Itinerary
- Day 1
Ashgabat
You'll arrive in Ashgabat and connect with your guide for the transfer to your hotel. Once you've settled in, the group meets at 1:00 PM to begin exploring the city. The tour covers Old Nisa fortress, the Monument and Park of Independence, and the Ertugrul Ghazi Mosque. Later you'll walk through the National Carpet Museum and check out the vibrant Russian Bazaar. The day finishes with a welcome dinner that includes a folk performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Old Nisa fortress
- Explore Monument and Park of Independence
- Visit Ertugrul Ghazi Mosque
- National Carpet Museum tour
- Russian Bazaar visit
- Welcome dinner with folk show
Landmarks Old Nisa Monument and Park of Independence Ertugrul Ghazi Mosque National Carpet Museum Russian Bazaar 
- Day 2
Ashgabat
This morning you'll see the 15th-century Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque ruins in Annau and then head to the National Museum with its nine exhibition halls. After that, you visit the Arch of Neutrality monument and the Wedding Palace (Palace of Happiness). The Yyldyz Hotel is next on your list where you can take in views of Ashgabat from above. You'll have time to explore at your own pace during the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque ruins
- National Museum tour
- Arch of Neutrality visit
- Wedding Palace tour
- Yyldyz Hotel panoramic views
Landmarks Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque National Museum Arch of Neutrality Wedding Palace Yyldyz Hotel - Day 3
Darvaza
Start the morning at Arkadash Stud Farm near GeokDepe to see and ride Akhal-Teke horses. Stop by the Geok-Depe Mosque and explore the Kipchak complex with its large mosque and presidential mausoleum. You'll depart Ashgabat at 2:00 PM in 4WD jeeps for an 8-kilometer desert drive. Arriving at the Darvaza Flaming Crater around 6:00 PM, you'll watch how the crater transforms at nightfall. The day ends with a picnic dinner under the stars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Picnic dinner at crater)
Included Activities
- Arkadash Stud Farm visit and horse riding
- Geok-Depe Mosque visit
- Kipchak complex tour
- Darvaza Flaming Crater visit
- Crater walk and night viewing
- Picnic dinner at crater
Landmarks Arkadash Stud Farm GeokDepe Geok-Depe Mosque Kipchak complex Darvaza Flaming Crater - Day 4
Khiva
After breakfast, you'll tour Kunya Urgench before transferring to the Dashoguz/Shavat border crossing into Uzbekistan. Border formalities take some time, but once complete, you'll continue driving to Khiva for check-in at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kunya Urgench city tour
Landmarks Kunya Urgench 
- Day 5
Khiva
A walking tour of the ancient citadel Ichan Kala is on the agenda. You'll see the truncated Kalta Minor minaret, Kunya Ark, and Madrassah Rakhimkhon. The Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and Islam Khodja minaret follow, with the minaret offering panoramic views if you climb it. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Friday Mosque and Tashauli Palace with its 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 visit
- Friday Mosque visit
- Tashauli Palace tour
Landmarks Ichan Kala Kalta Minor minaret Kunya Ark Madrassah Rakhimkhon Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud Islam Khodja minaret Friday Mosque Tashauli Palace - Day 6
Khiva
The day is completely free in Khiva. You can relax at your hotel, wander around the city on your own, grab meals wherever you like, and explore whatever catches your interest without any scheduled activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 7
Bukhara
You'll transfer to Urgench airport for flight HY-1052 departing at 9:35 AM, landing in Bukhara at 10:30 AM. The rest of the day is spent exploring Bukhara's medieval sites including the Lab-i-Khauz ensemble, Nadirkhon Devanbegi Madrassah, and Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque. You'll also visit the Ark Fortress, Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid, and the Hunarmand UNDP workshops to see traditional crafts being made.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight 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 workshops tour
Landmarks Lab-i-Khauz ensemble Nadirkhon Devanbegi Madrassah Khanaga 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 
- Day 8
Bukhara
The morning includes a half-day tour starting at the Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa summer residence, which blends Russian and oriental architecture. From there, you'll visit the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum dedicated to the 14th-century Sufi spiritual leader. After returning to Bukhara, the rest of the day is yours to spend however you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa visit
- Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum visit
Landmarks Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum - Day 9
Aydarkul
You'll journey to the Sarmysh Gorge to see over 10,000 ancient petroglyphs from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Ages. The drive continues to Aydarkul yurt camp near Aydarkul Lake where you can relax and take in the quiet surroundings by the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sarmysh Gorge petroglyphs tour
- Aydarkul Lake visit
Landmarks Sarmysh Gorge Aydarkul Lake - Day 10
Nuratau Mountains
Today takes you to Majerum Village in the Nuratau Nature Reserve. You'll see the ancient Biota tree with its 8.5-meter circumference, check out old mosque ruins, and visit Majerum Qala fortress ruins. The day finishes with a drive to Ukhum Village where you'll spend the night in a guesthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Majerum Village visit
- Biota tree viewing
- Old mosque ruins visit
- Majerum Qala fortress visit
- Ukhum Village exploration
Landmarks Majerum Village Biota tree Majerum Qala Nuratau Nature Reserve - Day 11
Nuratau Mountains
You'll visit the Severcev sheep nursery to see rare wild argali species and explore ancient village and mosque ruins. A hike takes you to Khayatsai mountain valley, and then you'll climb Karaul Mountain for panoramic views across the valley. The guesthouse serves local Tajik culture and home-cooked food for your meals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Severcev sheep nursery visit
- Ancient village ruins visit
- Ancient mosque ruins visit
- Khayatsai mountain valley hike
- Karaul Mountain hike
Landmarks Severcev sheep nursery Khayatsai mountain valley Karaul Mountain 
- Day 12
Samarkand
A full day of exploration in Samarkand covers the iconic Registan Square with its three madrassahs, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, and Bibi-Khanum Mosque. You'll walk through the Silk Road bazaar and see the Shahi-Zinda necropolis. The day ends with a wine tasting at Bagizagan Winery.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Registan Square visit
- Ulug-Bek Madrasah visit
- Tillya-Kori Madrasah visit
- Sher-Dor Madrasah visit
- Gur-e-Amir mausoleum visit
- Bibi-Khanum Mosque visit
- Silk Road bazaar visit
- Shahi-Zinda necropolis visit
- Bagizagan Winery wine tasting
Landmarks Registan Square Ulug-Bek Madrasah Tillya-Kori Madrasah Sher-Dor Madrasah Gur-e-Amir Bibi-Khanum Mosque Silk Road bazaar Shahi-Zinda Bagizagan Winery - Day 13
Samarkand
You'll head to a traditional paper-making workshop in Konigil Village, about 10 km from Samarkand. The visit shows you how mulberry tree bark transforms into handmade paper. You can participate in the production process including bark stripping and adding decorative touches. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Traditional paper-making workshop tour
- Paper production participation
Landmarks Konigil Village - Day 14
Penjikent
After an 8:00 AM breakfast, you'll transfer to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border at Jartepa (50 km, about 1 hour). Once border formalities are done, you'll meet your Tajik guide. The drive continues to Seven Lakes in the western Fann Mountains (80 km, 1.5 to 2 hours) for a picnic lunch. Later you'll reach Penjikent to see the Rudaki Museum, local bazaar, mosque, and ancient ruins before dinner at the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Seven Lakes visit
- Picnic lunch at Seven Lakes
- Rudaki Museum visit
- Penjikent local bazaar visit
- Penjikent mosque visit
- Ancient Penjikent ruins visit
Landmarks Seven Lakes Rudaki Museum Penjikent bazaar Ancient Penjikent ruins - Day 15
Dushanbe
After breakfast, you're heading to Dushanbe with a stop at scenic Varzob Gorge to take a break by the mountain river. Lunch happens at a mountain café. You'll continue along the Varzob River and climb to the Anzob Pass at 3,373 meters. If interested, there's an optional visit to natural thermal springs at Khoja Obi Garm. Check-in happens with the rest of the day free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Varzob Gorge visit
- Mountain break by river
Optional Activities
- Khoja Obi Garm natural thermal springs visit
Landmarks Varzob Gorge Anzob Pass Khoja Obi Garm 
- Day 16
Dushanbe
The morning includes a visit to the Ismoili Somoni monument and Rudaki Park in the city center. You'll explore the vibrant local bazaar and the serene Botanical Garden. The Cultural Palace Kohi Navruz is on the list (subject to permit availability) for its traditional Tajik architecture. An afternoon excursion takes you 23 km away to Hissor to explore the ancient Hissor Fortress. The rest of the afternoon is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ismoili Somoni monument visit
- Rudaki Park visit
- Local bazaar visit
- Botanical Garden visit
- Cultural Palace Kohi Navruz visit
- Hissor Fortress visit
Landmarks Ismoili Somoni monument Rudaki Park Botanical Garden Cultural Palace Kohi Navruz Hissor Fortress - Day 17
Khujand
You'll have breakfast at the hotel before checking out by 9:00 AM. A scenic mountain drive heads toward Khujand with a lunch stop at a mountain café along the way. You'll visit Mug Tepa in Ura-Tube, one of Tajikistan's oldest settlements, and stop at a traditional bazaar to see Tajik round bread being baked. Check-in happens with free time afterward.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mug Tepa visit
- Traditional bazaar visit
- Tajik bread baking demonstration
Landmarks Mug Tepa Ura-Tube - Day 18
Tashkent
The city tour of Khujand starts at Pushkin Square and Kamoli Khudjandi Square, then moves to Timur Malik's fortress and the Sugd Museum. You'll visit the Muslihiddin Memorial Complex and walk through the bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar. Arbob Palace follows where Tajikistan declared independence. After lunch, you'll travel overland into Uzbekistan via the Oybek border. Once you meet your Uzbek guide, the journey continues to Tashkent.
- 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's fortress Sugd Museum Muslihiddin Memorial Complex Panjshanbe Bazaar Arbob Palace - Day 19
Tashkent
This morning you'll explore the old town visiting Barak Khana Seminary and Tila Shaikh Mosque along with their archives that contain a rare copy of the Quran. Next is Chorsu Bazaar and the Kukeldash Madrassah. The afternoon brings you to Mustakillik (Independence) Square and a chance to explore the Tashkent Metro system. You'll also visit Amir Temur Square before the day ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Old town exploration
- Barak Khana Seminary visit
- Tila Shaikh Mosque visit
- Chorsu Bazaar visit
- Kukeldash Madrassah visit
- Mustakillik Square visit
- Tashkent Metro tour
- Amir Temur Square visit
Landmarks Barak Khana Seminary Tila Shaikh Mosque Chorsu Bazaar Kukeldash Madrassah Mustakillik Square Tashkent Metro Amir Temur Square 
- Day 20
Bishkek
You'll have free time at the hotel in the morning before transferring to the airport for flight HY-779 departing at 1:00 PM, arriving in Bishkek at 3:10 PM. Your guide and driver will meet you for transfer to the city. Check-in happens and you can relax for the rest of the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight to Bishkek (HY-779)
- Day 21
Bishkek
The sightseeing tour starts at 8:30 AM with the Manas Monument in Philharmonic Square. A walking tour around Ala-Too Square lets you see the Guard of Honor ceremony. You'll explore government buildings and Old Square with the Parliament House and a surviving Lenin Monument. Oak Park's open-air sculpture gallery comes next along with Victory Square. The evening features the World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony and show.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Manas Monument visit
- Ala-Too Square walking tour
- Guard of Honor ceremony viewing
- Old Square visit
- Parliament House visit
- Oak Park visit
- Victory Square visit
- World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony and show
Landmarks Manas Monument Philharmonic Square Ala-Too Square Old Square Parliament House Oak Park Victory Square - Day 22
Issyk-Kul
You'll drive to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the world's second-largest alpine lake at 113 miles long. A homestay near the lake's shores is where you'll stay. The day is spent at the World Nomad Games with horse racing, Kok-Boru polo, wrestling, archery, falconry, plus music and cultural exhibitions happening throughout.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- World Nomad Games - Horse racing
- World Nomad Games - Kok-Boru polo
- World Nomad Games - Wrestling
- World Nomad Games - Archery
- World Nomad Games - Falconry
- World Nomad Games - Music and cultural exhibitions
Landmarks Issyk-Kul Lake - Day 23
Issyk-Kul
Another full day at the World Nomad Games with horse racing, Kok-Boru polo, wrestling, archery, and falconry continuing. Music and cultural exhibitions fill the day as you enjoy more of the games and performances.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- World Nomad Games - Horse racing
- World Nomad Games - Kok-Boru polo
- World Nomad Games - Wrestling
- World Nomad Games - Archery
- World Nomad Games - Falconry
- World Nomad Games - Music and cultural exhibitions
Landmarks Issyk-Kul Lake - Day 24
Son Kul Lake
The journey to Son Kul Lake includes a stop at the historic Burana Tower. You'll arrive in the late afternoon to take in the wide, quiet lake surrounded by mountains. A traditional dinner and overnight in a yurt camp follows.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional dinner)
Included Activities
- Burana Tower visit
- Son Kul Lake arrival and scenic viewing
Landmarks Burana Tower Son Kul Lake - Day 25
Naryn
Your morning at Son Kul is free to explore the area at your own pace. After lunch, the scenic drive heads to Naryn. You'll visit the Central Mosque and have the option to check out a museum with local artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits if interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Central Mosque visit
Optional Activities
- Local museum visit
Landmarks Central Mosque Naryn Museum - Day 26
Tash-Rabat
You'll travel through At-Bashi Valley to reach the ancient Tash-Rabat Caravanserai (10th-15th centuries) in Kara-Koiun Gorge. Along the way, you'll see the ruins of Koshoi-Korgon medieval caravanserai. The 15th-century stone fortress sits at 3,500 meters altitude with a large central hall and 31 rooms to explore. A leisurely gorge walk happens and lunch is in a local family's yurt.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in local family yurt), Dinner
Included Activities
- Koshoi-Korgon ruins visit
- Tash-Rabat Caravanserai visit
- Kara-Koiun Gorge walk
- Lunch in local family yurt
Landmarks At-Bashi Valley Koshoi-Korgon Tash-Rabat Caravanserai Kara-Koiun Gorge - Day 27
Issyk-Kul
The drive to Issyk-Kul passes through Kochkor village following the scenic southern shore. You'll visit a handicraft center to watch felt carpet-making demonstrations. Kyzyl-Tuu village comes next (70% of residents work in yurt production) where you'll visit a local family's yurt workshop and participate in the yurt installation process. Check-in happens in Bokonbaevo/Tamga village at yurt accommodation with private facilities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Kochkor village visit
- Felt carpet-making demonstration
- Kyzyl-Tuu yurt workshop visit
- Yurt installation participation
Landmarks Kochkor village Kyzyl-Tuu village Issyk-Kul Lake Bokonbaevo/Tamga village - Day 28
Issyk-Kul
The entire day is free for you to relax and explore Issyk-Kul Lake however you'd like, at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Issyk-Kul Lake - Day 29
Karakol
After breakfast in the yurts, you'll drive to Karakol following the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. A stop at Skazka Canyon allows for hiking through its fairy-tale-like red rock formations shaped by erosion. You'll meet a Berkutchi (Golden Eagle hunter) to watch the traditional eagle hunting process. Djety-Oguz Canyon (35 km west of Karakol) shows dramatic rock formations like Broken Heart and Seven Bulls. The city tour includes the Holy Trinity Cathedral (1895, wooden Orthodox church with five domes) and Dungan Mosque (1910, resembling a Mongolian Buddhist temple, built without nails). Check-in and rest follow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Skazka Canyon easy hike
- Golden Eagle hunter meeting
- Djety-Oguz Canyon visit
- Holy Trinity Cathedral visit
- Dungan Mosque visit
Landmarks Skazka Canyon Djety-Oguz Canyon Holy Trinity Cathedral Dungan Mosque - Day 30
Almaty
An early morning visit takes you to Karakol Sunday Animal Market on the town's outskirts. You'll drive approximately 110 km (2 to 3 hours) to the Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan border. After border formalities, you'll visit Charyn Canyon and Valley of the Castles with their towering pillars and rock formations. There's an option to hike to the valley floor or enjoy views from the canyon rim (about 2 hours exploring). A picnic lunch is provided before you continue to Almaty for check-in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch)
Included Activities
- Karakol Sunday Animal Market visit
- Charyn Canyon visit
- Valley of the Castles visit
Optional Activities
- Charyn Canyon hiking
Landmarks Karakol Sunday Animal Market Charyn Canyon Valley of the Castles - Day 31
Almaty
After breakfast, the city tour begins at Park of Heroes 28 Panfilovtsev (WWII memorial). You'll visit the wooden Zenkov Cathedral standing 56 meters high. The Central Mosque comes next and lunch happens there. Republic Square and the Central State Historical Museum follow with the Golden Room featuring Kazakh national tools and jewelry art collection. A cable car takes you to Kok-Tobe Hill for city and mountain 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
- Kok-Tobe Hill cable car ride
Landmarks Park of Heroes 28 Panfilovtsev Zenkov Cathedral Central Mosque Republic Square Central State Historical Museum Kok-Tobe Hill - Day 32
Almaty
You'll drive 40 km in the morning to the ethnographic recreation center Huns to learn about traditional Kazakh nomadic life and taste national dishes. After lunch, you'll travel to Medeo, home to the world's highest mountainous ice skating sports complex. A stop at Medeo Dam provides panoramic views of the world's largest mountain skating rink. You'll return to Almaty for free time before the farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Huns ethnographic center visit
- Kazakh customs and traditions experience
- National Kazakh dishes tasting
- Medeo ice skating complex visit
- Medeo Dam visit
Landmarks Huns ethnographic recreation center Medeo Medeo Dam - Day 33
Departure
After breakfast, you'll depart for your journey home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
