Discovery of Central Asia – 5 Stans

Begin your day exploring Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. During your city tour, you will visit the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the newly built Independence Park, and the Lenin Monument.

In the late afternoon, your guide and driver will meet you in your hotel lobby where you will depart for Darvaza Gas Crater located in the middle of Karakum desert. Known as the ‘Door to Hell’, expect 280 km of desert sands with the journey taking about 4 hours. Arrive just before dusk, the best time to see the unique gas crater flame away into the remoteness of the Karakum desert. Upon arrival have a delicious BBQ dinner near the burning crater. At night, in an empty desert with only the stars for company, red light emanates from the ground in the distance, and a distant rumble presages the crater. Shooting flames and fireballs cross its crater, like a volcano – the crater must be viewed at night for full effect. In the morning, wake up to a desert sunrise. (B,D)

Overnight – Stantrips Yurt Camp or similar – sleeping mats, sleeping bags and pillows provided

After enjoying your camp-style breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat. The journey is approx. 270km and will take approx. 4-5hrs due to poor road conditions. Upon arrival into Ashgabat, check in to your hotel.

Later today you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site) and the Turkmenbashy Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. Drive to visit the Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of the cultural centres of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. The museum has the world’s largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records.

This evening, go for a drive around Ashgabat to see the town in lights. (B)

Overnight – Yyldyz Hotel or similar

This morning, depart for Nohur mountain village tucked into the Kopet Dag Mountains (5 hrs). Enroute visit the Gokdepe Mosque, Akhalteke horse farm, and Kow-Ata underground lake. Time permitting, you may be able to have a swim in this lake.

Next you will explore a tribal cemetery followed by participating in a silk weaving workshop. You will then drive back to Ashgabat. (B, Packed Lunch)

Overnight – Yyldyz Hotel or similar

It is an early start this morning as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Turkmenabat scheduled for 06:00 am (subject to change). From Turkmenabat Airport you will transfer to the Turkmen-Uzbek border “Farap”. Once you have crossed the bridge to the Uzbek side, catch another minivan to the Uzbekistan immigration building (around 5,000 soms to be paid in local currency or US Dollars). Please make sure you have cash on you to take these shuttle minivans, otherwise the walk can take around 30 minutes. After completing and passing through Uzbekistan immigration, head outside the building to meet your guide who will be waiting with your name on a board. From here, drive approximately 120 kilometres to your hotel in Bukhara. The journey takes around one and a half hours down paved, country roads into old Bukhara. (B)

Overnight – Paradise Plaza or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting your exploration of Bukhara. Bukhara was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West and a major medieval centre for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries. Spend your day in fascinating Old Bukhara which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Explore Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Magoki-Attori Mosque, madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, trade domes, Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Chor-Minor Madrasah and others. Today will involve approx. 3-4km total over the space of 8-9 hours. During that time you will stop for lunch as well as having coffee and tea stops along with photo stops. (B)

Overnight – Paradise Plaza or similar

This morning, you’ll set off for Khiva, journeying through the vast Kyzylkum Desert. This historic route follows the path once taken by the Great Silk Road, which linked the ancient cities of Bukhara and Khiva across the same sweeping desert landscape.  Enroute you will stop at the Amudaryo riverbank.

Upon arrival into Khiva, check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Overnight – New Star Khiva or similar

Step into Khiva, a masterpiece of desert architecture and a former capital of ancient Khorezm. A UNESCO-listed gem, the walled city of Ichan Kala is home to over 60 historical monuments. Spend the day delving into the soul of Khiva, where history unfolds through towering minarets, intricate tilework, and ancient courtyards.

Admire the elegance of the Mukhammad Amin Khan and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasahs and stand before the imposing Kalta Minor Minaret, an iconic structure of Khiva’s ancient city. Marvel at the splendour of Toshkhovli Palace and pay homage at the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Wander the Juma Mosque where 218 carved pillars cast shifting patterns of light. If you are feeling energetic, you may take the time to climb Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. Explore the fortified Kunya Ark from where you will get the best panoramic views of Old Khiva. Today you will be on your feet for around 7-8 hours, walking approx. 2-3 km, with frequent stops. (B)

Overnight – New Star Khiva or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Urgench Airport (40km, 50min) for departure flight HY-52 to Tashkent (09:20-10:40). Upon arrival you will begin your explorations of Tashkent’s deep-rooted history and vibrant culture. You will start in the old City part of Tashkent with the Khast-Imam Complex where the world-famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. In Khast-Imam, visit Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.  Next, immerse yourself in Chorsu Bazaar, a marketplace thriving since the Middle Ages, where stalls overflow with spices, fresh produce, and intricate handicrafts. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products of their own production. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products they have grown or crafted themselves. The market is covered by seven domes tiled with coloured ceramic designs, and stalls spill out into the surrounding streets. Mingle with locals as they bargain and barter, and let your senses take over as you inhale the aromas of different eastern spices, vegetables and fruits.

Continuing on, you will also visit Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical monuments of Tashkent. Then descend into the Tashkent Metro, a masterpiece in itself where each station unfolds like a subterranean palace adorned with mosaics, chandeliers, and elaborate murals. Once you have arrived into the city centre, explore Amir Timur Square, and Independence Square. You will then visit the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the elegant former residence of a Tsarist diplomat, where Uzbekistan’s most exquisite craftsmanship comes to life. Admire intricate ceramics, vibrant textiles, and masterful wood carvings that tell the story of the nation’s artistic heritage.  Afterwards, continue to your hotel for check in. (B)

Overnight – Inspira-S Hotel or similar

This morning, transfer to the train station for the Afrosiyob train (07:52 – 10:22 or 08:29-10:53) to Samarkand. A UNESCO listed city, Samarkand has long enchanted travellers and its history is rich with upheavals, from the time of Alexander the Great and the Arab Conquest to Genghis Khan’s invasion and, most notably, the reign of Tamerlane. As a result, Samarkand’s culture is a unique blend of Iranian, Indian, Mongolian, and influences from both Western and Eastern worlds.

Marvel at the iconic Registan Square, bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas, and a true highlight of Uzbekistan. Registan, meaning “Sandy Place”, was a medieval commercial centre and a place where royal decrees were announced and public executions were performed.  The grand Madrassahs – Ulugh Beg, Sherdor, and Tilla-Kari – date back to the 15th and 17th centuries, and each have an expansive inner courtyard, with many of the ground-level student rooms now repurposed into small shops offering local handicrafts. While at Sherdor Madrassah, meaning “with Lions” – a name inspired by the lion like beasts which are depicted in the tiled mosaics above its entrance – you will enjoy a mini concert and mini lecture about national instruments.

Next you will visit the Happy Bird Craft Centre, located within a converted caravanserai, where you will meet with local artists. Continue to Bibi Khanym Mosque which in the 15th century, was one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the world. Explore the Siyob Bazaar, bustling with local life.

Continue to Shah-i-Zinda – the “Tomb of the Living King” – a necropolis in the north-eastern part of Samarkand housing an avenue of Mausoleums featuring some of the richest tile works of the city. Legend has it that Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is buried here. Note that there is a concrete stairway of around 36 stairs that is needed to be climbed to access the mausoleums.

This evening, you will return to Registan Square to see it illuminated at night. (Breakfast box).

Overnight – Emirkhan Hotel or similar

Continue your explorations of Samarkand today starting with the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – the final resting place for Timur (Tamerlane), his two sons and two grandsons. Next is the Afrosiyob Musem, located at the historic site of Afrosiyob – an ancient neighbouring city of Samarkand that was flattened by Genghis Khan’s armies in the 13^th century. Continuing on, visit the Ulegbek Observatory, one of the finest in the Islamic World, followed by the Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum (Saint Daniil), one of the most famous religious sites in Samarkand, was built in the time of Tamerlane in 1900. (B)

Overnight – Emirkhan Hotel or similar

After breakfast, drive to Shakhrisabz (90km), the motherland of Amir Timur the Great who was born in the village of Hoja Ilghar in 1336. The city became one of the first major centres of the Timurid dynasty, before Samarkand replaced it as the empire’s capital. Start by visiting Aksarai Palace, whose construction was started in 1380 and lasted for 24 years. Continue to Dorus Saodat complex which arose after the death of Jakhangir, the eldest son of Amir Temur in 1376.

Next you will explore Dorut Tilovat Complex, a religious and memorial complex which includes Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, Gumbazi Sayidon, and the Mausoleum of Jakhangir. Visit Hazrati Imom mosque – a 19th-century building most probably linking to Abu Abdulla Muhammad ibn Nasr al Keshi, a local holy man in the 9th century, whose corpse, legend says, Tamerlane brought back from Baghdad. Finally visit the Crypt of Temurlane – found by archaeologists in 1941. Amir Temur had requested to be buried here, however at the time of his death, the mountain pass between Samarkand and Shakhrisabz was covered by snow and so he had to be buried in Samarkand against his wishes. Afterwards, return to Samarkand. (B)

Overnight – Emirkhan Hotel or similar

This morning visit Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum (Saint Daniil), one of the most famous religious sites in Samarkand, built in the time of Tamerlan in 1900. Continue to Hazrat Hizr Mosque (Hazret-Khizr, Hazrat-Khizra), built in the XIX century. Stop at the Khudjum Carpet Factory where you will witness all stages of silk carpets creation, from unwinding the silkworm cocoon to drawing carpet ornament.

This afternoon, transfer to the train station and take Afrosiyob train (16:51-19:17) to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, you will transfer to your hotel. (B)

Overnight – Inspira S Hotel

You will have a free morning before transferring to Tashkent International Airport for your flight to Bishek, Kyrgyzstan, departing at 15:20. Upon arrival into Bishkek you will transfer to your hotel, and have the evening at leisure. (B) 

Overnight – Plaza Hotel or similar

In the morning, depart for Ala-Archa National Park (40km). The stunning alpine gorge is pushed through with the fast-flowing Ala-Archa River runs. The gorge is flanked by tall, snow-covered peaks with steep-sided, forested, mountain slopes. Enjoy a moderate hike in the gorge (approx. 5-6km, 2hrs). Return to Bishkek where the remainder of the day is free at leisure. This evening you will enjoy dinner with a traditional folklore show. (B,D)

Overnight – Plaza Hotel or similar

Today you will be driving to Son-Kul Lake, approx. 350km (6-7hrs driving). Enroute, visit Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun that dates back to the 11th century. Here you can see the remains of city and visit the small museum with contains artefacts found during the excavations.

Continue to Son-Kul Lake, one of the highest lakes in Kyrgyzstan at 3016m above sea level and a place where you can experience true nomadic life. You will have a chance to ride a horse (paid locally), see edelweiss flowers, camels, yaks, and golden eagles, and see how local women make the Kyrgyz national drink – Kymyz (mare’s milk). This is a remote mountain lake situated on a treeless, high mountain plateau where shepherds bring their livestock in the summertime and establish a camp where they will live for the season and set up their yurts. In this area of beauty, you will see hundreds of herds of animals and their shepherds as well as many different yurts. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Yurt camp

Spend a relaxing free morning at Son-Kul Lake, where you might like to do some light hiking. Lunch will be at the yurt cam, and then you will drive to Kochkor Village (approx. 200 km, 3-4 hours). Upon arrival into Kochkor Village, check into your hotel. (B,L,D) 

Overnight – Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar

Drive to Jety-Oguz gorge along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way stop, in Bokonbaevo, where you will see an eagle hunting show. Continue driving to Karakol where one of the best views on the Issyk-Kul Lake is guaranteed. Stop at Jety-Oguz gorge where you will enjoy a short hike of approx. 1 hour (2-3km) in the gorge. This afternoon in Karakol you will visit Dungan Mosque, built in Chinese style, and a wooden Orthodox Church that is one of the oldest in the Central Asian region. Dinner this evening is with in Uigur family where you will try traditional cuisine. Total driving time today is approx. 280km, 5-6hrs. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Green Yard Hotel or similar

This morning drive to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border Kordai. After completing border formalities and crossing the border, you will drive to Saty village. Upon arrival, you will change vehicles to AWD local cars, such as “UAZ” or “PAZ” (Russian car models), which are fully capable to cover the uneven mountain road (12km, 1hr) that leads you to beautiful Kaindy Lake.

Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000m above sea level. It was formed in 1911 after a powerful earthquake triggered a landslide that blocked the valley, creating a natural dam and flooding the area. The water in the lake is very cold and the chilling temperatures preserve the pine needles of the flooded trees which are clearly visible through the crystal-clear surface of the water. Dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of a submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words the mystical splendour of the lake. After walking around the lake, return to Saty settlement to freshen up and enjoy dinner. (B,D)

Overnight – Kolsai Grand Hotel or similar

The Kolsai Lakes, known as the ‘Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan’, represent a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible to all travellers and is the most beautiful lake, with a lack of civilisation and an abundance of wild mushrooms. For those who are horse lovers, there is the option to explore on horseback (paid locally). The highest lake is small and located on the border between fir forest and alpine meadows, a location of harsh alpine beauty and rich in flora and fauna. The vertical drop between the three lakes is about 700m and the lowest lake is accessible by vehicle. Walk a few kilometres along mountain trails to see the second and third lakes which will certainly be a highlight. This area is rich in berries and mushrooms, and an incredible location for fishing. The water in the lakes is cold and clean and is home to the rainbow trout – a fish that lives only in running or spring water. In the surrounding mountains, you can see many birds, and these mountains are also the home to marals (a relative of the red deer) mountain goats, wolves and even bears.

Having arrived at Kolsay-1 Lake and after brief instructions, you will start trekking. The route lies on the bank of the lake and continues with a path through the pine forest and alpine meadows, following a pure mountain river that flows all the way down from Kolsai-2 Lake. The total walking distance between the two lakes is about 7 km and usually takes 3-3.5 hours one way. The altitude rises more than 400m, from 1818m above sea level at the first lake to 2250 m at the second lake. Enjoy your lunch at the lakefront, surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks. An afternoon walk returns you to Kolsai-1 Lake, and from there you will drive back to your hotel. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Kolsai Grand Hotel of similar

Start travel to Almaty (320 km, about 5-6 hours of drive). Enroute you will stop at Charyn Canyon.  Upon arrival, admire the grand panorama and go down to the bottom of the canyon to walk around 2km through the maze of the Valley of the Castles.

Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique in its kind not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during the Paleogene and reminds you of the Grand Canyon in North America, although inferior to it in size. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon is up to 150-300m. The extraordinary dissection of the terrain is striking: the numerous ravines form a dense, chaotic network. Wind and water have created the beautiful ‘Valley of Castles’, where you are always surrounded by fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley is more than 2km and its width is 20-80m. For millions of years, nature has been creating a unique architecture, erecting magnificent castles carefully and slowly. You can spend hours walking amongst the strange towers and columns, being absorbed in the wild imagination of nature.

The bottom of the canyon has a slight descent to the end of the walk, where you will reach the fresh oasis on the banks of the icy cold Charyn River. Here there is a small eco-park with several yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open air café, operating in the summer months. Relax and take in the surrounding beauty before walking back and driving to one of the observation points for another breathtaking panoramic view. After spending several hours in the canyon, you will depart to Karakol (200 km). (B)

Overnight – KazZhol Park Hotel or similar

This morning, drive to Issyk Lake, an extension of the northern Tien Shan. Formed nearly 8,000 years ago by a colossal landslide, the lake rests at an altitude of 1,756 metres and is surrounded by thick alpine forests and rugged mountain slopes. The road into the gorge follows the path of the ancient Silk Road, offering insight into the region’s historical role in connecting East and West. Issyk Lake’s vivid turquoise hue is the result of glacial meltwater enriched with minerals, a striking contrast against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and pine-covered hills. You will go on a peaceful hike around the shoreline (6-8km, 2-3hrs – moderate difficulty) which reveals dramatic cliffs and quiet forest trails -ideal for soaking in the stillness and crisp alpine air.

On the way back to the town, you will visit a Falcon Farm, where you will enjoy a spectacular show with specially trained falcons – hunting with them is one of the most unique features of the Kazakh way of life and an age-old tradition still practised today both here and in the west of Mongolia. (B,L)

Overnight – KazZhol Park Hotel or similar

This morning, explore Almaty, starting with Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral (also known as Ascension Cathedral) is located. Constructed in 1907, it features incredible craftmanship, being constructed entirely without nails. Visit the Museum of Musical Instruments, before continuing to Central Square and Green Bazar, the local market.

You will transfer to the airport at around 12:30pm for your flight to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, departing at 15:35 and arriving at 17:30 (subject to change). Upon arrival into Dushanbe, transfer to your hotel where you will have dinner. (B,D)

Overnight – Serena Hotel or similar

Explore Dushanbe city this morning, starting with a visit to the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities with exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations: the Greek, Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian periods. The most notable piece in the museum is the largest, fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue. Next on the itinerary is a stop at the Ismail Samani monument, honouring the first king of Tajiks and the founder of the Samanid State, whose influence extended across Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran during the 9th and 10th centuries.

Next on the itinerary is a stop at the Ismail Samani monument, honouring the first king of Tajiks and the founder of the Samanid State, whose influence extended across Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran during the 9th and 10th centuries. Stroll through Central Park, later named Rudaki Park, commemorating the founder of modern Persian poetry during the 9th and 10th centuries. Visit Independence Square, where you can see the second highest Flagpole in the world with 165 m. high. Continue to the Palace of the Nation and the National Library as well as the Tajikistan United Museum which includes collections on history, natural history, and art. Among its most prized exhibits is the “Buddha in Nirvana”.  Continue to the Botanical Gardens, a beautiful garde filled with many old trees that is a favourite place for Tajiks, followed by a Bazaar that is one of the most popular in the city.

You will then drive to Penjikent (260km, 4-5hrs), where you will check into your hotel, where you will also have dinner. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Rudaki Hotel or similar

This morning, visit the Museum of Rudaki. Penjikent is the birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki who is considered by many to be the father of Persian Poetry. Then, explore ancient Penjikent with its ruins of old Sogdian town, founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and a city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins.

You will then drive to the Seven Lakes located in th Shing Valley, at the west of the Fann Mountains. The lakes are Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin lakes (2139m), Khurdak, Marguzor and Hazorchashma lakes (2400m). Each of them has its own colour which varies from a calming turquoise to mesmerising purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma, you will enjoy a picnic lunch. Enjoy some light hiking in this stunning region before driving back to Dushanbe, where you will have dinner at a local restaurant as well as seeing a folklore show. (B, L, D)

Overnight – Serena Hotel or similar

Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward departure. (B)