Hidden Treasures of Central Asia
Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan: Hidden Treasures of Central Asia
Country: | Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan | ||
Tour duration: | 11 days / 10 nights | ||
Itinerary: | Almaty – Altyn Emel National Park – Charyn Canyon – Kolsay lakes – Kaindy lake – Almaty – Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Tashkent |
Scheduled arrival dates:
During this tour we will see the most famous hightlights of two countries, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
In Kazakhstan we will discover tourist attractions of Almaty Region, with activities varying between 4WD jeep tour, easy hikes in the most beautiful areas of the Tien Shan Mountains and an excursion to Almaty featuring a visit to the famous high-altitude sport complex Medeo and a descent from the Kok Tobe Mountain in a renovated cable car, with the enjoyment of a panorama of Almaty.
We will explore the 3 largest Nature parks of Kazakhstan as well: Altyn-Emel National Park encompassing the mystic white Aktau Mountains and mysterious Singing Sand Dune; Charyn National Park with its grandiose canyons in the Valley of Castles; and Ile-Alatau National Park located in close proximity to Almaty. In the Tien Shan Mountains we will reveal wonderful turquoise pearls: a cascade of Kolsay Lakes and ghostly underwater forest of Kaindy Lake with tree trunks rising right from cold water.
itinerary / services & cost
Visa
useful information
Tour program | ||
Day 1 Wednesday. | Almaty, arrival Arrival in Almaty early in the morning, meet the driver at the airport and further transfer to the hotel for accommodation and rest. After breakfast start the sightseeing tour in Almaty. Visit Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers, Ascension Cathedral (Russian Orthodox church), Museum of musical instruments and Green Bazaar. After lunch time we proceed to the National Park of Ili Alatau and its highlights of Medeo rink, Shymbulak resort and Kok Tobe park. Return to the hotel for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast |
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Day 2 Thursday. | Almaty - Altyn Emel National Park by road (450 km). |
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Day 3 Friday. |
Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon - Kolsay lakes by road (480 km). After breakfast we continue exploring the beauty of Altyn Emel National Park. We set off to visit another highlight of the region - the Singing dune - rare nature phenomenon that happens at dry weather when the sand becomes to sing similar to the tunes of an organ. After that we proceed to Zharkent city with its Dungan mosque, the Valley of Castles and Charyn canyon - a small copy of the Grand canyon. After exploring the area, we drive further to Kolsay lakes. On arrival – accommodation at the guesthouse for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. |
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Day 4 Saturday. | Kolsay lakes. Breakfast at the guesthouse and further transfer to Kolsay lakes region that represents a a group of high mountain lakes at Northern Tien Shan, close to Kyrgyzstan border. The place is for true lovers of nature, surrounded by mountains and coniferous forests; these lakes are located at 1,800m, 2,300m and 2,900m above the sea level. Today we can make trekking from the first lake to the second Kolsay lake; it takes around 3-4 hours one way (lunch boxes included). Optionally, take a horseback ride instead and shorten your trip. If you are not willing to walk, you can just enjoy the untainted nature of Kolsay with its fresh air, marvelous sceneries and ice-clear water. You can even rent a boat to sail on the lake. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. |
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Day 5 Sunday. |
Kolsay lakes - Kaindy lake - Almaty by road (350 km). Breakfast at the guesthouse and further transfer to Kaindy lake - another highlight of the region that is famous for its origin. The lake appeared after a strong earthquake in 1911, when the coniferous forest was flooded after the landslide. The water at the lake is cold and, therefore, trees are still well preserved until now and can be seen through the clear water. Once we pass off-road area and stop by the slope, you are going for walking until Kaindy lake, where fascinating view of the lake opens from top of the hill. En route back we will stop at the local guesthouse for lunch. After lunch - futher transfer to Almaty. Accommodation at the hotel, rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. |
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Day 6 Monday. | Almaty - Tashkent by morning flight. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Almaty. On arrival in Tashkent meet your guide and driver start the sightseeing tour in Tashkent. Today we visit first the old part of the city and the religious complex Khasti Imam, consisting of Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Muy-Mubarak Mosque - the storehouse of the well-known Koran of Khalif Osman and gold hair of prophet Muhammad; Dzhuma-mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali and Chorsu Oriental bazaar. In the afternoon explore the new city, including visiting of Independence Square and Amir Temur Statue and Tashkent metro. Return to the hotel for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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Day 7 Tuesady. |
Tashkent - Samarkand by train, 2 hours. Early breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the railway station for morning transfer from Tashkent to Samarkand by train. Upon arrival in the city, we start our busy day in a jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. There is the mysterious jade mausoleum of Gur-i-Emir, the graveyard of Tamerlane. One of the greatest treasures is Registan Square, Temur’s outstanding creation, a huge complex of minarets, mosques and madrassas. Further we move on to Bibi Khanum Mosque, the gorgeous necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, and the old observatory of Ulugbek, the greatest Muslim astronomer, and the neighboring Ulugbek museum. Accommodation at the hotel in the evening, rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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Day 8 Wednesday. |
Samarkand - Bukhara by road, 280 km. Breakfast. Meet the guide and continue exploring the city. Today we visit Afrosiab museum and settlement and Saint Daniel’s tomb. After that proceed to the countryside and visit Konigil village - a place, that gives a chance to explore the traditional centuries-proofed way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Besides, the locals will show us the process of oil and flour production using the ancient methods. After lunchtime we will continue our trip to Bukhara (4 hours driving). On arrival - accommodation at the hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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Day 9 Thursday. |
Bukhara. Breakfast at the hotel. We meet our guide at the hall of the hotel and start exploring Bukhara. Bukhara is filled with over 900 historical monuments, here we will spend time visiting many sites and wandering amongst the old city streets. Our focus will be directed today on Samanids Mausoleum and Bolo-Khauz Mosque. Further we proceed to the Fortress Ark, the old citadel of over 20 m in height. In the afternoon we will visit Poyi Kalon Architectural Ensemble that consists of Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah; Ulugbek Madrasah; Abdul-Aziz khan Madrasah, Lyabi Khauz Complex and the Trading Domes - Coumpol Bazaar, that has been existing here from the times of the Great Silk Road. During the tour we’ll have a wonderful opportunity to walk over the narrow streets of the old city and take unique photos. Return to the hotel in the evening. Rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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Day 10 Friday. |
Bukhara - Tashkent by afternoon train, 4 hours. Breakfast at the hotel. Today we make a short transfer to the country and visit the Mohi-Khosa summer palace of the Emirs of Bukhara, which is known as the '”Palace of Moon-like Stars'” and represents the work of Russian architecture. Finally, we will take a look at the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi ensemble - the important Muslim shrine and a place of wonderful calming energy. Transfer to the train station for further transfer to Tashkent by train. On arrival - accommodation at the hotel in Tashkent and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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Day 11 Saturday. |
Tashkent, departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before 12:00. Transfer to the International airport for departure. Meals: breakfast. |
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Tour price includes:
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Accommodation.
This tour comes with the following accommodation:
Location | Accommodation | |
Almaty | Kazakhstan Hotel 3* or similar | |
Altyn Emel NP | Guesthouse | |
Kolsay lakes | Guesthouse at Saty Village (15 km from Kolsay Lake) | |
Tashkent | Huvaydo Hotel 3* or similar | |
Samarkand | Arba Hotel 3* or similar | |
Bukhara | Rangrez Hotel 3* or similar |
► | Hotels. We offer accommodation in cozy hotels often decorated in a national style. It is completely unique: it combines modern comfort and a unique culture of hospitality. |
► | Guest house . Accommodation in guest houses will allow you to take a dip into traditions and habits of local people. These are traditional houses located in remote mountain villages. |
Transport
During the tour the following types of transport will be provided depending on the number of people in a group:
Uzbekistan and other countries | Venicle |
Group 1-2 pax | "Chevrolet Lacetti" or similar |
Group of 4 pax | Hyundai Starex minivan or similar |
Group 6-8 pax | "King Long" or similar |
Group 9-15 pax | "Eurise" or similar |
Visa to Uzbekistan | Visa to Kyrgyzstan | Visa to Turkmenistan | Visa to Kazakhstan | Visa to Tajikistan |
Visa to Uzbekistan
Visa-free regime for up to 60 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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A great number of other countries can obtain an e-visa to Uzbekistan by simply visiting the governmental portal e-visa.gov.uz.
Read more about visa to Uzbekistan here »»
Visa to Kazakhstan
Visa-free regime for up to 90 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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Visa-free regime for up to 14 days has been established for citizens of: Hong Kong
Frequently Asked Questions
► Memo: Useful tips for tourists »»
Preparation for the tour and general information:
1.Why should I go to Uzbekistan?
2.When is it better to come to Uzbekistan?
3.Do I need to apply for insurance?
4.Do I need to get any vaccinations before my trip?
5.What is the time zone in Uzbekistan?
6.What language is spoken in Uzbekistan?
Visa, customs, documents:
7. Do I need a visa to Uzbekistan?
8. How much foreign currency is allowed to be imported into Uzbekistan? And exported?
9. How many alcoholic beverages can be imported?
10. What medicine should I bring with me? What are the rules for importing medicines?
11. Do I need to issue any important documents upon arrival?
12. What if I have a child with me?
Currency:
13. What currency is used in Uzbekistan?
14. Where can I change my currency? Are there any nuances?
16. Can I pay with a bank card or is it better to pay cash in Uzbekistan?
Organizational issues and transport:
17. Where does the program start from?
19. Who and where will meet us at the airport? When will we meet the guide?
20. What kind of transport will we use during the tour?
21. We have railway crossings on our tours, who will give us train tickets and when?
Group tour:
23. What if the group is not complete enough?
24. Can I take children with me on the group tour?
Weather, clothing and footwear:
27. What do I need to know about the weather and climate in Uzbekistan?
28. Are there strict rules regarding clothing?
29. What kind of clothes and shoes should I bring with me?
Nutrition and health:
30. What will we eat during the tour?
31. What dishes should I definitely try in Uzbekistan?
32. What about the water? Is it possible to drink tap water?
Culture and security:
34. Is it safe in your country?
35. Can I take photos/videos everywhere?
36. Are there any national peculiarities that I should be aware of?
37. How to behave in religious places? Tips for tourists: rules for visiting Muslim shrines.
Internet, mobile communication:
38. Is there internet in hotels?
39. Where and how can I buy a local SIM card to have mobile internet?
Shopping and souvenirs:
40. What is recommended to bring home from Uzbekistan?
Useful Information on Traveling to Kazakhstan:
Photo of the tour:
Video of tours to Kyrgyzstan:
Сharms of Kyrgyzstan’s nature |
Riding motorbikes through Kyrgyzstan |
RideThePlanet: Kyrgyzstan Whitewater |
In an off-road vehicle across Kyrgyzstan |
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