HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES:

Transcription

1 Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the borders of western China, the Stans of Central Asia encompass a vast expanse of land, cultures and history. Lying at the crossroads of an intricate web of trading routes, this region has witnessed the movement of goods, people and ideas between Europe and Asia for centuries. This incredible journey takes you from Turkmenistan and across the Asian steppes to the mountains of Kazakhstan, passing through the homelands of the Uzbeks, the Tajiks and the Kyrgyz along the way. You ll follow part of the old Silk Road, taking in the ancient ruins of Merv and the almost legendary cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent as you cross the Kyzylkum Desert towards Termez. Passing through some of Central Asia s most beautiful landscapes, you ll gaze upon some of the world s highest peaks, spend time amongst the fertile Ferghana Valley and Tien Shan Mountains, walk around Son Kul Lake and Iskandar Kol Lake and drive through the Karakum Desert before ending your adventure in Almaty, Kazakhstan s most important city. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy city tours in Ashgabat, Samarkand, Tashkent, Almaty and Bishkek Stay in a yurt camp next to Son Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan Admire the ancient remains of the city of Merv, Khojand and Kokand See how the Silk Road shaped Central Asia Walk in the beautiful Fergana Valley and Tien Shan Mountain Range Be astounded by the many mausoleums and minarets including Registan Square in Uzbekistan Sample the food of the five 'Stans' of Central Asia TOUR INCLUDES: 1 internal flight 24 nights three and four star hotels, traditional hotels and guesthouses 24 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports

2 Guide's and driver's expenses *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: ASHGABAT Arrive in Ashgabat and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is to rest or explore the city at your own pace. DAY 2: ASHGABAT This morning discover the Turkmen capital with your guide. You will be able to visit the National Museum, statue of Lenin, Independence Park, Arch of Neutrality and the beautiful Ottoman style mosque of Ertoghrul Gazie. Later visit the ancient city of Old Nisa, the 3rd Century BC capital of the Parthians, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many of the fine Hellenistic objects in the National Museum originate from this site. Return to Ashgabat. (B) DAY 3: ASHGABAT - ANAU - MARY Today drive to Mary, the nearest town to the historical site of Merv. On the way you will stop to visit the archaeological excavations at Anau, a Bronze Age settlement. The site includes a city wall and a ditch, some skeletons of children, the remains of the painted ceramics and ancient remains of the camels. Continue overland passing small villages to Mary, located in a large oasis basin of the Kara Kum desert in southeast Turkmenistan. (B) DAY 4: MERV Located at the crossroads of various trade routes and civilizations, Merv came under Persian, Greek, Sassanian and Moslem rule and from the 11th century was the capital of the Seljuk Turks In the 13th century Merv was destroyed by the Mongols leaving only the ruins of these numerous civilizations. On your guided tour see the History Museum, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Kys Kala, an unusual windowless castle, nicknamed "The House of Maidens Tears." (B) DAY 5: MARY - BUKHARA (UZBEKISTAN) Drive through the desert and cross the border into Uzbekistan before continuing to Bukhara. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

4 DAY 6: BUKHARA Surrounded by the vast expanses of the KyzylKum desert, Bukhara still retains the atmosphere of an ancient Silk Road city. With your guide see the Ark Citadel and the Zindan prison, the 10th century Ismael Samani Mausoleum and the magnificent Kalyan Minaret, from the top of which used to be thrown the town's criminals. You may pause to visit the 11th trading domes, which are now home to handicraft sellers. (B) DAY 7: BUKHARA - GIJDUVAN - SAMARKAND Today continue along the Golden Road to Samarkand. Stop off to see the minaret at Vabkent, which towers an impressive 39 metres, and continue to Gijduvan where you will visit the Gijduvan pottery, the family workshop of Alisher and Abdullah whose family has been making pottery for five generations. Later visit the Ulug Beg Madrassah and the tomb of Khoja Abdul Khaliq before arriving in Samarkand in the late afternoon. (B) DAY 8: SAMARKAND With a history dating back 2700 years, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Tamerlane and later ruled by his grandson Ulugbek in the 14th-15th centuries. Enjoy a full day tour of Samarkand including Registan Square, the highlight of the trip, surrounded on three sides by blue tiled madrassahs. Continue to Tamerlaine's tomb, Ulukbek's Observatory, the Shahi- Zinda mausoleum complex and the Bibi Khanum Mosque, built in honour of Tamerlaine's wife. (B) DAY 9: SAMARKAND Today is left free for your own exploration of the city. (B) DAY 10: SAMARKAND - TERMEZ Today you will drive to this southern city sitting close to the border with Afghanistan. A late afternoon orientation will take you around both the Islamic and Buddhist architectural highlights; the Sultan Saodat Ensemble, the Fayaz Tepe Buddhist Monastery, the Mausoleum of Hakim Termezi and Zurmala Tower. (B)

5 DAY 11: TERMEZ - DUSHANBE Continue on to Tajikistan. Crossing over the border you will then drive to the capital city of Dushanbe. (B,D) DAY 12: DUSHANBE In Dushanbe visit the Museum of Archaeology which holds the largest Buddha now in Central Asia, also visit the blue-domed mosque and madrassa complex of Mawlana Yakubi Charki, still a popular pilgrimage site. In the afternoon visit Hisor Fort, a 19th century Bukharan stronghold. The site has two madrassahs, one of which is now an ethnographic museum, even though the fort itself was destroyed by the Red Army in (B,L,D) DAY 13: DUSHANBE - ISKANDAR KOL Some of Central Asia's most beautiful countryside and the world's highest peaks can be found in Tajikistan and the scenery is totally unspoilt. Leaving Dushanbe cross the Anzob Pass (3372m) before arriving at Lake Iskandar Kol (Alexander's Lake). Enjoy a walk by the lake to the spectacular waterfall before arriving at your guesthouse. (B,L,D) DAY 14: ISKANDER KOL - ISTARAFSHAN - KHOJAND Today drive north over high passes and through gorges before reaching Istarfshan and visiting the old city famous for its wood cutting and handicrafts and home to some impressive mosques. Continue on to Khojand, Tajikistan's second city. (B,L,D) DAY 15: KHOJAND - KANIBADAM - FERGHANA (UZBEKISTAN) See the remains of Khojand's citadel built in the early Middle Ages and used until the early 20th century. Also see the largest statue of Lenin in Central Asia. Leaving Khojand drive north into Uzbekistan and on to the town of Ferghana. Transfer pax to border. (B,L) DAY 16: FERGHANA Spend a day exploring the Ferghana Valley. Visit Margilan and birthplace of Babur who founded the Moghul dynasty in India. Visit the beautiful Khonakhah Mosque, exquisitely carved and painted in delicate shades of blue, yellow, pink and green. (B)

6 DAY 17: FERGHANA - TASHKENT This morning drive to the capital of Tashkent via Kokand, which was the capital of the notorious Kokand Khanate in the 18th and 19th centuries and a significant Silk Road city. The palace has seven courtyards and 113 rooms and at present houses the museum of history. (B) DAY 18: TASHKENT Spend the day in Tashkent, visit the bazaar, the old city and the museum of applied arts as well as visiting the large bazaars. As you wander through the streets you will discover many of its madrassahs, mausoleums and mosques dating back to the 16th and 17th century. (B) DAY 19: TASHKENT - BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN) Take an early morning flight to Bishkek, later on the day enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Bishkek. Visit the main square called Ala Too (formerly Lenin Square) with its grand statue of Manas and Chingiz Aitmatov. Next visit the Frunze Museum, opened in 1925 in honour of Mikhail Frunze, the commander of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War. Finally, spend some time looking around Bishkek's Osh Bazaar. (B) DAY 20: BISHKEK - SON KUL Leaving Bishkek drive to Son Kul, via the Burana Tower and the petroglyphs said to date from between 500 BC to 100 AD. Stay in a yurt camp by the lake surrounded by mountains. Over the years Wild Frontiers has developed some close relationships with these people and a warm and genuine welcome therefore awaits. (B,L,D) DAY 21: SON KUL From your comfortable and cosy yurt you'll be able to explore the wonderful mountains around the lake on horseback or on foot. The meadows are dotted with yurts and you will witness traditional life in the Kyrgyz summer pastures. During your stay you are bound to be offered kumyz, the Kyrgyz national drink made from fermented mares' milk! (B,L,D)

7 DAY 22: SON KUL - BISHKEK In the morning drive from Son Kul back to Ala Archa Canyon, part of the Ala Archa National Park. Take a walk up into the mountains for amazing views over the park. Afterwards return to Bishkek. (B) DAY 23: BISHKEK - ALMATY (KAZAKHSTAN) Leaving Kyrgyzstan drive to Almaty, Kazakhstan's most important city. In the afternoon take a sightseeing tour of Almaty visiting Republic Square with the former Presidential Palace and Independence Monument, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Russian Cathedral, built entirely of wood in 1904 without the use of any nails, and the colourful St Nicholas's Cathedral. (B) DAY 24: ALMATY A full day excursion into the spectacular Tien Shan mountains around Almaty. Travel to Big Almaty Lake which is like a shining mirror, surrounded on all sides by magnificent peaks, changing colour depending on the season, from pale green to turquoise blue. (B) DAY 25: ALMATY Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

8 ACCOMMODATION ALMATY HOTEL KAZAKHSTAN The three star hotel Kazakhstan is located in the heart of Almaty. The hotel's position enables you to access the cultural points of interest, and is a short walk to the Koktyube cable car. Most rooms have picturesque views of the Zailiski Alatay Mountains. There are 364 comfortably furnished rooms and Korean and a Japanese cuisine is offered in two restaurants. ASHGABAT GRAND TURKMEN HOTEL The Grand Turkmen Hotel is a three star hotel within walking distance of the Independent Tower and National Museum of Ashgabat. The hotel features 120 comfortable guest rooms featuring air-conditioning, a mini bar and Wi-Fi access, whilst some rooms have an additional balcony overlooking the city and pool. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, with a bar serving drinks and snacks in the summer, as well as the fitness centre and sauna. In the evenings, guests can sample Turkmen and Turkish food at The Silk Road restaurant, or relax with a drink at the Bosphorus Bar. BISHKEK ASIA MOUNTAINS GUESTHOUSE This centrally located guesthouse has been built in the style of a Swiss chalet with twelve comfortable en suite bedrooms and spacious communal areas. Just off a leafy boulevard in bustling Bishkek, the peaceful garden provides an ideal spot for resting after a busy day exploring, especially when the flowers are in bloom between late April and late autumn. The welcoming reception area is open 24 hours a day and in the back of the hotel is an outdoor pool with an accompanying sauna. The hotels Swiss style bar and restaurant serves a choice of delicious breakfasts. SILK ROAD LODGE A small, privately owned hotel in the centre of Bishkek. Rooms are large and all have private bathrooms and the hotel has a bar and a restaurant for breakfast only. Its central location and friendly service make it a popular choice for visitors to Bishkek. BUKHARA

9 MINZIFA HOTEL The Minzifa is a small stylish guesthouse located in the old town. Built in traditional Uzbek style around a central courtyard, this friendly, charming hotel features the most refined Bukharan. When entering the hotel notice the ancient wooden gates adorned by openwork carving. Throughout the building you ll see the old decorative method of ganch carving by famous craftsmen dynasties of Uzbekistan. All of the twelve rooms are individually decorated and have modern private bathrooms and air-conditioning. The hotel offers personal service and a delicious breakfast is served each morning. A recommended choice when staying in Bukhara. DUSHANBE AVESTO HOTEL Avesto Hotel is a Soviet hotel in a central location along Rudaki Avenue, close to the botanical gardens and large landscaped gardens of the central park. The Avesto has comfortable rooms with balconies, as well as suites available offering more space. Rooms in one wing have been renovated and are modern with more facilities where as the other wing is still a good representation of all its former Soviet style glory. A large restaurant and separate breakfast room offer extensive meals and can accessed from the regal foyer, complete with an impressive stain glass window display. From the foyer, there is direct access to the lush green gardens where locals are often seen relaxing in. There is a souvenir shop, an ATM and Wi-Fi is available at certain points within the hotel. SERENA HOTEL Located on Rudaki Avenue in the centre of Dushanbe, the 5* Serena Hotel is one of the best hotels in Dushanbe, combining traditionally Tajik decor with modern comfort. It lies within walking distance of a lot of Dushanbe's main attractions and is close by to shops and cafes. The 85 rooms are well furnished and have modern amenities; guests also have access to the gym, pool and a well-equipped spa. Although there are restaurants nearby the Serena guests are well taken care of with a choice of dining options including a roof top restaurant, buffet restaurant, 2 lounge bars, a patisserie and a tea shop. FERGHANA ASIA FERGHANA HOTEL Ideally located downtown, just 10 minutes from the airport and close to the city's administrative offices, this 3 star property offers guests 57 air conditioned rooms and suites that come complete with private bathrooms and satellite TVs. The hotel also provides the facilities of a swimming pool and sauna, along with an open air restaurant that serves a range of local and European dishes. ISKANDAR KOL

10 SHAHBOZ HOMESTAY This homestay is in a traditional Tajik house in which the family live. There are four comfortable and clean rooms in which to sleep in. Sleep on traditional mats on the floor or western style beds. There is a shared toilet and also a shower outside. Meals are provided by the family, who welcome you warmly into their home set within the beautiful mountain village of Saratog. KHOJAND FIRUZ HOTEL The three star Firuz Hotel in Khujand is a great option for your stay in the city. The four storey building encompasses twenty rooms and two apartments. As you enter the hotel you will see the interesting garden feature leading you onto the hotel lobby. Although the interiors are simple, they are authentically Tajik and you will feel as if you are being welcomed into someone s home. The hotel has a restaurant and bar which can provide barbeques in the hotel gardens. All the amenities you will require are included such as air-conditioning, satellite television, a desk and a kettle. MARY MARY HOTEL Mary Hotel is a four star hotel located in the heart of Mary ideally situated opposite the town's bazaar. The hotel is made up of 177 spacious and well decorated rooms, each fitted with en suite bathroom facilities and an air conditioning system. The six-floor has an on-site restaurant that offers a variety of traditional dishes, two conference halls, a fitness centre, spacious swimming pool and sauna for guests to enjoy at their own leisure. Additionally, the hotel offers an onsite hairdressers and chemists. SAMARKAND MALIKA PRIME HOTEL The Malika Prime Hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Samarkand, just by the Gur Emir Mausoleum and within walking distance of Registan Square. Built in traditional style, this charming hotel is an ideal place to stay in Samarkand. The marble entrance and stairs lead up to a huge terrace which serves as a summer restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a drink and magnificent views of the blue domes of Samarkand. There is also an air-conditioned restaurant downstairs. The twenty two en suite rooms are quite small but spotlessly clean, with wooden floors and air-conditioning. SON KUL LAKE

11 SONG KUL YURT CAMP This authentic yurt camp provides the ultimate adventure experience, sleeping in traditional nomadic tents beside the beautiful Son Kul. Surrounded by roaming herds of cattle, horses and goats, the snow-capped peaks and an impressive alpine lake, the camp has an inspiring backdrop to the puffing yurt chimneys and nomadic life. The camp itself is comprised of ten cosy yurts with original décor and traditional Kyrgyz Felt carpets each of which sleeps up to five people. With simple wooden beds, clean bed linen, blankets, pillows and a stove lit each night before dinner, your stay will be both warm and comfortable. Nearby there are two larger yurts used for dining where you can sample hearty local cooking and even fresh fish caught from the lake. After a full day s activities, riding, walking and exploring the surrounding area, a session in the camp s homemade, rustic sauna is a relaxing experience. TASHKENT MIRAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Miran International Hotel is a five star hotel located close to the airport in Tashkent and is only a fifteen minute walk from Amir Temur Square. The hotel provides one hundred and forty extremely spacious well-appointed rooms, equipped with luxurious bath robes and slippers. The award winning hotel offers an extensive variety of cuisines from traditional to European and Oriental, all served with Uzbek hospitality. The Lounge bar is ideal for unwinding at the end of the day with a cocktail and live jazz music after a soak in the indoor pool and Jacuzzi. TERMEZ MERIDIAN HOTEL TERMEZ Built in 2005, the Meridian Hotel is located about 1 km from the center of the ancient city of Termez and the central bazaar. This four star hotel features 50 modern and confortable rooms, fully equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar and telephone. There are two restaurants serving international and local cuisine and a rooftop bar. Recreational options include a modern fitness centre, sauna, indoor pool and massage service. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com