CHOLPON
OMOROVA
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Tour to the Great Silk Road

Tour 4: Tour to the Great Silk Road
Duration: 20 days
Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
In short: Almaty − Charyn – Karakol − Kochkor − Son Kul − Chon Kemin − Bishkek − Ala Archa − Osh − Khudjand − Penjakent − Samarkand − Tashkent − Khiva − Bukhara − Mary − Ashgabat − Darwaza − Ashgabat

Day 1: Almaty
Today you will have transfer from airport to sightseeing at 10:00. Almaty grand tour (5-6 hours). It is important to visit the Green Bazaar! In this place you will have the chance to buy everything. It is the best for shopping! Then try your chance to visit the oldest Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral. After that you can visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame which are dedicated to the memory of the fighters who fought for freedom and independence of the country. Later on you will get to the Medeo Gorge where you can see the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam. Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill! You will find there the tallest TV tower in the world. In Kok-Tobe Park you will enjoy outstanding view of panorama. In addition you can visit souvenir shops. Then end a tour with the ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. The night will be spent in the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Kegen border – Karakol
At 09:00 in the morning we will drive to the Charyn Canyon. Charyn Canyon is one of the exclusive natural monuments of Kazakhstan of 12 million years old which attracts travelers from around the world. It will take about 3 hours to reach there. On the way you will have the opportunity to hear about the history and nature of the region, Kazakh people, and their lifestyle. When you reach to Charyn Canyon you will enjoy splendid nature and landscape. There is a beautiful panoramic view. Don’t miss to take photos! We have no doubt you will fall in love with this canyon. Afterwards is transfer to Kegen border.

Day 3: Karakol – Kochkor
We are going to start our day of driving to Kochkor village. On the way we will visit Jeti Oguz gorge (Seven Bulls) which famous for its red rocks formations in a row. There is the Broken Heart Mountain as well. On the route you will see beautiful panoramic view and take stunning photos. After that we will drive to Bokonbaeva village. There we will meet with a local eagle trainer. He train eagles and hunts hares and foxes with the help of them. On arrival at Kochkor village you will have rest and spend the night in a hotel. 

Day 4: Kochkor – Son Kul Lake
Today we will drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. You will be impressed by this lake. This amazing lake is surrounded by mountains and considered to be the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan of 3013 meters above sea level. Being there you will meet with Kyrgyz nomads who used to rest there in hot summer days. On arrival you will enjoy the unique nature and take vibrant photos. Overnight will be spent in felt nomadic dwellings – yurts.

Day 5: Son Kul Lake – Chon Kemin
Today you will drive to Chon Kemin village. You will pass by Kalmak Ashu pass that is 3 225 meters high. Then you will have a break in Kochkor village. There you will learn how to make Kyrgyz carpets and even make your own. On the way visit a small handicraft museum where you can see silver decorations, coats made of wolfs, horse saddle decorations, carpets and many others. On arrival to Chon Kemin village, your night is in a house of a Kyrgyz family.

Day 6: Chon Kemin – Bishkek
In the morning you will spend 3 hours of horse riding. You will ride through the mountains and mountain forest in order to see the panorama view of the gorge. Afterwards we will drive to Bishkek city. Having a great tour, you will visit the Burana Tower. It was built in the 11th century and used to be the sigh for traders in the Great Silk Road. There an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors) made in honor of brave soldiers that died for their Motherland. Transfer to the Kyrgyz capital. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek 
You are going to have a guided tour in Bishkek. Visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and other interesting places. After that we will visit Ala Archa gorge. It is 45 km from Bishkek. You will be impressed by natural park and enjoy your stay. The Ala Archa gorge is on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is important to note that the access to this gorge was strictly controlled by government. You will enjoy a short hiking tour to see a panoramic view of the gorge. Afterwards we will return to Bishkek. Overnight will be in a hotel.   

Day 8: Bishkek – Osh 
In the morning you will be transferred the airport for a flight to the city of Osh. In Osh city you will have a city tour where you can walk and visit a famous place as Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too (Solomon’s Mountain) is located in the city center and pilgrimage place for local Muslims due to the legend where biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of this mountain. Then visit the Asian Bazaar. You will have the opportunity to buy anything you want and take vibrant photos. The night will be spent in a hotel.

Day 9: Osh – Kyrgyz-Tajik border Guliston – Khudjand

The day will start by driving to Tajik border. The road will go over mountains and high passes. On the way you will pass via Batken region. You will see apricot trees and unique flower called Aigul. You will be met by Tajik driver and drive to Khujand city. It is the second largest city of Tajikistan and situated on the Syr Darya River at the doorway of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan which nowadays called Sughd. In the afternoon you will visit Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan. Then we will go to see Central Mosque. It is situated in the middle of the city. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 10: Khudjand – Penjakent   
We will drive to Penjakent via pass Shahriston (3 378 m) in the morning. The city of Penjakent ("five villages") is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan near Zeravshan river valley. There are five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the 5th-8th centuries AD. Penjikent in this period of time was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd which renamed to "Central Asian Pompeii". It was reinvigorated city with a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods, but the ruins of this city were found only in the last century. Nowadays travelers will have the opportunity to see the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers’ church. Today you will have the night in a hotel.

Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo border – Samarkand
You will be met at Jartepo border at 10:00 and transfer to Samarkand (45km). Samarkand is sited in the valley of the river Zerafshan and considered to be the second largest city of Uzbekistan the same as Babylon or Rome. Today you will visit Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is a famous complex of three fascinating Madrasahs found in the 15-17th centuries. We have no doubt you will like it! Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh has a big collection of mausoleums found in the 11th-15 centuries and became a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built by favorite Tamerlane’s wife, after his success trip in India. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand – Tashkent   
You will be transfered to Tashkent is by train. On arrival visit Independence square. It is one of the most visited places in Tashkent. You will have the opportunity to walk along the main square of the country and see a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Don’t miss the chance of walking along the local Broadway where you can see Amir Timur square. After that you will drive to the famous Tashkent metro opened in 1977. Next, visit the old part of the city as Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam. The Hast Imam complex has several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The important part of this site is the Othman Quran. It is the world’s oldest Quran copy (8th century). Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four honorable Caliphs who prospered the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century and blood spred over the Quran. You can see it on its pages. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 13: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
Today in the morning you will have a flight to Urgench and then transfer to Khiva. Later on the tour will inspire you by visiting the oldest city of Uzbekistan. It will be inside of Ichan-Qala, the inner city in Khiva with strong walls. You will find old sound buildings, palaces, mosques; Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses distorted Ichan-Qala into inimitable city-monument. Ichan-Qala contains over 400 traditional dwelling houses and 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala was chosen a historical and architectural conservation area. Visit the Kunya-Ark fortress (17th century), found by Muhammad Arang Khan. Moving on, you will visit Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. They are one of the unique exhibitions of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. Night is in a hotel.

Day 14: Khiva – Bukhara
Early in the morning we will travel to the wonderful city of Bukhara. There are more than 140 architectural monuments. Bukhara is a "town museum" found in the Middle Ages. This unique city has narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments belonging to different events. They situated close to each other. The road from Khiva to Bukhara goes via famous Kizilkum desert. On the route you will see the stunning view to Amu Darya river. It is considered to be the deepest river in Central Asia, formed by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan, flowing into Aral See. Arrival in Bukhara. Night is in a hotel.

Day 15: Bukhara
The day will start of having a guided city tour in Bukhara. You will have the opportunity to visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara (4th century) − Citadel Ark. It functioned as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Later on visit Samanids mausoleum (9th-10th centuries). The next destination is Chashma Ayub. It means Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. It is the mosque of forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. There is an idea of visiting souvenirs shops. You will continue visiting one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara − Nodir Divan Begi. It was also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, very famous site in Bukhara. The tour will end visiting Poi Kalon complex. It is one of the unique trials of architectural art of Bukhara. It has three structures built in the 12th − 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Your night is in a hotel.

Day 16: Bukhara – Farab border – Mary/Merv
In the morning you will be transferred to the border with Turkmenistan near Turkmenabad. The local guide will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border and drive to Turkmenabad city. Afterwards you will have the tour to Mary city. Overnight is in hotel.

Day 17: Mary – Ashgabat
Having a hearty breakfast, you will check out from hotel and drive to Mary city. Visit an Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is one of the archaeological sites of Central Asia. Merv is considered to be the significant part of Turkmenistan and made the development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. In XII century, mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd established the great Seljuk period of brickwork and architectural ornamentation. Afterwards you will be transferred to Ashgabat city. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 18: Ashgabat – Darwaza
You will have at 08:00. Then we will drive to the Gas Crater – Darvaza. It is located to the North of Ashgabat. In the evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy magnificent view of the gas crater. Staying in a camp, don’t miss to capture it! You can visit it at daylight and as well as at night. We have no doubt you will like it! Night in tents.            

Day 19: Darwaza – Ashgabat
In the morning we will drive to Ashgabat City. Visit “Old Nisa” − The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings (UNESCO site) as well as “Gypjak” Mosque and Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 20: Flight
Morning transfer to airport. 

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

Transport in TM:
02 pax – Sedan
04-10 pax – Minibus 14 seats
 

Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 3 085 $
04 pax – 2 215 $
06 pax – 1 890 $
08 pax – 1 660 $
10 pax – 1 670 $
Single – 355 $

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

Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 3 320 $
04 pax – 2 470 $
06 pax – 2 140 $
08 pax – 1 910 $
10 pax – 1 870 $
Single – 540 $

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

Half board – 240 $*
Full board – 490 $*

Entrance fees – 55 $*

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

Supplement for escort guide in Uzbekistan – 350 $ per group
Tashkent – Urgench flight – from 80 $

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*/ “Classic” Hotel 4*
     Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
Penjikent – “Sugd” Hotel 3
Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*/ “Diyora” Hotel 4*
Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*/ “Ramada” Hotel 4*
Khiva – “Old Khiva” Hotel 3*/ “Lokomotiv” Hotel 4*
Bukhara – “Porso” Hotel 3*/ “Omar Khayam” Hotel 4*
Mary – “Mary” Hotel 3*/ “Merv” Hotel 4*
Ashgabat – “Menzil” Hotel 3*/ “Ak Altyn” Hotel 4*
Darwaza – Tents
- Visa support to TM
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Train tickets Samarkand – Tashkent
- English speaking local guides in UZ
- English speaking escort guides in KZ, KG, TJ, TM
- Flight tickets Bishkek – Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg) 

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Tashkent – Urgench flight
- Migration tax (12 $ + 4 $bank fee)
- Fees for using cameras on monuments

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