Silk Road melody Tour 4

 

Silk Road melody Tour 4
Destination: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan 
Duration: 20 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Charyn - Kegen border - Karakol - Kochkor - Son Kul Lake - Chon Kemin - Bishkek - Ala Archa - Osh - Kyrgyz-Tajik border Guliston - Khudjand - Penjakent - Jartepo border - Samarkand - Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva - Bukhara - Farab border - Mary - Merv - Ashgabat - Darwaza - Ashgabat

Day 1: Almaty
The team of our company is glad to see you on Silk Road melody Tour 4. You will have the city tour and visit the Green Bazaar! Here you will see the oldest Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral. You will walk to the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the heroes for freedom and independence of the country. In the afternoon, you will see the Medeo Gorge and see the highest mountain skating rink in the world. The next destination of our tour is the Kok-Tobe hill where you can see the tallest TV tower in the world. On the way you will see souvenir shops where you can get gifts for your family. In the evening, you will see the whole city by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to hotel for rest in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty - Charyn - Kegen border - Karakol
In the morning you will drive to the Charyn Canyon. It is a natural monument of Kazakhstan of 12 million years old and famous for around the world. It will take for about 3 hours to reach there. The guide will share some interesting fact about it. The beautiful nature around the gorge will not leave anyone indifferent. On arrival to Charyn Canyon you will be impressed by panorama view. Afterwards is transfer to Kegen border. Night is in a guesthouse.

Day 3: Karakol - Kochkor
The tour will start by travelling to Kochkor village. In addition, you can visit Jeti Oguz gorge or Seven Bull. It is famous for its red rocks formations in a row. You will find the Broken Heart Mountain. Here you will see the beautiful panoramic view and take fabulous photos. Then we will drive to Bokonbaeva village. On the way you will visit the local eagle trainer and presented by an eagle show. On arrival at Kochkor village, you will have rest in a hotel.

Day 4: Kochkor - Son Kul Lake
The next destination of our wonderful tour is travelling to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan - Son Kul Lake. This unique lake will not leave anyone indifferent. It is surrounded by mountains and reflected to be the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan of 3013 meters above sea level. Here you will meet local families and invited for tea. Kyrgyz people are very hospitable and always welcome guests with open heart. This is an opportunity to take pleasure on fresh air and photoshoot. You will spend night in felt nomadic dwellings - yurts.

Day 5: Son Kul Lake - Chon Kemin
In the morning you will transfer to Chon Kemin village. The road will pass by the Kalmak Ashu pass of 3 225 meters high. On the way you will have stop in Kochkor village. Being there you can learn how to make Kyrgyz national felt carpets and even make your own. Here you can visit the small handicraft museum and see silver decorations, coats made of wolfs, horse saddle decorations, carpets and many others. When you arrive to Chon Kemin village, you will spent night in a house of a Kyrgyz family.

Day 6: Chon Kemin - Bishkek
The morning will start by having 3 hours of horse riding. Taking the strongest horse, you will ride among beautiful gorges and forest. You can take many photos on tours and have pleasure. Afterwards we will drive to Bishkek city. On the way you can visit the Burana Tower, built in the 11^th century as well as see an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors) originated in honor of brave heroes that died for their Motherland. On arrival is transfer to hotel for rest.

Day 7: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek  
The first part of our tour will start by having the city tour in Bishkek. You can start from the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and others. In the second part of day, we will drive to Ala Archa gorge. It will take just 45 km from Bishkek. On arrival, you will be impressed by natural park. The Ala Archa gorge is located on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range and perfect for hiking and picnic. In the evening we will return to Bishkek. Transfer to hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek - Osh  
Today you will have a flight to the city of Osh. On arrival, you will have the city tour and visit Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too (Solomon's Mountain) is located in the city center and considered to be pilgrimage place for local Muslims. The legend says that biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman, in the Koran) was buried at the foot of this mountain. In the afternoon, visit the Asian Bazaar. The night will be spent in a hotel.

Day 9: Osh - Kyrgyz-Tajik border Guliston - Khudjand
In the morning, you will drive to Tajik border. You will pass by via high passes and take lots of photos on tours and see untouched nature of mountains. On the way, you will pass via Batken region and amaze by apricot trees as well flower - Aigul. The Tajik driver will meet you and drive to Khujand city which is the second largest city of Tajikistan, located on the Syr Darya River at the entrance of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan as called Sughd today. In the second part of day visit Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan elected. Then we will visit the Central Mosque. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 10: Khudjand - Penjakent   
We are glad to present the next day driving to Penjakent via pass Shahriston of 3 378 m. The city of Penjakent or so called "five villages" is located in Khujand, Tajikistan nearby Zeravshan river valley. This city was found in the 5th-8th centuries AD. Penjikent in past times was the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd and called "Central Asian Pompeii". It was a well maintained city with a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses adorned with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. Today our dear travelers will have the opportunity to see the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers' church. Transfer to hotel for rest.

Day 11: Penjakent - Jartepo border - Samarkand 
Meet your guide at Jartepo border at 10:00 and transfer to Samarkand. It is 45km. Talking of Samarkand, it is located in the valley of the river Zerafshan and deliberated to be the second largest city of Uzbekistan as the old lands of Babylon and Rome. Later on, you will visit the Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is a well-known complex of three captivating Madrasahs found in the 15-17^th centuries. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh has a big assemblage of tombs found in the 11^th-15 centuries and later on became the part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built for the beloved Tamerlane's wife. Transfer to hotel for sleep.

Day 12: Samarkand - Tashkent   
This tour will start by travelling to Tashkent by train. When you arrive there, you will have the city tour and visit the Independence square. It is the main symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then, you will walk over the local Broadway and see Amir Timur square. On the way, you will be impressed by the famous Tashkent metro opened in 1977. The next destination of our tour is the Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam. The Hast Imam complex is famous for its sacred madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. Visit the Othman Quran and find it as the world's oldest Quran copy found in the 8^th century. Quran fitted to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four noble Caliphs who flourished the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8^th century and his sacred blood spred over the Quran pages. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 13: Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva
In the morning you will have flight to Urgench and then travel to Khiva. On arrival, you will have an opportunity to explore the oldest city of Uzbekistan. The inside of Ichan-Qala, the inner city in Khiva is enclosed with sturdy walls. It is interesting to see old sound buildings, palaces, mosques; Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses one-sided Ichan-Qala into incomparable ancient city. Ichan-Qala covers over 400 traditional dwelling houses and 60 architectural monuments. Before long time ago, as in 1969 Ichan-Qala was selected an antique and architectural conservation zone. Then, you can visit the Kunya-Ark fortress of the 17^th century, established by Muhammad Arang Khan. Later on, visit the Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. We are sure you will like it on tours. Transfer to hotel for sleep.

Day 14: Khiva - Bukhara
The tour will start by travelling to Bukhara. Here you can find more than 140 architectural monuments. The city is also called "town museum", belonging to the Middle Ages. You will be impressed by narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments and others. The road of the tour will be passes by from Khiva to Bukhara via famous Kizilkum desert. Here you can be impressed by the perfect view to Amu Darya river. It is the deepest river in Central Asia, shaped by the convergence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan, flowing into Aral See. Arrival in Bukhara. Night is in a hotel.

Day 15: Bukhara
We are glad to impress you by the next day of having a guided city tour in Bukhara. First to all, visit the citadel in Bukhara, belonging to the 4^th century as Citadel Ark. It related with some dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Afterwards we will visit Samanids mausoleum of 9^th-10^th centuries. The next destination of our tour is the Chashma Ayub or so called Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque. You will find forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. On the way, you will be impressed by wonderful shops and enjoy on tours. Here you will find the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara as Nodir Divan Begi which is also a Lyabi House Ensemble. Later on, you will visit the Poi Kalon complex as one of the beautiful art of Bukhara which has three structures built in the 12^th - 16^th centuries. They are Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Transfer to a hotel.

Day 16: Bukhara - Farab border - Mary/Merv
Today you will be transferred to the border with Turkmenistan near Turkmenabad. On the other side, you will be met by the local guide at the Turkmen/Uzbek border and drive to Turkmenabad city. In the afternoon, you will have the tour to Mary city. Night is in a hotel.

Day 17: Mary - Ashgabat
After breakfast, the tour will start by driving to Mary city. You will have an opportunity to visit Ancient Merv which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the archaeological remais of Central Asia and deliberated to be the noteworthy part of Turkmenistan and made the growth of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. In XII century, mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd time-honored the great Seljuk period of brickwork and architectural style. In the evening, you will travel to Ashgabat city. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 18: Ashgabat - Darwaza
In the morning we will drive to the Gas Crater - Darvaza which is located to the North of Ashgabat. Being there in the evening you will be impressed by the stunning view of crater and take vibrant photos. In addition, you can have a tasty picnic and spend safe night in a comfortable tent.

Day 19: Darwaza - Ashgabat
The last day of our tour will start by driving to Ashgabat City. Visit "Old Nisa" - The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings (UNESCO site) where we can see the sacred mosque as "Gypjak" and Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan. We hope you liked our tours. Rest is in a hotel.

Day 20: Flight
Morning transfer to airport. Thank you for Silk Road melody Tour 4!

Transport in Kazakhstan:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus

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

Transport in Tajikistan:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex

Transport in Uzbekistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Minibus

Transport in Turkmenistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-08 pax - Minibus
10 pax - Bus

Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax - 3 085 $
04 pax - 2 215 $
06 pax - 1 890 $
08 pax - 1 660 $
10 pax - 1 670 $
Single - 355 $

Early check-in - 25 $
Single early check-in - 45 $ 

Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax - 3 320 $
04 pax - 2 470 $
06 pax - 2 140 $
08 pax - 1 910 $
10 pax - 1 870 $
Single - 540 $

Early check-in - 40 $
Single early check-in - 70 $ 

Half board - 240 $*
Full board - 490 $*

Entrance fees - 55 $* 

Meals and entrance fees are available with escort guide only.*

Supplement for escort guide in Uzbekistan - 350 $ per group

Tashkent - Urgench flight - from 80 $

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3* / "KazZhol" Hotel 4*
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Guesthouse
Kochkor - Homestay
Son Kul - Yurts, "Nomad's Dream" camp (4 pax in 1)
Chon Kemin - Homestay
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4* /"Plaza" Hotel 4*
Osh - "Sun Rise" Hotel 3*/ "Classic" Hotel 4*
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Penjikent - "Sugd" Hotel 3
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*/ "Diyora" Hotel 4*
Tashkent - "Samir" Hotel 3*/ "Ramada" Hotel 4*
Khiva - "Old Khiva" Hotel 3*/ "Lokomotiv" Hotel 4*
Bukhara - "Porso" Hotel 3*/ "Omar Khayam" Hotel 4*
Mary - "Mary" Hotel 3*/ "Merv" Hotel 4*
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*/ "Ak Altyn" Hotel 4*
Darwaza - Tents
- Visa support to TM
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Train tickets Samarkand - Tashkent
- English speaking local guides in UZ
- English speaking escort guides in KZ, KG, TJ, TM
- Flight tickets Bishkek - Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Tashkent - Urgench flight
- Migration tax (12 $ + 4 $bank fee)
- Fees for using cameras on monuments