UZBEKISTAN Airport – Tashkent

Arrival at Tashkent International Airport by flight XXX at XXX. After immigration and customs meet guide outside of arrival hall. Transfer to hotel for check in, fresh up and transfer for dinner to local restaurant.  Overnight at hotel. Meals: no

Tashkent

Breakfast. Tashkent sightseeing:

Visit Old City part of Tashkent with Khast-Imam Complex where the world-famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved.

Explore Chorsu Bazar, Tashkent Metro, visit Applied Art Museum. Walk through Navoi Theater to Amir Timur square.

Dinner in restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: breakfast

Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva

Breakfast at hotel.

05:30 Transfer to airport for flight to Urgench at 07:00-08:40 (time is subject to change). Arrive and transfer to Khiva, 35 km 45min, an ancient capital of Khorezm. Tour in the splendid historical part Ichan-Kala:           

-          Muhammad Amin khan and Muhammad Rahim khan Madrasah;

-          Kalta Minar, Kunya Ark, and Museum of Zindan;

-          Mausoleum of Saint Pakhlavan Makhmud, and Shergazi khan Madrasah,

-          Minaret and Madrasah of Islam Khodja, and Djuma Mosque,

-          Allakuli khan Madrasah and Caravan Saray, and Tash Khauli Palace and Harem;

Free time. Lunch and dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. Meals: breakfast

TURKMENISTAN Khiva – Darwaza (300 km 6 hrs)

Breakfast. Drive to Uzbek/Turkmen border Shavat. Finish all immigration formalities, cross the border. Turkmenistan representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”.

Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Kunya Urgench (1.5h). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit Portal of Caravanserai, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum.

Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (6h, 300km) The Crater is also called as "The Door to Hell". The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 m and 20 m deep. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner & overnight at Gas Crater. Meals: breakfast, dinner

Darwaza – Ashgabat (270 km 4-5hrs)

Breakfast at the camp. Morning drive to Ashgabat (4h, 270km).  Check in to the hotel. Free time. 

After you will have Ashgabat city tour. In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of the white marble. You will see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities, the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments. Drive to visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211BC), and reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia). Overnight in Ashgabat.

Ashgabat – Nokhur – Kow Ata – Gokdepe – Ashgabat 

Breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to Nokhur mountain village. The village itself fills a small depression valley in the mountains of the Kopet Dag Range, and the houses are built with local boulders cemented with mud. Apart from the main street through the middle of the town, the streets are so narrow that they only just fit a car between the high stone retaining walls on each side. The Nohkuri people who populate this remote mountain village are quite different to other Turkmen tribes. They live in a handful of villages in the mountainous border area spanning Turkmenistan and Iran. Nokhur is the largest village with just a thousand or maybe two thousand people.  After drive to Kowata underground lake which is located 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means "father of caves". This underground area seems like a magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its height reaches 20 m, and its width is at some points 57 m. The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and its warm and gushing water is clear and emerald colored. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You should swim in the lake). (Lunch yourself). Drive to Gokdepe fortress (45 km from Ashgabat) that was attacked in December 1880 by Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy) that was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue colored roof and white marble structure. Later drive to visit Horse Farm to see a national proud of Turkmen people - Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such famous Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. According to superstition belief, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Drive to Ashgabat, overnight at hotel. Meals: breakfast

Ashgabat – Seyitjemaleddin Mosque – Abiwerd - Mary 

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to visit Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen carpet museum is one of the cultural centers of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. For example, the museum has the smallest carpet to wear keys, as well as the world's largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records. Drive to Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque. Among the small number of Timurid-era monuments on the territory of Turkmenistan, the mosque of Seyit Jemaletdin in Anau city. According to inscriptions on its facades and interior, it was built when Khoresm was ruled by Abu Kasim Baber Bahadurhan (1446-1457). Its construction was financed by his vizir, Muhammed Khudaiot, who chose a site near the grave of his father, Jemaletdin. The ancient settlement Abiverd is one of eight historical reserves of Turkmenistan along with Kunya-Urgench, Nissa, Merv, Dakhistan etc. The ruins of Abiverd are located between Ashgabat and Mary. Then drive to Mary. If time permits, visit local green bazaar, Mary regional museum, Library for 6000 readers with Observatory on a top, also Old Russian Church, which build in 1900. Overnight at hotel. Meals: breakfast

UZBEKISTAN Mary – Merv -BP Farap –Bukhara

Breakfast. Drive to Merv to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive to Turkmen-Uzbek border Farap border (3h)

Transfer to Uzbek-Turkmen Boarder post "OLOT-FARAB". Border formalities on both sides. Cross the neutral zone1,5 km (transportation may not be available). Meet your driver and transfer to Bukhara (100 km 1,5 hrs.).

Check-in hotel in Bukhara

. Dinner in traditional Uzbek restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast 

Bukhara

Breakfast at hotel.

Tour in the old center of science and culture. Explore one of the gems of Islamic architecture, the center of Mediaeval Islamic Education. Tour includes visits to:

-          Samanid Mausoleum, and Mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub,

-          The Ark Citadel, and Bolo-Khauz Mosque,

-          Kalon Complex consisting of Minaret, Mir-Arab Madrasah, and Mosque,

-          Madrasah Of Ulugbek, and Madrasah of Abdul-Aziz khan,

-          Trade domes, and Magoki – Attor mosque,

-          Lyabi – Khauz complex: Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah and Khanaka; Kukeldash Madrasah; 

Lunch and dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. Meals: breakfast

Bukhara - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand

Breakfast at hotel. Depart to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane.

Arrive and Guided tour visiting the magnificent architectural sights of the Timurids period:

-          Entry Pylons of Ak Saray palace of Tamerlane,

-          Dorus Saodat complex, Mausoleum of Djehangir and Khazrat Imam Mosque;

-          Dorut Tilovat, Kok Gumbaz Mosque and Mausoleum of Sheikh Shamsuddin Kulal;

-          Mausoleum Gumbazi Saidon and Kunduzak Quarter Mosque

Continue driving to Samarkand. Upon arrival check in and some rest. Lunch and dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. Meals: breakfast

Samarkand

Breakfast. 

Sightseeing in the Capital of Great Empire of Tamerlane, the place which attracted Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, and other visitors of the world.

Gur Emir mausoleum /15th cc and Ruhabad Mausoleum from outside

Registan Square with Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tilla Kari Madrasah/15th-17thcc

Bibi Khanum Mosque /15th cc/ and Mosque of Khazrat Khizr from outside;

Explore Colorful Siyab bazaar,

Shakhi Zinda Necropolis;

Museum of Ulugbek observatory, original part of sextant /15th cc

Konighil Crafts Center with Silk Paper and Oil Mills;

Gur Emir Mausoleum (the resting place of Timur)

Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. Meals: breakfast

TADJIKISTAN Samarkand - Penjikent

Breakfast.  Drive to the Uzbek-Tadjik border Jartepa (60 km 1hr). Border formalities on both sides. Crossing the border. Meet your local guide and driver Penjikent (30km40 min).

The city of Penjikent ("five villages") is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in the picturesque Zarafshan river/valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the V-VIII centuries AD. Penjikent in that time was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd.

Explore this ancient city with your local guide, including visits: ruins of old Sogdian town founded in V century. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples, Rudaki museum, local bazar and mosque.

Dinner. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast

Panjakent - Ghazza and Vory villages – Panjakent (130 km 3hrs)

Breakfast.

Drive to village Ghazza. Ghazza is a remote village, located 1700m above sea level, on the foot by Hamid and Obshor mountains, population about 200 people. Ghazza is located in the Fan mountains. Walking and meet local people in the village, explore how the Tajik people live in the mountain areas.  

Drive to village Vory. Village located in the 1900 m above sea level, in the mountains area, population about 1000, 120 houses. Construction of building reminds you of XVIII-XIX centuries.

Short hiking in mountains.  Drive back to Ghazza village. Enjoy lunch in a local Tajik family. 

Drive back to Panjakent. on route stop to explore the Rudaki mausoleum. The mausoleum was constructed in 1958 in honor of the founder of classic Tajik poetry, a famous poet Abuabdulloh Rudaki. Rudaki’s tomb is in Panjrud village, Panjakent. Some of his life facts, well-known to public are that Rudaki lived at the IX century and the beginning of X century under the reign of Samanid’s Dynasty. Rudaki passed away in 941 AD. In his native village Panjrud spending the last days of his lifetime in poverty.  

Dinner. Overnight in the hotel. Meals: breakfast, lunch

Panjakent – Iskandar Kul Lake – Dushanbe (220 km 5 hrs)

Breakfast.  Drive to famous lakes of Fan mountains – Iskandar Kul.  Iskandar Kul lake:  length – 5 km, width – 3,5 km and depth to – 80 m, located at height 2250 m. The heart of Fan mountains, the treasure of Tyan-Shan, a scenic Iskandar Kul Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tajikistan. Having emerald green and blue color. A fast-flouring Iskandar-Darya River flows from the lake, forming a marvelous and gorgeous waterfall, so called the “Fan Niagara” that falls from the height 38 m.

Walking near the lake.  Short hiking to see waterfall. Lunch-picnic.

Continue drive to Dushanbe. Dinner. Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: breakfast, lunch-picnic

Dushanbe

Breakfast.

Sightseeing the Dushanbe: Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan. Dushanbe means "Monday" in Tajik language, and the name reflects the fact that the city grew on the site of a village that originally was a popular Monday marketplace. Situated at the confluence of two rivers – Varzob and Kofarnihon.

• Museum of antiquities – Buddha in Nirvana position
• Navruz palace - initially building “Kohi Navruz” (Palace of Nowruz) was planned as a teahouse, but during the construction become into a palace. Kohi Navruz has – 12 unusuall halls, each of which is made in a special style. The complex has an art room, a banquet hall, a lounge room with carved stone trim, plaster room decorated with mirrors, two VIP rooms. At the same time building is ready to place 3 thousand 200 guests. All the rooms of the palace are decorated by local artists, craftsmen: there are wood carvings and Florentine mosaic from the local semi-precious stones, mosaics made of colored mirrors, painted ceilings. On the walls – scenes from the ancient legends, on the ceiling – made in the old style, wooden ornaments, which are made mainly by craftsmen from Isfara.
• Monument Somoni
• Park Rudaki
• National library
• President palace
• Flag Park

Dinner. Overnight in the hotel. Meals: breakfast

KAZAKHSTAN Dushanbe-Almaty

Breakfast. Free time in the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Almaty (Somon Air at 11:00 or Air Astana at 13: 45, depend of weekly day). Free time.

Arrival in Almaty. Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Rest.   Dinner in local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: breakfast

Almaty sightseeing

Breakfast.

Almaty sightseeing: Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Memorial complex devoted to the World War Two and with eternal flame, Museum of musical instruments, green bazaar – a place where you can buy souvenirs, central Muslim Mosque.

Lunch.

Continue sightseeing: Republic Square with three main symbols of Kazakhstan and Obelisk devoted to the independence, State Museum of Kazakhstan.

After visit, the top of Kok-Tobe hill (by cable car) where you can enjoy unforgettable panorama of Almaty from the observation desk. Meals: breakfast

Almaty

Breakfast. Drive to the huge Medeo dam (1733m), from the top enjoy the view of the largest high mountain skating rink in the world – Medeo, surrounded by marvelous mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau. After visit Shymbulak ski resort and will take gondola to enjoy amazing view. Back to Almaty. Free time. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast

Almaty – Charyn canyon – Kaindy lake - Saty village (300km 5-6hrs)

Breakfast. Drive to Charyn canyon. Charyn Canyon is a unique natural monument, stretching for 154km along the banks of Charyn river to the east from Almaty. The height of canyon walls can be up to 300 meters. Walk in the canyon. Lunch-picnic after nice walk near the river. Continue drive to the Saty village. Transfer to Kaindy lake by old Russian jeep. The imposing shrank spruce trees that previously formed a forest there, now suddenly submerged in the lake that was born from the landslide. Walking in the surroundings. Dinner and overnight in Saty village at the guesthouse. Meals: full board

KYRGYZSTAN Saty village – Kolsay lake - Karakol (250 km 4-5hrs)

After breakfast drive to Kolsay lakes is the system of 3 picturesque lakes on the altitude of 1800m, 2250m and 2700m respectively. Kolsay lakes are often calling the Pearls of Northern Tian-Shan. Here you will take short hike near lake one (option: boating).  Drive to Kegen (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan border). Cross the border. Continue driving through Karkara gorge with stunning views. Arrival to Karakol town. Lunch in local restaurant. Then Karakol sightseeing: wooden Russian Orthodox Church, Dungan Mosque (XIX century), Local bazaar. Check-in to the hotel. Rest. Dinner in Dungan family (Chinese Muslim). Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: full board

Karakol– Djetty-Oguz gorge - Skazka canyon – Kochkor (250 km, 4-5hrs)

Breakfast. Drive to Djetty Oguz gorge, by nickname as Switzerland thanks to beautiful fir, junipers, and birch tree forests covered valley. Djetty Oguz Gorge valley with seven red stones rock formation where you can see famous mountains “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls”.

Drive to Fairy Tale canyon. There perfect spot to take nice photos. In the canyon, you can find a variety of bizarre figures of stone and clay. It is composed of multi-colored clays, minerals and rocks that add to the scenic beauty of this place.

In Bokonbaevo, you will see demonstration of hunting birds of prey and detailed stories about these amazing creatures.

Continue drive to Kochkor town. Dinner. Overnight in guesthouse. Meals: full board

Kochkor - Son-Kul Lake (150km 3-4 hrs)

Breakfast. Drive through amazing landscape to Son-Kul Lake located at the high altitude of 3016 m., there you will see local Nomad’s life style and traditions. Lunch. Free time. You will have best option for horseback riding. Lunch, dinner and overnight in Yurt camp.

Meals: full board     

Son-Kol Lake – Chon-Kemin (250 km 5 hrs)

Breakfast. Drive to Kochkor village where you will see felt show (local women will show you how they are making traditional carpet). Lunch in Kyrgyz family.

Transfer to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Chon-Kemin National Park, a lush natural area brimming with diverse flora and fauna. Here you will see traditional Kyrgyz game ‘’Kok-Boru’’ (it is a traditional game played by two teams on horses, where players try to maneuver with a goat’s carcass and score by putting it into the opponents’ goal (optional, by request).

Explore Chon-Kemin village.

Dinner and accommodation in cozy guesthouse. Meals: full board

Chon-Kemin – Bishkek (200 km 3-4 hrs)

Breakfast. Transfer to Burana tower, this is cultural complex of X-XI AD where you can go up to the top of tower (minaret) where will be seen all local area and visit local museum and Balbals (Stone warriors) and petroglyphs.

Here you can see traditional Kyrgyz game ‘’Kok-Boru’’ (it is a traditional game played by two teams on horses, where players try to maneuver with a goat’s carcass and score by putting it into the opponents’ goal. (Optional, by request).

Lunch in Bishkek.

Bishkek sightseeing:

Famous Osh bazar

Ala-Too square with changing of the guards

Victory square and old square with the statue of Lenin

Oak trees park

Central White Mosque

Dinner in restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: breakfast

Bishkek – Airport (30 km 40 min)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight back home. End of the tour. Meals: breakfast