During this tour you will visit 3 Central Asian countries: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
And cities: Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Fergana, Osh, Toktogul, Bishkek, Chon-Kemin, Issyk-Kul, Karakol and Almaty.
Day 1: Arrival to Tashkent by international flight (Uzbekistan Airways)
Arrival to Tashkent at midnight. Meet a local guide and transfer to hotel (early check-in included). Rest and breakfast. Then a city tour which includes: Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater (it has special significance for Japanese nationals because it was built by the Japanese prisoners during the Second World War), Monument of Courage (built to acknowledge the courage of the people at the time of the Tashkent earthquake on 26th April 1966), Amir Temur Monument (is in the center of Tashkent city), Mustaqilik (Independence Square, the political center of the Republic of Uzbekistan).
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Tashkent – Bukhara by domestic flight
After breakfast, transfer to airport for morning flight to Bukhara. The whole tour in Bukhara can be completed in one day, however, this is one of the places where little seems to have changed from the Medieval Era, and taking things a little slower lets you soak up the thrillingly authentic atmosphere. The historical center of Bukhara has been listed by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites. Full day sightseeing of Bukhara: Ark citadel / Registan Square, Ismoil Somoni Mausoleum (was built in the 9th-10th century as the resting-place of Ismail Samani, the powerful and influential Amir of the Samanid dynasty), Poikalon Complex (consists of three structures: Minorai Kalon, Masjidi Kalon & Miri Arab Madrassa), Lyab-i Hauz (is considered a center of the Old City), Maggoki Attar Mosque (the oldest surviving mosque in Central Asia, dating back to the 9th cent.).
Dinner and folklore show at Madrasah .
Day 3: Bukhara – Samarkand (280 km)
After a breakfast, drive to Samarkand via Giduvan. Along the way visit ceramic pottery. Upon arrival, accommodation at a hotel.Sightseeing tour includes: Gur Emir Mausoleum. In 329 BC, Alexander the Great exclaimed: ‘Everything I’ve heard about Samarkand is true, except that it’s more beautiful than I’ve ever imagined!’ It is best to spend a whole day to explore these buildings with its golden interiors, courtyards and colorful bazaars. See the extraordinary Ulugbeg observatory, created by Tamerlane’s grandson, and visit Gur Emir – Tamerlane’s mausoleum. Have a tea on a terrace overlooking the Bibi Khanum mosque, built for Tamerlane by his wife as a surprise gift.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Samarkand
After breakfast, full sightseeing day: Ulugbek’s Observatory, Tomb of Prophet Daniel, Afrosiab (the part of ancient and medieval Samarkand in the Northern part of modern city), Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble (consists of 44 tombs in more than 20 mausoleums).
Dinner at national family with Pilav.
Day 5: Samarkand – Tashkent (320 km)
After breakfast, continue sightseeing tour of Samarkand: Bibi-Khanum Mosque (one of best known architectural attractions of Central Asia). Afterwards, visit Bazaar. Transfer to Tashkent. Upon arrival, accommodation at a hotel.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Tashkent – Fergana
After breakfast, transfer to Fergana via Kokand. Sightseeing tour in the city. Continue driving to Rishtan. Visit ceramic pottery. Upon arrival accommodation at a hotel in Fergana.
Dinner at hotel.
Day 7: Fergana – Margilan – Andijan – Osh (Kyrgyzstan)
After breakfast, transfer to Margilan to visit “Yodgorlik” atlas making factory. Continue driving to Andijan, cross Uzbek-Kyrgyz border Dostuk. Meet a local guide on Kyrgyz side. Your guide will help you get to homestay.
Dinner will be at a local family’s home. Overnight stay at a homestay.
Day 8: Osh – Toktogul (410 km)
Early start of the day. After breakfast, sightseeing tour around Osh which includes the Holy Sulaiman Mountain, Babur’s Mausoleum and Sulaiman Museum. Then, drive through the beautiful natural landscapes to the Toktogul water reservoir. This is a long way, but very rewarding. Along the way, there is a trip to the ancient town of Uzgen.
Dinner and overnight stay at a homestay in Toktogul.
Day 9: Toktogul – Bishkek (300 km)
Today there will be a long drive as well, but you’ll be able to see stunning snowcapped mountains and green valleys. After breakfast, go to the north of the country in the direction of Bishkek. On the road, pass through a mountain tunnel and stunning serpentine roads.
Dinner at a local restaurant in Bishkek. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 10: Bishkek – Chon-Kemin Valley (135 km)
After breakfast, have a city tour of capital’s main highlights: Ala-Too and Victory Square, Fine Arts and Frunze Museum, Panfilov and Oak Parks, Chyngyz Aitmatov and Kurmanjan Datka monuments. If there is time, possibility to visit Osh bazaar and buy some souvenirs. In the afternoon transfer to Chon-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop to visit historical Burana Tower, a minaret from the 11th century and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). You can go to the top of the minaret and enjoy the view of the valley. Upon arrival to Kalmak-Ashuu village, accommodation at a family-run guesthouse. The guesthouse is located inside of the quiet village with an absolutely stunning view. Later, delicious homemade dinner will be served. Free time in the evening for rest and possibility to walk around the village to get to know everyday life and local people.
Day 11: Chon-Kemin Valley – Cholpon-Ata (180 km)
After a breakfast, depart to Issyk-Kul lake through Northern shore. Along the way, stop at Tamchy village for felt craft show at a local Kyrgyz family’s house and for having lunch. Upon arrival to Cholpon-Ata, visit open air Petroglyphs Museum. Additionally, there is a possibility to visit Rukh-Ordo Cultural Center upon request. Free time for rest in the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 12: Cholpon-Ata – Karakol (150km)
After a breakfast, transfer to Karakol. Along the way, stop and have a half-day trip to Semenov Gorge for light trekking. Upon arrival to Karakol check-in to a guesthouse. Later, have a city tour which includes: visiting beautiful Russian Church made entirely of wood (built without nails), the Dungan Mosque (Dungan’s are minority group of Chinese Muslims living in this region and originally from Western China), the museum of Przewalski, a soviet renowned explorer of Central and East Asia. One-Village – One Product local shop. This shop is run by the association of local women who produce wide range of products from wild berries: jams, handycrafts, herbal soaps and other souvenirs, using products and materials found in Issyk-Kul region.
Dinner at a local café. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 13: Karakol
After breakfast, full-day trip to Jeti-Oguz Valley. You will visit famous Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rock formations and proceed to Kok-Jayik Valley for light trekking tour. Meet local nomads who settle in the summer with their cattle in yurts. Arrival back to Karakol.
Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at guesthouse.
Day 14: Karakol – Almaty (405 km) (Kazakhstan)
After early breakfast, depart to Almaty by crossing the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border Kegen. Along the way enjoy the wild and untouched nature. Along the way, walking trip to Charyn Canyons. Upon arrival to Almaty, accommodation at a hotel. In the evening, free time for rest.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15: Almaty
The whole day city tour around Almaty city. You will visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral and Museum of Musical Instruments. For those who love markets, the Green Bazaar provides a wonderful atmosphere. Observe how the locals sell and buy fresh greenery and other goods. There is also a local chocolate factory with retail shop right next to it. Visiting the Central State Museum that gives a full overview to Kazakhstan’s history. It also displays miniature replicas of the country’s great archaeological treasures including the Golden Man Warrior costume made from 4,000 golden parts! Later, take the cable car to Chymbylak Gorge and then to Sunkar Falcon Center to see the eagles, hawks, owls and vultures.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 16: Departure from Almaty
Transfer to the Airport for your departure flight. Standard check-out from hotel.