OVERVIEW
Journey through the remote landscapes of Central Asia along the ancient Silk Road, on this fascinating adventure into the heart of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Experience the wild mountain landscapes of Kyrgyzstan before crossing over the border onto the vast plains of Uzbekistan. Discover mountain villages, stay in traditional yurts as nomads do and mingle with locals in bazaars, as well as see some of the most striking Islamic architecture in the region.
ITINERARY
Arrival in Bishkek, the city where the Silk Road used to pass.Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, which was formed in 1825 and the buildings were built of clay by Khan Kokand. 43 years later, the city was destroyed by the Russians.
Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the hotel and give you a city tour by bus, part of the tour will be on foot. We will tell you about the main monuments and sights of the city. Let’s walk through the oak park
Meals provided – none
Leaving the city, we will plunge into the very heart of this nation. On the way, we will visit the Buran Tower and what remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. This tower is considered the oldest in all of Central Asia, where you can see the walls built of brick
We will see petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata, the size of the stones is very different, from 30 cm and above. Most of the drawings on the rocks are the figures of capricorns, goats, hunters. From the same tower you can see the huge mountain lake Issyk bullets, along which we will drive, and late in the evening we will visit the small town of Karakol. In the evening, we will eat local food prepared by residents of the Dungan ethnic groups. You will have a unique opportunity to learn all about traditions and their lifestyles.
Meals provided – breafast and dinner
The great geographer Prejevalsky was one of the pioneers of Central Asia, his expeditions lasted more than 20 years, he traveled more than 33 thousand kilometers. He mapped more than 20 thousand square kilometers of the new territory. We will visit the museum of this researcher. Also, we will see with you the mosque of 1910 built in the style of Buddha.
After that, we will go to see the valley of the seven bulls in Gety Oguz. Jety Oguz is a ridge of red rocks covered with forest grounds. The length of the cliffs is 37 kilometers, and the landscape of the gorge was formed thanks to the river of the same name. Huge dark green forests stretching on the mountain slopes of red sandstone create an amazing color contrast.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today we will continue our train on the coast of Issyk-Kul Lake, we will make a couple of stops to enjoy the cold breeze of the mountain lake. Then we go to the mountain gorge. The majestic Terskei Alatoo mountain range frames the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. In its slopes there are many magnificent paradise corners with picturesque scenery. One of them is the Barskoon Gorge, which is about 30 kilometers long. But our last stop is Kochkor, an ordinary village where we will spend the night in a guest house, get to know the locals even more.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER
Women in the settlements are famous for their skills in making things out of felt. And we will have a unique opportunity to see with our own eyes how people make felt carpets with their hands, believe me, this is quite a difficult work, but the process is very interesting.
Then we head along the mountain road to Lake Sankol, which is at an altitude of 3010 meters. The lake itself is very impressive and the second largest in Kyrgyzstan. The lake is covered with mountain edelweisses, surrounded by snow peaks, and located among green meadows. In the summer, shepherds drive their cattle to the grasslands, and there they build their dwellings for a time.
After arriving at the yurts, we will have time to walk to the lake, or time to relax in the yurts. The yurt is a round structure that is made of felt, inside in the form of decorations are used hides of sheep, the yurt is very easily adapted to the transfer from place to place where 7-8 people can live. Thanks to this atmosphere, you will plunge into the real life of the nomads.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER
In the morning, you can relax on the lake, or walk to the mountains that surround the lake. You and I are going for a walk on the green slopes. With any luck, we can meet the locals and talk to them. The walk will take about 4 hours, the height of the maximum point is 3300 m. After lunch, we go back to Kochkor via Teksay-Topok Pass. In the evening, we will have a folklore performance of the ensemble, ballads, songs about love, accompanied by Kyrgyz national instruments.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER
Today we head west on the road through the Tian Shan Wild Mountains. Our path will pass through the stunning Suisse Valley, which is located at an altitude of 2000-3200 m with a length of 155 km. In winter, there are snow storms, while in summer the whole valley is covered with green grass. The route will be 320 km long, so charge your cameras for stunning shots.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER
After breakfast, we follow the path along the Ala Bel Pass (3175 m), the route passes through one of the most picturesque gorges of the republic — Chychkan. It is best known for its lake. Then there is the waterfall, and in the headwaters there are cave paintings. You and I will walk to Lake Saz Kol. Saz-Kel is a small but very picturesque lake, reflecting the blue sky, adjacent mountain peaks and trees like in a mirror! This will take about two hours up and an hour down. After enjoying the visible view of the lake, we head on the road to the Naryn River (Toktogul reservoir, which is one of the largest in Central Asia.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER
Today we leave Toktogul along the wilderness, thanks to which Kyrgyzstan is a memorable country to visit. Our destination is Jalal Abad, a town in the Fergana Valley and surrounded by the Baba Ata Mountains. The city produces mineral water for sale throughout Central Asia, and the city is famous for its many resorts. And do not forget that this is a center where most of the vegetables and fruits are grown. When you arrive, you will have free time
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today we go to the charming village of Arslanbob, 90 km away. We will be met by a guide, then we will walk through the grove with walnuts, sometimes this grove is called ‘The Royal Woods of Kyrgyzstan’. The height of the trees is about 30 meters, and they grow in a completely wild nature. Also, we will go to the waterfall, which is located in the depths of the forest. The walk will take about three hours, and the difficulty level does not present any problems.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
We travel along the wide Fergana Valley, leaving the beautiful city of Jalal Abad. Today we are on our way to the beautiful city of Osh, which according to legend was discovered by King Solomon. It is the second largest city in the country, and by the ancient remains you can see for yourself how old it is.
At the border of Dostilik, we will go through all customs formalities with you, say goodbye to the beautiful mountainous country of Kyrgyzstan. The first overnight stop will be in the city of Fergana
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today we will move with you by small transport crossing the Kamchik pass, which is at an altitude of 2300 m. We will stay with you in the town of Rishtan, which is famous for ceramics and handicrafts. During the Silk Road, local artisans imitated Chinese ceramic designers. But over time, they brought something of their own, traditional, Uzbek. And another stop will be in the town of Kokand, in the evening we will arrive in Tashkent
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
On this day, we will have a city tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which has existed for more than 2,000 years. In 1966, there was a massive earthquake that almost completely destroyed the city, after which the city was rebuilt with very wide streets and parks. Today we will visit the Independence Square, the Old Town, the Navoi Theatre, monuments. Particular attention should be paid to the metro, which strikes with its decor at the stations. You’ll have some free time after lunch.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Before departure, we will have a little time to see Tashkent and then we are going to Urgench by plane. Upon arrival, we will visit one of the old towns of Khiva, where we will spend 2 nights with you.
Khiva is an open-air museum city. The age of the city is 2500 years. In 1990, UNESCO included it in the World Heritage Program.
Khiva is one of the main points on the way of the Great Silk Road. It was the center of Khiva Khanate and many times was destroyed and restored. Traders from Khorezm were waited in many towns as the firs and fabrics from here were considered to be the best. Despite the fact that the appearance of modern Khiva didn’t change from the times of Khiva Khanate archeological excavations show the cultural layers relating to the centuries BC.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today we will have a city tour where we will be able to see scenes from the film Arabian Nights as we will watch the old Citadel.
The Khiva Juma Mosque is noteworthy — the uniqueness of which is that it does not have an inner courtyard. Its arches support 212 carved columns, each with a unique pattern and history. Inside the mosque during the day there is a great mixture of light and shadow which gives coolness even in the hottest day. The columns are located so that from any point you can see the minbar — a niche symbolizing Mecca, in the direction of which believers should be turned during prayer.
The afternoon will be free for visiting mosques and palaces.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today we are going to Bukhara, it will take all day, but we have stops, as we are going along the wide valleys and old caravans of sheds. Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan. Sacred Bukhara is one of the oldest cities of the East, shrouded in ancient legends. In ancient times, it was the largest trade and economic center in Central Asia. This town has about 140 monuments. We’ll spend the next three nights in this town.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today we’ll have a walking tour first. In the central part of Bukhara there is the square of Labi-houses. Around it is a complex of ancient buildings. The Poi Kalyan architectural ensemble was built by Arslan Khan. The place was chosen not by chance: in the past there was already a mosque here. At the time of the project creation, only ruins remained from it. The new building accommodated about 12,000 people for simultaneous prayer. By this indicator it became the second in the country. The minaret is more than 46 meters high. It’s never been repaired.
The Ark Citadel is the oldest archaeological site in Bukhara. Omar Khayyam also lived here for a while. The unique library did not survive due to regular wars and attacks on the stronghold.
Also, you and I will visit the Magoki-Attari Mosque, which is located on the site of an ancient sanctuary. It was created to worship the moon, so the mosque is sometimes called Moss, which translates as the “moon.” The premises of the mosque have literally gone underground, but are now restored in their former form. In ancient times, Jews could also perform rituals in Magoki-Attari. Because of this, the followers of Judaism from Bukhara had a special wish for peace in prayer.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today you will have a free day, spend it with pleasure. You can climb the 46 meter tower and see a stunning view of the city. Or you can visit the local market, plunge into the atmosphere of the locals, where you can buy a lot of souvenirs.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today we will head to the small town of Gidzhvan, near Bukhara. You and I are going to see the famous pottery center. Traveling through the Gidzhuvan district, you can get acquainted with ancient traditions and customs, see unique technologies for making souvenirs, ceramics, clothes, products made of silk and yarn, dolls, floral compositions, sweets.
Our next stop is Karmana, one of the most ancient regions of Uzbekistan, where we will visit the Mir Said Bahram mausoleum. Further along the road we will go with you to the city of Nurata. Historians associate the formation of the city with the Noor Fortress (translated as “ray”, “ray of light”), built here by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. The fortress played the role of a border structure between wild steppes and agricultural areas. The ruins of the fortification have survived to this day and are one of the attractions of Nurata.
Next, we are going with you to Yangikazgang, the overnight will be in the yurts, and if you wish, you can ride a camel. Here you can walk around the area, observe the desert fauna. The yurts accommodate 5 people, you will be given a set of bed linen, towels, pillows and blankets. Each yurt has sockets and electric lamps. Food will be served at the local restaurant.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
We’re going to Samarkand this morning. Samarkand is a city of blue and green domes, bright facades and luxurious paintings, in the kaleidoscope of which you can get lost. This city is a real Oriental fairy tale with a rage of colors. Fantastic cuisine, hospitality and authentic history await you.
Registan is the heart of the city and one of the most famous attractions of all Central Asia. This is exactly why they are going to distant Uzbekistan. Then we will visit the Bibi-Hanim Mosque – it is the largest mosque in Central Asia. According to legend, it was built by Temur’s older wife – Saray-Mulk-Khanum – together with masters from India, Iran, Khorezm and the Golden Horde.
At the end of the day, we will visit the most popular mausoleum of Nur-Emir dedicated to the national hero of the Uzbek people – Tamerlane (Amir Timur). This is where he and his family are buried.
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
This morning we will start our guided tour and go to the Shah and Zinda complex. The harmony of a living composition that reflects the history of 25-century Samarkand is a mysterious and unrivalled archaeological and architectural memorial complex – the necropolis of Shahi-Zinda. The most magnificent and picturesque masterpiece of architectural monuments. Then we will visit the Ulug Beck Observatory. The creator of one of the most curious historical monuments of Samarkand, a unique structure – a medieval observatory, is Muhammad Taragai, better known as Ulugbek. A museum named Ulugbek was built next to the site of the once majestic observatory in 1964.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to explore the city yourself. In the city it is worth trying Uzbek mantas. Locals treat tourists right in the courtyards of their residential clay houses: when it is warm – dine under small canopies near the houses, in cool weather – travelers are invited to go to one of the rooms. At the same time, you will definitely be watered with strong sweet green tea, and mantas will be served with a salad of vegetables. Be sure to visit Kokandska Street – it is there that the famous Samarkand samasa is prepared, which you will want to eat without stopping
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Today is a free day, after lunch we will go to Tashkent by high-speed train. Tonight will be the last dinner
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST
Your trip ends this morning
MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST