Silk Road diamond tour 4
Name: Silk Road diamond tour 4
Destination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
Duration: 16 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Bishkek - Issyk Kul northern shore - Karakol - Issyk Kul southern shore - Osh - Khudjand - Iskanderkul - Penjakent - Samarkand - Bukhara - Farab - Turkmenabad - Mary - Merv - Ashgabat
During the tour you will be able to visit the countries where the Great Silk Road passed. You will have the opportunity to learn both the culture of people and the history of countries. During the tour you can see the sights thanks to which the countries are so famous.
Tour summary:
Day 1: Almaty
Upon arrival you will start Silk Road diamond tour 4. In the course of the tour you will have an opportunity to visit the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Almaty has a lot of attractions to see. At first it will be Green Bazaar. This place is popular even among local people. Here you will able to buy national goods and oriental sweets and immerse in atmosphere of crowd and busy bazaar. Then in your travel you will see the oldest Almaty parks - Panfilov Park. Near it you will be able to find one of the finest wooden buildings in the world as Zenkov Cathedral. Next attraction to visit is the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame which is made to the memory of the fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country. Next destination of the tour is Medeo Gorge, which is considered to be the highest mountain skating rink in the world. Then is the biggest TV tower in the world that is located on the Kok-Tobe hill. Then is returning to the city on the famous Almaty cableway. Night is in the hotel.
Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
The day will start by visiting gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau as Issyk Gorge. It lies along the Kuldja tract. In ancient time traders moved from there. On the way you will have the opportunity to see amazing beauty of nature and take wonderful photos. There is a burial mound of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found. Nowadays it became the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In addition to tours you can visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK". It is important to note that there are the expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period and a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. You will pass to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level and see outstanding mountain lake Issyk. It appeared about 10,000 years ago due to landslide of 300 meters in height. You will be impressed by the stunning view of blue lake and learn more about its history. Afterwards is transfer to hotel.
Day 3: Almaty - Bishkek
Driver will meet and accompany you to Bishkek. Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. It is located at about 800 meters altitude near the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range. It belongs to the Tian Shan mountains rises up to 4,855 meters. There is open a breathtaking view from the range. In the course of the tour you will visit major sights of the city the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic and other interesting places of visit. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 4: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
In the morning you will drive to Issyk Kul lake. Tis lake is located among mountains and is known as the second largest alpine lake in the world of 1608 m above sea level. This lake has another name "the pearl of Central Asia". Moreover this lake is never freeze due to the salty water. On the way to the lake you will have a stop to visit Burana Tower and an open air museum of Balbals known as stone warriors. This complex was found in the 11th century. This place is unique and interesting. Upon arrival night is in the hotel.
Day 5: Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol
In course of the tour you will drive to Karakol town. On the way you will witness ancient stone inscriptions found in the 800 B.C. It is the petroglyphs made by shamans more than 2 000 years ago. Then you will continue your way to Karakol along the northern shore of the lake. In Karakol town you will have an opportunity to explore the famous Dungan mosque that was built without any nails as well as visit an old wooden Orthodox Church. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 6: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek
Today your destination is the Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bulls. It is the seven rocks situated in a row with the different forms. Moreover you will be able to see the Broken Heart Mountain which you can if you spend 20 minutes. Then you will see the eagle hunter in Bokonbaeva village. Eagle hunter use the ancient nomadic way of hunting with the help of the eagle. Eagle hunts hares and foxes. Here you can take photos with a bird. Afterwards is transfer to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.
Day 7: Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand
In the course of the tour you will have a morning flight to Osh. Upon arrival you will visit a famous and special place - Suleiman Mountain. This site is located in the city center. This place is considered to be sacred of pilgrimage for local Muslims. According to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. After it you will drive to Tajik border. During the drive you will pass over mountains and high passes. We will drive via Batken region. This place has popular and famous attractions as apricot trees and Aigul flower. Tajik guide will meet and transfer you to Khujand city. It is the second largest city of Tajikistan with the population of 149,000 and situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. Moreover it is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan. Nowadays it called Sughd. Upon arrival you will have a tour to the Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. In addition you will see Central Mosque. It is situated in the middle of the city. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 8: Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake
Toady you r destination is the Iskanderkul that is located on the 2 255 m. a. s. l. You will find it in the famous Fann Mountains. This place is famous even among countries of the Central Asia. Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to walk along beaches. To see a waterfall you need to hike for 40 minutes. Tajikistan is considered to be on the second place among the CIS countries for volume of water resources which is the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries. Here you will able to find more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. The night will be spent in a home stay.
Day 9: Iskanderkul - Penjakent
In course of the tour you will drive to Penjakent through pass Shahriston with the altitude of 3 378 m. Penjakent is also known as "five villages". This city is located in Khujand in Tajikistan on a wonderful Zeravshan river valley. It is worth to be noted that the five villages appeared in the 5th -8th centuries AD. This city was known as one of the most prominent cultural and crafts centers of Sogd which at that time had name "Central Asian Pompeii". Here you will be able to find that there were a ruler's palace, where two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses were decorated with paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. But the ruins were found only in the last century. But toady tourists and travelers have an opportunity to touch these remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper's church. Overnight is in a local hotel.
Day 10: Penjakent - Jartepo - Samarkand
You will be transferred to the Tajik-Uzbek border in the morning. The Uzbek driver will meet you at the other side of the border and drive to Samarkand. Upon arrival night is in the hotel.
Day 11: Samarkand
In the course of the tour in Uzbekistan you will have a city tour. Samarkand is the city in the valley of the river Zerafshan and considered to be the second largest city of Uzbekistan. And old as one of the cities of Babylon or Rome. Then your will start with visiting Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is one of the most visited places among travelers and has three Madrasahs of 15th - 17th centuries. Another significant sight is Shakhi-Zindeh that posseses the largest collection of mausoleums of 11th-15th centuries. This sight is listed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then is the mosque that was built in honor of Tamerlane's wife - Bibi Khanum Mosque. The night is in a hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand - Bukhara (Morning train transfer)
Morning train to Bukhara where you will have a city tour. At first you will visit the most ancient citadel of Uzbekistan - citadel Ark of the 4th century. This place served to several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will be able to visit Samanids mausoleum that was found in the 9th -10th century. Then is the Chashma Ayub or Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. Bolo-Hauz mosque is famous for forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. On the tour you will have an opportunity to walk around the city and buy gifts form souvenir shops. Next destination of the tour is one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara - Nodir Divan Begi, which is the part of Lyabi House Ensemble. In addition is the exploration of Kalon complex. It is very famous example of the architectural art of Bukhara. On the way you will see three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The night is in a hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara - Farab - Turkmenabad - Mary - Merv
Today you will drive to Alat/Farap border point where a local guide will meet you. Upon arrival to the border point you will be transferred to Mary province. On the way you will visit an Ancient Merv which is located at the road crossing of the Great Silk Road. At the ancient time is it was one of the largest and developed cities of the ancient world as well as the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Guided tour: Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, SoltanSanjar Mausoleum, IbnZeid Mausoleum. Night is in the hotel.
Day 14: Mary - Ashgabat
Today your destination is Ashgabat. In course of the tour you will have an opportunity to explore the Annau Seyitjemaleddin Mosque. After it you will visit ruin town of the Abiverd. This city was one of the most important trading towns of Khorasan. Upon arrival to Ashgabat you will explore the most prominent sightseeing. On the way you will have a stop at Gypchak village in order to see mausoleum and mosque. Then you will visit Old Nisa also known that used to be The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings. Moreover it was capital of the Parthian Empire for 600 years as well as was the enemy of Rome Empire. After it you will witness Monuments of Archabil avenue and learn more about new part of Ashgabat as Health Path of Turkmenbashy built on mountains, Monument of Constitution "Alem" Culture and Recreation Center. Then you will visit the Park devoted to Turkmen horses-the pride of Turkmen, Gulistan Bazar, Monument for the Victims of the Earthquake of 1948, Monument of Lenin, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque. In addition you will have a night tour for seeing the major Ashgabat's streets. Night is in the hotel.
Day 15: Ashgabat
This day is dedicated to continue your exploration of the city. At first you will visit the famous "AltynAsyr" Oriental Bazar- Jygyldyk bazaar that is considered to be the one of the biggest bazaar in Central Asia where you can find any goods. After it you will see the pride of Turkmen people the Akhalteke horse in the horse farm. In addition you will have an opportunity to take a photo with them. Then it will be possible to visit the National Museum of History. This place is notably due to be one of the biggest museums in Central Asia. Then is the main sight of Turkmenistan is Arch of Neutrality. It is famous rocket in tripod style built which symbolize neutral status of Turkmenistan. The size of this monument is over 300 feet including 40 feet rotating statue of first President of Turkmenistan: Saparmyrat Nyyazow (Turkmenbashy). Alter it you will be able to explore the Park of Independency. Here it will able to witness fountains and statutes as well as Monuments of Independency and Ruhnama. Overnight is in the hotel.
Day 16: Flight
Morning transfer to airport.
Price per person:
02 pax - 2 430 $
04 pax - 1 820 $
06 pax - 1 600 $
08 pax - 1 430 $
10 pax - 1 375 $
Single - 280 $
Early check-in - 25 $
Single early check-in - 45 $
Half board - 245 $
Full board - 350 $
English speaking guide - 1 285 $ per group
Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - $35 per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Issyk Kul - "Karven" Resort
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Boutique Hotel
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Iskandarkul - Homestay
Penjakent - "Umariyon" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Merv - Merv-3*Hotel
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*
- Train tickets in UZ
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- English speaking guide in TM
Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guides
- Migration tax 12$+4$ bank fee in TM
- Fee for using cameras on monuments in TM