Central Asia 5 Stans in 19 days

We are excited to welcome you Kazakhstan! We will meet you and transfer you to the hotel upon arrival at Almaty airport.

A welcome dinner will be served at a local restaurant in the evening, during which we will give a quick overview of Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, known for its majestic mountains and plains, glaciers, deep rivers, lakes, deserts, boundless steppes, and forests.

In addition to its beautiful landscapes, the country also has a wealth of historical monuments, such as the sites of ancient settlements, barrows, petroglyphs, mausoleums, and mosques, which serve as significant places of worship for Muslims.

Kazakhstan - is the land of the oldest culture in all of Eurasia, the traditional home of numerous nomadic peoples, and a major link in the 1400 km long Great Silk Road.
There are 27,000 historical landmarks in the republic. It is Kazakhstan is a highly developed industrial nation, particularly strong in the fields of metallurgy, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Kazakhstan also has a well-developed oil processing and construction industries. 

Overnight in Almaty (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will go on a full day sightseeing tour of Almaty. We'll be touring Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Wooden Cathedral, and St. Nicholas Cathedral today, as well as taking in a panoramic view from the observatory. Often referred to as "the southern capital of Kazakhstan," Almaty is a major city in the country. During the years 1927–1997, it served as the capital of the state. It sits between 670 and 1100 m above sea level in southeastern Kazakhstan, close to the country's border with Kyrgyzstan. The city's most popular attraction is Panfilov Park, an expansive green space that spans close to 18 hectare, dominated by the magnificent Sacred Voznesenski Cathedral. Behind the park is the Green Bazaar, one of Almaty's largest marketplaces, a wonderful example of an authentic Asian market.

Our next stop is at the Ykylas National Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, which opened in the 1980s and houses a wide variety of instruments dating back to the 17th century.

We continue to the Central State Museum, with unique artifacts that span the history of Kazakhstan from its earliest settlers to the present day. More than 120,000 artifacts are on display at the museum.

A visit to a falcon farm and a quick show are on the agenda before we settle in for dinner at the local restaurant

Overnight in Almaty (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Green Bazaar, one of the largest markets in all of Almaty. After that, we take the brand new highway from Almaty to Bishkek.

During the drive, we will give you a quick overview of Kyrgyzstan Republic located in the northeastern Central Asia, and straddling the world's two largest mountain ranges (the Tien Shan and the Pamir). The mountains of Kyrgyzstan cover 93% of the country, and the country's elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level gives it a harsh continental climate.

We are expected to arrive in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital, in the afternoon. After some rest at the hotel and lunch at a local café, we will we have some sightseeing in Bishkek.

In the evening, dinner and a folks how program at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Bishkek (B, L, D)

AFter breakfast at the hotel, we will take a short drive (about 45 miles) to the beautiful Grigorevka Gorge. The valley's gentle slopes are forested with fir trees, stretching for about 25 miles.The Grigorevka Gorge is a popular tourist destination in the Issyk Kul region. We're going to spend the day hiking and enjoying the outdoors. We will return to Bishkek after lunch at a local restaurant and take the 18:40 flight to Tashkent.

Welcome to Uzbekistan! You will be met at the Tashkent airport and taken directly to your hotel. En route we will give you a short introduction to Uzbekistan, one of the most prosperous countries in Central Asia. It occupies just over 11% of the Central Asia. The cultivation of cotton, the manufacture of silk, growing fruit and vegetables, and the construction of irrigation systems are the mainstays of the republic's economic structure. Tashkent may seem like just a pit stop on the way to more exciting destinations, but a full day spent exploring this ancient city will reward visitors with many pleasant surprises. 

Overnight in Tashkent (B, L, D)

Following breakfast, we'll spend the first part of the day exploring the city's historic district, the Khast Imam Complex, home to the rare Osman Koran, widely believed to be the oldest Koran in existence. Chorsu Bazaar is among Tashkent's oldest and largest markets. A notable architectural landmark from the 16th century, Madrasah Kukeldash stands out.

We'll eat lunch and then head to Tashkent's main square, Mustakillik (Independent Square), surrounded by some of the city's largest public buildings and walls of fountains. You will see Navoi Theatre Square, completed in 1947 by World War II Japanese POWs. Our Tashkent tour will conclude with stops at the Amir Temur Museum and the Museum of Handcraft Art, followed by dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Overnight in Tashkent (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will travel by train to the world-famous city of Samarkand. The trip takes approximately 3-hours and goes through the provinces of Syrdarya and Jizzakh. We will arrive in Samarkand in the afternoon, and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

After a short rest, we'll begin our Samarkand tour at the Paper Mills Factory, where we'll see a presentation on papermaking using mulberry trees. Other visits include the Afrasiyob Museum and Ulugbek's observatory, built between 1428 and 1429 and hailed as the largest observatory in the East and boasting a cutting-edge technology. We will have dinner at a local restaurant before heading to our hotel for the night.

Overnight in Samarkand (B, L, D)

We will spend the day exploring Samarkand, starting with the Registan Square, the city's heart, which historically played a pivotal role in the economic and intellectual development of the region. The Gur Emir Mausoleum is an absolute masterpiece of Central Asian architecture, and it serves as a mausoleum for the male members of the Temurid dynasty. The Shaki Zinda Necropolis is located on the northern outskirts of Samarkand. The construction of the Bibi - Khanum Mosque began in 1399, following Temur's successful Victorian campaign in India. In the Siyobian Central Bazaar, we will sample the city's signature bread made only in Samarkand. The day ends with dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Samarkand (B, L, D)

We leave Samarkand in the morning and drive to an enchanting Bukhara. We will make a stop en route at the ruins of the medieval Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik. We keep on driving to Bukhara via Gijduvan, where we'll stop at Abdulla's pottery house for a brief demonstration of the craft, some tea, and lunch.

After lunch, we will visit the summer palace of the emir of Mohi Hosa. Upon arrival in Bukhara, we'll check into a hotel, and after some rest, go to dinner at one of Bukhara's restaurants.

Overnight in Bukhara (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we are ready for a full-day exploration of Bukhara, one of the most historically significant cities on the Great Silk Road, attracting tens of thousands of tourists every year.

Today's visits will include: the Mausoleum of the Samanid dynasty (875 - 999), widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Samanid-era architecture, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, supposedly the final resting place of Prophet Jove, Mosque of Bolo-Khauz, the minaret, mosque, and madrasah that make up the Kalon Complex and are still in use today, the Mosque of Magoki Attori, Mosques of Ulugbek and Abdulazizi Khan, the Lyabi Khauz complex, Bukhara's most popular attraction, which was constructed in 1620 by khans' dignitary Nodir Devan Begi to house a reservoir.

We'll wrap up the day with dinner at a neighborhood restaurant and a show program.

Overnight in Bukhara (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will have a short drive of ~35 km & 35min to Bayramaly to have a Sightseeing tour of Old Merv which was also known in the past by its title name: Mary Shahu Jahan-King of the World which for about 300 years became one of the biggest city in the World & 8 years Capital of World Islamic Khalifat. Today’s excursion at Old Merv will include Gyz Gala & Oglan Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Erk Gala (VI BC), Soltan Gala (XI), Shrine & Pilgrimage Complex of Yusup Hemadani: a famous scholar who was the founder of one of the ways in Sufism whose tomb became a popular pilgrimage site in Turkmenistan & even among surrounding countries like Iran &, etc, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum (XII), Ibn Zeid Mausoleum (XII). After Old Merv drive back to Mary. Lunch at a local restaurant. After a lunch break, proceed with Sightseeing in Mary visiting: Local United Museum of History, Ethnography, Flora & Fauna of Mary, the Orthodox Church built by Russians at the end of the XIX century, Regional Mosque of Mary Province, Central Theater of Mary, Convention & Conference Center “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, Central Park & Monument of Mollanepes-the National Classic Poet who lived in Mary in XVIII-XIXcc. Late afternoon transfer to the airport of Mary for flight to Ashgabat by flight T5-134. Dep: 18.55 & Arr: at 19.35. (subject to change). Upon arrival transfer to hotel with en route stopping have dinner at a local restaurant.
Note: Passports & 2 colored photos are required to be left at the hotel reception for registration at the City Tourist Board (CTB) in Ashgabat. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to have dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Ashgabat (B, L, D)

Today after breakfast we’ll have a full day Sightseeing in/around Ashgabat. Today’s sightseeing includes the Memorial Complex with Monuments for Victims of World War II, Patriotic Wars of XIXcc & Monument for the Victims of the Earthquake of 1948, “Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi”: the largest mosque in Central Asia & Mausoleum Complex of the tombs of Turkmenbashy (first President of Turkmenistan S. Nyyazow) and his parents with his brothers, Old Nissa-The Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. Lunch at one of the local restaurants. After lunch break you will continue with a half day sightseeing in Ashgabat including the Museum of Turkmen Carpets, a Park dedicated to Turkmen horses-the pride of Turkmen, Gulistan Bazar which is known as “Russian Bazaar” in public, the Monument of Lenin which was erected in 1927 and was one those few monuments which survived the earthquake of 1948, making it the oldest standing monuments in Ashgabat, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque. Dinner you will have at one of the local restaurants. After dinner, drive a city tour along the main avenues/streets of Ashgabat including one stop near the Palace of Happiness to have colorful views of the night lights of Ashgabat which makes it one of the most spectacular cities in Central Asia.

Overnight in Ashgabat (B, L, D)

Today after breakfast you will have another full day of sightseeing in Ashgabat which will include: Complex of Monuments of Oguz Han & Sons surrounded by the largest in the world fountain complex. The complex includes 27 computerized fountains, with the statue of the founder of the Turkmen nation, Oguz Khan, installed on a central podium, Ashgabat’s famous “Altyn Asyr” Oriental Bazaar- Jygyldyk which is located in ~16km to the north of Ashgabat in its new location/complex built in 2011. After Bazaar, we drive to the Hippodrome of Ashgabat to watch the Horse Race, a great chance to see & familiarize ourselves with the best horses of Turkmenistan: Turkmen Horses-Akhalteke which is thought to be the rootstock of Arab, Thoroughbred, and “horse crazy” people rooting for their favorite horses without any betting. Lunch at one of the local restaurants in Ashgabat. After a lunch break, proceed with sightseeing including the National Museum of History. After Museum, proceed with sightseeing of the Monuments of Archabil Shayoly (Berzengi) to have a close impression of the new part of Ashgabat with its modern buildings, monuments & parks which include: the Monument of Constitution, “Alem” Culture & Recreation Center, Arch of Neutrality: famous rocket & tripod style built monument symbolizing neutral status of Turkmenistan.

Late afternoon transfer to the airport of Ashgabat for flight to Dashoguz by flight T5-113. Dep: 18.55 & Arr: at 19.45. (subject to change). Upon arrival transfer to have dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner accommodation & rest.

Overnight in Dashoguz (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will drive ~110 km which will take 1,5 hours to Koneurgench-the capital of Khorezmshahs (III-XVI cc). The sightseeing of the Old City will include Turabek Hanum Mausoleum (XIV), Kutlug Timur Minaret (XIV)-one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum (XIII), Academy of Horezm (III-XIII), Il Arslan Mausoleum (XII), Mausoleums of Najm Ed Din (XIII) & Soltan Ali (XVI) located near Dash Metjit/Medrese (XIX). After sightseeing in Koneurgench drive back to Dashoguz where you will stop for a lunch at one of the local restaurants. After a lunch break, transfer to the border pass “Dashoguz-Shavat” located within ~15km from Dashoguz. Upon arrival proceed through passport control & customs procedures. After you come out from the Turkmenistan Customs building you will walk ~100 meters to the next checkpoint there will be a minibus shuttling for ~1000 meters from Turkmenistan Customs to Real Wire Border located between Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan. After you cross the wire border & last passport check on the Turkmenistan side of the border at ~15.00 you will cross into Uzbekistan & walk for around 200 meters to Uzbekistan Customs where you start again passport control & customs procedures. After you come out of the Uzbekistan customs building you need to walk around 100 meters to get through the last checkpoint where you will find your guide welcoming you back to Uzbekistan.

After border formalities on both sides, we’ll continue our way to Khiva. Upon arrival, we’ll accommodate in a hotel in Khiva for rest and relaxation. Khiva is a fascinating place, walk through Ichan Kala – the old walled city of Khiva, which will give you an insight into the life led there from ancient days up to the present time. We’ll have dinner at the local restaurant followed by a show program.

Overnight in Khiva (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel today we’ll have a full day sightseeing in Khiva: visit Ichan Kala – a UNESCO World Heritage Site including madrasah Muhammad Amin Khan, Kelta Minar, Kunya Ark, madrasah Muhammad Rakhimkhan. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and continue the sightseeing program: visit Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah, Djuma Mosque and Minaret, and Tash Hovli Palace. After dinner at the local restaurant, we’ll proceed to the airport for a flight back to Tashkent leaving at 08:40 PM and arriving at 10:10 PM (subject to change). Upon arrival to Tashkent, we’ll accommodate in a hotel for overnight and rest.

Overnight in Tashkent (B, L, D)

After early breakfast at the hotel in Tashkent today we’ll head on to a one-day excursion of Tajikistan. We’ll drive to the border check point Oybek and after border crossing formalities we’ll continue on to city Khujand. Upon arrival we’ll accommodate at the hotel after a long drive and start sightseeing. Khujand – the country's second largest city – situated in the north of Tajikistan and is one of its most ancient, founded about 2300 years ago during the time of Alexander the Great. Standing in a favorable location in the Ferghana valley, Khujand prospered for a long time, becoming rich and building palaces, mosques, and citadels. In the 13th century it was conquered and destroyed by the Genghis Khan's army. We’ll have a close city tour in second part of the day, and end the day with a dinner followed by a folk show program.

Overnight in Khujand (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we‘ll continue sightseeing in Khujand, visit the ancient part of Khujand: Timurmalik fortress, Archeology and History museums, Orient bazaar Panjshanbe – famous Panjshanbe city market is one of the most interesting sights of Khujand. Near the market, we’ll stop by Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Mausoleum, Museum of Archaeology and Fortification. We’ll have lunch at the local restaurant and in the afternoon transfer back to Tashkent. Once back in Uzbekistan, we’ll have a rest at the hotel before making a long way back home. We’ll have a Farewell dinner followed by a show program and return to the hotel.

Overnight in Tashkent (B, L, D)

Today is the last day of the tour. We’ll have breakfast at the hotel and arrange transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of tour. Thank you! (B)