11 day Silk Road Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan tour

 

Tour's name: 11 day Silk Road Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan tour 

The tour route: Bishkek, Ala Archa, Burana, Chon Kemin, Issyk Kul Lake, Karakol, Jeti Oguz, Kochkor, Son Kul Lake, 33 parrots pass, Osh, Iskanderkul Lake, Dushanbe

Day 1: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
After being welcomed at the airport you will meet your guide and then transfer to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. It is about 30 km from the airport to get to the city. After arrival you will explore the interesting sights as Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and other highlights. After the exploration of cultural attractions you will reach the natural attraction Ala Archa gorge. The word Ala - translates as snow, juniper - analogous to juniper. Indeed, there are glaciers in the gorge that melt only in the hot summer. The slopes of the gorge are richly covered with various types of Archa. According to specialists, almost all diseases can be cured in the gorge. The bactericidal effect of Archie is so strong that only one tree kills germs within a radius of 50 meters. The gorge is famous among travelers and locals. The flora and fauna in this gorge is very rich. You will have a short walking to see the panorama views. Then you will transfer back to Bishkek. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin
After the breakfast you will explore the Asina Bazaar which is located not far from the center of the capital. This place is colorful and here you can perfectly feel all the color and interesting life of the city. Don't miss chance to have wonderful photos. You can buy here the interesting goods and souvenirs.  After the exploration you will travel to fascinating gorge Chon Kemin. You will Along the way you will stop to visit the historical heritage of Kyrgyzstan and see the amazingly interesting fortification. This is called Burana Tower was built in 11 century and see the interesting stone statuettes Balbals (warriors). You will have a chance to get to the top of the tower and make a wish. After that you will continue you way to Chon Kemin gorge. After coming you will be offered to have 3 hours horseback riding. You will lead to majestic mountain and observe on the way a mountain forest. Travelling to the top of the gorge and observe its fascinating panorama. You will spend the night in the home stay. 

Day 3: Chon Kemin - Issyk Kul lake northern shore - Karakol
Today you will drive to fabulous sight of Kyrgyzstan Issyk Kul lake. The name Issyk-Kul is traditionally translated as "hot lake", although some researchers believe that it comes from the ancient Turkic Yyiyk-Kul - "sacred lake". Both interpretations have a right to exist. Due to the great depth (up to 688 m) Issyk-Kul does not freeze even in the coldest winters. You will have a chance to go to the lake and observe it fabulous views of the lake and observe the mountains. You will transfer along the south north shore of the lake and get Karakol. On the way you will explore petroglyphs. After arrival to Karakol you will visit the Dungan mosque. The mosque was painted with special paints of the traditional color for Dungan religious buildings. These are mostly green, red, and yellow. After you will get to the following attraction an old wooden Orthodox Church. Then night is in the guesthouse. 

Day 4: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Kochkor
Today you will travel to Jeti Oguz gorge. (from the Kyrgyz language means "Seven Bulls") - a picturesque gorge located in Kyrgyzstan, on the southern coast of the lake. Issyk-Kul, the name of the gorge is symbolic since it had exactly 7 red rocks in ancient times, and many interesting legends and fairy tales are told about this place. During the tour program, you can enjoy views of the beautiful Broken Heart mountain. You will also have a chance to go to the top and see the amazing views of the gorgeous panorama. You will then continue tour with travelling along the south shore and observe the enchanting pictures. You will visit the eagle hunter in Bokonbaevo village. He will tell you information about eagle hunting. You will spend the night in the home stay.

Day 5: Kochkor - Son Kul
In the morning you will start your tour with driving to charming lake Son Kul Lake. A fabulous high-mountain lake that stretches freely in a natural depression between two spurs of the Tien Shan - Son-Kul-Too and Moldo-Too. Located at an altitude of 3016 m above sea level in the North-Western part of the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan, it is an excellent eco-tourism destination. The lake is famous for its fresh air and attracts for many years not only local residents but also tourists from all over the world. Local nomads come here to live in yurts and graze cattle, as well as for recreation. You will have a chance today to walk and enjoy the day on this place. You will spend the night in the yurt.

Day 6: Son Kul - 33 parrots Pass - Kochkor - Bishkek
This day you will meet locals and disocver the way of life of Kyrgyz people. You will transfer to Bishkek today. The tour route will take you today to 33 parrots pass (3 133 m). Where you will have wonderful photos of the way and enjoy the spectacular landscapes. On the way you will have a chance to get acquainted with ancient Kyrgyz handicraft and have a stop in Kochkor there you will discover the interesting facts and secrets of making national felt carpet that will tell you the local family. There you will observe a small handicraft museum. There are located a lot of examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and more. You will transfer then to the city Bishkek. The overnight is in the hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek - Osh
Today you will transfer to the airport and have a flight to Osh city. This the second capital of Kyrgyzstan or the south capital. You will have a highlight tour and observe the amazing and interesting views, walk along the streets and get to the main destination of the city Suleiman Mountain. On June 29, 2009, Sulaiman-Too was included in the UNESCO world heritage list.According to legend, the mountain was visited by the biblical king Solomon (Suleiman). Until the XVI century, it was called Bara-Kuh, and later became known as Takht-I-Suleiman - "Throne of Solomon". You will complete the tour with the interesting attraction Asian Bazaar. This is very big bazaar with colorful goods and rows. This day you will discover the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan and make interesting photos. The night you will spend in the hotel.

Day 8: Osh - Guliston border - Khujand  
After the breakfast you will transfer to Tajik border and further to Khujand city. You will be met today by Tajik guide on the border transfer to Khujand city. In the North of Tajikistan, the city of Khujand is located in the picturesque Syr Darya valley. Today, Khujand is the largest cultural and industrial center of the country, and also occupies the second place in terms of population. Khujand is an important transport hub and the scientific, economic, political and cultural center of Tajikistan. You will have a tour in Cultural Palace and Central Mosque. You will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 9: Khujand - Iskanderkul Lake
Today you will drive to emerald lake located in Fann Mountains Iskanderkul (2 255 m. a. s. l.). This is the famous mountain lake Iskanderkul. And it is named after Alexander the great. This place is a real place for exploration of pristine nature and discover the spectacular views. Then you will stroll along the beaches of the lake and enjoy the time spending here. Then you will move to see the waterfall about 40 minutes. Tajikistan has large reserves of water resources: it has the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers. Night is in a homestay.

Day 10: Iskanderkul - Dushanbe
After the breakfast you will transfer to Dushanbe via Anzob pass (3 372 m) and tunnel of Isticlol. You will have many photo stops today and discover the beautiful mountain passes. After coming to the capital of Tajikistan you will have a city tour including: Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. Then you will have a chance to see National park, Ministry of Inner Affairs, the biggest National Flag in the world - 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. You will lend excursion with the interesting and exciting attractions Central Museum and Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 11: Flight
In the morning is transfer to the airport.

 

Transport in KG:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter

 

Transport in TJ:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex 
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex 
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex  

 

Price per person:
02 pax - 1 520 $
04 pax - 970 $
06 pax - 880 $
08 pax - 755 $
10 pax - 745 $
Single -160 $ 

All dinners - 150 $
All lunches and dinners - 300 $ 

To be 2 in one yurt (now 4 pax) - 15 $ per person

 

English speaking guides:
KG - 600 $ per group
TJ - 380 $ per group

 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Chon Kemin - Homestay
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Boutique Hotel
Kochkor - Homestay
Son Kul - Yurts, "Nomad's Dream" camp (4 pax in 1)
Khujand - "Firuz" Hotel 4*
Iskandarkul - Home stays
Dushanbe - "Meridians" Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Horse riding in Chon Kemin
- Mineral water during the tour
- Flight tickets Bishkek - Osh (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