Name of trip:  Treasures of Central Asia 

Tour’s destinations: Almaty, Bishkek, Issyk Kul, Karakol, Khujand, Iskanderkul, Penjakent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Darwaza, Ashgabat 

Arrival to: Almaty

Departure from: Ashgabat

Day 1: Almaty
This day you will meet the driver at the airport and after that you will travel to a city tour of Almaty. You will have a chance to discover the cultural heritage of the southern capital of Kazakhstan and see not only ancient monuments, but also ancient sights. This day you will also discover the amazing attraction and colorful site of Almaty the popular Green Bazaar. Here you will have a chance to explore the bustling area of the country. You also can buy fresh fruits and take photos. After that you will get to the old park of Almaty Panfilov park where you will explore the enchanting views of the wooden temple Zenkov Cathedral. This day you will have a chance to observe a tribute to the memory of the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for the Motherland - Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. The tour route will take you to see the cultural heritage and also discover a sports place as Medeu, where is situated the largest high-altitude ice rink and a dam. Here you will also have a chance to discover that here are held different events on the high-altitude skating rink, where athletes have never held games and set world records. After that you will travel by mountain road and admire the fascinating  Kok- Tobe hill where you will observe the tallest TV tower. There you will have a chance to discover the fascinating park and be inspired by the picturesque views of the city. This day you will also explore the souvenir shops and enjoy the fresh air. You will end the tour with riding from the top of the hill to the city center along the popular Almaty cableway. This night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Almaty
You will have today a fabulous trip to fantastic Charyn Canyon. This day you will transfer by the comfortable car or minivan. During the tour you will also be supplied by 1,5L of bottled water. You can take snack, tea or coffee in a container with a lid on it for tour. It will take about 4 hour to drive there. During the tour you will have a chance to explore the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. In course of the tour you will have a chance to enjoy the views of beautiful nature and observe the Charyn canyon. The Charyn Canyon is 154 kilometers long. Each part, each canyon is beautiful in its own way and very different from each other. The canyon of the Temirlik River is a whole ensemble of "palaces", "towers" and "minarets".Charyn Canyon, which is sometimes called the younger brother of the Colorado Grand Canyon. The canyon itself is about 12 million years old and the height of the rocks reaches about 150-300 meters. Don’t miss a chance to take photos today. This day you will see Charyn river you will see yurts of local nomads and eco cafes. 

Day 3: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
This day you will have a chance to explore the fabulous tour along colorful roads and fabulous gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge that locates alongside the Kuldja tract. You will have a chance to discover that here many years ago passed the caravans of the Great Silk Road. In the tour you will have a chance to immerse into the ancient history and discover cultural heritage, observing a Sakas mounds. You will also experience the “Golden man” and it important to note that it become state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  During the tour you will discover the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK” where guests of the country to discover Sakas period’s history and culture, duplicate of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, and of course the sample of Saka burial mound. After that tour route will take you the height of the1756 meters. This day you will explore the fascinating lake that formed about 10,000 years ago due to the mudslide that resulted in the formation of a natural dam (300m.). This day you will also explore the lake Issyk situated on the name valley Issyk. Along the way you will be inspired by the water surface of Issyk Lake and observe the fabulous views. You are going to get the interesting facts an about the natural disaster of 1963. You will also have a chance to have a picnic near the lake and have free time, exploring the pure nature. The overnight will be in the hotel.

Day 4: Almaty – BAO – Almaty – Bishkek
Today you will travel to the fascinating Big Almaty gorge where on altitude 2,510 m above sea the Big Almaty lake locate, the most magnificent lake in Trans-Ili Alatau. BAO is hidden in a mountainous area with landscapes of indescribable beauty and delicious air filled with the aroma of fragrant herbs and the freshness of the snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau.This is a high-altitude lake (2510m), located in a depression 25 km south of Almaty. Like a glittering mirror, surrounded on all sides by majestic peaks. Depending on the time of year, the lake changes its color – from light green to turquoise-blue. The Bolshaya Almatinka River flows into it and flows out. Around the lake there is a wild nature of peculiar beauty: moraines, scree, rocks, slender Tien Shan firs. The length of the lake is 1.5 km, the depth is 35m. Above the lake is the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory (2,700 m) and the space station (3,300 m).You are going to start driving to Bishkek at 15:00. And it will take 4 hours. This night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 5: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
After breakfast you will have a highlight tour in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This day you will explore the fascinating attractions as: Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Сentral Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and many others sights. After that you will travel to the fabulous lake of Kyrgyzstan Issyk Kul that is largest lake in the world, and fascinates travelers with its majestic views. During the tour you will see that it is situated at an altitude of 1608 meters and is proudly called the "Pearl of Central Asia". You will also explore that the lake is always charming in winter and summer. This lake never freezes and has healing qualities. In course of the tour you will explore the ancient site Burana tower. This amazing attraction was built in the 11^th century by powerful Karakhanids. You will also discover open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). This night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 6: Issyk Kul – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol
Today you will drive to Karakol. Along the way you will pass through the vivid gorges called Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye. You will discover that they attract travelers due to fabulous views and you will have a chance to capture it! You will discover that they are connected to each other, you will start the tour in one gorge and continue in another gorge. This day you will explore the mountains covered with snow, juniper forests and charming landscapes. During the tour you will also have a chance to observe small lakes in this gorge. Don’t miss a chance to fascinate the fresh air and land of the high mountains! After the tour route will take you to Karakol.  Upon arrival to Karakol you will explore the outstanding sites as the Dungan mosque that was erected without sing any nail and in unique Chinese style. After that you will head to see the amazing wooden Orthodox Church. This night you will spend in the the guesthouse.

Day 7: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
In the morning you will travel from Karakol to Jeti Oguz. You will discover the spectacular gorge that is the fascinating due to its red rocks standing in one row. You will also have a wonderful chance to see the fabulous Mountain of Broken Hearts. You will have a chance to climb to the top of the mountains and admire the panorama of the gorge. Along the way you will learn interesting legends related to the gorge. Today you will discover that the gorge is translated from Kyrgyz as "Seven Bulls". Then you will continue the tour with transferring to Bokonbaevo village along the spectacular southern shore. During the tour you will meet the local eagle-hunter. Today you will see the ancient show of eagle hunting and get the information that he hunts to hares and foxes with the help of eagles. This is the ancient method of hunting is passed down from generation to generation from father to son. Today you will also transfer to the capital Bishkek. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek – Osh – Guliston – Khudjand
Today you will have a flight from Bishkek to Osh city and transfer to Tajik border. In course of the tour you will travel through the picturesque passes and through Batken region. You will also discover that this place is popular due to its apricot trees and amazingly beautiful flower- Aigul. Then the tour route will take you to Tajik border where you will be met by Tajik driver to Khujand city. This day you will transfer through the picturesque Anzob pass that is 3 372 meters high. In the tour you will be able to explore the beautiful panoramic views, enjoy the scenery, and see the incredible panoramic views. You will also have the chance to explore the city of Khujand, which is the second largest in Tajikistan.The population of the city is about 149,000 people. You will also be able to explore that the city is located on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Ferghana Valley. Khujand itself is the capital of the Northern Province of Tajikistan. You will have a great chance to explore great attractions such as the Khujand Palace of Culture, where the country's first president was elected. Today you will also explore the interesting landmark of the Central Mosque. You will explore that it is located in the center the city. This night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 9: Khudjand – Iskanderkul Lake
Today you will transfer to the next attraction called Iskanderkul lake. This is the fascinating lake is located at an altitude of 2255 meters above sea level. During the tour you will explore that the lake is situated in the heart of the Fann mountains and is one of the best places to travel. You will also explore that it was named after the commander Alexander the Great. Upon arrival you will explore the fabulous lake, you will have a chance to admire the fabulous views through beach. This day you will also discover the fascinating waterfall that will take about 40 minutes. Tajikistan is the fabulous country not only for beautiful mountains, but also charming lakes and rivers. The country has a large water potential and is in the second place among the CIS countries. This country has more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. This night you will spend in the guesthouse.

Day 10: Iskanderkul – 7 lakes – Penjakent
In the morning you will transfer to one of the most popular place of Tajikistan. You will discover here the fascinating lakes Seven Lakes. In course of the tour you will explore the territory. This day you will discover the lakes are notable for being located at different heights and have different sizes and names. During the tour you will also meet the local residents and explore their lifestyle. You will explore interesting to find out how people live and what they do. After that you will travel to the next fascinating attraction Penjakent. Penjikent is located in Khujand district and is located in the beautiful valley of the Zeravshan River. In the tour you will be able to explore that Penjakent is an interesting place that translates as five villages that were formed in the 5th-8th centuries. Penjakent is first said to have been built to 5500 years ago. In ancient times, this place played an important role and also bore the name of cultural historical monuments "Central Asian Pompeii". During the tour you will discover that there were ruler’s palace, two temples, markets, rich residential buildings, decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. It is important to note that the ruins of this ancient city were explored in the last century. Here you will discover the remains of residential buildings and office buildings, a citadel with a palace, a house of craftsmen and a church of fire worshipers. Today you will rest the local guesthouse.

Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo – Samarkand
This day you will have a wonderful trip to the border and get to Samarkand. Today you will have amazing city tour where you will have a chance to discover of the city. Samarkand is the second largest city in the vivid valley of the Zeravshan River. You will discover that Samarkand is a very ancient city that has a history of 2500 years. During the tour you will explore that Samarkand is the same age as Rome and Babylon. In the excursion you will discover sites as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. You will be able to explore the beautiful Registan Square and enjoy the beautiful views of 3 madrasas beautiful views and charming ones that date back to the 15th-17th centuries. They will be able to impress you with beautiful views. You can also visit the Shahi Zinde architectural complex, which features an incredible mausoleum and charming views that date back to the 11th-15th centuries, which are part of the UNESCO Heritage Site. You can also explore the Bibi Khanum Mosque on the tour and enjoy the splendor of the Samarkand Mosque and enjoy the beauty and amaze you with its views and which was built in honor of Tamerlane's loving wife. Today you will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara
This day you will have a chance to start the amazing tour in the fascinating city Bukhara. During the tour you will discover Gijduvan village. This day you will also visit pottery private school. You will experience that it is the 6th generation of the Narzullaev family, whose school of ceramics is famous all over the world. The history of the craft of making ceramic products dates back to ancient origins and has deep roots. In the tour, you will be able to explore that this pottery is known all over the world, and the skills and secrets are passed down from generation to generation. Customers on the tour can explore that there are geometric patterns used, and also the color scheme is blue and green. Then you can also explore the memorial complex of Al-Bukhari, an Islamic scholar who compiled a collection of hadiths known as Sahih Al-Bukhari, which is considered by Sunni Muslims to be one of the most authentic collections of hadith. Then you will continue and discover driving to Bukhara. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 13: Bukhara
After breakfast you will have a highlight tour and discover the best attractions in this city. This day you will also have a chance to observe the important attraction of Bukhara such as Citadel Ark. Here you will also discover the 4^th century and discover that it is the fascinating sight of Bukhara Empire. Then tour route will take you to the mausoleum of Samanids and admire the real masterpiece of architecture of the IX-X centuries. After that you will be offered to see Chashma Ayub (the Job's well). After that you will discover Bolo -Hauz Mosque. It is grandiose mosque is famous for its 40 columns and was erected in honor of Bukhara governor Abu Fayyud Khan. Further you will discover the shopping domes and admire the views of popular madrassas- Nodir Divan Begi. During the tour you will have a chance to explore that mosque is the part of the Lyabi House ensemble. This day you will finish with exploring the fascinating site Poi Kalon complex. You will discover that is an extraordinary sample of architectural art of Bukhara. There you will have a chance to three structures built in the 12th-16th centuries: the Kalon minaret, the Kalon mosque and the Mir-Arab madrasah. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 14: Bukhara – Khiva
Today you will have a chance to discover the fascinating city to Uzbekistan called Khiva. In course of the tour you will get the information that Bukhara is fabulous city that consists of more than 140 architectural monuments. Being here you will have a chance to visit beautiful streets, green parks and gardens full of flowers and green, historical and architectural monuments that were built in different times but stands close to each other.  You will also discover that Khiva is ancient city that played the important role in the Great Silk Road. There are located a lot of popular attractions. There are always passed caravans through the open gates of Khiva, which were open from dawn to sunset.  This day you will travel from Bukhara to Khiva through the picturesque Kizilkum desert. In course of the tour you will have an opportunity to discover the amazing views of Amu Darya Rive. You will see that this river is the largest river in Central Asia. After arrival you will have free time. This night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 15: Khiva
Druing the tour you will have a chance to have fascinating city tour in Khiva discovering the ancient monuments of the city. Today you will have a chance to discover Ichan-Qala or inner city of Khiva that surrounded by the magnificent walls.In course of the tour you will admire the fabulous  views of old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses. You will discover the fascinating structures made the city into unique city-monument. In Ichan-Qala thare are over 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. This day you will also discover that in 1969 area of Ichan Qala became historical and architectural conservation. Being here you will also discover the outstanding attractions as Kunya-Ark fortress of 17^th century, explored by Muhammad Arang Khan and Kalta Minor minaret, and Tash Khouvli palace. All these attractions are the great sample of incredible masterpiece of Khorezm architecture from 200 years ago. This day you will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 16: Khiva – Farap – Kunya Urgench – Darwaza
After breakfast you will discover the fascinating attractions and explore the fabulous attractions, travelling along Farap borders. In course of the tour you will meet the driver and travel to the North of Turkmenistan where you will have a chance to admire the fabulous attractions architectural monuments of Kone Urgench that was Capital of Khorezm previously (X-XII centuries). In course of the tour you will experience such monuments as Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, the highest minaret in Central Asia Kutlyg-Timur.  After that you will travel to fantastic natural site Darwaza also famous as Gas Crater.

Day 17: Darwaza – Ashgabat
The Darwaza gas crater in Turkmenistan is a joint creation of nature and man. It all started back in 1971. In the Karakum desert. As a result of the sinkhole, a giant pit with a depth of 20 meters and 70 meters in diameter was formed. The Gate to Hell is located in the heart of the Karakum Desert, 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat. Especially the crater of Darvaza resembles the underworld in summer. After all, the air temperature in the Karakum desert often rises to 50 degrees Celsius in the midday heat! After that you will get to the hotel. In the second part of the tour you will you will have a chance to explore the fantastic attractions, experience the gorgeous horse the pride of Turkmen people Akhal-Teke horses. Tis day you will discover the information and discover that the horses are very beautiful, they are amazing in their views and were born more than 5000 years ago. This day you will have a chance to have traditional Tea party, Akhal-Teke horse short show program and observe the horse races. Then you will have a chance to discover the charming views of the show you will return to Ashgabat.

Day 18: Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat
Today you will travel to ancient city Mary. Mary is the fourth largest city in Turkmenistan, located in the south of the country in a large oasis of the Murgab River, located in the heart of the Kara-Kum desert. Mary is the main city of the Mary Velayat, one of the most densely populated in the country. Merv was just a huge city, even by today's standards. The data obtained from archaeologists suggest that the city, together with the rabads (commercial suburbs), contained at least 1 million inhabitants. During the Arab rule, it was here that the fabulously rich Caliph al - Ma'mun lived, and the city itself was considered the cultural capital of the Arab Caliphate. And later, in the Middle Ages, Merv was famous for its citizens. Here lived and worked such outstanding personalities as the doctor, the philosopher and pioneer Barzue, the musician and singer Barbut, the historian Samani, the astronomer Habash, the famous poet and philosopher Omar Khayyam and many others. This day you will discover the amazing highlights as You will have a chance to have the city tour and explore fascinating Mausoleums of the Sultan, Sanjar and Muhammed Ibn-Zeid (XII c), where you will observe refined Seljuk brickwork and architectural decor. After that you will transfer back to Ashgabat. I course of the tour you will be enchant by the amazing views of the fauna and flora of the Karakum desert.

Day 19: Ashgabat
Today you will have a chance to experience the wonderful city tour in the capital Ashgabat. Today you will discover the most fascinating “Nisa” that was Capital of the Parthian Empire. You are going to explore that it is the part of UNESCO Heritage in 2007. The tour route will take you to the amazing Monument and Park of Independence, that similar white-marble “Eiffel Tower”, a fountain-monument initiated to the 10th anniversary of independence it is a sculptural depiction of ten Akhal-Tekke horses placed on the top of a beautiful fountain and of course splendid Ertoghrul Ghazi and Gypjak Mosques. In the second part of the tour you will explore the highlight National Museum of History and Ethnography.

Day 20: Flight
Drive to Ashgabat International Airport. Fly. End the program.

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

Tajikistan Transport:
01-05 pax – Hyundai Starex
06-10 pax – 2 cars: Hyundai Starex 

Uzbekistan Transport:
02 pax – Sedan
04-08 pax - Minivan (Grand Starex, Istana)
10 pax - Midibus (Mitsubishi Rosa, Sprinter)

Turkmenistan Transport:
01-02 pax – Sedan
04-08 pax – Minibus 14 seats
10 pax – Bus (20 seats)          

Price per person:
02 pax – 3 000 $
04 pax – 2 220 $
06 pax – 1 965 $
08 pax – 1 795 $
10 pax – 1 770 $
Single – 335 $

Early check-in – 30 $
Single early check-in – 45 $ 

Half board – 280 $*
Full board – 495 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) – 50 $ per person

English speaking guides:
KG – 435 $ per group
UZ – local 120 $ per group or escort 395 $ per group
TJ – 445 $ per group
KZ – 420 $ per group
TM – included by law

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
     Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
     Issyk Kul – “Karven” Resort
     Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
     Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
     Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
     Iskandarkul – “Dilovar” Gueshouse
     Penjakent – “Umariyon” Hotel 3*
     Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*
     Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*
     Khiva – “Porso” Hotel 3*
     Darwaza – Tents with dinner
     Ashgabat – “Menzil” Hotel 3*
- Visa support to Tm
- Museum admissions
- Mineral water supply
- English speaking guide in Tm
- Flight tickets Bishkek – Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guides
- Entrances to all museums in Uz
- Migration tax (12 $) + bank fee (4 $) 

Note: Each Traveler should have 2 photos (5x6) to be presented at the points of entry.