Historical Tour

---

 

Historical Tour
Duration: 20 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Charyn - Karakol - Kochkor - Son Kul - Chon Kemin - Bishkek - Ala Archa - Osh - Khudjand - Penjakent - Samarkand - Tashkent - Khiva - Bukhara - Mary - Ashgabat - Darwaza - Ashgabat

Short summary:
This tour will show the beauty of each country. In addition, you will have a chance to learn a lot about both the people and the culture of the citizens of Central Asia. Staying here you can try yourself on horseback riding and also make a carpet your own hands. Thus, you can find out what is unique in each of these countries.

Day 1: Almaty
Upon arrival you will be transferred to Almaty. The city tour will start be exploring Green Bazaar where it is important to learn the art of bargain. Here it will be possible to find a lot of things. After it you will explore one of the oldest parks in Almaty - Panfilov Park as well as  Zenkov Cathedral. 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 will be next to visit. In course of the tour you will explore Medeo Gorge where the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam are situated. Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where you will be amazed by there the tallest TV tower in the world. In Kok-Tobe Park you will enjoy outstanding view of panorama as well as huge variety of souvenirs in shop. 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
In the morning you will be transferred to the next destination - Charyn Canyon. This sight of 12 million years old each year attracts travelers from around the world. The road to this sight takes about 3 hours. During the transfer you will learn more about the history and nature of the region, Kazakh people, and their lifestyle. Upon arrival you will be stunned by breathtaking nature and landscape. There is a beautiful panoramic view where you will have a chance to takes a lot of photos. We have no doubt you will fall in love with this canyon. Tourist like to have tours to this site. Afterwards is transfer to Kegen border. Night is the hotel. 

Day 3: Karakol - Kochkor
Today you will be transferred to Kochkor village. During the drive you will visit Jeti Oguz gorge. This place also has another name - Seven Bulls that is famous for its red rocks formations. Moreovaer here it will be possible to witness as well as explore the Broken Heart Mountain as well. In course of the tour you will have a stop in Bokonbaeva village. There we will meet with a local eagle trainer. He trains eagles to hunts hares and foxes by using ancient way of hunting. On arrival at Kochkor village you will have rest and spend the night in a hotel.

Day 4: Kochkor - Son Kul Lake
Today your travel will leads you to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan - Son Kul Lake. Upon arrival you will be bewitched by the captivating view of the lake. This alpine lake that lays among mountains on the altitude of 3013 meters above sea level and this fact makes it the highest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Here you will enjoy the pristine nature as well as get acquainted with Kyrgyz nomads who used to rest there in hot summer days. On arrival you will enjoy the unique nature and take vivid photos. Overnight is in yurt.

Day 5: Son Kul Lake - Chon Kemin
In course of the travel you will drive to Chon Kemin village. The road to it will go through the Kalmak Ashu pass which altitude is 3 225 meters above sea level. On the way to it you will have a stop in Kochkor village. In course of the travel you will have an opportunity to learn how to make Kyrgyz carpets and even make your own. Moreover here it will be possible to have an excursion in 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
The tour will start with having morning horse riding that will take 3 hours. The horse riding tour will go through the mountains and mountain forest in order to see the panorama view of the gorge. Then you drive to Bishkek city. On the way to it you will have a stop to explore the Burana Tower of the 11th century and was like a sigh for travelers of the Great Silk Road. Here you also can see an open air museum of Balbals or 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  
Today you will start the tour by exploring Bishkek city. You will visit the major sights of the city such as the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and other interesting places. After that you will drive 45 km to visit Ala Archa gorge. The gorge wills impress you will the captivating view of the nature. 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. Previously the access to this gorge was strictly controlled by government only V.I.P. people could walk here. You will enjoy a short hiking tour to see a panoramic view of the gorge. Afterwards we will return to Bishkek. Overnight is in a hotel.  

Day 8: Bishkek - Osh  
Toady you will have a morning flight to Osh. Upon arrival you will have an excursion in famous place as Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too or Solomon's Mountain can be found in the center of the city. This place is considered to be sacred 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. In addition you will visit the Asian Bazaar. Here you will be able you to buy anything you want as well as take vibrant photos. The night is in a hotel.

Day 9: Osh - Kyrgyz-Tajik border Guliston - Khudjand
Toady you will transferred to Tajikistan. The road to border will go mountains and high passes. On the way you will drive through Batken region. This region is famous for its apricot trees and unique flower called Aigul. At the border you will meet the Tajik guild that is going to transfer you to Khujand city. This city is considerate to be the second largest city of Tajikistan. This city is situated on the Syr Darya River at the doorway of the Fergana Valley with the population of 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan which nowadays called Sughd. In the afternoon you will have a tour to explore Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan. Central Mosque is next sight that is situated in the middle of the city. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 10: Khudjand - Penjakent   
Tour will go to Penjakent via pass Shahriston that lays at 3 378 m high. The city of Penjakent also known as "five villages" is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan near Zeravshan river valley. This city appeared in the 5th-8th centuries AD and during this time it was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd which received another name - "Central Asian Pompeii". This city had very good plan with 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 found only in the last century. But today you have an opportunity to see the preserved parts of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers' church. The night is in a hotel.

Day 11: Penjakent - Jartepo border - Samarkand 
Today you will be transferred to Tajik - Uzbek border where Uzbek guide will meet and accompany you to Samarkand. The road to it takes 45km. Samarkand is sited in the valley of the river Zerafshan and considered to be the second largest city of Uzbekistan. Moreover it is also known that the age of the city similar to ones of the Babylon or Rome. Today you will explore the major sights of the city such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is a famous complex that consists of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to the 15-17th centuries. You will be impressed by the sites of Samarkand. Then is Shakhi-Zindeh noted due to the huge collection of mausoleums of the 11th-15 centuries that was listed to 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  
Today you will have a morning train to Tashkent. Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to visit the most remarkable sights of the city such as Independence square. It is one of the most visited places in Tashkent and due to the fact that it is the mains square that was erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Moreover you will have an opportunity to visit the local Broadway that goes along the Amir Timur square. Then you will have a ride in Tashkent metro the first line of which was opened in 1977. In course of travel you will explore the old part of the city where you will have a chance to observe such prominent sights as Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam. The Hast Imam complex has several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most interesting part of this tour is the Othman Quran. It is the world's oldest Quran copy of 8th century that belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph. Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century and blood spred over the Quran even nowadays you can find it on its pages. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 13: Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva
In course of the travel you will have flight to Urgench and upon arrival you will be transferred to Khiva. Today you will explore the oldest city of the country. The tour will be in inner city of Khiva in Ichan-Qala. This site is encircled by strong walls and the inner part of the sight has old sound buildings, palaces, mosques; Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravanserais and Bathhouses distorted Ichan-Qala into inimitable city-monument. Here you can find at least 400 traditional dwelling houses and 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala was made as historical and architectural conservation area. Moreover you will have a chance to visit one of the main attractions of the country: Kunya-Ark fortress of 17th century, found by Muhammad Arang Khan, as well as visiting Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. Those are considered to be 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
In course of the tour you will have a city tour to explore the major sights of Bukhara city. At first you will observe the oldest citadel in Uzbekistan of 4th century - Citadel Ark. This site used to be a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will see the great architecture of 9th-10th centuries - Samanids mausoleum. Next destinations are Chashma Ayub that has a meaning of Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque that is known as the mosque of forty columns. This site was made in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan.  Then you will have an opportunity to explore the souvenirs shops. Then you will countinue to learn more about Uzbekistan while observing one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara - Nodir Divan Begi. That is considerate to be as a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, very famous site in Bukhara. The tour will end with visiting Poi Kalon complex that consist of12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Your night is in a hotel.

Day 16: Bukhara - Farab border - Mary/Merv
Today you will drive to the Farab border. 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. Night is in hotel.

Day 17: Mary - Ashgabat
In the morning you will drive to Mary city to explore the famous ancient Merv. This site is listed to UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the ancient time this was a prosperous city that had a great influence to development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. Here you will be able to explore such significant sight as the mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd of XII century 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
Early in the morning you will drive to the famous even in internet the Gas Crater - Darwaza. The road will go to the North of Ashgabat. In the evening you will be able to see the captivating view of the flame that burning there and make this view incomparable. While being here try to male a lot of colorful photos of this mysterious place. You can visit it at daylight and as well as at night. Tours to this site one of the most popular. Night in tents.     

Day 19: Darwaza - Ashgabat
Today you will be transferred Ashgabat City. Here you will explore the famous "Old Nisa" also known as The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings that has been listed to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you will be able to explore th other significant site such 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