Grand tour 21D/20N (5 countries)

  • Route: Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan
  • Duration: Days 21,   Nights 20
  • Tour type: Сlassical tours
  • Season: Summer, Autumn, Spring

Central Asia lies at the heart of the Silk Road and stretches from the shores of the Caspian Sea in the west to the Tian Shan mountains in the east. It encompasses a vast range of landscapes from the deserts of Turkmenistan and the steppes of Kazakhstan to the stunning mountains of Kyrgyzstan. For millennia caravan trains have crossed this region spreading trade, wealth and ideas, giving rise to some of the most iconic Silk Road sites such as Samarkand’s Registan Square. This 21 days tour comprises the main highlights of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan

Ref: “Grand Silk Road Tour  21 days”                                                            

                                                                                  

 

Grand Silk Road tour around Central Asia is a tailor-made 20-day trip, including the most popular sights of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Sightseeing in historical places is spiced with incredibly beautiful natural sights of Darvaza crater, Charyn Canyon and Issyk-Kul. These places are marvelous within their origin born, reflect the natural spirit of the countries, mixed with scents of spices and charred herbs. You will see everything what Central Asia is proud of - golden colors with glittering mosaics and ancient mosques.

Trip starts from Baku, Azerbaijan and ends in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Day

Detailed Itinerary

 

D1

 

BAKU – ARRIVAL

Meet and transfer to hotel.

Overnight in hotel.

Meals: Dinner at local restaurant

D2

Baku - City Tour

Start sightseeing tour in Baku. Visit Martyrs Lane called ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals. When you walk through the Alley of the Martyrs, you will find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Move to Icheri Sheher, the old part of the city. Visit Shirvan Shahs’ Palace, Caravanserai, market square with numerous art studios and souvenir stalls, and Maiden Tower. Continue touring new Baku exploring Nizami street and Fountain Square.

After lunch, pay a visit to Azerbaijan National History Museum or Heydar Aliev Culture Centre.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours

Driving distance: 10 km

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D3

Baku-Gobustan-Absheron

Today you will visit the area of the Greater Baku and Absheron peninsula.

First stop at Yanardag Mountain with natural gas burning for hundreds of years. Continue to Ateshgah, temple of fire worshippers located in Surakhany village. Zoroastrians from India travelled thousands of kilometers to Ateshgah to worship fire coming out of the earth.

After lunch drive to Gobustan National Park. Pay a visit to the Petroglyphs Museum and explore petroglyphs dating back to 10,000 BC. Weather permitting, drive to mud volcanoes in Gobustan Reserve (change of vehicle). Gobustan is home to almost half of world’s mud volcanoes. Return to Baku. Overnight at the hotel.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours

Driving distance: 220 km

D4

BAKU - TASHKENT
Transfer to the airport for departure flight to Tashkent.

Arrival in Tashkent International Airport by Uzairways in the afternoon or evening/Azerbaijan Airlines at midnight. Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the staff holding a sign “East Asia Point” or with your name on it. Transfer to the hotel. As Tashkent airport not far from the city center, the transfer will not take a long time (20 – 40 minutes depending on the hotel location). Arrival in the hotel. Check-in. Free time in the evening, Overnight at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel. Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

 

D5

TASHKENT
After breakfast at the hotel start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:
- Amir Temur Square founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square was renamed in 1994 after Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
- Tashkent chimes, one of the major symbols of Tashkent, were brought from defeated Koenigsberg in 1945 as a sign of the great victory and eternal glory of patriots who fought in World War II.
- Theatre Square with the Opera House: State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theatres of the world that performs both classical and national repertoires.
- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan. There are fountains, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers of World War, arch "Good and noble aspiration" crowned with birds of happiness and prosperity, road "Ok Yul" leading to Independence Monument and a monument to Happy Mother symbolizing the hope for a great future.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;
- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts pilgrims and visitors all over the world.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D6

TASHKENT – URGENCH (by air) - KHIVA (3 km)

Early breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the local airport. Flight to Urgench by HY51 at 07:25

08:55 Arrival in Urgench Airport.

Come out of the terminal and meet with our driver.

Transfer to Khiva (30 km) hotel to drop off the bags. Standard hotel check-in at 14:00.

Meet the guide at the lobby.

Start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan- Kala (translated as “Inner town”). Ichan- Kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia consisting of:

- Ata-Darvaza, Kunya - Ark;

- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;

- Madrassah of Muhammed Aminhan;

- Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva;

- Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was;

- Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan;

- Pahlavan Mahmud Gates, Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,

- Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum;

- Minaret and Islam-Khoja Madrassah;

- Mosque and Jami Minaret.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Meals: Early breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D7

KHIVA – BUKHARA (via Qizilqum desert 450km)

After breakfast, drive to Bukhara via Qizilqum desert. En route stop by Amu Darya river for photo shoot.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D8

BUKHARA
Breakfast in the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.
Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):
- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);
- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;
- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;
- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);
- There are three trading domes or so called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;
- Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;
- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;
- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.
Optionally can be added by request:
Visit Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a
monument of early medieval architecture.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D9

BUKHARA – SHAKHRISABZ - SAMARKAND

After Breakfast at the hotel, at 09:00 transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz town through beautiful Takhta Karacha pass (320 km). Photo stops en-route.

Meet the guide in Shahrisabz.

Excursion tour in Shakhrisabz includes visiting (2,5 hrs):

- Ak Saray Palace (“White Palace”), the ruins of the summer palace of Tamerlane. The palace was constructed and decorated by deported from conquered Khorezm skillful builders, masters and artisans. Some parts of the gate tower survived to the present day.

- Mausoleum of Dorus-Saodat ("The Place of Power", XIV century) contains the tomb of Eldest and favorite Tamerlane’s son Jahongir.

- Visit Kok Gumbaz, so-called “House of Meditation.

- Mausoleum Gumbazi-Seyidon of the XVI century where the descendants of Ulugbek are buried.

Continue to Samarkand. Arrival in Samarkand. Hotel check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

 

 

 

D10

 

SAMARKAND – TASHKENT

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):

- Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants is decorated with gold ornaments and is considered as one of the most significant sights of the world;

- Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture, the ensemble of grandiose buildings: Ulugbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori;

- Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century;

- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of the Muslim saint Abbas ibn- Kussam;

- Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;

- Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

16:30 Transfer from hotel to the train station.

17:28 Departure for Tashkent by speed train Afrosiab or Sharq.

19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D11

TASHKENT - KHUJAND

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 Meet the driver in the lobby.

Transfer to Uzbek - Tajik border post "Oybek" (~100 km). Border crossing to Tajikistan takes about 30 min-1 hr.

Meet the guide and driver at the Tajikistan side of the border and transfer to Khujand (70 km, 1h.) – The center of Sugd region of Northern Tajikistan.

Start sightseeing tour in Khujand:

- Khujand, the second-largest city and one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan, the furthest point Alexander the Great reached in Central Asia, so the city was named Alexandria Eschate (Alexandria the Furthest).

- Pushkin square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square;

-Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum;

- Muslihiddin memorial complex;

- Panjshanbe bazaar, Khujand’s central market that has many stores offering different kinds of goods and services. The name Panjshanbe comes from Persian language meaning “Thursday”. Panjshanbe is considered as one of the oldest markets in Tajikistan. The Silk Road routes passed through Khujand and had always made Panjshanbe crowded with merchants and travelers.

- Arbob palace.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D12

KHUJAND - DUSHANBE

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Dushanbe by car over Shakristan and Anzob passes (~ 5 hrs).

Arrival in Dushanbe, check-in the hotel. Short rest.

In the afternoon start Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:

- Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana.

- Tajik flagpole-one of the World tallest flagpoles (165-meter flagpole);

- The main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni-the ancestor of Tajik Nation located in the main square. A 40-meter high monument built to the memory of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty;

- Mehrgon Bazaar - one of the biggest markets of Dushanbe.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast at Local Restaurant in Bishkek, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D13

DUSHANBE - ALMATY

Transfer to the airport for departure flight to Almaty. 16:15 Arrival at Almaty International Airport.

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the staff holding a sign “East Asia Point” or with your name on it.

Transfer to the hotel from Almaty airport to the city center may take about 30 min- 1 hr depending on the hotel location and traffic. Arrival in the hotel. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel.Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D14

ALMATY

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Sightseeing around Almaty includes visiting:

- Medeu, the World's largest speed skating rink known as Medeo. At the end of the gorge there is a ski resort Shymbulak, situated at an altitude of 2.200 m above sea level. It is one of Central Asia's top skiing spots where one can take a cable car funicular to Shymbulak Ski resort.

- Panfilov Park. The name of the Panfilov Park comes after the heroes of Panfilov. There is a big monument in commemoration of the heroic actions made by 28 Almaty Soldiers who died in 1941 near Moscow.

- Zenkov Cathedral. Zenkov Wooden Constructed Cathedral is one of the eight unique wooden buildings in the world. It is one of the few buildings to survive the 1911 earthquake, despite the fact it is built entirely of wood and constructed without nails;

- National Musical Instruments Museum (Exept MON). In the Museum of Musical Instruments, one can find various national musical instruments, the oldest of which is of the XVII century.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel.Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

 

D15

ALMATY – ALTYN EMEL 265km/4hrs

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:00 Transfer to Altyn Emel National Park.

Upon arrival change the bus to a Russian truck and transfer to Besshatyr burial mounds is the main sight of the national park. Burial mounds are concentrated at the territory of 2 sq.km and could have a height from 2 to 20 m.

Continue explore Altyn Emel National Park famous for its rich flora and fauna but also for singing dunes (barchans).

Nature phenomenon, that many scientists still try to get the reasonable explanation, is crescent-like barchan of about 120 m high that produces distinctive melodically rumbling sounds when the wind blows.

 

Picnic lunch and exploration of the area.

 

Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in Baschi village.

 

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel. Packed lunch, Dinner at the guesthouse

D16

ALTYN EMEL – CHARYN CANYON 265km/4hrs – ALMATY 220km/3.5hrs

Early morning transfer to Almaty

On the way visit Charyn Canyon. The length of the Red canyon is about 3 km, width from 20 up to 130 m, depth up to 100 m. It involuntarily this creation of nature can be compared with “The Grand Canyon” on the Colorado River in the USA. Landscapes have external similarity, but the canyon in the Northern America has length of 800 km, at depth from 1200 up to 1800 m.

After excursion continue drive to Almaty. Upon arrival dinner at the local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast at the guest house, packed lunch, Dinner at local restaurant

D17

ALMATY – KARAKOL  (370 km ~ 6hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to KARAKOL by car to the border cross Kegen. Border crossing usually takes 30 min~1h.

Please note: while passing the border one needs to be ready to handle the entire luggage across the border by him/herself (~300 m).

Before continuing the road to Karakol picnic lunch on the fresh air around of mountains with beautiful landscape.

Arrival at the hotel afternoon time, check-in, Short time to rest.

 

On arrival, start sightseeing in Karakol visiting:

- The wooden Russian-orthodox church.

- Dungan mosque is one of the most famous places in Karakol town. The most interesting thing is that it is built without a single metal nail. More than 100 years ago, there was a Chinese master who lived in this town. Dungans are people from China who had Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.

- Museum of N.M. Przhevalski (Russian explorer of Asian continent),

Transfer to the hotel.

 

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel. Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant.

D18

KARAKOL-DJETY OGUZ –BOKONBAEVO VILLAGE (135km-2.5h)

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Jeti Oguz gorge.

- Jeti Oguz gorge is famous for its red rocks formations that have the name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. One can see there the Broken Heart Mountain, one of the most popular places among locals and visitors. By request, light hiking tour to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge.

- If the weather permits you can visit Skazka canyons. The canyon was named due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. Some formations in “Skazka” have been named for their similarity to well-known objects.

- Continue to Bokonbaevo village, to stop for a Home style lunch and for a local eagle-hunting show. The eagles are fed to hunt hares and foxes (a traditional way of nomadic hunting).

Evening transfer back to Karakol for overnight at hotel.

Dinner at local café/restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel. Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant. 

D19

KARAKOL- ISSYK KUL (north shore) (142km-2.5h)

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Issyk-Kul lake sightseeing en-route:

- Issyk-Kul is called "the pearl of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. Arrival to CHOLPON ATA,

- Visit a place with ancient pictures on stones - petroglyphs, where you can see a panorama view of the Issyk Kul Lake. Shamans made these petroglyphs and told people that this place was the middle of the world. The stones are at the same place waiting for the visitors to reveal their secrets.

- Ruh ordo cultural complex.

Transfer to the hotel.

 Accommodation in the hotel on the North Shore of the lake.

- Walking on the shore of the lake. Issyk Kul is one of the most wonderful lakes of the world, located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “Hot Lake”. There are many activities that entertain people on the beach. Windsurfing, scooters, aqua parks, parachutes and rides on boats and ships. In winter, there are also spots of alpinism where people enjoy incredible landscapes.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel. Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant

D20

ISSYK KUL – BISHKEK (250km-4h)

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out from hotel and transfer to Bishkek. En-route stop to visit Burana Historical Complex, which is located within a large archaeological and architectural complex near Tokmok, 80 km to the east of Bishkek. This is a unique minaret, built in the 11th century in the medieval town Balasagun, the capital of prosperous Karakhanid State. Once near the tower stood a mosque and a minaret which was used to call people to pray. The height of the tower is about 25m, while in the Middle Ages, it was more than 40m. It is assumed that a part of the tower was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century. You can climb the stairs to the top of Burana, where you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding valley. On the east side of the tower there are the remains of mausoleums. Along the perimeter of the museum complex, you can find ancient Turkic stone sculptures.

at Arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon.

in the afternoon start Bishkek walking tour visiting:

Oak Park - city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among tourists in Bishkek.

- Ala-Too Square is the central square in Bishkek. It serves as a place for state events and celebrations. Philharmonic hall – situated at the top of Rose Alley.

- Statue of Manas (Manas is a legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).

- Victory Square where one can see the Victory monument, a memorial was completed in 1984. Usually, the main festival events are held in Bishkek at the eternal flame, on Victory Square with the guard of honor, forces of Kyrgyz garrison and a military band.

- State History Museum (closed on Mondays) is a perfect display of the Kyrgyz people and the history of the country of Kyrgyzstan.

- Visit the central bazaar.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel. Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant.

D21

BISHKEK – Departure

Breakfast at the hotel,

Transfer to the airport.

Morning departure flight from Bishkek.

 

***END OF SERVICES***

 

All rates upon request

Proposed Hotels:

Cities

Nights

Standard Hotels 3/4*

Superior Hotels 4/5*

Baku

3

Midtown hotel or similar

Park Inn or similar

Tashkent

3

Uzbekistan, Corner, Sato or similar

International, Qushbegi Plaza or similar

Khiva

1

Lokomotiv, Old Khiva or similar

Zarafshon boutique or similar  

Bukhara

2

Lyabi House,Imperial Palace or similar

Basilic, Zargaron Plaza or similar

Samarkand

1

Eurasia, Jahon Palace or similar

Grand Samarkand, Arhan Palace or similar

Khujand

1

Firus or Sugdiyon

Parlament

Dushanbe

1

Atlas

Rumi

Almaty

3

Kazzhol Almaty or similar

Kazzhol Park or similar

Altyn Emel

1

Guesthouse

Guesthouse

Bishkek

1

Bridges or similar

Plaza Bishkek or similar

Issyk Kul

1

Ak Bermet or similar

Caprice Resort or similar

Karakol

2

Guesthouse Matsunoki or similar

Karagat Hotel or similar

 

 

Services included:

  1. Accommodation (DBL/TWIN shared)
  2. Meals: Full board
  3. Entrance fees and porterage at hotels
  4. Flight Tashkent - Urgech
  5. English speaking guide
  6. All local taxes
  7. Map of UZ/KZ/KG/TJ/TM
  8. Mineral water (1 L during long transfers)
  9. A/C Transport - Uzbekistan: Bus 43 seats (16 pax & more), Minibus 14-30 seats (7-15 pax), Minivan 5-9 seats (3-6 pax), Sedan Car (2 pax).
  10. A/C Transport – Kazakhstan: Minibus 16 seats (4-9 pax), Bus 45 seats (10+ pax)
  11. 11. A/C Transport – Kyrgyzstan: Bus 45 seats (10 pax & more), Minibus 16-17 seats (4-10 pax)

Not included: International flights, alcohol/soft drinks, tips and gratuities, porterages, visa fees, any personal expenses, any services not included in the above program

     Visa: For Azerbaijan visa click here, Kazakhstan visa click here, Kyrgyzstan visa click here, Uzbekistan visa click here, Tajikistan visa click here

Visa support is provided upon request (additional charges may apply).

 IMPORTANT:

  • If a place of visit is closed to visitors, it will be replaced with an alternative. During major events, accommodation may be changed and replaced with a similar category
  • Sequence of itinerary and hotels given is subject to changes without prior notice.
  • Hotel accommodation is subject to availability. No reservations are made before confirmation received from client. If mentioned hotels are not available, we will substitute them with other hotels of similar class.
  • Domestic flights are subject to change in timing and availability. If mentioned flight is not available, it will be changed to convenient one depending on tour program

Payment:

  • Tour payment should be made not less than 45 days prior to tourist group arrival to our bank account as per invoice.

Cancellation fees:

  • Cancellation prior 45 days – No charges apply 
  • Cancellation prior 20 days – 50% charge of the tour price
  • Cancellation prior 10 days – 100% charge of the tour price

Once again thanks for your kind attention and cooperation. Please feel free to contact us, if you have any inquiries.

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