Central Asia Explorer - Urumqi, Kashgar, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan
Day 1 - Arrive Urumqi
Meeting at the airport, accommodation hotel. Urumqi city tour
In the morning tour to the Nanshan Pasture. Stroll through the rolling green hills dotted with Kazak yurts and encounter grazing sheep and camels. Discover waterfalls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the southern foothills while the snow-capped peaks of Tian Shan tower above in the distance. Back to city, here we will have a family visiting in the yurt of Kazak herdsman. In the afternoon visit the Xinjiang Minority Peoples' Museum which is definitely worth a visit. This museum houses an impressive collection of exhibits, covering artifacts and relics from more than 12 minority groups. the lay out and presentation of the exhibits is imaginative and the preserved bodies of men, women and babies found in tombs in Xinjiang, along with the 3000 year old mummies, make for insightful (if a little spooky) visit! After that, we visit the lively market at Erdaoqiao, where anything from Uygur handicrafts, silk carpets to fruits and kebabs are sold. We will also visit the Old Town area, where we will see how Uygurs live in today's modern capital (the New Town is the Han Chinese area of town). (Incl:B-L-D)
O/N Local Express Hotel (about 1-2 star)
Day 2 - Urumqi / Turpan / Urumqi (Bus 420kms)
Today we drive toTurpan, upon arrival ,visit the Gaochang , one of China'best preserved ancient cities due to the dry, hot climate. Walls of beaten yellow sotne 40 feet thick at the base, suround the ruins. Continue on to The Baiziklik Caves (one Thou-sand Buddha Caves) show the extent to which Buddhism spread in this area Turpan Cemetery contains decorated tombs dating back to the Jin and Tang dynasties. A stop will be made at the ancient Astana Tombes. And the Flaming Mountains that seem on fire in the mid-day sun; then tour to Grape Valley ,where you can enjoy the numerous types of grapes as many as you like here. Return to Turpan and visit the District Museum which houses a collection of historical artefacts from the area.In the late afternoon,we leave Turpan for Urumqi, (Incl:B-L-D)
O/N Local small Hotel (about 1-2 star)
Day 3 - Flight to Hotan ( Air 1500 kms)
In the morning fly to Khotan. Today, we?ll pedal out to the carpet factory to watch how beautiful works of art are crafted by hand from mere patterns and intricate combinations of fine wool yarn.then visit to the ruins of the important city of the ancient Yutian Kingdom—Malikwat;,Jade Purchasing Station,then visit to Yuetkhan Ruin that has been thought to be the capital city of ancient Yutian Kigdom; see the special old tree: a wualnut tree of 5 hundred years,which the natives call as ‘‘ The King of Walnut’’, and a fig tree 4 hundrd years old, named by the natives ‘‘The king of fig trees’’. In the late afternoon We make our way to the next oasis, Keriya or Yutian. Beyond Keriya the desert becomes hotter and more barren, and we begin to appreciate the subtle variations in the desert scenery as we drive on to Menfeng, the modern town which has supplanted the ancient city in the desert 120km to the north.(Incl:B-L-D)
O/N Local small Hotel (about 2 star)
Toady we will traveled from Hotan(Kothan) to Kashgar about 500km over the Gobi Desert.by foot the trails of great exploer,Mark Polo along the South Route of SilkRoad , The capital of the ancient Yutian Kingdom. A pearl on the Silk Road famous for its unique ruins of ancient city and specialities as hetian jade, silk, carpet...On the way,we will visit Yarkant?s Aketun mosque, King Sayidia?s tomb, imperial concubine Amannisahan (1526-1560)?s tomb and a Uighur graveyard, and can have a view of some landscape of Kunlun Mountains and Taklamakan Desert (Incl:B-L-D)
O/N Local small Hotel (about 2 star)
Day 5 - Kashgar
Our city tour also includes the tombs of Abakh Hoja Tomb, well-known Kashgar Bazzar, the famous Id Kah Mosque and the most unique old town with typical Uyghur styled homes. We visit the various shopping alleys full of noodle shops, bakeries, teashops, blacksmiths and carpenters. (Incl:B-L-D) O/N Local small Hotel (about 2 star)
Day 6 - Kashgar/Torugart/Tash Rabat (Bus 250 Kms)
Crossing "modern" fronteirs is half the fund on the Silk Road today. We cross over China , your Kyrgyz English-speaking guide would meet you at Torugart Pass (is a remote mountain border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and China) and then transfer to Tash Rabat. A stone fortress, Tash-Rabat is 3530 meters high. This fortress is known as the caravansary of the XV century, (a medieval inn for merchants and travelers on the Great Silk Road) and it was recently dated by the X century due to the archaeological and architectural research of the last years. The caravanseray is a squaire, rather squat-looking building that is much bigger than it appears from the outside because it digs deep into the hillside behind. Inside there is a domed center chamber leading to the remains of 30 rooms including, opposite the entrance, the khan's own quarters. It is idyllic place to camp in yurts. Accommodation in yurts.(Incl:B-L-D)
Day 7 - Tash Rabat/Son-Kul lake (200 km)
Son-Kul lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. The total area of the lake is 275 sq. km., it is 15m. deep, and it is situated 3016 m. above sea-level. In winter the lake is covered with thick (1,5m.) ice. The lake is a favorite place for wild geese, ducks and sea-gulls. At Son-Kul, it is possible for the visitor to feel that they are experiencing "pristine nature". Even thought there are no trees on the plain, there is abundance of herbs (such as chamomile, sagebrush, lichen, golden root) and flowers are plentiful in the spring (especially Edelweiss). Accommodation in Yurt Camp on the lake shore.
Day 8 - Son-Kul lake/Salt lake (240km)
The Dead / Salt Lake (the Issyk-Kul southern shore)
The Dead Lake is an analog of the Dead Sea in Israel. The Lake is shallow and warm; salinity is 2.5 g/L. The deeper the immersion the stronger expulsion, it is possible to read a newspaper lying on the back. High mineral content in the Lake helps to cure respiratory diseases, articular and skin diseases. There are also therapeutic muds and blue clay at the Lake. Accommodation in Yurt Camp near the lake shore.
Day 9 - Salt lake/The Barskaun Waterfall/Karakol town (220 km)
Your day is for transferring to Karakol town via the Barskaun Waterfall which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Kyrgyzstan! The waterfall is 33 m high located at the Issyk-Kul Reserve. The road to Barskoon is well maintained and leads ultimatelly to the Kumtor gold mine - hence a trickle of wheezing trucks, hauling their way up and down the pretty gorge. It climbs and twists streadily before passing a rusting Soviet Lorry, mounted on a plinth to the left. The falls are visible ahead, gushing down the mountainside. On the way down we will see the sculpture of Yuri Gagarin, who holidayed on southern Issyk-Kul. Upon arrival to Karakol accommodation in Yurt Camp Turkestan in yurt/room in the center of town.
Day 10 - Karakol/Djety Oguz "Seven Bulls" (60 km)
In the morning touring this serene town, being hosted by our guide, you will learn the history of this pre-USSR town. You visit the Orthodox Church, Chinese Mosque, Regional Museum and traditional Animal Market on Sunday mornings. Karakol town also serves as a good base for excursions into the nearby Terskey Ala Too Mountains. After city tour trip in picturesque Djety Oguz valley, 25 km South West of Karakol is a lush valley with some striking red sandstone rock formations (the "Seven Bulls" form wihich the valley takes its name. There is a legend about the rock formation which your guide will tell you. As you approach the valley, you pass another rock formation, which resembles a "broken heart". These two rock formations thave almost became symbols of the Issyk-Kul region and are favourite images for photographs and paintings. You will have a walk along the beautiful valley and have picnic lunch. (Optional: Eagle hunting display show). Accommodation in Yurt Camp Turkestan in yurt. (Optional: In the evening folklore concert program).
Day 11 - Karakol - Bishkek. (400 km)
Your day is for transferring Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan - 400 km from Karakol. The road hugs the water's edge and winds through Kyrgyz villages, against a spectacular backdrop of the Central Tien-Shan Mountains. En route visit, Cholpon-Ata, petroglyphs museum, via Boom gorge with intricate rock canyons and visiting Burana Tower (11th c). (Optional: boat trip on Issyk Kul lake). Petroglyphs are recognized as an important historical and cultural heritage. There are many sites where petroglyphs can be found throughout Kyrgyzstan, but one of the more accessible major sites of petroglyphs is at Cholpon Ata were there are over 40 acres littered with fine examples.The stones vary in size from 30 cm to 3 meters. Other examples you will see at the Burana tower complex where petrogliphs and balbals, (stone grave markets) from the Chui region have been gathered. The tower is all that remains of the once great city of Balasugin and was originally a Minaret. Accommodation in hotel/guest house is for overnight upon your arriving.
Day 12 - Bishkek -Ala-Archa. (70 km)
Begin your day with a sightseeing tour, hosted by our guide. Highlights include the Orthodox Church, Oriental Bazaar, National Square, National Historical Museum where gathered big collection of exhibits. Displays from the 18th to 20th centuries include traditional Kyrgyz dress and marriage items. The huge statuary on the stairs is of Lenin leading the revolutionary masses; the inevitable sizeable collection of Soviet memorabilia is stil on show. Afternoon is for car tour to Ala-Archa valley (National Park) and excursion along the river up to the end of trail. Ala Archa is an alpine valley about an hours drive from the centre of Bishkek. The spectacular scenery, with steep wood covered mountain slopes, makes a favourite spot for the local citizens for a "day out" of a picnic. After excursion go back to Bishkek, transfer to hotel/guest house. Evening is at your leisure.
Day 13 - Journey to Osh. Bishkek - Chichkan. (260 km)
Today we begin our journey to Osh, Kyrgyzstan second largest city and a gateway to Uzbekistan. The journey goes through stunning scenery, with two 3000m passes and the Suusamyr valley Our journey today takes us 255km to the Chichkan valley, where we will overnight in tourist complex "Ak-Ilbirs".
Day 14 – Journey towards Osh through the stunning Kyrgyz landscapes. (420 km)
Today we continue our journey towards Osh through the stunning Kyrgyz landscapes, the Toktogul reservoir, the Naryn river gorge before arriving in the Fergana valley. The drive will take approximately 7 hours. En route we will view the Uzgen Minarets. Accommodation in guest house in Osh.
Day 15 - Transfer Osh – Murgab (450 km)
Cross Kizil-Art Pass (4280 m). 450km crossing through border Kyrgyz/Tajik and decent to Karakul lake (H-4100m.), Karakul means ‘ Black Lake (3, 914 m)the largest lake in the Pamirs, with a surface area of 380 square km and volume of 26. 6 cubic km of water Cross Ak-Baital pass (4, 650 m). and then to Murgab, there stay in guest house or overnight in outside Murgab in private home stay.
Day 16 - Transfer Murgab – Khorog (200 km)
After breakfast drive to drive to Khorog through Nayzatash pass (H-4200m) then to Kaitezek pass (4272m). then to Jelondy hot springs v. Shokhdara v and arrive to Khorog (2, 100 m), capital of Tajikistan 's Mountainous Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Lunch along a way. Accommodation in a guest house/home stay.
Day 17 - Tour of the Khorog city.
The Pamir Botanical Garden in the eastern part of the city (2, 320 m) is the second-highest such institution in the world, with many unique plants brought here from around the world. Then drive to to Kalai-Khumb 250km (H-1850 m) via very famous place Chiltang. Lunch on the way. accommodation in guest house, dinner and rest.
Day 18 - After breakfast drive from Kalai-Khumb to Dushanbe 250km. through Blue lake, Rakhsh valley, stay in the hotel "AVSESTO". Half day sightseeing program in Dushanbe - bazaar, a historical museum, the square of Independence. Lunch in exotic chaykhona "Rohat" Dinner and rest.
Day 19 - Dushanbe-Pendjikent (Tadjikistan) 330km
After breakfast - one day excursion to the ancient Pendjikent. The sightseeing program along Pendjikent site is waiting for the tourists, they can see the way people living in 5-7 cc., visit a historical museum. After lunch you will go to Marguzor lake, that is the most beautiful in Tajikistan. Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 20 - Transfer Pendjikent (Tadjikistan)/Samarkand 75 km
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Penjikent to Tajik –Uzbek border, frontier point "Djartepa" (75km) Finished all necessary formalities (boundary and custom control). After crossing thorugh border we will drive to Samarkand. Sightseeing in Samarkand.
First of all we visit the most marvelous square of Central Asia with its magnificent architectural complexes – Registan (XVII c), that is situated in the heart of Samarqand. The word “Registan” means “sandy place”. Registan appeared as a centre of trade. It is a crossing place of 6 ways started from city gates. Registan is circled with 3 main buildings: Ulugbek Madrasah, Sherdor Madrasah and Tillya Kari Mosque. In 1417 Ulugbek (grandson of famous Tamerlan) began a building of madrasah with his name. In 1420 the building was completed and Registan became a center of science. In 17 century two monumental buildings Sherdor Madrasah and Tillya Kari Mosque were built up on Registan. Sherdor Madrasah (means “a building with lions”) is a mirroring of Ulugbek Madrasah. Registan is still the main square of the city.
Day 21 - Transfer Samarkand-Bukhara. (268 km. 3-4 hrs)
Half day sity tour in Samarkand and then transfer to Bukhara. Sightseeing program in Samarkand: Guri-Emir mausoleum - of Timur and the Timurids -XV c., Rukhabad necropolis (XV c.); Bibi-Khanum the gigantic congregational mosque (XV c.), Ulugbek observatory (1420.) - the remains of an immense (30 m. tall) astrolabe for observing star position, Shakhi-Zinda (The Living King) necropolis of Samarkand rulers and nobles. Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 22 - Sightseeing in Bukhara.
Ark - ancient fortress (VI-VII cc.) is the place where ancient Bukhara originated in. It vividly blends with the view of this place. Next we walk by Chashma Ayub Mazar (graveyard) (XIV-XIX cc.). Monuments follow one by one and next monument we will see is Poi- Kalan complex (XII-XVI cc.), that includes famous Minaret Kalan (built in 1127, height is 49 meters). Minaret Kalan firstly was an observation post, and then it became a place of public executions. Samanid’s Mausoleum (IX-X cc.) Next we see Lyabi-Hauz complex (XVI-XVII cc.) which includes: Kukeldash madrassah (1568) and Nadir Divanbegi madrassah (1622).
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 23 - Transfer Bukhara - Tashkent (618 km)
After breakfast transfer to Tashkent. Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 24 - Departure home from Tashkent
Departure to airport. Return home.
