Silk Road travel: Tour 3

 

Silk Road travel: Tour 3
Destination: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
Duration: 20 days
Places to visit: Ashgabat - Darwaza - Mary - Merv - Turkmenabat - Uzbek-Turkmen border Farap-Alat - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent - Uzbek border - Khujand - Dushanbe - Khoburubot - Kalai Khum - Khorog - Yashil Kul Lake - Bulunkul Lake - Murgab - Osh - Bishkek - Ala Archa - Charyn Canyon - Almaty

Day 1: Ashgabat
Welcome to at the Ashgabat International Airport and then transfer to a hotel. Today you will visit the Horse-farm and get acquainted with the Turkmen people and Akhal Teke horses. Guests will get Akhal Teke horse show program and see the racks of horses. We will visit "Gypjak" Mosque and Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan. In the end of day, we will return to Ashgabat. In the evening you will have a city tour. Transfer to a hotel for rest.

Day 2: Ashgabat - Darwaza - Ashgabat
After breakfast we will visit the "Old Nisa". It is the Sanctuary of Parhian Kings (UNESCO site). Then we will admire beauty of the State Museum of History. It has remains of the settlements Nisa, Merv and Gonurdepe, assortment of vintage Turkmen carpets, examples of national clothing, jewelries, and antique weapons. In the second part of day we will travel to the North of Turkmenistan in order to see the Gas Crater - Darwaza. It is located to the North of Ashgabat. Being there you will be impressed by shining view of panorama. In the end of day, we will return to Ashgabat. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 3: Ashgabat - Mary
Travelers will be inspired by the next day of a tour visiting Mary. On the way you will visit the Anau pilgrimage place. They are remnants of Seyitjemaleddin mosque of the XV century. There are the ruins of Abiverd medieval city which was an interchange town of North Khorasan. In the evening you will have a short walking around the city center. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 4: Mary - Merv - Turkmenabat - Uzbek-Turkmen border Farap-Alat - Bukhara
Today you will travel to Mary Historical Museum and then Old Merv - Merv. It is situated at the road crossroads of the Great Silk Road and later became one of the biggest cities of the ancient world. We will have a guided tour where you can visit Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. We will drive to Turkmenabat city and then to Turkmen-Uzbek border Farap/Alat. The Uzbek guide will meet you and transfer to Bukhara. Overnight is in a hotel.   

Day 5: Bukhara
We will impress you by a city tour in Bukhara. We will visit one of the most ancient citadels in Bukhara as Citadel Ark (4^th century). It was the major place of Bukhara Empire. Adventurers will visit Samanids mausoleum and continue way to Chashma Ayub (Job's well). On the way you can visit Bolo Hauz mosque famous for its forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu Fayud Khan. Then visit madrasah as Nodir Divan Begi which is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble and to end the tour visiting Poi Kalon complex. It is very attractive architectural art of Bukhara having three structures built in the 12^th - 16^th centuries as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Overnight is in a hotel. 

Day 6: Bukhara - Samarkand
In the morning is a city tour in Bukhara. We will visit the Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex. It is located few in kilometers from Bukhara and a memorial complex of famous Sufi Leader and Philosopher. It is the Muslim haj places of Islamic world. Later on, visit the Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi who was one of the great masters of Amir Timur. It has Kushbegi and Muzafarohana. In past times there was a pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. See the residence of Bukhara Emirs - Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. Emir called for his wife who died young "Star - like and moon - like Palace". Later on, is transfer to Samarkand. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Samarkand
Samarkand is an exquisite city. It is found in the valley of the river Zerafshan as well as the second largest city of Uzbekistan like Babylon or Rome. We will have a city tour and visit Registan square, Shakhi Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the renowned site of Samarkand having three wonderful Madrasahs found in the 15^th -17^th centuries. Shakhi Zindeh will impress everyone by a rich collection of mausoleums found in the 11^th-15^th centuries (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Bibi Khanum Mosque is dedicated to Tamerlane's wife, after his successful tour in India. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 8: Samarkand - Tashkent
In the morning is transfer to Tashkent. Travelers will visit the Independence square. It is a sign of conquest over totalitarianism in World War II. Then we will walk along the local Broadway situated between Independence square and Amir Timur square. Then we visit the Tashkent metro opened in 1977. Visit the old part of the city as Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam where we can see several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. See the Othman Quran. It is the world's oldest Quran copy found in the 8^th century. The holy Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph. Othman was killed in the 8^th century. Night is in a hotel.

Day 9: Tashkent - Uzbek border - Khujand
We will transfer to Oibek border check point. Tajik driver will meet you and accompany you to Khujand city. It is situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is about 149,000. In past times it was the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan - Sughd. In the second half of the day you will visit a Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan has chosen as well as Central Mosque. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 10: Khujand - Dushanbe
Today you will transfer to Dushanbe city. You will drive over Anzob pass of 3 372 m and tunnel of Isticlol. There are magnificent panorama views. On the way you will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos and relish the background of Tajik mountains. Afterwards is arrival to Dushanbe. Night is in a hotel.

Day 11: Dushanbe
Travelers will have a guided tour. We will visit Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal and House of parliament. Afterwards we will walk to National park as well as Ministry of Inner Affairs and the biggest National Flag in the world of about 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. In the afternoon we will drive to Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. The next destination is visiting Asian bazaar. Local life with plenty of oriental goods will not leave anyone indifferent. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 12: Dushanbe - Khoburubot - Kalai Khum
We will travel to Kalai Khum village through mountain road in the morning. The road will go over high Khoburubot Pass of 3 252, also well-known as Western Pamir Tract. Enjoy perfect view of landscape and take bright photos. There are mountains as well as rivers. Travelers will meet locals and learn more about their ethos and civilizations. The tour will astonish you by landscape and pristine nature. Rest.

Day 13: Kalai Khum - Khorog
We will drive to Khorog in the morning which is the smallest city on the map of the world. It is enclosed by rock-strewn mountains from all four sides. The town developed due to the confluence of the 3 rivers where Shokhdara River and Ghund River flow into Pyanj River. On the way to Khorog you will meet Pamir people. They are very friendly and peaceable! Rest is in a guesthouse.

Day 14: Khorog - Yashil Kul Lake - Bulunkul Lake - Murgab
Today we will visit the most gorgeous lakes of the Pamirs as Yashil Kul and Bulunkul (Blue lakes). They are located on the altitude of 3 700 meters above sea level in the Murghab district. The color of water in Bulunkul is violet and dark-blue depending on the temperature. Travelers will have a lot of fish in the lake. Of course, you will have an opportunity to see yaks, domestic animals, cow and sheep. They give meat, milk and wool. We will drive over Koitezak pass of 4 271 m. Overnight is in a guesthouse.

Day 15: Murgab - Osh
In the morning you will be transferred to Kyrgyz border Kyzyl Art located on the altitude of 4 336 m. the Kyrgyz driver will meet you and transfer to Osh city. We will pass magnificent landscape and get encouragement of exclusive nature. Then we will drive over high mountain pass of Taldik of 3 615 meters high! For sure you will be inspired! In the end of day you will have night in a hotel.

Day 16: Osh - Bishkek
We are glad to present the next day of having city tour. Admire beauty of Suleiman Mountain situated in the center of the city. It is an imperative place for pilgrimage of Muslims. According to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon was submerged at the foot of it. In the second part of day we will visit the Asian bazaar. It is the best place for bargaining. Night is in a hotel.

Day 17: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
In the afternoon you will have a city tour Bishkek and sightsee the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and so on. In the second half of the day we will drive to Ala Archa gorge. The distance is about 45 km from the city and located on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range and renowned for its pleasing view. Then you will return to Bishkek. Rest is in a hotel. 

Day 18: Bishkek - Almaty
We will drive to Almaty. It is about 230 km and takes about 4 hours. We will pass a border and arrive to Almaty and learn more about history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. Visit the Green Bazaar where you can see locals selling and buying oriental goods. Afterwards visit parks as Panfilov Park and see Zenkov Cathedral. Later on, we will sightsee the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. It was placed for fighters who died for freedom of Kazakhstan. The tour will be continued to Medeo Gorge where you can see the highest mountain skating rink in the world. Drive to Kok Tobe hill where you can see the largest TV tower in the world. Afterwards you will have a ride by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to a hotel for sleep.

Day 19: Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
Charyn Canyon is one of the fashionable natural monuments of Kazakhstan of about 12 million years old. It was made by wind, sun and rain. It will take about 3 hours to arrive the canyon. On the way you will have the venture to learn more about its history and development. It is worth travelling here and to take bright photos. See amazing beautiful panorama views and enjoy your tour. Transfer to a hotel for sleep.

Day 20: Almaty - Airport
Transfer to airport in the morning. 

 

Transport in Turkmenistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-08 pax - Minibus
10 pax - Bus 

Transport in Uzbekistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Minibus 

Transport in Tajikistan:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex 

Transport in Kyrgyzstan:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter 

Transport in Kazakhstan:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus

 

Price per person:
02 pax - 2 975 $
04 pax - 2 115 $
06 pax - 1 985 $
08 pax - 1 750 $
10 pax - 1 785 $
Single - 350 $

Early check-in - 70 $
Single early check-in - 140 $  

All dinners - 260 $*
All lunches and dinners - 495 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - 40 $ per person

 

English speaking guides:
TM - included by law
UZ - local 140 $ per group or escort 380 $ per group
TJ - 760 $ per group
KG - 295 $ per group
KZ - 220 $ per group

 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*
Mary - "Merv" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Tashkent - "Samir" Hotel 3*       
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Dushanbe - "Meridians" Hotel 3* *
Kalai Khum - "Karon Palace" Hotel 4*
Khorog - "Lal" Guesthouse
Murgab - "Pamir" Guesthouse
Osh - "Sun Rise" Hotel 3*
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Visa support in Turkmenistan
- Train tickets Samarkand - Tashkent
- English speaking guide in Turkmenistan
- Flight tickets Osh - Bishkek (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg) 

Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide