Kyrgyzstan Tours

Beat your jet lag by jumping straight into a day packed with brilliant visits

After arrival in Tashkent, you will take a morning flight to Urgench, then drive to ancient Khiva, the capital of the ancient Khorezmian Kingdom. In Khiva, you will visit the most prominent monument of the Mongol era; the 14th century tomb of the Sufi master Said Allauddin.

Other places you will visit include:

• Kunya Ark, the old fortress founded in the 1680’s, which has an exquisitely tiled room called ‘Khan’s Court’.
• Muhammad Aminkhan Madrassah and minaret, built in the mid 1800’s. It is the largest Madrasa in Central Asia.
• Juma Mosque and minaret with 218 carved wooden columns, with a handful of the columns dating back to the original 10th century mosque.
• Harem, the Stone Yard of Khiva rulers; one of the best historical buildings in Khiva.
• The tomb of Pakhlavan Makhmud, a famous ancient wrestler and poet, who was declared Saint.

Overnight in a Khiva hotel.

Soak up the view on this relaxing day of travel

On this day, you will have your longest drive on this tour, to Bukhara, which is 290 miles through the desert (a journey of about 6 hours). On the way, you it stop off at various locations to enjoy spectacular views of the great Amu Darya (Oxus) river, which stretches out like a glittering blue ribbon, flanked by golden sands, lush green foliage and a mesmerizing blue sky. Overnight in a Bukhara hotel.

A day jam-packed with fabulous attractions, showcasing Bukhara’s amazing history.

After breakfast, you will take a full day tour of Bukhara, the city of 1001 Nights. You will visit the following attractions:

• The Ark of Bukhara, a massive fortress that was built in the 5th century. Bolo Hauz mosque, built in 1712.
• Bolo Hauz mosque, built in 1712.
• The Samanid Mausoleum; the powerful Commander Ismail Samani ruled in the 9th century.
• Chashma Ayub - the name means ‘Job’s Well’ and comes from that legend that Job (a central figure in the Bible) came to this place and struck the earth with his staff to make the well.

Also, you will get the chance to see the Sitoran Mokhi-Khosa Palace, situated a little north of Bukhara, a fanciful blend of oriental and modern architecture. Overnight in a Bukhara hotel.

Be dazzled by a white palace and a blue dome

You will drive to Samarkand (220 miles, 6 hours) via Shakhrisabz, a city where Tamerlane (also known as Timur) was born. In Shakhrisabz you visit places such as:

• The famous Ak Saroy (White Palace),
• Kok Gumbaz, crowned in a dome of impressive blue tiles.
• The Dorus Saodat Memorial Complex
• Dorut Tilavat, a madrasa.

After lunch in a local cafe, you continue your drive to Samarkand. Overnight in a Samarkand hotel.

Spend the day in Samarkand and soak up the local flavours

On the fifth day you will have a full day of sightseeing in Samarkand and get to visit the mausoleum of Tamerlane - Gur-e-Amir. This will be followed by a visit to Registan Square, the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the colorful local bazaar. Then you will see Shahi Zindah (a Complex of Mausoleums) and are offered the chance to have lunch in a private Uzbek house (serving national cuisine). After lunch we will take you to the mausoleum of Imam Al-Bukhoriy - a 15 mile drive north of Samarkand. Dinner and overnight in Samarkand.

Enjoy a day in Tashkent with an entertaining evening

On this day you will be driven straight to Tashkent (220 miles, 4.5 hours). In Tashkent, you will be offered an excursion of the city. On the tour you will see the monuments and religious centers at the Hasti Imam Square (Barak-khan Madrassah, Mausoleum of Kafal Shashi and Friday Mosque featuring a Holy Quran of 8th century written by Khalif Osman) in the ancient heart of Tashkent. You will also visit the modern downtown, Amir Temur square, Abul Kosim Madrassah and Alisher Navoi Park. Upon completion of the excursions you will be invited to the Opera and Ballet Theater to watch the evening performance (pending availability). Overnight in Tashkent.

Visit the world’s second largest mountain lake

In the morning, you will take the flight from Tashkent to Bishkek, then after a short sightseeing excursion in Bishkek, you will drive to the world's second largest mountain lake, Issyk Kul. On the way, you will visit Tokmok town and its main sight; the Burana Tower. The tower was originally 150 ft tall but has reduced in size due to various earthquakes over the years. It is connected to a local legend involving a witch, a king and his young daughter.

Upon arrival at the Lake, you can enjoy the snow-capped peaks and beautiful views; based on weather conditions, you can swim, sun-tan, and relax. Overnight in one of boarding houses or the hotel resort at the lake.

Drive to the city of Karakol (100 miles), and on the way you will visit the Museum of Przhevalsky; a famous Russian scientist and explorer who devoted 21 years of his life to the study of the Issik-Kul valley and the mountains surrounding the region. He died while preparing his expedition to Tibet and the museum and the memorial to his honor were built. In Karakol, you see the wooden Russian Orthodox Church and a Dungan Mosque. Completed in 1910 it was built entirely without nails, using an uncommon grey-blue brick. Instead of a minaret, the mosque has a wooden pagoda. Overnight in Karakol.

On this day you will be driving from Karakol to Jeti Oguz, a famous health resort where you enjoy great views of Alpine nature, unique landscapes, fresh air and pristine natural settings. You will have a picnic lunch near a Nomad Yurt. Then you will drive to the Tamga Village for an overnight in a local family guesthouse. Overnight in Tamga Village.

On this day you drive back to Bishkek (230 miles), have a short excursion around the city, before going to the airport to catch your flight back home.