Overview
Embark on a comprehensive 20-day cultural and nature expedition through Central Asia, visiting five fascinating countries. From the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan to the nomadic landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, this tour offers a blend of ancient history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vibrant local cultures. Highlights include exploring Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand in Uzbekistan, witnessing the Darwaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan, and experiencing the nomadic lifestyle near Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan.
Highlights
- Departure from Dushanbe
- Scenic Drive through Anzob Pass
- Arrival at Iskanderkul Lake
- Leisure Time by the Lake
- Hike to Fann Niagara Waterfall
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Arrival at Tashkent International Airport
- Meet & greet by staff, transfer to hotel
- Check-in and rest
- Overnight: Tashkent
Day 2 :
Tashkent City Tour
- Visit old and modern Tashkent: Amir Temur Square, Independence Square, Khast Imam, Chorsu Bazaar, and Earthquake Memorial
- Explore the spiritual heart of Uzbekistan and see the world-famous Quran of Caliph Othman
- Overnight: Tashkent
Day 3 :
Flight to Urgench → Khiva Walking Tour
- Early flight to Urgench, transfer to Khiva
- Explore the magical open-air museum of Ichan Kala
- Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark, Tash Hauli Palace, and Islam Khoja Minaret
- Overnight: Khiva
Day 4 :
Khiva → Kunya-Urgench → Darwaza Gas Crater (Turkmenistan)
- Border crossing to Turkmenistan
- Visit UNESCO site Kunya Urgench
- Continue to the blazing Darwaza Gas Crater, overnight in yurts
- BBQ dinner under the stars
- Overnight: Yurt Camp, Darwaza
Day 05 :
Darwaza → Ashgabat
- Drive across the Karakum Desert
- Visit Ancient Nissa (UNESCO), Turkmenbashi Mosque, Neutrality Arch
- National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 06 :
Ashgabat → Merv → Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
- Morning flight to Mary, visit ancient Merv (UNESCO)
- Cross border to Uzbekistan, transfer to Bukhara
- Overnight: Bukhara
Day 07 :
Bukhara Walking Tour
- Explore Silk Road gems: Lyabi Hauz, Ark Fortress, Kalon Minaret, Bazaars
- Optional: Visit the Samanid Mausoleum
- Overnight: Bukhara
Day 08 :
Bukhara → Shakhrisabz → Samarkand
- Scenic drive via Takhta-Karacha Pass
- Explore Shakhrisabz: Ak Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz
- Continue to Samarkand
- Overnight: Samarkand
Day 09 :
Full Day in Samarkand
- Visit Gur-Emir, Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Shahi Zinda Necropolis, Ulugbek’s Observatory, and Siyob Bazaar
- Overnight: Samarkand
Day 10 :
Samarkand → Seven Lakes (Tajikistan)
- Border crossing to Tajikistan at Jarteppa
- Drive to the Seven Lakes of Marguzor in the Fann Mountains
- Easy hiking and photo stops
- Overnight: Penjikent
Day 11 :
Penjikent → Dushanbe via Iskanderkul Lake
- Visit ruins of Ancient Penjikent and UNESCO site Sarazm
- Photo stop at Iskanderkul Lake
- Drive over Anzob Pass to Dushanbe
- Overnight: Dushanbe
Day 12 :
Dushanbe → Hissor → Khujand
- Morning city tour: National Museum, Ismaili Somoni Monument, Flagpole, Hissor Fortress
- Scenic drive through Fann Mountains to Khujand
- Overnight: Khujand
Day 13 :
Khujand City Tour → Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
- Visit Arbob Palace, Khujand Fortress, and Pushkin Square
- Cross border at Oybek, transfer to Tashkent
- Overnight: Tashkent
Day 14 :
Flight to Almaty (Kazakhstan)
- Morning flight to Almaty
- Arrival and hotel check-in
- Rest and leisure time
- Overnight: Almaty
Day 15 :
Charyn Canyon → Kolsai Lake → Saty Village
- Explore Charyn Canyon, the “Valley of Castles”
- Easy walk at Kolsai Lake 1
- Continue to Saty Village
- Dinner & Overnight: Guesthouse in Saty
Day 16 :
Kaindy Lake → Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)
- Visit mystical Kaindy Lake, formed by an earthquake
- Cross the border at Kegen
- Transfer to Karakol
- Overnight: Karakol
Day 17 :
Karakol → Jeti Oguz → Issyk-Kul Yurt Camp
- City tour: Dungan Mosque, Orthodox Church, Przhevalski Museum
- Visit Jeti Oguz Gorge and Issyk-Kul Lake
- Overnight in traditional Kyrgyz yurts by the lake
- Overnight: Yurt Camp
Day 18 :
Issyk-Kul → Bishkek via Burana Tower
- Watch an eagle hunting demonstration
- Visit Burana Tower, ancient site of Balasagun
- Transfer to Bishkek
- Overnight: Bishkek
Day 19 :
Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park
- Easy hike in Ala Archa National Park
- Bishkek city tour: Ala-Too Square, Manas Statue, Victory Monument, Central Bazaar
- Overnight: Bishkek
Day 20 :
Departure from Bishkek
- Transfer to Manas International Airport
- End of services
Cost
Tour Includes
- Visa support (incl. Turkmenistan LOI, registrations)
- Accommodation: Hotels, Guesthouses, Yurts
- Domestic flights: Tashkent–Urgench, Ashgabat–Mary
- English-speaking local guides in each country
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sights and national parks
- Transportation with A/C vehicles throughout the tour
- Meals: Daily breakfasts, selected traditional dinners (Darwaza, Saty, Beltam), home lunch in Seven Lakes
- Border transfers & assistance
- Taxes and tourist fees
Not Included
- International flights to Tashkent and from Bishkek
- Tourist visas (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan – based on nationality)
- Optional meals, snacks, alcohol
- Camera/video fees in some sites
- Portage at hotels and borders
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips & personal expenses
