Itinerary
- Day 1
Ashgabat
You'll arrive in Ashgabat and meet your guide for an early check-in. After settling into the hotel and taking some time to rest, you'll join the group at 1:00 PM to check out the Old Nisa fortress. From there, you'll tour Ashgabat's modern parks and monuments, including the Independence Monument and Ertugrul Ghazi Mosque. Later, head to the National Carpet Museum and Russian Bazaar before wrapping up with a welcome dinner featuring a folk show.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Welcome dinner with folk show)
Included Activities
- Visit Old Nisa fortress
- Ashgabat city tour including Monument and Park of Independence
- Visit Ertugrul Ghazi Mosque
- National Carpet Museum tour
- Russian Bazaar exploration
- Welcome dinner with folk show
Landmarks Old Nisa Fortress Monument and Park of Independence Ertugrul Ghazi Mosque National Carpet Museum Russian Bazaar 
- Day 2
Ashgabat
You'll spend the day exploring Ashgabat's historical and architectural landmarks. Start at the 15th-century Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque ruins in Annau, then head to the National Museum with its nine exhibition halls. You'll see the Arch of Neutrality, a 75-meter-high rocket-shaped tower, and tour the Wedding Palace. End your day at Yyldyz Hotel where you can take in panoramic city views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit ruins of 15th-century Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque in Annau
- National Museum tour
- Arch of Neutrality visit
- Wedding Palace tour
- Yyldyz Hotel visit for panoramic views
Landmarks Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque National Museum Arch of Neutrality Wedding Palace Yyldyz Hotel - Day 3
Ashgabat to Darvaza
You'll visit Arkadash Stud Farm near GeokDepe to see and ride the majestic Akhal-Tekke horses. After exploring the historic Geok-Depe Mosque and the Kipchak complex featuring Central Asia's largest mosque, you'll depart for the Darvaza Flaming Crater at 2:00 PM by 4WD jeep, arriving around 6:00 PM. Watch the crater transform into a fiery spectacle after dark while you enjoy a picnic dinner under the stars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Picnic dinner at Darvaza Flaming Crater)
Included Activities
- Arkadash Stud Farm visit and Akhal-Tekke horse riding
- Geok-Depe Mosque visit
- Kipchak complex tour
- Darvaza Flaming Crater visit and night viewing
- Picnic dinner at crater
Landmarks Arkadash Stud Farm Geok-Depe Fortress Geok-Depe Mosque Kipchak Complex Darvaza Flaming Crater - Day 4
Ashgabat to Khiva
You'll start with a city tour of Kunya Urgench, then transfer to the Dashoguz/Shavat border crossing into Uzbekistan. After completing border formalities, you'll continue to Khiva and check in to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kunya Urgench city tour
Landmarks Kunya Urgench 
- Day 5
Khiva
You'll take a walking tour through the compact, well-preserved ancient citadel of Ichan Kala. You'll visit the truncated Kalta Minor minaret, Kunya Ark, Madrassah Rakhimkhon, and the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud. Climb the Islam Khodja minaret for panoramic desert views. In the afternoon, head to the Friday Mosque and Tashauli Palace including the harem.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ichan Kala walking tour
- Kalta Minor minaret visit
- Kunya Ark visit
- Madrassah Rakhimkhon visit
- Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud visit
- Islam Khodja minaret climb and panoramic views
- Friday Mosque visit
- Tashauli Palace tour including harem
Landmarks Ichan Kala Kalta Minor Minaret Kunya Ark Madrassah Rakhimkhon Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud Islam Khodja Minaret Friday Mosque Tashauli Palace - Day 6
Khiva
You'll have a full free day to relax and explore Khiva at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 7
Khiva to Bukhara
You'll transfer to Urgench airport for your included flight to Bukhara (HY-1052, 09:35-10:30). Spend the day exploring Bukhara's medieval monuments including the Lab-i-Khauz ensemble, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Ark Fortress, and Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid. After lunch, visit the Hunarmand workshops to see block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, and other traditional crafts.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight from Urgench to Bukhara (HY-1052)
- Lab-i-Khauz ensemble visit
- Nadirkhon Devanbegi Madrassah visit
- Khanaga visit
- Mogaki Attari Mosque visit
- Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque visit
- Madrassahs of Aziz Khan and Ulugbek visit
- Ark Fortress visit
- Balakhauz Mosque visit
- Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid visit
- Chashma Ayub visit
- Hunarmand UNDP-assisted workshops tour including block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, carving, miniature painting, and gold embroidery
Landmarks Lab-i-Khauz Ensemble Nadirkhon Devanbegi Madrassah Mogaki Attari Mosque Poi Kalon Minaret Poi Kalon Mosque Madrassah of Aziz Khan Madrassah of Ulugbek Ark Fortress Balakhauz Mosque Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid Chashma Ayub Hunarmand Workshops 
- Day 8
Bukhara
You'll join a half-day tour exploring Bukhara's architectural treasures. Visit Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the former Emir's summer residence blending Russian and oriental design with its famous White Hall resembling Peterhof Palace. Then head to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, dedicated to the 14th-century Sufi spiritual leader. Return to Bukhara for a free afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa (summer residence) visit
- Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum visit
Landmarks Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum - Day 9
Bukhara to Aydarkul Lake
You'll travel to Sarmysh Gorge, home to over 10,000 ancient petroglyphs carved during the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Ages. Continue to Aydarkul yurt camp near the sparkling Aydarkul Lake where you'll relax and enjoy the serene alpine surroundings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sarmysh Gorge visit and petroglyph exploration
- Aydarkul Lake area relaxation
Landmarks Sarmysh Gorge Aydarkul Lake - Day 10
Aydarkul to Nuratau Mountains
You'll head to mountain villages starting with Majerum Village to see the Biota tree, the largest in the Nuratau Nature Reserve with a trunk measuring 8.5 meters in circumference. Explore the ruins of an old mosque and Majerum Qala fortress. Continue to Ukhum Village for an overnight stay at a guest house.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Majerum Village visit
- Biota tree viewing
- Old mosque ruins exploration
- Majerum Qala fortress ruins visit
- Ukhum Village arrival
Landmarks Biota Tree Majerum Qala Fortress Nuratau Nature Reserve - Day 11
Nuratau Mountains
You'll visit the Severcev sheep nursery home to rare wild argali species. Explore ruins of an ancient village and mosque, hike to Khayatsai mountain valley, and climb Karaul Mountain for valley views. Experience local Tajik culture through your ethnic Tajik hosts and try home-cooked traditional dishes featuring locally-sourced dairy products.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Home-cooked local specialties)
Included Activities
- Severcev sheep nursery visit
- Ancient village ruins exploration
- Ancient mosque ruins visit
- Khayatsai mountain valley walk
- Karaul Mountain hike
- Local cultural experience with ethnic Tajik hosts
Landmarks Severcev Sheep Nursery Khayatsai Mountain Valley Karaul Mountain - Day 12
Samarkand
You'll explore Samarkand, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Tour the iconic Registan Square with three 15th-17th century madrassahs, visit the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum of Tamerlane, and check out the Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Browse the Silk Road bazaar and visit the Shahi-Zinda necropolis. End with a wine tasting at Bagizagan Winery.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Registan Square tour
- Ulug-Bek Madrassah visit
- Tillya-Kori Madrassah visit
- Sher-Dor Madrassah visit
- Gur-e-Amir mausoleum visit
- Bibi-Khanum Mosque visit
- Silk Road bazaar exploration
- Shahi-Zinda necropolis visit
- Bagizagan Winery wine tasting
Landmarks Registan Square Ulug-Bek Madrassah Tillya-Kori Madrassah Sher-Dor Madrassah Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum Bibi-Khanum Mosque Silk Road Bazaar Shahi-Zinda Necropolis Bagizagan Winery - Day 13
Samarkand
You'll visit Konigil Village (10 km from Samarkand) to explore a traditional paper-making workshop. Watch the ancient craft of transforming mulberry tree bark into handmade paper and participate in the process including bark stripping, polishing with stone, and adding decorative touches. The afternoon is free for leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Traditional paper-making workshop visit
- Paper-making process participation
Landmarks Konigil Village Paper-Making Workshop - Day 14
Samarkand to Penjikent
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, you'll transfer to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border at Jartepa (50 km, approximately 1 hour). Complete border formalities and meet your Tajik guide. Drive to Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains (80 km, 1.5-2 hours) to see their vibrant turquoise to purple colors and picnic at the final lake. Visit Penjikent, an ancient 5th-century Sogdian city, exploring the Rudaki Museum, bazaar, mosque, and archaeological ruins.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Border crossing at Jartepa
- Seven Lakes visit
- Picnic at Khoazorchashma Lake
- Penjikent city exploration
- Rudaki Museum visit
- Penjikent bazaar visit
- Penjikent mosque visit
- Ancient Penjikent ruins visit
Landmarks Seven Lakes Khoazorchashma Lake Penjikent Rudaki Museum Penjikent Bazaar - Day 15
Penjikent to Dushanbe
You'll depart for Dushanbe, stopping to visit scenic Varzob Gorge and enjoying a short break by the mountain river. Stop for lunch at a mountain café, then continue following the Varzob River for approximately 70 km. You may visit the natural thermal springs at Khoja Obi Garm before ascending Anzob Pass (3,373 meters). Arrive in Dushanbe for check-in with the remainder of the day free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Varzob Gorge visit
- Mountain break at river
- Optional thermal springs at Khoja Obi Garm
- Anzob Pass scenic views
Optional Activities
- Visit to natural thermal springs at Khoja Obi Garm
Landmarks Varzob Gorge Khoja Obi Garm Anzob Pass - Day 16
Dushanbe
You'll visit the monument of Ismoili Somoni and Rudaki Park in the city center, explore the vibrant local bazaar, and tour the serene Botanical Garden. Visit the Cultural Palace 'Kohi Navruz' (subject to permit) to admire traditional Tajik architecture with intricate woodcarving and vibrant mosaics. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Hissor (23 km away) to explore the ancient Hissor Fortress. Remainder of afternoon is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Monument of Ismoili Somoni visit
- Rudaki Park visit
- Local bazaar exploration
- Botanical Garden tour
- Cultural Palace 'Kohi Navruz' visit
- Hissor Fortress visit
Landmarks Monument of Ismoili Somoni Rudaki Park Botanical Garden Cultural Palace Kohi Navruz Hissor Fortress - Day 17
Dushanbe to Khujand
You'll check out by 9:00 AM and depart for Khujand with a scenic mountain drive, stopping for lunch at a cozy mountain café. Visit Mug Tepa in Ura-Tube, one of Tajikistan's oldest settlements, and stop at a traditional bazaar to see the baking of iconic Tajik round bread. Arrive in Khujand for check-in with free time to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mug Tepa visit
- Traditional bazaar visit with Tajik bread baking demonstration
Landmarks Mug Tepa Ura-Tube - Day 18
Khujand to Tashkent
You'll tour Khujand, a city with 2,500 years of continuous occupation founded by Alexander the Great. Visit Pushkin Square, Kamoli Khudjandi Square, Timur Malik's fortress, and Sugd Museum. Explore the Muslihiddin Memorial Complex and Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of the oldest markets on the Silk Road. Visit Arbob Palace where Tajikistan declared independence in 1992. After lunch, travel to Uzbekistan via Oybek border and continue to Tashkent for check-in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pushkin Square visit
- Kamoli Khudjandi Square visit
- Timur Malik's fortress visit
- Sugd Museum visit
- Muslihiddin Memorial Complex visit
- Panjshanbe Bazaar visit
- Arbob Palace visit
Landmarks Pushkin Square Kamoli Khudjandi Square Timur Malik Fortress Sugd Museum Muslihiddin Memorial Complex Panjshanbe Bazaar Arbob Palace - Day 19
Tashkent
You'll explore Tashkent, one of Central Asia's oldest and largest cities. In the morning, visit the old town to discover Barak Khana Seminary, Tila Shaikh Mosque with its rare Osman Quran copy, and the Chorsu Bazaar. Check out the historic Kukeldash Madrassah. In the afternoon, visit Mustakillik (Independence) Square, tour the Tashkent Metro with its palace-like stations, and end at Amir Temur Square.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Old town exploration
- Barak Khana Seminary visit
- Tila Shaikh Mosque and archives visit
- Chorsu Bazaar visit
- Kukeldash Madrassah visit
- Mustakillik (Independence) Square visit
- Tashkent Metro tour
- Amir Temur Square visit
Landmarks Barak Khana Seminary Tila Shaikh Mosque Chorsu Bazaar Kukeldash Madrassah Mustakillik (Independence) Square Tashkent Metro Amir Temur Square - Day 20
Tashkent to Bishkek
You'll enjoy free time at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your included flight to Bishkek (HY-779, 13:00-15:10). Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver for transfer to the city. Check in to your hotel and relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight from Tashkent to Bishkek (HY-779)
- Day 21
Bishkek
You'll begin a sightseeing tour at 8:30 AM starting with the Manas Monument in Philharmonic Square. Walk around Ala-Too Square to see the ceremonial changing of the Guard of Honor and explore key landmarks including government buildings and Old Square with the Parliament House. Visit Oak Park with its open-air sculpture gallery before concluding at Victory Square.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Manas Monument visit
- Ala-Too Square walking tour and Guard of Honor ceremony
- Old Square exploration
- Parliament House viewing
- Oak Park visit
- Victory Square visit
Landmarks Manas Monument Ala-Too Square Old Square Parliament House Oak Park Victory Square - Day 22
Bishkek to Son Kul Lake
After breakfast, you'll journey to Son Kul Lake, stopping at the historic Burana Tower along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon to take in the vast, serene alpine lake nestled among majestic mountains. Enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight stay in a cozy yurt camp immersed in this remote destination.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional dinner)
Included Activities
- Burana Tower visit
- Son Kul Lake visit
- Traditional dinner
Landmarks Burana Tower Son Kul Lake - Day 23
Son Kul Lake to Naryn
After breakfast, you'll explore the Son Kul area at your own pace. After lunch, drive to Naryn and visit the Central Mosque, a beautiful and tranquil place showcasing the region's unique architecture. Optionally explore a small museum featuring local artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits offering insight into the area's rich culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Son Kul Lake free exploration
- Central Mosque visit in Naryn
Optional Activities
- Museum visit in Naryn featuring local artifacts and traditional costumes
Landmarks Central Mosque of Naryn Naryn Museum - Day 24
Naryn to Tash-Rabat
You'll journey to the ancient Tash-Rabat Caravanserai (10th-15th centuries) in the picturesque Kara-Koiun Gorge. Drive through At-Bashi Valley, stopping to visit ruins of Koshoi-Korgon medieval caravanserai. Explore the 15th-century stone fortress at 3,500 meters elevation with its 31 rooms surrounding a large central hall. Take a leisurely walk through the scenic gorge and enjoy lunch in a local family's yurt.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in local family yurt), Dinner
Included Activities
- At-Bashi Valley drive
- Koshoi-Korgon ruins visit
- Tash-Rabat Caravanserai visit
- Kara-Koiun Gorge exploration
- Lunch in local family yurt
Landmarks Tash-Rabat Caravanserai Kara-Koiun Gorge At-Bashi Valley Koshoi-Korgon Medieval Caravanserai - Day 25
Tash-Rabat to Issyk Kul
You'll drive to Issyk Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, passing through Kochkor village to visit the handicraft center. Watch a traditional felt carpet-making demonstration (Ala-kiyiz and Shyrdak types). Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu village to visit yurt workshops where over 70% of the local population crafts wooden yurt components. Participate in the yurt installation process and arrive in Bokonbaevo/Tamga village for check-in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Kochkor village handicraft center visit
- Felt carpet-making demonstration
- Kyzyl-Tuu village yurt workshop visit
- Yurt installation process participation
Landmarks Issyk Kul Lake Kochkor Village Kyzyl-Tuu Village - Day 26
Issyk Kul
You'll enjoy a full free day at Issyk Kul Lake to relax and explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Issyk Kul Lake - Day 27
Issyk Kul to Karakol
You'll enjoy breakfast in the yurts before driving to Karakol along the southern shore of Issyk Kul. Stop at the 'Skazka' (Fairy Tale) Canyon with its striking red rock formations and take an easy hike through the canyon. Meet a 'Berkutchi' (Golden Eagle hunter) to see the ancient eagle hunting tradition. Stop at Djety-Oguz Canyon (35 km west of Karakol) for dramatic rocky outcrops and scenic walks. In Karakol, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque, a unique architectural monument completed in 1910.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Skazka Canyon hike
- Golden Eagle hunter observation
- Djety-Oguz Canyon visit and walk
- Holy Trinity Cathedral visit
- Dungan Mosque visit
Landmarks Skazka Canyon Djety-Oguz Canyon Holy Trinity Cathedral Dungan Mosque - Day 28
Karakol to Almaty
You'll start early at the vibrant Karakol Sunday Animal Market on the outskirts of town to experience unique local culture. Drive approximately 110 km (2-3 hours) to the Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan border. After completing border formalities, continue to Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles with towering pillars and rock formations. You'll have around two hours to explore by hiking or enjoying views from the rim. A picnic lunch is provided. Continue to Almaty and check in to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch at Charyn Canyon)
Included Activities
- Karakol Sunday Animal Market visit
- Charyn Canyon visit
- Valley of the Castles exploration
- Picnic lunch at canyon
Optional Activities
- Hike down to Charyn Canyon valley floor
Landmarks Karakol Sunday Animal Market Charyn Canyon Valley of the Castles - Day 29
Almaty
You'll tour Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, a financial and cultural hub blending history, culture, and modernity. Start at Park of Heroes 28 Panfilovtsev, a WWII memorial. Visit the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, a 56-meter-high wooden structure, and the Central Mosque. Enjoy lunch and visit Republic Square. Explore the Central State Historical Museum with its Golden Room showcasing Kazakh national tools and jewelry art. Take a cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill for breathtaking city views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Park of Heroes 28 Panfilovtsev visit
- Zenkov Cathedral visit
- Central Mosque visit
- Republic Square visit
- Central State Historical Museum tour
- Cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill
Landmarks Park of Heroes 28 Panfilovtsev Zenkov Cathedral Central Mosque Republic Square Central State Historical Museum Kok-Tobe Hill - Day 30
Almaty
You'll drive 40 km to the ethnographic recreation center 'Huns' to experience the traditional life of Kazakh nomads. Learn about customs and try tasting delicious national dishes. After lunch, head to Medeo, home to the world's highest mountainous ice skating sports complex. Stop at Medeo Dam for panoramic views of the world's largest mountain skating rink. Return to Almaty for free time before the farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ethnographic recreation center 'Huns' visit
- Traditional Kazakh customs learning
- National dishes tasting
- Medeo ice skating complex visit
- Medeo Dam visit
Landmarks Ethnographic Recreation Center Huns Medeo Ice Skating Complex Medeo Dam - Day 31
Almaty
You'll depart on your journey home after an unforgettable tour across Central Asia.
- Meals
- Breakfast
