Name: Silk Road diamond tour 2
estination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
Duration: 10 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty- Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore - Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe
Tours along the Great Silk Road will show you not only the life of the peoples of those countries where endless caravans full of various things once passed, but also the history of the peoples who gained or lost something while time passed and the rule changed. The tours that we offer will help to open the countries of Central Asia much deeper.
Tour summary:
Day 1: Almaty
You will be met and transferred for sightseeing. In course of the tour you will visit Central Park where you will learn history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its main sights. After it you will Green Bazaar that is popular even among local people. Here you will learn the art of bargain here while feel the real atmosphere of real eastern market, its colors, smells and crowds. Then is tour to one of the oldest parks in Almaty Panfilov - Park near it you can find Zenkov Cathedral that is considered to be one of the most interesting buildings in the world . In course of the travel you will visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame that was made in honor for fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country. Then you will drive to the place where the highest mountain skating ring is situated - Medeo Gorge. Moreover this gorge is protecting the city from dangerous mudflows. After it you will explore the place where the tallest TV tower in the world is located - Kok-Tobe hill. The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Night is in the hotel.
Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
Today your destination is unique gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau that lies along the Kuldja tract - Issyk Gorge. This place is interesting due to the fact that many years ago endless chain of caravans passed here. During the drive you will hear lot of information about his region and see the burial mounds of Sakas period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found. "Golden Man» is the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On the way we will have a stop to have excursion at the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK", here you will be able to witness the history and culture of the Sakas period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Sakas burial mound. After it we will continue our drive to continue our drive to mountainous Lake Issyk that located on the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level. This lake appeared because the huge landslide happened about 10,000 years ago dam of 300 m high was formed. You will be amazed of the mysterious beauty of this lake. Moreover you will have an opportunity to learn about the details of the natural disaster of 1963. Night is in a hotel.
Day 3: Almaty - Bishkek
Today you will be transferred to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek is located at about 800 meters high near the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range. This range is a part of Tien Shan Mountains, which rise to 4855 meters. This mountains show splendid view for the city. In course of the tours you will visit major sights of the city like Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. Night is in a hotel.
Day 4: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
In the morning you will drive to Issyk Kul lake. This lake is known as the second largest alpine lake in the world. The altitude of the lake is 1 608 m. above sea level. This lake is situated among the mountains and has salty water due to this fact the lake never freeze. On the way you will have an opportunity to have an excursion at Burana Tower of 11th century and an open air museum of Balbals - stone warriors. By reaching the top of the tower you will have a chance to experience the same view that Silk Road travelers saw many centuries ago. Burana Tower used to be a sign of the shelter and place for rest. Overnight is in a hotel
Day 5: Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol
In a course of the travel you will be transferred to the next destination. On the way to Karakol town you will have a break to ancient stone inscriptions of 800 B.C. There you will know that those petroglyphs were made more than 2 000 years ago by shamans. Continue driving to Karakol city. Upon arrival to the town you will have to explore the main sight. At first you will visit the Dungan mosque, which was built in a Chinese style without using nails. The mosque will be followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in in a guesthouse.
Day 6: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek
In the morning you will start to drive to Jeti Oguz. Seven Bulls or Jeti Oguz is famous due to its red rock formation. In addition you will have an opportunity to see the Broken Heart Mountain. But you can hike 20 minutes to reach the top of it to enjoy the incredible view of this gorge. Then you will continue your drive to Bishkek. On the way you will have a stop at Bokonbaevo village where you will have an opportunity to meet the local eagle hunter. He is the hunter that hunt to hares and foxes with the help of eagle. Such hunters possess the ancient way of hunting. This way of traditional hunting passes through generation. You will find out a lot of interesting facts about it. After this visit we will continue our way to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.
Day 7: Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand
Today you will have a morning flight to Osh city. Upon arrival you will be able to see the famous Suleiman Mountain. You will explore it in the center of the city. Moreover this place is sacred for pilgrims of local Muslims. It happened according to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. After it you will cross Tajik Kyrgyz border. On the way you will drive via Batken region where the apricot trees and unique flower Aigul grow. On the border you will be met and transferred with the help of Tajik guide Tajik guide to Khujand city. In terms of size this is the second largest city of Tajikistan with the population of 149,000. This city is situated at the Fergana Valley that is also considered to be the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Upon arrival you will have time to explore a Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. In addition we will go to witness Central Mosque that is situated in the middle of the city. Night is in a hotel.
Day 8: Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake
Today you will be transferred to Iskanderkul Lake that is located in Fann Mountains on the altitude of 2 255 m. a. s. l. This place is considered to be one of the most beautiful and breathtaking place in Central Asia. This place is one of the most famous places in Central Asia. Upon arrival you can spend time by walking on the beach. Moreover during this travel you can hike 40 minutes to witness the waterfall. On the beach of this lake you will have walk there and hike 40 minutes to see a waterfall. While your travel it is good to know that Tajikistan is the second among CIS countries for volume of water resources. The highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers are here. Night is in a home stay.
Day 9: Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe
Toady you will be transferred to Dushanbe. The road of the tours goes via Anzob pass of 3 372 m high and tunnel of Isticlol. You will have a lot of opportunities to take a photo during the travel. Upon arrival you will start to explore the city by visiting the major sites of the city such as Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. In the National park you will have a stop to take a lot of colorful photos of Ministry of Inner Affairs and the biggest National Flag in the world -165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. After it in course of the tours you will have an excursion to learn more about history of this country in Central Museum. Then you will have an opportunity to witness the Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 10: Flight
In the morning is transfer to airport.
Price per person:
02 pax - 1 610 $
04 pax - 1 105 $
06 pax - 975 $
08 pax - 840 $
10 pax - 815 $
Single - 170 $
Early check-in - 25 $
Single early check-in - 45 $
Half board - 160 $
Full board - 270 $
English speaking guide - 855 $ per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Issyk Kul - "Karven" Resort
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Boutique Hotel
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Iskandarkul - Homestay
Dushanbe - "Meridians" Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guides