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Destinations |
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1
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Tashkent
The capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia. It is known all over the world as a city of friendship and hospitality and has a unique combination of historical monuments and modern life!
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Flight to Tashkent by …
Arrival...
Meeting at the airport of Tashkent. Transfer to hotel, check in and rest after the flight.
City tour in Tashkent
Old town: Khastimam Complex, Kukeldash Madrasah, traditional Chorsu Bazar
New Part of the city: Independence square, Amir Temur Museum, Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Amir Temur square etc.
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DAY 2
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Tashkent-Samarkand
The grandiose capital of the Empire of famous Tamerlane -Amir Temur with the biggest mausoleums, madrassahs and mosques in Central Asia. And finally you have a chance to visit the world famous Registan square.
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06:00
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Breakfast at Hotel
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| 07:00 |
Transfer to train station to take a Speed Train to Samarkand (optional) |
| 10:30 |
Arriving Samarkand
Sightseeing tour of Samarkand:
Guri Emir - Legendary mausoleum of Amir Temur and his family members.
Registan square - World famous complex of 3 Madrassahs and Golden Dome Mosque.
Lunch. |
| 14:00 |
Accommodation at hotel.
Continuing city tour:
Mosque Bibi Khanum – The biggest mosque ever built in Central Asia as gift of Tamerlane's wife to her husband.
Siyab local bazzar-unique place where you can get acquainted with the life of Samarkand people.
Shahi - Zinda necropolis, a holy place and cemetery with mausoleums of Timurid dynasty and a grave of cousin of Prophet Muhamed.
Observatory of Ulugbek – incredible construction of 15th century for astronomical research. |
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DAY 3
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Samarkand- Shakhrisabz- Bukhara
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Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Shakhrisabz - the birthplace of Tamerlane. City tour: Ak-Sarai Palace of Amir Temur, Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, traditional bazar, Mausoleum of Jahangir, empty mausoleum of Amir Temur. Lunch at local restaurant.
Transfer to Bukhara. Upon arrival accommodation at hotel.
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DAY 4
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Bukhara
Ancient and fairy-tale town of Bukhara - the land of magical lamps and Eastern beauties. Ancient Great Silk Road caravans never missed this town - the only oasis around.
Nowadays Bukhara is famous not only for it's superb historical
monuments, but for it's lively trade. ...every traveler finds something unique in this town
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Breakfast at hotel
City tour:
Visit to Ismael Samani mausoleum (9-10 c)-the oldest royal mausoleum in Bukhara, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum(14 c), Bukhara local bazar.
Visit to Old Bukhara: Poi-Kalon ensemble including Minaret (12c), Mosque (16c), functioning Miri Arab Madrassah(16 c), Amir- Alim-Khan Madrassah (19c).
Lunch at restaurant
Taqi trading domes, Kukeldash Madrassah (16c),
Lyab-i-Hauz (17c), Nadir Divanbegi (17c), Magoki Attari (10-16c), Ulug Beg (15c), Abdul Aziz (17c) Madrassahs;
Visit to Registan Ensemble, Ark Fortress (16c) and Bolo-Hauz complex (18 c).
Dinner with Folklore and Fashion show of national clothes at Nodir Devonbegi Madrassah.
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DAY 5
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Bukhara- Mary (Turkmenistan)
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Breakfast at hotel
Morning drive to Turkmenistan border.
Meeting at the border Farab/Alat at 09:30 AM (Turkmenistan side of the border). Border passing formalities. Drive to Mary via Turkmenabat (~300km & 5 hours direct driving). Lunch at local restaurant at Turkmenabat. En route to stops to see amazing sand dunes of Garagum Desert. Upon arrival accommodation & rest or short walking tour within the central part of Mary City which has The Regional Mosque of Mary Province, The Central Theater of Mary, The Convention & Conference Center “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, Central Park & Monument of Mollanepes-the National Classic Poet who lived in Mary in XVIII-XIXcc. Dinner at local restaurant. O/N in Mary
Note:Passports with 2 colored photos will be required for registration at the CTB in Mary
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DAY 6
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Merv –Mary- Ashgabat
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SS of Old Merv & Mary. Flight to Ashgabat
Breakfast at hotel. Check out & drive to Bayramaly (~30km & 30min/driving) to have SS of Old Merv known asMaru Shahu Jahan-King of the World which was for about 300 years became the biggest city in Asia & 8 years Capital of Khalifat, inscribed into the monuments list of World Heritage Book, protected by the UNESCO includes: Gyz Gala & Oglan Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Buddist Complex (IV-VI), Beni Makhan Mosque-first Mosque build in Central Asia (VII), Erk Gala (VI BC), Soltan Gala (XI), Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum (XII), Ibn Zeid Mausoleum (XII). After SS of Old Merv drive back to Mary. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch break visit the Local United Museum of History, Ethnography, Flora & Fauna of Mary located in a newly built marbled 2 stored building, The Regional Orthodox Church built by Russians at the end of XIX century. Evening flight to Ashgabat by Flight T5-131. Departure at 19.20. Arrival 20.00 (flight time & costs are subject to be change by to Turkmenistan Airways). Arrival & Accommodation. Dinner at local restaurant. O/N in Ashgabat
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DAY 7
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Ashgabat
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Full Day SS in/around Ashgabat
Full Day SS of Ashgabatincludes: “Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi” which is the biggest mosque in Central Asia & Mausoleum Complex of the tombs of Turkmenbashy and his parents &brothers, Old Nissa-The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings which was included into UNESCO’s World Heritage Book. (Nissa is situated in 15 km to the west of Ashgabat & founded in the III century B.C. Nissa was the capital of Parthian Empire which lasted for about 600 years and was the biggest competitor for the Rome Empire), National Museum of History & Ethnography- only entry without excursion by museum guide (closed on Tuesdays). Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch proceed with SS includes: Park dedicated to Akhalteke Horses-the pride of Turkmen, Presidential Square, Monument of Commemoration: dedicated for the victims of the 1948 earthquake, Gulistan Bazar (known as “Russian Bazaar” 1950s since it was built as then many Russian used to go there for shopping. Despite it is very rare to see them there its old public name is common to hear), Monument of Lenin which was erected in 1927 and survived the earthquake of 1948, Walking tour within the Park of Independency along the hundreds of fountains & statutes with stops to visit Monuments of Independency & Ruhnama. Dinner at local restaurant. After dinner night tour/driving along the main avenues of Ashgabat to have look round its colorful views in night lights which makes it one of the spectacular cities of Central Asia. O/N in Ashgabat.
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DAY 8
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Ashabat – Kunya – Urgench– Dashoguz- Khiva
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Flight to Dashoguz. SS of Koneurgench. Cross into Uzbekistan
Collect boxed pre-ordered breakfasts from the reception of hotel (breakfasts are served from 07.00 only) to be eaten at the airport or wherever possible places. At 04.50AM early morning transfer to the airport of Ashgabat for flight to Dashoguz. Type of Aircraft Boeing 717-200. Flight T5-101. Departure at 06.20 & arrival at 07.10 (flight time & costs are subject to be change by Turkmenistan Airways). Upon arrival drive (~120km & 2 h/d/d) to have SS of Koneurgench-the capital of Khorezmshahs (III-XVI cc) which was included into UNESCO’s World Heritage Book. Arrival & SS of the Old Urgench includes: Portal of Caravansaray (XI-XIV), Mamun Minaret (X-IX), Il Arslan Mausoleum (XII), Soltan Tekesh Mausoleum (XIII), Ruins of Academy of Horezm (III-XIII), Kutlug Timur Minaret (XIV)-one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum (XIV), Mausoleums of Najm Ed Din Kubra (XIII) & Soltan Aly (XV) located near Dash Metrjit/Medrese (XIX). After SS of Koneurgench drive ~120km & 2 h/d/d to Dashoguz for lunch at local restaurant. After lunch break transfer ~15 kmto Dashoguz/Shavat Border Pass via Dashoguz. Cross into Uzbekistan at ~15:00
Meeting at Uzbekistan border with guide and driver, transfer to hotel.
Accommodation at hotel
Free time for rest and to explore the city
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DAY 9
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Urgench (Khiva) - Tashkent
This city is an open air museum, like Pompeii and Herculaneum. UNESCO has declared Khiva a city reserve and included Khiva’s oldest part Ichan-kala in its World Heritage List
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Breakfast at hotel
City tour of Khiva.
Visit to the oldest part of the city - Kunya-Ark fortress, including Kurinish Khana (17c); Mohammed-Amin-Khan(19c) Madrassah, Kalta Minor Minaret; Mohammed Rakim Khan (19 c) Madrassah, Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Madrassah and Minaret, Jami Mosque(18c),
Kutluq-Murad Inaq (19c) Madrassah, Allakuli khan Madrassah (19c), Ak Mosque, Tash Havli Fortress.
Free time at leisure
Transfer to Urgench Airport for the evening flight to Tashkent.
Arrival and accommodation at Hotel.
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DAY 10
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Tashkent-Chorvak-Chimgan
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08:00
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Breakfast at hotel.
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| 09:00 |
Depart at Chorvak. |
| 10:30 |
Arriving to Chorvak.
Accommodation in hotel on the lakeshore.
Observing nature and resources of the spot. |
| 12:00 |
Depart to Chimgan
Observing mountains. Horse riding, chairlift experience (45 minutes each way) to get best view and landscape. |
| 14:00 |
Lunch at Beldersay hotel outdoor restaurant with nice panorama. FREE TIME.
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| 19:00 |
Dinner |
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DAY 11
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Chimgan-Tashkent
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09:00
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Breakfast at hotel.
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| 10:00 |
Free time |
| 11:00 |
Transfer to Tashkent |
| 12:30 |
Arriving Tashkent. |
| 13:00 |
Lunch at restaurant.
Free time at leisure. |
| 18:00 |
Farewell Dinner at National House with traditional Uzbek music. |
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DAY 12
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Tashkent-Almaty – night train to Shymkent
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Breakfast at Hotel.
Flight to Almaty (timetable to be specified)
Welcome to Kazakhstan! You will arrive at the international airport in Almaty – economical capital of Kazakhstan. Today you will get acquainted with Almaty's history and see the Ascension Cathedral – the second highest wooden building in the world! It was built according to the plan of a famous Russian architect A. Zenkov. The church was one of the few buildings that survived after earthquake in 1911 year. Next to the cathedral there is an alley of spruce trees that were planted by the presidents of different countries. Then you will visit the Square of 28 Panfilov Heroes. It is devoted to General Panfilov, a hero of the Second World War and to the members of his division. You will see there also the Glory Memorial dedicated to the victims of the Civil War and the Second World War!!!
Afterwards you will visit the Museum of Musical Instruments which has a big collection of Kazakh folk musical instruments and musical instruments of different nationalities of the world. After visiting the museum we will drive to the Public Market. It is named a Zelonniy Bazar – a Green Bazaar. It is a very good example of real oriental market. It still possible to bargain there!
Then you will have an excursion to the main square – the Republic Square. There you can see an Independence Monument and the Golden Man. It is the symbol of the city. Also there are monuments that depict the prominent events of the Kazakh history. After lunch you will have an excursion to Medeu – it is an ice stadium located in a mountain valley of Medeu on the south-eastern outskirts of Almaty. It is an outdoor speed skating rink and one of the most famous ice rinks in the world. Medeo skating-rink has seen over 150 world records on speed-skating contests. Many famous skaters were holding and breaking records here! Also you will see the Medeu Dam, built in the late 1960s, standing next to the skating rink, protecting the city of Almaty from potentially devastating mud flows. From the mud dam you will see the beauty of Medeo and surrounding mountains, panoramic sight of skating-rink.
Afterwards we will drive back to Almaty to have a dinner. On the way we will see Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Parliament House. At 10:10 p.m. you will have a night train to Shymkent (025T). You will sleep there (4 people in 1 room) and in the morning you will arrive to the ancient time of Kazakhstan!
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DAY 13
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Shymkent – Turkestan
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You will arrive in Shymkentat 9:25 a.m. After breakfast we will visit a local bazaar to feel the spirit of Asian life! It is a real paradise for people that are fond of making colorful photos!
After bazaar we will drive 160 km to Turkestan. Turkistan City attracts people with its historical monuments in the open air and a rich history hidden in its heritage. Today you will have a full day excursion in Turkestan. We will visit Azret-Sultan historical-architectural complex and Khodja Akhmed Yassayu mausoleum. He is the first great Muslim holy man that brought religious glory to the town. The mausoleum in honor of Kozha Akhmed Yasaui, was built on a grand scale by Timur in the late 14th century (from 1389 to 1405). Today this is one of the largest, outstanding and best-preserved constructions of the Timurid period, considered to be Kazakhstan’s greatest building and the most important site of Muslim pilgrimage in Central Asia. Also we will visit Turkistan town necropolis, oriental baths and underground mosque. It is a small but very interesting town! Overnight is in a hotel.
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DAY 14
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Turkestan – Arystan Bab – Shymkent
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In the morning we will drive to Shymkent. On the way we will visit our famous Arystan Bab mausoleum. The mausoleum was erected over the grave of a famous religious mystic Arystan Bab, who lived in XII century. The first building of the mausoleum belongs to the XIV-XV centuries. Only the carved wooden pillars are left from it. In the XVIII century on the site of an ancient tomb, which was destroyed by an earthquake, was built two domed building with aiwan, supported by two carved wooden columns. The building of XVIII century was destroyed and in 1909 was rebuilt again. It can be seen from the inscription on one of the cartridges frieze. In 1971, due to the high groundwater level, leading her to the emergency condition, the mosque was demolished and rebuilt. The building was built from baked bricks. In the afternoon is arrival in Shymkent. Overnight is in a hotel.
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DAY 15
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Shymkent – Almata
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In the morning we will drive to Shymkent to have a flight to Almaty (Air Astana KC972) at 10:10 a.m. The plain will arrive to Almaty at 11:35 a.m. Then you will visit our historical museum. After lunch we will drive to the “Hawks nursery”. There you will see different hunting dogs and many birds of pray. At this place people teach hawks, eagles, golden eagles to hunt together with them. Your guide will tell you about amazing traditions of Kazakh hunting with hawks! You will have a chance to make photos of these birds and to find out many interesting facts about their life! In the evening you will have a farewell dinner in a restaurant. Night is in a hotel.
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DAY 16
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Almaty -Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan is a rugged and beautiful country, with over half its territory situated in the Tian Shan Mountains.
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Breakfast. Visit the Museum of Musical Instruments. Drive to Medeo – an ice stadium located in a mountain valley on the south-eastern outskirts of Almaty. After lunch transfer to Bishkek city - the capital and the largest city of Kyrgyzstan (230km, 4-4,5 hours). On the way you will pass a border control. Hotel accommodation. Free time for leasure. Overnight in Bishkek.
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DAY 17
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Bishkek- Burana Tower – Issyk Kul Lake – Cholpon Ata
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Breakfast. City tour: visiting of Victory Square, Oak Park with stone sculptures, Old Square, The House of Parliament, Main Ala Too Square, White House, Manas Hero Square, City Hall and many other interesting places. Also you will visit our famous Asian Bazaar where you will make a lot of colorful photos.
After lunch drive to Burana Tower. On the way visiting Stone Warriors – Balbals. After an interesting excursion and climbing on the top of the Tower drive to the most famous place of Kyrgyzstan – Issyk Kul Lake. You can swim in the lake and to see mountains around you with snow white peaks! Overnight in resort.
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DAY 18
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Issyk Kul Lake – Karakol
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Breakfast. Short trekking to see petroglpihs. You can see a panorama view of the Issyk Kul Lake from this place – people were thinking that it was the middle of the world. All these pictures were depicted on the southern side of stones. People believed that in this case the God of the Sun will see their messages. Also beside the pictures there are big stones put in a circle way to make sacrifices. Drive to Karakol town. City tour including: Russian Orthdox Church and Dungan Mosque.
Overnight in guesthouse.
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DAY 19
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Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Bishkek
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Breakfast. drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rocks formations that have a name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. Observing Broken Heart Mountain! It is possible a short trekking to a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge! There are yurts on the way and people can offer you to drink Kumis. It is a national drink that is made of mare’s milk, and it is an alcoholic drink as a beer. Drive to Bishkek. Visit one of the most interesting families in Kyrgyzstan – the family of Eagle Hunters.
Overnight in Bishkek.
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DAY 20
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Bishkek -
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Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to airport for departure flight
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