The Golden Square of Central Asia

Name of the tour: The Golden Square of Central Asia 

The best attractions: Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Karakol, Jeti oguz, Issyk Kul, Kochkor, Son Kul, Chon Kemin, Burana, Bishkek, Ala Archa, Osh, Khujand, Penjakent, Jarpeto, Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent, Chimgan Mountains

Length of the tour: 16 days 

Day 1: Almaty
This day you will arrive to the airport of Almaty. Then you will be met by your guide and accompany to the south capital of Kazakhstan. Today you are going to explore the amazing highlights of Kazakhstan.  And today you are going to explore amazing site as Green Bazaar. In this place you can enjoy the interesting scenery of the city, buy souvenirs for yourself and your family, take colorful photos and also enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. After that you will head to one of the most interesting sites as Panfilov Park. There you are going to observe the remarkable attraction called that is made from wood– Zenkov Cathedral. In the second part of the day you will have a chance to see the fascinating place – the Medeo Gorge. You will have a chance to find here the highest skating rink in Central Asian and discover Shymbulak resort. After that you will have a chance to discover Kok-Tobe hill. There we can see the where ishighest TV tower in the world. Today you will transfer by the mountain road. During the tour you are going to stroll along the fabulous trails in the Kok Tobe Park. Here you will see the interesting panorama of the city, discover the interesting views and visit the shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the territory and make interesting photos. The tour you will finish with the riding from the hill to the city by the cableway of Almaty. The overnight is in the hotel. 

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Kegen border – Karakol
Tosay you will have a travel to Karakol town in Kyrgyzstan. But before you will be offered to explore the fascinating site called Charyn Canyon. You will see that is the Natural Park. In our tours you can explore that the canyon was formed 12 million years ago. Mother Nature was able to form this canyon with the help of water, sun and rain that formed the canyon over time. Today, during the 3-hour trip, you will be able to explore the nature of Kazakhstan is very interesting, to get into the culture, customs and traditions. After that, you can learn about the scenery and nature. You will be amazed by the views of the canyon and its uniqueness. You can enjoy the views of the canyon, explore its flora and fauna, and also enjoy the amazing sights. Tourists will have the opportunity to walk there. After that you will explore the amazing road to Kegen border and will be met by the local guide. Upon arrival to Karakol city you will have a chance to the unique Dungan mosque that was erected by unique technique without metal and nail in Chinese style. After that you will head to an old wooden Orthodox Church. This night will be in the guest house. 

Day 3: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Kochkor  
In the morning you will drive to the fascinating gorge Jeti Oguz. Here you will have a chance to see the Seven Rocks in one row. You will discover that this gorge is translated from Kyrgyz it translates as Seven Bulls. During the tour you will observe the Broken Heart Mountain. Alognt he way you will have a great opportunity to take photos. Then you will be able to see beautiful landscapes, enjoy interesting views, and marvel at the incredible peaks of the mountains. You will drive along the southern part of Issyk Kul and visit the village of Bokonbaevo. There you can meet a local eagle hunter who will tell you about the methods of hunting foxes, hares with the help of eagles. After that, you can go to the village of Kochkor, where you can visit a local family. There they will show you a demonstration of the production, which is made of national felt. You will rest the night in the home stay. 

Day 4:  Kochkor – Son Kul Lake
Today you will transfer to the fabulous lake Son Kul Lake. You will know that this lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. In our tours you can see that it is located at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. During the tours in Kyrgyzstan, you will be able to enjoy the views, take photos and also explore the road. In our tours of Kyrgyzstan, you can see that the lake was inhabited by nomads, who were settled by nomads in portable dwellings-yurts. We have to make a tour in Kyrgyzstan you will be able to explore the beautiful nature, enjoy the clean air and see many attractions. After you arrive, you can enjoy the incredible views of the beautiful scenery, the beautiful scenery of the mountains, and enjoy the view of the lake, take beautiful photos. The night will be in the yurts.

Day 5: Son Kul – Chon Kemin
Today you will drive to to Kochkor village. After that you will travel to Chon Kemin gorge. You are going to travel via the wonderful gorge and Kalmak Ashu pass (3 225 meters high). Along the way you will have a great chance to take fabulous photos and discover the fascinating landscapes. You will be amazed by the spectacular scenery, explore the remote arrears and remember this day for a long time. During the tour you will have a chance to see animals grazing on pastures, such as yaks. Kyrgyzstan attracts attention with its territories and beautiful views, where you can enjoy the friendly inhabitants of customs and traditions. And also in the tour you will be able to explore that tourism in this country is developing more and more. You will spend the night in home stay.

Day 6: Chon Kemin – Burana – Bishkek
After breakfast you will have a wonderful 3 hours for horse riding. You will be able to see that the nature of the gorge is incredible and beautiful, enjoy the pure nature and take a lot of photos. You will have the chance to climb the mountains and also marvel at the beautiful views. You will be able to explore the views of nature and enjoy the moment and see many beautiful forests. After that you will be taken to the capital of Kyrgyzstan- Bishkek. Along the way you will break at the prominent site called as Burana Tower. This is the ancient attractions was built in 11 century by Karakhanids. When the Great Silk road was this minaret played the important role. Adne you will also see that here in previous times was the capital of Karakhanids called Balasagy. Don’t miss chance to visit the open air museum stone warrior or Balbals. Also you will go up the tower and discover the panoramic view. After that you will continue the way to Bishkek. The overnight is in the hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
In the morning you will have a wonderful city tour in the capital of Kyrgyzstan- Bishkek. In course of the tour you will have an opportunity to discover the best places as Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places. After that you will transfer to the charming Ala Archa National Park. You will that it is located 45 km. from Bishkek. Along the way you will you will have the opportunity to take a short walk and enjoy the views of the gorge. You will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery, take photos, and explore the flora and fauna of the gorge. This place is loved not only by tourists but also by locals. You can see around the fir trees that roll down from the slopes of the mountains. In Soviet times, access to the gorge was prohibited. And only certain people could go there. After that you will finish the tour with transferring to Bishkek. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek – Osh
This day you will travel to the south capital of Kyrgyzstan by plane. You will have a city tour to explore a sacred place called Suleiman Mountain. This mountain is located in the heart of the city and you can see it from all the sides. You will also be able to explore in the tour about Kyrgyzstan that 3 trips count one trip for the Hajj to Mecca. According to legend, you can find out that the Prophet Suleiman was buried here. You can also visit the Asian bazaar here. Here you will have a great chance to enjoy the beautiful views of the rows, buy goods and take bright photos. We are sure you will be immersed in a colorful atmosphere. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 9: Osh – Guliston border – Khujand
This day you will travel to Kyrgyz-Tajik border in the morning. You are going to get acquainted with local guide and transfer to Khujand city. It is the second largest city. You will be able to explore what the city is located in at the mouth of the Ferghana Valley of the Syr Darya River. The local population is about 149,000 people. Here you will learn that the garden is called Sogd and is the northern province of Tajikistan. During the tours here you can explore the Khujand Palace of Culture. The very first president was elected here. Your tour will continue to explore the Central Mosque. The mosque is located in the city center. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 10: Khujand – Penjakent
This day you are going to transfer to to Penjakent through the fabulous Shahriston Pass. You will see that this pass is situated at the altitude 3 378 m. The city is located in the western part of Tajikistan on the left bank of the Zaravshan River east of Samarkand. The city rises at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.  You will be able to find out that this city is five villages that were founded in the 5th-8th centuries. These villages have played an important role in history in the past. The history of Penzhakent itself is very ancient and dates back about 5500 years. It was also called the Central Asian Pompeii", as it was an outstanding center of Sogdian culture. It is said that five villages marked the beginning of the history of an important city. You will see here a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. Guests of the country will also discover the remains of the city were found in the last century. Our tourists will discover ruins of houses and other buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers church. Night will be in the hotel.

Day 11: Penjakent – Jarpeto – Samarkand  
After breakfast you will travel to Tajik – Uzbek border. YAlong the way you will have a chance to visit your guide. After that you will transfer to the ancient city Samarkand. It is a city of blue and green domes, bright facades and luxurious murals, in a kaleidoscope of which you can get lost, which dates back 2,500 years and is the same age as Rome and Babylon, the third most numerous city in Uzbekistan. Samarkand is situated in the valley of the beautiful Zeravshan River.  You will also have a chance to explore the best attractions today as: Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. The majestic central square of the city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan. This place is the main attraction of the country, thanks to the unique architectural ensemble of three madrasas of the 11th-15th centuries. Shakhi Zindeh is a monument of medieval architecture in Samarkand (Uzbekistan), an ensemble of mausoleums of the Karakhanid and Timurid nobility of the 15th-17th centuries. After that you will also discover the wonderful mosque Bibi Khanum that you will explore. You will see that mosque is great and was erected in honor of Tamerlane’s wife. Night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand – Bukhara (train)
Today you will transfer to to Bukhara by train. Here you will have a chance to have a city tour. The first spot will be Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex of Sufi Leader and Philosopher. The guest of the country will see that this site is situated not far from Bukhara. it is a sacred place for every Muslim. Thousands of pilgrims, Muslims and tourists come here. The Naqshbandi complex includes: the Naqshbandi burial ground; the burials of Bukhara rulers. It consists of a madrasah, two mosques and a minaret. The Baha ad-Din ensemble took the forms of combining a necropolis with a ceremonial building typical of the XVI century.  After that you will be taken to the fascinating site - Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. The Sitorai Mohi Khosa Palace complex is located five kilometers from the city of Bukhara. For a long time, the building served as the summer residence of the emirs of the city.Sitorai Mohi Khosa was built in the mid-19th century and is considered the palace of the last Emir of Bukhara. Sitorai Mokhi Khosa was erected in the mid-19th century. After that you will come back to city. This night will be in the hotel.

Day 13: Bukhara
After breakfast you will also discover the best attractions of the city Bukhara. This day you will be taken to the first attraction that is called Citadel Ark the last witness to the once powerful power of the Bukhara emirs. The Ark Fortress in Bukhara is located on a hill and is an earthen fortification structure, which is very ancient and dates back to the 4th century. Then you will discover the interesting site the Samanids mausoleum. Here you will enjoy the scenery of the masterpiece of masterwork of 9^th -10^th century. After that you will be taken to Chashma Ayub that means “Job's well” and Bolo-Hauz mosque translated as "Children's pond". In the old days, there were problems with water in Central Asia, so similar reservoirs were built. The water in them was used as a source of drinking water. Today you will also have a chance to stroll the fascinating shopping domes. In course of the tour you will marvel at the fabulous beauty of madrasah called - Nodir Divan Begi. You will know that it is the part of Lyabi House Ensemble. The tour will be finished with discovering Poi Kalon complex. You will explore the masterpiece of architecture of Medieval Age. There is situated three structures and was built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 14: Bukhara – Tashkent
Today you will have a flight to the capital Tashkent. This day you are going to have a city tour and discover the best attractions as Independence Square. After that you will head to the local Broadway where you will have a chance to observe the interesting squares Amir Temur and Independence. Along the way you will visit the beautiful Tashkent metro where you will see that is one of the most magnificent sites in the world.  The tour will be continued with exploring the old part of the city: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. You can see here several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum.  This day you will also see prominent site Othman Quran. You will have a chance to see the remarakable site of Uzbekistan and the  oldest Quran copy of 8^th c. The night will be in the hotel.

Day 15: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Tashkent
In the morning you will travel to the fascinating site Chimgan Mountains.  After arrival you will have a riding by chair lift and explore Beldersay peak 30 min one-way. During the tour you will explore the pure nature, breathe fresh air and have free time. Further you will transfer to Charvak lakeside beach. In course of the tour you will have a chance to explore the territory, have free time and have some water activities (as per season). You will enjoy the lake and see that it is the interesting place among residents and travelers. After that you will come back to Tashkent. Night will be in the 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$