PROVIDERS
Let’s travel!Jainagul Time to discover!
Alvina Let’s travel!
Gulzina Welcome
Yuliya Silk Road Tours!
Cholpon
Hi,
I’m Jainagul. My name is translated from Kyrgyz as “abundance of flowers”. Foreigners jokingly call me “bouquet” :)
I love Kyrgyzstan and I love telling about my country and helping people to organize exciting tours!
Tour 4: “Hellish” 5 Stan Tour
Duration: 20 days
Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
In short: Almaty – Issyk – Bishkek – Issyk Kul northern shore – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol − Bokonbaevo – Kyzyl Tuu – Osh – Khudjand – 7 lakes – Penjikent – Jartepo – Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara − Khiva – Shavat – Kunya Urgench – Darwaza − Ashgabat – Mary – Merv −Ashgabat
Day 1: Almaty
Welcome to Kazakhstan! The tour will start from airport transfer to seeing sites and highlights. You will have Almaty Grand tour in central areas for 5 - 6 hours. You will be guided through history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. It is great chance to see main attractions! In the course of tours you will have the idea of visiting the famous Green Bazaar and shopping! Being there you will have the opportunity to find anything you want according to your taste and budget! The coloring of bazaar won’t leave you indifferent! Later on we will continue to the oldest Almaty parks - Panfilov Park, where you can get impression of the most outstanding wooden buildings in the world as Zenkov Cathedral. Don’t miss to take photos there! After that we will continue our trip to visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame which are dedicated to the memory of the fighters who lost their lives fighting for freedom and independence of the country. Then you will continue the trip to the famous Medeo Gorge and try your skills the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam. We have no doubt you will like it! The next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where you can see the tallest TV tower in the world is located. You can see one of the best panoramic views and enjoy! Being in Kok-Tobe Park you can see amazing park, souvenir shops and other interesting places. In the end of the day you will be inspired by the famous Almaty cableway. Afterwards transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
After getting a hearty breakfast you will start the tour at 11:00 am. We will travel to the famous Issyk Lake which will take about 7 hours. On the way you will see amazing gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge lies along the Kuldja tract. It is important to note that, before caravan traders used to cross through. Being there you will get acquainted with the pristine nature and history of burial mounds of Saka period, where the famous “Golden Man” appeared. Nowadays it became the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Moving on you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”. There are a lot of attributes dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period as well as a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, horse equipment and others. In addition you will see the model of Saka burial mound. You will pass by 1756 meters above sea level and see the most beautiful mountain lake Issyk. This amazing lake was found about 10,000 years ago due to massive landslide which happened in formation of the natural dam of 300 meters in height. There is magnificent beauty of the Issyk Gorge surface appeared in 1963. Then you will enjoy the picnic and nature. Later on we will drive to the hotel.
Day 3: Almaty – Bishkek
Early in the morning (9 am) we will travel to Bishkek. Today you will have the city tour where you can visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic and other interesting places. We recommend you to visit the famous Asian Bazaar! Being there you will have the idea for bargain and find anything you want! It is sure you will love it! The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 4: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
The tour will start by travelling to the famous Issyk Kul Lake. You will be impressed by celestial mountains! Issyk Kul Lake is considered to be the second largest alpine lake in the world of 1608 m. above sea level and also called “the pearl of Central Asia”. It is important to note that this lake is never freezes! On the way you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient Burana Tower (11th century) and an open air museum of Balbals or stone warriors dedicated to brave heroes who died protecting their Motherland. Then we will drive to Cholpon Ata city where you can see ancient stone inscriptions (found 800 B.C.). In general they were made by shamans 2000 years ago. In addition you will find the local ethnography museum. Overnight will be spent in the hotel.
Day 5: Issyk Kul – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol
We are glad to present the next day of visiting wonderful gorges as Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye. Generally they are connected in the end. There is a beautiful park inside as well as mountains and green meadows. We are sure you will like to see lakes changing their colors time by time. After that we will drive along the northern shore of the lake to Karakol city. Being there you will have the opportunity to visit the Dungan mosque made in Chinese style without metal ligaments, also an old wooden Orthodox Church. The night will be spent in a guesthouse.
Day 6: Karakol – Skazka – Bokonbaevo
The next destination of the tour will start driving to Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bulls. There are seven red rocks situated in a row. You will find there the Broken Heart Mountain as well. We recommend you to spend 20 minutes and see the beautiful panoramic views of the gorge. We will continue our trip through the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul; it is about 4 km from the village of Tosor to the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. You will be impressed by the red sand formation in different forms. Then we will drive to Bokonbaevo village and meet with a local eagle-hunter or bertutchi. You will have the chance to participate in eagle hunting and then take photos with them. Today you will spend the night in nomadic dwellings - yurts.
Day 7: Bokonbaevo – Kyzyl Tuu – Bishkek
The tour will begin by driving to Bishkek city. On the route you will have the opportunity to visit Kyzyl Tuu village and participate in yurt workshop. In general nomadic collapsible dwellings - yurts are made of a wooden skeleton and covered with felt coverings. When we arrive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city, you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek – Osh – Khudjand
Early in the morning you will have the flight to Osh city. When you arrive there you will walk around the famous highlight as Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too or Solomon’s Mountain is situated in the city center and also remains to be the place of Muslim pilgrimage. According to the legend, there was the biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) who was buried at the foot of this mountain. Then we will drive to Tajik border. You will find high passes and take interesting photos. After that you will be met by Tajik guide at the other side and then drive Khujand city which is considered to be the second largest city of Tajikistan. You will find it the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. Talking about population, it is 149,000. In addition, it is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan. Nowadays it called Sughd. In the second half of the day you will visit a Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. Later on we will drive to Central Mosque. Overnight will be in the hotel.
Day 9: Khudjand – 7 lakes – Penjikent
The tour will start by driving to the Fannsky Gory (Fann Mountains). Being there you will be impressed by hiking area. On the route you will drive to the Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes). It is about 60 km south of Panjakent. You can also have a short hiking trip and take wonderful photos. It is important to note that you will find 7 lakes which are situated on different altitudes and have different colors. Later on we will continue drive to Penjakent. The amazing city of Penjakent or five villages is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a scenic Zeravshan river valley. This valley was found in the 5th -8th centuries AD. Also Penjikent city is one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd and also named “Central Asian Pompeii”. It is ruled palace of two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. In addition, its ruins were found in the last century. This site is very famous among travellers due to dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper’s church. The night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 10: Penjikent – Jartepo – Samarkand
Today in the morning you will travel to Jartepo border checkpoint at 10am. You will be met by Uzbek driver with signboard at meeting area who transfers you to City tour in Samarkand. Talking about Samarkand, it is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan and defined to be the second largest city of Uzbekistan as the city of Babylon or Rome. You will have the tour of visiting cultural places as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square consists of three fascinating Madrasahs which were found in the 15th -17th centuries. It is also the main highlight of Samarkand. We are sure it will not leave you indifferent. Shakhi-Zindeh consists of a large collection of mausoleums found in the11th -15th centuries as well as included to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Talking about Bibi Khanum Mosque, it is dedicated in honor of favorite Tamerlane’s wife, after his successful operation in India. Today you will have the night in hotel.
Day 11: Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara
Having a hearty breakfast we will drive to Bukhara. On the route you will have a break at Gijduvan village where you will have the opportunity to visit famous private pottery workshop. Actually Gijduvan ceramics school passed from father to son from generation to generation. Nowadays Gizhduvan is considered to be the home for the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family and blessed Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. It is very famous among travellers. Don’t miss to visit it in tours in Uzbekistan. You will find there geometric pattern of different colors as green and blue. We will continue drive to Bukhara. In addition you can visit memorial complex of Al Bukhary. Actually Al Bukhary was an Islamic scholar, who settled the hadith collection known as Sahih al-Bukhari, observed by Sunni Muslims as one of the most reliable Hadith collections. When we arrive in Bukhara, you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 12: Bukhara
Today’s trip will begin by having a great city tour. You are going to visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara (4th century) and named Citadel Ark. The citadel united several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Later on you will visit Samanids mausoleum (9th -10th century). After that we will drive to Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. The mosque is known for forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. It is a good idea to walk along the shops and find the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara as Nodir Divan Begi, which belongs to Lyabi House Ensemble. In the second half of the day you will visit Poi Kalon complex. It is the special; sample of architectural art of Bukhara and has three constructions built in the 12th - 16th centuries as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Today you will have the night in hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara – Khiva
We are glad to present the next tour of visiting Khiva city. Being there you will find more than 140 architectural monuments dating back to the Middle Ages. You will see narrow streets, green parks and gardens, sites and highlights! They are close to each other. On the route you will see amazing road from Khiva to Bukhara which goes through famous Kizilkum desert. Also there is a beautiful view to Amu Darya river, the deepest river in Central Asia and shaped by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan flowing into Aral Sea. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 14: Khiva
Today you will have the city tour in the oldest city of Uzbekistan. You will see inside of Ichan-Qala, the inner city in Khiva which is rounded with tough walls. Also you can see centuries old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses altered Ichan-Qala into unique city-monument. Actually Ichan-Qala consists of over 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. It is important to note that in 1969 Ichan-Qala opened a historical and architectural conservation area. There is the Kunya-Ark fortress found in the 17th century and made by Muhammad Arang Khan, Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace which a great sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. Overnight will be in the hotel.
Day 15: Khiva – Shavat – Kunya Urgench – Darwaza
Breakfast will be in the hotel. After that you will travel to Shavat border. You will meet the group at Shavat/Dashoguz border of Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan, and then drive to the architectural monuments as Kone-Urgench, Khorezm capital 10th -12th centuries. In addition you will visit the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek-Khanum, IL-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey and the highest minaret in Central Asia Kutlyk Timur. We recommend you not to pass by the famous Gas Crater – Darvaza or Door to Hell and in the evening and see how bright it is. After you will have dinner in BBQ style. The night will be in tents.
Day 16: Darwaza – Ashgabat
The tour will start by driving to Ashgabat. You will have the city tour in the capital of Turkmenistan. Don’t miss to visit new parks, fountains and statues of the great men of antiquity, also visit Carpet Museum, the Park 10 years of Independence as well as the World of children's fairy tales.
Day 17: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv
After breakfast you will pass the hotel check out and drive to Mary city. You will have stops where you can visit Annau. The ancient ruins found in the 15th century in Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque. Also there is Abiward or Abi-ward (an ancient Sassanid city in modern-day Turkmenistan. It is important to note that archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Abiward have been made in the last century of about 8 km west of the Kahka station in an area of 12,000 m2. The central part of the area is about 60 feet high and 700 feet round. We will continue to drive to Mary city. The tour will continue to visit wonderful Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is one of the most visited places among travellers as well as played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. Then we will have a chance to observe all constituent parts of the “unique city”. You are going to see mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd which go back to XII c, representing attractive Seljuk period brickwork and architectural décor.
Day 18: Mary – Ashgabat
In the morning you will have breakfast and hotel check out for continuing our route to Ashgabat. Don’t miss to visit the famous Russian bazaar, Lenin Monument, Ertugrul Gazi mosque and get impression of them. In the evening, you will have the city tour.
Day 19: Ashgabat
Having a hearty breakfast you will visit the “Ancient Nisa”. It is considered to be the national park of the Parthian kings protected by UNESCO. Then you will visit the mosque “Ruhy” and the Mausoleum of the first President of Turkmenistan. Later on you will drive to horse farm and ride along gorges. On the route you will visit Saparmyrat Hadji Mosque in Gokdepe. Return back to Ashgabat.
Day 20: Flight
Transfer to international airport of Ashgabat.
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” Guesthouse
Bokonbaevo – Yurts (4 pax in 1)
Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
Penjikent – “Umariyon” Hotel 3*
Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*
Bukhara – “Porso” Hotel 3*
Khiva – “Old Khiva” Hotel 3*
Darwaza – Tents with dinner
Ashgabat – “Menzil” Hotel 3*
Mary – “Merv” Hotel 3*
- Visa support to Turkmenistan
- Provision of mineral water
- English speaking guide in Turkmenistan
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- Migration tax (12 $)
- English speaking guide
- Museum admissions
- Use of cameras on monuments for additional payment
Note: Availability of 2 photos (5×6) for each traveller in order to be presented at the points of entry.
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