Unknown Silk Road Tour 3
Unknown Silk Road Tour 3
Destination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Duration: 16 days
In short: Almaty - Charyn - Issyk - BAO - Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore - Grigorievskoye - Semenovskoye - Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand - Iskanderkul - 7 lakes - Penjakent - Jartepo - Samarkand - Gijduvan - Bukhara - Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent
Day 1: Almaty
Our company is glad to see you on Unknown Silk Road Tour 3. On arrival, you will be met by the guide and have the city tour. You will have an opportunity to explore the Southern capital of Kazakhstan - Almaty. First to all, visit the Green Bazaar and don't miss to bargain. Afterwards, we will visit the oldest Almaty parks as Panfilov Park and as well as see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who lost life for freedom of Kazakhstan. In the afternoon, we will visit the Medeo Gorge and relish skating rink. The tour will be continued to the Kok-Tobe where you can see the biggest TV tower in the world. Don't miss to take photos on tours. In the evening you will be the top of the hill to the center and explore the city by the Almaty cableway. Transfer to a hotel.
Day 2: Almaty - Charyn - Almaty
The tour will start by driving to Charyn Canyon on a comfortable car or minivan. You will be provided by 1,5L of bottled water as well as some snacks and drinks taken by own. The road will take 4 hours. On arrival, you will visit the local museum of old-style decorative and applied arts. On arrival to Charyn Canyon, you will be impressed by panorama and have a short hiking tour among gorges. Walking for about 2 km over the maze of the Castles Valley, will take you for paradise. There are yurts (felt dwellings), open air café working in summer time. In the evening is transfer to hotel for sleep.
Day 3: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
We are glad to impress you by the next day of tour visiting Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge. You will find it located on the Kuldja tract. The guide will tell you more about its nature and history. Our dear visitors will be impresses by the burial mounds of Saka period as well as the famous "Golden Man" which is considered to be the state symbol of Kazakhstan. In the afternoon, we will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK" and learn more about the history and culture of the Saka period as well as a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and the model of Saka burial mound. Driving over 1756 meters above sea level you will see outstanding Issyk lake. This lake appeared about 10,000 years ago because of landslide. Here you will crystal water surface and the Issyk Gorge. Afterwards is transfer to hotel for rest.
Day 4: Almaty - BAO - Almaty - Bishkek
The next day of our tour will start by travelling to the Big Almaty gorge, located at the altitude of 2,510 m above sea level. Here you will most attractive lakes in Trans-Ili Alatau, enclosed by mountains. The temperature of water is always pleasant and cool. In July the water temperature does not exceed 10 degrees. This is the best place for photoshoot. On the way you will get acquainted with scientific properties for astronomical and space researches situated near the Big Almaty Lake of an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. Many panorama views as well as the pristine nature will catch attention of our travelers. In addition, you will see the great mountain peaks covered with Tian-Shan fir-tree, aspen and juniper. In the afternoon, we will drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek. The road will take 4 hours. Night is in a hotel.
Day 5: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
In the morning, you will have the city tour and visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and other places of wonder. In the afternoon, we will travel to Issyk Kul Lake. It is the second largest alpine lake in the world of 1608 m. above sea level and called "the pearl of Central Asia". Don't miss to take wonderful photos on tours. On the way you will see Burana Tower of 11th century and decent an open air museum of Balbals, also stone warriors. Transfer to a comfortable hotel for sleep.
Day 6: Issyk Kul - Grigorievskoye - Semenovskoye - Karakol
The day will start by travelling to Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges. Here you will be impressed by national park of green meadows and grasslands. Here our travelers will be impressed by beautiful waterfall and take streams. Afterwards, we will drive to Karakol city and get acquainted with the Dungan mosque as well as an old wooden Orthodox Church. Transfer to a guesthouse.
Day 7: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek
Today you will travel to Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bulls. You are going to see how beautiful seven rocks located in a row. Here visitors will see the Broken Heart Mountain. If you spend 20 minutes you will see panoramic view of gorge! In the afternoon, we will drive to Bokonbaeva village and meet berkutchi or an eagle hunter. He will show you an eagle hunting. So that you can take photos with birds. Rest is in a hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand
In the morning, you will have flight to Osh city. On arrival, you will drive to Tajik border. You will be impressed by the beautiful valley of Batken region which is famous for apricot trees and flower - Aigul. Meet your Tajik driver and drive to Khujand city. Passing over Anzob pass of 3 372 m, you will capture panoramic views. Khujand is the second largest city of Tajikistan and placed on the Syr Darya River on the Fergana Valley. The population is about 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan as Sughd. In the evening, visit the Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan elected as well as the Central Mosque in the middle of the city. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 9: Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake
This tour will begin to the Mountain lake as Iskanderkul, located at the 2 255 m. a. s. l on the Fann Mountains. It is one of the beautiful places in Central Asia with sandy beaches and landscape. It is recommending to spend 40 minutes in order to see stunning waterfall. Tajikistan is the second place among the CIS countries for volume of water resources of more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. Rest.
Day 10: Iskanderkul - 7 lakes - Penjakent
The pleasant will start by visiting the Fannsky Gory (Fan Mountains). We are sure you will like on tours, since it is the best place for hiking. See the famous Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes) of different colors and altitudes. The guide will share some useful information about it. You will continue hike to the Penjakent or "five villages" located in Khujand along Zeravshan river valley. This city originated in the 5th and 8th centuries AD and today is one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd or "Central Asian Pompeii". Here can be found two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses with paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods and others. Travelers will have an opportunity to see traces of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper's church. Rest is in a local guesthouse.
Day 11: Penjakent - Jartepo - Samarkand
Be ready drive to the Uzbek border at 10 am. The Uzbek guide will meet you and drive to the city tour. Samarkand is the heart of Central Asia, located in the valley of the river Zerafshan and defined to be the second largest city of Uzbekistan as Babylon or Rome. On the tour, you will visit the Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square has three outstanding Madrasahs of the 15th and 17th centuries. Talking of Shakhi-Zindeh you will find wonderful mausoleums of the 11th and 15th centuries. They are also the part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque is another site built to the memory of Tamerlane's wife. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand city - Gijduvan - Bukhara
After breakfast, we will drive to Bukhara and stop at Gijduvan village. Here you will have an opportunity to see private pottery workshop and find useful information about Gijduvan ceramics. This skill passed from generation to generation and today became the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family which worshiped Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. This site has a geometric pattern with green and blue colors of products. In the evening, we will drive to Bukhara. Rest is in a hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara
Today you will have the city tour and visit ancient Citadel Ark of the 4th century. It is important to note that, this citadel related dynasties of Bukhara Empire. On the tour you will see Samanids mausoleum of 9th and 10th century and then drive to Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. On arrival, you will see forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Don't miss capture it. Have the chance of visiting one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara as sacred Nodir Divan Begi. It is considered to be the part of Lyabi House Ensemble. Also, drive to the famous Poi Kalon complex and enjoy royal arts of Bukhara. It has three structures built in the 12th and 16th centuries as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah in it. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 14: Bukhara - Khiva
The morning will start by travelling to Khiva. On arrival, you will be impressed by 140 architectural monuments. In general, Bukhara city is also called the "town museum" and was found in the middle Ages. Here you will see many shops and green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments of ancient times. You will pass from Khiva to Bukhara via Kizilkum desert and see stunning Amu Darya River as defined to be the deepest river in Central Asia shaped by confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan, which have streams into Aral See. When you arrive in Khiva, overnight is in a hotel.
Day 15: Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent
We are happy to present the last day of our tour. Today you will explore the oldest city of Uzbekistan and visit the Ichan-Qala with robust walls. Visitors will find the old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses reformed Ichan-Qala into beautiful city. Ichan-Qala is famous for its 400 traditional dwelling houses as well as 60 architectural monuments. Ichan-Qala, in past times was historical and architectural conservation area in 1969. The tour will be continued to the Kunya-Ark fortress (17th century), done by Muhammad Arang Khan. In addition, you will see the Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace of Khorezm originated in 1830s. Evening flight in Tashkent. Night is in a hotel.
Day 16: Tashkent - Airport
End of Unknown Silk Road Tour 3.
Transport in Kazakhstan:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus
Transport in Kyrgyzstan:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter
Transport in Tajikistan:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex
Transport in Uzbekistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Minibus
Price per person:
02 pax - 2 325 $
04 pax - 1 645 $
06 pax - 1 440 $
08 pax - 1 310 $
10 pax - 1 235 $
Single - 265 $
Early check-in - 30 $
Single early check-in - 45 $
Half board - 240 $*
Full board - 415 $*
Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - 50 $ per person
English speaking guides:
KG - 435 $ per group
UZ - local 130 $ per group or escort 370 $ per group
TJ - 445 $ per group
KZ - 420 $ per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Issyk Kul - "Karven" Resort
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Guesthouse
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Iskandarkul - "Dilovar" Gueshouse
Penjakent - "Umariyon" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Khiva - "Porso" Hotel 3*
Tashkent - "Samir" Hotel 3*
- Mineral water supply
- Entrances to all museums in Kg, Kz & Tj
- Flight tickets Bishkek - Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Museum admissions in Uz
- Flight tickets Urgench-Tashkent
