Silk tour 3
Duration of tour: 20 days
Destination: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
Highlights: Ashgabat - Darwaza - Mary - Merv - Turkmenabat - Uzbek-Turkmen border ‘Farap/Alat' - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent - Uzbek border - Khujand - Dushanbe - Khoburubot - Kalai Khum - Khorog - Yashil Kul Lake - Bulunkul Lake - Murgab - Osh - Bishkek - Ala Archa - Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
Day 1: Ashgabat
Welcome to travel in Silk tour 3. Your guide will meet you at the Ashgabat International Airport and then transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the city tour and visit the Horse-farm. Get acquainted with the Turkmen people and Akhal-Teke horses. Later on, you will have a traditional tea break and see the racks of horses. Afterwards, you will visit "Gypjak" Mosque and Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan. In the end of day is return back to Ashgabat. Evening city tour. Night is in a hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat - Darwaza - Ashgabat
The tour will start by travelling to the "Old Nisa" (the Sanctuary of Parhian Kings - UNESCO site). Afterwards we will see the State Museum of History as well as see ancient Nisa, Merv and Gonurdepe, collection of vintage Turkmen carpets, examples of national clothing, jewelries, and antique weapons. Later on, you will drive to the North of Turkmenistan and see the Gas Crater - Darvaza, located to the North of Ashgabat. In the evening you will see the magical view of the gas crater. Return to Ashgabat for sleep.
Day 3: Ashgabat - Mary
Having a hearty breakfast, you will travel to Mary. Visit the Anau pilgrimage place (remnants of Seyitjemaleddin mosque XV century). You will find the ruins of Abiverd medieval city of caravan town of North Khorasan. In Mary, you will have a short walking around the city center and enjoy tour. Night is in hotel.
Day 4: Mary - Merv - Turkmenabat - Uzbek-Turkmen border ‘Farap/Alat' - Bukhara
In the morning, you willdrive to Mary Historical Museum and then Old Merv - Merv, located at the road crossing of the Great Silk Road as well as the biggest cities of the ancient world. then, you can visit Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum and drive to Turkmenabat city in order to reach in Turkmen-Uzbek border Farap/Alat (Uzbekistan). You will be met by the group at Uzbek border and travel to Bukhara. Rest is in a hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara
We are glad to announce the city tour of Bukhara. It is worth visiting citadel in Bukhara - Citadel Ark (4th century), belonging to the Bukhara Empire. Later on, visit the Samanids mausoleum as well as Chashma Ayub (Job's well). Your tour will be continued visiting Bolo-Hauz mosque and see forty pillars built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. You will find shops where you can get souvenirs. Afterwards, visit madrasahs of Bukhara - Nodir Divan Begi (Lyabi House Ensemble) as well as Poi Kalon complex. All of them belong to the national heritage of Uzbekistan. You will find three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries as Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 6: Bukhara - Samarkand
In the morning, you will have the city tour. Visit the famous Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, located few in kilometers from Bukhara. It is defined to be a commemorative compound of famous Sufi Leader and Philosopher as well as Muslim pilgrimage place. Then visit the Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi as the main heritage of Amir Timur. It has mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana. On the way, you will find courtyard with pool, madrasah, and interment arch of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. In the second half of day, visit the house of Bukhara Emirs - Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex and get inspiration of its fine shapes and arts. Afterwards is transfer to Samarkand. Night is in a hotel.
Day 7: Samarkand
Talking of Samarkand, it is a colorful city located in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is also the second largest city of Uzbekistan as Babylon and Rome. On the tour, you will visit the main parts of city as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is splendid architecture of Samarkand which has three delightful Madrasahs originated in the 15th -17th centuries. Shakhi-Zindeh is stunning sight which is famous for its collection of mausoleums originated in the 11th-15th centuries, later became UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque is a very beautiful sight built in honor of favorite Tamerlane's wife, after his tour in India. Transfer to a hotel.
Day 8: Samarkand - Tashkent
In the morning you will travel to Tashkent. Start the tour from the Independence square and see a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. On the way, walk to the local Broadway and see the famous Tashkent metro which was opened in 1977. In the afternoon, you can visit the old part of the city as Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam and find sacred madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. Don't miss to visit the famous Othman Quran, which is considered to be world's oldest Quran copy found in the 8th century. It was dedicated to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four honorable Caliphs who prospered the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims people in the 8th century and his blood was spread over the Quran. You will have an opportunity to see on its pages. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 9: Tashkent - Uzbek border - Khujand
Today you will travel to Oibek border. On arrival, you will be met by Tajik driver and transfer to Khujand city. It is second largest city of Tajikistan, located on the Syr Darya River at the Fergana Valley with 149,000 of population. It is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, today Sughd. In the afternoon, you will visit the Cultural Palace of Khujant where the first president of Tajikistan was held. In addition, you can visit the Central Mosque, located in the middle of the city. Your night will be spent in a hotel.
Day 10: Khujand - Dushanbe
The morning will start by driving to Dushanbe city. You will pass via Anzob pass of 3 372 m and tunnel of Isticlol. In addition, you will be impressed by outstanding panorama views. Then capture photos of Tajik mountains. On arrival to Dushanbe is rest in a hotel.
Day 11: Dushanbe
Today you will have the city tour and visit the Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal and House of parliament. Take a walk to National park and take photos of Ministry of Inner Affairs as well as see the biggest National Flag in the world of about 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. The tour will be continued to Gurminj Museum in order to see traditional musical instruments. Visit the famous Asian bazar and get oriental goods. You will learn more about culture of Tajik people. Overnight is in a hotel.
Day 12: Dushanbe - Khoburubot - Kalai Khum
We will travel to Kalai Khum village through mountain road in the morning. Your path will pass by high Khoburubot pass of 3 252 (Western Pamir Tract). The beautiful view of scenery will not leave anyone indifferent. You will find mountains and rivers. Meet locals and learn more about their culture and traditions. Your tours will be perfect. Night is in a hotel.
Day 13: Kalai Khum - Khorog
Today, you will travel to Khorog. It is one of the smallest cities on the map surrounded by rocky mountains from all four side. The town originated because of raise of 3 rivers where Shokhdara River and Ghund River flow into Pyanj River. Meet Pamir people and see the true hospitality. Night is in a guesthouse.
Day 14: Khorog - Yashil Kul Lake - Bulunkul Lake - Murgab
We are glad to present the next day of our tour visiting the most beautiful lakes of the Pamirs as Yashil Kul and Bulunkul (Blue lakes), located on the altitude of 3 700 meters above sea level in the Murghab district. Bulunkul waters have violet and dark-blue colors in the sunlight, depending on temperature. There are a lot of species of fish in the lake. There is a chance of seeing yaks, domestic animals, cow and sheep. They products meat, milk and wool. Afterwards you will drive via Koitezak pass of 4 271 m. Rest is in a guesthouse.
Day 15: Murgab - Osh
The morning you will start by transferring to Kyrgyz border Kyzyl Art, located on the altitude of 4 336 m. Meet your Kyrgyz driver and travel to Osh city. Passing by high passes, you will take inspiration of landscape and pristine nature. The high mountain pass - Taldik of 3 615 meters high will not leave anyone indifferent! Your tours will be incredible. Night will be spent in a hotel.
Day 16: Osh - Bishkek
In the morning you will enjoy the city tour and visit the famous Suleiman Mountain, located in the center of the city. In addition, it is the main place for Muslims to do pilgrimage. According to the legend, scriptural prophet Solomon was buried at the foot of the mountain. Further you can visit the Asian bazar. Don't miss to bargain! Night is in a hotel.
Day 17: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
Today you will have the city tour of Bishkek. You will have an opportunity to visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and other places of interest. In the afternoon you will drive to Ala Archa gorge (45 km from the capital). The Ala Archa gorge is located on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range and ready to welcome travelers. It is the best place for hiking and picnic. Afterwards we will back to Bishkek. Rest is in a hotel.
Day 18: Bishkek - Almaty
Early in the morning, you will travel to Almaty. It is 230 km (4 hours). On arrival to the border, you will need to pass a border control. Today you will explore the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. First visit the Green Bazaar. We are sure you will be impressed by this colorful bazaar on tours! Later on, visit Almaty parks as Panfilov Park and the pristine Zenkov Cathedral. Continue your tour to the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to memory of the fighters who died for freedom of Kazakhstan. Your travels will go on visiting the Medeo Gorge, which is famous for its highest mountain skating rink in the world. The next destination of our tour is the Kok-Tobe hill. On arrival, you will see the tallest TV tower. Your tour will end of seeing the whole city by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to hotel for sleep.
Day 19: Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
The last day of our tour will start by travelling to Charyn Canyon. It is one of the most visited places in Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old and formed due to rain and wind. You can reach the sight for about 3. On the way you will be told some facts by guide. Don't miss to take vibrant photos and capture panorama views! Our tours will be remembered by you for a long time! Night is in a hotel.
Day 20: Almaty - Airport
Today, your Silk tour 3 is finished. Have a safe flight!
Transport in Turkmenistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-08 pax - Minibus (14 seats)
10 pax - Bus (20 seats)
Transport in Uzbekistan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Minibus
Transport in Tajikistan:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex
Transport in Kyrgyzstan:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - 1 Mercedes Sprinter
Transport in Kazakhstan:
02 pax - Sedan
04-10 pax - Sprinter
Price per person:
02 pax - 2 975 $
04 pax - 2 115 $
06 pax - 1 985 $
08 pax - 1 750 $
10 pax - 1 785 $
Single - 350 $
Early check-in - 70 $
Single early check-in - 140 $
All dinners - 260 $*
All lunches and dinners - 495 $*
Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - 40 $ per person
English speaking guides:
TM - included by law
UZ - local 140 $ per group or escort 380 $ per group
TJ - 760 $ per group
KG - 295 $ per group
KZ - 220 $ per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*
Mary - "Merv" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Tashkent - "Samir" Hotel 3*
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Dushanbe - "Meridians" Hotel 3* *
Kalai Khum - "Karon Palace" Hotel 4*
Khorog - "Lal" Guesthouse
Murgab - "Pamir" Guesthouse
Osh - "Sun Rise" Hotel 3*
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Visa support in Turkmenistan
- Train tickets Samarkand - Tashkent
- English speaking guide in Turkmenistan
- Flight tickets Osh - Bishkek (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)
Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide