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums as per program;

- Air tickets Osh- Bishkek (economy class);

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

- Train tickets Bukhara – Samarkand, Samarkand –Tashkent by tourist train “Afrosiab” or “Sharq” (economy class), Tashkent – Kokand by standard train (economy class).

Tour Price does not include:

- International flights to Tashkent /from Almaty ;

- Internal flight Tashkent – Urgench (economy class 100 USD, subject to change);

- E- visa to Tajikistan ;

- Meals (lunches and dinners, except those specified in the program);

- Photo/video fees ( professional camera);

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

- Personal /travel insurance; charges in hotels for additional services; tips and gratuities, portage; other services not specified under “Tour price includes”.

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