Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

The Great Silk Road

Description

More than 2,000 years ago, the great trade routes that linked Europe and China opened Central Asia to foreign cultures, customs and religions. Join a modern-day caravan on an epic journey to five of these exotic countries – Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

What's included
  • Group transfers in comfortable and air conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking guide services in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan for 2-10pax
  • English speaking driver in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for 2-4pax
  • English speaking guide in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for 6-10pax
  • Accommodation described in the program in twin/double room/yurt
  • Breakfasts
  • Visits described in the program
  • Flight Ashgabat – Mary (day 2)
  • Train Bukhara – Samarkand, Samarkand – Tashkent (day 4 & 6)
  • Mineral water 1L/per day/per person
What's excluded
  • International flights
  • Flight Dushanbe – Almaty (day 9)
  • Personal expenses
  • Single room supplement – 635 USD*
  • Insurance
  • Visa for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (if required)
  • Turkmenistan border taxes
  • Early check-in & late check-out**
  • Lunches and dinners
  • English speaking guide in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for 2-4pax
  • Photo/video fees at historical sites and in museums
  • Optional activities
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Alcohol
  • Other services not mentioned as included

Itinerary

Day 1. Airport – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)

Day 1. Airport – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)

Arrival at Ashgabat airport at 02:00 am according to flight schedules. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Formalities/Night at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is dedicated to visit the capital Ashgabat (city of love), founded in 1818. After the earthquake of October 6, 1948, the city was completely rebuilt. Visit of the Independence Park, the Arc of Neutrality, the National Museum of History which presents a beautiful collection of objects.

Lunch in a local restaurant. You continue the visits of the Nisa site 18 km from Ashgabat in a Bagir village and visit the Mausoleum – mosque of Turkmenbashi (1st president of the country) in Kipchak.

Return to Ashgabat. Dinner. Night at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Ak Altyn Hotel or similar)

Day 2. Ashgabat – Mary (flight)

Day 2. Ashgabat – Mary (flight)

Morning airport transfer to Mary at 09:35-10:15.

Arrive in Mary and transfer east of Mary 32 km to visit Merv (UNESCO), you will learn the history and cultures of several cities. The oasis was part of the empire of Alexander the Great. Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala which was occupied for 1500 years, throughout the Parthian and Sasanian periods and the early Islamic period. Sultan Kala, Kyz Kala, the Mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammad Ibn Zeyd are preserved monuments that directly reflect the life of the whole Orient at various stages of its existence. In 1999, the National Historical and Cultural Park of “Ancienne Merv” was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Back to Mary. Visit of the History Museum and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Mary Hotel or similar)

Day 3. Mary – Farap – Bukhara (Uzbekistan)

Day 3. Mary – Farap – Bukhara (Uzbekistan)

Departure in the morning at 7:00 am, direct route to the Farap border post / Route to Bukhara.

After arrival and border formalities, you will be met by the driver and guide and transferred to the city of Bukhara (ca. 1,5-2h).

On arrival you will have short city tour. The city tour begins with a visit to the mausoleum of Ismail Samani, the founder of the Samanid dynasty in the 9th century. Next to the oriental bazaar is a visit to the Chashma Ayub mausoleum with “holy water”. As the next attraction visit the Bolo Hauz Mosque or Mosque “with 40 Columns” from the 18th century.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Amulet Hotel or similar)

Day 4. Bukhara – Samarkand

Day 4. Bukhara – Samarkand

After breakfast we visit former palace of the former emirs of Bukhara.

We continue our visit to the Poi Kalon Complex with the Karakhanid Minaret Kalon, Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab Medrese, which has been in operation since the 16th century. The Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Medresses let you get even more impressions with their beauty.

On the road, we will see the old trading vaults and hammam as well. Then we will come to the Labi Hauz complex with three buildings. This is the most popular place not only by tourists, but also by locals. Old Jewish synagogue and doll’s workshop are recommended for viewing.

In the afternoon you will be taken to the train station, where you will take a train to Samarkand.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Zilol Baxt Hotel or similar)

Day 5. Samarkand

Day 5. Samarkand

After breakfast, we start sightseeing tour from the mausoleum of Amir Timur or Tamerlane, where he and his family are buried. Then we go to the famous Registan Square with three madrasses from the 15th and 17th century. This is a landmark of Samarkand. Registan was and is the main town of Samarkand today.

We continue our visits to the Bibi Khanum Mosque from Timur’s reign with the bazaar and the necropolis of Shachi Zinda, where the mausoleum of Kusam ibn Abbas from the 10th century is located, as well as the mausoleums from Timur’s and Ulugbek’s reign.

Then we drive to the Ulugbek Observatory, where he built the first observatory in the Orient.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Zilol Baxt Hotel or similar)

Day 6. Samarkand – Tashkent

Day 6. Samarkand – Tashkent

In the early morning you will be taken to the train station, where you will have a train to Tashkent.

Upon arrival, we begin the sightseeing tour. The first attraction will be Hazrati Imam religious complex, where you will visit the 16th century Mausoleum of Kaffal Ash Shashi, Barakchan Medrese, which is now an art workshop center, Tilla Sheikh Mosque. The main point will be Medrese Muyi Muborak, where you will see the genuine 7th-century Holy Quran book by Chalif Osman and many other Koran books in other languages. The visit to the complex ends with a visit to the mosque Hazrati Imam.

Our next destination will be Bazar Chorsu – the biggest bazar in Tashkent, where you will enjoy oriental atmosphere with smell of spices and fresh fruits. Not far from the bazar we will visit the Medresse Kukeldash, one of the functioning madrasas in Tashkent.

In the Museum of Applied Arts you can get acquainted with Uzbek art, customs and traditions.

Then we visit Independence Square and Amir Timur Square.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Bek Hotel or similar)

Day 7. Tashkent – Oybek – Khujand – Dushanbe (Tajikistan)

Day 7. Tashkent – Oybek – Khujand – Dushanbe (Tajikistan)

In the morning after breakfast transfer to the Uzbek-Tajik border Oybek /Fotekhobod.

Upon arrival and border formalities, you will be met by the driver and guide on Tajikistan side of the border. Continue our trip to Dushanbe city through Khujand city, Shakhristan and Anzob passes (tunnels) and along Varzob gorge.

Our visits on the way: Museum of Antiquity in Khujand and city center.

Departure to the Dushanbe city. Upon evening arrival in Dushanbe, accommodation in hotel.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Taj Palace Hotel or similar)

Day 8. Dushanbe

Day 8. Dushanbe

Today we will spend the day exploring Dushanbe.

Dushanbe (means Monday) is a relatively new city that was formed in 1925 on the site of a small village Dushanbe, place of the large bazaar on Mondays. During the Soviet period, the city was called Stalinabad (1929-1961) Political, Cultural, Educational and Financial Center of the Republic of Tajikistan.

We visit National museum of Tajikistan; Flagpole (165m); Hissar fortress (30 km from Dushanbe); Hissar museum; Central bazar; City center, Dusti square; Ismail Somoni monument.

Overnight in Dushanbe.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Taj Palace Hotel or similar)

Day 9. Dushanbe – Almaty (flight) (Kazakhstan)

Day 9. Dushanbe – Almaty (flight) (Kazakhstan)

In the morning transfer to the international Dushanbe airport for taking a *flight to Almaty. Arrival at the airport in Almaty where you will be met by driver and bought to the capital.

We go towards Medeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends.

Then we return to Almaty where we visit Zenkov Cathedral, one of the most beautiful,
magnificent architectural monuments in the city.

After we go to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. It is famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Kazakhstan and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruitgrowing gardens. Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you would see the famous 372 meters high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus a few attractions at the top.

Overnight in the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Kazzhol Almaty Hotel or similar) 

*The flight can be changed, and the program with its price accordingly. The flight Dushanbe – Almaty is operated 3-4 times a week at different times depending on the day.

Day 10. Almaty – Altyn Emel – Zharkent

Day 10. Almaty – Altyn Emel – Zharkent

After breakfast, we go to Altyn Emel National Park.

We arrive at Altyn Emel National Park. Here we begin our visit to the “singing” dune located between the mountains of Big and Small Kalkan. This sandy hill is made up of very fine sand, which begins to “sing” when it is windy and the sound coming out is very reminiscent of an organ.

Then we drive towards Zharkent (ca. 120 km). We visit he central mosque, an architectural monument of the 19th century. The mosque was built in 1895 and is under state protection as a monument of architecture and history of republican significance.

Overnight in hotel.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Simple hotel (Hayat Inn or similar)

Day 11. Zharkent – Charyn – Saty

Day 11. Zharkent – Charyn – Saty

After breakfast, we drive to Charyn Canyon.

Charyn canyon is located in the national park. It is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States. The erosion made by the Charyn River has created dramatic and impressive landscapes.

When you arrive, you will admire the great panorama and you will walk down to the bottom of the canyon to walk about 2 km in the labyrinth of the Valley of the Castles.

Then we drive towards Saty village. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Maria Guesthouse or similar)

Day 12. Saty – Kaindy Lake – Kolsay Lake – Saty

Day 12. Saty – Kaindy Lake – Kolsay Lake – Saty

After the breakfast we visit Kaindy lake.

From the village you board the Russian 4*4s, as they are perfectly capable of going through a mountain road (15 km) to Lake Kaindy, located 2,000 meters above sea level. It was formed in 1911 due to the earthquake which caused the landslide which blocked the valley by the natural dam and the waters flooded the valley. Discover this beautiful place.

Then we go to the famous Kolsay lakes. We visit the first lake.

Kolsay lakes are one of the most beautiful places of Kazakh nature. They are located at 1800, 2250 and 2700 meters above sea level. They are distinguished by a unique watershed mountain landscape, consisting of three natural zones, and a variety of rare plants and animals.

You can walk around the lake Kolsay-1.

After we drive back to Saty village. Overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Maria Guesthouse or similar)

Day 13. Saty – Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)

Day 13. Saty – Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)

After breakfast, departure to Kegen border post between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Transfer from the border post to Karakol.

When we get to Karakol, we will visit its famous sights, such as the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Dungan mosque.

For dinner, you can order the typical dish of this region ¨ashlan fu¨, Dungan traditional cuisine.

Overnight in hotel.

Meals included: breakfast  

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel or similar)

 

Day 14. Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Barskoon – Tamga

Day 14. Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Barskoon – Tamga

After breakfast, we go towards Jeti Oguz gorge. The name of the gorge is symbolic and means “seven bulls” in Kyrgyz because there are seven giant red-brown rocks resembling furious bulls standing together. You can take a walk here and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

Then we go to the Barskoon Gorge. The gorge is famous for its waterfalls. One of the best known is Tears of a Leopard. Here you find the monument for the first cosmonaut Yu. A. Gagarin, who was very fond of this place and rested in the nearby Tamga military sanatorium.

When we get Tamga, you will try a Russian sauna.

Overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Guesthouse (U Pavla Guesthouse or similar)

Day 15. Tamga – Skazka – Bokonbaevo – Kochkor

Day 15. Tamga – Skazka – Bokonbaevo – Kochkor

Breakfast in the guesthouse. Then we go towards Kochkor by the south shore of the lake.

Along the way, we visit Skazka canyons, which translates from Russian as Fairytale. There you can find rocks of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal may appear in front of you. You can do short hiking in the canyons.

In Bokonbaevo we meet an eagle hunter with his bird of prey (option). Eagle hunting is one of the ancient traditions of nomads.

Upon arrival in Kochkor, you can walk in the village.

Overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Mira Guesthouse or similar)
Optionally: yurt show, eagle hunting

Day 16. Kochkor – Tash Rabat

Day 16. Kochkor – Tash Rabat

After breakfast, we take the road and continue our journey.

On our way, we have to overcome the Dolon Pass (3030 m), then we go to the old caravan stop of the Silk Road period – Tash Rabat.

On the road we stop in the city of Naryn to have lunch in the restaurant.

We arrive at the yurt camp in Tash Rabat. Tash Rabat is a historical monument founded by monks in the 10th century. At the begging of the Silk Road period Tash Rabat lost its religious significance and the monastery served as a hotel for passing caravans.

Dinner and overnight in yurt.

Meals included: breakfast  

Accommodation: Yurt camp 

 

Day 17. Tash Rabat – Son Kul

Day 17. Tash Rabat – Son Kul

After breakfast, the beautiful mountain roads lead us to Son Kul Lake.

Today, we overcome the mountain pass Moldo Ashu (3400 m). From the pass the lake Son Kul seems very small, but descending lower and approaching the lake, it appears as a big and gorgeous lake.

Upon arrival at a camp at the lake, you get to know the hospitality of the nomads, their lifestyle and their customs. Dinner and night in the yurts.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Yurt camp
Optionally: horse riding

Day 18. Son Kul – Bishkek

Day 18. Son Kul – Bishkek

Breakfast in the yurt camp.

We suggest you take a walk or go horseback riding (option) on the large meadows with an unforgettable view of the lake and take pictures of this magical place.

In the afternoon we will return to the civilization descending from Kalmak Ashu pass of 3400 m and we pass by the Boom gorge.

Arrival in Bishkek in the evening. Overnight in hotel.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel or similar)

Day 19. Bishkek

Day 19. Bishkek

After breakfast in hotel, we start our city tour in Bishkek.

We will visit the heart of the city, Ala-Too Square. After, we can enjoy a walk in Oak Park, one of the favorite places of local people. Bishkek is known as the greenest city in Central Asia thanks to its countless parks and alleys.

After lunch, we will have time to visit the local market – Osh bazaar. Here you can appreciate the creativity and talent of local artisans. Just as you step into the market, you plunge into the oriental atmosphere: an infinite flow of people and a great variety of goods and colors.

In the evening, we can go to one of the best restaurants in Bishkek for a farewell dinner.

Meals included: breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel or similar)

Day 20. Bishkek – Airport – Departure

Transfer to airport. Departure.

additional information

*Except yurt camps
**Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00 

Note:
– The train rides & domestic flights can be changed, and the program with its price accordingly,
after the time of your international flights will be exact.
– The hotel and guesthouse infrastructure in Central Asia is not comparable to European
standards. Some guesthouses have shared bathrooms and toilets.

Private tour
Season Late May – September
Duration 20 days / 19 nights
Group 2 - 10 pax
5315 USD 2 pax (SUV)
3855 USD 4 pax (SUV)
3640 USD 6 pax (Minibus)
3260 USD 8 pax (Minibus)
3090 USD 10 pax (Minibus)
Price per person

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