Tour to Nature

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Tour to Nature
Duration: 16 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Charyn - Karakol - Issyk Kul southern shore - Kochkor - Son Kul - Chon Kemin - Bishkek - Ala Archa - Osh - Khujand - Penjakent - Samarkand - Bukhara - Tashkent - Chimgan Mountains - Tashkent

Short summary:
The interesting tour will wait you. Here it will visit the most remarkable sights of the countries of Central Asia. You will be able to enjoy untouched nature as well as the impressive remains of the great history.  You will have an opportunity to learn more about culture and lifestyle of extraordinary and hospitable people.

Day 1: Almaty
Upon arrival driver will pick you up and accompany to Almaty for city tour. The first city for exploring is the Green Bazaar where you can learn art of bargain. After it you will visit one of the oldest parks in Almaty - Panfilov Park as well as Zenkov Cathedral. After learning the important part of areas of the city you will be transferred to Medeo Gorge. This gorge is popular for the highest mountain skating rink in the world and Shymbulak resort. In course of the tour you will visit Kok-Tobe hill as well. Here you will be able to observe the tallest TV tower in the world. In Kok-Tobe Park you will have an opportunity to enjoy the picturesque view 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. Tourists usually capture great photo during tours. Night is in the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty - Charyn - Kegen border - Karakol
In course of the tour you will drive to Karakol town. On the way to it you will have a stop at Charyn gorge. This is one of the most visited places in Kazakhstan due to the age of this place. It was formed about 12 million years ago. While have a tour here you will have a chance to see the famous for its fancy cliffs that resemble ancient castles. You will be impressed due to the fact that this place appeared with the help of wind, sun and rain. The road to this incredible site will take about 3 hours and on the way to it you will know more about history and nature of the region as well as life and traditions of Kazakh people. Upon arrival you will see captivating canyon that will show you its stunning beauty and uniqueness. In course of the travel you will be transferred to Kegen border where your Kyrgyz guide will meet you and accompany to Karakol city. There you will explore the famous Dungan mosque that was built in Chinese style without even a single metal nail as well as old wooden Orthodox Church. Overnight is in the guest house.

Day 3: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Kochkor  
Toady your destination is Kochkor village. On the way to it you will visit the popular site that called Jeti Oguz. This place is famed due to the red rock formation. Moreover it will be interesting to know that the name Jeti Oguz translates as Seven Bulls. In addition you see the Broken Heart Mountain and if you wish we can go to the top of the mountain to witness the panoramic view of the gorge. After it you will drive to Bokonbaeva village to meet local eagle-hunter. He uses the traditional way of hunting with the help of eagle, the prey of which are hares and foxes. Upon arrival to 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
Today you will be able to see Son Kul Lake that is very famous due to being the second largest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. You will be impressed to know that this lake has the altitude of 3 013 meters above sea level. You will explore the lake that is lays among mountains. This place is very famous even for local people for rest and relaxation. Moreover herders of Naryn region use it as pastureland. While have a tour here you will be able to enjoy the pristine beauty of the nature. Night will be in yurts. They are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.

Day 5: Son Kul - Chon Kemin
Today your destination is Chon Kemin George. The road to this site goes through Kalmak Ashu pass that is lays on the altitude of 3 225 meters above sea level. In course of the tour you will be able to witness great amount of breathtaking views. Usually a bit remote places unspoiled as well as preserving the traditions and culture whiles the capital developing. In Kyrgyzstan tourism is not widely developed and unaffected by foreign visitors. During the tour you will have an opportunity to meet smiles, open hands and hospitality waits you. The night is in a home stay.

Day 6: Chon Kemin - Burana - Bishkek
Your travel will take the form of a horseback ride that is going to last 3 hours along a picturesque gorge with beautiful views. The road will go high to the top of the mountain through the forest where it will be possible to observe the greatest view of the gorge. Then the road will go to Bishkek. On the way to it you will have an opportunity to explore the Burana Tower that is considerate to be minaret of 11th century. During Great Silk Road it was a sign of shelter for travelers. Here you can visit open air museum where you can see stone warrior or Balbals. This stone shows warriors who died protecting their Motherland. After reaching the top of the tower and you will continue the drive to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
In course of the tour you will have a great city tour to visit the most significant sights of the city such as Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. In the second part of the day you will explore the place that during Soviet Union time only V.I.P. people could stay there. The Ala Archa gorge is located on the ridge of the Tian Shan mountain range and to reach it from Bishkek it will take 45 km from the city. You can hike to see panoramic view of the gorge. After that, we will return to Bishkek. The night is in the hotel.  

Day 8: Bishkek - Osh
You will have a morning flight to Osh city. Upon arrival you will visit the main sight of the city called Suleiman Mountain. It located on the very heart of the city and considered to be a sacred place of pilgrimage for local Muslims. As legend says prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. You will also visit the famous Asian Bazaar. During the tour you will have a lot of opportunities to take photos. Night is in a hotel.

Day 9: Osh - Guliston border - Khujand
In course of the tour you will cross Kyrgyz-Tajik border. Your guide will meet and accompany you to Khujand city. It is considered to be the second largest city of Tajikistan. Khujand is situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley with the population of 149,000. It is considered to be the most northern province of Tajikistan that now has name Sughd. Upon arrival you will explore such main sights of the city as Cultural Palace of Khujand where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. In addition you will also see Central Mosque that is situated in the middle of the city. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 10: Khujand - Penjakent
Your destination toady is Penjakent the road to which goes through Shahriston Pass that lays on the altitude of 3 378 meters above sea level. The city of Penjakent also known as five villages is located on Khujand area of Tajikistan in wonderful Zeravshan river valley. It is considerate to be that this remarkable city started the history in 5th- 8th century AD.  During that time this place also was known as cultural center and crafting center of Soghd. Due to it the city received name - "Central Asian Pompeii". During the travel here you will notice that it has a good layout with a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. This ruin was found in the last century. But today everyone can witness the great past of this city in 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  
Today you will cross the Tajik - Uzbek border. In course of the tour the Uzbek guide will meet and drive you to Samarkand. While being transferred you will learn that Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan. This city is located in the valley of the river Zerafshan. Moreover tis city has history as long as one of the cities of Babylon or Rome.  During the tour you will explore the most significant sights of the city like Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. The first sight is the Registan square is a complex consists of three Madrasahs dating to 15th- 17th c. If you see the sight you will never forget it due to its greatness. After it will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 11th- 15th centuries known as Shakhi-Zindeh which represents collection of mausoleums. Then you will visit mosque that was built for Tamerlane's wife, after his victory in India - Bibi Khanum mosque. Night is in hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand - Bukhara (train)
In course of the tour you will have a morning train to Bukhara. The tour will be near the city and the first site for exploration is Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex that was built in honor of Sufi Leader and Philosopher. This is considered to be one of the main Muslim pilgrimage places for people of Islamic world. He was one of the deity masters of Amir Timur. Here you will be able to admire mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, courtyard with pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Then you will see the building that was made as Bukhara Emirs' countryside residence - Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. You will be impressed by the combination of different styles. 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. Tours to these places are very popular. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 13: Bukhara
Today you will have a whole day to explore one of the ancient cities of Uzbekistan. The tour will start with visiting the most ancient citadel of Bukhara dating to 4th c.  - Citadel Ark. It served as a place for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. In course of the tour you will also have an opportunity to see the masterwork of 9th -10th century - Samanids mausoleum.  Then is the one of the main sights of the city Chashma Ayub the means "job's well" and Bolo-Hauz mosque well known due to the forty columns that was to Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you can go for a shopping as well as visiting madrasah Nodir Divan Begi that is considered to be as a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. Your next destination is Poi Kalon complex that will captivate you by being the unique sample of architectural art of Bukhara. 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
The transfer to Tashkent will be made by using flight or train to Tashkent. Upon arrival you will start the tour from the main square that was built as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then it will be possible to walk on local Broadway. Moreover you will witness the one of the most beautiful subways in the world which first line was opened in 1977. In course of the tour you will have an opportunity to explore the old part of the city where it will be possible to see Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum.  The highlighted part of the tour is Othman Quran which is the world's oldest Quran copy of 8th c. 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
In the morning you will drive to Chimgan Mountains. To reach the top of the mountain you need to have a chair lift and see Beldersay peak that takes 30 min to one-way. Upon arrival to the top of it you will be able to enjoy the great view of the nature. On the top you will have free time to explore and enjoy nature. On the way back you will have a free time to explore the beach of Charvak Lake. Depending on season you will have an opportunity to do some water activities. Even through it is the man-made lake the lake is very popular in Tashkent among locals and neighboring countries. 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$