Touch the Fairy Tale

Tour 2: Touch the Fairy Tale
Duration: 12 days
Countries: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
In short: Tashkent – Bukhara – Samarkand – Andijan – Uzbek border Dustlik – Osh – Bishkek – Ala Archa – Burana – Chon Kemin – Issyk Kul lake northern shore – Karakol– Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek – Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty

Day 1: Tashkent – Bukhara
Guide will meet and transfer you to Tashkent. You will have a city tour that will start with visiting Independence square which is the main square of the country, it a token of victory in WWII. Then you will have a walk in the local Broadway, street that connects independence square and Amir Timur square. Then you can have a ride in the famous metro. The first line of this outstanding metro was opened in 1977. Furthermore you will have excursion in the old part of the city and visit such places as: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most incrdile sight of this tour is the world’s oldest Quran copy of to 8th c. Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph. Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century. His blood spred over the Quran that you can see it on pages. Evening train to Bukhara. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Bukhara – Samarkand
You will have excursion in the fascinating city. The first sight for visiting is ancient Citadel Ark. It is the oldest citadel in Bukhara of 4th century. It was used to be a palace for some dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Also you can walk in the shopping domes and have excursion on the one of the most famous madrasahs here - Nodir Divan Begi, it is a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, popular sight of the city. In the end you will visit Poi Kalon complex, famous for its exceptional example of architectural art of Bukhara 12th - 16th centuries. This building is made of three structures - Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Transfer to Samarkand by train. Night is in a hotel.

Day 3: Samarkand – Tashkent
Samarkand is the second largest city that is considered to be as old as cities of Babylon or Rome, And this remarkable city is located in the valley of the river Zerafshan. And due to its age this city had a lot of interesting sights like: Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. No one can refrain himself from being indifferent after visiting Registan Square, complex of Madrasahs dating back to 15-17th centuries. Shakhi-Zindeh it is a huge architectural collection of mausoleums dating back to 11th-15 centuries. This complex is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was made for favorite Tamerlane’s wife, after his victory in campaign to India. Evening train to Tashkent. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 4: Tashkent – Andijan – Uzbek border Dustlik – Osh
To Andijan you will transfer by train. After arrival and crossing the border you will be transferred to Osh city. Night is in the hotel.

Day 5: Osh – Bishkek
In Osh you will visit the most famous and outstanding site - Suleiman Mountain or Solomon’s Mountain. This is the popular and sacred place among Muslim pilgrims. This mountain is located in the center of the city. You will learn a legend, biblical prophet about this sight; it says that Solomon (Suleiman in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. Then you will go to Asian Bazaar. After it will be evening transfer to the airport to have a flight to Bishkek city. Night is in a hotel.

Day 6: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
You will have a city tour in Bishkek, where you will see main sight such as: Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many other places of interest. After it we will drive to Ala Archa gorge. At Soviet Union Times only V.I.P have approval to be in this National Park. The Ala Archa gorge is located on the spur of the Tien Shan ridge. The path to the park is only 45 km from Bishkek. In order to see all the beauty of the park, you can take a short walking tour and see a panoramic view of the gorge. Drive back to Bishkek. This night is in the hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Burana – Chon Kemin
Chon Kemin is your destination today. Buy on the way you will visit Burana Tower and an open air museum of Balbals also well known as stone warriors. The Burana Tower is a minaret of 11th century; you can go to the top of it to see the view that travelers had before. Then we continue our drive to Chon Kemin. Nice family will meet you. Here you will have 3 hour of horde riding for going to high in the mountains. Horses will ride through the mountain forest. On the top of the mountain you will have picturesque panoramic view of the gorge. The night is in a home stay. 

Day 8: Chon Kemin – Issyk Kul lake northern shore – Karakol
Today you will have great opportunity to see Famous for its incredible beauty aline Lake Issyk Kul. It is the second largest mountainous lake in world with the altitude 1 608 m above sea level. Many years people thought this lake is holy one. This Lake has another name - «the pearl of Central Asia". This Lake is encircled by mountains. On the way you will see a place with ancient stone patterns – petroglyphs. After admiring it you will be transferred to Karakol town, where you will visit Dungan mosque. This mosque is famous for being built not only in the Chinese style, but also without the use of nails. Continue exploration by visiting an old wooden Orthodox Church. Overnight is in a guesthouse. 

Day 9: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
Today you will visit famous for its red rocks formations - Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bulls. In addition you will see the Broken Heart Mountain. We also can climb 20 minutes to the top of the mountain to enjoy panorama view of the gorge. After this you will drive to Bokonbaeva village to meet a local eagle-hunter. He will show you traditional way of hunting of nomad people by using eagles for it. His preys are hares and foxes. This way of hunting passes through generations. You will learn more about it. After this visit we will continue our way to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.

Day 10: Bishkek – Almaty
Today you will be transferred to Almaty; the road to it from Bishkek is 230 km or 4 hours. To get there you have to pass a border control. You tour will start in central part of Almaty. Here you will learn more about history and development of this city that is considered to be the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. You will visit the major sight such as the famous even among locals – Green Bazaar. Here you can experience a way to haggle. After it we will go the one of the oldest parks in Almaty – Panfilov Park. In this park is located one of the most remarkable wooden buildings in the world - Zenkov Cathedral. Then the tour will continue Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame it was made in memory of the fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country. You will get to the Medeo Gorge after learning about practically of the all areas of the city. This gorge is famous due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam that protects the city from dangerous landslides. After it you will this we will visit place where the tallest TV tower in the world - Kok-Tobe hill. To reach this you need to drive through breathtaking winding mountain road. To get back you need to ride by the famous Almaty cableway. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 11: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
Today you will drive to the most famous and wonderful place in Kazakhstan – Charyn Canyon. The age of this place is about 12 million years. Due wind, sun and rain this whole place started to look like ancient castle with its vertical cliffs. To get to this place from fantasy you need to drive 3 hours. On the way you will learn more about the history and nature of the region, about Kazakh people, their life and traditions. By reaching this place you will be amazed by its glory and magnificence glory and magnificence and even forget long way to it. You can enjoy the incredible panorama, and also take a walk through the labyrinth of the Valley of Castles with its inaccessible walls hanging over you. Anyone who has ever been to the Charyn Canyon will never forget its impressive beauty! Night is in the hotel.

Day 12: Airport
In the morning is transfer to airport.   


Transport in Uzbekistan:
02 pax – Sedan
04-06 pax – Minivan
08-10 pax – Minibus 

Transport in Kyrgyzstan:
02-03 pax – Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax – 1 Mercedes Sprinter 

Transport in Kazakhstan:
02 pax – Sedan
04-10 pax – Sprinter  

Price per person:
02 pax – 1 620 $
04 pax – 1 220 $
06 pax – 1 045 $
08 pax – 940 $
10 pax – 890 $
Single – 185 $

Early check-in – 30 $
Single early check-in – 50 $  

All dinners – 170 $*
All lunches and dinners – 315 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) – 40 $ per person
 

English speaking guides:
UZ – local 110 $ per group or escort 370 $ per group
KG – 525 $ per group
KZ – 220 $ per group 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
     Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*
     Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*
     Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*
     Osh – “Sun Rise” Hotel 3*
     Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
     Chon Kemin – Homestay
     Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Boutique Hotel   
     Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Horse riding in Chon Kemin gorge
- Flight tickets Osh – Bishkek (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)
- Train tickets Tashkent-Bukhara, Bukhara-Samarkand, Samarkand-Tashkent, Tashkent-Andijan  

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

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