Nomadic culture and history of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

 

Tour's name: Nomadic culture and history of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

The tour route: Bishkek, Ala Archa,  Burana, Chon Kemin, Issyk Kul Lake, Karakol, Jeti Oguz, Kochkor, Son Kul Lake,  33 parrots pass, Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand

Day 1: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
You will be met by your guide after arrival at the airport. After daylong tour in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. You will discover the main attractions of Bishkek. Bishkek is the young capital of the ancient state of Kyrgyzstan; the capital was named after the famous hero of Kyrgyzstan Baatyr. During the program you will be able to see these attractions: Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many interesting landmarks. In the second part of the day you will explore the national park Ala Archa. This place translates thanks to the juniper tree that stretches across the mountain landscape as "variegated juniper". It is located 45 km from the capital, in the system of the Kyrgyz mountain range. This place is a Paradise for mountaineers and sports enthusiasts. They also like to visit it for family holidays and relaxation in nature. During the tour, you will be able to see the beautiful scenery of the gorge. After exploration you will return to capital and the overnight is in the hotel. 

Day 2: Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin
This day you are going to explore the colorful place of the capital Asian Bazaar that is situated not far from the center. This place is a favorite for citizens because of the affordable prices and you can find absolutely everything here. Today you can take colorful photos and feel all the bustling life of the city. In the second part of the day you will have a trip to astonishing place Chon Kemin gorge. En tour rout you will explore the ancient tower called Burana Minaret that was built in 11 century by powerful people Karakhanids. At this place you will have a chance to observe the ancient reminds Balbals (stone statuettes). Then you will continue your driving to vivid gorge Chon Kemin. This is a unique view of the picturesque place is located in the Chui region, near Bishkek. After arrival you will have an incredible tour horseback riding about 3 hours. During the excursion you will observe the amazing land and discover the fascinating mountain forest. And on the way you will have wonderful photos of the fabulous panorama view of the gorge. You will spend the night in a home stay.  

Day 3: Chon Kemin - Issyk Kul lake northern shore - Karakol
Your adventure will give you an opportunity to visit the mesmerizing lake of Kyrgyzstan Issyk Kul Lake. This lake is excellent for its incredibly luxurious views, the lake is surrounded by the heavenly mountains Kungei Ala too and Terskey Ala too. The lake is located at an altitude of 1608 meters above the sea level and is a unique resort area, from many countries people seek to visit this indescribable beauty of the lake to recover from skin diseases, heart and so on. You are going to head along the northern part and observe on the way charming views. On the way you will visit ancient petroglyphs. You will arrive to Karakol town and discover the best attractions of this city the Dungan mosque that was built in Chinese style and an old wooden  Orthodox Church. You are going to rest the night in a guesthouse. 

Day 4: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Kochkor
This day you will head on to amazingly beautiful place Jeti Oguz gorge located not far from Karakol. This place is fascinating because red rocks that are famous throughout Kyrgyzstan. Here in the mountains there is a resort area where people come to be treated thanks to the fresh air and kumis, which is a national drink and is made from Mare's milk. The place is translated as Seven Bulls. You will observe on the way fabulous Rock the Broken Heart Mountain. If you are not tired you can explore the enchanting panorama of the gorge and discover the perfect scenery. The tour route will continue to Bokonbaevo village which is on the south shore of the lake Issyk Kul. You are going to meet here the eagle hunter and listen to the interesting stories of the ancient methods of hunting. Your night will be in the home stay.

Day 5: Kochkor - Son Kul
This day you will transfer to divine Lake of Kyrgyzstan Son Kul. It is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, located at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level, 29 km long and 18 km wide. This lake is surrounded by heavenly mountains and is beautiful due to the incredibly beautiful view of the lake surface, which changes due to weather conditions. Since ancient times, this lake was a tasty morsel of nomads who tried to settle down by the lake and drive their cattle. Upon arrival, you will find the most interesting views of the lake, you can walk, relax and take beautiful photos for memory. This place is a wonderful Paradise for a break from noisy cities, civilization and internet. This night will be in the yurt which is covered with felt coverings. In ancient times it was portable dwellings of nomads.

Day 6: Son Kul - 33 parrots Pass - Kochkor - Bishkek
Today you will discover the life of local nomads and observe also the astonishing views. You will transfer today to Bishkek via high mountain pass 33 parrots. This pass is very beautiful, on the way you will have opportunity to have photo stops and observe the breathtaking views. You will stop in Kochkor village and get acquainted with a local family which from the ancient times preserved the secrets of making the national felt carpet. This day you will observe the small handicraft museum there, and may be buy some artifacts. You will have a chance to see examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and more. Then you will transfer to Bishkek city. The overnight is in the hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek -Tashkent
After breakfast you will have a journey to the airport and then you will departure to Tashkent the capital of Uzbekistan. You will be met by the group at the airport. This is very beautiful city full of cultural and historical attractions. You will have a daylong tour where you will get to the first destination Independence square that is the main attraction of Tashkent that has a long history. After you will direct to Tashkent metro and have a ride there, you will fascinate here the amazing architecture. After you will get to the interesting attractions which are located in the old part of the city: Chorsu Bazaar is an incredibly interesting place full of color and unique products, Kukaldash Madrasah religious educational institution in old Tashkent and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. There also located the oldest copy of Quran Othaman which has been preserved to this day. According to legend, the blood of 3 Caliph Othman got on their pages. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 8: Tashkent - Bukhara (morning flight)
This day you will have a morning flight to Bukhara. You will have a full day city tour and observe the priceless architecture of the city. You will visit today the ancient sight Citadel Ark which dates back to the 4^th century named Citadel Ark it was a powerful building in Bukhara, which can be called a city within a city. In ancient times, approximately 3,000 people lived and worked within the citadel. After that you will direct to Samanids mausoleum, family tomb and one of the ancient architectural charms of the Uzbek city of Bukhara of 9^th -10^th century. You will continue tour with Chashma Ayub, meaning ("The source of Job") - one of the monuments of religious architecture in the heart of Bukhara. You will move to the shopping domes where you will have a walk and discover the astonishing madrasah Nodir Divan Begi in Bukhara, it is part of the historical complex of the XVI-XVII centuries. Lyabi-Hauz. The building was built in 1622-23 at the expense of the vizier Nodir Divan Begi. You will end the tour with exploring the final sight Poi Kalon complex,  that is consists of three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Your night is in the hotel.

Day 9: Bukhara 
You will continue exploring the amazing city Bukhara today. And this day you will observe the holy complex of pilgrims Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex. The cult-memorial complex of Bahauddin Naqshbandi (1318-1389) is located 12 km North-East of Bukhara in the village of Kasri Orifon, where he was born and buried. Khoja Bahauddin Naqshbandi - historical figure, famous Sufi, contemporary of Timur, who lived in the XIV century. His grave became popular many years after his death, and his mother, closest relatives, and students and followers were also buried here. The cult of Bahauddin Naqshbandi enjoyed great fame among the people, and great attention was paid to the ensemble by the rulers. You route will lead you today to Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex was a country residence of Bukhara Emirs, located 4 km North of Bukhara in an area drained of swamps. You will explore in the end of the tour memorial complex Chor Bakr that is situated in Sumiton village. Previously, the village was a refuge of the dervish order, which served as a support for the Khan's power. The Chor-Bakr necropolis contains the graves of sheikhs from the Juybar Seyid family. After the excursion you will return to the city for overnight.

Day 10: Bukhara - Samarkand
You will departure today to Samarkand. it is one of the oldest cities in the world and is the second largest city in the Republic of Uzbekistan. In ancient times, it was located in a favorable place, many caravan routes passed through it. It is considered the same age as Babylon and Rome. This day you will explore the amazing attractions of Samarkand and observe such places as: Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square, the heart of ancient Samarkand, a majestic square for all time. An unparalleled and incomparable ensemble of three grandiose madrassas is assembled here. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh translated as "the living king", this place is one of the most impressive memorial complexes of Islamic architecture of the XIV-XV centuries. The complex is a huge burial place of representatives of the nobility of the Temurid times. Bibi Khanum Mosque the grandiose mosque, in the courtyard of which 10 thousand people could pray at the same time, is now a mandatory stopping point for all who arrive in Samarkand. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 11: Samarkand - Tashkent (train)
This day you will also discover the historical and interesting touristic spots. You will explore today the Ulughbek observatory, According to the archaeological remains, it can be concluded that the Ulugbek Observatory was one of the largest in the East. According to the reconstruction, the Observatory had the appearance of a three - story cylindrical building with a height of 30.4 m and a diameter of 46.40 m, and contained a grandiose goniometer oriented from North to South-a sextant (or quadrant) with a radius of 40.21 m, which measured the height of celestial bodies above the horizon when they passed through the celestial Meridian. Here, by 1437, the famous "Ziji Guragon" was compiled - a catalog of the starry sky, which described 1018 stars arranged in constellations. Each star has a number and its position in the constellation is briefly described. You are going to direct to the next point the local Broadway where you will have a chance to buy souvenirs from souvenir shops, see teahouses, sweets and workshops. After that you will explore the national bazaar Siab, one of the most popular and hugest bazaars in Central Asia. You will have a chance to buy here Uzbek traditional handmade products and local sweets. Then you will get to the carpet factory, a unique handmade carpet factory where over 400 women sew carpets without using traditional techniques. After it you will drive to Tashkent is by train. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 12: Flight
In the morning is transfer to the airport.

 

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

 

Transport in UZ:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Bus

 

Price per person:
02 pax - 1 180 $
04 pax - 850 $
06 pax - 735 $
08 pax - 670 $
10 pax - 615 $
Single - 175 $ 

All dinners - 130 $*
All lunches and dinners - 255 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - 45 $ per person 

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

 

English speaking guides:
KG - 465 $ per group
UZ - local 180 $ per group or escort 320 $ per group 

Bishkek - Tashkent flight - from 170 $
Tashkent - Bukhara flight - from 60 $

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)
Tashkent - "Tourist Inn" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
- Horse riding in Chon Kemin
- Mineral water during the tour
- Entrances to all museums in KG
- Train tickets Samarkand - Tashkent 

Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide
- Entrances to all museums in UZ