INTRIQ SIGNATURES: 15 DAYS CENTRAL ASIA ODYSSEY: KYRGYZSTAN TO TAJIKISTAN

Transfer from Bishkek Airport to Hotel

On arrival in Bishkek Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel to rest from your early morning arrival.

Bishkek: An Introduction to Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a city with buildings from the soviet era, vast squares and bustling local bazaars. It is the perfect base for day trips to nearby Ala Archa National Park, and the Burana Tower, a Silk Road-era minaret and all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun.

Spend an easy day to take in the sights of Bishkek and visit the National History Museum of Kyrgyzstan.

Ala Archa National Park

Set out on an excursion to the magnificent Ala Archa National Park with its picturesque gorge of snow-capped mountains, pine forested valleys, waterfalls, and gushing rivers. Enjoy a morning of hiking and a deluxe picnic lunch amidst the beautiful environment.

Later, witness a Private Yurt set up by the local nomads. Afterwards, enjoy dinner in a yurt restaurant and be entertained by a Folklore musical performance showcasing traditional musical instruments and Kyrgyz melodies.

Journey to Issyk-Kul Alpine Lake

Embark on a 5-hour drive to the shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Enroute, visit Suyab, the hometown of the famous Chinese poet Li Bai and Burana, a minaret constructed in the 11th century during the heyday of the Silk Road.

In addition, enjoy a private demonstration of traditional horseback riding game that has been played by the Kyrgyz people for centuries and a vital part of their cultural heritage.

After having lunch with a local family, we continue to Issyk-Kul Lake, surrounded by the snowy mountains of Tianshan. Spend an idyllic afternoon exploring the area and take pleasure in a private boat ride on the scenic lake.

Northern Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake

After breakfast, visit the open-air Petroglyph Museum of Cholpon-Ata featuring Kyrgyzstan’s great collection of ancient rock arts.

Travel to Osh

Then, we drive about 5 hours back to Bishkek and take a flight to Osh. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation.

Exploration of Osh

The age of Osh city can be judged from the rock drawings and inscriptions found on the northern slope of the four-headed Sulaiman-too Mountain, one of the main shrines of the Islamic world in Central Asia. You will visit main cave historical museum, the mosque of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty in India, and take a bird eye’s view of the city.

Journey to Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan

This morning, we will cross the border at Dustlik into Uzbekistan, and about 1 hour drive to Andijan, the birthplace of Babur. Visit Juma Mosque and Medressa and the Babur Literary Museum. Continue 1 hour drive to visit Fergana Regional Museum, one of the oldest museums in Uzbekistan with a fine collection of items, relating to all periods of history, culture, and art of Fergana valley.

In the evening, take a walk in the Al-Fergani Park.

Fergana – Margilan – Rishtan – Kokand

Our tour of Fergana includes a visit to the Drama theatre which is named after governor M.D. Skobelev.

Proceed to Margilan visit a traditional silk factory “Yodgorlik”, where you will get acquainted with the whole process of silk production. Next, head to Rishtan, where you will visit the well-known family ceramic workshops of Rustam Usmonov. Enjoy lunch with the local family.

Continue onwards to Kokand and keep your eyes peeled for the Palace of Khudayar Khan.

Journey to Khujand in Tajikistan

Today, we cross another border, this time into one of the most inaccessible countries along the Silk Road if not the world – Tajikistan! From Kokand, it is approximately 2 hours’ drive to Khujand.

Arriving in Khujand, we take a short walk at Victory Park, Somoni Park, then a cable car ride across the river to Kamoli Khujandi Park.

Cultural Heritage of Khujand

Little known to the outside world, Khujand has witnessed dramatic history from Persian Shah, Cyrus the great to Alexander of the ancient world to Lenin of modern history, have left their marks here. We will visit the Khujand Fortress and Khujand Historical Museum.

Enjoy lunch at the House of Anora, with interior and exterior reflecting the traditional design of the pre-Soviet era Tajiki houses. Afterwards, we will go on a private tour of the Arbob Palace built by the Soviet, and a museum today. Proceed to explore Panjshanbe Bazaar and Shaikh Muslihaddin Mosque.

This evening, be treated to a private Tajik dinner and show in a traditional guesthouse.

Ancient Towns: Panjakent and Sarazm

After breakfast, set out on a 4.5-hour drive to Panjakent, one of the oldest towns in Central Asia. Delve into the history of Panjakent and Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an archaeologist specially invited. Visit the archaeological museum featuring the burial of the “Princess of Sarazm”.

Iskanderkul Lake in the Fann Mountains

Today, we will drive about 4 hours to the beautiful Iskanderkul Lake which sits 2,195m above sea level. Devote your afternoon to exploring the lake and its surrounding, including hiking to the Snake Lake and waterfall.

Take pleasure in a sundowner after the walk, followed by dinner by the lake.

Iskanderkul and Sarytag

This morning, soak in the views of Iskanderkul’s amazing landscapes and hike around Sarytag village.

After lunch, we drive about 3.5 hours to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan and check-in to the hotel.

Discover Dushanbe and Navruz Palace

Begin your discovery of Dushanbe with an exclusive private visit of the Golden Hall and Hall of Mirrors in the magnificent Navruz Palace. Thereafter, visit the National Museum of Antiquities, Rudaki Park, Statue of Ismoil Somoni and the Dushanbe Flagpole.

End the day with a visit to the Tower of Independence and its observation deck to watch sunset.

Further Exploration of Dushanbe

Head to Hisor Fortress and its museum, a well-preserved historical landmark at the outskirt of Dushanbe.

Proceed to the vibrant Mehrgon Market filled with spices, nuts, fresh and dried fruits, and more.

We will have dinner earlier today and return to hotel to rest up for your early flight later.

Transfer to Dushanbe Airport

A transfer will be arranged to Dushanbe Airport for your departure flight.