Wonders of Central Asia 5 Stans in 19 Days

After your arrival at Almaty airport, you will have a transfer to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day you can just relax after the journey. Almaty is the largest metropolis of Kazakhstan, located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range. Until 1997, it was the capital of the state and still remains a commercial and cultural centre. “Almaty” is translated from Kazakh as “the city of apple trees”. This day you'll have a full sightseeing tour around Almaty city. Your sightseeing program will include the main sights of the city: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Wooden Cathedral, St. Nicholas Cathedral, National Musical Instruments Museum, Central State Museum, Almaty's Green Bazaar, and an observatory. The bazaar appeared here 100 hundred years ago and still remains the important trading part of the city. It is an attractive touristic place full of the colorful local atmosphere where one can buy national products, smoked fish, spices, medicinal herbs, cheeses, as well as chat with good-natured friendly sellers and get to know the everyday life of Kazakhs. The tour will proceed to the Kok-Tobe well known for the tallest TV tower in the world. In the park, you will enjoy the view of the city opened from the observation area. The day will end with the short ride from the top of the hill to the centre of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.

This day you will visit the picturesque area near Almaty known for its natural gems. The first stop will be in Medeo (25 km) and Shymbulak Mountain resorts where you will have a chance to take a ski lift and reach a height of 3200 meters to enjoy the fresh mountain air and nice views. On your way back to Almaty (30 km) there will be a stop at the Falcon Farm where people in traditional hunter costumes conduct shows with trained birds - falcons, eagles, owls, vultures, and others.

On the fourth day of your Asian adventures, you will head to Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border and after passing the customs the trip will proceed to Bishkek – the country's capital. That will be a nice 3-hour trip passing by beautiful natural areas. Kyrgyzstan is a land of unspoiled mountain capes, beautiful pastures, friendly shepherds and exotic Asian food. After your arrival in Bishkek, you will have a check-in and some time for a rest. The further tour program includes visits to the local bazaar, Ala-Too Square and monuments to national heroes.

This day you will leave Bishkek to visit the gem of Kyrgyz nature – Issyk Kul Lake. It is the seventh deepest lake in the world and the second-largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Before reaching Issyk Kul you will make a stop to visit Burana Tower which is an important archaeological site of the country. This tower is the only remaining structure of the ancient Balasagun city which is the 9th century capital of the Karakhanid Empire. On the lake shores, you will admire the inspiring views of mountain peaks, unspoiled nature, surrounding woods. You will have lunch at a local Kyrgyz family. (230 km)

In the morning you will head to Grigorevka Gorge - the largest and most famous one on the northern coast of Issyk-Kul, located on the Kungey Ala-Too mountain range. It is located about 30 km from Cholpon-Ata city, on the road from Bishkek. It is a land of gently sloping valleys and dense fir forests. You will spend several hours in this area enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding nature. In the afternoon, you will return to Bishkek to have a rest. (250 km)

In the morning after breakfast, you will head to Ala Archa Gorge located at a distance of 45 km from Bishkek. The gorge lies within the national park on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is a wonderful place for hiking, enjoying fresh crystal air, fabulous scenery, and tranquility. Afterward, you will return to Bishkek and will have free time for shopping. After lunchtime, it prepares to have a flight to Tashkent – the capital of Uzbekistan. The country will be especially attractive for those interested in culture and history – Uzbekistan is full of unique architectural masterpieces lying within the Great Silk Road as well as exotic national cuisine and unique cultural traditions. (633 km)

This day you will have a sightseeing tour around Tashkent. Your experienced guide will reveal lots of interesting facts and secrets for you. The program will include such monuments as Khast Imam Complex (where is kept the world's oldest Koran), Chorsu bazaar and Madrasah Kukeldash the largest madrasa (educational institution) of the 16 century. After lunchtime, your tour will proceed to the modern part of the city. Here is located the favorite central site of the city the Independence Square known for beautiful fountains and framed by important government buildings and administrative institutions such as the Uzbek Parliament Supreme Chamber, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and others. The sightseeing tour will end with an excursion in the Museum of Applied Art of Uzbekistan where over 7,000 samples of applied arts like handmade embroidery, skull-caps, jewelry, carpets and other Uzbek art are exhibited.

The day will be devoted to the exploration of one of the most important historical and cultural cities of Uzbekistan – Samarkand. The trip will take 2 hours by fast train (Afrosiyob). You will have some time for a rest at the hotel and then the tour will start. You will get to know that the city was founded in the VII century BC and after that it witnessed many historical events and shakes. First, you will visit Registan Square where the architectural ensemble of three madrasahs (Islamic schools) - the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Tilya-Kori Madrasah, and the Sher-Dor Madrasah is located. The tour will proceed to the mausoleum of Gur-e-Amir with the tomb of Tamerlane the Conqueror. The last historical sights to visit will be Shaki Zinda Necropolis and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. To plunge into the local culture and try many exotic national products we recommend visiting Samarkand central bazaar. Be sure to try the famous local national bread – non. (307 km)

After breakfast, there will be a trip to one of the most important towns in Tajikistan – Panjakent. This old city has a history that extends over 5,500 years. There were times when Panjakent was one of the most important cultural and craft centers of the country. It was even called the "Central Asian Pompeii." Now only ruins of its splendor have remained. With the help of your guide you will discover all its secrets and admire the remains of different constructions and the masterpieces of the early Middle Age. The overnight will be arranged in Panjakent. (60 km)

After exploring the cultural and historical heritage of Tajikistan in Panjakent you will start discovering its natural gems. The first in the must-visit list is the cascade of Seven Lakes located at the distance of 60 km south of Panjakent. You will visit the 6 lakes, since reaching the 7th lake requires hiking. Here you will spend some time enjoying the stunning nature and tranquility. Then you will return to Samarkand (90 km) through the Jartepo border. Enjoy some free time in Samarkand, have a rest and get ready for the further exploration of this unique city. For the rest of the day, you will continue with the sightseeing tour and will visit Paper Mills Factory, Afrasiyob Museum and Ulugbek’s observatory, which is the biggest one in the East.

The exploration of the historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is continuing and this day you will have an exploration of Bukhara - the town located within the Great Silk Road. The town was founded about 2000 years ago and became the capital of the great state of the Samanids. It has an unprecedented number of mosques, the tombs of many Islamic saints, the significant religious places and architectural masterpieces. Walking along its narrow streets you will feel as going back to ancient times. The historical centre of the town is under the protection of UNESCO. This day you won't have much sightseeing – the only visitors will be to Chor Minor memorial and then have a rest in your hotel after the trip. (280 km, 4 hours)

The day will be devoted to the exploration of the most important historical and cultural sights of Bukhara. Your city tour program will include the following sights: Samanid’s dynasty mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Haouz Mosque, the Ark Fortress, Kalon Complex, Magoki Attori Mosque, Ulugbek, and Abdulazizi Khan Madrasahs and Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble. The day will end with a pleasant dinner and folk show – program in old Nodir Devon Begi Madrassah. It was built in the 17th cent. in the historical centre of Bukhara. Each day in the yard of the madrasah there is a show program including national dances and the performance of folk music ensembles. The visitors will also have a chance to try national dishes here.

The day will start with the second part of your sightseeing tour around Bukhara. You will visit the summer palace of Emir Said Mir Mohammed Alim Khan. After lunchtime, you will be transferred to the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border for passing the customs and tour continuation. You will head to Mary city (240 km) through Farab (121 km) and Turkmenabat (32 km) (4-5 hours driving). On the way, you will cross the world-known Karakum Desert which the hottest one in Central Asia. Its name is translated as «the black sand» which is explained by the dark soil lying beneath the sand.

The day will start with a trip to ancient Marv city (40 km from Mary) preserved in ruins. The city is attractive due to its long-lasting history extending over 4000 years. There were times when Marv was the capital of powerful empires. Nowadays it is protected by UNESCO. With the help of our professional guides, you will have a deep immersion into the historical heritage of Marv and will visit the following sights: Gyz Gala and Oglan Gala, Complex of Askhabs, Gyaur Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After lunchtime, you will return to Mary and will have a walking tour in the central part of the city. The tour will include visits to the local United Museum of History, Ethnography, Flora and Fauna of Mary and Orthodox Church built by Russians at the end of XIX century, the Regional Mosque, the Central Theater, the Convention and Conference Center “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, the Central Park and the Monument of Mollanepes. After the end of the tour, you'll have a flight to Ashgabat city. (373 km)

After breakfast, your sightseeing tour around Ashgabat will start. This city is the capital of Turkmenistan, its administrative, political, industrial, scientific and cultural centre. It's attractive due to the abundance of pure white marble buildings which gives a specific charm to the city. No wonder that this «city of white marble» was included in the Guinness World Records book. First, you will see the beautiful fountain complex of Oguz Han & Sons and then the main Turkmenian Mosque. After a while, you will have a short trip to Nissa historical complex. It consists of two archeological monuments - Old and New Nissa. Next, you'll return to Ashgabat and see the famous monument of the capital the Monument to the Turkmenistan Constitution founded to mark the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. After the lunch break and some time for a rest, you will get acquainted with the cultural peculiarities of the country. In the National Carpet Museum see the unique examples of national carpets and in Gulistan Bazaar try local products and meet friendly locals.

There is a stunning natural phenomenon in Turkmenistan that attracts lots of travelers and arises many questions. That is Darvaza burning gas crater located in the middle of the desert. You will visit this site in the morning and admire the unique scene of a circular large crater with burning gas that never goes out. The sight of a flame burning among the yellow sands of the desert fascinates and intrigues even experienced travellers. The crater has been burning since 1971. You will learn the interesting version of the crater appearance from your guide. You will stay in camps for overnight. (275 km)

In the morning you will leave the camping area and head to Koneurgench city (260 km, 4 hours). It is an architectural reserve which once was the capital of Khorezm ancient region and state. In 2005 all the historical monuments of the city were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. You will explore such sights as Turabek Hanum Mausoleum, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Il Arslan Mausoleum, Mamun Minaret, Mausoleums of Najm Ed Din & Soltan Ali. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the Uzbekistan border and proceed to Khiva (165 km, 2 hours 30 min) historical city.

This is the last day of your Asian adventures. You will spend it by exploring the heritage of Khiva town - the most peculiar Uzbek city, the history of which is connected with the Great Silk Road. Khiva is a museum city preserving a number of the best examples of the Islamic architecture of Central Asia. Here you will visit the main sight Itchan Kala town which once served as the resting-place for caravans. You will stroll around its unique streets and feel like in ancient times. Itchan Kala was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1990. Your city tour program will also include the madrasah of Muhammad Amin-khan, Kelta Minar, Kunya Ark, madrasah of Muhammad Rakhimkhan, Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah, Djuma Mosque and Minaret, and Tash Hovli Palace. Have a drive to Urgench. The day will end with a flight from Urgench to Tashkent. (996 km)

In the morning you will head to the airport for a departure.