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Welcome to the Central Asia Tour, the crossroads of the Silk Road! Your journey begins in Kazakhstan. Upon arrival at Almaty airport, we will transport you to your hotel, a short twenty-minute drive away. After check-in, you’ll have time to rest before dinner at a local restaurant.
During dinner, you’ll receive a presentation about Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, known for its natural beauty, ancient history, stunning landscapes, and ancient monuments.
D, Stay in Almaty(Kazakhstan)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel, because today is packed with sightseeing! We’ll visit Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Wooden Cathedral, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the National Musical Instruments Museum, the Central State Museum, and Almaty’s Green Bazaar.
We will also visit an observatory with a fantastic panoramic view. Expect to see ancient archeological artifacts and beautiful cathedrals, and experience the excitement and vibrant energy of an authentic Asian bazaar.
B, L, D, Stay in Almaty
After breakfast in Almaty, we’ll embark on a scenic four-hour drive to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan via the newly constructed highway. You can expect the stunning landscapes of this mountainous republic.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, we’ll check into the hotel, allowing time for a brief respite before lunch at a local eatery. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the sights of the capital city.
B, L, D, Stay in Bishkek
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will journey to Issyk-Kul Lake, often called the “pearl of Kyrgyzstan.” Our route includes a visit to the Burana Tower, situated near Tokmok, approximately 50 miles from Bishkek.
After lunch, we’ll continue our drive towards Issyk-Kul Lake, passing through the scenic Boom Canyon. Issyk-Kul, one of the world’s largest alpine lakes. Our excursions will feature the petroglyphs from the Paleolithic era and the local museum in Cholpon-Ata.
B, L, D, Stay in Issyk-Kul Lake
After breakfast, head to Grigorevka Gorge, a scenic spot about 45 miles from Cholpon-Ata. This picturesque valley features gentle slopes covered in dense fir forests and stretches for 25 miles, offering a relaxing day in nature.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Bishkek for your flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and taken to your hotel. During the ride, you’ll learn about Uzbekistan, a key Central Asian nation known for its cotton, silk, and agricultural industries.
B, L, D, Stay in Tashkent
Following breakfast, the first half of the day will be dedicated to exploring Tashkent’s Old City, beginning with the Khast Imam Complex, home to the Osman Koran, believed to be one of the world’s oldest.
We’ll then visit Chorsu Bazaar, one of Tashkent’s oldest and largest markets. Our exploration of the Old City will conclude with a visit to Kukeldash Madrasah, a significant 16th-century architectural landmark.
After lunch, we will transition to the modern part of the city, starting at Independence Square, Tashkent’s main square surrounded by prominent public buildings and fountains. We’ll then proceed to A. Navoi Theatre Square, constructed in 1947 by Japanese prisoners of war. Our Tashkent excursion will conclude with visits to the Amir Timur Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.
B, L, D, Stay in Tashkent
Following breakfast, we will board a train to the world-renowned city of Samarkand, situated 190 miles from Tashkent. The three-hour journey will take us through the Syrdarya and Jizzakh provinces, arriving in Samarkand in the afternoon.
Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and have lunch. After a short rest, our Samarkand excursion begins with a visit to a Paper Mill Factory, where we will witness a presentation on traditional paper production using the mulberry tree.
Next, we’ll explore the Afrasiyab Museum, followed by a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, constructed in 1428-1429, once the largest observatory in the East, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for its time.
B, L, D, Stay in Samarkand
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will dedicate the day to exploring the sights of Samarkand, starting with the heart of the city, Registan Square, which historically served as a center for commerce and science.
Then, we will visit the Gur–Emir Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Central Asian architecture and the final resting place for male members of the Timurid dynasty. Continues to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, located on the northern outskirts of Samarkand.
Finally, we’ll visit the Siyob Bazaar, Samarkand’s central market, where we’ll sample the city’s famous round bread.
B, L, D, Stay in Samarkand
After breakfast, depart Samarkand for Bukhara. Along the way, stop at the medieval Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik ruins. Continue to Gijduvan, where you’ll visit Abdulla’s pottery house for a presentation and a cup of tea. Upon arrival in Bukhara, check into your hotel and visit the Chor Minor memorial. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in Bukhara.
B, L, D, Stay in Bukhara
Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a full day of sightseeing in the ancient city of Bukhara, a historically rich jewel on the Great Silk Road, captivating visitors with its unique heritage. Our itinerary includes the Samanid Mausoleum, a prime example of the architecture from the Samanid period (875-999). We will also visit the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, which legend says is associated with Prophet Job.
Next is the Ark Fortress, the most ancient monument in Bukhara, with archaeological evidence dating back to the 3rd century B.C.. The tour includes the Kalyan Complex, consisting of a minaret, mosque and madrasah, which remain active places of worship. We will also see the Magoki Attori Mosque, the Ulugbek Madrasah, and the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah.
The highlight of our day will be a visit to Bukhara’s most popular site, the Lyabi-Khauz Complex, built in 1620 by Nodir Divan-Begi, a dignitary of the Khanate.
B, L, D, Stay in Bukhara
Following breakfast, we’ll spend the morning exploring more of Bukhara, including Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa, the former summer palace of Emir Said Olimkhan, the last Emir of Bukhara, and the Museum of Decorative Applied Arts.
After lunch, we will bid farewell to Uzbekistan and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Turkmenistan border. After completing customs procedures, we will continue our journey directly to Mary via Turkmenabat, a drive of approximately 4.5 hours. On the way we will cross a “floating bridge” nearly half a mile long, and traverse the Karakum Desert, one of the world’s largest deserts, whose name translates to “black sand”.
B, L, D, Stay in Mary
Following breakfast at the hotel, we’ll journey through the sand dunes and bush forests of the desert to Old Merv. Situated at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Merv rapidly rose to prominence as one of the ancient world’s most significant and largest cities. Our sightseeing tour will include Gyz Gala and Oglan Gala, the Complex of Askhabs, Gyaur Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, the Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, and the Ibn Zeid Mausoleum.
After lunch, we will take a walking tour of central Mary City, including the Local United Museum of History, the Orthodox Church built by Russians in the late 19th century, the Regional Mosque of Mary Province, and the Central Theater of Mary
In the late afternoon, we will transfer to Mary Airport for the 7:00 PM flight to Ashgabat.
B, L, D, Stay in Ashgabat
Our day begins with a visit to the Complex of Monuments of Oguz Khan and His Sons, surrounded by stunning fountains. We will also explore the tombs of Turkmenbashy, the first President of Turkmenistan, along with his family. Next, we’ll head to Old Nissa, the ancient sanctuary of Parthian kings and once the capital of the Parthian Empire, which lasted for 600 years and was a formidable rival to Rome.
Then we will visit the Monuments of Archabil Shayoly and discover the modern side of Ashgabat, characterized by its contemporary buildings, monuments, and parks. We’ll also stop by the “Alem” Culture and Recreation Center.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel for check-in and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, our sightseeing continues with visits to the Museum of Turkmen Carpets, a park dedicated to Turkmen horses—an emblem of national pride. We will also explore the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque.
B, L, D, Stay in Ashgabat
After breakfast, we’ll dedicate another full day to exploring Ashgabat, beginning with the renowned Altyn Asyr Bazaar, one of the largest bazaars in Central Asia.
Following the bazaar, we’ll visit the Hippodrome of Ashgabat to see the famed Akhal-Teke horses of Turkmenistan. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant in Ashgabat before continuing our sightseeing at the highly recommended National Museum of History, one of the largest museums in Central Asia, housing an extensive collection of artifacts.
Next, we will visit the Arch of Neutrality, a distinctive structure symbolizing Turkmenistan’s neutral status. This monument is over 300 feet tall and includes a 40-foot rotating statue of Saparmurat Niyazov, the first President of Turkmenistan, though the statue no longer rotates.
We’ll enjoy a short walking tour within the Park of Independence, admiring the numerous fountains and statues, with stops at the Independence Monument and the Ruhnama Monument48. In the late afternoon, we will transfer to Ashgabat Airport for our 7:20 PM flight to Dashoguz.
B, L, D, Stay in Dashoguz
Following breakfast, we will drive 75 miles to Kunya-Urgench, the former capital of the Khorezmshahs, to explore the Old City.
After a half-day excursion in Kunya-Urgench, we’ll return to Dashoguz for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, we will transfer to the Dashoguz-Shavat border crossing, located 10 miles from Dashoguz. After completing passport control and customs procedures on both sides of the border, we will continue to Khiva.
Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel in Khiva for some rest and relaxation. In the evening, we’ll explore Ichan Kala, the ancient walled city of Khiva, to experience life as it was from ancient times to the present.
B, L, D, Stay in Khiva
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll embark on a full-day tour of Khiva, exploring Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our itinerary includes visits to the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, the Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark, and the Muhammad Rakhimkhan Madrasah.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue our exploration of Ichan Kala with visits to the Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, the Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah, the Djuma Mosque and Minaret, and the Tash Hovli Palace.
After dinner, we will transfer to the airport for our 8:40 PM flight back to Tashkent.
B, L, D, Stay in Tashkent
Following an early breakfast at Tashkent hotel, we will depart for a two-day excursion into Tajikistan, heading towards the Oybek border checkpoint. After completing the border crossing formalities, we’ll continue to Khujand, one of Tajikistan’s most ancient cities, where we’ll check into the hotel.
The second half of the day will be dedicated to a comprehensive city tour.
B, L, D, Stay in Tashkent
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the ancient part of Khujand, including the Timur Malik Fortress, and the Archaeology and History Museums located within the fortress walls. We will also visit the Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of Khujand’s most interesting attractions. The bazaar has been one of the best things to do in Khujand for hundreds of years and is open every day.
Nearby, we will stop at the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Mausoleum, and the Museum of Archaeology and Restoration.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll drive back towards Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Upon our return to Tashkent, we’ll rest at the hotel before our journey home.
B, L, D, Stay in Tashkent
Today marks the end of our Central Asian adventure. We will provide transportation to the airport to coincide with your flight schedule and wish you a safe journey home.
B, Depart from Uzbekistan
Booking is easy! Simply contact us via our website, phone, or email, and our team will guide you through the booking process and answer any questions you may have.
May to June and September to October offer the most comfortable temperatures across all 5 stans, avoiding summer heat in Turkmenistan and winter conditions in mountainous regions.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan offer visa-free entry for many nationalities, while Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan typically require visa applications in advance which our team assists with.
We recommend drinking only bottled water throughout all 5 stans, which is readily available and included with meals on our tour.
Central Asian cuisine features flavorful rice dishes like plov, grilled meats, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits, with vegetarian options available upon request.
The package covers flights within Central Asia (e.g., Ashgabat to Khiva), but international flights to and from Central Asia are not included. We can assist in booking them for you.
Beijing - Lanzhou - Xiahe - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Tashkent - Khiva - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent
Almaty - Saty Village - Karakol - Bokonbaevo - Songkul - Bishkek
Ashgabat - Darvaza - Khiva - Urgench - Bukhara - Samarkand - Penjikent -Dushanbe
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Chope this deal! ?
Ahmed Al-Farsi –
Totally worth every penny!
Great!
Sophie B. –
Unreal landscapes, friendly locals. Go now!
BEST BUDGET TRIP EVERRRR!!
Fatimah Abdullah –
Kazakhstan mountains like postcard, Kyrgyzstan lakes so blue I thought filter! Guide helped haggle homestays. Ate horse milk, not my taste lah but experience ? Markets in Uzbekistan—bought scarves cheaper than Pasar Malam! Warning: pack warm clothes, desert nights FREEZING. Group became family. If you scared roughing it a bit, just DO IT!