Uzbekistan, Tashkent (arrival day)

• Until 12:00 – Meet at the International airport and transfer to the hotel.
• Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan. It has a population of over 2 million people and is the largest city in the country. Tashkent is known for its important cultural and historical landmarks, including the Khast Imam Complex, which houses the world-renowned Quran of Caliph Uthman. The city is also home to several museums and parks, including Amir Timur Museum and the Central Botanical Garden.
• 14:30 - Accommodation at the hotel. Free time. 

Uzbekistan, Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva (flight to Urgench)

• ---

  07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport.
• 09:00 – Flight to Urgench
• 10:30 – Departure from Urgench to Khiva
• 11:00 – arriving Khiva and start sightseeing

• ---

  Tour around Khiva (inside Ichan-Kala ‘inner city’ historic old city): Pakhlavan Mahmoud Complex, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Kalta Minor Minaret, Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah, Tash Khauli-Khan Palace, Juma Mosque, Muhammad Amin-Khan Minaret and Madrasah.
• Khiva is an ancient city in Uzbekistan, located within the Khorezm region. It has a well-preserved old town that dates back to the 10th century and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is surrounded by walls and its old streets are home to unique mosques, madrassas, and mausoleums, including the Juma Mosque and the Kalta Minor minaret.
• Ichan-Kala, also known as the inner city, is a walled city within Khiva that dates back to the 10th century. It is home to several important landmarks, including the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Complex, the Kunya-Ark Fortress, and the Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah.
• The Pakhlavan Mahmoud Complex is a mausoleum and mosque located within Ichan-Kala. It is dedicated to the Sufi poet and wrestler Pakhlavan Mahmoud and features intricate artwork and architecture.
• The Kunya-Ark Fortress is a historic palace located within Ichan-Kala that dates back to the 17th century. It was once the residence of the Khivan khans, and today, visitors can explore its courtyards and palace rooms.
• The Kalta Minor Minaret is a large, blue-tiled minaret located within Ichan-Kala. It was intended to be the tallest minaret in Central Asia but was never completed due to the death of its builder.
• The Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah is a historic Islamic school located within Ichan-Kala. Its minaret is one of the tallest in Uzbekistan and features intricate tilework and brickwork.
• The Tash Khauli-Khan Palace is a historic palace located within Khiva that dates back to the 19th century. It features beautiful tilework and intricate wooden carvings.
• The Juma Mosque is a historic mosque located within Ichan-Kala. It dates back to the 10th century and features unique wooden-pillared architecture.
• The Muhammad Amin-Khan Minaret and Madrasah is a historic Islamic school and minaret located in the city of Khiva. It dates back to the 19th century and features beautiful tilework and intricate brickwork.

• ---

  18:00 – Accommodation at the hotel

Uzbekistan, Khiva - Bukhara

• ---

  07:30 - Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – Departure to Bukhara, drive across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and along the Amudarya River.

• ---

  The Kyzyl-Kum Desert is a large desert that covers much of Uzbekistan and several other Central Asian countries. It is known for its striking scenery and unique wildlife.
• Bukhara is a city in Uzbekistan that is known for its well-preserved historic center, which features several important Islamic buildings and monuments.

• ---

  17:00 – Arriving Bukhara, accommodation at the hotel.
• 18:00 – Shopping time, souvenir shops / workshops.

Uzbekistan, Bukhara sightseeing

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – sightseeing tour around Bukhara: Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Ark Citadel, Po-i-Kalyan Complex (Kalyan Minaret and others), Ulugbek Madrasah, Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah. After lunch visit Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, domed shopping arcade.

• ---

  Ismail Samani Mausoleum is a historic mausoleum located in Samarkand. It dates back to the 10th century and is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The mausoleum is made of fired bricks and features intricately decorated domes and facades.
• Chashma Ayub Mausoleum is another historic mausoleum located in Samarkand. It is believed to have been built over a sacred spring and features beautiful marble tilework and unique architecture.
• Bolo Khauz Mosque is a historic mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. It was built in the 18th century and is known for its beautiful wooden columns and ornate design.
• Ark Citadel is an ancient fortress located in Bukhara that dates back to the 5th century. It was once the residence of the Bukharan emirs and today serves as a museum and tourist attraction.
• Poi-Kalyan Complex is a historic complex of Islamic buildings located in Bukhara. It includes several important architectural landmarks, including the Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, and the Miri Arab Madrasah.
• Ulugbek Madrasah is a historic Islamic school located in Samarkand. It was built in the 15th century and features unique architectural features, including intricate tilework and carvings.
• Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah is another historic Islamic school located in Bukhara. It was built in the 17th century and features unique tilework and detailed carvings.
• Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble is a historic ensemble of buildings located in Bukhara. It includes several important landmarks, including the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah. The centerpiece of the ensemble is a historic pool that provides a peaceful setting for visitors.
• Kukeldash Madrasah is a historic Islamic school located in Bukhara. It was built in the 16th century and is known for its unique carvings and intricate tilework.
• Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah is another historic Islamic school located in Bukhara. It was built in the 17th century and features unique architectural features, including a large entrance portal and intricate tilework.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch
• 18:00 – Accommodation at the hotel

Uzbekistan, Bukhara – Samarkand (train transfer)

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – Free morning.
• 11:00 – start time of tour, visit the out-of-town site, located in 20 min driving from Bukhara - Sitorai-Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara.

• ---

  Sitorai-Khosa is a palace located in the outskirts of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It was built in the early 20th century and served as the summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara. The palace features a unique blend of Oriental and European architectural styles.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch
• 15:00 – Further transfer to the railway station and transfer to Samarkand by a high-speed train.
• 19:00 – Arriving Samarkand, accommodation to hotel.

Uzbekistan, Samarkand

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – start sightseeing tour around Samarqand: visit Registan Square (Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, Tilla-Qori Madrasah), Gur-e Amir Mausoleum (Tamerlane’s sepulcher), Rukhabad Mausoleum (from the outside); after lunch visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Ulugbek Observatory.

• ---

  Samarkand is a city in Uzbekistan that is famous for its rich history and beautiful Islamic and Tajik-Persian architecture. It was once an important city on the ancient Silk Road and today is a popular tourist destination. Samarkand is home to several important landmarks, including Registan Square, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, and Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis.
• Registan Square is a historic square in Samarkand that is surrounded by three important Islamic buildings: Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilla-Qori Madrasah. It dates back to the 15th century and is known for its stunning tilework and intricate architectural details.

​​ 13:00 – Lunch time

• ---

  Gur-e Amir Mausoleum is a historic mausoleum located in Samarkand. It was built in the 15th century and is the final resting place of the Asian conqueror Timur and several of his descendants. The mausoleum features elaborate tilework and intricate carvings.
• Rukhabad Mausoleum is another historic mausoleum located in Samarkand. It was built in the 14th century and contains the tomb of the Islamic scholar and philosopher Sheikh Burhanuddin Sagardji. The mausoleum features a unique domed structure and intricate tilework.
• Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a historic mosque located in Samarkand. It was built in the 15th century and was once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. The mosque features intricate tilework and a large entrance portal.
• Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis is a complex of historic mausoleums and tombs located in Samarkand. It dates back to the 11th century and is the final resting place of several important figures in Islamic history. The complex features unique tilework and intricate carvings.
• Ulugbek Observatory is an ancient observatory located in Samarkand. It was built in the 15th century by the astronomer and mathematician Ulugbek and features unique astronomical instruments and carvings.

• ---

  18:00 – end of day

Tajikistan, Samarkand - Panjakent

• 07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 08:00 – Today we take trip to Tajikistan - the important part of ancient Sogdiana.
• 09:00 – transfer to the land border with Tajikistan. Border formalities. In border, because of the long border procedure might be we will change our transport.
• 10:00 – start visit region of Seven Lakes. The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann mountains; each of them has its own color. At the last of Seven Lakes - Hazorchashma Lake we enjoy a picnic.

• ---

  Ancient Sogdiana is a historical and archeological area located in the territory of modern-day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It was an important center of the ancient trade and cultural route known as the Silk Road.
• Seven Lakes is a series of seven alpine mountain lakes located in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan. The lakes are known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery, making them popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch, picnic at Hazorchashma Lake
• 14:00 – After lunch drive to Penjikent. Sightseeing in Penjikent includes visiting of the sites: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and ancient city Sarazm (5500-year-old).

• ---

  Penjikent is an ancient city located in the Sughd region of Tajikistan. It was an important center of the Sogdian civilization and features several important archaeological sites and museums.
• Rudaki Complex  is a museum and cultural institution located in the city of Panjakent, Tajikistan. The museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Tajikistan and Central Asia. The museum and mausoleum was built for the founder of Persian-Tajik literature - Abuabdullo Rudaki, who, according to historical data, lived in the late IX – X centuries, during the reign of the Samanid dynasty.
• SARAZM - is the first World Heritage Monument in Tajikistan. This is the oldest settlement (IV—II millennium BC) located 15 km west of the district center of Penjikent, on the left bank of the Zeravshan River. Well-preserved palace and religious buildings, public and residential buildings are of great historical and cultural value.

• ---

  19:00 – Dinner and accommodation to hotel, night in Panjakent

Tajikistan, Panjakent – Istaravshan

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast in hotel
• 09:00 – Welcome tourists from the hotel and departure to Istaravshan, sightseeing of Istaravshan city, Hazrati Shoh mausoleum, Kok-Gumbaz, Handicraft Avenue

• ---

  Istaravshan is located at an altitude of about 1178 meters above sea level. Istaravshan is a museum city, an ancient center of trade and crafts, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. In 2002 Istaravshan turned 2,500 years old. According to written sources and some archaeological data, it is known that in the VI—IV centuries BC, in connection with the development of crafts and trade in the settled Central Asian regions, along with small rural settlements, large urban-type settlements arose. In addition to Samarkand, there were other cities in Central Asia of that period. One of them was the present Istaravshan, and in the past, Kyropolis (Kurushkada), named after the founder of the Persian empire, Kira-Kurush (529-559 BC). Kiropol owes its origin to the growth of handicraft production and trade. By the time Alexander the Great conquered Central Asia (IV BC), Kurushkada was already large.
• Hazrati Shoh mausoleum - is the grave of the holy Hazratishoh, the brother of Qusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, buried in the 11th century in the Samarkand Shahi Zinda ensemble. This object is one of the ancient sights of Tajikistan, part of the historical and architectural complex "Hazratishoh", located in the old part of the city of Istaravshan.
• Kok-Gumbaz - Madrasah "Kok Gumbaz" located in the western part of the city. This building of the XVI century was built on the initiative of Abdulatif Sultan, the son of the famous astronomer and philosopher Ulugbek, grandson of Tamerlane. The folk legend about the construction of Kok-Gumbaz says that Abdulatif, having quarreled with his father, left his parents' house and took a job with an old Dehkan to dig a ditch for irrigation of his land. He was supposed to receive 100 tenge for this work. The father found out about this and took the money honestly earned by his son from the peasant, added his own to them and built a madrasah with these funds. Even three centuries later, at the end of the XIX century, students studied at the madrasah
• Handicraft Street. One of the most important and real attractions of the city of Istaravshan is the handicraft of the inhabitants. A street of pavilions stretches through the city from the bazaar (the main market), with open doors, folk crafts of various kinds, made by hand. In this street, you can admire handmade creativity like knives, spoons, earrings, bags, belts, etc., at the same time buy important accessories for yourself. In Handicraft Street, we have time for shopping.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch in the Istaravshan restaurant
• 14:00 – Continue our trip, departure to Khujand
• 16:00 – Arriving Khujand and sightseeing Central square of Khujand, Khujand Fortress, Jomi Mosque, Panjshanbe Bazar

• ---

  Khujand. One of the oldest cities in Central Asia is Khujand. The second largest city in Tajikistan, an important transport hub, political, economic, cultural and scientific center of the country. Khujand is located on the banks of the Syr Darya, below the Kayrakkum reservoir, in the Fergana Valley. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, according to some sources, the foundation of the city falls on the VII-VI centuries BC. It was conquered by Alexander the Great, who rebuilt and strengthened it, calling Alexandria Eshata (Extreme).
• Khujand Fortress was founded in the VI—V centuries BC. According to the archaeological dates, the Khujand fortress was first surrounded by a bulk rampart, later by a wall of considerable thickness made of raw material. The city and the citadel — components of ancient Khujand, had separate fortress walls surrounded by a wide and deep moat filled with water. The remains of these fortifications were found under the central part of the left-bank Khujand and surround the territory of the ancient city with an area of 20 hectares. With the development of the economy, trade, government system and population, the city is growing. In the VI—VII centuries, a new fortress was built. Medieval Khujand consisted of three main parts: Citadel, Shahristan and Rabad. The citadel was located on the bank of the Syr Darya at the Rabad gate.
• Jami Mosque - is a complex of Sheikh Muslihiddin, a monument of folk architecture of the XVI century. The object is located on the western side of Panjshanbeh Square. The facade of the building faces Shark Street. The mosque was built in 1512-1513. The multi-column (30 columns) aivan adjoins the eastern wall of the winter hall, also multi-column (20 columns), and enters the courtyard of the mosque.
• Panjshanbe Bazar - is one of the attractions of Khujand, is located in the center of Khujand, and opposite it stands the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin. The bazar consists of the main pavilion and many shops, tents, and shops adjacent to it. It is always very noisy here, as not only residents of the city come to shop, but also guests from nearby villages. The main feature of the Panjshanbe Bazar is its unique architecture and decor. The bazaar building combines elements of classicism and Stalinist Empire style, and the decoration is harmoniously executed using Soviet and Oriental styles. A hemispherical portal decorated with bright paintings rises above the central entrance, and sculptures of a man and a woman are installed on the sides. If you go inside, you can see a long-vaulted hall with slender rows of columns. In Panjshanbe Bazar we have time for shopping.

• ---

  20:00 – Dinner and accommodation to hotel

Uzbekistan, Khujand – Tashkent   

• ---

  08:00 – Breakfast in hotel.
• 09:00 – Departure to border Fotehabad/Oybek (Tashkent) (distance 70 km, 1.30 h)
• 10:30 – Cross the border Fotehabad/Oybek and transfer to Tashkent (distance 110 km, 2 h)
• 12:30 – Arriving Tashkent and have a lunch
• 14:00 – Start exploring the capital city of Uzbekistan. Visit Minor white Mosque, Independence Square, Amir Timur Square and Tashkent metro. Accommodation at the hotel in the evening.

• ---

  Minor white Mosque is a historic mosque located in the city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It was built in the 19th century and is known for its unique architectural style and intricate tilework.
• Independence Square is a public square located in the center of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It was built to commemorate Uzbekistan's independence from the Soviet Union and features several important monuments and landmarks, including the Independence Monument and the Uzbekistan Hotel.
• Amir Timur Square is a public square located in the heart of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It is named after the famous Central Asian conqueror Amir Timur and features a large statue of him on horseback. The square is surrounded by several important landmarks, including the Tashkent Chimes and the Tashkent Museum of History.

• ---

  17:00 – Accommodation to hotel

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – Bishkek (flight to Bishkek)

• ---

  08:00 – Breakfast in hotel. About 4 hours free time.
• 12:00 – Pick up from hotel and transfer to Tashkent International airport
• 12:30 – Check in to the flight
• 15:35 – Flight to Bishkek (flight time 2.10 h)
• 18:00 – Arriving Bishkek, accommodation to hotel

Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – Departure to the Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way visit the ruins of the ancient city Balasagyn and Burana tower.

• ---

  Issyk-Kul is a large lake located in the northeastern part of Kyrgyzstan. It is the second-largest alpine lake in the world and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. The lake is also home to several important historical and cultural landmarks.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch time

• ---

  Balasagyn is an ancient city located in the Chuy Valley of Kyrgyzstan. It was an important center of the Karakhanid Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries and features several important historical sites and monuments.
• The Burana Tower is a historic minaret located in the Chuy Valley of Kyrgyzstan. It was built in the 11th century and is one of the few remaining structures from the ancient city of Balasagyn. The tower features unique carvings and inscriptions from the era of the Karakhanids.

• ---

  18:00 – Arriving Issyk-Kul, accommodation to hotel

Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul - Karakol

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – Departure to Karakol. On the route visit the museum of Petroglyph’s in Cholpon-Ata and museum of the famous Russian explorer of Central Asia N.M. Prjevalsky. Upon arrival city tour in Karakol. Visit a Dungan mosque(19century), a unique construction built in Chinese style with no nails used. Also, see the wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral of The Holy Trinity built at the end of the 19th century. Walk around the central bazaar to feel the real life of the city.

• ---

  Karakol is a city located on the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. It is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage and is home to several important landmarks, including the Dungan mosque and the museum of Prjevalsky.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch

• ---

  Cholpon-Ata is a resort town located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. It is known for its white sandy beaches and natural hot springs and is a popular destination for tourists.
• The museum of Prjevalsky is a museum located in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan. It is dedicated to the life and expeditions of the renowned Russian explorer Nikolay Prjevalsky, who extensively traveled the region in the 19th century.
• The Dungan mosque is a historic mosque located in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan. It was built by the Dungan people in the 19th century and features a unique blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture.

• ---

  18:00 – Accommodation to hotel

Kyrgyzstan, Karakol - Charyn canyon – Almaty (Kazakhztan)

• ---

  07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 08:00 – Departure from Karakol. Transfer to the land border with Kazakhstan. Border formalities.
• 11:30 – Change transport and transfer to Almaty. In route visit spectacular Charyn Canyon.

• ---

  The Charyn Canyon is located in the Charyn National Park about 215 km east of Almaty. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon’s little brother. The Canyon itself is approximately 150 km long, and, in places up to 300 meters deep. One area of particular interest is an area of 2 km called the Valley of Castles, due to the pillars and rock formations forming imposing, almost man-made structures.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch
• 17:00 – Arriving Almaty, accommodation to hotel

Kazakhstan, Almaty

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – Sightseeing tour in Almaty. Visiting places: The Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Next visit of the Kok-Tobe hill with the tallest TV tower in the world. Short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway

• ---

  Almaty is the largest city and former capital of Kazakhstan. It is an important cultural, economic, and historical center of the country, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings.
• The Almaty Green Bazaar is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Almaty. It is known for its wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and traditional Kazakh goods.
• Panfilov Park is a public park located in the heart of Almaty. It is home to several important historical landmarks, including the Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame.
• The Zenkov Cathedral is a historic Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its unique wooden construction.
• The Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame is a monument located in Panfilov Park, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of Kazakhstan during World War II.
• Kok-Tobe is a hill and recreation area located on the outskirts of Almaty. It features stunning views of the city and is home to several diverse attractions, including an amusement park, restaurants, and the Kok-Tobe Tower.

• ---

  13:00 – Lunch time
• 14:00 – transfer to Medeo and Shymbulak, mountain resort

• ---

  The Almaty Medeo is a high-altitude sports complex located in the mountains above Almaty. It is known for its ice-skating rink, which is one of the highest in the world.
• Shymbulak is a mountain resort located in the Tian Shan mountains above Almaty. It is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with skiing and snowboarding being the most popular activities. The resort is also known for its stunning mountain views and scenic hiking trails.

• ---

  20:00 – Accommodation at the hotel

Kazakhstan, Almaty (Departure day)

• ---

  07:30 – Breakfast in hotel.
• 09:00 or other suitable time during the day transfer to the International airport of Almaty. Departure from Kazakhstan.