Central Asia Discovery- Five Stan Tours

Bishkek, (Kyrgyzstan)

Upon arrival at Bishkek airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day free at leisure.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Orion Hotel
• Tourist Class: Golden Dragon or similar
Meals Included: Dinner

 

Bishkek City Tour

In the morning, we drive to visit Ala-Archa Natural Park is located at 41 km from Bishkek on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz Range at an altitude of 1600-4860 m. The Ala-Archa River flows through the park. Landscapes are represented by piedmont steppes and mountain forests. Explore around the park, after picnic lunch return to Bishkek.
Later city tour of Bishkek, including Victory square, Russian Orthodox Church, Osh market, Ala-Too Square and the History Museum.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Orion Hotel
• Tourist Class: Golden Dragon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Bishkek – Chon Kemin

In the morning drive to Chon Kemin, visiting the Burana Tower on the way. The tower, along with grave markers, some earthworks, and the remnants of a castle and three mausoleums, is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was established by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th century. Not far from Burana tower we will enjoy watching the Kyrgyz National Horse Game Buz-Kashi or Kok-Boru (Polo game). Lunch will be served at a local family house.
Chon Kemin is a natural park of Kyrgyzstan that is famous for its amazing mountains. Upon arrival, we hike in the area and you will even have an opportunity to ride a horse through the mountain forest. Enjoy panoramic view from the top of the gorge.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Ashu Hotel
• Tourist Class: Aziz Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Chon – Kemin – Tamga village

In the morning, we drive to Tamga village, stopping at Kyzyl-Tuu village. This village turned to crafts and manufacturing yurts and is known as, “A town of Yurt masters.”
Here a Kyrgyz family members show us how to make traditional Yurt and you will help assemble a yurt. After lunch at Yurt master’s family, we continue driving to Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon. Enjoy exploration. Next stop is meeting an eagle hunter with his Golden Eagle at Jaychi place for an eagle hunting demonstration. Afterwards drive to Tamga.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Anyutaika Guest House
• Tourist Class: Anyutaika Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Tamga – Djety Oguz -Karakol

In the morning drive to Karakol, en-route visiting the impressive Djeti Oguz gorge, the Gorge of 7 Red Rocks and the most beautiful gorge in Kyrgyzstan. Here there is the opportunity to hike around the canyon. By afternoon, drive to Yrdyk ethnic Chinese Dungan village. Here we will have a Dungan national cuisine. Later in the afternoon drive to Karakol.
City tour of Karakol includes visiting the Russian Church (1885), Dungan Mosque (1910), the museum and grave of Prjevalskiy Great Russian explorer of Central Asia and Mongolia.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Green Yard or Karagat
• Tourist Class: Green Yard
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Karakol – Saty Village (Kazakhstan)

We drive through the Kegan border crossing to Saty village.
Upon arrival at Saty village, we board 4WD vans to drive to Kaindy Gorge. Enjoy hiking around Kanidy Gorge
Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, preserving the pine needles of the submerged trees, clearly visible through the turquoise water. It is impossible to describe the mystical splendour of the lake, it must be view with your own eyes. Later drive to Kolsai Lake, explore around the lake. Later return to Saty village.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Saty Guest House
• Tourist Class: Saty Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Saty Village – Charyn Canyon – Almaty

After breakfast, depart for Almaty, with a stop to visit the spectacular Charyn Canyon for hiking and exploration.

Charyn Canyon (Kazakh spelling: Sharyn) lies approximately 195 km east of Almaty, near the border with China, stretching 154 km along the Charyn River. This impressive natural monument is made up of sedimentary rocks formed around 12 million years ago, with canyon slopes rising between 150 and 300 meters in height.

Enjoy hiking through the canyon, taking in the breathtaking landscapes carved by nature over millennia.

For lunch, stop at a local restaurant in the Ethnic Uighur village of Bayseyit, experiencing authentic regional cuisine. Later continue driving to Almaty.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Rixos Almaty or Dostyk Hotel
• Tourist Class: Kazzhol Park Almaty or Resident Abay
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Almaty City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel, City tour of Almaty, we will start with visiting Almaty’s famous pedestrian Arbat Street. It is adorned with fountains and live sculptures; local artists sell their wares here, and live street musicians perform. After that, you will visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the National Musical Instruments Museum. The Museum of Musical Instruments encounters a collection of national musical instruments, the oldest dating from the 17th century. Further to finish the first part of the tour with Almaty Green Bazaar.
Afternoon, drive to Medeu Gorge of the Tian-Shan Mountains.
Medeo is a picturesque valley located 15 km above Almaty. Besides beautiful nature, there are some other attractions to see, one of which is the world’s largest speed skating ring known as Medeo.  Take a cable car to lift to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Enjoy the scenery with coffee at one of famous coffee shops or cake shops.
On the way back to Almaty you will visit Central State Museum. Central State Museum provides an introduction to Kazakhstan’s history and includes a miniature replica of the country’s chief archaeological treasure, the Golden Man – a warrior’s costume made from 4.000 gold pieces, many finely decorated with animal motifs. Later visit the Republic square with three main symbols of Kazakhstan and Obelisk devoted to the independence.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Rixos Almaty or Dostyk Hotel
• Tourist Class: Kazzhol Park Almaty or Resident Abay
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Almaty flight to Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

Depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport for flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival at Tashkent, you will be met by our local tour leader and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Lotte City Tashkent Palace
• Tourist Class: Florence Boutique or Ateca Suits
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Tashkent City Tour

City tour of Tashkent includes visting the historic Old City with a visit to the Hazrati Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of the city. Explore the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Hazrati Imam Mosque, and Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, together forming one of Tashkent’s most important historic and religious landmarks.

Continue to Chorsu Bazaar, one of Tashkent’s oldest and most vibrant markets. Wander through colourful stalls filled with spices, dried fruits, fresh produce, sweets, and traditional Uzbek foods. Be sure to visit a traditional tandir bakery, where local bakers press non bread by hand against the walls of a clay oven. Try it warm from the oven for an authentic taste of everyday Uzbek life.

See another side of Tashkent aboard the city’s famous Metro, stopping at some of its most impressive stations, including Alisher Navoi, Uzbekistan, and Kosmonavtlar. Each station features its own distinctive architecture, mosaics, chandeliers, and artistic design.

Continue to the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in an elegant historic residence. Its collection of intricate embroidery, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and wood carving offers an insight into Uzbekistan’s rich artistic and craft traditions.

The tour then continues to Independence Square, Tashkent’s principal ceremonial space and an important symbol of the country’s independence. Finish at Amir Timur Square, one of the city’s central landmarks, dominated by the monument to Amir Timur, the celebrated 14th-century ruler and statesman.

Note: The State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan is currently closed for renovation. We will add it back to the itinerary once it reopens to visitors.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Lotte City Tashkent Palace
• Tourist Class: Florence Boutique or Ateca Suits
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Tashkent – Samarkand Train – Panjakent (Tajikistan)

In the morning transfer to the train station for fast train to Samarkand. On arrival you will be met by our Guide and transfer to Uzbek Tajik border crossing at Jartepo. After border formalities you will be met by our Tajik guide and transfer to Panjakent City.
City tour of Panjakent visit the ancient settlement of Sarazm the UNESCO World Heritage site. Later visit Rudaki museum and local market.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Umaion Hotel, Panjakent Plaza
• Tourist Class: Sugd Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Fann Mountain – Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

In the morning, we drive to visit the Seven Lakes. Seven lakes of Marguzor located in the west of Fan Mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. Today you will have a chance to hike around the Mountain, and after the picnic lunch return to Samarkand.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Hilton Garden Inn, Continental, Mövenpick, Zafshon Parkside
• Tourist Class: Medina, Rayyan, Registon Saroy
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Samarkand Visit

Samarkand, sometimes called the ‘Rome of the Orient’ was already flourishing when Rome and Babylon were founded. During the course of our full day tour, we visit the famous Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Mausoleum of Tamerlane and the Observatory of Ulughbek; the site where Uleg Bek, grandson of Tamerlane, made some of the greatest achievements of the pre-telescope era of astronomy in the 15th century. We also visit the regal mausoleums of Shah-I Zinda, site of Central Asia’s most sacred Islamic shrine, the massive mosque of Bibi Khanym, and the adjacent colourful market. You can purchase Samarkand’s famous bread which Alexander the Great unsuccessfully tried to have duplicated back home in Greece, or try some of the region’s local produce, from grapes to the world’s tastiest melons of multiple varieties. Our afternoon tour covers the Afrosiab Museum, located on the site of ancient.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Hilton Garden Inn, Continental, Mövenpick, Zafshon Parkside
• Tourist Class: Medina, Rayyan, Registon Saroy
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Bukhara via Shakhrisabz

Travel to Bukhara via Shakrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. We visit Tamerlane’s palace Ak Sarai, the Kok Gumbaz Mosque, Mausoleum of Jehangir (Tamerlane’s grandson) and Tamerlane’s Mausoleum. Bukhara is one of the headquarters of the Russian/British Intelligence Services in the 19th Century.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Mercure Accor, Paradise Plaza, Labi Rud Premium, Shahriston
• Tourist Class: Makon Art, Lyabi House, Nodirabegim Boutique, Rizo Boutique
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Bukhara

Today we explore the old quarter on foot. Bukhara is an ancient city with its bustling “trade domes,” active mosques, and the Kalyan Minaret (“tower of death”), one of Central Asia’s tallest. We’ll stroll around the streets and visit the old town center where old men with long white beards gossip for hours while drinking tea. Bukhara has been designated a World Heritage Site; the resulting restoration of some of the mosques, constructed in the 11th to 15th centuries, to make them appear as if they were built yesterday. There are even some structures still standing that date back to Zorastrian times 2,500 years ago.
We also visit The Ark, a large fortress with the Emir’s open-air throne room and the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, an intricate and beautiful 10th century brick structure that is nicely preserved. We’ll also venture to the outskirts of Bukhara and visit the summer palace of the last emir, built by a Russian Czar with grand halls and a harem. We will also see Char Minar, a gate of an ancient madrassa long time gone. It was built in 1809 and has more in common with Indian art styles than local.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Mercure Accor, Paradise Plaza, Labi Rud Premium, Shahriston
• Tourist Class: Makon Art, Lyabi House, Nodirabegim Boutique, Rizo Boutique
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Bukhara Free day

Full free day at leisure in Bukhara.
Optional activities can be arranged on request.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Mercure Accor, Paradise Plaza, Labi Rud Premium, Shahriston
• Tourist Class: Makon Art, Lyabi House, Nodirabegim Boutique, Rizo Boutique
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Bukhara – Urgench Khiva

Depending on the train schedule transfer to the train station for train trip to Khiva.
Upon arrival in Khiva transfer to your hotel.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Farovon, Orient Star
• Tourist Class: Malika Khivek, Shaherezada Boutique
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Khiva: City Tour

Legend has it that Khiva was founded when Shem, son of Noah, discovered a well here. The town certainly existed by the 8th Century, as a minor fort and trading post on a Silk Road branch to the Caspian Sea and the Volga. In the early 16th century, Khiva was made capital of the Timurid Empire, becoming a busy slave market and pivot of the khanate for the next three centuries. Until Russia finally wrested the region from Timurid grasp in the 19th century, even the boldest hearts feared encounters with these fierce tribesmen and their desert territory. Khiva is an ancient walled city and looks much like it did in centuries past. It is one of the few sites in Central Asia where one can easily imagine life during the time of the emirates. We will spend the morning wandering its maze of ruins and great mosques. Later, a tour of this living museum including the Ichon-Qala gates, Muhammad Amin and Rakhim Khan’s Medressas, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Islom-Huja Medressa and Minaret. Dinner will be served at Toza Bogh Palace (Summer residence of Muhammad Rahim Khan II).

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Farovon, Orient Star
• Tourist Class: Malika Khivek, Shaherezada Boutique
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Dashoguz- Kunya Urgench – Gas Crater (Turkmenistan)

In the morning drive to Kunya Urgench through the Kara Kum Desert to the ruins of ancient capital. We cross the border at Dashoguz and continue driving to Kunya Urgench. We visit the Kunya Urgench historical site, where the mausoleums of Turebek-Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan, Najmad-din-Kubra and Sultan Ali are located. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret; Kyrk Molla. Later in the afternoon we drive to Darvaza flaming Gas Crater or the ‘mouth of hell’. En-route we visit a Nomad village located in the Karakum desert. Enjoy the amazing views with picnic dinner. Overnight in a basic camp near the Darvaza crater. We will be providing sleeping bags and mattresses.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Yurt Camp
• Tourist Class: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Darvaza Flaming Crater-Ashgabad

In the morning drive to Ashgabad, check in to your hotel, later 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. The ruins of ancient settlement Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat at Bagyr village.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Sport Hotel
• Tourist Class: Yildiz Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Ashgabad Sightseeing

In the morning visit Tolkuchka Bazaar visit the Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi, later drive to Gokdepe fortress and horse farm. Gokdepe fortress that was attacked in December 1880 by 6,000 Russians under General Mikhail Skobelev against 25,000 defenders. Gokdepe Mosque was built to commemorate the defeat and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue coloured roof and white marble structure. At the horse farm you can see proud of Turkmen national Akhalteke horses. Over the 30 beautiful horses, you can see at the horse farm. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Sport Hotel
• Tourist Class: Yildiz Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner

Depart Ashgabad

Our service will end with airport transfer.

Meals Included: Breakfast