17-day Central Asia Tour is an adventurous tour around Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, the journey visiting the world-known historical sights of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, breathtaking mountainous passes and ancient fortresses in the desert.
Flight to Bishkek, the greenest capital city in Central Asia.
Arrival in Bishkek International Airport.
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the staff holding a sign “ANUR TOUR” or with your name on it.
Transfer to the hotel. As Bishkek airport not far from the city center, the transfer will not take a long time (about 40 minutes depending on the hotel location).
Arrival in the hotel. Drop off the baggage. Check-in.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:
- Ala Archa Natural park (~35 km from Bishkek, ~ 40min)
Take an easy walk high up to observe the view of mountains and rich Kyrgyz nature, spectate birds and animals living their lives, watch how cold water of Kyrgyz rivers falling down the mountains and continue its way among ancient trees and gorge itself.
Time to explore the area, take photos and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful nature views.
Transfer back to Bishkek.
Start walking city tour around Bishkek visiting:
- Oak Park, the city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among locals and tourists in Bishkek.
- Ala-Too Square is the central square in Bishkek. It serves as a place for state events and celebrations. Philharmonic hall – situated at the top of Rose Alley.
- Statue of Manas (Manas is a legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).
- Victory Square where one can see the Victory monument, a memorial was completed in 1984. Usually, the main festival events are held in Bishkek at the eternal flame, on Victory Square with the guard of honor, forces of Kyrgyz garrison and a military band.
- State History Museum is a perfect display of the Kyrgyz people and the history of the country of Kyrgyzstan.
- Visit the colorful central bazaar and TSUM (Department Store).
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09.00 Transfer to the Issyk-Kyl lake (~ 2 hours, 260 km) en-route visiting
- Burana Tower was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the north capital of the Turkic lingual state of the Karakhanids and the small nearby museum with its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments.
- Issyk-Kyl lake is one of the most wonderful lakes in the world, located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “Hot Lake” and is considered as one of "the pearls of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. There are many activities that entertain people on the beach: windsurfing, scooters, aqua parks, parachutes and rides on boats and ships. In winter there are also spots of alpinism where people enjoy incredible landscapes.
After traditional lunch, leisure time and light walking at the lakeshore to enjoy captivating views of the lake surrounded by mountains. Great opportunity to take thousands of memorable pictures.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Karakol (190 km, 2,5 -3 hrs) en-route visiting
- Ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.). These petroglyphs were made more than 2 000 years ago by shamans. They depict wolves, long-horned ibex, goats, horses, snow leopards, sacrifices and some hunting scenes.
Arrival in Karakol, start light sightseeing tour visiting
- The wooden Russian-orthodox church;
- Dungan mosque is one of the most famous places in Karakol town. The most interesting thing is that it is built without a single metal nail. More than 100 years ago there was a Chinese master who lived in this town. Dungans are people from China who had Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.
- Museum of N.M. Przewalski (Russian explorer of Asian continent).
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Tamga village with sightseeing en-route:
- Jeti Oguz gorge is famous for its red rocks formations that have the name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. One can see there the Broken Heart Mountain, one of the most popular places among locals and visitors. By request, light hiking tour to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge. The gorge extends for almost 40 kilometers and in this vast territory, there many interesting places to visit. A popular attraction is the Jety-Oguz Waterfalls. The most famous among them is the Devichya Kosa (” maid plait”) Waterfall, which is named for the bizarre pattern of water flowing down.
- Barskoon village to visit “Ak-Orgo” Association of Social Entrepreneurs of Kyrgyzstan. Barskoon is also famous for its beautiful nature and the highest waterfall in Kyrgyzstan.
Short transfer to Tamga village.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse in Tamga village.
Transfer to Bishkek (230 km) with sightseeing en-route:
- “Skazka” Canyons. In Russian, the word Skazka means “Fairytale” and the place is certainly a magical place, full of mystery and nature beauty.
- Continue to Bokonbaevo village, to stop for a local eagle-hunting show. The eagles are fed to hunt hares and foxes (a traditional way of nomadic hunting). After excursion continue to Bishkek.
Continue to Bishkek.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
06:00 Transfer to local airport.
08:00 Evening flight Bishkek - Osh by TEZ 105.
08:40 Arrival in Osh Airport.
Meet the driver guide at the airport meeting zone.
Transfer to Osh, the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan, for sightseeing tour visiting;
- Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too (Suleiman is the prophet Solomon - Suleyman in Quran, “Too “is “mountain”). The museum is the only UNESCO sight of the whole mountain with many sacred places in caves and paths.
- Osh Bazaar, a colorful bazaar with more than 2000 years history, plays an important role in the Great Silk Road as a major landmark.
- Main Square with Lenin statue, Kyrgyz people are very respectful to the history of Soviet period.
Transfer to the Uzbek- Kyrgyz border Dostyk. Border crossing.
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control. Meet the guide and driver holding a sign “ANUR TOUR” or with your name on it.
Transfer to Andijan (40 km)
Check-in the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.
Start sightseeing in Andijan visiting:
- Bobur Literary museum with unique collection of literary works of Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur, an outstanding ruler and the founder of Mogol Empire;
- Art and Literature Museum;
- Memorial park complex on the Bog-I Shamol named after Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur is one of the most beautiful places in Andijan, popular among the locals and the visitors of the city.
Transfer to Fergana, continue sightseeing in Fergana valley:
- Fergana is a relatively young city that was founded as a strategic fortified point in Turkestan in 1876 during tsarist period of the region. The town was initially called as New Margilan, further in soviet period renamed as Fergona in 1924. Nowadays, Fergana is a flourishing beautiful town and despite its young history became the central point of Fergana valley.
- Visit Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex ;
- Continue to Margilan. Margilan (“Marg” from Persian green grass, “lon”- “place“) was inhabited settlement in Fergana valley since IV-III Centuries BC, the town was well known for its crafts and finest silk fabrics from the Great Silk Road period up to now.
- Said-Ahmad Hodji Madrassah where craftsmen produce original silk carpets,
- Silk factory Yodgorlik where visitors are welcome to observe the process of silk manufacture with traditional decoration “ikat”.
Check-in the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
09:00 Continue sightseeing in Fergana valley visiting:
- Rishton (50 km west of Fergana) famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to ancient tradition that is more than 800 years. Masters hand down their trade secrets from father to son. The unique red clay ceramic masterpieces are decorated with naturally made ultramarine, turquoise and azure ornaments known as blue glaze "ishkor",
- Workshop of the famous potter Rustam Umarov where visitors are welcome to observe the finest Rishtan ceramics in wonderful hand made and painted tea sets and lagans and beautifully decorated jugs and vases.
- Kokand (mentioned as Khavakand or Kokan derived from a tribal name) is an ancient city that due to favorable location was one of the convenient fortified points of caravan routes in the Great Silk Road.
Start sightseeing tour around Kokand visiting:
- Khudoyar - Khan Palace of 19th century is listed in the world heritage of UNESCO, at present days houses Kokand Regional History Museum that exhibits a unique collection of more than 3000 artifacts from ancient, khanate and tsarist periods of the region.
- Norbut-Biy Madrassah, the largest madrassa in Kokand. The madrassa was built in XVIII century by captured architects as well as the famous Bukharian architect Usto Muhammed Salih Kasim, so the design and construction is quite typical to some monuments of XVIII Century in Bukhara.
- Modari Khan Mausoleum (Modari - khan means “Mother of Khan”) was built in 1825 by order of the widow of Umarkhan, famous poetess Nodira to honor the tomb of her mother-in-law. Since then the mausoleum became the family mausoleum where most of the female members of khan family were buried.
Transfer to Tashkent (260 km), the biggest city in Central Asia with 2.5 million population via picturesque mountain pass Kamchik (2267 m. above the sea level).
Arrival in Tashkent in the evening.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
06:00 Transfer to the local airport
07:25 Flight Tashkent - Nukus HY 11
09:05 Arrival in Nukus.
Come out of the terminal to meet the driver and guide at the meeting zone.
- Visit to Savitsky Museum exhibiting a unique collection of antiques of Khorezm and Karakalpak, Uzbek fine arts and second largest collection of Russion avant- garde works after Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg. The founder of the museum, Igor Savitsky devoted his life to piece-by-piece collecting of the finest works of modern artists of Uzbekistan and Russian avant-gardists. In 70 s it was quite risky to become anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned the world recognition and deserved rightfully the must-see site status in Central Asia.
After lunch drive to Mizdakhan necropolis – ancient cemetery, located next to the remains of the Gyaur-Kala fortress.
Transfer back to Nukus.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. 06:00 Meet the driver at the lobby. - Visit to Savitsky Museum exhibiting a unique collection of antiques of Khorezm and Karakalpak, Uzbek fine arts and second largest collection of Russion avant- garde works after Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg. The founder of the museum, Igor Savitsky devoted his life to piece-by-piece collecting of the finest works of modern artists of Uzbekistan and Russian avant-gardists. In 70 s it was quite risky to become anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned the world recognition and deserved rightfully the must-see sight status in Central Asia. Transfer to Khiva. The road will take ~ 4 hours (202 km) en- route photo stops at the ruins of fortresses of ancient Khorezm. - Ayaz-kala and Toprak-kala, the fortresses of Kushan period of Ancient Khorezm that used to be mighty border forts protecting the residents from raids of nomadic tribes. The forts were built in ~4-7th century BCE, during the ages when Khorezm achieved its independence. The fortresses are located on the hills quite close to each other and visitors are welcome to have a short overview tour in the monumental forts that currently are drowning in sands. Arrival in Khiva. Check-in the hotel. Resting time in the evening.Overnight at the hotel |
09:00 Meet the guide at the hotel lobby.
Start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”). Ichan-kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia consisting of :
- Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark;
- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;
- Madrassah of Muhammed Aminhan;
- Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva;
- Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was;
- Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan;
- Pahlavan Mahmud Gates, Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,
- Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum;
- Minaret and Islam-Khoja Madrassah;
- Mosque and Jami Minaret.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
07:15 Transfer to the train station.
08:23 Train Khiva - Bukhara (as per train schedule) OR transfer by car (475 km, 7 hrs).
13:35 Arrival in Bukhara.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the afternoon/evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.
Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):
- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);
- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;
- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;
- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);
- There are three trading domes or so called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;
- Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;
- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;
- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.
Optionally can be added by request:
Visit Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz town through beautiful Takhta Karacha pass (320 km). Photo stops en-route.
Meet the guide in Shahrisabz.
Excursion tour in Shakhrisabz includes visiting (2,5 hrs):
- Ak Saray Palace (“White Palace”), the ruins of the summer palace of Tamerlane. The palace was constructed and decorated by deported from conquered Khorezm skillful builders, masters and artisans. Some parts of the gate tower survived to the present day.
- Mausoleum of Dorus-Saodat ("The Place of Power", XIV century) contains the tomb of Eldest and favorite Tamerlane’s son Jahongir.
- Visit Kok Gumbaz, so-called “House of Meditation.
- Mausoleum Gumbazi-Seyidon of the XVI century where the descendants of Ulugbek are buried.
Continue to Samarkand. Arrival in Samarkand. Hotel check-in.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.
Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):
- Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants is decorated with gold ornaments and is considered as one of the most significant sights of the world;
- Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture, the ensemble of grandiose buildings: Ulugbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori;
- Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century;
- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of the Muslim saint Abbas ibn- Kussam;
- Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
16:30 Transfer to the railway station.
17:28 Departure for Tashkent by speed train "Afrosiab"/Sharq".
19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide at the hotel lobby.
Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:
- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994 after Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
Around the Square there are the Museum of History of Timurids, Uzbekistan hotel, Forum Palace and famous chimes.
- Tashkent striking clock, one of the major symbols of Tashkent.
- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theater of the world performs both classical and national repertoires.
- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present and future of the country. There are fountains standing for life energy of Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second World War.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;
- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts the pilgrims and visitors all over the world.
- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four waters”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of old city in bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in post cards and international magazines and became one of the major sights of interest both for locals and guests – one can see oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delirious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.
- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel,
Transfer to the Tashkent International Airport.
Morning departure flight from Tashkent.
End of the tour.
Price:
Person | Standart | Comfort |
---|---|---|
1 | $ 3265 | $ 3585 |
2-3 | $ 2080 | $ 2245 |
4-5 | $ 1695 | $ 1855 |
Single supplement | $ 350 | $ 520 |
- Train tickets Samarkand – Tashkent by speed train "Afrosiab"/Sharq" (economy class);
- Tourist tax per person.
- International flights to Bishkek, Bishkek - Tashkent, from Tashkent;
- Internal flight Tashkent - Nukus (economy class, price subject to change);
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- E-visa to Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan e/visa (if required);
- Meals: lunches and dinners;
- Uzbekistan: Transport and guide service for free time/free days (can be added by request) and after the standard city tours; transport for walking tours in Khiva and Bukhara;
- Personal travel/medical insurance, portage, tips, personal expenses and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.
Check-in 14.00, checkout time 11.00. No early check in, late check out are included, unless indicated.
• Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English.
• All the changes in the basic itinerary, timing for transfers depending the international flights departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed with Tour Operator
• Train tickets are booked/bought as per the actual schedule and train tickets availability. Please note that the train trip/s MIGHT be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule.
One day tour to Bishkek (1 days)
One day tour to Ala-Archa Gorge (1 days)
One day tour to Uzgen, Kyrgyzstan (1 days)
One day tour to Osh city (1 days)
Kyrgyzstan Tour from Dubai (5 days)
7 day Kyrgyzstan Tour (7 days)
5 days tour to classic Kyrgyzstan (5 days)
8 days tour to classic Kyrgyzstan (8 days)
Helicopter tour 2020 (5 days)
3 day Issyk-Kul adventure tour (3 days)
Nature watching tour | 4 days (4 days)
Tulip tour in Tien-Shan mountains (9 days)
Horse-back riding Djailoo tour (11 days)
Kyrgyzstan Guaranteed Departure Tour (8 days)
Ski Tour Kyrgyzstan 2020-2021 (9 days)
12 day tour Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan (12 days)
14 day tour Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan (14 days)
17 day tour Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan (17 days)
Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan (14 days)