Name of the tour: 5 Brilliant Stans of Central Asia
The best attractions: Almaty, Karakol, Kochkor, Son Kul, Chon Kemin, Bishkek, Osh, Khujand, Penjakent, Samarkand, Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Merv, Ashgabat, Darwaza
Length of the tour: 20 days
Day 1: Almaty
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Today you will arrive to the airport and after that you will accompany to Almaty, the south capital of Kazakhstan. You will start the city tour at 10:00 where you will have a chance to observe the best attractions, discover the interesting sites. The tour will take about (5-6 hours). And the first destination of the day will be the Green Bazaar! Here you can buy a lot of interesting products, enjoy the atmosphere, explore the colorful rows and bargain to get a good discount. Don’t miss a chance to take fabulous photos! Then you will explore the historically important spot as the old Panfilov Park. Along the way you will have a chance to see the remarkable building called Zenkov Cathedral. Here you will explore Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame which were established in honor of the soldiers who fought for the honor of the Motherland. Moreover you will explore the outstanding attraction Medeo Gorge. There you will have an opportunity to enjoy the skating and try your skill. There are located skating rink and the dam that protecting the city from the landslides. After that you will head to the next destination Kok-Tobe hill! Walking here you can see the park, enjoy the path, see the charming panorama of the city, do not miss the opportunity to visit the shops and also buy souvenirs. There is located the tallest TV tower in the world. The tour will be finished with the riding from the famous cableway from the top of the park to the center of the city. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Kegen border – Karakol
The tour starts at 09:00. In the morning you will transfer to Natural Park Charyn Canyon. You will be able to learn during the tours that this canyon was formed about 12 million years ago, with the help of wind, rain and sun. This canyon is known for its interesting and attractive forms, which look like fairy-tale towers and castles. Exploring the canyon, you can see the flora and fauna here. Your tours will be interesting as you will be able to get acquainted with the customs and traditions, immerse yourself in the culture and history of Kazakhstan. Once you arrive at the canyon you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery, take many beautiful photos and also explore the area. Your tour will definitely be interesting, and the moments will stay with you for the rest of your life. After that, your journey will continue and you will go to the border of Kegen.
Day 3: Karakol – Kochkor
Our team is happy to provide you the next day of the interesting tour. Today you will transfer to the village Kochkor. During the tour you will explore the fascinating site called as Jeti Oguz gorge that means as Seven Bulls. Here you can marvel at the amazing scenery, enjoy the beautiful views of the red rocks. Along the way, you will be able to see the mountain Broken heart and take photos. Here you can marvel at the panoramic views of the gorge, enjoy the beauty and purity of nature. After that, your tour will continue with a trip to the village of Bokonbayevo. Here you can meet a local eagle hunter, who will be able to tell you about the ancient methods of hunting. So you can explore how he uses the eagle to hunt foxes, hares and many other animals. Then you will arrive in the village of Kochkor, where your overnight stay will be in home stay.
Day 4: Kochkor – Son Kul Lake
Today is the wonderful day and you will transfer to the spectacular lake Son Kul Lake. You will notice that is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan that is located at the altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. The lake will inspire you and you will have a chance to make a lot of fabulous photos. You will be able to see that the lake has a lot of charm, rich in flora and fauna, as well as see the charm of the mountains that surround the mountains. During the tours, you will be able to explore what nomads come here, who come to the pastures in the summer. After arriving, you can take a walk here, enjoy the nature, and take photos. Your overnight stay will be in the yurts, which are made of a wooden frame and covered with a felt carpet.
Day 5: Son Kul Lake – Chon Kemin
After breakfast you will travel to the wonderful Chon Kemin village. During the tour you will have a chance to see the picturesque Kalmak Ashu pass that is 3 225 meters high. You will have a chance to take pictures on the way! Than you will break at Kochkor village. Here you will meet the local family that will show you how to create the national felt carpet. This thing is very interesting and popular among the Kyrgyz. Don’t miss an opportunity to explore a small handicraft museum. It stores silver decorations, coats made of wolfs, horse saddle decorations, carpets and many others. Than you will head to Chon Kemin village/. The noght will be spent in the house of a Kyrgyz family.
Day 6: Chon Kemin – Bishkek
After breakfast you are going to have Today you will have amazing 3 hours of horse riding. You will enjoy here the fabulous gorges and mountains. Along the way you will admire the spectacular beauty of mountain forests and marvel at the panorama of the gorge. During the tour you will take many colorful photos and remember this day. After that you will be taken to the capital city of Kyrgyzstan- Bishkek. Along the way you will break at the important site as Burana Tower. You will be able to explore that the tower was built in the 11th century by the Karakhanids, and also on the Great Silk Road was a significant structure. In the past, the tower was in the city of Balasagyn, the capital of the Karakhanids. Here you can see the open-air museum, see the old ruins, and the Balbals that were built in honor of the warriors who gave their lives defending the country. Then you will go to Bishkek. Your night will be at the hotel.
Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
After breakfast you are going to have a city tour in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. In course of the tour you will observe the best attractions such as the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and other fascinating sites. Today you will continue tour with an interesting driving to Ala Archa that is located 45 km from Bishkek. Walking here in the tour you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery, enjoy the flora and fauna, and also be able to explore the beautiful scenery. You will have a great chance to enjoy the photos. You will be able to explore that the gorge is located in the Tien Shan Mountains. But in the past, in Soviet times, people could not explore the territory of the mountains and entry was prohibited. After that, you will return to Bishkek. Your night will be at the hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek – Osh
In the morning you will transfer to the airport for a flight to the ancient city Osh. Upon arrival to the south capital of Kyrgyzstan Osh, you will have a city tour. You are going to explore one of the most the pilgrimage site Suleiman Mountain. Sulaiman-Too is a sacred mountain, which is located within the city of Osh. In translation, the mountain means "The Throne of Solomon". Sulaiman-Too is a sacred mountain, which is located within the city of Osh. In translation, the mountain means "The Throne of Solomon". Mount Sulaiman-Too is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyrgyzstan. According to legend, the prophet was buried at the foot of the mountain. A lot of people come here to ask God for their most cherished wishes. You will also have a chance to visit the vivid site called as the Asian Bazaar. Here you will buy interesting souvenirs, fresh fruits and vegetables. You will also take a lot of photos! You are going to spend the night in the hotel.
Day 9: Osh – Kyrgyz-Tajik border Guliston – Khudjand
This day you will transfer to Tajik border. During the tour you will be inspired by the spectacular passes and mountains. Than you will transfer through Batken region. Along the way you will observe apricot trees and marvel at the beauty of unique flower called Aigul. After that you will meet Tajik driver and drive to Khujand city. You will be able to explore that it is the second largest city in Tajikistan. The city itself is located on the Syr Darya River in the Ferghana Valley. The population is about 149,000 people. You can see that it is the capital of the northern province of Tajikistan. Now it is called Sughd. In the second part of the tour you will observe Cultural Palace of Khujant. There was elected the first president of Tajikistan. Then you will transfer to Central Mosque. You will see that the mosque located in the heart of the city. You will rest the night in the hotel.
Day 10: Khudjand – Penjakent
In the morning you transfer to Penjakent via fabulous pass Shahriston (3 378 m). The first settlements on the territory of present-day Penjikent appeared more than 5.5 thousand years ago. It is recognized as one of the oldest in Central Asia. Initially, five villages were located on the site of the city, which gave it its name, because Penjikent is translated as "Five villages". The ruins of the old town are located on the outskirts of the modern city. Saratskiy important ornithological reserve is located downstream from the city on the green river floodplain. It is famous for its attractions and architectural monuments. There were a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods, but the ruins of this city were found only in the last century. You will have a chance to explore the wonderful remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers’ church. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo border – Samarkand
This day you will transfer to Jartepo border at 10:00 and travel to Samarkand (45km). Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, comfortably located in the flowery valley of the Zeravshan River. It is one of the three largest and most populous cities in Uzbekistan. It is one of the oldest cities that dates back more than 2,500 years and is on a par with Rome and Babylon. You will have a chance to explore today the most outstanding sites as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan is a huge square in the heart of Samarkand, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, you will be amazed by its grandeur of mausoleums that date back to the 15th-17th centuries. Shakhi Zinda will amaze you with the mausoleums of 11-15 centuries, which are also on the UNESCO list of cultural heritage protection. Bibi Khanum Mosque a grandiose memorial in Samarkand, a monument to the history of the XV century, a religious sanctuary in Asia. The architectural masterpiece is a complex of buildings and was built in honor of Tamerlane's beloved wife. Night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 12: Samarkand – Tashkent
Today you will star the tour with amazing travelling to the capital city of Uzbekistan-Tashkent by train. This day is dedicated to a city tour. You are going to explore the first destination Independence square. You can find out that this is one of the most important squares of the country, which was built in honor of the victory in the Second World War after Fascism. Here you can take a walk and see the beautiful sights and fountains. Further you will head to the amazing local Broadway and walk along it. Here you will have a chance to see the amazing souvenir shops, cafes. And this street joins 2 main squares of the capital. Moreover you will visit the fabulous Tashkent metro. It was created in 1977. Along the tour you will have a chance to ride in it and take fascinating photos. After that you will discover the old part of the city as Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam. The Hast Imam complex consists of madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. You will observe here the fascinating artifact the Othman Quran. It is the ancient Quran copy (8th century). You are going to rest the night in the hotel.
Day 13: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
After breakfast you will transfer to Urgench by plane and then transfer to Khiva. This will be very interesting tour that will amaze you. Today you will discover the inner city of Khiva called Ichan-Qala surrounded with strong walls. Here you can find old sound buildings, palaces, mosques; Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses that made Ichan-Qala into unique city-monument. During the tour, you will be able to explore that there are about 60 architectural monuments and about 400 traditional residential buildings. As you know, in 1969, Ichan Kala became a historical and architectural reserve. During the tour you will explore the Kunya-Ark fortress dates back to 17th century. After that you will visit Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. This is Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 14: Khiva – Bukhara
This day you will drive to fascinating city of Uzbekistan, Bukhara. Here you will have a chjance to overlook the fabulous 140 architectural monuments. Bukhara is the most revered of the cities of Central Asia. This is the fifth largest city in Uzbekistan, a city with buildings of a muted color, like everything in the desert, with elegant blue domes. Here you will marvel at the town museum, stroll along the narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments that were built in different tomes. Then you will be transferred from Khiva to Bukhara through the fabulous Kizilkum desert. During the tour you will have a chance to fascinate the enchanting views of Amu Darya River. You will notice that is the longest river in Central Asia. After that you will arrive to Bukhara. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 15: Bukhara
Our team is glad to show you the interesting tour in fascinating city Bukhara. The tour starts with the city tour where you will discover the most ancient citadel in Bukhara − Citadel Ark. T This unique architectural structure is the ancient fortress of Ark, towering on the central square of the old city. The Ark Citadel (IV century BC-XX century) is the oldest monument of archeology, history and culture of Bukhara, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Further you will discover Samanids mausoleum that is the real masterpiece of the 9th-10th century. You will also explore the new destination as Chashma Ayub. Here you can see Holy spring of the prophet job. Don’t miss a chance to visit the Bolo Hauz mosque, hat is one of the most important sites in Bukhara. Our guests will be offered to see the shopping domes and buy some souvenirs. Then you will explore the amazing spot madrasahs of Bukhara − Nodir Divan Begi. You will know during the tour that is the part of Lyabi House Ensemble. You will finish the tour with exploring Poi Kalon complex. Our clients will have a chance to explore here three structures built in the 12th − 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. This night will be spent in the hotel.
Day 16: Bukhara – Farab border – Mary/Merv
This day our guests will be happy to transfer to amazing Turkmenistan border near Turkmenabad. You are going to get acquainted with the local guide at the Turkmen/Uzbek border and transfer to Turkmenabad city. After that you will have the fascinating excursion to Mary city. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 17: Mary – Ashgabat
This day you will transfer from the hotel to Mary city. You are going to explore the fascinating Ancient Merv it is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, which existed in the old delta of the Murghab River, near the city of Bayramali, 30 km east of the modern city of Mary (Turkmenistan). You can learn that in ancient times Merv played a significant role in the Great Silk Road and was an interesting city. Here you can find a lot of highlights as mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd. It was founded in the 12th century, which was famous for being very large of architectural ornamentation and brickwork. The mausoleum was built in 1140 AD, and in 1157 Sanjar was buried in it, but in 1221 the ashes of the sultan were reburied in an unknown place. Then you will drive to Ashgabat city. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 18: Ashgabat – Darwaza
This day you will start the tour at 08:00. Then you will transfer to the the Gas Crater – Darwaza. You will learn in the tour of Turkmenistan that this is a beautiful place in the world. It is located in the northern part of Ashgabat. You will be able to find out that this is a mysterious place, which in the evening you will be able to see fantastic views, and enjoy interesting views of the craters. You will have a great opportunity to see amazing views and take interesting photos. Our team promises you will like this tour. The overnight is in the tent.
Day 19: Darwaza – Ashgabat
This is the last day of your fascinating tour. And you will travel to Ashgabat City. You are going to explore today the amazing “Old Nisa” in ancient time it was the capital of Parhian Kings. During the tour you will know that it is the part of UNESCO site. After that you will observe the interesting attraction as “Gypjak” Mosque and Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan. You will rest the night in the hotel.
Day 20: Flight
Morning transfer to airport.
Transport in KZ and KG:
02 pax – Sedan (KZ) or Mitsubishi Delica (KG)
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter
Transport in TJ:
02-02 pax – Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax – 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax – 3 cars: Hyundai Starex
Transport in UZ:
02 pax – Sedan
04-06 pax – Minivan
08-10 pax – Minibus
Transport in TM:
02 pax – Sedan
04-10 pax – Minibus 14 seats
Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 3 085 $
04 pax – 2 215 $
06 pax – 1 890 $
08 pax – 1 660 $
10 pax – 1 670 $
Single – 355 $
Early check-in – 25 $
Single early check-in – 45 $
Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 3 320 $
04 pax – 2 470 $
06 pax – 2 140 $
08 pax – 1 910 $
10 pax – 1 870 $
Single – 540 $
Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 70 $
Half board – 240 $*
Full board – 490 $*
Entrance fees – 55 $*
Meals and entrance fees are available with escort guide only.*
Supplement for escort guide in Uzbekistan – 350 $ per group
Tashkent – Urgench flight – from 80 $
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3* / “KazZhol” Hotel 4*
Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
Kochkor – Homestay
Son Kul – Yurts, “Nomad’s Dream” camp (4 pax in 1)
Chon Kemin – Homestay
Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4* /“Plaza” Hotel 4*
Osh – “Sun Rise” Hotel 3*/ “Classic” Hotel 4*
Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
Penjikent – “Sugd” Hotel 3
Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*/ “Diyora” Hotel 4*
Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*/ “Ramada” Hotel 4*
Khiva – “Old Khiva” Hotel 3*/ “Lokomotiv” Hotel 4*
Bukhara – “Porso” Hotel 3*/ “Omar Khayam” Hotel 4*
Mary – “Mary” Hotel 3*/ “Merv” Hotel 4*
Ashgabat – “Menzil” Hotel 3*/ “Ak Altyn” Hotel 4*
Darwaza – Tents
- Visa support to TM
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Train tickets Samarkand – Tashkent
- English speaking local guides in UZ
- English speaking escort guides in KZ, KG, TJ, TM
- Flight tickets Bishkek – Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg)
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Tashkent – Urgench flight
- Migration tax (12 $ + 4 $bank fee)
- Fees for using cameras on monuments