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26D25N The Five Stans of Silk Road (AYBA)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
<p align="justify">Arrive at any time.</p>
<p>After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan’s oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a cozy guest house run by Ashuu villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.</p>
<p>In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it’s possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.</p>
<p>Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to learn the importance of felt-making to Kyrgyz culture and local artisans. Learn the craft during a hands-on workshop creating a small version of the traditional carpet known as ala-kiyiz, and enjoy lunch together. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol’ Lake, where you’ll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.</p>
<p>Enjoy a free morning getting to know this isolated village. Transfer to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. After Lunch at Ak Orgoo, drive to Kyrgyzstan’s 4th largest city – Karakol. Stop for a visit at the Prejevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, followed by a city tour. See the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.</p>
<p>After breakfast take a short drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, located in the footsteps of Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, and visit famous unique red rock formations called “Broken Heart and “Seven Bulls”. Then, hike to the valley of wildflowers and reach a stunning view point overlooking the flower-filled valley. Return to Karakol and have a free afternoon to explore. In the evening enjoy dinner with local family</p>
<p>Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a Russian 4×4 for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.</p>
<p>Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrive in Almaty, take a city tour visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov’s Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Time permitting, opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.</p>
<p>In the morning, transfer to Almaty airport and board a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on the Varzob River. Upon arrival enjoy a tour of Dushanbe, visiting the main monuments, museum, and mosque.</p>
<p>Enjoy a morning drive through the valleys and mountains to Kuli Iskandarkul. Pass along Alexander the Great’s lake and go on a short hike to Iskander Darya waterfall. After lunch continue the drive to our overnight stay at a Community Guest house in Gazza Village. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival to Gazza village the group will set out on a walk followed by dinner at local family’s home.</p>
<p>After breakfast, embark on a hike alongside Voru River to visit Voru village (one of the old Villages of Fan Mountains). After the village exploration, head back to to Community guest house. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to join a hike to picturesque Khushtarita valley. Have dinner in a community guest house with the group.</p>
<p>Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque and Mug Teppe, an ancient citadel fortress stormed by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before continuing the drive to Khujand. Wander the city in the afternoon, visiting the Historical Museum of Sughd, resembling a castle, and the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin.</p>
<p>Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.</p>
<p>Spend the day freely exploring this unique bustling city. Check out one of the many museums, wander the streets admiring the modern, Soviet-era architecture, venture up Tashkent Tower (which offers city views from its observation deck), or wander through the bazaar.</p>
<p align="justify">Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous conqueror who once hoped to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan.</p>
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<p>Embark on a city tour, visiting Ulugbek Observatory, Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. With a free afternoon, continue exploring the Samarkand sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions.</p>
<p>Travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this, hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases. After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.</p>
<p>Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country, and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family, visit a hammam (bathhouse), or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of this Silk Road city.</p>
<p>Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse.</p>
<p>Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day’s journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva, well worth the arduous drive. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.</p>
<p>Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life here. Wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, bargain with locals at the bazaar, admire the madrassas and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views of the sand-coloured mosques and homes.</p>
<p>Spend the morning in Khiva, enjoying your last moments here to experience anything you couldn’t squeeze in yesterday, or do some last minute shopping. After lunch, drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border and continue to Dashoguz. Take an orientation walk and opt for dinner in local café, or explore the city and it’s Bai Market.</p>
<p>Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kunya Urgench to visit the ancient capital of the Khorezmian Empire. After lunch, continue to the Kara-Kum desert and witness the fiery Darvaza gas crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell.” This evening, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner and spend the night camping under the stars at a yurt camp.</p>
<p>After breakfast, begin the journey to the capital of Turkmenistan – Ashgabat. On the way, stop near the community of Erbent and admire its golden sand dunes that stretch out to the horizon. On arrival in Ashgabat, spend the evening at leisure. Opt to visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, also known as Gypjak Mosque, and capture the sun setting on the symmetrical minarets and golden domes.</p>
<p>Spend the day exploring bustling Ashgabat. Enjoy a tour of the city in the morning, visiting several city treasures such as the Monument of Independence and the National museum or Neutrality Arch. Afterward, opt to venture to the ancient ruins of Nisa, or continue exploring Ashgabat.</p>
<p>Depart at any time.</p>
Accommodation / Hotels
Grand Hotel Bishkek (★★★★☆)
Frunze Street 428, 720009 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Located 10 minutes’ walk from the Philharmonic Hall and the Manas Statue in Bishkek, this hotel features free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Rooms at Grand Hotel include air-conditioning.
Each elegant room is decorated in warm colours and has a fridge. Bathrooms come with slippers and a hairdryer.
Grand Hotel’s restaurant with wooden furnishings serves local cuisine and European specialities. The on-site bar offers drinks and snacks.
The White House is 2 km from Grand Hotel, and Bishkek Train Station is 8 minutes’ drive away. Manas Airport is 30 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Chong Kemin Guesthouse (★★★☆☆)
Калмак-Ашуу, Кардон 10, 724521 Tar-Suu, Kyrgyzstan
Kemin Guest House in Tar-Suu provides accommodations with a garden, a bar, and barbecue facilities. This guest house provides free private parking, free shuttle service, and free Wifi. The guest house offers garden views, an outdoor fireplace, and a 24-hour front desk. The units provide views of the mountain and come with a seating area, a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries. Guests can have wine or champagne, fruit, and chocolates or cookies delivered to their room. At the guest house, all units are soundproof. Full English/Irish and Asian breakfast options with local specialities, pancakes, and fruit are available. Guests can eat at the on-site family-friendly restaurant, which is open for dinner, lunch, brunch, and high tea. For guests with children, the guest house features an indoor play area, outdoor play equipment, and a baby safety gate. Guests at Kemin Guest House can enjoy skiing and cycling nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace. Issyk-Kul International Airport is 78 miles away, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Yurts Song Kul (★★★☆☆)
Участок 10 сотых, 722708 Kyzylemgek, Kyrgyzstan
Situated in Kyzylemgek, Son-Kul Dream Yurts features accommodation with free private parking. The property has an outdoor dining area. The breakfast offers à la carte, Asian or vegetarian options.
Anyutaika Guesthouse (☆☆☆☆☆)
Дом №8 Улица Подгорная Тамга, 722421, Kyrgyzstan
Caravan Hotel Karakol (★★★☆☆)
Ul. Abdrakhmanova 110/per. Bektenova, 722200 Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Caravan Hotel is located in Karakol. Among the various facilities of this property are a shared lounge and ski storage space. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property. The area is popular for skiing and cycling, and bike hire is available at the hotel. Issyk-Kul International Airport is 169 km away.
Saty Village Guesthouse (☆☆☆☆☆)
обл.Алматинская, р-н Кегенский,с.о. Сатынский, с. Сатты, ул. Ә Ниязбеков, д.6, 041422 `, Kazakhstan
A recently renovated guest house, Kolsay Lakes offers accommodation in Saty. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. Outdoor seating is also available at the guest house. The spacious guest house includes a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and kitchenware, as well as a kettle. Towels and bed linen are available in the guest house. For added privacy, the accommodation has a private entrance and soundproofing. An à la carte breakfast is available at Kolsay Lakes. Almaty International Airport is 257 km from the property.
Hotel KAZZHOL Almaty (★★★★☆)
Gogol Street 127/1, 050004 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Located in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, this modern hotel is a 25-minute drive from Almaty International Airport. It offers free Wi-Fi, indoor swimming pool, spa and traditional Kazakhstani cuisine. All air-conditioned rooms at the Hotel Kazzhol Almaty feature satellite TV, minibar, safe and balcony, offering views of the city. Some rooms offer a flat-screen TV and bathrobes. Room service is also available. A buffet breakfast is served in the Kazzhol’s elegant breakfast room every morning. The hotel restaurant also serves a variety of traditional food from the Almaty region. All meals are cooked with the eco produce. Guests at the Hotel Kazzhol Almaty can enjoy use of the hotel’s massage and beauty salon. The Kazzhol also offers concierge, laundry and airport shuttle services. The historic Ascension Cathedral, Abay Opera House and Almaty Central Stadium are all within 4 km from the Kazzhol. Almaty TV Tower, the world’s tallest free-standing steel structure, is a 15-minute drive away, offering scenic views of Kok Tobe Mountain. Zhibek Zholy Metro Station is a 6-minute walk from Hotel Kazzhol Almaty, and Almaty Train Station is 10 km away. Free parking is also available on site.
Atlas Hotel (☆☆☆☆☆)
Nisor Muhammad 32-34, 734000 Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Featuring free WiFi, an indoor pool, Hotel Atlas offers accommodation in Dushanbe, 1.3 km from Dushanbe Cable Car. Every room has a flat-screen TV. Some units include a seating area for your convenience. Certain units feature views of the garden or city. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. You will find a gift shop at the property. The hotel also offers free use of bicycles. Dushanbe Train Station is 2.1 km from the hotel. Dushanbe Airport is 2.3 km away.
Sugdiyon Hotel (★★★☆☆)
ул. Рахмон Набиев 51, 735700 Khujand, Tajikistan
Sugdiyon Hotel features a fitness centre, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in Khujand. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a concierge service and free WiFi throughout the property. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Guest rooms at Sugdiyon Hotel include air conditioning and a desk. Khujand Airport is 17 km away.
Alpha Plaza Hotel and SPA (★★★★☆)
Shahrisabz ko'chasi 38/3, 100000 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Situated in Tashkent, Alpha Plaza Hotel & SPA has a garden, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. Boasting room service, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. There is free private parking and the property features paid airport shuttle service. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. The breakfast offers buffet, continental or American options. Staff speak English and Russian at the reception. Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport is 6 km from the property.
Zarina Hotel (★★★★☆)
Umarov ko'chasi, 140100 Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Situated in Samarkand, ZARINA SAMARKAND has a bar. Boasting room service, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant, a water park and a seasonal outdoor pool. There is a terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and some units at ZARINA SAMARKAND have a balcony. Speaking English, French, Japanese and Russian, staff are willing to help at the 24-hour front desk. Samarkand International Airport is 6 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Yurt Camp Stay Aidarkul (☆☆☆☆☆)
10 km from the West Bank of Aidarkul Lake Dongilek, Nurata Uzbekistan
Among the endless sand dunes, under the scorching eastern sun, in the heart of the Kyzylkum desert, are the Yurts, attracting travelers with their uniqueness. The first prototype of the yurt originated in the Bronze Age, over time, becoming an integral part of the culture of nomads. She easily disassembled and transported, protected from rain and winds. Such mobility allowed everyone to move to new pastures, settling in any conditions. For you, we will organize the most fascinating journeys in the Kyzyl-Kum desert! Tracks on camels and horses, jeep safari, hunting, and fishing! Our yurt camp is always ready to meet you! It is no exaggeration to say that today it is one of the most comfortable yurt camps!
Hotel As-Salam (★★★☆☆)
Bahouddin Naqshband 116, 200118 Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Rustam & Zukhra Bed & Breakfast is located in UNESCO Heritage listed Bukhara Old Town, within a 5-minute walk from famous mosques. Free Wi-Fi is provided. All bright rooms come with air conditioning and cable TV. A home-style breakfast is served every morning on the open terrace or in the living room. Various cafes, bars and restaurant can be found within a 10-minute walk from the property. Rustam & Zukhra offers a 24-hour reception and the on-site tour desk. The property features a bike rental. Nuder-Devon-Begi Madrasah is 500 metres from the property, and the Kurpa Mosque is 800 metres away. The distance to Bukhara International Airport is 6 km.
Hotel Muso To'ra (★★★☆☆)
Abdulla Boltayev, 220900 Khiva, Uzbekistan
Located in Khiva, Muso To'ra features a garden, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. There is free private parking and the property provides paid airport shuttle service. Rooms are complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bath, while certain units at the hostel also provide guests with a terrace. Languages spoken at the reception include English and Russian. Urgench International Airport is 35 km away.
Hotel Dashoguz (☆☆☆☆☆)
100 Ruhnama street, Dashoguz, Dasoguz, Turkmenistan
Darwaza Camping (☆☆☆☆☆)
Derweze, Turkmenistan
Darvaza Yurt Camp provides the ideal setting for soaking in the beauty and mystery of Turkmenistan’s infamous Darvaza Gas Crater by night. In the past, tourists would travel more than 270 kilometers from Ashgabat in order to admire the “Gates of Hell” for a short time before driving back that same evening. Now, a stay at Darvaza Yurt Camp allows you to enjoy this jewel of the Karakum Desert during its most exquisite hours from sunset until dawn.
Darvaza Yurt Camp is located just 500 meters from the crater and is linked to the gas-fueled fire pit by a brick path. The spacious grounds have camping area comprised of 6 traditional nomadic yurt tents, with each yurt able to accommodate up to 4 people. Toilets and showers have been conveniently installed near both clusters of yurts.
Ak Altyn Hotel (★★★☆☆)
Magtymguly Ave 141/1, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Finding an ideal hotel in Ashgabat does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Hotel "Ak Altyn", a nice option for travellers like you. Nearby landmarks such as Wedding Palace (2.2 mi) and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque (2.3 mi) make Hotel "Ak Altyn" a great place to stay when visiting Ashgabat. Rooms at Hotel "Ak Altyn" offer air conditioning providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free internet access. A concierge and room service are some of the conveniences offered at this hotel. A pool and free breakfast will also help to make your stay even more special. If you are driving to Hotel "Ak Altyn", free parking is available. When you're feeling hungry, you can check out Sha Coffee (0.9 mi), Kofe 30 (0.8 mi), or Altyn Achar Cafe (0.5 mi), which are all within walking distance of Hotel "Ak Altyn". Hotel "Ak Altyn" looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Ashgabat.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Departure Transfer
- Meals as per itinerary
Exclusions
- International air ticket
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Others not mentioned