Ontdekking van Centraal-Azië - 5 Stans

Welcome to Turkmenistan! On arrival in Ashgabat, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

By far the most mysterious and unexplored of Central Asia’s ‘stans, Turkmenistan became famous for the truly bizarre dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov, who ruled as ‘Turkmenbashi’ (‘leader of the Turkmen’) until his death in 2006. Niyazov covered this little-known desert republic with grandiose monuments and golden statues of himself. Although many of these statues have since been dismantled, plenty of visitors still think of Turkmenistan as a sort of totalitarian theme park. But the least-visited of Central Asia’s countries is far more than this – it’s an ancient land of great spirituality, tradition and natural beauty.

After you’ve had a chance to rest, meet the rest of your group and enjoy a late welcome lunch. This afternoon, you will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia which can accommodate around 10,000 worshippers.

After dinner, drive through Ashgabat to see the city illuminated at night, when its grand marble buildings and monuments are dramatically lit. (L,D)

Overnight – Yyldyz Hotel or similar

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)

Please note that whilst the Darvaza Gas Crater remains one of Turkmenistan’s most unique and fascinating sights, travellers should note that the crater is not burning as intensely as it once did. Rather than a single giant fire pit, the flames emerge through smaller vents and cracks where natural gas escapes, creating pockets of fire across the crater floor. The experience is often most impressive after dark, when the glow of the flames becomes far more visible against the night sky. While expectations are sometimes shaped by dramatic images online, the true appeal of Darvaza lies in its eerie atmosphere, remote desert setting, and the rarity of witnessing such an unusual natural phenomenon in person.

Overnight – *Twin-share
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. 4-5 hours due to poor road conditions. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, check into your hotel.

Later today, you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site), described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings.

On the way back, 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. (B)

Overnight – Yyldyz Hotel or similar

This morning, depart Ashgabat for Kow-Ata Underground Lake (approx. 107km from the capital). The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means “father of caves”. The cavern resembles a vast natural chamber, stretching about 230 metres in length, with a height of up to 20 metres and a width reaching 57 metres in places. The cave floor is dotted with limestone formations, and at its centre lies a clear, emerald-coloured thermal lake. The mineral-rich water maintains a constant temperature of around 33–37°C, offering the opportunity for a swim.

Continue to a local home for a Turkmen Hospitality experience, providing an insight into traditional Turkmen culture and daily life. Try on traditional clothing, watch demonstrations of carpet weaving and felt-mat making, and learn to prepare national dishes such as dograma and ishlekli. You will also bake traditional bread and prepare pishme, a fried pastry served with tea. The experience concludes with a shared lunch with the family.

Later, visit the Gökdepe Mosque before continuing to an Akhal-Teke Horse Farm, home to the prized Akhal-Teke horses, one of the oldest and most distinctive horse breeds in the world. Return to Ashgabat in the afternoon. (B,L)

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 at Farap. Once you have crossed the bridge to the Uzbek side, catch another minivan to the Uzbekistan immigration building (around 5,000 UZS 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 Bukhara. On arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel before beginning your exploration of this historic Silk Road city. Bukhara was a prominent stop on the trade route between East and West and a major medieval centre for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassahs, bazaars and caravanserais dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

This afternoon, explore some of the highlights of Old Bukhara, including the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, a focal point of the old city built around a historic water reservoir, the Jewish Synagogue, the trading domes that once formed the commercial heart of Bukhara, Bozori Kord Hammam, Abdullakhan Tim, the Madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, and the impressive Poi Kalyan Complex, home to Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 pm. (B)

Overnight – Paradise Plaza or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before continuing your exploration of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bukhara. Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of the earliest surviving examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia, the elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chor Minor with its distinctive four towers, Magoki-Attori Mosque, the ancient Ark Fortress and Chashma Ayub, a historic site associated with the biblical figure Job.

Today will involve approximately 3–4 kilometres of walking spread throughout the day, with regular breaks for refreshments, photography and lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore Bukhara’s old city at your own pace. (B)

Overnight – Paradise Plaza or similar

This morning, you’ll set off for Khiva, journeying through the vast Kyzylkum Desert (8-9hrs including stops). 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. En route, you will stop at the Amudaryo riverbank.

Upon arrival into Khiva, check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day 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 the 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 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 – Ateca Suites 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 Madrasahs – Ulugh Beg, Sherdor, and Tilla-Kari – date back to the 15th and 17th centuries, and each has an expansive inner courtyard, with many of the ground-level student rooms now repurposed into small shops offering local handicrafts. While at Sherdor Madrasah, 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 needs to be climbed to access the mausoleums.

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

Overnight – Arka Boutique 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 Museum, located at the historic site of Afrosiyob – an ancient neighbouring city of Samarkand that was flattened by Genghis Khan’s armies in the 13th 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, which was built in the time of Tamerlane. (B)

Overnight – Arka Boutique 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 Tamerlane – 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 in snow and so he had to be buried in Samarkand against his wishes. Afterwards, return to
Samarkand. (B)

Overnight – Arka Boutique or similar

This morning, travel to Hazrat Hizr Mosque (Hazret-Khizr, Hazrat-Khizra), built in the XIX century. Stop at the Khujum Carpet Factory, where you will witness all stages of silk carpet creation, from unwinding the silkworm cocoon to drawing carpet ornament.

This afternoon, transfer to the train station and take the Afrosiyob train (16:51-19:17) to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, you will transfer to your hotel. This evening you will enjoy dinner with a traditional folklore show. (B)

Overnight – Ateca Suites

You will have a free morning before transferring to Tashkent International Airport for your flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, departing at 15:20. Upon arrival into Bishkek you will transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant accompanied by a folklore show featuring traditional music and songs. (B,D)

Overnight – Plaza Hotel or similar

In the morning, depart for Ala-Archa National Park (40km). The fast-flowing Ala-Archa River runs through this stunning alpine gorge. 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).

After your hike, continue your journey towards Kochkor. En route, visit Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun that dates back to the 11th century, where you can see the remains of the city and visit the small museum that contains artefacts found during the excavations.

Arrive in Kochkor, a small town known for its traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts and felt-making traditions. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar

Today you will be driving to Son-Kul Lake (2-3hrs via 4WD). Son-Kul Lake is 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.

Enjoy free time at Son-Kul Lake, with the opportunity for walking in the surrounding landscape. There may also be the opportunity to see a demonstration of the traditional horse game Kok-Boru (or Ulak-Tartysh as most local people call it). (B,L,D)

Overnight – Muras Yurt Camp

Today is a longer travel day as you journey from the high mountain pastures of Son-Kul Lake to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. After breakfast, depart from Son-Kul Lake and drive to Kochkor (around 3–4 hours).

Continue from Kochkor to the Tamga area (200 km, around 3-4 hrs drive) along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, stop at Kyzyl-Tuu village, where you can see the traditional production of wooden yurt parts. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Royal Gate Yurt Camp

After breakfast, drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake towards Karakol. On the way stop, in Bokonbaevo, where you will see an eagle hunting show. 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 the Uigur family, where you will try traditional cuisine. Total driving time today is approx. 3.5-4.5hrs with stops. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Green Yard Hotel or similar

Drive to the Kyrgyz Kazakh border at Kegen Border Crossing in the morning (100 km, 2 hr drive). After completing border formalities and crossing the border, continue to Saty village (150 km, 2–3 hours of drive).

Sitting at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains, Saty is best known as the gateway to Kolsai Lakes National Park and Kaindy Lake, two of the most beautiful alpine lake systems in the country. Traditionally a Kazakh pastoral village, Saty is surrounded by open steppe, forests, and mountain valleys where local families still practice livestock herding. Check in to your accommodation and spend the afternoon at leisure. (B)

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.

For those wishing to explore further, there are two options:

Option 1 – Hiking to Kolsai-2:
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.

Option 2 – Horse Riding:
Alternatively, enjoy horse riding in the area around Kolsai-1 Lake (should be arranged in advance and paid locally).

After exploring the lake area, return to Saty village to freshen up and relax. (B)

Overnight – Kolsai Grand Hotel or similar
Total walking distance and time – approx. 14-15km, 6-7hrs

In the morning, you will change vehicles to AWD local cars, such as UAZ or PAZ (Russian car models), which are fully capable of covering the uneven mountain road (12 km, around 1 hour) that leads to Kaindy Lake.

Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is situated among magnificent pine forests at an altitude of 2000 m 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. After viewing the lake, continue your journey to 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. Continue the drive to Almaty. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant (payable locally). (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, 2-3 hours – moderate difficulty), which reveals dramatic cliffs and quiet forest trails -ideal for soaking in the stillness and crisp alpine air. (B)

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

Overnight – Serena Hotel or similar

Explore Dushanbe this morning, starting with a visit to the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities, which houses exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations, including 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 the Tajiks and the founder of the Samanid State, whose influence extended across Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran during the 9^th and 10^th centuries.

Continue to Independence Square, where you can see the second-highest flagpole in the world, rising 165 metres. You will also see the Palace of the Nation and the National Library, followed by a visit to the Tajikistan United Museum, which includes collections on history, natural history, and art. Among its most prized exhibits is the Buddha in Nirvana. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Rudaki Hotel or similar

Drive to the Seven Lakes located in the Shing Valley, 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 returning to your accommodation.

Return to your accommodation in Penjikent (B,L,D)

Overnight – Rudaki Hotel or similar

After breakfast, depart Penjikent and drive towards Hissar (260km, 4-5 hrs). Visit the Hissar Fortress. This impressive site contains the remnants of an 18th-century fortress that remained in use until 1924. Nearby, you’ll find two plain yet culturally significant Madrasahs—one from the 18th century and the other from the 19th. Just beyond these stands a striking 16th-century mausoleum.

After the visit, continue to Dushanbe (60km, 1-2hrs). This evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant accompanied by a show program. (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)