Name of the tour: Fabulous forest Arslanbob 

Duration: 8 days

Starts in: Bishkek

Ends in:  Bishkek

Day 1: Bishkek – Burana – Kochkor – Son Kul
Today you will meet your driver at Manas International Airport. After that you will transfer to the second largest lake of Kyrgyzstan Son Kul. You will be amazed by the picturesque views of the lake that is surrounded by mountains. This lake is situated at the altitude of 3016 meters high above the sea level. Translated from the Kyrgyz language, it means "the Last lake" and the road to it lies through the beautiful scenery of the Tien Shan mountains. It is bounded from the North by Sonkul-Too ridge and Moldo-Too ridge from the South. The lake is fresh and quite deep — the maximum depth of the lake is 14 meters. Along the way you will explore the ancient site of 11 century Burana Tower and explore an open air museum of Balbals. You will also break in Kochkor village, where you will have a chance to get to know how Kyrgyz people make national felt carpet. You will spend the night in the nomadic felt dwellings, yurts. 

Day 2: Son Kul – Kazarman
You will transfer today to Kazarman village. About 93 percent of Kyrgyzstan is covered by the mountain ranges of the two great Tien Shan and Pamir mountain systems. The tour is perfect for those who want to explore the magical culture, learn a lot about Asia and immerse themselves in the history of the great nomads. During the tour, you can enjoy beautiful views of mountain gorges and passes and see nomads who live in portable dwellings along the way. You will spend the night in a home stay.

Day 3: Kazarman – Osh
After breakfast you will transfer to Osh city. You will transfer about 6 hours and explore the spectacular views if the nature.  Along the way you will explore Djalal Abad town and its famous Uzgen Tower. Uzgen minaret with a height of 27.5 meters, built at the beginning of the XII century, when the city was the capital of the Karakhanid state. It is built of burnt bricks of various sizes, which are laid with openwork masonry in several ornamental belts. You will be amazed by the impressive mountains and gorges and observe the spectacular scenery of Kyrgyzstan. Today you will also have many fantastic photo stops. You will remember this day for a long time. The  night will be spent in the hotel.

Day 4: Osh – Arslanbob
This day you will have a chance to explore the ancient city and discover sacred attraction– Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too has a height of about one hundred and fifty meters, a width of 560 meters at the bottom, oriented from East to West. The height of the peaks above sea level is from 1119 to 1175 meters. The archaeological and historical monuments located on Suleiman-Too date from the Neolithic period to the late middle ages and ethnographic modernity. This mountain was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage.  Today we will drive to Arslanbob walnut forest. Arslanbob – natural, it appeared more than 50 million years ago. The area of the reserve is 11 thousand hectares, and more than 130 species of shrubs and trees grow on this huge territory, among which the main attraction is the walnut. You will rest the night in the local home stay.

Day 5: Arslanbob
In the morning you will explore Arslanbob walnut forests. It is one of the unique creations of nature, and is located at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. The main treasure of these southern forests is the walnut tree. A tree can live for 1000 years, reach a huge size and bear fruit abundantly. The place occupies about 11,000 hectares and is called the "Royal forest of Kyrgyzstan". According to legend, Alexander the great took the walnut to Greece. You will have a chance to fascinate amazing nature and explore small waterfall. You will see today a lot of picturesque places. Along the way you will also have a chance to see locals. The overnight is a home stay.

Day 6: Arslanbob – Bishkek
Today you will communicate with local residents and then you will be transferred to the capital Bishkek. You will drive today along the fabulous passes and serpentines. And drive from the south towards north side of Kyrgyzstan. You will be impressed by the impressive mountains and see the fantastic views of the gorges. You will also admire the vivid panoramic views of Tue Ashuu pass that is more than 3000 meters high! This is the fabulous road with the picturesque landscapes. Along the way you will have a chance to make photos. During the tour, you will be able to enjoy the hospitality, see the beautiful views of mountains, roads, passes and serpentines and remember this tour forever. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek
Today you will have a sightseeing tour in the capital of Kyrgyzstan Bishkek. You will see Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic, and many other interesting attractions. In addition you will explore colorful attraction Asian Bazaar! You are going to fascinate the colorful places, buy goods and discount. There you will have dynamic photos of bustling local life. There you will also see colorful tapestry of fabrics, produce, and people selling and buying goods. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek – Airport
In the morning is transfer to airport. 

Transport:
02 pax – Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter

Price per person:
02 pax – 870 $
04 pax – 545 $
06 pax – 420 $
08 pax – 360 $
10 pax – 325 $
Single – 120 $

Early check-in – 35 $
Single early check-in – 60 $ 

All dinners – 90 $
All lunches and dinners – 180 $

English speaking guide – 530 $ per group 

To be 2 in one yurt (now 4 pax) – 15 $ per person

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
         Son Kul – Yurts, “Nomad’s Dream” camp (4 pax in 1)
         Kazarman – Homestay
         Osh – “Sun Rise” Hotel 3*
         Arslanbob – Homestay
         Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour 

Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide

Silk Road Tours

Our company is glad to organize an unforgettable tour along all countries of Central Asia – Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. We can create an exclusive tour program that will depend on your interests and desires. Usually it consists of interesting excursions, different outdoor activities, exploration of ancient cities and other historical sites. During the tour you will feel the local atmosphere and learn about the history, culture and cuisine of these countries. They are somewhat similar, but each country of Central Asia is unique and amazing in its own way. You will discover all these features while travelling along the Great Silk Road.

Turkmenistan Tours

Turkmenistan is the cradle of ancient civilizations, which fraught with many mysteries and secrets. The country is famous for unique natural and historical sites. You can start a tour in the capital city Ashgabat. Its special feature is the big number of marble building. Also you will be able to explore ancient cities such as Old Nisa, Mary, Merv and Kunya Urgench. The Darwaza Gas crater is the most amazing natural attraction in Turkmenistan. Its fire burns day and night. You will be able to continue your tour to majestic Yangikala canyons, fabulous underground Lake Kow Ata, famous Nokhur village and modern resort on the shore of the Caspian Sea. We recommend you to try a combined tour with Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan Tours

Uzbekistan is the mysterious country of the East with a huge number of ancient historical monuments of Islamic Era.  You will explore amazing cities such as Tashkent, Bukhara and Khiva. They are full of majestic mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums and architectural complexes of Great Eastern Empires. If you want to see something extraordinary you can visit the unique museum of forbidden art and visit the “graveyard of ships” in the city of Nukus on the shore of Aral Sea. Talking about natural sites you will be able to explore Chimgan Mountains and wonderful Charvak Lake. During the tour you will reveal the secrets of famous Uzbek pilaf and get familiarized the ancient methods of producing Samarkand silk and paper.

Tajikistan Tours

If you love nature Tajikistan will be a perfect choice for your travel. During the tour, you will be impressed by the magnificence of Pamir Mountains with its enchanting villages near the border with Afghanistan. You will overcome the great Wakhan corridor and drive along the beautiful mountain passes that are located above the altitude of 4000 meters above sea level. There are also many charming lakes such as Bulunkul, Yashil Kul, Iskanderkul, and Hafkul. If you are interested in history of the country, we recommend you to visit ancient cities Khujand, Istaravshan, Dushanbe and Penjakent.

Kazakhstan Tours

Kazakhstan is a diverse country. It is one of the most prosperous countries in Central Asia with many modern cities like the capital city Nur –Sultan. In contrast it is a country with well – preserved ancient traditions and customs which passed from generation to generation. During the tour you will learn many interesting facts about the culture of steppe nomads. Also you will visit famous Hunn village, national museum and other historical sites including ancient cities Turkestan and Shymkent. Besides that you will be amazed by the beauty of natural attractions such as Altyn Emel with famous singing dunes, wonderful Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, Borovoye national park and many others.

Kyrgyzstan Tours

Kyrgyzstan is a great tourist destination for people who adore mountain nature. The mountains belong to Tien Shan system and they filled with wonderful gorges, valleys and lakes. The nature is so unexplored and pristine, so you will feel a real harmony away from noisy cities. During the tour in Kyrgyzstan, you will get acquainted with the culture of nomads, their traditions and customs. You will also have the experience of spending the night in yurts. Furthermore this country is a popular place for exciting outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, rafting, horse riding and skiing. If you are interested, you can try them while travelling in Kyrgyzstan.

 

Car rent in Kyrgyzstan

Our travel agency can also provide you with a car rental service. We have new models of jeeps in our fleet. These cars are the most reliable choice for travelling on mountain roads in countries like Kyrgyzstan. We can also offer you to continue the trip on the rented cars to Tajikistan. Here you will explore the amazing Pamir Highway and great Wakhan corridor. It is also possible to visit the Sothern part of Kazakhstan.  Car rent is the most suitable option for people who want to travel on their own. It allows to stop where you want, relax and enjoy the view as long as you want. Moreover, in this case you will get to know better the culture and lifestyle of local people. You will fully indulge in the local atmosphere! If you are not sure about your own tour program, our company will be happy to help you with that and recommend the best options of accommodation at the best price. Besides that you will get all necessary equipment for camping including comfortable tents, mats and tableware.  Our team will provide you with technical support 24/7. All cars for rent have an insurance and we are responsible for their quality. If you want to rent a car, you should contact us and tell the travel dates. We will prepare all the necessary arrangements. You can also send copies of your documents and we will make the car rental agreement in advance. After arrival you will take a car and start your exciting tour!

Summer tours in Kyrgyzstan

Summer and early autumn is the best time to explore Kyrgyzstan. All roads and passes are open, so you can travel the whole country. On the way to Son-Kul Lake you will be impressed by the amazing views of mountains. Son-Kul Lake is an alpine lake, situated s at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. Here you will be able to spend a night in yurts – traditional nomadic dwellings. In summer it is also possible to visit Kichi Naryn gorge and overcome the charming Ara Bel pass, which is above 4000 meters above sea level. On the top you will see a breathtaking panorama view! You will be able to relax on the sandy beach of Issyk-Kul Lake and swim in this second largest mountain lake in the world. If you are interested in history, you can visit ancient cities near the lake. The Southern part of Kyrgyzstan is not inferior in beauty. The road will go along the enchanting mountain road through Kazarman. Traveling around Kyrgyzstan in the warm months will allow you to enjoy the amazing nature of Kyrgyzstan to the fullest extent!

Winter tours in Kyrgyzstan

Although some roads and passes may be inaccessible due to snow, winter traveling in Kyrgyzstan will also create wonderful memories for you.  Snow will add a special charming atmosphere to nature. You will be able to drive to Naryn and visit the historical monument of Tash Rabat caravanserai. It is surrounded by high mountains near to the Great Silk Road. You will be able to discover the famous lake Issyk-Kul and admire the spectacular view of the gorges Barskaun, Jeti Oguz and Grigorievskoye. In Cholpon Ata city you will see the Ruch ordo cultural complex, ethnography museum and gallery of ancient stone patterns – petroglyphs. The horse riding tour can be organized in the Chon Kemin gorge. Moreover if you are interested in winter sports, you can visit the largest and the most popular ski resort near Karakol city. In Soviet time it served as a training area for soviet sport teams. During your winter tour in Kyrgyzstan you will be impressed by the beauty of valleys, frozen waterfalls and wonderful gorges with forests all covered with snow.

Guide school in Kyrgyzstan

Our travel agency also runs guide-preparatory courses for people of different ages who want to become a part of tourism industry in Kyrgyzstan. The training consists of informative lectures from university professors and practical tasks. After the final exam we select the best students to work in our company or other successful companies of Kyrgyzstan. We systematically organize interesting seminars on all necessary topics – on history, geography, archeology, culture and others. You can be sure, that during the tour, you will be accompanied by professional and highly qualified guides!

Crafts of Central Asia

The Great Silk Road had a huge impact on the development of Central Asia. It contributed to the appearance of new towns and civilizations. The science, technologies, culture and religion spread through it. You will learn a lot about interesting ancient crafts, while travelling along the Silk Road.  On the crossroad of Eastern empires, in Uzbekistan you will be able to participate in different pottery workshops. Uzbek pottery is famous for a unique style and coloration. Besides that you will be able to visit master-class of ceramics in cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Gijduvan and Fergana valley. If you want to get acquainted with other crafts, we recommend you to visit Konigil village near Samarkand. Here the local family will show you the ancient method of producing parchments paper. It is still used in writing manuscripts and restoration of ancient materials. If you love silk products we can offer you to visit a silk factory in Samarkand. Here you will see a wide range of colorful carpets with different ornaments and shapes. The most popular craft in Kyrgyzstan is felt craft. It playes a big role in the lifestyle of nomadic people. Felt is used to cover the yurts, to produce clothes and different items of household. In Kyrgyzstan you will head to handicraft center in Kochkor village at Fatima’s house. You will meet the local family, who runs the Women Cooperation to support local craftswomen. During the tour along the Great Silk Road our company will be happy to introduce you to the traditional crafts of the people of Central Asia.  

Activities

If you are interested in outdoor activities, our travel agency can present you with many of them. The most popular activities in Central Asia region are hiking, trekking, horse riding, rafting, and camel riding. Usually they are organized in the countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. The reason is the diversity of landscapes. As the territories of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are occupied by high mountains, these two countries are the perfect place for trekking and hiking. During that kind of tour you will discover the amazing beauty of Tien Shan and Pamir mountains. We can offer a horse riding tours in the gorges of Chon-Kemin and in the area of wonderful Son Kul Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. You will have an opportunity to try rafting tour in the fast flowing rivers of Chui and Chon Kemin. It will be a great choice for people who want to feel extreme and adrenaline. If you want, you can ride a camel by the Aidarkul Lake along the semi desert area. After arriving at the lake, you will be able to watch a local folklore show, listen to music and enjoy spending time alone with nature. The overnight will be in traditional nomadic houses – yurts. Our travel agency can organize you a variety of activities, which will make your tour even more exciting and enjoyable! 

Shows

Folklore plays a huge role in the culture of countries of Central Asia. Our company can include in your tour program a small folklore show performed by local musicians and artists. Mostly it is organized during the last evening. You will learn a lot of information about the national music instruments and listen to the most famous compositions. In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan you will get acquainted with the nomadic tradition of raising wild birds for hunting. They can catch different animals such as hares, rabbits, mountain goats, foxes and many others. In Kazakhstan the local hunter will demonstrate to you the imitation of hunting with a hawk. In Kyrgyzstan you will see how the golden eagle hunts the real rabbit. Another famous show is horse games festival. Since ancient times the horse games have a special importance in the life of nomadic people. During the tour you will have an opportunity to watch them in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. You will be introduced to the main principles and rules of the most widespread games. In Uzbekistan you will be able to visit the amazing Silk and Spice Festival. It will help you to indulge in the Uzbek culture and cultures of other nations of Central Asia. The Festival is organized in May or June in ancient city Bukhara. The festival includes folk music show fashion shows, master classes, national sport events and handicraft exhibitions. If you are interested in any event, contact us and we will add it to your tour!

Highlights of Central Asia

Central Asia region includes 5 wonderful countries - Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. All of them are linked historically and culturally. There are many similarities such as eastern hospitality, love for celebrations and riot of colors. At the same time each country has unique features that you will be able to learn during the tour. Kyrgyzstan in located right in the middle of Central Asia. It is a wonderful place to find inspiration. It never ceases to amaze with its fantastic nature. Here you will be able to enjoy the fresh air, relax mentally and take many beautiful photos. The most famous natural attractions are alpine Son Kul Lake, Tash Rabat caravanserai, Arslanbob walnut forest and many others. Kazakhstan is known as the country of contrasts. On the one hand it is the most prosperous country of that region with modern cities such as Nur-Sultan and Almaty. On the other hand, it keep the ancient culture and traditions of steppe nomads. During the tour you will be able explore ancient sites and learn a lot about the history of the country. If you love nature, we can offer you to visit the fabulous Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, magnificent Charyn canyons, Tamgaly Tas petroglyphs and many others. In Tajikistan you will be impressed by the beauty of Pamir Mountain and the amazing Wakhan corridor. Furthermore, you will get familiarized with the culture and lifestyle of Wakhi people. There are also many historical sites of ancient civilizations in cities such as Penjakent, Istaravshan and Khujand. Uzbekistan is a heritage of fabulous Empires of the East. Here you will have a chance to explore the ancient monuments of Islamic era including famous madrasahs, mosques, mausoleums and squares. Turkmenistan is considered as quite isolated country, but it is gaining popularity among tourists from over the world. You will be indulged in the unique atmosphere of antiquity and enjoy the natural attractions such as Darwaza Gas Crater or Awaza resort on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Our travel agency will be happy to organize an unforgettable tour along the Great Silk Road and help you to get acquainted with the nature, history, culture, cuisine of that region.

 

The best time to travel in Central Asia

In order to choose the best time for the tour along the Great Silk Road you should decide which countries you want to visit and which season will be the most suitable for this. It depends on the specific climatic peculiarities of each country. You should take it into account all conditions to avoid bad weather and make the tour more comfortable and exciting. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have hot summers and mild winters. It means that the best travel dates are in spring and autumn. It will be not too cold and not too hot. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are the mountainous counties with a sharp continental climate. So the winter is longer and the peaks of the mountains are always covered with show. You will drive along the roads and passes located above the altitude of 2000 meters a.s.l. Important to mention that the weather in mountains is cooler for 10 degrees by Celsius than in cities. Besides that some roads and passes can be blocked by snow. Thus summer and the early autumn are considered the best season to visit these 2 countries. Kazakhstan has diverse landscapes that include steppes, semi-deserts and mountains. The climatic conditions depend on which region you want to visit. Broadly speaking summer and autumn are the best periods to travel in Kazakhstan.

About Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is located in the heart of Central Asia. It has a territory of 198, 500 square kilometers and neighbors with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China and Tajikistan.  The largest part of the country is occupied by mountains, which belong to Tien Shan mountain system. This name is translated as “celestial mountains” from Chinese language. It stretch for more than 1500 kilometers. There are 3 peaks whose height exceeds 7000 meters above sea level -  Pobeda Peak (7439 m), Lenin Peak (7 134 m) and Khan Tenri Peak (7, 010 m). Moreover there 23 peaks which are over 6, 000 meters a.s.l. and 80 peaks over 5, 000 meters a.s.l. All these factors made Kyrgyzstan an ideal country for alpinism and mountaineering. It is possible to try trekking, hiking and horse riding tours. Kyrgyzstan is famous for its fantastic nature. Besides that here you will be able to feel the real nomadic culture.  The Kyrgyz people make up the largest part of the population. The second and third places are taken by Uzbeks and Russians. Kyrgyzstan is a home for people of other nationalities such as Dungan, Uigur, Korean, German, Ukrainian and others. The citizens of the country use two languages – Kyrgyz and Russian. The national currency is called som (KGS). It can be easily changed at the banks or exchange offices in any big city of Kyrgyzstan.

About Tajikistan

Tajikistan, also known as the Republic of Tajikistan is Central Asia country with an area of 143, 100 square kilometers. The population is more than 9 million people. It neighbors with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and China and it doesn’t have an access to sea. In ancient time its territory was inhabited by different civilizations such Achaemenid Empire, Sasanian Empire, Hephthalite Empire, Samanid Empire and Mongol Empire. Then Tajikistan was ruled by Timurid Dynasty, then it became a part of Russian empire and consequently the Soviet Union. In 1991 Tajikistan gained independence.  Nowadays Tajikistan is famous for historical attractions and amazing nature. During the tour you will enjoy the spectacular views of Pamir Highway and Wakhan Corridor. You will be able to discover the wonderful lakes such as Karakul, Bulunkul, Yashil Kul, Hafkul, Iskanderkul and others. You will be introduced to the history of the country and the features of local culture.

About Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an independent state located in Central Asia. It shares borders with Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Besides that it has an access to the Aral Sea. The word “Uzbekistan” has a meaning “land of freedom loving people”. Usually the tour starts in the capital city Tashkent. There are also many other famous cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. They are full of interesting historical monuments. The population of the country is more than 34 million people. Uzbek language serves as the national langage. The national currency is called Uzbek sum. Uzbekistan has a rich and eventful history. The territory was occupied by different powerful empires such as Transoxiana and Turan, Bactria, Sogdia, Fergana, Margiana and others. Uzbekistan is the most popular tourist destination in Central Asia. During the tour you will have a chance to visit ancient cities, fascinating historical and architectural sites and participate in cultural shows, master classes and festivals. If are interested in combined tour, we recommend you to continue the trip to neighboring Kyrgyzstan. In this case you will get acquainted with the heritage of the East and enjoy the amazing natural attractions.

About Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia. Its area is 2,724,900 square kilometers and it is ranked ninth in the world. It borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan and has an access to Caspian Sea.  Due to the large territory the nature of Kazakhstan consists of variety of landscapes such as flatlands, semi-deserts, steppes, rock canyons, snow-capped mountains and deserts. The country has a long history. In ancient time it was occupied by Scythian and Persian tribes, by Turkic nomads, then by Tsarist Russia. Consequently in 20^th century Kazakhstan became a part of the Soviet Union. Nowadays it is an independent country full of modern cities such as the capital Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Almaty is also famous for lots of historical attractions of Soviet Time. You will also be able to explore ancient cities Turkestan, Otrar and Shymkent. They are famous for the heritage of the Great Silk Road. Kazakhstan attracts tourists with its wonderful nature. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of majestic Charyn canyons, fabulous lakes of Kolsai, Kaindy, Borovoye, Big Almaty and Issyk, petroglyphs with ancient inscriptions of Tamgaly Tas, Altyn Emel singing dunes and many others. The variety of sights makes Kazakhstan a great travel destination!

About Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a country with the lowest population among the countries of Central Asia. About 6 million people live here. It shares borders with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Iran. Moreover it has an access to Caspian Sea. The territory of modern Turkmenistan was occupied by many different civilizations. It was a land of Achaemenid Empire, later by Turkic tribes Oghuz, which are considered as the ancestors of Turkmen people. Thus there are numerous ancient cities. The most famous of them is the Merv. Several centuries ago it was one of the largest and the most prosperous city located on the Great Silk Road. In order to get acquainted to the history of Turkmenistan, you can also visit historical and architectural sites of Mary city, outskirts of Ashagbat, Old Nisa archeological object, Kunya Urgench and many others. If you love nature, you can explore the famous Darwaza gas Crater. After arriving there you can relax in a comfortable camp and enjoy the view of mysterious crater. Another attraction is the modern beach resort of Awaza, which is situated on the shore of Caspian Sea. Tourism in Turkmenistan is becoming more popular every year. We recommend you to spend your vacations in this interesting country.

Contact us

If you are planning a travel to Kyrgyzstan or other countries of Central Asia, feel free to contact us. Our company will be glad to provide you with a car rental service and organize an exciting tour for you!