Central Asia in 2 Weeks

Today we will go to Charyn Canyon. Charyn Canyon is a unique natural monument stretching 154 km along the banks of the Charyn River east of Almaty. It consists of sedimentary rocks that are about 12 million years old. The height of the canyon walls can reach 300 meters. The most interesting place is the Valley of Castles, a curved 2-kilometer path through the bottom of the canyon, which runs along picturesque mountains and red rocks. After walking through the canyon, we will go to the border Kegen to find ourselves in Kyrgyzstan after a while. We will drive along the Karkara gorge with its beautiful views and very soon arrive in the city of Karakol, where we will stay overnight in the hotel. Or the trip to the lakes Kol-Sai and Kaindi. Karakol lakes are a system of 3 picturesque lakes located 330 km south of Almaty at an altitude of 1800, 2250 and 2700 meters, respectively. The area is interesting for its geological landscape, the presence of rare plants and untouched nature. Kolsai lakes are often called pearls of northern Tian Shan. The sunken forest of Lake Kaindi is a stunning view and a great place to relax and have picnic. In 1911 an earthquake caused a large landslide, which formed a natural dam on the slopes of the Kungei Alatau ridge outside Almaty. The trees that used to form the forest are now immersed in the lake created by the landslide. We will walk around the place and continue on to Kegen entry point. Having crossed it, we will find ourselves in Kyrgyzstan. We will drive along Karkara gorge with its beautiful views and very soon arrive in the city of Karakol, where we will stay overnight at hotel.

In the morning we will make a small city tour of Karakol with a visit to local bazaar and souvenir store, visit the Holy Trinity Church,  the Dungan Mosque, as well as the monument to Przhevalsky. Next we will continue to the Jeti-Oguz gorge along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul lake. We will walk to the waterfall and see the rock ensembles « Seven Bulls » and « Broken Heart. » We will have lunch in yurts and take a walk to a beautiful waterfall with the poetic name « Maiden’s braids. » Dinner and night at Marco Polo Hotel.

In the morning we will enjoy the views of the Terskei Ala Too ridge, and after breakfast we will continue our journey. The south coast is more picturesque than its northern brother. Although the main hotels, nightclubs and restaurants are located on the north bank, the south side has retained its virgin beauty. We will see an amazing change in landscapes, like in a kaleidoscope. The first place we will visit today is the Barskoon Gorge, known for its waterfalls and Arabel Pass, from where you can easily reach glaciers and beautiful mountain plateaus. We’ll drop into the Fairy Tale gorge. All the originality of this place is colorful rocks frozen in bizarre forms, like after an eruption. Solid clusters of limestone and sandstone flush out of the soil, and the place looks like ruins of ancient castles. Transfer to Kaji Sai village and night in a small hotel.

Today we will continue our journey and come to the village of Bokonbaevo. In the village, we will visit the hunter’s house with golden eagles and look at them, learn about this type of hunting. You will have a chance to hold these huge birds in your hands. We can also visit the local felt factory. Further our path lies in the Chon-Kemin gorge. Arrival at Chon-Kemin gorge. Kemin Nature Park covers the territory of 500 hectares, in the highlands below the village of Shabdan. It is used to protect pheasants and hares. In the gorge you will have the opportunity to ride horses. Dinner and night at Ashuu Hotel.

In the morning we will go to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek. On the way, you can visit the historical and architectural complex – Burana Tower (XI century). Upon arrival accommodation in hotel and city tour with a visit to the main square Ala Too with a changing of guard, Victory Square with the central stores of TsUM and GUM, Old Square with a statue of Lenin, Manas complex. If time allows we will also visit local colorful bazaar. Dinner and night at the hotel.

This morning will be free to relax and walk around the city. After lunch, leave for the airport for a flight to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to hotel, accommodation. Dinner is not a part of the program.

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Bukhara. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Excursion in Bukhara: Visit the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, the pool and chaykhana of which is the modern center of traditional Uzbekistan. You can visit Nadir Devonbegi Madrasah, Hanaka, Mogaki Attari Mosque, Poi Kalyan Minaret and Mosque and Abdulaziz Khan and Ulugbek Madrasah. We will visit the workshops near Lyabi Hauz, see brick printing, metal coinage, hand embroidery, carvings, miniature painting and gold embroidery. Later, we will visit the Fortress of Ark, the Bolo Hauz Mosque, the mausoleum of Ismail Samanid and Chashma Ayub. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast excursion in Bukhara: morning excursion for half a day in Sitorai Mohihosa, the summer residence of the former emir of Bukhara, where you can see the unique mixture of the traditional Russian style of architecture, harmoniously combined with local oriental traditions. The famous white hall, decorated with a carved alebaster, resembles the halls in the Peterhof Palace in a suburb of St. Petersburg. Excursion to the mausoleum of Bahauddin Naqshbandi, the famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Bahauddin Naqshbandi was very revered among people. The rulers also paid considerable attention to this architectural ensemble. Return to Bukhara. Free time for walking around the city. Night at the hotel.

Morning trip to Samarkand. On the way we pay a visit to Shahrisabz city – the birthplace of the Great Amir Temur. Excursion in the city: the ruins of the Ak Saroi Palace, Dorut Tilovat, Kok Gumbaz mosque, Dorus Saodat and Friday mosque. We will continue our journey to Samarkand on our way to visit a family that makes carpets in a small village. Check in at the hotel upon arrival.

Tour of Samarkand for the whole day: Registan Square, which for many centuries was the center of Samarkand. The word « Registan » means « sandy place ». We will see three beautiful madrasahs: the Ulug-Bek madrasah, built in the 15th century; Tilla-Kori Madrasah of the 17th century and Sher-Dor Madrasah, also built in the seventeenth century. Visit Gur Emir, another famous attraction in Uzbekistan. The name means « Tomb of the King, » and this is the mausoleum of the Asian conqueror Tamerlane and his descendants. Later, we will see one of the the greatest structure of Amir Temur’s time – the main Friday mosque called Bibi-Khanum and the nearby Siab Bazaar. We will also visit the old winery of Khovrenko and taste real wines and cognacs of Samarkand. The winery is one of the outstanding facilities in Samarkand. Night at the hotel.

Morning transfer to Konigil village (10 km from Samarkand) to visit a paper shop. Samarkand has long been known as a center for high-quality paper production. In the workshop of a talented master, you will see how bark of a mulberry turns into paper. Return to Samarkand and visit the necropolis of Shahi Zinda. We will continue our tour with a visit to the excavations and museum of the ancient city of Afrosiab and the Ulugbek Observatory, located at the entrance to the city of Samarkand. Among the historical monuments of Samarkand, the observatory built by Ulugbek (the grandson of Amir Temur) in 1428-1429 occupies a special place. Late in the evening, transfer to the train station. Departure to Tashkent. Upon arrival accommodation at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for international flight home.

End of the programme.