Discovery in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  PARIS - ISTANBUL - URGENCH with TURKISH AIRWAYS

  

  

  Assistance with registration formalities Boarding and departure to Urgench

• day 2

  Ourguentch-Khiva - 35 km

  

  Breakfast. Arrival at Urgench airport around 06:10 and transfer to Khiva. Check-in at the hotel and rest! Then, the day is dedicated to visiting KHIVA. Almost in the center of Itchan-Kala, a long blind wall flanked by a minaret actually serves as the facade of the Djouma Mosque (Friday Mosque), the main mosque of Khiva. The old fortress of Kounya Ark ("The Old Fortress" from the 17th century), then the Mukhammad Rakhimkhon Feruz madrasa - the largest in Khiva, as well as the mausoleum of Sayid Alaouddine. In the afternoon, discovery of the city considered the masterpiece of Uzbek art: the Djouma Mosque, the most famous monument of Khiva, the mausoleum of Pakhlavan-Makhmoud, the Islam Khodja madrasa and minaret. The tallest minaret in Khiva (44.50 m) was built in 1910 by the vizier of Isfandiar Khan, Islam Khodja. Visit of the Tashkhaouli Khan palace and the covered bazaar of the city of Khiva. Dinner and overnight stay.

• day 3

  KHIVA / BUKHARA (450 km en route)

  

  After breakfast, check-out and visit of the city of Khiva, then drive to Bukhara. You will cross the Kyzyl-Kum desert, the largest desert plain in Central Asia, with an area of 300,000 km², rich in natural resources… Arrival in Bukhara at the end of the day, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  BUKHARA

  

  Breakfast. Visit of the "Museum City", which had no less than 360 mosques before the Revolution. A true oasis in the middle of the red desert of Kyzyl Kum, the city has managed to keep an oriental spirit. Formerly called "The Pearl of Islam", BUKHARA is one of the most endearing stops of your journey. BUKHARA is a summary of all the architecture of Central Asia. Visit of the Nodir Devonbegi Medersa (1622-1623), initially designed as a caravanserai. The medersa is part of one of the most original architectural ensembles in Bukhara: the Liabi-Khauz ("Bank of the Basin"). The Tchar Minar medersa, with its four minarets and turquoise domes. The Maghoki Attari Mosque (XII-XVI), with two floors, was built on the remains of the foundations of the old medieval construction; its facade is sunk into the ground by nearly 4.5 m, hence its name Maghok – underground. The Gaokouchon ensemble: the Khodja Medersa and Mosque with its minaret represent architectural styles unique to Bukhara. The medersa and the mosque are built side by side and their main facades face a small square with the pond. Another "classic" style of Bukhara is the "koch" (the twins), the ensemble of two medersas facing each other. Such are the Ulugbek Medersa, built in 1417, and the medersa of Khan Abdelaziz. Continuation of the city tour: Kalian Complex, or the "Foot of the Great". You will admire the Palace of Forty Columns and the Well of Job. Discovery of the Ark citadel, which was the fortified residence of the Emir and his harem until 1920. It included palaces, barracks, the Mint, and the prison. Located on Reghistan Square, this is where corporal punishments took place, including the famous ordeal of 72 strokes of the stick. Opposite, visit of the Bolo-Khaouz mosque, whose trees surrounding the pond and the minaret make it a very pleasant haven of shade. Marble steps descend to the dark but refreshing waters of the pond built in the 16th century, which gave its name to the mosque (khaouz). Dinner and folk concert in the courtyard of the Nodir Divan Begui Medersa. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 5

  BOUKHARA / GUIJDOUVAN / SAMARKAND (286 KM) BY TRAIN 14:40 - 16:23

  

  Free morning for personal shopping in Bukhara, then transfer to Kogon station to take the high-speed train to Samarkand at 1:30 pm, with an expected arrival in Samarkand around 4:23 pm. Check-in at the hotel. SAMARKAND is one of the oldest cities in the world. A former stop on the Silk Road, a flagship city of the East at the time when Tamerlane was its master, its name still evokes mysteries and dreams. It is no longer "the face of the earth," nor even "the precious pearl of the Islamic world," and yet, at the sight of its monuments, its madrasas, its minarets, its mosques (now restored), it seems that both the remains of a prestigious civilization and the expression of an art that has reached its peak are revealed. The current face of the old city of Samarkand is the one given to it in the 14th century by Emperor Tamerlane, who made it the prestigious capital of a vast empire stretching to the Black Sea and Punjab in India, bringing together the most renowned scholars of his time: poets, architects, painters, astronomers… Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  SAMARKAND

  

  Breakfast Departure for a city tour where you can discover, among other splendors, the Registan complex. This ensemble of majestic madrasahs, slightly leaning, whose beautifully proportioned spaces are covered, almost to excess, with blue faience and mosaics, is the centerpiece of the city and undoubtedly the most impressive architectural site in Central Asia. It consists of the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the Tilla-Kari Madrasah. The city tour continues with the most famous monument of SAMARKAND, which is also the symbol of the city: the Gur-Emir, a distortion of "Guri-Mir" or "Tomb of the Emir." As in other Muslim mausoleums, the slabs simply mark the location of the tombs, which are found in an underground crypt. It is in this mausoleum that Timur, Ulugh Beg, and other members of his family rest. The interior of this mausoleum is sumptuous. Then, the Roukhabad and Ak-Saray mausoleums. Visit of the Bibi Khanum Mosque, which was intended to be the largest in Central Asia. Time has spared only the portal, two small side buildings, and the large central mosque. Stroll through the city's colorful "Siyab" bazaar. Discovery of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. On the edge of Afrasiab, in the heart of a vast cemetery, is the unique ensemble of Shah-i-Zinda mausoleums (or Chah-i-Zindeh). This name refers to Kussam, son of Abbas and cousin of Muhammad, whose martyrdom at this site is said to be the origin of these places of worship. Dinner at the restaurant

• day 7

  SAMARKAND / TASHKENT (TRAIN 17:00-19:20)

  

  

  Breakfast. Visit of the remains of Ulugh Beg's observatory (15th century). The observatory was intended for the observation of the sun, stars, and the sky. Ulugh Beg calculated the length of the celestial year. Visit of the Afrosiab museum, one of the largest archaeological monuments. The archaeological finds, discovered during the excavations of the site, are exhibited in the Samarkand history museum, located in the eastern part of the site. Visit of the mausoleum of Saint Daniel. Set on the edge of the Afrosiab cliff overlooking the Syab river, the long mausoleum has five domes. It is the only place in Samarkand that brings together the three faiths: Muslim, Christian, and Jewish. It was built at the beginning of the 14th century by Tamerlane, who brought back the saint's bones from his campaign in Asia Minor. Then, departure for Tashkent by Afrosiyab high-speed train around 17:00 and arrival in Tashkent around 19:20. Dinner at the restaurant. Transfer and overnight at the hotel.

• day 8

  TASHKENT

  

  Breakfast. The day is dedicated to discovering Tashkent. This city is rich in parks and fountains. Over 2000 years old, it was once a major commercial center at the crossroads of caravan routes linking Europe and India; today it remains a major cultural center. Departure for a discovery of the capital, which was one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Visit of the Khasti Imam complex in the old city of Tashkent, including the Kafal Shashi mausoleum and the Barak Khan madrasa, dating from the 16th century and housing the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman (7th century). Visit of the Koukaldach madrasa. Discovery of Independence Square and Amir Temur Square. Discovery of the Chorsu Bazaar*, the largest bazaar in the center of Tashkent. Continuation of the city tour towards Independence Square, then the Theater Square and Amir Temur Square. Discovery of the most beautiful metro* stations in Tashkent, reminiscent of those in Moscow! Then visit to the Museum of Applied Arts. Farewell dinner at the restaurant, vodka and wine included, and overnight at the hotel.

• day 9

  TASHKENT - BISHKEK BY PLANE

  Depending on the flight schedule, breakfast will be taken either at the hotel. According to the flight schedule, transfer to TASHKENT airport. Assistance with check-in formalities. Boarding for the Bishkek flight. Upon our arrival, welcome and transfer to the hotel. After a rest period, we will begin the visit of Bishkek with an immersion in local daily life. For this, we head to the Osh market, a place of life and exchange for local merchants. We will stroll through the stalls of dried fruits, spices, and handicrafts. Then, head to the city center to wander along the large shaded avenues to discover its monuments, museums, operas, and its central square "Ala Too." Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. GOOD TO KNOW: in general, arrival in Bishkek is in the morning. The day's visits will be adjusted according to your arrival time and your rest period. Meals included: dinner.

• day 10

  BISHKEK – ALA ARCHA - BURANA – CHONG KEMIN VALLEY

  After breakfast, transfer to Ala Archa National Park. Easy walk of a maximum of two hours, then departure for the Chong Kemin valley via the mountain road. We will head towards the Chon Kemin valley, famous for the beauty and diversity of its fauna and flora. Upon arrival, we will settle into our guesthouse in the heart of this lush valley. Dinner and overnight in our guesthouse. GOOD TO KNOW: single room available, with private bathroom. Travel time by road: approx. 3-4h00 / approx. 210 km Hiking time in Ala Archa: approx. 1h30 / 5 km / Elevation gain: +100 m, -100 m Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

• day 11

  CHONG KEMIN - AK-SAY CANYON – BOKONBAEVO

  Breakfast. Today, we are heading towards the town of Bokonbaevo. One stop of the day: the Ak Sai canyon. Often known as the "canyon of forgotten rivers," we will explore it to admire its contours and beauty from the shore of Lake Issyk-Kol and the surrounding mountain ranges. We will eventually go back down in time for lunch. After driving or walking to the end of the winding roads, you will find yourself on the magnificent coast of Issyk-Kul. After climbing the easy hiking trails to the top of the sandstones, you will enjoy a beautiful panorama (1 hour walk) of the lake and an interesting landscape of the mountainous region. We will end up returning to our guesthouse for the night and dinner. Travel time by road: approx. 3h00 / approx. 170 km Hiking time in Ak Sai canyons: approx. 1h30 / 7 km / Elevation: +260m, -260m GOOD TO KNOW: comfort is simple at our hosts'. Single room available, but we will share the bathrooms. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

• day 12

  Bokonbaevo – Jety Oguz - Karakol

  Breakfast. This morning, we will resume our journey along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. We will continue heading due East towards Karakol, a village considered the capital of the mountaineers of the entire region. It is the starting point for all major expeditions to the high peaks of the Tien Shan. On the way, we will stop in the valley of flowers "Kok-Jaik" (the Jety-Oguz gorge). Easy walk for a few hours in the Jety-Oguz valley. We continue along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Arrival in Karakol, we will settle into the hotel. Dinner with a Dungan family (Chinese Muslims). Night at the hotel. Travel time by road: approx. 3h00 / 180 km Hiking time: approx. 1h / 4-5 km / Elevation gain: +225m, -225m Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

• day 13

  KARAKOL – KOCHKOR

  Breakfast This morning, we will take a short city tour in Karakol, where we will visit the famous Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Both buildings have great cultural and material value for Kyrgyzstan and its history. The program includes a visit to the regional history museum and its gallery dedicated to Ella Maillart, a great traveler who came to Central Asia in the 1930s of the 20th century. Overnight at the hotel. Before lunch, transfer to Kochkor via the northern shore. Overnight and dinner with a local family. Travel time by road: approx. 5h / 260 km GOOD TO KNOW: comfort is simple at our hosts' homes. Single room available, with private bathroom. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

• day 14

  KOCHKOR – BOURANA - BISHKEK

  We return to the capital after breakfast. On the way, we will stop at the Burana Tower to discover one of the oldest minarets in Central Asia. This superb architectural structure is a legacy of the inhabitants of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was the capital of the khanate dynasty. Travel time by road: approx. 4h / 230 km Meals included: Breakfast.

• day 15

  BISHKEK, FLIGHT TO ISTANBUL / PARIS

  Depending on the flight schedule, breakfast will be taken either at the hotel or on the plane. Depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport. Assistance with check-in formalities. Boarding and return flight. Service on board. Arrival at your airport.