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Main / Combined tours along Central Asia & Iran / Grand Tour along Central Asia

Grand Tour along Central Asia

This Central Asia tour will provide you with impressive introductionand main tourist attractions of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Join us for 22 days tour and explore the majorhistorical monuments, picturesque landscapes and cultural highlights of Central Asia.



Route: Bishkek – Issyk Kul Lake – Grigorev Gorge – Karakol – Charyn – Almaty – Dushanbe - Iskanderkul Lake – Khudjand - Oybek Border – Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Shavat Border - Darvaza Craters – Ashgabat

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DAY 1  BISHKEK

Arrive in Bishkek. Meet at airport. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 2  BISHKEK

Start sightseeing tour: National Philharmonic building surrounded with statues of Manaschi, Central Square Ala Too, Oak Park, Victory Square.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon tour to Ala Archa National park (40 km – 50 min one way). Easy level hiking.
The park is a popular destination for weekend picnickers, hikers, horse trekkers, skiers as well as mountain climbers.
Overnight at hotel.




 
DAY 3  BISHKEK – ISSYK KUL

Burana tower, KyrgyzstanTransfer to Issyk Kul Lake (270 km – 4 - 5 hrs). On the way, we will visit the Burana tower, which is located near Tokmok town visit the tower, small history museum and open air Balbals.
Arrive in Cholpon Ata. Visit Open-air Petroglyphs museum and Ruh Ordo cultural complex.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Check in to the hotel located at the lakeshore.
Overnight at hotel.












 
DAY 4  ISSYK KUL – GRIGOREV GORGE – KARAKOL

Issyk Kul Lake, KyrgyzstanDepart to Karakol (150 km – 2 hrs).
Excursion to Grigorev gorge. About 3h easy hiking. Arrive to Karakol, check in to the hotel. Picnic lunch.
Afternoon city tour in Karakol: visit beautiful Russian Church made entirely of wood (built without nails), the
Dungan Mosque (Dungan’s are minority group of Chinese Muslims living in this region and they originally come from Western China), the museum of Przewalski, who was explorer of Central and East Asia. 
Overnight at hotel.



 
DAY 5  KARAKOL

Jety Oguz gorge, KyrgyzsatnDay tour to Jeti Oguz (40 km – 50 min one way). Take Russian track to reach KokJayik pasture. Further easy hiking tour to forest man’s hut. There you will have a beautiful view to the Oguz Bashy glaciers (5131m). Picnic lunch.
Arrive back to Karakol in the afternoon.
Overnight at hotel.






 
DAY 6  KARAKOL – CHARYN – ALMATY

Charyn Canyons, KazakhstanDeparture to Almaty in the morning (400 km – 6-7 hrs). Cross Kegen KG-KZ border (operates May to September).
Stop at Charyn canyons for excursion. Arrive till the bus stop, have walking tour about 1h both ways. Packed lunch.
Arrive in Almaty. Overnight at hotel.






 
DAY 7  ALMATY

Zenkov Cathedral, Almaty, KazakhstanVisit to Green Bazaar (except Mon) and local chocolate shop Rakhat. Have a walk to Panfilov Park, where you will see one of the unique wooden buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral and also visit the Museum of National Musical instruments (except Mon) and Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Have a walk along Arbat and Panfilov streets, which are a popular area and nice place to visit when traveling to Almaty, as it’s filled with artists selling their works of art of local landscapes, giving a good representation of the beauty of Kazakhstan.
After the city tour visit to KokTobe park, observe the city from the above, cable car included (up on minibuses, down on cable car).
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 8  ALMATY – DUSHANBE

Rudaki monument, Dushanbe, TajikistanTransfer to airport for flight to Dushanbe by flight KC-131 Almaty/Dushanbe at 10:10/11:00 (on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).
City tour of Dushanbe: Monument of Ismail Somoni, Rudaki Park, Independence Square where one can see the second highest in the world flagpole (165 cm), visit to Tajikistan United Museum that includes the exhibits on history, natural history and art, with Buddha in Nirvana being one of the museum’s valuable exhibits (closed on Mon).
Lunch at restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 9  DUSHANBE

Hissar fortress, TajikistanToday we drive to Hissar fortress - the remains of Hissar fortress of the 18th century, which was occupied until 1924 is located in 30 km west of Dushanbe. Beside the fortress are two plain Madrasah, one dating from the 18th century and the other 19th, and beyond them is the mausoleum of 16th century. Return to Dushanbe.
Lunch at restaurant.
In the afternoon continue excursion with Botanical garden - very beautiful garden with many old trees is the favorite place of Tajiks and Museum of Musical Instruments.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10  DUSHANBE – ISKANDERKUL LAKE – KHUDJAND

Iskanderkul Lake, TajikistanOur trip today to Khudjand (360 km/7-8 hrs drive) will go through the high mountain lake – Iskanderkul Lake, which is known as the lake of Alexander the Great, who is said to have rest with his army after each military campaign. The lake is located in the famous Fann Mountains and is considered to be one of the best places of Central Asia. Upon arrival to the lake we take a walk alongside the lake. In addition, we can hike 40 minutes to see a waterfall.
Lunch at lakeshore restaurant.
Continue to Khudjand, the country's second largest city situated in the north of Tajikistan and is one of its most ancient, founded about 2,500 years ago during the time of Alexander the Great.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11  KHUDJAND – OYBEK BORDER – TASHKENT

TajikistanToday we start excursion of Khudjand: visit to Oriental Bazaar, one of the most interesting places in Khudjand that attracts people with various sounds and tastes; visit to Museum of archeology and fortification (open daily); Mosque Shaikh Muslihiddin; Arbob Palace.
Lunch at restaurant.
After lunch, transfer to Tajik-Uzbek border point “Oibek” (80 km/1.5 hrs drive). Border crossing, passport and customs clearance (neutral territory is about 900 meters long to cross on foot).
Take over by Uzbek team. Depart for Tashkent (120 km/app. 2 hrs drive). Arrival and accommodation. 
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12  TASHKENT

Ceramic workshop of Rakhimov`s family, Tashkent, UzbekistanSpend the day exploring Tashkent through the Independence square, Timur and Opera square. Visit to Khast Imom complex including Barak-khan Madrassah, the only world-known original version of Khalif Osman’s Koran dated from 7th century is kept here in the library of Mui-Muborak madrasah, visit to Chorsu bazaar (closed on Mon) in the old city and to Kukeldash madrassah. 
Lunch at local restaurant.
Visit to ceramic workshop – house museum of Rakhimov`s family. Rahimov"s dynasty is one of the most famous ceramic masters dynasty in Tashkent and has over six generations of masters. Currently, Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov are continuing traditions of the dynasty.
Overnight at hotel.









DAY 13  TASHKENT – SAMARKAND UNESCO

Necropolis Shakhi-Zinda and ensemble of mausoleums, Samarkand, UzbekistanTransfer to railway station for express train “Afrosiab” Tashkent/Samarkand at 07h28/09h42 or 08h00/10h08.
Arrive into Samarkand. Transfer to hotel. Check in to hotel after 14h00. Lunch at local restaurant.
Explore Samarkand: Registan Square (meaning “sandy place”) surrounded by the Ulugbek’s madrassah, the Sher-Dor madrassah and Tilla-Kori madrassah; Mosque Bibi-Khanum; Siab bazaar (closed on Mon); Necropolis Shakhi-Zinda and ensemble of mausoleums.
Overnight at hotel.










 
DAY 14  SAMARKAND

Gur Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand, UzbekistanContinue city tour: Gur Emir Mausoleum (graves of Tamerlane and his descendants), Afrosiab museum of city foundation with the unique wall painting from 7th c.; Observatory of Ulugbek; Silk paper center to watch ancient tradition of paper production. Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.




 
DAY 15  SAMARKAND – BUKHARA UNESCO

Bukharian miniature, UzbekistanTransfer to railway station for express train “Afrosiab” Samarkand/Bukhara at 09:50/11:19.
Arrive to Kogan railway station. Transfer to Bukhara (15 km). Check in to hotel after 14h00.
Start our visiting program today: Lyabi-Khauz Complex consisting of Nodir-Divan-beghi madrassah, Kukeldash madrassah, Khonako; Magoki-Attari mosque;  the local bazaars housed in the restored ‘trading domes’: Tok-i-Zargaron – Jeweler’s bazaar, Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon – Cap Maker’s Bazaar, Tok-i-Sarrafon – Moneychanger’s Bazaar; Kosh madrassah of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan
Poi-Kalyan Ensemble consisting of Kalyan minaret – the symbol of the city, Miri Arab madrassah, Juma mosque;
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 16  BUKHARA

Tea house, Bukhara, UzbekistanContinue city tour: Chor Minor, a colorful madrassah with four peculiar looking towers, which was used as a library for students. Countryside excursion to residence of Bukhara’s Emir- Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace.
During the day we have our tea pause at the Tea house “Silk Road Spices” (taste teas with different spices and flavours: cardamom-anise-clove-cinnamon oregano). Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.














 
DAY 17  BUKHARA – KHIVA UNESCO

Take in the undulating landscape of Central Asia and drive to Khiva across the Kyzylkum desert (450 km - 7-8 hrs). This journey presents an unprecedented opportunity to view this arid landscape, and glimpse the sheep farmers or hunters roaming across it. Lunch on the way at local café.
We arrive in Khiva in the early evening. Arrival and accommodation at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.



 
DAY 18  KHIVA

Kalta Minor minaret, Khiva, UzbekistanWalking tour in Ichan Kala, architectural complex of the inner city, surrounded by the large fortress wall with four gates. There are more than sixty architectural monuments: palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets and mausoleums inside the inner town: Muhammed Aminkhan madrassah and its minaret; Kunya Ark and Juma Mosque with 218 pillars (one of the most ancient structures in Central Asia; Tash Khauli palace (the Harem of Khiva Khans); Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud; Islam Khodja complex and other monuments.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 19  KHIVA – SHAVAT BORDER – DARVAZA CRATERS

Darvaza gas craters, TurkmenistanDepart for Uzbek-Turkmen border ”Shavat” (70 km). Going through visa and customs formalities.
Meet by local Turkmen team. Excursion in Kunya Urgench: visit to Izmikshir fortress.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Depart for Darvaza (350 km/ 7 km sandy road – 5 hrs). Arrive at KM 285 and change to 4WD’S.
Arrive in Darvaza.
The crater, which is 69 m wide and 30 m deep, is located in a natural gas field in Ahal Province, which has the sixth largest reserves in the world. 40 years ago, a vast borehole –nicknamed the « door to hell » was set alight by a Soviet expedition to explore for gas and has been burning ever since. Darvaza becomes an attraction for thrillseekers tourists.
Visiting mud crater and water crater on the way. Picnic - dinner at Darvaza.
Overnight in tents.
DAY 20  DARVAZA CRATERS – ASHGABAT

Palace square, Ashgabad, TurkmenistanDrive to Ashgabat (250 km – 4 hrs)
Arrival and accommodation at hotel.
Start excursion in Ashgabat: the Independence Square, Rukhnama, Palace Square, the Arch of Neutrality and the biggest mosque in whole Central Asia – Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, which has been constructed as a present to the Turkmen nation from the republic of Turkey; Earthquake monument.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 21  ASHGABAT UNESCO

The Arch of Neutrality, Ashgabad, TurkmenistanContinue city tour: Excursion to Old Nisa site, which is under UNESCO protection, Ashgabat’s pride – the National Museum of History (Closed on Tue) consisting of seven galleries, keeping the history of modern culture and ethnography of the country. Lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch continue to a local horse stable and see the Turkmen Ahalteke horses (app. 1 hour drive), a very old breed of horses which is about 5,000 years.
Overnight at hotel.











 
DAY 22  ASHGABAT – DEPARTURE

Transfer to airport for your International flight home.

*This tour itinerary can be adjusted accoding to your requirements and needs
N° of persons prices 2021 in USD

Single room supplement
$ 3879
$ 2998
$ 2735

$ 555

* For price enquiries (group tariffs) and more details please contact us

HOTELS:

Bishkek Plaza 4*/similar“Plaza” 4*/ similar 2 nights
Cholpon Ata Karven 4*/ Kapriz 1 nights
Karakol Guest House Green Yard/ similar 2 nights
Almaty Renion Park 4*/ similar 2 nights
Dushanbe Atlas 4*/ similar 2 nights
Khudjand Khudjand Deluxe/ similar 1 night
Tashkent City Palace 4*/ similar 2 nights
Samarkand Orient Star 3*/ similar 2 nights
Bukhara Omar Khayam 3*/ similar 2 nights
Khiva madrassah Orient Star 3*/ similar 2 nights
Darvaza tents     1 night
Ashgabad Archabil 5*/ similar 2 nights

PRICE OF TOUR INCLUDES:
  • Accommodation on double/twin base at above mentioned hotels + 1 o/n in tents;
  • Meal base: 21 breakfasts + 20 lunches + 1 dinner;
  • All transfers & transportation throughout by A/C coach according to the program;
  • English-speaking guides throughout the tour in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan + local guides for excursion time in Uzbekistan;
  • Excursions and entrance fees to the monuments throughout;
  • Turkmen visa support formalities (incl. visa support fee, travel voucher and registration);
  • Train tickets Tashkent/Samarkand and Samarkand/Bukhara (economy class);

PRICE OF TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • International flights;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Visa for Kyrgyzstan – Visa free regime for EU passport holders (please, check with us if different nationality);
  • Visa for Kazakhstan – Visa free regime for EU passport holders (please, check with us if different nationality);
  • Visa for Uzbekistan – Visa free regime for EU passport holders, for up to 30-day stay (please, check with us if different nationality);
  • Visa for Tajikistan –  please apply for e-visa:https://www.evisa.tj
  • Visa fee for Turkmenistan - $ 70 per person (payment in cash on the border  only in USD, actual tariff subject to change);
  • Border tax in Turkmenistan - $ 15 per person  (payment in cash on the border only in USD, actual tariff subject to change);
  • Flight tickets Almaty/Dushanbe– from $ 150 per person (actual price on Jan 2021, subject to change);
  • Tourist tax in Uzbekistan – $ 30 per person/tour (actual cost - subject to change);
  • Single room supplement;
  • Video and photo charges at monuments;
  • Porterage at airports and hotels;
  • All personal expenses, luggage overweight, tips;

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