Tahya hat Tour

Tour 4: Tahya hat Tour
Duration: 20 days
Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
In short: Almaty – Charyn – Issyk – BAO – Bishkek – Issyk Kul northern shore – Karakol – Bishkek – Osh – Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake – 7 lakes – Penjakent – Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara – Khiva – Darwaza – Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat

Day 1: Almaty
Driver will pick you up and transfer to Almaty for its city tour. You will learn a lot of history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its main sights. Also you will see the popular place of the locals the famous Green Bazaar. There you can enjoy the way how Asian Bazaars work. There you won’t be able to restrain yourself from buying goods and merches such as oriental sweets but don’t forget to trade. After this you will see Panfilov park the oldest park in Almaty where the Zenkov Cathedral is situated it is one of the most attractive wooden building in the world. One of the main place which was made in honor of people who died for freedom and independence are Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Afteк explaining the main part of city’s live such as sport, cultural and business. You will go to the George has a dam that is protects the city from hazardous landslides. This George is known not only of protection but also for its highest mountain skating rink in the world. Then you will visit the place that has the tallest TV tower – Kok- Tobe hill and where you can see splendid winding mountain road. Here in Kok-Tobe you can walk along the winding paths of the park, admire the beautiful panorama of the city from a special observation deck and attend national souvenirs’ shop. This day’s trip ends with a journey from the top of the hill to the city center along the famous Almaty cableway. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Almaty
Driver will take you to the trip to Charyn Canyon on a comfortable car or minivan. Before the trip to it we will supply you with 1,5L of bottled water. You can also bring your snack, tea or coffee in a container with a lid on it. 4 hour needed to drive there. We will go to the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. After arrival to Charyn Canyon you will be able to fully admire the panoramic view and go to the bottom of the canyon. Then walk about 2 miles through the Castle Valley labyrinth with its walls of fancy forms hanging over you. The bottom of the Canyon has a small way down towards the end of the walk, where you’ll get into a sanctuary on the bank of the icy cold Charyn River, which is also home to an eco-park with a few yurts are traditional dwellings of nomads and a small open air cafe operating in summer. After rest, we will walk back along the same path to the stairs, and then go by car to one of the viewing grounds for another amazing panoramic view.

Day 3: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
You go to the fanciest gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge that locates alongside the Kuldja tract. In that place many years ago caravans kept the way. During the way a lot of information would be given about nature and history of this area and you will have a chance to see a Sakas mounds. And the place where the “Golden man” was discovered and it good to know that he become state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  Don’t forget about museums and you will attend the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK” there you will see excursion made of Sakas period’s history and culture, duplicate of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, and of course the sample of Saka burial mound. After museum we will go on the1756 meters high. And there you will see the alpine lake Issyk that situated in the Issyk Valley. The Lake appeared about 10,000 years ago due to the mudslide that resulted in the formation of a natural dam. On the lake you can enjoy the incredible beauty of its turquoise water surface of the Issyk Gorge, as well as learn about the details of the natural disaster of 1963. Also on the lake you will have a picnic and free time for outdoor leisure.  Night in the hotel. 

Day 4: Almaty – BAO – Almaty – Bishkek
From Almaty driver will take you to the Big Almaty gorge where on altitude 2,510 m above sea the Big Almaty lake locate, the most magnificent lake in Trans-Ili Alatau. The lake is very wonderful, mainly, when its blue surface is completely tranquil and you can see the reflection of the sky and the surrounding mountains. Due to the movement of the ancient glacier, such a Big Almaty Lake appeared. Since the lake is located high in the mountains, the water in the lake is always cold, in July the water temperature does not exceed 10 degrees. Access to the lake is restricted because it is a source of drinking water for residents of Almaty. The tour passes above this lake at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level, by the way there are scientific facilities for astronomical and space research. And it is here that you can see an incredible panorama of mountains and lakes surrounded by mountain peaks and of course the Tien Shan fir trees, aspen and junipers growing there. At 15:00 you will go to Bishkek it will take 4 hours. Night at the hotel.

Day 5: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
In Bishkek you will start your day with a city tour. Here you will see Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Сentral Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and many others sights. The the trip goes to Issyk –Kul the largest mountainous lake with altitude 1608 meters above sea level that surrounded by highly mountains. Salty water in the lake prevents it from the freezing and can be used as medical qualities. Also you will attend Burana Tower that dated back to 11th century and an open air museum of Balbals or so called stone warriors. Your night is in a hotel. 

Day 6: Issyk Kul – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol
Before youк tour in Karakol you will visit of the most unique and amazing gorges - Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye. These two gorges have connection at the end. This land is none of the part of national park and here you can see mighty mountains covered with snow on the top, slopes where blue and green pine trees grow. In the very bottom there are breathtaking lakes there. And then you will continue your trip to Karakol.  In Karakol you will see such miraculous sights as the Dungan mosque that was built without single metal tack in Chinese style, wooden Orthodox Church that goes after the Dungan mosque. Your night will be spent in a guesthouse.

Day 7: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
On your way to Bishkek you will visit Jeti Oguz gorge which well-known because of its red rock entity and there you will be able to see Mountain of Broken Hearts. To see a panoramic view of the gorge you need to go 20 minutes to a mountain’s top. After this event the break will be in Bokonvaeva village there you’ll meet a local eagle hunter.  He represents one of the ancient ways of hunting of nomad people. His preys are hares and foxes with the help of eagles. This way of hunting passes through generations. Then the road to Bishkek. Night you will spend in a hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek – Osh – Guliston – Khudjand
Flight from Bishkek to Osh city and then to Tajik border. On the road you will drive alongside to high passes and through Batken region, which well-known for its apricot trees and magnificent flower- Aigul. Your tour will continue with Tajik driver to Khujand city. The driver will take you through the Anzob pass which 3 372 meters high. From that pass open a breathtaking panoramic view. Khuldjand is the city that locates on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley and appears as the second largest city in Tajikistan. This city is capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan (Soghd) with population 149,000.  Here you will visit such sites as a Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. You will see Central Mosque that locates in the middle of the city. Night is in a hotel.

Day 9: Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake
Next site is Iskanderkul appears as alpine lake with altitude 2 255 meters above sea level. Well- Known Mountain- Fann is the place where Iskanderkul lays and it’s one of the best places in Central Asia. After walking on the beach you need to hike for seeing waterfall and it will take 40 minutes. Tajikistan is famous for its water resources and has the highest indicators on water resources in Central Asia. This country has more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. During night in guesthouse.

Day 10: Iskanderkul – 7 lakes – Penjakent
In the Fann mountains is not only popular area but lakes too. The name of them is Seven Lakes. There you will have time for short hiking and the road lays through the gorge. The lakes locate on the different high levels and each of them have various colors. Also you will meet locals and find more about their lifestyle. It will be curious to know more about nomad people. After hiking your next destination is Penjakent. Penkajent or five villages is situated Khujand region of Tajikistan in a splendid Zeravshan river valley. It is high possibility the five villages began its history of this remarkable city that was in 5th – 8th centuries AD. This city was significant city that had most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. The highlighted part of this information is that the city had another name “Central Asian Pompeii”.  It was a beautifully fastened highly organized city with a ruler’s palace, two temples, markets, rich residential buildings, decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. The ruins of this ancient city were discovered in the previous century. Nowadays tourists will be able to see the oddments of residential buildings and office buildings, a citadel with a palace, a house of craftsmen and a church of fire worshipers. Overnight at a local guesthouse.

Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo – Samarkand
Transferring to the border and going to Samarkand. There you will continue your jorney with the city tour. The first thing that you will know is that city locates in the valley of the river Zerafshan. Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and of its age near the ages of Babylon or Rome. On the agenda are such amazing sights as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs (15-17th centuries) is the main outstanding sight of Samarkand that no one can’t refuse to admire its beauty and majesty. The architectural complex of Shahi Zinde is a large collection of mausoleums dating from the 11th-15th centuries, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built in honor of the beloved wife of Tamerlane after his victorious campaign in India. You will sleep in a hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara
Your tour to Bukhara will start after breakfast. But on your way will be pottery private schoo. The 6th generation is live there from Narzullayevs family which gave luster to Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. The school has deep roots that’s why it knowledge and mastership passes through generations. As private earthenware they have some peculiarities - Green and blue colors prevail in decoration of products by geometric patterns. Then you will go to memorial complex of Al Bukhary- Islamic School who created a collection of hadiths known as Sahih Al-Bukhari, which Sunni Muslims consider one of the most authentic collections of hadiths. Then we continue to go to Bukhara.Overnight.

Day 13: Bukhara
Whole day will be dedicated to the tour in this outstanding city. Citadel Ark is an ancient citadel in Bukhara of 4th century and was used as palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will see the mausoleum of Samanids, a genuine masterwork of architecture of the IX-X centuries. The tour then continues to Chashma Ayub, which means the Job's well and Bolo -Hauz Mosque, also known as the forty-column mosque, built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu Fayyud Khan. Then you will have the opportunity to stroll through the trading domes and visit one of Bukhara’s most famous madrassas- Nodir Divan Run. It is also part of the Lyabi House ensemble, the well- known Bukhara’s central attraction. Your city tour ends with a visit to the Poi Kalon complex, a unique example of the architectural art of Bukhara. It has three structures built in the 12th-16th centuries: the Kalon minaret, the Kalon mosque and the Mir-Arab madrasah. Night will be in a hotel.

Day 14: Bukhara – Khiva
Khiva a very splendid city and it’s our next destination. But before it you should know that Bukhara is "town museum" dating back to the Middle Ages that has more than 140 architectural monuments. This city is made of narrow but beautiful streets, green parks and gardens full of flowers and green, historical and architectural monuments belong to different epochs that stand near to each other. The road from Khiva to Bukhara lays through famous Kizilkum desert. On the way, we will see a beautiful picture of the Amu Darya River, which is the deepest river in Central Asia, and was formed of the merging of the Pyanj and Vakhsh rivers in Tajikistan and flows into the Aral Sea. After your arrival in Khiva you will have spare time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Khiva
Here in Khiva you will do city tour to enjoy very interesting and beautiful sightseen in the oldest city in Uzbekistan.  Ichan-Qala or inner city of Khiva that has strong walls around it. Here you can find very old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses that made Ichan-Qala into mysterious city-monument. In Ichan-Qala thare are over 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. At 1969 this area became historical and architectural conservation. The greatest places here are Kunya-Ark fortress of 17th century, discovered by Muhammad Arang Khan and Kalta Minor minaret, and Tash Khouvli palace, all of them are an incredible example of incredible craftsmanship of Khorezm architecture from 200 years ago. Night is in a hotel.

Day 16: Khiva – Farap – Kunya Urgench – Darwaza
After having breakfast you are going to be transferred to Farap borders. You will be met there and then driver will take to the North of Turkmenistan to its famous the architectural monuments of Kone Urgench that was Capital of Khorezm before (X-XII centuries). You will visit and see not only it a lot sights such as Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, the highest minaret in Central Asia Kutlyg-Timur.  Next path is to Darwaza also famous as Gas Crater.

Day 17: Darwaza – Ashgabat
From Darwaza to Ashgabat where you will live in a hotel. In the second part of the day you will ride a horse to see the unbelievable pride of Turkmen people their Akhal-Teke horses. There you will be able to enjoy the Traditional Tea party, not very long but entertained Akhal-Teke horse show program and see the horse racks. After such astonishing show you will go back to Ashgabat.

Day 18: Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat
Then you will keep the path to ancient city Mary. This city is under protection of UNESCO World Heritage Site and locates2 5 km to the east of Mary, to Bayram-Ali. City represents one of the main archaeological places of Central Asia that played significant role of Silk Road developments for more than 2000 years. The size of this place is 1200 ha. Here observes all the components of the "wandering city". The magnificent Mausoleums of the Sultan, Sanjar and Muhammed Ibn-Zeid (XII c), shows refined Seljuk brickwork and architectural decor. After this trip you will go back to Ashgabat. On the way, you will see the fauna and flora of the Karakum desert.

Day 19: Ashgabat
This day is dedicated to see whole capital city of Turkmenistan. You well visit one of the highlighted part of the tour “Niva” that was Capital of the Parthian Empire and now this place is inder protection of UNESCO Heritage. And no less interesting Monument and Park of Independence, which looks like a white-marble “Eiffel Tower”, a fountain-monument initiated to the 10th anniversary of independence it is a sculptural depiction of ten Akhal-Tekke horses placed on the top of a beautiful fountain and of course splendid Ertoghrul Ghazi and Gypjak Mosques.  In the second of the day you will visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography.

Day 20: Flight
Drive to Ashgabat International Airport. Fly. End the program.

Price per person:
02 pax – 3 000 $
04 pax – 2 220 $
06 pax – 1 965 $
08 pax – 1 795 $
10 pax – 1 770 $
Single – 335 $

Early check-in – 30 $
Single early check-in – 45 $ 

Half board – 280 $*
Full board – 495 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) – 50 $ per person

English speaking guides:
KG – 435 $ per group
UZ – local 120 $ per group or escort 395 $ per group
TJ – 445 $ per group
KZ – 420 $ per group

TM – included by law

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
      Issyk Kul – “Karven” Resort
      Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
      Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
      Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
      Iskandarkul – “Dilovar” Gueshouse
      Penjakent – “Umariyon” Hotel 3*
      Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*
      Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*
      Khiva – “Porso” Hotel 3*
      Darwaza – Tents with dinner
      Ashgabat – “Menzil” Hotel 3*
- Visa support to Tm
- Museum admissions
- Mineral water supply
- English speaking guide in Tm
- Flight tickets Bishkek – Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guides
- Entrances to all museums in Uz
- Migration tax (12 $) + bank fee (4 $) 

Note: Each Traveler should have 2 photos (5x6) to be presented at the points of entry.

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