Itinerary
- Day 1
Astana
You'll touch down in Astana and link up with your group at 6 pm. If you arrive with time to spare, the waterfront's worth checking out or you can visit Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. Later this evening, grab dinner with your leader and group to try some authentic Kazakh food.
- Meals
- Dinner (Authentic Kazakh food experience with leader and group)
Optional Activities
- Stroll along Astana waterfront
- Shop at Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre (world's largest tent)
Landmarks Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre - Day 2
Astana
This morning you'll take a city tour of Astana's architecture with your leader. Head to Bayterek tower and Khan Shatyr, then see the massive Nur-Astana Mosque and the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation. After lunch sampling local dishes like horse meat or plov, you'll visit a local jeweller's workshop to learn about traditional craftsmanship.
Included Activities
- Astana city tour - Bayterek tower
- Khan Shatyr landmark visit
- Nur-Astana Mosque visit
- Palace of Peace & Reconciliation visit
- Local jeweller workshop visit
Optional Activities
- Lunch at local restaurants for horse meat dishes or plov
Landmarks Bayterek Tower Khan Shatyr Nur-Astana Mosque Palace of Peace & Reconciliation - Day 3
Astana to Turkistan
You'll fly to Turkistan, the historic centre of Kazakhstan. Check out the new Caravan Serai complex, which recreates ancient Silk Road trade centres. Later in the afternoon with some free time, you can see the Yasawi Mausoleum lit up in the evening with its vivid colours and patterned exteriors.
Included Activities
- Caravan Serai complex visit
Optional Activities
- Yasawi Mausoleum visit (late afternoon free time)
Landmarks Caravan Serai Yasawi Mausoleum - Day 4
Turkistan to Shymkent
Start with a city tour visiting Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, built by Tamerlane. The grounds have a rose garden, monuments, and a museum. Then you'll head by private transport to Shymkent, stopping at the ancient settlement of Otrar to explore remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses from the first century AD. Board your overnight train in the evening.
Included Activities
- Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum visit
- Otrar ancient settlement visit
Landmarks Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum Otrar - Day 5
Almaty
You'll arrive in Almaty in the morning. After breakfast, head out on a daytrip to Lake Issyk and Turgen Gorge. Visit the Issyk Museum, see Lake Issyk in Ile-Alatau National Park, then hike to a waterfall in Turgen Gorge. On the way back, stop at a winery to meet a local craft winemaker, sample wine and cheese, and have a hearty lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Hearty lunch at winery with craft cheese)
Included Activities
- Issyk Museum visit
- Lake Issyk visit
- Ile-Alatau National Park visit
- Turgen Gorge waterfall hike
- Winery visit and wine tasting with craft cheese and lunch
Landmarks Issyk Museum Lake Issyk Ile-Alatau National Park Turgen Gorge 
- Day 6
Almaty
You'll explore Almaty with a local guide on a city tour. Walk through Central Square and see the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in Panfilov Park, which honours 28 guardsmen who died in WWII. Check out the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments with its collection of ancient relics. Experience the vibrant scene at Zelenyi Bazaar before heading back.
Included Activities
- Almaty city tour
- Central Square visit
- Zenkoff Cathedral in Panfilov Park visit
- Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments visit
- Zelenyi Bazaar visit
Landmarks Central Square Zenkoff Cathedral Panfilov Park Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments Zelenyi Bazaar - Day 7
Almaty to Saty Village
You'll drive to Saty Village in the Tien Shan Mountain Range, stopping at the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. The canyon features vivid tones of oranges and browns that shift as the sun travels. Spend time here for photos and exploration, then continue to Saty Village where you'll check into your homestay and experience local mountain life.
Included Activities
- Charyn Canyon National Park visit
Landmarks Charyn Canyon - Day 8
Saty Village to Karakol
You'll visit Kolsay Lakes, known as 'the blue necklace' for its clear blue waters framed by mountains. If time allows, hike to Kaindy Lake to see the turquoise waters and unique 'submerged forest' of tree trunks created by a 1911 earthquake. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then cross into Kyrgyzstan and continue to Karakol.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch)
Included Activities
- Kolsay Lakes visit
- Kolsay Lakes hiking
Optional Activities
- Kaindy Lake hike (if time permits)
Landmarks Kolsay Lakes National Park Kaindy Lake - Day 9
Karakol
You'll explore Karakol, a town with Russian military and Soviet heritage. Visit the Dungan Mosque built without nails using special cutting techniques, see the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, and browse the local market. Head out to Jety Oguz (Seven Bull Valley) for a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views before returning to Karakol.
Included Activities
- Karakol city tour
- Dungan Mosque visit
- Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral visit
- Jety Oguz Canyon hike to waterfall
Optional Activities
- Local market exploration
Landmarks Dungan Mosque Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral Jety Oguz - Day 10
Karakol to Bishkek
You'll spend a full day driving to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Stop at Cholpan Ata to visit a petroglyph site and take a short boat ride on the huge alpine lake. You'll arrive in Bishkek with a free evening ahead of you.
Included Activities
- Cholpan Ata petroglyph site visit
- Lake Issyk-Kul boat tour
Landmarks Cholpan Ata Lake Issyk-Kul 
- Day 11
Bishkek
You have a free day in Bishkek until your welcome meeting at 6 pm. Walk through local gardens, sample local pastries like samsa, or relax at your hotel. After the meeting, join your new group for dinner to get to know the other travellers joining you on the next leg of your adventure.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner after welcome meeting)
Optional Activities
- Walk through local gardens
- Sample local samsa pastries
- Day 12
Bishkek
Your local leader will take you on a guided city tour exploring Bishkek's history. Visit Ala-Too Square and see the statue depicting Manas, the folkloric hero. Wander the open-air galleries in Dubovy Park and walk along Freedom Avenue with its century-old oaks. The afternoon is free to explore on your own, maybe visit Osh Market to browse spices, fruits, clothes and carpets.
Included Activities
- Bishkek city tour
- Ala-Too Square visit
- Dubovy Park visit
Optional Activities
- Osh Market visit
Landmarks Ala-Too Square Dubovy Park Freedom Avenue Osh Market - Day 13
Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake
You'll drive through changing landscapes to Kyrgyzstan's interior. Stop at Burana Tower, a minaret and remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun. Meet a local Kyrgyz family in Don Aryk for a home-cooked lunch. Continue to Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake at 170 km long. Stay overnight in traditional yurt camps on the south shore with mountain views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Home-cooked lunch with local Kyrgyz family)
Included Activities
- Burana Tower visit
- Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
Landmarks Burana Tower Issyk-Kul Lake Don Aryk - Day 14
Issyk-Kul Lake
After breakfast, you'll visit Kyzyl Tuu, known for yurt making. Visit an artisan family who'll teach you about traditional yurt construction and manufacturing. Learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings are made and their importance here. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at your yurt camp, swim in the lake, or take a short hike.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kyzyl Tuu village visit
- Yurt making workshop with artisan family
Optional Activities
- Relax at yurt camp
- Swim in the lake
- Short hike
Landmarks Kyzyl Tuu - Day 15
Issyk-Kul Lake to Song-Kol Lake
You'll travel to Song-Kol Lake, a sacred alpine lake and prime summer pasture for nomadic herders. Stop in Kochkor to visit the local market and a women's felt co-op. The landscape changes with the season and in summer you may see nomadic herdsmen with goats, sheep and horses. Arrive at your yurt camp on the shore with time to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kochkor market visit
- Kochkor women's felt co-op visit
Optional Activities
- Explore Song-Kol Lake surroundings
Landmarks Song-Kol Lake Kochkor - Day 16
Song-Kol Lake to Kyzyl-Oi
You'll travel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi after breakfast. This is a long travel day, so bring a book or podcasts to pass the time. You'll pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River. Stop for a picnic lunch on the river banks and explore the village when you arrive. Tonight, learn how locals cook boorsok, a favourite local snack.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch on river banks)
Optional Activities
- Explore Kyzyl-Oi village
Landmarks Kokomeren River 
- Day 17
Kyzyl-Oi to Toktogul
You'll spend a full day driving through beautiful landscapes. Cross the Suusamyr Valley, a high steppe plateau at around 2,200 m above sea level, often dotted with yurts. Travel along the Chychkan River cutting through the Tien Shan Mountain Range. Stop to soak up the scenery before arriving in Toktogul, a city named after a popular poet and musician.
Landmarks Suusamyr Valley Chychkan River Tien Shan Mountain Range - Day 18
Toktogul to Osh
You'll travel to Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan and the oldest city in the country. Located in the Fergana Valley in the south, it's known as the Capital of the South. Stop in Uzgen, an ancient Silk Road trading town. View the three surviving medieval mosques, important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. Arrive in Osh with the rest of the day free.
Included Activities
- Uzgen minaret and complex visit
Optional Activities
- Explore Osh at your own pace
Landmarks Uzgen - Day 19
Osh
You'll rise early to visit Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, Kyrgyzstan's only UNESCO World Heritage site. For centuries, Silk Road travellers sought the mountain's caves and petroglyphs. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. The afternoon is free to explore, maybe visit Jayma Bazaar for souvenirs or take a self-guided tour of Soviet-era remnants including a giant Lenin statue.
Included Activities
- Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain visit
- National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex visit
Optional Activities
- Jayma Bazaar visit
- Self-guided tour of Soviet-era sites
Landmarks Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex Jayma Bazaar - Day 20
Osh to Kokand
You'll cross the border to Margilan in Uzbekistan, a Silk Road city central to silk production since the 11th century. Visit a silk weaving factory and learn about ikat-silk weaving processes by walking through markets and workshops. Meet a potter in Rishton and explore their ceramics workshop. Sit down to lunch at the potter's home to learn about this ancient craft. Continue to Kokand with the afternoon free.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at potter's home in Rishton)
Included Activities
- Margilan ikat silk factory visit
- Rishton ceramics workshop visit with potter
- Kokand home-cooked lunch
Optional Activities
- Explore Kokand
Landmarks Margilan Rishton 
- Day 21
Kokand
In the cool morning, you'll discover the Khudayar Khan Palace Museum, the palace of the last Khan of Kokand Khanate built in the late 19th century. Known for its blue, green and yellow tile facade and ornate interiors, it's a beautiful example of local architecture. The afternoon is free to explore Kokand, see the Friday Mosque, wander bazaars, or visit the Royal Cemetery.
Included Activities
- Khudayar Khan Palace Museum visit
Optional Activities
- Friday Mosque visit
- Bazaar visit
- Royal Cemetery visit
Landmarks Khudayar Khan Palace Museum Friday Mosque Royal Cemetery 
- Day 22
Kokand to Khujand
You'll cross the border into Tajikistan and continue to Khujand, believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great and known as Alexandria Eskhata. One of Central Asia's oldest cities, Khujand offers free time to explore at your own pace. Wander the evening bazaar to barter for fruits and local produce. Visit the 16th-century Jami Mosque across the market if time allows.
Optional Activities
- Evening bazaar visit
- Jami Mosque visit
- History Museum visit
- Khujand Fortification visit
Landmarks Jami Mosque History Museum Khujand Fortification - Day 23
Khujand to Panjakent
You'll begin a long travel day to Panjakent, once the capital of ancient Sogdiana on the Silk Road. Stop at Marquzor Lakes, a chain of alpine lakes with local villages, and have lunch with a local Tajik family. Explore ancient city walls and ruins when you arrive, where archaeologists have recently discovered more than 50 rooms. Visit the tiny museum and wander the foothills before a free evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch with local Tajik family)
Included Activities
- Marquzor Lakes visit
- Tajik family visit with lunch
- Panjakent ancient city walls and ruins visit
Optional Activities
- Panjakent museum visit
- Explore at your own pace
Landmarks Marquzor Lakes Panjakent - Day 24
Panjakent to Samarkand
You'll take the bus across the border back into Uzbekistan and continue to Samarkand, located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. Follow your leader on a short city orientation walk to see historic mosques and bustling bazaars. The evening is free for dinner and your local leader has the best recommendations.
Included Activities
- Samarkand city orientation walk
Landmarks Samarkand 
- Day 25
Samarkand
You'll visit Registan central square featuring mosques and mausoleums that are pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Continue to Guri-Amir where Tamerlane is buried, then see the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Visit Shak-i-Zinda, a necropolis with blue-tiled mausoleums from the 14th-19th century reflecting the Timurid dynasty's monumental art. Tonight, learn plov cooking secrets during a demonstration with a local family.
- Meals
- Dinner (Plov cooking demonstration with local family)
Included Activities
- Registan Square visit
- Guri-Amir Mausoleum visit
- Bibi-Khanum Mosque visit
- Shak-i-Zinda necropolis visit
- Plov cooking demonstration with local family
Landmarks Registan Square Guri-Amir Mausoleum Bibi-Khanum Mosque Shak-i-Zinda - Day 26
Samarkand to Tashkent
You'll take the train back to Tashkent, the largest city in Central Asia, which blends Russian and Uzbek style with grand mosques alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. The afternoon is free, so maybe visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan or wander the Art Gallery of Uzbekistan. An optional farewell dinner is available to celebrate the adventure.
Optional Activities
- State Museum of History of Uzbekistan visit
- Art Gallery of Uzbekistan visit
- Optional farewell dinner
Landmarks State Museum of History of Uzbekistan Art Gallery of Uzbekistan - Day 27
Tashkent
You have a free day in Tashkent to relax and recharge. Explore any mosques you haven't seen yet or take a walk among the contemporary architecture. Your third welcome meeting is at 6 pm to meet new travellers joining you for the final leg. Join your group for dinner at a local restaurant afterwards.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner after welcome meeting)
Optional Activities
- Mosque visits
- Walk through contemporary architecture
- Day 28
Tashkent
You'll take a city tour to explore Tashkent. Visit Amir Timur Square in the city centre and wander the bustling Chorsu Bazaar with its impressive dome-topped main building. Explore the decorated metro stations and the Khast Imom Complex with one of the oldest Qur'an copies. The afternoon is free, so stock up on snacks for your overnight train tonight.
Included Activities
- Tashkent city tour
- Amir Timur Square visit
- Chorsu Bazaar visit
- Metro tour
- Khast Imom Complex visit
Landmarks Amir Timur Square Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent Metro Khast Imom Complex - Day 29
Khiva
You'll arrive in Khiva mid-morning, a city with a complex history claimed by Khans, Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Get acquainted on a city tour with your leader. See the incredible blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassa. Explore Kuhna Ark (the 'citadel within a citadel' from the 17th century) and view the city from Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory. Visit Islom Hoja Minaret, Juma Mosque and Tosh-Hovli Palace. Watch sunset over this ancient city.
Included Activities
- Khiva city tour
- Kalta Minor Minaret visit
- Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassa visit
- Kuhna Ark visit
- Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory visit
- Islom Hoja Minaret visit
- Juma Mosque visit
- Tosh-Hovli Palace visit
Landmarks Kalta Minor Minaret Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassa Kuhna Ark Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory Islom Hoja Minaret Juma Mosque Tosh-Hovli Palace 
- Day 30
Khiva
You have a free day to explore Khiva at your own pace. This ancient city is home to more than 60 cultural sites, medieval mosques and opulent palaces. Visit museums, check out souvenir shops, or wander craft studios. Ask your leader for tips if you need guidance on what to see and where to go.
Optional Activities
- Museum visits
- Souvenir shop exploration
- Craft studio visits
- Day 31
Khiva to Derweze
You'll have a long travel day crossing from Uzbekistan into Turkmenistan. Meet your new leader in Dashoguz after border formalities. Visit a local bazaar and stretch your legs, then switch into 4WDs for the drive to Derweze in the Karakum Desert. Visit 'The Gates of Hell', a gas crater 70 m wide and 30 m deep that's been burning since 1971. Watch the sunset over the flames from your nearby yurt camp and enjoy a picnic dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Picnic dinner at yurt camp)
Included Activities
- Darvaza Crater (Gates of Hell) visit
Optional Activities
- Dashoguz bazaar visit
Landmarks Darvaza Crater 
- Day 32
Derweze to Nohur Village
You'll drive to Nohur Village via Ashgabat through the desert and into the Kopet Dag Mountains separating Turkmenistan from Iran. Stop to visit a mud crater, water crater and Yerbent Nomad Village to stretch and take photos. Stop for lunch in Ashgabat, then switch to minibuses for dusty winding roads to Nohur. Watch locals weave Keteni (homespun silk fabric). Walk to distinctive local graves marked with mountain goat horns and along shepherd's trails past waterfalls and swimming holes.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Traditional home-cooked dinner by hosts)
Included Activities
- Mud crater visit
- Water crater visit
- Yerbent Nomad Village visit
- Keteni weaving demonstration
Optional Activities
- Walk to local graves
- Shepherd's trail walk
Landmarks Kopet Dag Mountains Yerbent Nomad Village 
- Day 33
Nohur Village to Ashgabat
You'll start with traditional breakfast in the guesthouse, then explore the village lifestyle of local Turkmen tribes. Meet residents of the Nohur ethnic group who consider themselves descendants of Alexander the Great. Wander the tribe's cemetery and learn about customs, traditions and spirituality. Visit Gyz Bibi Cave, a place of local pilgrimage. See an 800-year-old Cynar tree. Visit a local horse breeder's farm for a cooking demonstration of Baursaki (fried dough). Continue to Ashgabat for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Traditional breakfast in guesthouse)
Included Activities
- Nohur village walking tour
- Tribe cemetery visit
- Gyz Bibi Cave visit
- Horse breeder farm visit with Baursaki and bread cooking demonstration
Landmarks Gyz Bibi Cave Nohur Village - Day 34
Ashgabat
You'll spend a full day exploring Ashgabat, the desert city. Visit Nisa, an ancient settlement built in the 3rd century BC. See the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex honouring those killed in the 1881 Battle of Geok Tepe, WWII and the 1948 earthquake. Explore the ruins of Anau with its crumbling 15th-century medieval mosque. Wander the Russian Bazaar sampling samosas, doner-kebabs and sweet melon. The afternoon is free. Visit the monuments of Archabil Street in the evening, including the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque.
Included Activities
- Nisa ancient settlement visit
- Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex visit
- Anau ruins visit
- Russian Bazaar visit
- Ertugrul Gazi Mosque visit
Landmarks Nisa Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex Anau Russian Bazaar Ertugrul Gazi Mosque Archabil Street - Day 35
Ashgabat to Mary
You'll drive to Mary (pronounced 'Mah-rih'), where ostentatious displays of wealth trace back to long-running gas and cotton industries. Settle into your hotel and head out to wander the lively bazaar with your leader. Take a drive out to Merv, also known as Margiana, and explore Turkmenistan's most recognised UNESCO World Heritage site. This sprawling 1,200-hectare area features numerous walled structures from various periods. Return to Mary for free time to visit the Mary Regional Museum.
Included Activities
- Mary bazaar visit
- Merv UNESCO World Heritage site visit
- Greater Kizkala visit
- Erk Kala visit
- Gyaur Kala visit
Optional Activities
- Mary Regional Museum visit
Landmarks Merv Greater Kizkala Erk Kala Gyaur Kala Mary Regional Museum 
- Day 36
Mary to Ashgabat
After breakfast, you'll visit the local Orthodox Church and spend more time exploring Mary's city centre. You'll return to Ashgabat, the City of White Marble, arriving late afternoon. Head out as the sun goes down to walk along the promenade with your group. Find somewhere for dinner to celebrate your final night on this incredible adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Orthodox Church visit
- Ashgabat promenade walk
- Day 37
Ashgabat
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. No further activities are planned. If you need help arranging an airport transfer, speak to your leader.
- Meals
- Breakfast
