18-day Best of Central Asia

Arrive at any time. Standard check-in at hotel after 14:00.

Free time on your own.

Welcome meet with the guide and group at 14:00.
Briefing about the itinerary & travel plan. City tour in Bishkek.

Welcome Dinner in the traditional restaurant where you can taste the national Kyrgyz cuisine.

Meals included: dinner

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Note: it is highly recommended to book an extra night at the hotel, as most flights to Bishkek arrive late at night or early in the morning.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Our journey begins with a visit of the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in the north part of Kyrgyzstan. The tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of the castle and three mausoleums – that’s all what last out of the ancient Balasagyn town that was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.

Lunch in the Iskra village with Dungan family, the ethnicity of Chinese Muslims who had to flee China. You taste their national cuisine.

Then departure to Issyk Kul, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the deepest in the world. We drive you to the hotel located on the lake shore.

First location at Issyk-Kul lake is visit the petroglyph museum. The 42 hectares of the museum are dotted with stones, tombs, balbals and various petroglyphs dated from the 2nd millennium BC until the 4th century AD.

Free time. You can rest on the beach and swim in the lake.

Dinner in the restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Lakeside Resort

Breakfast at hotel.

Next location is Grigoriev and Semienov gorges. Picnic or lunch in the café on the road.

Grigoriev and Semienov gorges are considered as one of the most famous attractions of the Issyk Kol region. You can go for a walk, enjoy the wild nature around you and spend a nice time in this beautiful place.

After departure to Karakol, the administrative center of the Issyk-Kol region. Visits in Karakol:

• Russian Orthodox cathedral
• Dungan mosque

You have dinner in the local restaurant and you have a rest in the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

After breakfast we leave Karakol for Jeti Oguz gorge. The red rock Broken Heart located at the entrance to the gorge creates a special romantic ambiance in the gorge. You take a walk there for an hour.

Then we go to the Barskoon gorge. The gorge is famous for its waterfalls. One of the best known is Tears of the Snow Leopard. In the middle of the gorge you find the monument for the first cosmonaut Yu. A. Gagarin.

Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

After breakfast, we head towards Kochkor village and pass by the south shore of the lake. On the road we visit the Skazka canyons which translate as the “fairy tale”. Here you can find objects of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal can appear in front of you.

Next, we meet an eagle hunter with his bird. You can appreciate the alertness and speed of the bird during the hunting. It is one of the oldest traditions of Kyrgyz nomads.

Lunch in the guesthouse or café.

Our next stop is Kyzyl Tuu village where the local family reveals the secrets of yurt production. This family is engaged in this unique art from generation to generation.

Continue to Kochkor. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Morning will start from discover the rich tradition of felt-making, an art deeply woven into Kyrgyz culture.
Guided by skilled local artisans, we take part in a hands-on workshop, crafting our own miniature ala-kiyiz — the colorful, patterned felt carpet beloved by nomads for generations.

Then we set out for the scenic Chon-Kemin Valley

Opt for a stroll through the tranquil village, surrounded by sweeping mountain views. Later enjoy savoring a freshly prepared traditional dinner — a perfect ending to a day of culture and beauty.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Kyrgyz – Kazakh border.

Border Crossing (Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan)
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Add one more country into your collection

The goal of the day to reach Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour to explore highlights including Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park, and the impressive WWII memorial.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

City tour in Almaty.

Medeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends.

After we go to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. It is famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Kazakhstan and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruit-growing gardens.

Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you would see the famous 372 meters high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus a few attractions at the top.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Flight to Tashkent | Uzbekistan

Border Crossing (Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan)
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Starting the sightseeing at the capital city.

• Khast Imam Complex Spiritual heart of Tashkent (16-20centuary)
• Barak Khan madrasah has oldest extant copies of the Quran
• Chorsu bazaar one of the busiest bazaars in Tashkent
• Take a ride at metro soviet and modern designed underground
• Amir Temur Square / Independence square
• Applied Art Museum of Tashkent

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Today we will spend the day in the Khujand city and area, Khujand is second largest city in Tajikistan and not official (North capital).

In different ages Khujand has different names.It was Alexandria Eskhata in times of Alexander the great, During Soviet period it was Leninobad ( city of Lenin) and after 1991 new government return old name of the city.

Visits:

• City center
• Sirdaria river
• Mnuments of the Kings of Khujand
• Museum of Antiquity name of Timurmalik
• Khujand Fortress
• Panjshanbe bazar – Biggest centralmarket
• Mosque and mausoleum of Sheikh Moslekhiddin
• Palace of Culture “Arbob” (10km from Khujand)
• Kairakkum water reserve (25 km from Khujand)

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Leave Khujand in the morning and departure to the Dushanbe city along the Anzob and Shakkhristan passes ( tunnels) and along Varzob gorge.

80km after Khujand we will visit ancient city Istaravshan.

• Old Town
• Kok Gumbaz medrese ( 16) until present days
• Mug teppa fortress (reconstructed fortress, museum and excavation)
• Mug teppa hill (with panorama view of Istaravshan)
• Local central Bazar
• Blacksmith workshops of local craftsmen making daggers and knives

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Today we will spend the day exploring Dushanbe.

Dushanbe (means Monday) is a relatively new city that was formed in 1925 on the site of a small village Dushanbe, place of the large bazaar on Mondays.

During the Soviet period, the city was called Stalinabad (1929-1961) Political, Cultural, Educational and Financial Center of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Visits:

• National museum of Tajikistan
• Flagpole (165m). Palace of nation
• Nawruz palace
• Hissar fortress ( 30 km from Dushanbe)
• Hissar museum
• Central bazar
• City center, Dusti square
• Ismail Somoni monument

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

08:30 In the morning, we leave Dushanbe city and continue our trip to Penjikent city and Jartepo border. Will drive across mountain valleys, ranges and passes.

Along Varzob gorge, Anzob pass (tunnel) and beautiful Zeravshan valley.
We will make photostops in magnificent mountain area.

Continue trip to Penjikent along Zeravshan valley.

Visits:

• Museum of Ancient Penjikent
• Sarazm excavation. (4-2 BC) UNESCO Heritage.
• Museum of Sarazm

Border Crossing (Tajikistan – Uzbekistan)
Ready for a one more stamp in your passport?

Hotel Check-in. Free Time.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Breakfast at the hotel.

Starting the sightseeing from heart of old city.

Guri Amir Mausoleum of Timurid Dynasty (most iconic place for locals) was built by order of Amir Temur in 1403- 1405

Registan square has three madrasahs

• Ulugbek madrasah (1420) At that time biggest in Asia
• Sherdor madrasah (1636) First madrasah built by locals
• Tilla-Kori madrasah (1646)

Lunch time break

• Bibi Khanum Mosque was the biggest at that time (1399)
• Siab Bazaar oldest keep operating bazaar in Samarkand
• Shahi Zinda Complex

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet our team at 08:50am transfer to railway station.

Take a train to Bukhara at 09:53am.
Estimated arrival time to Bukhara at 11:42am.

• Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th century) – built as a family crypt after the death of Ismail Samani’s father, symbolizing the transition from the earthly world to the eternal one.
• Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum (12th–16th centuries) – known as the “Spring of Saint Job,” linked to the legend of Prophet Job, who brought forth water in the desert.
• Bolo-Khauz Mosque (1712) – the only monument of Registan Square, featuring a reservoir (khauz), the Friday mosque, and a minaret. The pond is the oldest part of the complex.
• Ark Fortress (4th century BC) – a symbol of state power and the ancient residence of Bukhara’s Khans.
• Poi Kalon Complex
• Magoki-Attori Mosque
• Labi Hauz Complex (16th–17th centuries) – an ancient water supply area consisting of three monumental structures:

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 09:00, meet our team at the hotel, and set off for Khiva. This journey follows a section of the Great Silk Road, which once connected Khiva and Bukhara, traversing the vast and mysterious Kyzylkum Desert, known as the “Red Sands.”

Along the way, you will experience the beauty of the untouched desert landscape, with its endless dunes and scattered vegetation, while learning fascinating stories about the ancient caravans that passed through this route.

Arrive in Khiva around 16:00, where the city’s enchanting atmosphere immediately transports you to a bygone era of trade, culture, and spirituality.

Check-in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax or take a leisurely stroll to soak in the city’s ambiance.

Overnight at the hotel, preparing for the adventures ahead.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel at 09:00.

• Ichan- Kala Fortress – an open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This old part of the city, surrounded by walls, has been transformed into a state historical and archaeological museum. Covering 26 hectares, Ichan-Kala preserves the exotic image of an Eastern city with around 60 historic buildings.
• Kuhna Ark – a fortified citadel in the heart of Khiva, located next to the western bastions of Ichan-Kala, just north of the western gate.
• Muhammad Rahimkhan Madrasa (1876) – a brilliant example of architecture from its era, named after Muhammad Rahim-khan, a prominent figure of the Kungrat dynasty, which ruled Khiva from 1770.
• Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasa (1851-1854) – the largest madrasa in Khiva and Central Asia. Covering an area of 72×60 meters, it houses 125 cells (khudjra) designed for 260 students.
• Kalta-Minor Minaret (1855) – a symbol of Khiva. With a 15-meter base and 29-meter height, it is only a third of its planned height but captivates visitors with its unique glazed tile decoration.
• Juma Mosque (late 18th century) – a unique building without portals, domes, or courtyards. Measuring 55×46 m, its spacious interior hall is supported by 215 wooden columns.
• Tash-Khovli Palace (19th century) – the summer residence of the Khans of Khiva, showcasing a synthesis of regional monumental architecture and decorative art.
• Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum (1701) – featuring Khiva’s only blue dome, it marks the tomb of Makhmud Pahlavan, a renowned poet and warrior of the 14th century. It is a place of prayer where visitors can drink holy water.
• Islam-Khoja Minaret (20th century) – the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan, standing 56 meters high with a 9.5-meter base diameter.

After the excursion, enjoy some free time, perfect for a stroll around the Ichan Kala fortress and some shopping.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at the 12:00.
Departure at any time. End of the service.