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14D13N Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (AYBT)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
<p>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>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 Saty, 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.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- 13 nights accommodation
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Meals as per itinerary
Exclusions
- International air ticket
- Travel insurance
- Others not mentioned