4-Stan Family Tour

Flight to Almaty.

Morning arrival in Almaty International Airport (ETA 03:00).

Migration formalities usually take 30 min to 60 min: passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the driver with a sign “ANUR TOUR”.

Transfer to the hotel. Arrival in the hotel. Extra night

Resting time after the flight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

11:00 Sightseeing around Almaty includes visiting:

- Panfilov Park. The name of the Panfilov Park comes after the heroes of Panfilov. There is a big monument in commemoration of the heroic actions made by 28 Almaty Soldiers who died in 1941 near Moscow.

- Zenkov Cathedral. Zenkov Wooden constructed Cathedral is one of the eight unique wooden buildings in the world. It is one of the few buildings to survive the 1911 earthquake, despite the fact it is built entirely of wood and constructed without nails;

- National Musical Instruments Museum. In the Museum of Musical Instruments, one can find various national musical instruments.

- Medeu, the World's largest speed skating rink known as Medeo. At the end of the gorge there is a ski resort Shymbulak, situated at an altitude of 2.200 m above sea level. It is one of Central Asia's top skiing spots where one can take a cable car funicular to Shymbulak Ski resort.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Desayuno en la casa de huéspedes.

09:00 Encuentro con el guía y el conductor. Traslado al Cañón de Charyn.

- El Cañón de Charyn (el Valle de los Castillos) es un complejo natural único en su tipo, no solo en Kazajistán, sino también en todo el mundo. Se formó durante el Paleógeno y recuerda al Gran Cañón del Río Colorado en Norteamérica, aunque de menor tamaño. La altura de las empinadas laderas del cañón alcanza los 150-300 metros. La extraordinaria disección del terreno es sorprendente: los numerosos barrancos forman una red densa y caótica. El viento y el agua han creado el hermoso "Valle de los Castillos", donde siempre estará rodeado de imponentes torres compuestas de rocas sedimentarias. El valle tiene más de 2 km de largo y entre 20 y 80 metros de ancho. Durante millones de años, la naturaleza ha creado una arquitectura única, erigiendo magníficos castillos con cuidado y lentitud.

Traslado a Almaty.

Tarde de descanso. Alojamiento en el hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to Bishkek by car (250 km ~ 4-5hrs) to the border post "Korday". Border crossing usually takes 30 min~1h.

Please note: while passing the border one needs to be ready to handle all the luggage across the border by him/herself (~300 m).

Continue to Bishkek.

Arrival at the hotel, check-in.Short time to rest.

In the afternoon start Bishkek walking tour visiting:

- Oak Park - city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among tourists in Bishkek. 

- Ala-Too Square is the central square in Bishkek. It serves as a place for state events and celebrations. Philharmonic hall – situated at the top of Rose Alley.

- Statue of Manas (Manas is a legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).

- Victory Square where one can see the Victory monument, a memorial was completed in 1984. Usually, the main festival events are held in Bishkek at the eternal flame, on Victory Square with the guard of honor, forces of Kyrgyz garrison and a military band.

- State History Museum is a perfect display of the Kyrgyz people and the history of the country of Kyrgyzstan.

- Visit the central bazaar.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09.00  Transfer to the Issyk-Kyl lake (~ 2 hours, 260 km) en-route visiting:

- Burana Tower (11th-century minaret) was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the north capital of the Turkic lingual state of the Karakhanids and nearby open-air museum with its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments. 

The tower was originally 45 m but because of the great earthquake, part of the minaret was destroyed and its height was reduced to 25 m. There are many beautiful legends about this place and it is interesting to learn more.

- Issyk-Kyl lake is one of the most wonderful lakes in the world, located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “Hot Lake” and is considered as one of "the pearls of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. There are many activities that entertain people on the beach: windsurfing, scooters, aqua parks, parachutes, and rides on boats and ships. In winter there are also spots of alpinism where people enjoy incredible landscapes.

Leisure time and light walking at the lakeshore.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the yurt camp

Transfer to Bishkek with sightseeing en-route:

- Eagle show in Bokonbayevo (traditional eagle hunting).

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Bishkek countryside sightseeing tour visiting:

- Ala Archa National Park (40 km from Bishkek one way);

- Burana Tower was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the north capital of the Turkic lingual state of the Karakhanids and the small nearby museum with its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments. 

16:40 Transfer to the airport.

18:40 Evening flight to Tashkent by HY 780 (1,5 hrs).

19:00 Arrival in Tashkent International Airport.

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, the driver meets with a sign “ANUR TOUR”.

Transfer to the hotel. As Tashkent airport not far from the city center, the transfer will not take a long time (usually 20 – 40 minutes depending on the hotel location).

Arrival in the hotel. Check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:

- Amir Temur Square founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square was renamed in 1994 after Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.

- Tashkent chimes, one of the major symbols of Tashkent, were brought from defeated Koenigsberg in 1945 as a sign of the great victory and eternal glory of patriots who fought in World War II.

- Theatre Square with the Opera House: State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theatres of the world that performs both classical and national repertoires.

- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan. There are fountains, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers of World War, arch "Good and noble aspiration" crowned with birds of happiness and prosperity, road "Ok Yul" leading to Independence Monument and a monument to Happy Mother symbolizing the hope for a great future.

- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;

- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts pilgrims and visitors all over the world.

18:00 Transfer to the railway station.

18:50 Departure for Samarkand by speed train "Afrosiab"/"Sharq".

20:58 Arrival in Samarkand.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to border post Jartepa. Border crossing usually takes 30 min-1 hr.

Meet the guide and driver at Tajikistan part of the border.

 Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent visiting: 

-The Sarazm (UNESCO World Heritage) lies downstream of the city on the tugay-vegetated floodplain of the river.

Transfer to Marguzor, the famous seven lakes - seven wonderful water mirrors full of mountain riverside drops. Each lake looks different whenever the sun changes its position. Colors may vary from deep blue to indie color ripple. Most of them are cold to swim even in summer. These lakes belong to Fann Mountains system.

On the western edge of the Fan Mountains in the valley of the river Shing there are seven lakes, six of them are dammed origin, besides the lake Hazorchashma. Lakes are called Marguzor, but each lake has its own name: Nezhigon, Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma. The difference in level between the upper and lower lake is 692 meters. Easy hike at the lakes. Lunch at the guesthouse.

Return to Penjikent.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent visiting :

- Museum of Rudaki – As Penjikent is a birthplace of Abu-Abdallah Rudaki, the forefather of Persian Poetry. Before lunch, visit the local bazaar and mosque.

- The Sarazm Important Bird Area (UNESCO World Heritage) lies downstream of the city on the tugay-vegetated floodplain of the river.

- The archaeological site of the ruins of old Penjikent - a walled inter-city (2500-years ago) - was once a Sogdian trading city on the Silk Road. Today, only ruins are left owing to the fact that the main construction material was clay-bricks.

In the afternoon transfer to Tajik - Uzbek border post Jartepa,

Cross the border to Uzbekistan (takes about 30 min-1 hr), meet the driver at Uzbekistan side of the border. Transfer to Samarkand.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand visiting (5-6 hrs):

– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of Abbas ibn-Kussam;

– Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;

– Mausoleum of Hoji Doniyor also known as Saint Daniel.

– Paper factory "Meros”  in Konigil village that produces unique paper that can be preserved for more than and is used in craftworks.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to the railway station in Samarkand.

09:44 Departure for Bukhara by speed train "Afrosiyob"/”Sharq”.

11:25 Arrival in Bukhara. Come out of the exit gates and meet the driver who will wait for you with a sign “Anur Tour”. Transfer to hotel to drop the luggage.

Meet the guide and start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5 hours):

- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);

- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;

- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;

- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);

- There are three trading domes or so called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;

- Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;

- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;

- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.

- Shokhrud caravanserai is a trading house where a number of jewelry shops are located. It is also the center of the annual international festival "From silk to Spices", where you can taste the best wines produced in Uzbekistan.

You will learn about each brand of the tasted drink – the secret of wine production, starting from the very initial stages, and ending with its breakdown.  The tasting includes 8 wines and 4 cognacs.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Bukhara. Optionally (can be added as extra) a countryside tour in Bukhara visiting: - Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture. - Sitorai-Mohi Hosa Palace; - Memorial complex Bahouddin Naqshbandi. 14:30 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara. 15:50 Departure for Tashkent by high-speed train "Afrosiyob". 19:44 Arrival in Tashkent. Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel/airport. End of the tour.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day in Bukhara.

Optionally (can be added as extra) a countryside tour in Bukhara visiting:

- Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.

- Sitorai-Mohi Hosa Palace;

- Memorial complex Bahouddin Naqshbandi.

14:30 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.

15:50 Departure for Tashkent by high-speed train "Afrosiyob".

19:44 Arrival in Tashkent. 

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.

Transfer to the hotel/airport.

End of the tour.

Meet with our driver in the lobby or at airport and start the journey.

Transfer to Chimgan Mountains area, 120 km from Tashkent, en-route enjoying the picturesque views of beautiful mountains and the life of local people. Chimgan Mounts offer many seasonal outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, climbing, hiking, and mountaineering.

- Chimgan cable-way ride or Amirsoy complex visit ( the entrance fees in Amirsoy complex and cable-way ride are not included, the visitors can buy the entrance tickets/ cable way ride tickets or ski passes in the ticket offices of Amirsoy)

- Drive to Chimgan and take a photo stop with panoramic view to Charvak Lake enjoying fresh air beautiful nature and stunning scenery of Chimgan Mountains.

- Petroglyphs. Not far from the Ugam River, during archaeological excavations, stone tools and traces of ancient hearths were discovered, on one of the rocks you can see ancient rock paintings.

It's possible to have a lunch in mountain restaurants in the place named "Bochka" by local people.

After lunch, transfer back to Tashkent. The total journey is 200 km one-way long. 

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

Return flight from Tashkent tomorrow.

End of the tour