Central Asia

Today we will explore the top sights in and around Almaty city. These will include:

- Medeu Ice Skating complex along with Shinbulak mountain resort - The Medeu is a high-altitude ice-skating sports complex near Almaty, located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. It is considered to be the world's largest high-mountain skating rink.

Overnight in Hotel. B,L,D

Today we will drive to explore Talgar gorge which is located 70 km from Almaty city. During this tour you will get acquainted with the everyday life of the ancient Kazakhs. The hospitable atmosphere of locals and the traditional infrastructure of the village is unique. Local people wearing authentic national clothes will show you the main traditions, ceremonies and fun activities of our culture which you can also participate. Here in Talgar gorge you will stay at “The Huns” ethno-village. "The Huns" ethno-village is surrounded by ever green trees, mountain rivers and high peaks in the picturesque Talgar gorge. Professional horse-riding tricks show, breathtaking battle between warriors in armor, traditional customs performance, the story of yurt; archery, amateur horse riding for everyone, cooking simple national dishes and drinks (as kumis), crafts production - all of that is waiting for you in Huns ethno-village! Saturated trip will be finished with delicious outdoor dinner in a cozy yurt.

Overnight in Kazakh yurt (nomadic round tent). B,L,D

After we finish enjoying the Huns Ethno Village area, we will continue driving and arrive to Charyn canyon National Park. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon's (Arizana, United States of America) little brother.  For more than 12 million years, wind, water and sand sculpted Charyn's red sandstone to form the wonderful shapes and shades that vary from deep orange to light brown. Charyn Canyon follows the main course of the Charyn River. The canyon reaches 370 meters in depth, and base is approximately 1,100 meters above sea level. To explore the amazing Charyn canyon we will drive, do hiking while enjoying the scenic view and seeing wild animals. It is a home to such rare animals like mountains goats and Golden eagles. 24 species of mammals, 48 species of birds, three species of amphibians, 14 species of reptiles can be found here. By the evening we will arrive to our final Destination at Kolsai Lakes NP. Overnight at Kolsai

Nomads Hotel. B,L,D Kolsai Lakes National Park: "Pearls of Tien Shan". Today we will explore Kolsay Lakes National Park which is located on the north slope of the Tian Shan Mountains (10 km from the border with Kyrgyzstan). Often referred to as "Pearls of Tien Shan", the park's main feature are the Kolsay Lakes (lower, middle and upper Kolsai lakes) and lake Kaindy. One can explore the area by car, horse or do trekking (accessible for the beginner hikers).

Overnight at Kolsai Nomads hotel. B,L,D

Today after breakfast we head back to Almaty. Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant followed by a night life exploring of Almaty city. We will visit the best night clubs of the city. Overnight in Hotel.

B,L,D

Today after breakfast we will take an international flight from Almaty to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Arrive to Tashkent and check in to your hotel. Lunch at local restaurant in Tashkent city followed by city excursion followed with a gastronomy tour. Overnight in Hotel. B,L,D

We will take a train ride to Samarkand /5 hour from Tashkent to Samarkand/. Samarkand is a city in Uzbekistan known for its mosques and mausoleums. It's on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean. Prominent landmarks include the Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating to the 15th and 17th centuries, and Gur-e-Amir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire.

Overnight in Al Madina Hotel. B,L,D

Bukhara is an ancient city in the central Asian country of Uzbekistan. It was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West, and a major medieval center for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas, bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

Overnight in As-Salam Hotel. B,L,D

Today we will take a train back to Tashkent city. The distance between the cities is 600km and it will take us 5-6 hours. Overnight in Hotel.

Dinner at traditional Kazakh restaurant. Overnight in Hotel. BLD

Include:

Domestic and international flights, transportation within two STAN countries, accommodation (all the overnight hotel, yurt and tents) three meals a day, drinking water (2 liters per day per person), English speaking guide, renting of riding horses or camels, support staff including drivers, all Border and National park permits. Possible to help with some visa problems.

Do not include:

International transportation (from/to your home country), travel insurance, visas, departure tax, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, items of a personal nature.

During the trip:

Transportation: We will use Toyota Alphard (8 seats) or Mercedes Sprinter for the tour.

Food: Three meals a day which includes: traditional Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Uzbek cuisines (European and Asian meals always available and if you are meat lover then there will be a beef and lamb meet in daily menu, if you are a vegetarian then no worries as well. We have a special menu too), fruits, cookies, juice and drinking water will always be available during the trip.

Accommodation: 3* or 4* hotels and yurts What to bring: Water and wind proof jackets, sunglasses, good hiking boots, any personal items if needed, gloves (you will need it during the horse riding), small back pack, binoculars (there will be a lot of wild animals in the mountains so you can see/watch them from distance), torchlight and so on.

- Experienced tour guide and the drivers will always accompany you during all the trip days.