CHOLPON
OMOROVA
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

   
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4 Stan Dream

Tour 3: 4 Stan Dream
Duration: 16 days
Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
In short: Almaty − Charyn − Karakol − Issyk Kul southern shore − Kochkor − Son Kul − Chon Kemin − Bishkek − Ala Archa − Osh − Khujand − Penjakent − Samarkand − Bukhara − Tashkent − Chimgan Mountains − Tashkent

Day 1: Almaty
After your arrival to airport your guide will drive to Almaty for city tour.  At first you will visit Green Bazaar where you can bargain for goods. Next destination is Panfilov Park where you will see the most amazing wooden building – Zenkov Cathedral. After finding out all about sport, cultural and business areas of the city you will get to the Medeo Gorge, famous for the highest mountain skating rink in the world and Shymbulak resort. After it you will visit Kok-Tobe hill with the tallest TV tower in the world, where you get by the beautiful winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe Park you can walk through winding paths of the park, admire the magnificent panoramic view of the city from the deck where you can observe it and visit the shop of national souvenirs. The tour ends with the short ride to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Kegen border – Karakol
Your destination today is Karakol town but before you will visit Charyn gorge. It is wonderful natural complex of Kazakhstan. It is a very old canyon, about 12 million years old. And it can surprise you with its cliffs that resemble ancient castles. It was made by wind, sun and rain. You will need 3hours to reach canyon and by doing it you are going to know more about history and nature of the region, about Kazakh people, their life and traditions as well as have a lunch in a local café.  You will forget all your long way by reaching this Canyon. You will be impressed by its stunning beauty and uniqueness. You will not stop admiring this grand panoramic view and your walk there.  After your crossing Kegen border your guide will meet you. Then you will drive to Karakol city. You will visit the Dungan mosque that was built in Chinese style without even a single metal nail. And of course, you will see an old wooden Orthodox Church. Overnight is in the guest house.

Day 3: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Kochkor 
Today you will visit Jeti Oguz well known for its red rock formation. The meaning of this name is Seven Bulls and here you will see Broken Heart Mountain. Also you can go to the top of the mountain to admire the panoramic view of the gorge. In Bokonbaeva village you will take break and also meet local eagle-hunter. He hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles. It is a traditional way of nomadic hunting. At Kochkor village you will meet a family who will show you how to make national woolen felt carpets. Night is in a home stay.

Day 4:  Kochkor – Son Kul Lake
Your next destination is the second largest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. This lake is situated on elevation 3 013 meters above sea level. Here you can see that mountains encircle whole lake. Kyrgyz nomad used this place for rest and relaxation. And Naryn’s herders used and use it as pastureland. You will have time to discover and enjoy its pristine beauty by yourself. Night is in nomadic dwellings – yurts. They are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.

Day 5: Son Kul – Chon Kemin
In the morning you drive to Kochkor village where the road goes along wonderful gorge and Kalmak Ashu pass that is 3 225 meters high. Here you can find and enjoy many amazing mountainous views. A bit far regions impressively unspoiled, traditional and rich in culture while the capital developing. Tourism is still in a state and vast areas are largely unaffected by foreign visitors. Shining smiles, open hands and hospitality await you. The night is in a home stay.

Day 6: Chon Kemin – Burana – Bishkek
You will have 3 hours for horse riding. You will ride even when you go high in the mountains through mountain forest. There on the top you will see amazing view of the gorge. After it you will be transferred to Bishkek, but on the way you are going to visit Burana Tower. It is a minaret of 11th century. In Great Silk Road time traveler considered it as a sigh for a place for rest. Near Burana you can see open air museum where you can see stone warrior or Balbals. Stones that resemble warrior were made in honor of those who died protecting their Motherland. After climbing to the top of the tower and you will be transferred to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
At first you will start day with city tour. You will visit main sights of Bishkek Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. In the afternoon you will go to Ala Archa National Park. At the Soviet times only V.I.P. people could go for a walk there. The Ala Archa gorge is on the ridge of the Tian Shan mountain range. The Ala Archa Park is situated in 45 km from the city. You can hike to see panoramic view of the gorge. After that, we will return to Bishkek. This night will be at the hotel.  

Day 8: Bishkek – Osh
You will have flight from Bishkek to Osh city. There you will visit popular and special place called Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too or Solomon’s Mountain locates in the center of the city and it is a place of pilgrimage for local Muslims. As legend says prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. Of course after it you will visit Asian Bazaar. We hope you will have opportunity to take a lot of colorful photos to remember this place.  Night is in a hotel.

Day 9: Osh – Guliston border – Khujand
You will cross Kyrgyz-Tajik border in the morning. You will be met there and transferred to Khujand city. In Tajikistan this is the second largest city. It is located on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. Population here is 149,000. It is considered to be the most northern province of Tajikistan. Now this city calls Sughd.  In the afternoon you will go to see a Cultural Palace of Khujand.  Here was chosen the first president of Tajikistan. In addition you will also see Central Mosque. You can find it in the middle of the city. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 10: Khujand – Penjakent
You will go to Penjakent through Shahriston Pass that is situated on altitude 3 378 m. Penjakent also well known as Five villages. It is situated on Khujand area of Tajikistan in wonderful Zeravshan river valley. There is a chance that five villages began the history of this important city. That was built in 5th- 8th century AD.  It was a not only cultural center of Sogd but also crafting center. City had other name "Central Asian Pompeii".  This city was well organized and had a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. The remains of the city were found in the last century.  Nowadays people can see and touch ruins of houses and other buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers church. Night is in a hotel.

Day 11: Penjakent – Jarpeto – Samarkand 
You will be transferred to Tajik – Uzbek border there you will meet your guide. After it you will be transferred to Samarkand. Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan that is located in the valley of the river Zerafshan.  It considered being as old as the cities like Babylon or Rome.  Today you will learn more about its amazing sights: Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan is a complex made of three Madrasahs of 15th- 17th c. It is city’s main attraction and it impossible to stop admiring its greatness.  The UNESCO World Heritage Site is Shakhi-Zindeh of 11th- 15th centuries. This Architectural complex represents collection of mausoleums. Then you will visit mosque that was built for Tamerlane’s wife, after his victory in India. Night is in hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand – Bukhara (train)
Morning transfer to Bukhara by train. Today you will have a tour around Bukhara. The Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex of Sufi Leader and Philosopher is the sight that you will see here. It one of the Muslim pilgrimage places for people of Islamic world.  Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the spiritual masters of Amir Timur.  The complex has mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, courtyard with pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. After it you will visit very interesting place - Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. It is a Bukhara Emirs’ countryside residence. This complex was built in different styles and combinations. The name of this palace was given in honor for Emir’s wife who died young – “Star - like and moon - like Palace”. After excursions you will drive back to city. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 13: Bukhara
Whole day is dedicated to sightseen incredible city - Bukhara. Your tour will start from ancient citadel in Bukhara of 4th c. - Citadel Ark. This place was used as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will visit the masterwork of 9th -10th century - Samanids mausoleum.  After it you are going to Chashma Ayub - “job's well” and Bolo-Hauz mosque. It is also well known as the mosque of forty columns that was built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan.  You will have opportunity to walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs - Nodir Divan Begi. It is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. Poi Kalon complex, the unique sample of architectural art of Bukhara and is our last destination. It made of three structures and was built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Night is in a hotel.

Day 14: Bukhara – Tashkent
You will fly or go by train to Tashkent. Your tour in Tashkent will start with visiting main square that was raised as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. You will have opportunity to walk on local Broadway. Then you will have a ride in well-known metro of Tashkent with its beautiful subway. First line of the metro was opened in 1977. And of course you will have opportunity to visit old part of the city: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum.  The most awaited part of this tour is Othman Quran which is the world’s oldest Quran copy of 8th c. Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century. His blood spred over the Quran that you still can see on its pages. Night is in a hotel.

Day 15: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Tashkent
Morning transfer to Chimgan Mountains.  You will get there by chair lift and see Beldersay peak 30 min one-way. On the top you will have free time to explore and enjoy nature. While going back you will have break at Charvak lakeside beach. You will have free time to do some water activities (as per season). It is a man-made lake but this lake is very popular in Tashkent region and thousands of holiday makers from all over Uzbekistan and neighboring countries visit the reservoir. After it going back to Tashkent. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 16: Flight
Transfer to airport and flight to your destination.

Transport in KZ and KG:
02 pax – Sedan (KZ) or Mitsubishi Delica (KG)
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter 

Transport in TJ:
02-02 pax – Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax – 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax – 3 cars: Hyundai Starex

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

Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 2 540 $
04 pax – 1 715 $
06 pax – 1 465 $
08 pax – 1 270 $
10 pax – 1 190 $
Single – 265 $

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

Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 2 725 $
04 pax – 1 915 $
06 pax – 1 665 $
08 pax – 1 470 $
10 pax – 1 390 $
Single – 440 $

Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 70 $  

Half board – 205 $*
Full board – 415 $*

Entrance fees – 45 $*

Meals and entrance fees are available with escort guide only.* 

Supplement for escort guide in Uzbekistan – 240 $ per group

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3* / “KazZhol” Hotel 4*
      Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
      Kochkor – Homestay
      Son Kul – Yurts, “Nomad’s Dream” camp (4 pax in 1)
      Chon Kemin – Homestay
      Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4* /“Plaza” Hotel 4*
      Osh – “Sun Rise” Hotel 3*
      Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*/ “Diyora” Hotel 4*
      Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*/ “Omar Khayam” Hotel 4*
      Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*/ “Ramada” Hotel 4*
- Mineral water during the tour
- English speaking local guides in UZ
- Entrances to all museums in KZ, KG, TJ
- English speaking escort guides in KZ, KG, TJ
- Train tickets Samarkand – Bukhara, economy class   

Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- Entrances to all museums in UZ
- English speaking escort guide in UZ
- Bukhara – Tashkent train – from 35$
- Bukhara – Tashkent flight – from 50$

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