Travel around Silk Road: Tour 2

 

Travel around Silk Road: Tour 2
Destination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
Duration: 10 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore - Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake - Dushanbe

Day 1: Almaty
We are glad to see you on a tour along Silk Road. In Kazakhstan you will be met and transferred to a city. We will have a guided tour and learn more about history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. Travelers will visit Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park as well as see Zenkov Cathedral. Afterwards visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame devoted to heroes who lost their life for freedom and independence of Kazakhstan. In the afternoon we will travel to the Medeo Gorge and enjoy the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam. See the Kok Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located. Then you will have a ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to a hotel for sleep. 

Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
The tour will start by driving through one of the most attractive gorges of Trans Ili Alatau. It is located along the Kuldja tract and called Issyk Gorge. You can see the burial mounds of Sakas period, where the famous "Golden Man" was discovered. Today it is a state symbol of Kazakhstan. Then we will drive to the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK", where you can see the descriptions devoted to the history and culture of the Sakas period, comprising a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Sakas burial mound. We will drive to mountainous Lake Issyk. It is located on elevation of 1756 meters above sea level. It appeared because of landslide about 10,000 years ago. Night is in a hotel.

Day 3: Almaty - Bishkek
Travelers will be transferred to Bishkek. It is the capital of the country. It is located at about 800 meters (2,600 ft) altitude near the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range. This range is an extension of the Tien Shan Mountains, which increase to 4855 meters and provide a thrilling background for the city. You will have a guided city tour where you will see Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic and so on. Night is in a hotel.  

Day 4: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
In the morning is transfer to Issyk Kul Lake. It is the second largest alpine lake in the world with the altitude of 1 608 m. above sea level and surrounded by mountains and has restorative abilities. This lake never freezes because of salty water. Afterwards we will drive to see Burana Tower was found in the 11^th century and an open-air museum of Balbals or stone warriors. Travelers will be impressed learning more about history and development. Overnight is in a cozy hotel.

Day 5: Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol
After breakfast we will drive to Karakol city. On the way you will visit astonishing place as to see ancient stone inscriptions of 800 B.C. These petroglyphs appeared more than 2 000 years ago by healers. The tour will be continued to Karakol city along the northern shore of the lake. We will see the Dungan mosque, which was built in a Chinese style without using pins. Then visit an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in in a guesthouse. 

Day 6: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Bishkek
Guests will travel to Jeti Oguz. This place is widespread because of red rock creation. It is also Seven Bulls. Then you see the Broken Heart Mountain. Travelers will enjoy a panorama view of the gorge and then drive to Bokonbaeva village. We will get aquinted with a local eagle-hunter and see a traditional way of hunting with the help of eagles. We will continue our way to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.                                                                                               

Day 7: Bishkek - Osh - Guliston - Khudjand
In the morning is flight from Bishkek to Osh. On arrival we will visit Suleiman Mountain located in center. It is a sacred place of pilgrims for local Muslims. The biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. Then we will cross Tajik Kyrgyz border. On the way you will drive via Batken region famed for its apricot trees and unique flower called Aigul. Tajik guide will meet you on the border and transfer you to Khujand city. This city is the second largest city in Tajikistan that is located at the mouth of the Fergana Valley, with the population of 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan - Sughd. In the afternoon visit a Cultural Palace of Khudjant. In general, the first president of Tajikistan was chosen over there. See Central Mosque that is situated in the middle of the city. Night is in a hotel.   

Day 8: Khudjand - Iskanderkul Lake
We will travel to Iskanderkul lake located in Fann Mountains with altitude of 2 255 m. a. s. l.  This place is one of the most well-known places in Central Asia. On the beach of this lake you will have walk there and hike 40 minutes to see a beautiful waterfall. Tajikistan is in the second place 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
Today is transfer to Dushanbe thru Anzob pass of 3 372 m high and tunnel of Isticlol. Travelers will drive along high mountain passes and take vibrant photos. On arrival you will have a city tour and visit Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. Then we will walk to National park, Ministry of Inner Affairs and see the biggest National Flag in the world. It has 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. Then we will go to Central Museum as well as Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 10: Flight
In the morning is transfer to airport. It was the great tour!

 

Transport in Kazakhstan:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus 

Transport in Kyrgyzstan:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter 

Transport in Tajikistan:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex

 

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