Great Silk Road Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan

After arrival to Almaty airport, tourists go to check in the hotel. They have a brief break in the hotel and then go for a tour around Almaty. Sightseeing includes: State Museum of History, Republic Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov park, Zenkov Cathedral, War Memorial, Museum of Musical Instruments and other places.

In the morning of second day we have a tour to Medeo damm, that is 20 kilometers away, to see ice skating rink. After that we return to Almaty and go for sightseeing. The program includes: Old square,  Mosque, Opera House and other great places. In the evening we take a flight to Chimkent city. Instead of a flight, we can get there on a train.

In the morning we leave Chimkent and to Turkistan city. On our way we stop to see remains of Otrar settlement and visit a museum.

In Turkistan city we visit Akhmed Yassawi Architectural Complex, located in historical center of the city. After that we leave Turkistan city, pass by Chimkent to get to Natural Part Aksu Djabagly.

When the day five begins, tourists have the opportunity to get to know the park closer. In the afternoon there will be a tour to Taraz city. On our way to Taraz city we stop by Mausoleum Aisha Bibi.

In the morning we have a tour around Taraz city. The plan for day six is to visit: State History Museum, Central square, Karakhan mosque and mausoleum.

In the evening we take a flight to Astana.

The sightseeing program in Astana includes visiting: Baiterek, Museum of the First President, Culture center, Pyramid, “Dumana”Aquarium and shopping center “Mega”.

We go to the airport to take a flight to Bishkek.

Flight

Upon arrival to Bishkek we check in the hotel, have a short break, have breakfast and go the the Son Kul Lake. This lake is 360 kilometers away. It is situated in a highland area. People that live in that area breed sheep and horses. We will meet with local people and explore how they live. It is allowed to take photos. The night will be spent in a yurt camp.

Coach

We will travel from Son Kul Lake to Naryn town. On our way we will see beautiful landscapes passing by mountains. When we reach our destination, we go for sightseeing. The program in Naryn includes: Central Square and Mosque, Art Gallery (if it is open). Accommodation in the hotel Khan Tengri***

Coach

This day we have a long trip from Naryn to Karakol. On our way to Karakol we stop in Kochkor village to visit – a shop and a Museum of Handicraft. On the south side of the Lake Issyk Kul we will visit a canyon called Fairy tale. In the canyon there will be opportunity for hiking and taking pictures. This place is famous for its red rock formations that are quite unusual. After the stop the travel will continue. Upon arrival to Karakol, we settle in the guesthouse called “Green Yard” and stay there for a night.

Coach

In the morning we go for sightseeing in Karakol. It includes: Orthodox Cathedral, Dungan Mosque and Przhevalskii Complex. Then we go to Cholpon Ata. In Cholpon Ata we check in “Royal Beach” hotel or if not available in the similar hotel.

Coach

On the way to Bishkek, we will drive from the North side of the lake. On the way to Bishkek, we will stop to see Burana Tower and then continue our trip. In Bishkek we will go to a restaurant for dinner.

Coach

On day 14 we move to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Coach

Upon arrival to Tashkent, we will have a tour around Tashkent city. In the airport our driver meets tourists and drives them to the hotel. Later that day after hotel check in you will have a tour and visit the following places: Khast-Imam Architectural Complex, Chorsu market, Amir Timur and Independence Squares, Museum of Applied Arts. The night will be spent in the hotel in Tashkent.

Breakfast early in the morning in the hotel and then heading to the railway station for a trip to Samarkand. The train “Registan” departs at 7:00 am. Upon arrival to Samarkand there is a guided tour to enjoy finest sites of Samarkand. Samarkand has rich history. At times of Amir Timur’s ruling, Samarkand was a capital of the empire and was known as Afrosiab. Sightseeing program includes: visiting Registan Square, Mausoleum Gur-Emir, Shakhi-Zinda, Mosque Bibi-Khanum. The night is spent in the hotel in Samarkand.

Coach

After breakfast in the morning of day 17, we will have a trip to the unique archeological place and visit Afrosiab museum. Then we will see the place where Saint Daniel was buried. After that we will go back to Samarkand. In Samarkand there will be some time to spend on your own

Coach

The day begins with the trip to Bukhara. During the trip we stop by caravan serai called Rabat-i-Malik. After that we continue our trip to Bukhara. Upon arrival to Bukhara, we check in the hotel. Then we leave the hotel to see beautiful Bukhara. The old part of the city is recognized by UNESCO to one of the World Heritage Sites. We will see: Minaret and Mosque Kalyan, Madrassa Miri-Arab, Mosque Magoki-Attori, Abdulazizkhan, Chor-Minor and Ulugbek Madrassas, trade domes and Architectural Complex Lyabi Hauz. The night is spent in the hotel in Bukhara

Coach

Day two is also dedicated to the beauties of Bukhara. Sightseeing includes: Mausoleum of Samanids, Ark Fortress, Chashma-Ayub and Naqshbandi Mausoleums, summer residences of  Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Emir. This residence is unique because it combines Russian and Asian architectural styles. After that, tourists will have free time to walk around and visit places they want. The night is spent in the hotel in Bukhara.

Coach

Wake up early in the morning to get to the Uzbek-Turkmen border. Passing customs control and entering the territory of Turkmenistan. On Turkmen side a guide will be waiting for the tourists and will take them to first to Turkmenabad to have lunch and then to Mary settlement. Sightseeing is not in the program for this day. Upon arrival to Mary, hotel check-in. The night is spent in the hotel.

Coach

After morning meal tourists have a trip to Merv. Merv is located 25 kilometers away from Mary settlement. It is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited Central Asian cities. The city is sometimes called ‘Pearl of East’. The citie’s greatest periods were at the time of Achaemenids and Iranian Empire. Gayir Kala that is on the territory of Merv, has a big area and has four gates that face North, South, West and East. Another interesting sight in Merv is Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Its size and design gives impression of solidity and power. We will also see: Erk Kala, Small and Large Gyz Kala, Kesk Fort and others. After sightseeing we return back to Mary and take a flight to Ashgabat. In Ashgabat we check in the hotel and stay there for a night.

Coach

Sightseeing program in Ashgabat includes: Nisa – Parthian settlement that dates back to 3rd century that had residents up until 19th century; one of the biggest mosques on the territory of Central Asia, called “Spiritual Mosque”; another mosque “Ertogrul Gazy”; Independence Square; Turkmenistan National Museum – the place to see object made of gold and attributes of Bronze Age, Antiquity and Middle age (open every day except Tuesdays). The night is spent in the hotel in Ashgabat

Coach

Take one hour morning flight to Tashauz after breakfast. From Tashauz to Kunya Urgench for a tour. Sightseeing in Kunya Urgench include: Turabeg Khanum, Ibn Khadgib, Sultan Ali, Arslan and Sultan Tekesh Mausoleums, Kutlugh Timur Minaret. This minaret is the highest one in Turkmenistan. Then going to a restaurant for lunch. After the meal, return to Tashauz, which is located near Turkmen-Uzbek border. Passing customs control, enter Uzbekistan and drive to Khiva. In Khiva hotel check-in, dinner and a night sleep.

Coach

Sightseeing starts in the morning after breakfast. The program has the following places to visit: Ismail Khodja and Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleums, Kalta Minor Tower, Mohammed Amin Khan and Mohammed Rakhimkhan Madrassas, Juma Mosque, Kunya-Ark and Tash-Hovli Palaces, Islam Khoja Minaret. After Khiva tour, there is a flight back to Tashkent with a transfer flight in Urgench. Hotel check-in and dinner and a night sleep upon arrival to Tashkent.

At a midday tourists check out the hotel, spend some time on their own and go to the airport to take a flight back home.