Culture tours
from Bishkek to Ashgabat
Experience the heart of the Silk Road on a 22-day expedition across the Five Stans of Central Asia. From the bustling bazaars of Uzbekistan and the desert marvels of Turkmenistan to the majestic mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the serene valleys of Tajikistan, this tour offers a rich mosaic of history, culture, and adventure. Discover ancient caravanserais, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and timeless traditions that have shaped this crossroads of civilizations.
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:
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: Guesthouse
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
Departures: May – September
After breakfast, the beautiful mountain roads lead us to Son Kul Lake.
Today, we overcome the mountain pass Kalmak Ashu (3447 m). From the pass the lake Son Kul seems very small, but descending lower and approaching the lake, it appears as a big and gorgeous lake.
Upon arrival at a camp at the lake, you get to know the hospitality of the nomads, their lifestyle and their customs. Dinner and night in the yurts.
Departures: March, April, October, November
The goal is to reach the caravanserai Tash Rabat, so we overcome a mountain pass called Dolon Pass at 3030 meters above sea level.
Tash Rabat is a historical monument founded by monks in the 10th century. During the Silk Road, Tash Rabat lost its religious significance, and the monastery provided a stay for caravans and travelers.
Lunch in the restaurant in Naryn and dinner in the yurt camp in Tash Rabat.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Note: up to 4 people per yurt. Toilets, shower and sauna are outside.
Departures: May – September:
From Son-Kul to Chon-Kemin
Departures: March, April, October, November
From Tash-Rabat to Chon Kemin
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Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of surrounding nature.
Departure towards Chon-Kemin.
On the way visit Kochkor to discover the significance of felt-making in Kyrgyz culture and meet local artisans. Take part in a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a miniature version of the traditional ala-kiyiz carpet.
Take in the breathtaking views as you wander through the village, then enjoy a freshly prepared traditional dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Kyrgyz – Kazakh border.
Border Crossing (Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan)
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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*
The Charyn Canyon is located in the national park. It is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States.
The erosion of the Charyn River has created dramatic and impressive landscapes. When you arrive, you will admire the magnificent panorama and walk down to the bottom of the gorge to hike about 2 km in the labyrinth of the Valley of the Castles.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*
Flight to Dushanbe | Tajikistan
Border Crossing (Kazakhstan – Tajikistan)
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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:
-City center.
-Ismoil Somoni Monument, Dusti square, New Parliament, Rudaki Park.
-National museum of Tajikistan
-Flagpole (165m).
-New central mosque.
-New central market “Mohrgon”
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*
Before leave Dushanbe we will visit Ancient Hissar fortress. Hissar was residences of Bukhara Emirs in 16-18 centuries. We will visit Fortress, Medrese and museum.
– Hissar fortress (30km out from Dushanbe)
– Hissar museum in old medrese building (16c)
Continue our trip to the northern Khujand city across west-northern part of the Dushanbe, along Varzob gorge and across Anzob and Shakkhristan passes (thru the tunnels).
We will make many photo stops in the beautiful mountain area, near the highest passes and along the valleys and gorges.
Evening arrival.
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
-Khujand fortress (Since 2024)
-Museum of Antiquity name of Timurmalik.
– Khujand Fortress.
-Panjshanbe bazar ( Bigges 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*
In the morning transfer to the Uzbekistan border.
Border Crossing (Tajikistan – Uzbekistan)
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After crossing the border into Uzbekistan – we head to Tashkent, a lively capital where modern glass towers meet Soviet-era architecture and intricate mosaic mausoleums.
Free time
In the evening, enjoy a brief orientation walk before an optional dinner
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*
Breakfast at the hotel.
Starting the sightseeing at the capital city.
Transfer to train station at 18:30 and take train to Samarkand at 19:40
Arrive to Samarkand at 21:55 and transfer to hotel.
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
Lunch time break
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Bukhara via Mitan village
Arriving at the village of Mitan, which is the winner of the World Responsible Tourism Travel Award ‘To Do’ аt the ITB Berlin 2015.
In the village, you will be a guest in one of the Uzbek local family.
Lunch at the local house, with traditional Uzbek welcome meals: “bichaks”- triangular baked pastries with meat or pumpkin; “plov”- cooked with rice, fresh mutton or beef, yellow or red carrot, onions and vegetable oil (you can take part in the preparation).
Authentic meetings and various exchanges between the visitors and local residents are the best ways of cross-cultural understanding; as well, participation to various kinds of activities leads to familiarization with lifestyle of local people.
Visit Gijduvan Museum of Ceramics- Gijduvan ceramics school has its deep roots. The skills have been passed from father to son from generation to generation. Today Gizhduvan is home for the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family which glorified Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*
Breakfast at the hotel.
Places to visit:
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*
Transfer to the Turkmenistan Border. Meeting your guide.
Border Crossing (Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan)
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Walking in Turkmenabad.
Transfer to Turkmenabat Airport (60km, 1h) for the evening flight to Ashgabat.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, you can explore Ashgabat city, the Pearl of Central Asia. In 2013, the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat a “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of white marble. During this tour, you will also have sightsee the Wedding Palace, the Ferris Wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument and Park of Independence, the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities, the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments.
In the afternoon, you will drive to the Darvaza burning Gas Crater (276 km, 4 hr), a top international tourist destination. The area is rich in natural gas, and the crater has been burning for over 50 years, making it shine like a pearl in the middle of the Karakum desert. You will also see water and mud craters. The trip provides an opportunity to experience the fresh air of the desert and the nomadic life. Barbecue for dinner while enjoying the light of the Gas Crater in the night sky. Overnight at the yurt camp.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Picnic-style breakfast in Darvaza. After breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat (4 hr). On the way back to Ashgabat, drive to visit “Altyn Asyr” Oriental Bazar (opens on Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) – Jygyldyk, located 20km to the north of Ashgabat. It is one of the world’s largest open bazaars, filled with colorful rugs, jewelry, carpets, silk, and national Turkmen costumes and animals in other parts.
Alternatively, you can visit Gulistan Bazaar, the oldest covered market in Ashgabat, and a must-visit for any traveler. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. Stalls also sell spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor is home to a variety of shops selling clothing and souvenirs.
Then, drive to visit the Horse Stable to see a national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Famous Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. According to superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon.
Later, drive to visit Nissa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared the fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211 BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has either been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum. The ruins of the ancient settlement of Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat at Bagyr village. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at the 12:00.
Departure at any time. End of the service.
Meals included: breakfast
Show map
Departures Summer (May – September): Day 6: visit Son-Kol Lake
Departures Spring & Fall: (March, April, October, November): Day 6: visit Tash Rabat
**Check-in at hotels after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
