Central Asia 5 Stans and Mongolia - 31 Days Tour

Day 1 – Arrival to Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon your arrival to Tashkent airport, you’ll be met and transferred to hotel to check in and rest. We’ll have a welcome dinner at 7PM with short introduction about Uzbekistan – one of the economically developed states of the Central Asian region, occupying a bit more than 11% of the territory of Central Asia. Main branches of industry of the republic are linked with the cotton growing, silk production, fruit and vegetable production and irrigation construction. Today we’ll overnight in Tashkent hotel.

Day 3 – Tashkent – Samarkand – 190 mi (Uzbekistan)

After breakfast we will take a train to world famous Samarkand located 190 mi from Tashkent. The road to Samarkand is via Syrdarya and Jizzakh provinces and takes approximately 3 hours. We will arrive to Samarkand in the afternoon, check in to hotel and have lunch. After short rest we’ll start our excursion of Samarkand by visiting Paper Mills Factory where we’ll have a presentation of paper production from mulberry tree, Afrasiyob Museum, Ulugbek’s observatory – dated to 1428 - 1429 – known as biggest observatory of the East with best equipment to the time. After dinner at one of the local restaurants we’ll transfer to hotel for overnight in Samarkand.

Day 5 – Samarkand – Bukhara – 172 mi (Uzbekistan)

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Samarkand for Bukhara. Stop on the way at the ruins of medieval monument Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik. Continue driving to Bukhara via Gijduvan where we’ll visit Abdulla’s pottery house where we’ll be offered short presentation and a cup of tea. Upon arrival to Bukhara, we’ll accommodate at the hotel. Visit Chor Minor memorial. Today we’ll dinner in one of the local restaurants and will overnight in Bukhara.

Day 7 – Bukhara – Farab – Turkmenabat – Mary – 290 mi (Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan)

After breakfast we’ll continue with half a day of sightseeing in Bukhara, visiting: former summer palace of Bukhara Emir Said Olimkhan – last Emir of Bukhara Sitora – iMokhi – Khosa, Museum of Decorative Applied Art. After Lunch we say good bye to Uzbekistan as we make our way to Turkmenistan border which is almost 1.5 hours of driving away. Upon arrival to the border point we’ll go through custom procedures and continue on to drive directly to Mary via Turkmenabat which will take another 4.5 hours. On the way we’ll cross the Floating Bridge (almost .5mi. long). We will proceed our way to Mary crossing one of the biggest deserts in the world known as Kara Kum Desert which means “black sand”. Upon arrival in Mary we will accommodate in hotel and have dinner in one of the local restaurants. Overnight at hotel in Mary.

Day 9 – Ashgabat – Nissa – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)

Today after breakfast we’ll proceed with sightseeing one of the most beautiful cities of the world which was recently included into the Book of Guinness as the Most-White Marble City. Today’s sightseeing includes: Complex of Monuments of Oguz Han and Sons surrounded with fountains. Tombs of Turkmenbashy (first President of Turkmenistan S. Nyyazow) and his parents and brothers, Old Nissa - The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings, Nissa was the capital of Parthian Empire which lasted 600 years and was greatest enemy of Rome Empire. After excursions of Old Nissa we’ll proceed to Monuments of Archabil Shayoly and discover new part of Ashgabat with its’ modern buildings, monuments and parks which includes: Health Path of Turkmenbashy built on mountains which became very popular place among locals, Monument of Constitution and tallest building in Turkmenistan (600 feet), “Alem” Culture and Recreation Center. In the afternoon we’ll transfer to hotel and check in. We’ll have lunch at one of the local restaurants. After lunch we will continue with sightseeing of Ashgabat, visiting: Museum of Turkmen Carpets, Park dedicated to Turkmen horses-the pride of Turkmen, Gulistan Bazar, Monument for the Victims of the Earthquake of 1948, Monument of Lenin, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque. We’ll have dinner at one of the local restaurants. After dinner we’ll go for a night tour, driving along the main streets of Ashgabat making stop near Palace of Happiness. Dinner followed by a folk show program. Today we’ll overnight at hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 11 – Dashoguz – Kunya – Urgench – Khiva – 184 mi (Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan)

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll proceed with drive of 75 mi to Koneurgench – the capital of Khorezmshahs, have sightseeing of Old City which will include: Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, Il Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret – one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia and Turabek Hanum Mausoleum. After half day excursion of Koneurgench we’ll drive back to Dashoguz where we’ll stop for a lunch at one of the local restaurants. After lunch we’ll transfer to the border pass Dashoguz – Shavat which is located 10 mi from Dashoguz. Upon arrival proceed the way through passport control and customs procedures and return to Uzbekistan. After border formalities on both sides we’ll continue our way to Khiva. Upon arrival we’ll accommodate in hotel in Khiva for rest and relaxation. Khiva is a fascinating place, walk through Ichan Kala – old walled city of Khiva, will give you an insight into the life led there from ancient days up to the present time. We’ll have a dinner at the local restaurant followed by a show program. Overnight is at the hotel in Khiva.

Day 13 – Tashkent – Khujand – 104 mi (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan)

After early breakfast at the hotel in Tashkent today we’ll head on to a 1 day excursion of Tajikistan. We’ll drive to the border check point Oybek and after border crossing formalities we’ll continue on to city Khujand. Upon arrival we’ll accommodate at the hotel after a long drive and start sightseeing. Khujand – the country's second largest city – situated in the north of Tajikistan and is one of its most ancient, founded about 2,300 years ago during the time of Alexander the Great. Standing in a favorable location in the Ferghana valley, Khujand prospered for a long time, becoming rich and building palaces, mosques, and citadels. In the 13th century it was conquered and destroyed by the Genghis Khan's army. We’ll have a close city tour in second part of the day, visit ancient part of Khujand: Timurmalik fortress, Archeology and History museums, Orient bazaar Panjshanbe – famous Panjshanbe city market is one of the most interesting sights of Khujand. Near the market we’ll stop by Sheikh Muslihiddin Masque and Mausoleum, Museum of Archaeology and Resporation., and end the day with dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll overnight in Khujand.

Day 15 – Dushanbe (Tajikistan)

Half day sightseeing tour in Dushanbe including visit of famous Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001.Featuring artefacts from Tajikistan's Islamic and pre-Islamic history (Greek/Bactrian, Zoroastrian, Buddhist and Hindu), the museum shows that Tajikistan was an important crossroads in Central Asia. The centrepiece is the 14m reclining Buddha in Nirvana, (closed on Mondays) a 1,400 year-old statue created by the same Kushancivilisation that made the BamiyanBuddhas in Afghanistan. Botanical garden – very beautiful garden with many old trees is the favorite place of Tajiks. City tour – Somoni monument, Building of a national spirit, Stroll Rudaki Prospect Excursion to Hissor town (23 km from Dushanbe) to see ancient fortress of Hissor - one of the most precious historical sites of Tajikistan .Comfortably located near Dushanbe Hissor Fortress combines the traditional elements of power, trade and culture of the ancient Tajik nation. Visit MedrassahKuhna (16th c) and Museum of Tajik Way of life there, 19c Medrassah nearby and mausoleum of Sufi saint MahdumiсAzam.

Day 17 – Almaty (Kazakhstan)

After breakfast at hotel, we have a full day of sightseeing ahead. Today we visit: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Wooden Cathedral, St.Nicholas Cathedral, National Musical Instruments Museum, Central State Museum, Almaty's Green Bazaar and have a Panoramic view at observatory. Alma-Ata is a name of "the southern capital" of Kazakhstan. It is the largest city of country which was state capital during period from 1927 to 1997. Alma-Ata is located in southeast part of Kazakhstan near border with Kyrgyzstan at heights from 670 to 1100 m. The main sight of Alma-Ata is Panfilov Park named in honor of 28 heroes of the panfilovets, stretched in northeast part of the city covering near 18 hectares. Located in center of park is majestic Sacred Voznesensky cathedral. Behind Panfilov park, we come visit to one of biggest market places of Almaty – the Green Bazzar. It is a fine example of a true Asian bazzar. Next we will visit the Museum of national musical instruments named after Ykylas, it was opened in 1980’s and contains many types of Kazakh national musical instruments most ancient of which are dated to 17th century. In the southern part of the city we visit Central State Museum – place to see unique archeological finds telling history of Kazakhstan since the most ancient times to present. Museum displays over 120 thousand exhibits. Before dinner excursion to falcon farm with a short show program. After dinner at one of the local restaurants we overnight at hotel in Almaty.

Day 19 – Bishkek – Issyk Kul – 165 mi (Kyrgyzstan)

After breakfast at hotel we’ll transfer to the Issyk Kul Lake, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. In route we’ll visit Burana Tower located in the city of Tokmok in 50 mi from Bishkek. Today we’ll have lunch in Kyrgyz family in Tokmon city. After lunch break continue on driving to Issyk Kul Lake through Boom Canyon. Issyk Kul is one of the largest mountain lakes of the world and most beautiful lake in Kyrgyzstan located in northeast part of the republic between ridges of Northern Tien Shan: Kungey Ala and Terskey Ala at the height of 1609 m above sea level. Excursions will also include visiting petroglyphs of Paleolithic era and local museum in Cholpon Ata. Upon arrival we’ll check into hotel and have dinner at one of the local restaurants. Overnight at hotel in Issyk Kul Lake.

Day 21 – Bishkek – Ulaanbaatar (Kyrgyzstan/Mongolia)

Transfer to the airport for flight to Ulaanbaatar by ТК342 at 04:15/10:05 AM. Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival, your tour guide will greet you at the arrival hall and accompany you in a comfortable vehicle to your hotel and help you with the check-in procedure. We leave the rest of the day free for you to be on your own. You may need some time to relax and recover from the long-distance flight or possibly from jet-lag.

Day 23 – Ulaanbaatar – Yol Valley – Mt. National Park (Mongolia)

In early morning, you will be transferred to the city airport for morning flight to Gobi Desert (~1.5 hours). Upon arrival at local airport in Gobi, your Gobi tour guide will be waiting for you and take a short drive to Yol valley situated in “Three beauties of Gobi” Mt. National Park. Yol means Lammergeyer, one of the most endangered bird species of prey. The valley is notable for a deep ice field; it remains frozen for most of the year, except late summer. We will there enjoy soft hiking through grassy meadows, small streams, long and narrow valley with sheltered by high cliff walls, sunlight bouncing off amazing rocks, covered with wild flowers and Gobi plants. You may be lucky enough to spot wild sheep and goat, grazing high on the cliff walls. Afterwards, we will lunch and check-in at Gobi Nomad Lodge. Rest of the day is free for your own. You can be walking, hiking around the camp or just relax in the camp.

Day 25 – Bayanzag – Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)

In early morning, transfer to the local airport for morning flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival around 10am at the city airport, transferred to the hotel in Ulaanbaatar. On the way, visit Zaisan Memorial Hill is located in the south side of Ulaanbaatar City, right beside the Bogd Khan Mountain having a best view of the city and surrounding hills. Check-in and lunch at the hotel. After some personal refreshment in the hotel, at 2.30pm will visit Dinosaur museum. The main exhibit of Dinosaur museum is Tyrannosaurus Bataar which was illegally smuggled out of country and sold in Texas, USA at an auction for over US$1m in 2012. The government of Mongolia brought a claim through court and brought back the exhibit to Mongolia. The museum is small and can easily be done. However, the collection is quite impressive as all the fossils showcased are originals and complete skeletons. Continue to visit Zanabazar museum which is renowned for the works of G. Zanabazar (1635-1724) who was referred to as the Michelangelo of Asia. After dinner, transferred to the hotel.

Day 27 – Hugnu Khan Mt. National Park – Bayan Gobi – Karakorum (Mongolia)

In After breakfast, we will take short drive to Bayan Gobi magnificent sand dunes - surrounded by hills with willow trees, streams and bushes, and appear as a small desert in the center of the country. This sand dune is 80km long and the widest part of the sand dune is 9-10 km. We will explore the sand dunes and visit local camel herder family in their Ger, explore their unique nomadic lifestyle. Its chance to try drinking Hormog (fermented Mongolian camel milk). Continue to drive towards to a small village and one of the country's major tourist destinations and historically known as Karakorum which was an ancient capital of Mongolia Empire. Also, this was one of the most important cities in the history of the Silk Road. In the afternoon, we will visit museum of Karakorum. Not much of the ancient town still exists but the nearby museum provides an excellent presentation on the archaeological research that has taken place at the site, and on Mongol history before and after occupation of the town. You can see artifacts found by the various archaeological expeditions as well as a scale model of the town prior to its destruction. Karakorum was ancient city of Mongol Empire, which was the largest contiguous empire in the World history. This city founded by Great king Genghis Khan in the 13th century and lately was moved to Khanbalig (modern Beijing) by Kublai Khan, greatest of the successors of Genghis Khan and founder of the Mongol (Yuan) dynasty in China. Continue to visit the oldest and the magnificent Buddhist Monastery complex of Erdene Zuu, built in the 16th century, with 108 stupas. Here you can see interesting listen to monk chanting Buddhist sutras. Return to the Ger camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 29 – Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)

Today, we will be attending the opening ceremony of the Festival of naadam in Ulaanbaatar national stadium. It’s Mongolia’s biggest, most colorful and most important annual cultural event, focusing on three sports: horse racing, Mongolian-style wrestling, and archery. It's no coincidence that all three skills derive from the capabilities of Genghis Khan's legendary military - a force that conquered and controlled the largest empire the world has ever known. • At 8am picked up from the hotel lobby and visit central naadam stadium. • First visit is stadium of ankle-bone shooting competition. • Next, visit the archery field. The field will be filled with men and women archers in colorful ethnic national costumes who shooting arrows from their bows. • We will wander around outside of the Naadam stadium to watch locals who dressed their national costumes, food and trade corners etc. • Afterwards, we will enter into main stadium for the opening ceremony of Naadam Festival. • Once finish the opening ceremony, we will watch the beginning of 1st part of Mongolian national wrestling. In the usual 512 wrestler tournament, there will be nine elimination rounds of wrestling over two days. • After lunch, we will drive out of the city for a hour to Hui Doloon hudag (horse racing field of Naadam festival) for witness the Naadam horse races, featuring children riding bareback across the steppe. All of these racers from each corners of Mongolia. • You will experience the brilliant madness of the horse race field and the unsurpassed cultural opportunity to watch the horse racing competition included around 150-200 horses. Also, there are you will have a great opportunity to take photography local horse trainers, peoples with traditional garments and so more contrast. • End of these experience, return to the city and dinner at local restaurant, then transferred to the hotel.

Day 31 – Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)

As your memorable trip comes to end, then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to your next destination or home.