Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan tour

We arrive in Almaty early in the morning and transfer to the hotel for rest after the flight. Later we begin a full-day discovery of Kazakhstan’s largest city, set against the backdrop of the snowy Tien Shan mountains. Our first stop is the colorful Green Bazaar, followed by a stroll through Panfilov Park, home to the striking wooden Zenkov Cathedral and the moving Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Next, we ride up to Kok-Tobe Hill, crowned by the city’s TV tower, where sweeping views over Almaty open before us. We descend by the famous cableway and continue into the mountains. At Medeo, the world’s highest skating rink, we pause before ascending by cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort, reaching 3,200 meters for breathtaking alpine panoramas. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight in Almaty.

Almaty, Almaty Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), Kok Tobe Mountain, Medeu, Shymbulak

Overnight: Almaty (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we start our jeep tour across Almaty region. By lunch time we arrive in Altyn Emel National Park. Accommodation at the local guesthouse and lunch there. After lunch proceed to the Aktau white mountains for a slight hike there and an additional visit to the 700-year-old osier. Return to the guesthouse for dinner, rest and overnight.

Altyn Emel National Park, Aktau White Mountains (Altyn Emel)

• Almaty → Altyn Emel National Park (450 km)

Overnight: Altyn Emel National Park (Guesthouse)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 – a rare natural phenomenon that happens in dry weather, when the sand starts to sing with tunes similar to 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 the Kolsay lakes. On arrival – accommodation at the guesthouse for rest and overnight.

Singing Dune (Altyn Emel), Zharkent, Charyn Canyon, Saty

• Altyn Emel National Park → Saty (480 km)

Overnight: Saty (Guesthouse)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the guesthouse and further transfer to the Kolsay lakes, a group of high mountain lakes in the Northern Tien Shan, close to the Kyrgyzstan border. The place is for true lovers of nature, surrounded by mountains and coniferous forests; the lakes are located at 1,800 m, 2,300 m and 2,900 m above sea level. Today we can trek 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 scenery and ice-clear water. You can even rent a boat to sail on the lake. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Kolsai lakes

Overnight: Saty (Guesthouse)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the guesthouse and further transfer to Kaindy lake – another highlight of the region, famous for its origin. The lake appeared after a strong earthquake in 1911, when a landslide flooded the coniferous forest. The water in the lake is cold and, therefore, the trees are still well preserved and can be seen through the clear water. After the off-road stretch we stop by the slope and walk to Kaindy lake, where a fascinating view of the lake opens from the top of the hill. En route back we stop at a local guesthouse for lunch. After lunch – further transfer to Almaty. Accommodation at the hotel, rest and overnight.

Kaindy Lake

• Saty → Almaty (350 km)

Overnight: Almaty (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Tashkent. On arrival in Tashkent, meet your guide and driver and start the sightseeing tour of Tashkent. Today we first visit the old part of the city and the religious complex Khasti Imam, consisting of the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah and Muy-Mubarak Mosque – the storehouse of the well-known Koran of Caliph Osman and a hair of the Prophet Muhammad; the Dzhuma Mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali and Chorsu Oriental bazaar. In the afternoon explore the new city, including Independence Square, the Amir Temur Statue and the Tashkent metro. Return to the hotel for rest and overnight.

Tashkent, Hazrati Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent Independence Square, Amir Temur Square, Tashkent metro

• Almaty → Tashkent

Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

Early breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the railway station for the morning train from Tashkent to Samarkand. Upon arrival, 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 tomb of Tamerlane. One of the greatest treasures is Registan Square, a huge complex of minarets, mosques and madrassas. Further we move on to the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the gorgeous necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, and the old observatory of Ulugbek, the greatest Muslim astronomer, with the neighboring Ulugbek museum. Accommodation at the hotel in the evening, rest and overnight.

Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Mausoleum​, Shah i Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory

• Tashkent → Samarkand

Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast. Meet the guide and continue exploring the city. Today we visit the Afrosiab museum and settlement and Saint Daniel’s tomb. After that we proceed to the countryside and visit Konigil village – a place that gives a chance to see the traditional, centuries-old way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. The locals will also show us how oil and flour are produced using ancient methods. After lunch we continue our trip to Bukhara (4 hours driving). On arrival – accommodation at the hotel and rest.

Afrasiyab, Tomb of Saint Daniel (Khoja Daniyar), Konigil Paper Mill (Meros)

• Samarkand → Bukhara (280 km)

Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. We meet our guide in the hotel lobby and start exploring Bukhara. Bukhara is filled with over 900 historical monuments; here we spend time visiting many sites and wandering the old city streets. Today we focus on the Samanids Mausoleum and Bolo-Khauz Mosque. Further we proceed to the Ark Fortress, the old citadel of over 20 m in height. In the afternoon we visit the Poyi Kalon Architectural Ensemble, consisting of the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah; the Ulugbek Madrasah; Abdul-Aziz Khan Madrasah, Lyabi Khauz Complex and the Trading Domes – the domed bazaars that have existed here since the times of the Great Silk Road. During the tour we have a wonderful opportunity to walk the narrow streets of the old city and take unique photos. Return to the hotel in the evening. Rest and overnight.

Bukhara, Samanids Mausoleum​, Bolo Hauz Complex​, Ark of Bukhara, Poi Kalyan, Ulugbeg Madrasah​ Bukhara, Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Trading Domes of Bukhara​

Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we make a short trip to the countryside to visit the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa summer palace of the Emirs of Bukhara, known as the “Palace of Moon-like Stars”, built by Russian architects. Finally, we take a look at the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi ensemble – an important Muslim shrine and a place of wonderful calming energy. Transfer to the train station for the train to Tashkent. On arrival – accommodation at the hotel in Tashkent and overnight.

Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace, Bakhauddin Naqshband Mausoleum​

• Bukhara → Tashkent

Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before 12:00. Transfer to the international airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast