Tour: “Miracles of Silk Roads” 2019 — Asia Travel

Tour: “Miracles of Silk Roads” 2019

Tour duration: 27 days/26 nights
Price per person: from 3630 USD
E-mail consultation 24/7: info@centralasia-travels.com
Whatsapp, viber, telegram consultation: +998903238773

Price is given in USD per person in twin room sharing:

Number of persons: 3-4* Hotel option
1 10640
2 6500
3-5 5170
6-8 4050
9+ 3630
Single supplement 700
Half board (lunches) 425
Full board (lunches/dinners) 850

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Tashkent, Saturday (Uzbekistan)
On arrival in Tashkent you will be met by our representative with meeting board “Asia Travel Discoveries”. Upon arrival, accommodation at the hotel. Rest.

Day 2: Tashkent – Urgench — Khiva, Sunday (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM. Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 AM Check-out from the hotel.
Full day excursion in Tashkent:
— Khast Imam Complex (XVI-XX cc.)
— eastern market Chor-Su
— Abdul Kasim Medressa where we can see a lot of souvenirs workshops (XIX c.)
Break for lunch
After lunch, continuation of exploring Tashkent.
— Applied Arts Museum where kept the best Uzbek handicrafts
— Independence Square – the main square in Uzbekistan
— Alisher’s Navoi Uzbek state Opera and Ballet Theatre
— Monument of Courage dedicated to earthquake in 1966 year.
After excursion, transfer to local airport for flight to Urgench by HY 1057 (06:20/08:40 PM) time subject to change.
Meeting at the airport in Urgench and transfer to Khiva (30 km.)
Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 3: Khiva, Monday (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion in Khiva by walk.
Khiva – is a beautiful and ancient town and perfect for exploring by walk, with impressive four walls at the centre of each side of the old city named Ichan-Kala.
— Monument of Al-Khorezmiy
— Kalta Minor Minaret and Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa,
— Juma Mosque (XVII c.),
— the Islom-Khodja complex includes mosque and minaret,
— the Kuhna Ark, which was the main fortress,
— the Pakhlavon Mahmud Mausoleum complex
— Toza Bog Palace, which was the summer palace of Mohammed Rakhim Khan II.
During excursion, break for lunch time.
After excursion. Free time at leisure.

Day 4: Khiva — Dashoguz (Shavat) Post — Kunya Urgench – Darwaza, Tuesday (Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Uzbek/Turkmen border “Shavat”.
Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Kunya Urgench. Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench:
— Portal of Caravansaray,
— Mamun Minaret,
— II Arslan Mausoleum,
— Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum,
— Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret,
— Turabek Hanum Mausoleum.
Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (3.5 h) The Crater is also called as «The Door to Hell». The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 m and 20 m deep. To avoid poisonous
gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner & overnight at Gas Crater.

Day 5: Darwaza – Ashgabat, Wednesday (Turkmenistan)
Breakfast at the camp. Morning drive to Ashgabat (3.5 h). En-route we cross Karakum desert, will stop in a small village. Arrival in Ashgabat and accommodation. Free time. Afternoon you will have Ashgabat city tour. Drive to visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. The fortress was enrolled to UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. Nissa described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I and was the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings. Then drive to visit Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia). Later you will see Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Mary, Thursday (Turkmenistan)

Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning transfer to domestic flights Airport for morning flight to Mary city. Arrival in Mary. Drive to Bayramali town to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv:
— Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII),
— Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV),
— Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC),
— Hoja Yusus Hamadani complex,
— Sultan Sanjar mausoleum,
— Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7: Mary – Farab – Bukhara, Friday (Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Turkmen/Uzbek border “Farab”. After border formalities, transfer to Bukhara. Free time at leisure.

Day 8: Bukhara, Saturday (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion in Bukhara.
— mausoleum of the Samanids (IX-X cc.) — the pearl of Central Asia .
— Chashma Ayub (XII c.), which means «source of Job.»
— Bolo House complex including a reservoir, a Friday mosque and minaret.
— Arc citadel. Inside the citadel was situated a town, which includes residential and office buildings: the mosque, a prison, a harem, the treasury, the residence of the Emir (VII-XIX cc.)
— Poi Kalyan complex (XII-XVI cc.) includes the Kalyan Mosque , Mir-Arab and the famous Kalyan minaret. After lunch, continuation of exploring Bukhara.
— one of the biggest architectural ensembles of Bukhara «Lyabi House.» The oldest part of the complex — Medressa Kulbaba-Kukeldash, which has 160 cells and it pretend the biggest in Bukhara.
— Medressa «Nadir Devanbegi» was built by order of vizier Nadir-devanbegi shortly after the device pool and logically completed the ensemble “Lyabi- House”.
— The oldest mosque Magoki Attori located next to the ensemble “Lyabi House”, built in the tradition of figurative brick masonry and carved ornaments of archaic majolica.
— Chor Minor Medressa (XVIII c.)

Day 9: Bukhara, Sunday (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
Continuation of sightseeing in Bukhara.
— summer palace of Bukhara emirs «Sitora-I-Mohihosa.», built in fusion of European & Bukhara’s traditions, more than hundred years ago (XIX-XX cc)
— Bakhauddin Naqshbandi shaykh (XIV-XX cc.)
— necropolis Chor Bakr — city of shadows (XVI c.)
After excursion drive back to Bukhara. Free time at leisure upon arrival.

Day 10: Bukhara – Shakrisabz — Samarkand — 300 km (transfer 4-5 hrs), Monday (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Check-out from the hotel and drive to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz.
On the way, time for lunch.
Upon arrival to Shakrisabz, excursion
— summer Palace Ak-Saray (XIV- XV cc.)
— Dorut Siodat complex (XIV-XV cc.)
— Dorut Tillavat Medressa (XIV-XV cc.)
After excursion, drive to Samarkand.
Upon arrival to Samarkand, accommodation at the hotel.

Day 11: Samarkand – Tashkent – 300 km (transfer 2-3 hrs), Tuesday (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Check-out from the hotel
Full day excursion in Samarkand.
— Central Registan square with the majestic Medressas dated back to different centuries: Ulugbek Medressa (XV c.), Sher-Dor Medressa (XVII c.) and the Tilya Kori Medressa (XVII c.)
— Gur – Emir Mausoleum – the famous necropolis of Tamerlane (XIV-XV cc.)
— famous oriental Bazaar Siyob
— Bibi-Khanum Mosque dedicated to one of Tamerlane’s wife (XIV-XV cc.)
— Shohi-Zinda memorial Complex (XI-XV cc.)
— Ulugbek Observatory – one of the greatest in the middle ages.
— After excursion transfer to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 12: Tashkent — Oybek – Khujand, Wednesday (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan)
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, transfer to Uzbek/Tajik border Oybek. After border formalities, tajik guide will meet you on the border and you will drive Khujand city. It is the second largest city of Tajikistan. It is situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is 149,000. It is also
the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. You will visit in the afternoon a Cultural Palace of Khujant. At this place the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. Also we will go to see Central Mosque that is situated in the middle of the city. Night is in a hotel.

Day 13: Khudjand – Istaravshan – Penjakent, Thursday (Tajikistan)
In the morning we will drive to Penjakent via pass Shahriston (3 378 m). The city of Penjakent («five villages») is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a picturesque Zeravshan river valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the 5th-8th centuries AD. Penjikent of that time was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. It was even named «Central Asian Pompeii». Today the tourists can see the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers church. On the way we will visit Istaravshan old city. Istravshan is an ancient center of trade and craft as well as one of the ancient cities in Central Asia. It is really a museum city with its history dating back to II-VI cc BC. After sightseeing in Istaravshan we drive to Penjakent. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 14: Penjakent – Seven lakes , Friday (Tajikistan)
We will drive today to the Fannsky Gory (Fan Mountains). They are one of Central Asia’s most popular hiking areas. You will do a day trip from Panjakent to the Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes), about 60 km south of Panjakent. At this place you will have time to go for short hiking. There road goes along a gorge where 7 lakes are located. They are situated on different altitudes and have different colors. Also you will meet local people that live at that area. It will be very interesting to see their way of life. Overnight is in home stays.

Day 15: Seven lakes – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe, Saturday (Tajikistan)
In the morning we will drive to Iskanderkul Lake. It is situated in the famous Fann Mountains. This fabulous area is one of the best places of Central Asia. After arrival to the lake you will go for a walk along it beaches. Also we will hike 40 minutes to see a waterfall. Then we will continue drive to Dushanbe via Anzob pass (3 372 m) and tunnel of
Isticlol. The road will go over a mountain passes and you will have many photo stops. Night is in a hotel.

Day 16: Dushanbe — Bishkek, Sunday (Tajikistan)
This day is dedicated to a guided city tour. First of we will visit Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. After it we will walk in National park to make 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 excursion in Central Museum you will have lunch. Then you will visit to Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. To feel real life you should visit Asian bazar. It has colorful goods, fruits and vegetables. We will see today the main highlights of Dushanbe and you will find out many interesting facts about Tajik people. After excursion, transfer to the airport for flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival to Bishkek, accommodation at the hotel.

Day 17: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul, Monday (Tajikistan/Kyrgyzstan)
Breakfast at the hotel. The first half of the day is dedicated to a guided Bishkek City Tour. The tour includes the visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. After traditional lunch you will be transferred to Issyk Kul Lake. On route visiting of Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). Issyk Kul Lake is the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608m.above sea level). The lake is called «the pearl of Central Asia». Your night is in a hotel.

Day 18: Issyk Kul lake – Karakol, Tuesday (Kyrgyzstan)
The day starts with a breakfast at 8 o’clock. Afterwards, you will start your trip to Karakol city. On the way, we will take a short break to give you the opportunity to visit ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.). These petroglyphs were made more than 2 000 years ago by shamans. Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol. You will visit the Dungan mosque. One of its highlights is the fact that it was built in a Chinese style without using a single metal nail. The mosque will be followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. The night is spent in a guesthouse.

Day 19: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bokombaevo, Wednesday (Kyrgyzstan)
Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rocks formations that have a name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. Also you will see there the Broken Heart Mountain. We will make many photos there and if you want it is possible to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge. There are yurts in the gorge and people can offer you to drink Kumis. It is a national drink that is made of mare’s milk, and it is an alcoholic drink as a beer. Dinner will be served in the Bokombaevo homestay, where you will also spend the night. We will drive
there along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

Day 20: Bokombaevo – Bishkek, Thursday (Kyrgyzstan)
In the morning we will meet a local eagle-hunter in this village. There are still some people in villages that continue this ancient way of hunting in our days. They train eagles and hawks when they are young and every winter go with them to the mountains for hunting. You will find out many interesting facts about this way of hunting and you will be able to take photo while keeping the bird on your hand! Then we will drive to Bishkek city. We will continue driving along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. This is a great chance to see the whole lake from all sights. Night is in a hotel.

Day 21: Bishkek – Almaty, Friday (Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan)
After breakfast, transfer to Kyrgyz/Kazakh border. After border formalities, transfer to Almaty. Your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany to Almaty. Today you will have a city tour. You will visit the Green Bazaar, where it is impossible to refrain from shopping. Then the tour will continue in one of the oldest Almaty parks – Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden building in the world – Zenkov Cathedral is located. After exploration of sport, cultural and business areas of the city you will get to the Medeo Gorge, well known due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and Shymbulak resort. Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (if to count from the sea level) and where you will get by the
picturesque winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe you can stroll along the winding paths of the park, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs. The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 22: Almaty – Tamgaly – Almaty, Saturday (Kazakhstan)
Tour route provides you a great opportunity not only to enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of Almaty region, but also see the one of the unique monuments of the past – Tamgaly petroglyphs — one of the oldest and most striking monuments of rock art of Zhetisu, which is protected by UNESCO since 2004. Tamgaly Gorge located 170 km north-west of Almaty city. This is virtually an ancient art gallery, where are depicted individual animals and people as well as the whole scenes from the life of ancient people. The total number of drawings in the main gorge — about 2,000.
There are images of solar deities, clowns, soldiers, married couples, pregnant women, multi-figure compositions, scenes of hunting and sacrifice. Most of the petroglyphs date back to the Bronze Age and are made in «animal» style of Sakas. For centuries the rocks of this canyon and narrow valley of Tamgaly retained value of the sanctuary — the
place where ritual ceremonies were hold, magic rituals were performed, worship of the gods and the spirits of ancestors took place. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 23: Almaty – Kaindy, Sunday (Kazakhstan)
In the morning is transfer to Kaindy Gorge. Sightseeing at Kaindy Lake. Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are well preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water, and dry stems of fir trees overlook
the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake – it is necessary to go there and see everything with own eyes. Return to Saty settlement. Free time. Walking, trekking in the vicinity. Horse riding on request (for surcharge). Overnight is in a home stay.

Day 24: Kolsai lakes, Monday (Kazakhstan)
Today you will have a walk from Kolsai lake 1 to Kolsai lake 2. Kolsai Lakes – «Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan» – represent a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible for all visitors. It is the most beautiful lake, having a lack of civilization and the abundance of mushrooms. Horse lovers can order horseback tour to this place. The
highest lake is small. It is located on the border of fir-wood and the alpine meadows and amazes by its harsh alpine beauty, as well as the rich flora and fauna. Vertical drop between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The lowest lake can be reached by car. But you should walk few kilometers along mountain trails to see the second and the third lake. Without doubts the tourists are expected to have a wonderful vacation in these places — berries, mushrooms and fishing. The water in the lakes is cold and clean and is home for the rainbow trout — a fish that lives
only in the running or spring water. In the around mountains you can see Marals, mountain goats, wolves and even bears. Return to Saty settlement. Overnight is in a home stay.

Day 25: Kolsai lakes – Charyn Canyon – Almaty, Tuesday (Kazakhstan)
Today you will have a day trip to Charyn Canyons. It is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old and surprises with its vertical cliffs, reminding the ancient castles, created by wind, sun and rain. It will take about 3 hours to reach the canyon. Meanwhile, you will hear a lot of interesting about the history and nature of the region, about Kazakh people, their life and traditions as well as have a lunch in a local cafe. And as soon as you see Charyn Canyon you will forget about this long way at once — so much you will be
impressed with the beauty and splendor of the canyon. You can admire the grand panorama and then have a walk through the maze of the Castles Valley with its inaccessible walls overhanging you. In the evening is transfer to
Almaty. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 26: Almaty – Issyk lake – Almaty, Wednesday (Kazakhstan)
The tour route to one of the most beautiful gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau — Issyk Gorge lies along the Kuldja tract, where hundreds of years ago the trade caravans travelled. On the way you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, where you will see the expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. Then the tour route will take you to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level, to the beautiful mountain lake Issyk, located in the valley with the same name. On the lake you will enjoy the majestic beauty of its turquoise water surface and the Issyk Gorge, as well as listen to the details of the natural disaster of 1963. Also at the lake you will have a picnic and free time for recreation at nature. In the evening is transfer back to the city. Night is in the hotel.

Day 27: Almaty, Thursday (Kazakhstan)
Transfer to the airport for back flight.

Price includes:

  • Visa support if needed
  • All transfers by comfortable vehicle
  • Accommodation in twin room sharing with breakfasts
  • Excursions with Professional English Speaking guides
  • Entry tickets
  • Air fare Tashkent–Urgench, Ashgabat-Mary, Dushanbe-Bishkek
  • Mineral water 1 lt per day on transfers between cities

Price excludes:

  • Visa fees
  • International air fare to/from Kyrgyzstan
  • Full board (lunches/dinners)
  • Photo and camera fees on sights
  • Travel taxes in Turkmenistan
Ask Tatyana Pak about this tour

Tatyana Pak - Senior Manager

Ask me about 2019 tour packages, visa support, hotels

Contact our office in Uzbekistan

100077, Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Mirxosilboy street, house 3, office 9
E-mail support 24/7: info@centralasia-travels.com
Whatsapp, viber, telegram support: +998903238773
100077, Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Mirxosilboy street, house 3, office 9
+(998 94) 650-00-99 (Shukhrat Khasanov — Chief Executive Officer)
+(998 90) 323-87-73 (Tatyana Pak — Senior Manager)
info@centralasia-travels.com (e-mail)

Day and night, seven days a week I answer your questions about organization of the trip, packages, hotels, visas. Please feel free to get consultation via email 24/7 hours: info@centralasia-travels.com (e-mail); whatsapp, viber, telegram support: +998903238773 (Tatyana Pak — Senior Manager)