Water Treasure Tour

Tour 2: Water Treasure Tour
Duration: 10 days
Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
In short: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty– Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore – Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek – Osh – Guliston – Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake – Dushanbe

Day 1: Almaty
Guide will meet and transfer you to sightseeing. You tour will start with visiting central park and learning history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its main sights. Then your tour goes o Green Bazaar, which is famous and the most visited place among local people. It will be pretty difficult to not bargain here. This bazaar is one of the best places to dive in atmosphere of the real eastern market, its colors, smells and crowds. After it you will visit Panfilov Park that is considered to be one of the oldest parks in Almaty.  Here you can find one of the most interesting buildings in the world - Zenkov Cathedral. The Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame is the next sight that you will visit. This sight was made in honor for fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country. After learning about sport, cultural and business areas of the city you will get to the Medeo Gorge. This place is famous due to its highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflows. Then we continue our tour to Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located. To get to it you will drive through incredible winding mountain road. The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. 

Day 2: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
Today you will drive through one of the most picturesque gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau that lies along the Kuldja tract - Issyk Gorge. Here many years ago the trade caravans travelled. You will learn more about nature and history of this region and see the burial mounds of Sakas period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found. He became the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Then we will go to the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, where you will see the expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Sakas period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Sakas burial mound. Continue our drive to mountainous Lake Issyk that located on elevation of 1756 meters above sea level. Due to huge landslide about 10,000 years ago dam of 300 m high was formed. You will be amazed of the mysterious beauty of this lake. Here you will listen to the details of the natural disaster of 1963. Having picnic and free time to explore this lake. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 3: Almaty – Bishkek
You will be transferred to Bishkek. It is the capital of the country, which located at about 800 meters (2,600 ft) altitude near the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range. This range is a continuation of the Tien Shan Mountains, which rise to 4855 meters and provide an exciting background for the city. Today you will have a guided city tour where you will see  Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. Night is in a hotel.   

Day 4: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
Morning transfer to Issyk Kul Lake. It is the second largesr alpine lake in the world with the altitude of 1 608 m. above sea level. This Lake encircled by mountains and has curative qualities. This lake never freezes due to salty water. On the way you will have extrusion in Burana Tower of 11th century and an open air museum of Balbals - stone warriors. You can go to the top of the minaret to experience the same view that Silk Road travelers saw many centuries ago. Burana Tower served as a token in the Great Silk Road to let travelers know there was a city and place to have a rest. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 5: Issyk Kul Lake – Karakol
After having breakfast you will have a drive to Karakol city. On the way you will visit such amazing place as to see ancient stone inscriptions of 800 B.C. These petroglyphs were made more than 2 000 years ago by shamans. Continue our drive to Karakol city along the northern shore of the lake. Here you will see the Dungan mosque, which was built in a Chinese style without using nails. The mosque will be followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in in a guesthouse.

Day 6: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
Today your destination is Jeti Oguz. This place is popular due to its red rock formation. The name of it is Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz, also you will have an opportunity to see Broken Heart Mountain. Furthermore you can climb to the top of it to enjoy a panorama view of the gorge. After it you will drive to Bokonbaeva village where you will be met by local eagle-hunter. He uses traditional way of hunting with the help of eagles. He can hunts hares and foxes. This way of hunting passes through generation. You will find out a lot of interesting facts about it. After this visit we will continue our way to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.           

Day 7: Bishkek – Osh – Guliston – Khudjand
Morning flight from Bishkek to Osh. There you will visit well known place - Suleiman Mountain. This site is located in center and considered to be sacred place of pilgrims for local Muslims, because according to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. After this crossing Tajik Kyrgyz border. On the way you will drive through Batken region famous for its apricot trees and unique flower called Aigul. Tajik guide will meet you on the border and transfer you to Khujand city. This city is the second largest city in Tajikistan, situates at the mouth of the Fergana Valley, with the population of 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. You will visit in the afternoon a Cultural Palace of Khujant. There the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. Also we will go to see Central Mosque that is situated in the middle of the city. Night is in a hotel.   

Day 8: Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake
Iskanderkul Lake is your destination today. It is located in tha Fann Mountains with altitude of 2 255 m. a. s. l.  This place is one of the most famous places in Central Asia. On the beach of this lake you will have walk there and hike 40 minutes to see a waterfall. Tajikistan is in the second place among CIS countries for volume of water resources. The highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers are here. Night is in a home stay.

Day 9: Iskanderkul Lake – Dushanbe
Morning transfer to Dushanbe via Anzob pass of 3 372 m high and tunnel of Isticlol. Due to many mountain passes you will have many photo stops. After arrival you will have guided city tour. It will start with visiting such popular place as Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. After it we will walk in National park to make photos of Ministry of Inner Affairs and the biggest National Flag in the world. Its size is 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. And you will excursion to Central Museum. After having lunch you will visit to Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. Dinner is in a traditional restaurant of Tajik food. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 10: Flight
In the morning is transfer to airport.

Price per person:
02 pax – 1 610 $
04 pax – 1 105 $
06 pax – 975 $
08 pax – 840 $
10 pax – 815 $
Single – 170 $

Early check-in – 25 $
Single early check-in  – 45 $ 

Half board – 160 $
Full board – 270 $ 

English speaking guide – 855 $ per group

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
      Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
      Issyk Kul – “Karven” Resort
      Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Boutique Hotel
      Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
      Iskandarkul – Homestay
      Dushanbe – “Meridians” Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour 

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

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