Itinerary
- Day 1
Bishkek
You'll arrive in Bishkek and head to your hotel to get settled. The afternoon takes you on a guided tour through the city, starting at Victory Square and moving through Oak Park and Ala-Too Square. The History Museum gives you some context about the region, and then you'll visit a traditional Central Asian bazaar to see local goods and crafts. If there's time or things catch your interest, your guide can show you other sights around the city.
Included Activities
- City tour of Bishkek
- Visit to Victory Square
- Visit to Duboviy Park (Oak Park)
- Visit to Ploshad Ala-Too (Ala-Too Square)
- Visit to the History Museum
- Walking tour in Bishkek
- Visit to National Philharmonic
- Visit to traditional Central Asian Bazaar
Landmarks/POIs Victory Square Duboviy Park (Oak Park) Ploshad Ala-Too (Ala-Too Square) History Museum National Philharmonic - Day 2
Bishkek to Issyk Kul
After breakfast, you'll drive toward Issyk Kul Lake with a stop at Burana Tower along the way. This gives you a chance to see the ancient structure before continuing on. Near Tokmok, you'll have lunch in a Kyrgyz family home, which is a nice way to experience local hospitality and food. From there, the route takes you through Boom Canyon before reaching Issyk Kul. Once you arrive at the lake, you'll check out Paleolithic petroglyphs and visit a local museum in Cholpon Ata, then settle into your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in Kyrgyz family home near Tokmok)
Included Activities
- Visit to Burana Tower
- Lunch in Kyrgyz family home near Tokmok
- Visit to petroglyphs of Paleolithic era
- Visit to local museum in Cholpon Ata
- Travel through Boom Canyon
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Burana Tower Issyk Kul Lake Boom Canyon Cholpon Ata - Day 3
Issyk Kul to Bishkek
You'll grab breakfast and then transfer to Grigorevka Gorge for a morning excursion. The scenic gorge has hiking and walking options depending on your preferences. Around midday, you'll break for lunch before heading back to Bishkek in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Grigorevka Gorge
Optional Activities
- Lunch break
- Dinner on your own
Landmarks/POIs Grigorevka Gorge - Day 4
Bishkek to Almaty
Start early with a morning trip to Ala Archa National Park, where you can walk around and see the mountain scenery. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll drive to Almaty, which is 240 km away and takes several hours. By evening you'll check in at your hotel in Kazakhstan's former capital.
Included Activities
- Excursion to Ala Archa National Park
Optional Activities
- Lunch at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Ala Archa National Park - Day 5
Almaty
This full day in Almaty starts at 9:00 AM with sightseeing across the city. You'll visit Panfilov Park and see the striking Zenkov Wooden Cathedral, followed by St. Nicholas Cathedral. The National Musical Instruments Museum and Central State Museum give you cultural background, while Green Bazaar lets you explore local foods and goods. Before finishing, head to the observatory for panoramic city views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Panfilov Park
- Visit to Zenkov Wooden Cathedral
- Visit to St. Nicholas Cathedral
- Visit to National Musical Instruments Museum
- Visit to Central State Museum
- Visit to Green Bazaar
- Panoramic view at observatory
Landmarks/POIs Panfilov Park Zenkov Wooden Cathedral St. Nicholas Cathedral National Musical Instruments Museum Central State Museum Green Bazaar - Day 6
Almaty to Dushanbe
You'll leave your hotel early for an 8:00 AM transfer to Almaty Airport. Flight KC 131 with Air Astana departs at 11:05 AM and lands in Dushanbe at 12:00 PM. After meeting your guide and going through airport procedures, you'll explore Dushanbe's main sites. This includes the Tajikistan United Museum, Museum of Ethnography, the Sleeping Buddha monument, and Monument Somoni. You'll also walk through Rudaki Park and drive about 30 km outside the city to see Hissar Fortress.
Included Activities
- Visit to Tajikistan United Museum
- Visit to Museum of Ethnography
- Visit to Sleeping Buddha
- Visit to Monument Somoni
- Visit to Rudaki Park
- Visit to Hissar Fortress (30 km outside city)
Optional Activities
- Sightseeing in Dushanbe
Landmarks/POIs Tajikistan United Museum Museum of Ethnography Sleeping Buddha Monument Somoni Rudaki Park Hissar Fortress - Day 7
Dushanbe to Istarafshan to Khujand
The Fan Mountains are a major draw for trekkers and mountaineers, with around 100 passes ranging from 3,200 to 5,060 meters. You'll visit scenic lakes like Iskandarkul and Kulikalon, stopping at the 38-meter 'Fan Niagara' waterfall. Later, you'll head to Istarafshan, an ancient city where you can see Madrasa Kuk-Gumbaz, the Old City, and Mosque Shohi Zinda. The day ends with an evening walk through Khujand's central park.
Included Activities
- Visit to Fan Mountains
- Visit to Iskandarkul lake
- Visit to Kulikalon lake
- Visit to Fan Niagara waterfall
- Visit to Madrasa Kuk-Gumbaz in Istarafshan
- Visit to Old City of Istarafshan
- Visit to Mosque Shohi Zinda in Istarafshan
- Evening walk in Khujand central park
Landmarks/POIs Fan Mountains Iskandarkul Lake Kulikalon Lake Fan Niagara Waterfall Madrasa Kuk-Gumbaz Old City of Istarafshan Mosque Shohi Zinda - Day 8
Khujand to Penjikent
You'll explore Khujand, northern Tajikistan's capital and the country's second largest city. The city museum provides historical background, and then you'll check out Panjshanbe Western Market for local goods. After visiting the Mausoleum of Shayh Muslihiddin, you'll drive to Penjikent in the afternoon for your overnight stay.
Included Activities
- Visit to Khujand museum
- Visit to Panjshanbe Western Market
- Visit to Mausoleum of Shayh Muslihiddin
Landmarks/POIs Panjshanbe Western Market Mausoleum of Shayh Muslihiddin - Day 9
Penjikent to Samarkand
Morning brings you to ancient Panjikent, a settlement from the 1st-6th centuries AD that was once one of the main cities of the Sogdian and Bactrian empires before Arabs destroyed it in the 7th century. The ruins tell stories of the Silk Road's past. In the afternoon, you'll drive 50 km to the Uzbekistan border, then continue to Samarkand and check into your hotel.
Included Activities
- Visit to ancient ruins of Panjikent settlement (1st-6th centuries AD)
Landmarks/POIs Panjikent Ancient Ruins - Day 10
Samarkand
This full day starts at 9:00 AM with Samarkand's major sites. Registan Square shows off its three 15th-17th century madrasahs, and the 14th-century Bibi Hanim Mosque is nearby. At Siab Bazaar, you can shop for dry fruits, traditional Samarkand bread, sweets, and spices. The Shahi Zinda complex (a holy necropolis) and Ulugbek's Observatory offer more historical insight. You'll see Gur Emir, the tomb of Amir Temur, visit Afrasiyob Museum, and sample fresh Non (traditional Samarkand bread).
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Registan Square
- Visit to Bibi Hanim Mosque
- Visit to Siab Bazaar
- Visit to Shahi Zinda complex
- Visit to Ulugbek's Observatory
- Visit to Gur Emir (tomb of Amir Temur)
- Visit to Afrasiyob Museum
- Taste traditional Samarkand Non (bread)
Landmarks/POIs Registan Square Bibi Hanim Mosque Siab Bazaar Shahi Zinda Ulugbek's Observatory Gur Emir Afrasiyob Museum - Day 11
Samarkand to Bukhara
You'll leave Samarkand at 8:30 AM after breakfast and head to Shakhrisabz, which is 140 km away and takes about 2.5 hours. There you'll visit Ak-Saray Palace and Kok Gumbaz Mosque. After that, it's another 290 km and 4.5 hours to Bukhara. Once you arrive, you'll check in and take an evening walking tour through the old town center, passing craft workshops, galleries, mosques, madrasahs, and restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Ak-Saray Palace in Shakhrisabz
- Visit to Kok Gumbaz Mosque in Shakhrisabz
- Evening walking tour of Bukhara old town
Landmarks/POIs Ak-Saray Palace Kok Gumbaz Mosque - Day 12
Bukhara
You have a full day in Bukhara to see its many historical sites. Start with Samanid's Dynasty Mausoleum and Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, then visit Bolo-Khauz Mosque and The Ark Fortress (the citadel). The Kalon Complex includes a minaret, mosque, and madrasah. You'll also see Magoki Attori Mosque, Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasahs, and the Lyabi Khauz complex. If you're interested, an optional folk and costume show performs in an old madrasah.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Samanid's Dynasty Mausoleum
- Visit to Chashma Ayub Mausoleum
- Visit to Bolo-Khauz Mosque
- Visit to The Ark Fortress (Citadel)
- Visit to Kalon Complex
- Visit to Magoki Attori Mosque
- Visit to Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasahs
- Visit to Lyabi Khauz complex
Optional Activities
- Folk and costume show in old madrasah
Landmarks/POIs Samanid's Dynasty Mausoleum Chashma Ayub Mausoleum Bolo-Khauz Mosque The Ark Fortress Kalon Complex Magoki Attori Mosque Ulugbek Madrasah Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah Lyabi Khauz Complex - Day 13
Gijduvan
Your second day in Bukhara starts at 9:00 AM. You'll visit Chor Minor memorial, which was the former summer palace of Bukhara Emir Said Olimkhan, and then check out Sitora-Mokhi-Khosa. The Museum of Decorative Applied Art showcases local craftsmanship. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Gijduvan to visit Abdulla's pottery house where you can watch a master at work and have tea. Later, you'll return to Bukhara for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Chor Minor memorial
- Visit to Sitora-Mokhi-Khosa
- Visit to Museum of Decorative Applied Art
- Visit to Abdulla's pottery house in Gijduvan
- Tea with pottery master
Landmarks/POIs Chor Minor Memorial Sitora-Mokhi-Khosa Museum of Decorative Applied Art - Day 14
Bukhara to Mary
After breakfast, you'll head for the Turkmenistan border, leaving Bukhara at 8:30 AM. Customs procedures take some time, but then you'll drive to Mary via Turkmenabat. The route crosses the Floating Bridge before reaching Mary, where you'll check into your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Floating Bridge - Day 15
Mary to Ashgabat
In the morning, you'll visit Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Central Asia's great ancient ruins. The city walls sit on a hill and you can explore the 9th-century Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala as well as the Two Askhars. Climbing Alexander the Great's Erk Kala gives good views of the area. The 12th-century Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum takes about 3 hours to see properly. Back in Mary, you'll visit the History Museum of Merv region before transferring to the airport for an evening flight to Ashgabat.
Included Activities
- Visit to Ancient Merv (UNESCO)
- Visit to Greater Kyz Kala (9th century)
- Visit to Lesser Kyz Kala (9th century)
- Visit to Two Askhars
- Climb Alexander the Great's Erk Kala
- Visit to Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (12th century)
- Visit to History Museum of Merv region
Landmarks/POIs Ancient Merv Greater Kyz Kala Lesser Kyz Kala Erk Kala Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum History Museum of Merv Region - Day 16
Ashgabat
The city tour of Ashgabat, known as the 'City of Love', shows off its modern white marble architecture and grand national monuments. You'll visit Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park, and the Neutrality Arch. The Ahalteke horse stables let you see the country's famous horse breed. Nissa is an ancient Parthian city and UNESCO site worth checking out, and the National Museum provides cultural context.
Included Activities
- Visit to Ertogrul Gazy Mosque
- Visit to Independence Park
- Visit to Neutrality Arch
- Visit to Ahalteke horse stables
- Visit to Nissa (UNESCO)
- Visit to National Museum
Landmarks/POIs Ertogrul Gazy Mosque Independence Park Neutrality Arch Ahalteke Horse Stables Nissa National Museum - Day 17
Karakum Desert
You have the morning at leisure to rest or explore. Later, you'll transfer to Karakum Desert, stopping at the Erbent desert community along the way. Once at your camp, you'll have shish kebab cooked in open air. The desert crater looks particularly striking at night, so you'll have time to experience it. Tonight you'll sleep in tents under the stars.
- Meals
- Dinner (Shish kebab cooked in open air in camp near the gas crater)
Included Activities
- Visit to Erbent desert community
- Camping in Karakum Desert
- Dinner - Shish kebab cooked in open air
Landmarks/POIs Karakum Desert Darvaza Gas Crater - Day 18
Karakum Desert to Khiva
You'll drive to Dashoguz with a stop at Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO site, en route. Then you'll reach the Uzbekistan border crossing where you'll meet your Uzbek guide and driver after customs procedures. From there, it's on to Khiva, and you'll check into your hotel either in Ichan Kala (the old city) or just outside it.
Included Activities
- Visit to Kunya Urgench (UNESCO)
Landmarks/POIs Kunya Urgench - Day 19
Khiva to Tashkent
Khiva functions as an open-air city museum. After the Mongols destroyed Kunya Urgench in the 14th-15th centuries, Khiva became the capital of the Khorezm Khanate. You'll explore all the mosques, madrasahs, and workshops. The main crafts are wood carving and silk carpet weaving, which you can watch happening in the workshops. Since your hotel sits in Ichan Kala, you can wander the old city. An evening flight departs around 21:00 and arrives in Tashkent at 22:40.
Included Activities
- Open-air city museum tour of Khiva
- Visit to mosques in Khiva
- Visit to madrasahs in Khiva
- Visit to workshops in Khiva
- Observe wood carving craft
- Observe silk carpet weaving
Landmarks/POIs Ichan Kala - Day 20
Tashkent
You'll explore Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital and a major crossroads on the Great Silk Road during the 17th-19th centuries. The city has both modern and old town areas. In the old section, you can see 16th-century madrasahs and the 7th-century Uthman Koran, plus the large Chorsu Bazaar. The modern city has museums, galleries, and theaters. The Tashkent Metro is worth a visit itself, an architectural treasure from the Soviet era with beautiful stations.
Included Activities
- Visit to old town of Tashkent
- Visit to 16th-century madrasah
- Visit to 7th-century Uthman Koran
- Visit to Chorsu Bazaar
- Visit to museums
- Visit to galleries
- Visit to theatres
- Visit to Tashkent Metro
Optional Activities
- Opera and Ballet theatre in Tashkent
Landmarks/POIs Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent Metro - Day 21
Departure
You'll transfer to the airport for your return flight home, ending the tour services.
