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8-Nights Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan Combo - Private Guided Experiences from $5,968
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722873
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Off the Beaten Path Explore the rich cultures of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on a Silk Road adventure, visiting Almaty, ancient Otrar, and stunning Samarkand with its sunset views.
Trip Overview :
This 9-day Central Asian vacation takes you across Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to explore many of the great cities along the Silk Road. It features moderate or first-class accommodations, private guided tours, and is great for travellers wanting to explore new regions just opening up to the world of travel.
Your journey begins in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan and the former capital. Take the day to head on a city tour to see some of the many landmarks of this city surrounded by the Tian Shan Mountains, including the Ascension Cathedral, the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, and the Almaty Central Mosque. Connect to Tamgaly to gaze upon Bronze and Iron Age petroglyphs carved into the rocks. Return to Almaty and board the overnight train to Taraz, one of the country’s oldest cities. A short city tour will showcase a few city highlights, from the Taraz Regional Museum to Aisha Bibi Mausoleum, before you connect to Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve, the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. Explore this gorgeous reserve that’s home to 50 species of mammals, including the rare snow leopard and Tian Shan bear, before you continue onward to the former Soviet industrial town of Shymkent.
Based in Shymkent, you’ll head on a full-day excursion to the ancient settlement of Otrar, a ghost town that was once homes to palaces, mosques, and bathhouses prior to the invasion of the Mongols. Connect onward to Turkistan, where you’ll see the breathtaking Mausoleum of Khawaja Ahmed Yasawi, the most iconic building in the country.
Cross the border into Uzbekistan and reach the capital Tashkent, where you’ll head on a sightseeing tour to discover the wonders of this old trading post along the Silk Road. You’ll see the Khast Imam Complex, Kukeldash Madrasah, and Independent Square. Continue to Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road, where you’ll discover the history of this garden spot. Visit some of the many wonders of Samarkand, including Shakh-i-Zinda Mausoleum, Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and the Silk Road Bazaar. You’ll also take an excursion to Gur Emir to watch sunset from the Mausoleum of Tamerlane.
You’ll have the next morning to yourself before heading to the airport to connect to your onward destination.
Highlights:
- Arrive in Almaty, surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains, and enjoy a relaxed start to your journey.
- Discover Almaty’s highlights, from Zhenkov’s Cathedral to bustling bazaars and panoramic views from Kok Tobe.
- Explore ancient Tamgaly’s UNESCO-listed petroglyphs before boarding an overnight train to historic Taraz.
- Visit Taraz’s Silk Road landmarks and experience the natural beauty of Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve.
- Cross into Uzbekistan to uncover Tashkent’s cultural treasures and Samarkand’s majestic Registan Square.
Included Services:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Almaty
- 1 night moderate overnight train accommodation (from Tamgaly to Taraz)
- 1 night moderate guest house accommodation in Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Shymkent
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Samarkand
- Private-guided tours and experiences as per itinerary
- Transportation by private vehicle for land transfers and sightseeing
- English-speaking local guides for sightseeing mentioned on the itinerary
- Train tickets from Almaty - Taraz (berth compartment) and from Shymkent - Samarkand (chair seat)
- Bottled water provided daily
- Breakfast daily, excluding Day 1, 1 lunch & 1 dinner (at guest house)
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
8 nights from $5,968 per person
Day 1: Arrive in Almaty
Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Meet on arrival and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free.
Hotel: Rahat Palace Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Rahat Palace Hotel is conveniently located near the city center with stunning views of the Tien Shan mountains. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, an indoor pool, a fitness center and multiple dining options.
Day 2: Exploring Almaty
Enjoy a full day tour of Almaty, a city with some interesting Russian architectural buildings surrounded by the Tienshan Mountains. Visit Panfilov Park, Zhenkov's Holy Ascension Cathedral, the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, the State Museum of Kazakhstan, the Central Mosque of Almaty and either Zeelyoni Bazaar or the Green Bazaar. In the evening drive to Kok Tyube to take a gondola ride to a panoramic view point of the city.
Hotel: Rahat Palace Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Rahat Palace Hotel is conveniently located near the city center with stunning views of the Tien Shan mountains. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, an indoor pool, a fitness center and multiple dining options.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3: Almaty to Tamgaly & Taraz
Embark on a day excursion to Tamgaly, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a vast hill, featuring numerous rock engravings dating from the 2nd millennium BC to the 20th century. The most remarkable are the Bronze and Iron Age petroglyphs, including solar symbols like the sun disc, depictions of animals such as ibexes, horses, and unicorns, as well as human figures engaged in ritual dances and tribal symbols from the Scythian period. A guided tour of this unique and significant site will provide insights into its historical importance. (approx. drive is 2.5 hours in each direction)
In the afternoon, we return to Almaty for our overnight train journey to Taraz.
Overnight: Train
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4: Taraz to the Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Arrive in Taraz in the morning and transfer to a hotel restaurant for breakfast and to refresh. Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan and it was a major trade centre along the Silk Road. Take a short city tour of Taraz visiting the Museum of Taraz and Aisha Bibi mausoleum. Then travel to Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve, where you will overnight (approx. 2 hour drive).
Hotel: Aksu-Zhabagly Guest House (4 Star Rating)
In the village of Zhabagly the house is designed to receive 11 people. The house in the mountains is designed to receive 10 tourists. There is a Kazakh national yurt. On the territory there is a place for camping. Installation of a tent in the territory of 1500 tenge + 1500 tenge per night per person. The campsite has a kitchen for tourists, 2 showers and 2 bathrooms.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: The Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve to Shymkent
Morning walking tour of Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve, the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. The reserve is home to over a 1000 species of plants and over 50 species of mammals, including the rare snow leopard, and the Tien-Shan bear. Afterwards, travel to Shymkent city, once a soviet industrial town (approx. 2 hour drive).
Hotel: Aidana Plaza Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Aidana Plaza Hotel features stylish rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, conference facilities, and a spa, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6: Excursion to Otrar and Turkestan
Take a full day excursion. Visit the ancient settlement of Otrar where you can see remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses. The site was first excavated in 1969 with a history dating back to the first century AD. It is also where Genghis Khan's army is said to have fought heroically (though unsuccessfully) when the Mongols first invaded Central Asia. Then proceed to Turkestan to visit the Mausoleum of Khawaja Ahmed Yasawi, Kazakhstan's most iconic building. Built by Tamerlane, it is said that three visits here are equal to one visit to Mecca. Return to your hotel in Shymkent. Approx. driving time Shymkent to Otrar (2 hrs), Otrar to Turkestan (1.5 hrs), and Turkestan to Shymkent (2.5 hrs).
Hotel: Aidana Plaza Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Aidana Plaza Hotel features stylish rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, conference facilities, and a spa, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7: Shymkent to Tashkent & Samarkand
Cross the border into Uzbekistan and then transfer to the capital city of Tashkent (approx. 2 hr drive). Tashkent is one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Take a sightseeing tour around the city to visit the old town, Khast Imom Complex, Kukeldash Madrassah, Friendship Square, Independent Square and Museum of Applied Arts. After the tour take the train to Samarkand together with your guide (train time is approx. 3 hrs). Arrive at in Samarkand in the late evening and transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Grand Samarkand (4 Star Rating)
Set in the heart of Samarkand, our hotels offers Uzbek and European cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Old Town district and Registan Square are within a 10-minute drive.
Grand Samarkand Restaurants is decorated with traditional Uzbek rugs and serves Uzbek and European cuisine. A wide range of wines and fine drinks is offered at the bar.
Both Samarkand Airport and Samarkand Train Station are an 8-minute drive from Hotels Grand Samarkand Superior. A shuttle service is available for an extra fee, and free on-site parking is also offered.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8: Exploring ancient Samarkand
Take a full day city tour of Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road cities. Samarkand was greatly admired for its gardens and vegetation and was a flourishing city during the Silk Road period. The city has a very interesting history having been invaded by Macedonians under Alexander the Great, and by the Mongols and was also visited by Marco Polo. Visit the Shakh-i-Zinda mausoleum including monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries and architecture from the Timurid dynasty. Also visit Registan Square, the great central square of Samarkand, the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Afrosiab Museum, Ulugbek's Observatory and the Silk Road bazaar. Drive to Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane to watch the sunset over the blue dome (weather permitting). In the evening return to Registan Square to see the illuminated madrassahs.
Hotel: Hotel Grand Samarkand (4 Star Rating)
Set in the heart of Samarkand, our hotels offers Uzbek and European cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Old Town district and Registan Square are within a 10-minute drive.
Grand Samarkand Restaurants is decorated with traditional Uzbek rugs and serves Uzbek and European cuisine. A wide range of wines and fine drinks is offered at the bar.
Both Samarkand Airport and Samarkand Train Station are an 8-minute drive from Hotels Grand Samarkand Superior. A shuttle service is available for an extra fee, and free on-site parking is also offered.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9: Depart from Samarkand
Day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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