Pearls of Central Asia: The Great Journey along the Silk Road
Описание
Immerse yourself in a unique journey through Central Asia, where ancient civilizations, cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes combine with oriental hospitality. This route follows the historical Silk Road and covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, including the best sights, ancient cities and unforgettable natural beauty.
During the tour, you will be able to explore legendary cities such as Almaty, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, enjoy the magnificent mountain landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, see the picturesque Seven Lakes in Tajikistan, discover ancient Penjikent and Issyk-Kul, as well as plunge into the luxury of marble Ashgabat.
This tour is ideal for those who want to see the most significant historical sites, learn about the culture and traditions of local peoples, enjoy authentic Oriental cuisine and feel the magic of the ancient Silk Road.
Immerse yourself in a unique journey through Central Asia, where ancient civilizations, cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes combine with oriental hospitality. This route follows the historical Silk Road and covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, including the best sights, ancient cities and unforgettable natural beauty.
During the tour, you will be able to explore legendary cities such as Almaty, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, enjoy the magnificent mountain landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, see the picturesque Seven Lakes in Tajikistan, discover ancient Penjikent and Issyk-Kul, as well as plunge into the luxury of marble Ashgabat.
This tour is ideal for those who want to see the most significant historical sites, learn about the culture and traditions of local peoples, enjoy authentic Oriental cuisine and feel the magic of the ancient Silk Road.
План тура
Day 1: Baku - Almaty
Arrival: Morning arrival in Almaty, meeting with the guide.
Transfer: To the hotel for early check-in and breakfast.
Rest: Short rest after the flight.
Excursion:
Visit to the Green Bazaar, one of the most colorful markets in Almaty.
Walk through the old city center (today Astana Square).
Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen - a place of memory of the heroes of the Second World War.
Ascension Cathedral (Zenkovsky Cathedral) - a unique monument of cult architecture of Kazakhstan.
Museum of Musical Instruments - exposition of national Kazakh instruments.
Abai Theater - the main opera and ballet stage of Kazakhstan.
Republic Square and Independence Monument.
Historical Museum - acquaintance with the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Recommendations: The guide will recommend the best restaurants for lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Almaty.
Day 2: Almaty - Bishkek
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Transfer: To Bishkek via the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border (240 km, 4-5 hours).
On the way:
Enjoying the picturesque scenery on the road.
Stop for lunch at a local cafe.
Passage of border procedures (about 1 hour).
Bishkek city tour (2-3 hours):
Ala-Too Square is the central square of the capital.
The White House is the government building of Kyrgyzstan.
The Historical Museum is an introduction to the history of the country.
Walk along the green boulevards and parks of the capital.
The guide's story about the city's role in the history of the Great Silk Road and the Soviet past.
Transfer: To the hotel, accommodation and rest.
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Bishkek
Day 3: Bishkek - Ala-Archa Gorge - Bishkek
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Transfer: To Ala Archa National Park (40 km, about 1 hour on the way).
Ala Archa Gorge Tour:
Drive 11 km deep into the park (altitude 2200 m above sea level).
Walking route to Aksai Waterfall, through the picturesque Tepshi plateau and small mountain rivers.
The stop at the Broken Heart Rock is one of the natural attractions of the park.
Climbing to a height of 2665 m, offering stunning panoramic views.
Return to Bishkek:
Transfer back to the city.
Optional: Folklore show during dinner (optional).
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Bishkek
Day 4: Bishkek - Burana Tower - Chon-Kemin
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Excursion to the Oriental Market (Osh Bazaar):
Visit one of the most colorful markets in Kyrgyzstan, where you can see traditional oriental spices, dried fruits, souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
Transfer: To Chong Kemin Nature Park (140 km, 2-3 hours on the way).
Stop at the Burana Tower (11th century):
A historical monument of the ancient city of Balashagun, one of the major centers of the Great Silk Road.
Climb to the tower, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Acquaintance with stone balbals – ancient Turkic statues.
Lunch: On the way to Chon Kemin.
Arrival in Chon Kemin:
Check-in at a guest house in the mountains (altitude 1800 m above sea level).
A short rest.
Additionally (optional):
Horseback riding in the picturesque surroundings.
Organization of traditional equestrian games before dinner.
Dinner and overnight: In a cozy mountain lodge.
Day 5: Chon-Kemin - Bishkek - Tashkent
Breakfast: At the mountain lodge.
Hiking up the Panoramic hill:
Light trekking with a climb of about 200 m.
Duration: 2-3 hours (about 4-5 km in one direction).
Scenic views of the gorge and surrounding mountain ranges.
Transfer: To Bishkek airport for flight to Tashkent.
Lunch: On the way to the airport.
Arrival in Tashkent:
Meeting at the airport.
Transfer to the hotel, accommodation and rest.
Overnight stay: At the Tashkent hotel
Day 6: Tashkent
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Tashkent sightseeing tour:
Old City:
Hazrati Imam Complex (including Osman Quran Museum, Barakkhan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque and Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum).
Kukeldash Madrasah.
Modern center of Tashkent:
Independence Square.
Memorial to the victims of World War II.
Courage Monument.
Palace of Forums.
Amir Temur Museum and Square.
Alisher Navoi Theater Square.
Shopping tour around Tashkent:
Visit to the bazaars Alaysky Market and Chorsu (dried fruits, fresh fruits, oriental sweets).
Transfer: To the hotel.
Overnight stay: At the hotel in Tashkent
Day 7: Tashkent - Samarkand
Early transfer: To the railway station.
Train: Afrosiyob high-speed train (departure at 07:00, arrival at 09:10).
Arrival in Samarkand: Start of the sightseeing tour.
Sightseeing tour:
Registan Square (15th century Ulugbek Madrasah, 17th century Sherdor madrasah, 17th century Tillya-Kari Madrasah).
The mausoleum of Gur-Emir (XIV-XV centuries) is the tomb of Amir Temur.
The Afrosiab Museum is an archaeological complex of ancient Samarkand.
Ulugbek Observatory is a famous astronomical center of the 15th century.
Transfer: To the hotel.
Overnight stay: At the Samarkand hotel.
Day 8: Samarkand
Continuation of the sightseeing tour:
Visit Siab National Bazaar, the largest market in Samarkand, where you can buy dried fruits, spices and local sweets.
The Bibi Khanum Mosque is a magnificent building of the XV century, erected in honor of the wife of Amir Temur.
Shahi-Zinda Necropolis is a unique ensemble of mausoleums of the 9th-14th centuries, one of the most sacred places in Uzbekistan.
Transfer: To the hotel.
Overnight stay: At the Samarkand hotel.
Day 9: Samarkand - Penjikent - Seven Lakes
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Transfer:
Transfer to the Uzbek-Tajik border checkpoint "Zhartepo" (45 km).
Crossing the border and meeting with a Tajik guide.
Transfer to the cascade of Seven lakes of the Fan Mountains (120 km).
Excursion:
Seven Lakes is a natural wonder of Tajikistan, located in a picturesque mountainous area. Each of the lakes has its own unique color, from azure to deep emerald.
Walk along the shore of Lake Khozorchashma, the uppermost lake, where you will have time to relax and enjoy the picturesque views.
Complete immersion in the atmosphere of mountain silence and magnificent landscapes of the Fan Mountains.
Transfer: Return to Penjikent.
Accommodation: At the Penjikent Hotel Breakfast: At the hotel.
Transfer:
Transfer to the Uzbek-Tajik border checkpoint "Zartipo" (45 km).
Crossing the border and meeting with a Tajik guide.
Transfer to the cascade of Seven lakes of the Fan Mountains (120 km).
Excursion:
Seven Lakes is a natural wonder of Tajikistan, located in a picturesque mountainous area. Each of the lakes has its own unique color, from azure to deep emerald.
Walk along the shore of Lake Khozorchashma, the uppermost lake, where you will have time to relax and enjoy the picturesque views.
Complete immersion in the atmosphere of mountain silence and magnificent landscapes of the Fan Mountains.
Transfer: Return to Penjikent.
Accommodation: At the Penjikent Hotel
Day 10: Penjikent - Iskanderkul - Dushanbe
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Transfer:
Departure from Penjikent towards Lake Iskanderkul (290 km).
Travel along the picturesque mountain roads of the Fan Mountains.
Excursion:
Lake Iskanderkul is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Tajikistan, named after Alexander the Great.
A walk along the shore of the lake, enjoying the natural scenery.
Transfer: Transfer to Dushanbe.
Excursion:
The Gissar Fortress is a historical complex, including a madrasah, an ancient gate and a mausoleum, one of the main architectural legacies of the region.
Accommodation: At the Dushanbe Hotel.
Day 11: Dushanbe - Penjikent - Sarazm - Zhartepa - Samarkand
Breakfast: At the Dushanbe Hotel.
Transfer: Transfer to Penjikent via Ayni (290 km).
Excursion:
Penjikent is an ancient Sogdian city, which flourished in the 5th–8th centuries. The city was an important cultural and craft center, famous for its palaces, temples and unique frescoes. It is often referred to as the “Central Asian Pompeii".
Sarazm is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of an ancient settlement (IV–II millennia BC), one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.
The Rudaki Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the great Persian-Tajik poet.
The excavations of the ancient city of Penjikent are a walk among the preserved walls and ruins telling about the ancient history of the region.
Transfer: At 18:00 departure to the Uzbek-Tajik border (Zhartepa).
Passing through passport control.
Meeting with the group on the Uzbek side.
Transfer to Samarkand (45 km).
Accommodation: At the Samarkand Hotel
Day 12: Samarkand - Bukhara
Transfer:
Early morning transfer to the train station.
Departure to Bukhara by Afrosiyob high-speed train (08:31-10:14).
Arrival:
Meeting in Bukhara, transfer to the old town.
Bukhara city Tour:
Mausoleum of Ismail Samani (10th century) - one of the oldest surviving buildings in Central Asia, a unique example of early Islamic architecture.
The mausoleum of Chashma Ayub is a place associated with the legend of the prophet Job and his healing spring.
The Bolo House Mosque (18th century) is a famous Friday mosque with carved wooden columns.
Ark Fortress (IV century BC) is the oldest residence of the Bukhara emirs, offering magnificent views of the city.
The Poi-Kalyan complex (XII-XVI centuries), which includes:
Miri Arab Madrasah is one of the main operating theological schools in the region.
The Kalyan Minaret is a symbol of Bukhara, also known as the “Tower of Death".
The Kalyan Mosque is the largest mosque in the city, capable of accommodating up to 12,000 people.
Ulugbek Madrasah (XV century) is the first madrasah built by the great astronomer Ulugbek.
Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah (17th century) is a contrasting example of oriental architecture with rich mosaics and murals.
Shopping domes and oriental bazaars:
Visit the ancient dome bazaars (XVI century), unique shopping complexes where you can buy souvenirs, carpets, fabrics and spices.
Continuation of the tour:
Nodir Divan Begi Madrasah (XVIII century), famous for its mosaic images of mythical animals.
The Lyabi House complex (14th–17th centuries) is the central square of the old town with a large reservoir.
The Chor Minor Madrasah (XVIII century) is a unique building with four minarets symbolizing different religions.
Accommodation: At the Bukhara Hotel.
Day 13: Bukhara
Guided tour to the shrines of Sufism:
The Bahauddin Naqshbandi Complex is one of the main pilgrimage sites in Central Asia, dedicated to the great Sufi sheikh and founder of the Naqshbandi Order. The complex includes a mausoleum, a mosque, a madrasa and a ritual courtyard where pilgrims pray.
Transfer:
Transfer to the summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara, Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, a combination of Oriental and European architecture. The palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens, was the resting place of the Emir of Bukhara and has preserved the authentic luxury of the late 19th century.
Free time in Bukhara:
An opportunity to walk around the old town, visit craft shops, and enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient city.
Placement:
At the Bukhara Hotel.
Day 14: Bukhara - Khiva
Transfer:
Early departure from Bukhara and transfer to Khiva through the Kyzylkum desert (480 km, 6-7 hours).
Stops along the way:
Photo breaks near the majestic Amu Darya River, one of the largest reservoirs in Central Asia, which has played a key role in the lives of nomads and traders for centuries.
Lunch at a traditional roadside cafe, where you can taste simple but delicious Uzbek cuisine.
Arrival:
In the evening, arrival in Khiva.
Accommodation: In a Khiva hotel
Day 15: Khiva
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Guided tour of the historical Ichan-Kala complex (XII–XIX centuries), which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visiting:
Kunya Ark (XVI–XVII centuries) is an ancient residence of the Khiva khans, including a mosque, treasury and harem.
The Kunishikhan Mosque is an ancient mosque used for official receptions.
The Abd al-Bobo complex is one of the oldest religious sites in Khiva.
The Kutlug Murad Inaka Madrasah is an outstanding architectural monument of the 16th century.
Muhammad Rahimkhan II Madrasah is the center of Islamic education of the 19th century.
The minaret and madrasah of Islam Khoja is the tallest minaret in Khiva.
Transfer: To the hotel (check-in after 14:00). A short rest.
Continuation of the excursion program:
The Mausoleum of Sayyid Allauddin is one of the oldest tombs in Khiva.
Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah is the largest madrasah in the city.
Kazy-Kalon Madrasah is an important educational center of the past.
The Kalta Minor Minaret is the famous "short" minaret, the symbol of Khiva.
Friday Juma Mosque (10th century) is a unique mosque with 213 wooden columns.
Allakuli Khan Madrasah is a cultural and educational center of the 19th century.
Tash-Khauli Palace is the former residence of the Khiva khans, which impresses with its architecture.
The mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud is the tomb of the patron saint of Khiva.
Accommodation: In a Khiva hotel
Day 16: Khiva - Shavat border point - Darvaza - Ashgabat
Transfer: Early departure from Khiva to the Shavat border checkpoint. Passing through border formalities and meeting with a guide on the Turkmen side.
Transfer: The road to the Darvaza gas crater through the Karakum desert (600 km, part of the 4x4 off-road route).
Arrival: In Darvaza before sunset (~18:00).
Dinner: Barbecue dinner under the open sky near a burning gas crater.
Excursion:
Day and night sightseeing of the famous Darwaza gas crater ("Gates of Hell").
The opportunity to take unique photos in the Karakum desert.
Transfer: Overnight transfer to Ashgabat. Due to the limited visibility, traffic will be slow after sunset.
Arrival: To Ashgabat after midnight.
Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat
Day 17: Ashgabat
Breakfast: Late, at the hotel.
Excursion: Sightseeing tour of Ashgabat with a visit to the main attractions:
Akhal-Teke horse stables - an introduction to one of the most ancient and elite horse breeds in the world.
Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is the largest mosque in Ashgabat, built in the Ottoman style.
The National Museum is an exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of Turkmenistan.
Independence Park is a picturesque park with monuments and fountains.
The monument "Rukhnama" is dedicated to the philosophical book of the first President of Turkmenistan.
The Arch of Neutrality is a symbol of the neutral status of the country.
The ancient city of Nisa (UNESCO site) is the ruins of the capital of the ancient Parthian kingdom.
The mosque and mausoleum of Turkmenbashi are the burial place of the country's first president.
Transfer: Return to the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat
Day 18: Ashgabat - Istanbul
Transfer: Early departure to Ashgabat International Airport.
Departure: Flight TK 323 (departure at 03:30) or TK 325 (departure at 08:15) to Istanbul.
Completion of the tour