5 stans

Day 1

Bishkek – Burana – Chon Kemin

Your guide will pick you up at Manas International Airport and escort you to the capital city of Bishkek, which is only 30 minutes drive from the airport. The first half of the day is devoted to a city tour of Bishkek. The tour includes visits to Victory Square, Oak Park, Ala-Too Central Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic Hall and many other sights. After a traditional lunch you will go to the Chon Kemin Gorge. On the way to the gorge, you will have the opportunity to visit the Burana Tower (a minaret dating back to the 11th century) and the Balbal (stone warriors) open-air museum. After a very interesting tour and climbing to the top of the tower, you will be transferred to Chon Kemin. You will spend the night in a guesthouse.

Day 2

Chon Kemin – Kochkor – Son Kul

In the morning we start our journey to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul. This lake is bordered by mountains. It is the highest lake in Kyrgyzstan – 3013 meters above sea level. Today you will make a trip to the amazing pass “Moldo Ashu”. This pass (3201 meters) is considered one of the most beautiful passes in Kyrgyzstan. From the top of Moldo Ashu you can see almost the whole road leading to the lake. From here you can also get a breathtaking view of the Naryn Valley and several stunning mountain ranges to the south. Ice-covered mountains, massive pine trees on the mountainside and thick rolling fog create a surreal paradise atmosphere that takes your breath away. Afterwards, you will return to the Son-Kul Lake. You will spend the night in felt nomadic dwellings – yurts, not far from the lake.

Day 3

Son Kul – Kochkor

After breakfast, you will have free time at Son Kul Lake to enjoy the nature. You can go horseback riding or just relax and laze in the peaceful surroundings by the lake in the wilderness. You will also have time to socialize with the nomads and you will have the opportunity to experience their way of life. We will then drive to the village of Kochkor, which is located in the gorge itself. The road to Kochkor passes over one of the most beautiful passages, on top of the mountain. In Kochkor village you will spend time with a family of locals who will show you how national felt carpets are made. You can even learn the art of felting and create one of these rugs yourself with them! You will also visit a small craft museum. There are many types of silver jewelry, wolf coats, horse hats, rugs and more. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 4

Kochkor – Karakol

Today you will travel to the heavenly Issyk Kul Lake, which is the second largest high mountain lake in the world. It is also called the “Pearl of Central Asia”. It has been considered sacred by the locals for over 1500 years. As you get closer, you can enjoy the scenery of the mountains that surround it. We will stop in the village of Bokonbaeva where we will visit a local berkutchi (hunter with an eagle). He hunts hares and foxes with an eagle (a traditional type of hunting). Then we will go to the famous Jeti Oguz gorge, the Red Rocks. You will also see the Heartbreak Rock. And we will continue to Karakol town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Karakol – Kyrgyz-Kazakh border – Charyn Canyon – Saty

In the morning you will travel to the Kegen border. After passing the border you will go to the Charyn Canyon. This is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old and it amazes with its vertical rocks resembling ancient castles created under the influence of wind, sun and rain. On the way you will hear a lot of interesting things about the history and nature of this region, about the Kazakh people, their life and traditions, and have lunch in a local cafe. As soon as you see the Charyn Canyon, you will immediately forget about the long way traveled, so much you will be amazed by the beauty and splendor of the canyon. You can admire the grandiose panorama and then walk through the labyrinth of the Valley of Castles with its inaccessible walls overhanging you. Then transfer to Saty. Overnight at a local’s house.

Day 6

Saty – Kolsai Lakes – Almaty

Today you will have an opportunity to walk to Kolsai Lakes. Kolsai lakes are one of the most beautiful places of Kazakh nature. They are also called the blue necklace of the Northern Tien Shan. It is understandable – such beauty is not found everywhere! In translation from the Kazakh language “Kolsai” means “lake in the gorge”, because all three lakes are located in the most picturesque gorge of the eastern part of the Kungai Alatau range, which is 300 km from Almaty. The lakes are located at an altitude of 1800, 2250 and 2700 above sea level. The Kolsai River takes its sources from glaciers located on the mountain ranges of the Kungai Alatau and flows in turn into three lakes: Upper, Mynzholki and Lower. The water in the lakes is fresh. Kolsai lakes are very deep. For example, the deepest place in the first lake is 80 meters, and in the second – about 50 meters. The bottom is gentle in some places, without rocky ledges. Further transfer to Almaty. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Almaty

Today you will have a familiarization tour around the city. Today you will visit the Green Bazaar, a favorite of the citizens, where it is impossible to refrain from buying while listening to the inviting shouts of the sellers. Then the tour will continue in one of the oldest parks of the city – the Park named after 28th Panfilov Guardsmen, where you will see one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world – the Holy Ascension Cathedral, and also visit the Memorial of Glory and the Eternal Flame. After visiting the park you will visit Medeo tract, where the world’s largest high-altitude ice rink is located surrounded by magical mountain scenery. After the walk you will board the gondola road leading to the Shymbulak ski resort. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Almaty – Issyk – Almaty

The excursion route to one of the most beautiful gorges of Zailiys Alatau – Issyk Gorge – runs along the Kuldzhin road, where hundreds of years ago trade caravans passed. On the way you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Issyk”, where you will get acquainted with the expositions devoted to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of the Golden Man and gold articles, ancient ceramics, weapons, elements of horse equipment, as well as a model of the Saka mound in section. Then the excursion route will take you to the height of 1756 meters above sea level, to the beautiful high-mountainous Issyk Lake, spread in the gorge of the same name. On your return to Almaty you will visit Kok-Tobe. On the mountain there is the highest TV tower in the world (if you count from sea level), which can be seen from any point of the city. In the park Kok-Tobe you can walk, admire the panorama of the city, and also visit the store of national souvenirs. The first part of the excursion ends with a descent from the top of the mountain to the very center of the metropolis in the carriage of the famous Almaty cable car. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9

Almaty – Tashkent

In the morning you will go to the airport for your flight Almaty-Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent you will be met by a local guide. Accommodation at the hotel at 14:00. Visit to Hast Imam Square, where Barakkhan Madrasah, Tillya-Sheikh Mosque and Kafala Ash-Shashi Mausoleum (XVI century) are located. A walk through the largest and most dynamic market of Uzbekistan – Chorsu. Panoramic tour of Tashkent: Independence Square, Opera and Ballet Theater Square, Amir Temur Square. Local Broadway. Overnight will be spent at the hotel.

Day 10

Tashkent – Uzbek-Tajik border – Khujand

Transfer to the Uzbek-Tajik border. At the border your guide from Tajikistan will be waiting for you, after which you will leave for the city of Khujand. Khujand is the second largest city in Tajikistan. It is located on the Syr Darya River at the estuary of the Fergana Valley. It has a population of 149,000 people. Khujand is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, which today is called Sughd. After lunch you will visit the Palace of Culture where the first president of Tajikistan was elected. In the center of the city is the Central Mosque, which you will also visit today. Overnight will be spent at the hotel.

Day 11

Khujand – 7 lakes – Panjakent

Today we will travel to the Fann Mountains. The road to the lakes passes through the Shakhriston Pass (3,378 meters). This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Central Asia. You will take a day trip to the Seven Lakes (Markuzor Lakes), about 60 km south of Penjikent. At this point you will have time for short hikes. The road goes along the gorge where 7 lakes are located. They are located at different heights and have different colors. You will also meet the locals who live in the area. It will be very interesting to see their way of life. Then we will leave for Penjikent. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Panjakent – Tajik-Uzbek border – Samarkand

In the morning you will travel to the border with Uzbekistan. Upon arrival at the Uzbek part of the border you will be met by your guide. You will transfer to the pearl of Uzbekistan – the city of Samarkand. The Great Silk Road has long passed through this city, and the famous conqueror Tamerlan, a descendant of Genghis Khan, in the XIV century made it the capital of his huge empire and built here many architectural masterpieces, many of which have survived to this day. The excursion starts with a visit to the famous Registan Square, where Ulugbek, Tilla-Kori and Sherdor madrassahs are located. Visit to Gur-Emir Mausoleum. Visit to Konigil Meros paper factory. Visit to the national house and master class on cooking Uzbek pilaf. In the evening – visit to the tourist center “eternal city” – Overnight in the hotel.

Day 13

Samarkand – Bukhara

We will continue our tour of Samarkand with a visit to the Shahi-Zinda necropolis. A visit to Ulugbek’s observatory, Afrosiab archaeological museum, Bibi Khanim mosque and the busiest Siab market. In the afternoon we transfer to Bukhara. (280 km. About 5 hours drive). Overnight in a hotel.

Day 14

Bukhara

Visit to the Magokki Attari Mosque, built on the site of a Buddhist and Zoroastrian temple (12th-16th centuries). Visit to the 16th century covered market known as “merchant domes”. During the visit gold embroidery, copper, blacksmith and weaving workshops are opened. Visit to Ulugbek Madrasah, built by Tamerlane’s grandson in 1417, Abdul-Aziz Khan Madrasah (XVII century.), Abdullah Khan Tim Madrasah (XVI century.), built in 1577 and used by Afghan silk and wool traders, and the magnificent architectural complex of Poy Kalon (XII-XVI centuries.), including the mosque Masjidi Kalon, Miri Arab Madrasah and the highest minaret of its time in the East. Visit to the famous miniaturist in Bukhara and calligraphy workshop with lunch. Visit to the majestic Ark Citadel, which was the residence of the Emir until 1920. In the end of the day visit Chor Minor (a small madrasa with four minarets). Overnight in a hotel.

Day 15

Bukhara

Walk around the old city of Bukhara: sightseeing of Lyabi Hauz complex of XVI-XVII centuries with Nodir Divan-Begi Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and Nodir Devon-Begi Khanaka. Continuation of Bukhara sightseeing: Ismail Samani Mausoleum, built in the X century, a masterpiece of Arabic geometry, Bolo House complex, including a mosque (XVIII century), Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.
Visit to the country residence of Bukhara Emir – Sitorai Mokhi Khosa. Visit to the memorial complex of Bahuddin Naqshbandi. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 16

Bukhara – Farab border-Mary

Transfer to the Uzbek-Turkmen border. Meeting of tourists at Farab border. Transfer Turkmenabad – Mary. Accommodation in the hotel. After rest we will visit Mary museum. With an extensive ethnographic section including a large collection of Turkmen jewelry, carpets, stuffed animals, a fully decorated yurt and ceramics from the time of Mongol occupation. Best of all, however, is the archaeological section, which contains artifacts found in both Merv and Margush, including ceramics, weapons, household items and jewelry. The fine quality and design of everyday objects from Margiana are amazing and rival the collection of the National Museum in Ashgabat. The skeleton of a Margiana priestess was once also on display, but a series of deaths and misfortunes among the museum staff convinced them to return the original to where it was found. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17

Mary – Merv – Ashgabat

After breakfast, we start our sightseeing day. We will make a tour around the city of Mary. Then we will continue our way – Ancient Merv. You will see the largest mausoleum of XII century – the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the mausoleum of Mohammed Ibn Zeid, as well as other significant objects. Then we will drive to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. On the way we will see Annau, ruins of Seyit Jamal-ud-Din Mosque of the 15th century. You will also get acquainted with Abiward, or Abi-ward, which was an ancient Sassanid city in modern Turkmenistan. Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Abiward were carried out last century, about 8 km west of Kahka station on an area measuring 12,000 m2. The central structure is 60 feet high and 700 feet rounded. Hotel Accommodation.

Day 18

Ashgabat

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour begins with a visit to the parks and squares of the capital, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, Nissa Archaeological Complex where the remains of mud bricks, fortifications and palaces, temples, ceremonial hall of the treasury building are preserved on the ruins. It encompasses the remains of the Parthian civilization, which combined traditional arts and cultures with Hellenistic and Roman elements. Further tour of the Kipchak memorial complex. Visit to the horse farm. Akhalteke horses are the pride of the Turkmen people! Return to Ashgabat. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19

Ashgabat – Darvaza

After breakfast at the hotel, independent shopping, souvenir shopping. After lunch, you will leave Ashgabat to the north to visit the fire crater in Darvaza, on the way you will see water and mud craters. Dinner in the nature. Overnight stay in a yurt.

Day 20

Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz

After breakfast in nature, you leave for the architectural monuments of Kunya Urgench, the capital of Khorezm X-XII centuries. During the excursion we will visit the mausoleums of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Turabek-khanim, Il-Arslan, Tekesh, Ibn-Hajib, the highest in Central Asia minaret of Kutlyg-Timur. Then transfer to Dashoguz. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 21

Dashoguz – Shavat border – Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Shavat border. Meeting with the guide on the Uzbek part of the border. Transfer to Khiva. Begin excursion to the ancient complex of Ichan Kala: Kunya Ark, Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, Minaret and Madrasah of Ichan Kala, Minaret of Kalta Minor, Tash Khovli Palace, Ak Mosque, Bains Anush Khan, Medersa Muhammad Rahimkhan, Friday Mosque. Evening transfer to Urgench airport for flight to Tashkent. Overnight in a hotel in Tashkent.

Day 22

Tashkent – return flight home