The Five Stans

Today, you will have a trip to Ala-Archa National Park, located 45 km from Bishkek.
Ala-Archa is an alpine national park in the Tian Shan Mountains, established in 1976. The close location of the gorge allows getting the place within one hour from Bishkek city, within this time you will rise from 750 to 2100 meters above sea level. The name Ala-Archa is translated as Bright Juniper from Kyrgyz as the whole gorge is covered with various trees including the main one - juniper. Ala-Archa is a perfect place to spend a time, walking in the gorge.

In the afternoon, sightseeing tour in Bishkek. Visit Manas Monument in Philharmonic Square, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Then excursion to the State History Museum and walking tour around main Ala Too Square to watch ceremony of changing of the Guard of Honor, Manas Monument, main governmental buildings, and finish at the Old Square with Parliament House and the only survived in Central Asia Lenin’s Monument. Also, visit the Oak Park with open-air sculpture gallery.

Transfer to the Victory Square to finish the city tour by short excursion there. Return to the Hotel for rest.

Overnight: Hotel Plaza 4* (B/L/D)

On the way to Chon Kemin valley we visit “Burana” Architectural complex. The complex is the ruins of the medieval city Balasagyn with famous Burana tower (IX-XII AC). Once it was one of 3 capitals of Karakhanid Empire and one of the most developed cities during the golden ages of the Great Silk Road. Also, watch a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombs. Continue to Chon Kemin valley (2 hours). Upon arrival lunch in the Guest house and accommodation.

Chon Kemin is quiet valley with several small villages and farmers’ lands surrounded by magnificent mountains and fir forest. It is just a wonderful place to be, to sit on the doorstep and watch time pass by with a pot of tea.

Rest of the day - walking in the village learning more about the rural life or walking to the foothill of nearby mountains.

Optionally: horse riding (to be paid locally)/Obligatory horse riding local guide.

Overnight: Kemin/Ashu Guest House (B/L/D)

Today, our destination is the South shore of Issyk Kul Lake – second-largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca in South America.

First, we go to Kochkor village. We just drive 100 km along the Boom canyon, via Kuvaky pass (2170 m) and Orto Tokoy water reservoir to reach Kochkor village. Upon arrival visit the handicraft  center in the village and watch the process of traditional felt carpets making will be demonstrated. Traditional felt carpets are one of the foremost arts of the Kyrgyz people and an integral part of their cultural heritage. The Kyrgyz traditionally produce two types of felt carpets: Ala-kiyiz and Shyrdaks. During the demonstration, we experience the process of Ala-kiyiz making and learn about Shyrdak and how they are inseparably linked to the everyday life of nomads. Continue drive towards South shore of Issyk Kul Lake and along them.

Optionalt: Visit Kyzyl Tuu village – the place of yurt production. Over 70% of villagers are engaged in the yurt making process. Here, you will visit the local family and their open-air workshop of wooden yurt details. Also, participate in the process of yurt installation, learning more the culture of nomads. Continue drive to Bokonbaevo/Tamga village.

Arrival and accommodation in yurts (shared Toilet/Shower facilities). Free time. (B/L/D)

First, we visit the “Skazka” Canyon. The word “Skazka” directly translates to “Fairy tale” from Russian, and yes, it is. Formed as a result of thousands of years of ice, water and wind erosion, this magnificent desert-like landscape has transformed into an array of sculptures and formations, where red spires of rock rise out of the earth and into the sky. Easy hiking in the canyon.

Closed to the canyon we meet with “Berkutchi” – Golden Eagle hunter and watch the process of hunting. This ancient form of hunting is now slowly disappearing in the world. In Kyrgyzstan, still some expert hunters keep this nomadic tradition alive. You will get the unique experience to meet one of them and learn more about nomadic hunting traditions.

Start drive towards Karakol town along the South shore of Issyk Kul. On the way, visit Barskoon Gorge to take a light hike to a waterfall named ‘Tears of Leopard’. The gorge is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Issyk Kul area. Once visit the gorge, we drive 2 hours to reach Karakol. Free time upon arrival.

Overnight: Hotel Green Yard 3*/Amir/ Hotel 78/Karagat (B/L/D)

First, we visit an old wooden Orthodox Church (XIX AC). The history of Holy Trinity Cathedral began with the foundation of the city of Karakol in 1869, when the first Russian settlers built a small church on this place. The new church construction was started in 1895 by architects from the city of Verniy (Alma-Ata). The roof of the church is crowned with 5 domes and the walls are made of wooden logs, which are decorated with carvings and various paintings. One of the main Orthodox sights of the church is the icon of the Theotokos of Tikhvin, which was written in 1897.

Another unique architectural monument and landmark of Karakol is the Dungan Mosque. We continue the city-tour there. The Dungan Mosque - what looks for all the world like a Mongolian Buddhist is in fact a mosque, built without nails, completed in 1910 after three years’ work by a Chinese architect and 20 Chinese artisans, for local Dungans. Complete the city-tour visiting N.M. Prjevalskiy Museum – the outstanding Russian Scientist-Geographer and explorer of Central Asia and Tyan Shan Mountains.

After lunch time, we drive to Djety Oguz canyon, located 35 km west of Karakol. Djety-Oguz gorge (2200m) known for its rocky outcrops as Broken Heart and The Seven Bulls are the most beautiful places of Issyk Kul region. Many legends connect with his strange red rocks. The vicinity of the Gorge is very picturesque. Have a pleasant walk in the gorge, following its river up to the Flower Glade and down back to the bus.

Return to Karakol. Dinner in local Dungan or Uygur Family.

Hotel Green Yard 3*/Amir/ Hotel 78/Karagat (B/L/D)

Drive around 110 km (approximately 2-3 hours’ drive) to the Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan border. After border formalities are completed we drive further to see magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, named due to the pillars and rock formations forming imposing, almost lookalike manmade structures.

You can choose to hike down towards the valley floor and climb back up again or observe the canyon rim from above. Your visit here will be 2 hours. After the visit continue to Almaty. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Kazzhol Park Almaty 4* (B/L/D)

This day you will visit the city’s old center and cover one of the main sites that best highlights Almaty’s history. The first stop is Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers – named after the division during WWII, formed of men from the Almaty region under command of General Ivan Panfilov. The Park itself is popular among locals and guests of the city. Inside the park visitors will find the eternal flame, memorials of different heroic characters, the Ascension Cathedral – Russian Orthodox wooden church that magically withstood a strong earthquake in XX century.

Next, we visit the Central State Museum – where the history of Kazakhstan is presented through 120000 exhibits arranged in four exhibition halls and Republic Square.

Afternoon, you are going to explore the city’s main attractions – the Ili Alatau mountains. Medeo is an essential part of the Ili Alatau Park and it is a historical object of Almaty’s development as a city. Located at the height of 1,690 meters, the Medeo skating rink is the highest rink location in the world.

However, our main purpose of visit is Shymbulak – a mountain resort located at the elevation of 2,260 meters above sea level. In 1950s, ski lovers used to climb the mountain for 3 hours for a 15 minutes’ descent. Nowadays, it is a developed resort with high-level equipment and infrastructure

Today’s last stop is Kok Tobe, a park located at an altitude of 1,100 meters on the green hill, this place is very popular among locals and tourists. Take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes, you are admiring the magnificent panoramic view of the city.

Once we come down from the hill, we are going back to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Kazzhol Park Almaty 4* (B/L/D)

Today we visit the famous Museum of National Antiquities, opened in 2001. Featuring artefacts from Tajikistan's Islamic and pre-Islamic history (Greek/Bactrian, Zoroastrian, Buddhist and Hindu), the museum shows that Tajikistan was an important crossroad in Central Asia. The centrepiece is the 14m reclining Buddha in Nirvana, a 1,400 year-old statue created by the same Kushan civilisation that made the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.

A city tour of the Tajik capital will include walking through the city’s Botanical gardens, Rudaki Park and stopping at the Ismoili Somoni monument.

Later in the day excursion to Hissor town (23 km from Dushanbe) to see the ancient fortress of Hissor - one of the most precious historical sites of Tajikistan. Comfortably located near Dushanbe Hissor Fortress combines the traditional elements of power, trade and culture of the ancient Tajik nation. Visit Medrassah Kuhna (16th century) and Museum of Tajik Way of life there, 19c Medrassah nearby and mausoleum of Sufi saint Mahdumi Azam.

Overnight: Hotel Hilton ( former Sheraton Dushanbe ) 4*(B/L/D)

This morning travel to Khujand. Khujand was continuously occupied for 2500 years and found – possibly on the site of an earlier settlement – by Alexander the Great. It is the furthest point he reached in Central Asia thus the city was named Alexandria Eschate (Alexandria the Furthest).

On the way to Khujand we continue on and stop at the breath-taking Lake IskanderKul, surrounded by mountains and spend time here taking in the memorable views.

Overnight: Hotel Parliament 4*(B/L/D)

In the morning we will have a city tour of Khujand to visit Pushkin square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square, Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum, Muslihiddin memorial complex and Panjshanbe bazaar.

After lunch in Khujand we drive to Tajik/Uzbek border Oibekand after all border formalities we change transport/guide and continue to Tashkent (100km).

Overnight at Hotel Frankfort 4*(B/L/D)

Tashkent is one of the oldest and largest cities in Central Asia, the Uzbek capital since 1930, and very much a showpiece of Soviet and post-soviet architecture.

In the morning we start exploring the capital by going back in time - to visit the old town: Barak Khana Seminary, Tila Shaikh mosque and their archives, known for a rare copy of the Koran written by the third Caliph Osman. Later we will continue to Chorsu bazaar, the oldest market in Tashkent and Kukeldash Madrassah.

In the afternoonyou will be invited to the workshop of famous family of ceramists in Uzbekistan - Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov. Here you will have an opportunity to have a lecture about history of ceramics and see the unique collection of their exclusive works. You will also enjoy tea ceremony with sweeties and pastry baked specially for you.

Your last stop will be to the Tashkent Metro, with its opulently decorated marble, granite and chandeliers. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel Frankfort 4* (B/L/D)

In the morning we drive to Samarkand. Upon arrival check-in to Hotel.

No name is so evocative of the Silk Road as Samarkand. It is one of the oldest existing cities in the world and the oldest of Central Asia. Built on the site of Afrosiab, which dated from the 3rd or 4th millennium B.C., Samarkand was known to the ancient Greeks as Marakanda; ruins of the old settlement remain north of the present city.

You will have a half day tour of Samarkand to see the famous Registan Square which was for many centuries the heart of Samarkand. See the three beautiful madrassahs: the Ulug-Bek Madrasah built in 15th  century; the Tillya-Kori Madrasah built in 17th century; the Sher-Dor Madrasah, also built in 17th century. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior (B/L/D)

This morning we continue exploring Samarkand to see Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane, the grandest structure of Amir Temur’s times - the chief Friday Mosque called Bibi-Khanum, the Siab bazaar and Shahi-Zinda necropolis.

Later in the afternoon we visit Ulugbek’s observatory, constructed by Ulugbek (Grandson of the Great Amir Temur) in 1428-1429. Later see the ancient settlement of Afrosiab, which is situated on the spurs of Chupan-Ata hills to the north-east of present-day Samarkand. According to the legend, it was here, on the banks of the river Siab, that the Turanian king and hero Afrosiab, a character of the folk epic ‘Shahnama’, founded the town that became the capital of Sogdiana.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior (B/L/D)

This morning you will travel 2 hours to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the Great Amir Timur (Tamerlane), located approximately 90km south of Samarkand. Explore the city, visiting sites such as the remnants of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat cemetery and Kok-Gumbas Mosque.

Continue driving to Bukhara.

Overnight at hotel Omar Khayyam (B/L/D)

Full day exploring fabulous Bukhara. This incredible city, one of the most famous names of medieval Islam, is home to hundreds of registered monuments. Look around - they're literally everywhere. On today's tour we visit some of the main highlights (listed below), as well some lesser known sights along the way. Bring a fully charged camera battery.

In no particular order we will visit: Lab-i-khauz ensemble - modern centre of traditional Uzbekistan, madrassahNadirkhonDevanbegi, Khanaga, MogakiAttari mosque, Poi Kalon minaret and mosque, see Madrassahs Aziz Khan and Ulugbek.
After lunch visit Ark Fortress, Balakhauz mosque, mausoleum of Ismail Samanid, ChashmaAyub.

We will also visit Hunarmand UNDP Assisted workshops near Lyabikhauz.  We see block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, carving and miniature painting, gold embroidery.

Overnight at hotel Omar Khayyam (B/L/D)

Continue sightseeing of Bukhara with an out-of-town excursion to visit the Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former emir of Bukhara where you can see unique mixture of traditional Russian style of architecture harmoniously mixed with local oriental traditions. Famous thrown white hall decorated with carved alabaster resembles halls in Petergof Palace in the suburb of St Petersburg.

We continue with an excursion to Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausolem famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in 14th century. Bahouddin Naqshband's cult was highly venerated among folks. The rulers, too, paid a considerable attention to this architectural ensemble.

Overnight at hotel Omar Khayyam (B/L/D)

Morning drive to Khiva via famous Kizil Kum desert (Red sands). See desert flora and fauna: unique saksaul trees and other desert vegetation, different kind mammals. Stop at Amudarya river bank.

Later continue to Khiva. Upon arrival check in at Hotel Malika Kheivak 3* (B/L/D)

Khiva is made for walking. It is compact, well looked after, lived in and basks in a beautiful desert light. This walking tour takes in all the major sights of the Ichan Kala - the citadel - where we will see the truncated Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya Ark, the Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and Islam Khodja minaret - from the latter you will see the entire town beneath you and the desert beyond.

As you walk around you can imagine the layers of history around you - the town is thought to date back more than 2,000 years. What can be seen now would not be dissimilar to the city that the Russian Army stormed in 1873 in their conquest of Central Asia. The ravages of modern development have been largely kept away from the citadel itself, much to our advantage.

In the afternoon we will continue, visiting the Friday mosque and Tashauli Palace, including the harem.

Overnight at Hotel Malika Kheivak  3* (B/L/D)

This morning we head to the Uzbek/Turkmenistan border (at Shavat).

Meet the guide at Dashoguz border (Shavat) of Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan. Complete border formalities. Drive to Kunya-Urgench to visit the monuments of medieval Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the former capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire.

We will visit the 14 century mausoleum of Turabek Hanum, one of the best living examples of the architecture of its period; minaret of Kutlug Timur, a former highest minaret of Central Asia that used to form a part of the main cathedral mosque of the city; mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh, a beautiful 12 century mausoleum with one of the earliest portals of the east and a unique cone of a dome; Kyrk-Mollah mound, the fabled al-Mamun’s Academy of Sciences; and mausoleum of Il-Arslan, a tiny precursor of unique Khorezmian mausoleums with a pyramidal cone of a dome.

Having finished sightseeing, we return to Dashoguz for an evening flight to Ashgabat.

On arrival in Ashgabat, transfer to hotel Sport 4* (B/L/D)

After a morning of leisure at the hotel, later in the day visit Arkadash stud farm near Geok Depe, which was the site of the biggest battle for the Russian domination in Central Asia in the late 19 century. The fortress is also a site of a beautiful Geok-Depe mosque, built in 1996 in honour of the fortress defenders. On the farm, we have a chance to take a close look at the “winged” Akhal-Tekkes, and even take a ride on them.

Having finished our photo session with horses, we continue our drive to Ashgabat, en-route make a stop to visit an impressive complex in Kipchak, consisting of the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the first president of the country. Return to the comfort of your hotel in Ashgabat.

In the afternoon we will also see the National Museum(closed on TUE) of History and Ethnography (more than 327.000 objects on a display) and see the exclusive ancient artifacts from different historical & archeological sites of Turkmenistan, like Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, etc.

Overnight at hotel Sport 4* (B/L/D)

Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Mary.

On arrival, we head 25 km to the east of Mary, towards Bayram-Ali, the contemporary re-incarnation of and humble suburb of the glorious Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years.

After sightseeing, we head back to Mary. On arrival in Mary, we visit local History Museum, presenting a wide rage of archaeological finds (dating back to the III mill. BC through the late XIX century) from both Ancient Merv and Bronze Age sites of the Margush country.

Overnight at hotel Margush 3* (B/L/D)

In the morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to Ashgabat.
Upon arrival visit the sites that have not been visited previous days.We will see independence period parks and monuments, such as  the Monument and Park of Independence (looking like a white-marble “Eiffel Tower” standing in a beautiful park) and a fountain-monument devoted to the 10th anniversary of independence (sculptural depiction of ten Akhal-Tekke horses placed on the top of a beautiful fountain), impressive Ertoghrul Ghazi mosque.

In the afternoon we drive north to Darvaza flaming crater. Arriving at the border between the northern and southern regions of Turkmenistan we turn off the main road for an exciting eight-kilometre desert drive. The drive over, we find ourselves a couple of hundred metres away from the flaming crater, which, at daylight, seems more of an ordinary whole in the ground slightly smoked by fire. Having unpacked our vehicles, we go for a walk around the crater, while our drivers occupy themselves with gathering wood, arranging cosy accommodations of tents and sleeping bags, and spreading a “table” on the ground. By the time we notice the smell of a fire-cooked dinner, the simple whole of the crater turns into what may seem a front door of hell, a fire temple or any other mysteriously spectacular place that a romantic’s imagination may associate with fire.

We finish the day tasting delicious nomadic food, pondering over the meaning of life in the serene atmosphere of beautiful evening sky and flickering lights of the “eternal” fire.

Return to Ashgabat late in the evening.

Overnight at hotel Sport  4* (B/L/D)

In the morning we continue exploring Ashgabat to visit the Old Nisa fortress that once was a residence of the Parthian Empire (247 BC-253 AD). After that we return to Ashgabat to explore the capital of Turkmenistan.

Later visit the colorful Russian bazaar. Here you will plunge into the atmosphere that resembles exactly the rhythm of Ashgabat life, peculiarities of mentality of the Turkmen capital's residents.

Today we also see the National Carpet Museum, exhibiting an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at hotel Sport  4* (B/L/D)