Tours
The Stans of Central Asia - for thousands of years, these lands were sought after and conquered by some of the world's greatest leaders from Alexander, Attila, Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, Babur, Cyrus, and Darius of ancient Persia. Today it is the world's greatest adventure seekers who are drawn to these exotic lands of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Lands filled with harsh deserts, towering snow-capped peaks, ancient cities and fortresses with exotic cultures.
Our extensive 24 days tour will take you through all the STAN countries and introduce to their unique history, traditions and culture. You will learn a lot about life, culture and the history of people living in the heart of Asia. Journey past giant burning gas pits, intrinsically tiled mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colourful markets on this epic trip through the heart of Central Asia.
Uzbekistan is one of the most common reasons why people visit Central Asia. With its distinctively beautiful Central Asian turquoise mosques and rich history, Uzbekistan more or less defines Central Asia when one talks about the region. And like the rest of the region, much of its beauty lies in its friendly people. We will start our journey from Tashkent that serves as a regional transport hub for visiting all 5 Central Asian countries. In Tashkent we will visit complex of Khast-Imam where one of Islam's most sacred relics - the world's oldest Koran that was compiled only 19 years after Muhammad's death. In the southern part of country we will visit ancient Buddhist monuments and will learn that Zorooastrianism was probably originated here.
We will visit some of the oldest cities in the world such as the legendary Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Each one boasts a glorious architectural legacy that is simply dazzling. In Samarkand you will enjoy its famous Registan square and have a look at th burial place of one of the world's most ruthless conquerors - Tamerlane. Your trip to Fergana valley, land of hereditary craftsmen will be unforgettable, and also will visit the Palace of the Khudayar Khan in the former capital city of the Kokand Khanate, and in Rishtan you will have a chance to see the most famous pottery of Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan's stunning mountains and a nomadic horse-riding culture are its main assets. Kyrgyzstan is quite simply one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The Mountains of Heaven that stretch majestically across its length and breadth are lush, high and wild, dissected by sweeping steppe lands, primal forests and turquoise lakes. Memories of the time spent on the sunny beaches of the Issyk-Kul Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains will be one of the brightest ones taken from the trip. There you will also see ancient petroglyphs in the open-air museum that is sometimes called 'A Stone Garden'.
Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, is undoubtedly the most economically advanced of the Central Asian ‘stans’. Rich in oil and minerals, the country has undergone a transformation in recent years that has seen it emerge from the windblown steppes of Asia to become the dominant presence in the region.
Tajikistan's mountains are spectacular and the way of life is simple. It is a destination that promises adventure and a real sense of discovery, places like Penjikent and the old Uzbek town of Khujand are high on the list of must-see highlights. In Tajikistan you will have an excursion to Khujand, visit to the fortress of Timur-Malik that was considered as one of the unassailable fortresses in Central Asia but was assaulted by Genghis Khan army; and you will also stopover the mosque and madrasah of Shaikh Muslihiddin, the ruler of Khujand and a poet living in the 12th century. We will ride along the mountain route through a picturesque pass Anzob (3300 meters above the sea level). Once in Dushanbe we will make a short trip to the most important landmarks of Tajikistan - Hissar Fortress that is believed to be 2,500 years old.
Turkmenistan, The ‘North Korea’ of Central Asia, shrouded in mystery, a country of wonders and contrasts, will amaze your imagination with the monuments of one of the biggest cities of the ancient world - Merv, a desert city stacked by Genghis Khan. Our journey will leads us to Ashgabat, the splendid capital of Turkmenistan, built predominantly of white marble.
If you like riding, come for the famed Akhal-Teke horses, the predecessors of Arabian breed. In Kunya-Urgench, the ancient capital of the Khorezm Khanate, you will learn its fascinating history. Being a major cultural and shopping center during the Middle Ages it gave shelter to Ibn-Sino, Beruni and other well-known thinkers of that time. In 1221 the city regarded as "the heart of Islam " rebelled against Genghis Khan and was destroyed by Mongols.
- — Combine cultural highlights and natural beauty of Central Asia in one tour
- — Visit diverse towns in all Central Asian countries
- — Trace the ancient Silk Road through Central Asia as you journey to Ashgabat, Nisa, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khujand, Tashkent, Bishkek, and Almaty
- — Shop in oriental bazaars for a wonderful insight into daily life and mingle with the locals
- — Visit historic mosques, including the Tillya Sheikh Mosque with the world’s oldest Koran
- — Admire Islamic architecture, browse bustling bazaars and take tea adjacent to the beautiful pool of Lyab-i-Khauz in Bukhara
- — Visit Khiva - the most romantic city on the Silk Road, a UNESCO protected site and perhaps the most perfectly preserved of all the Silk Road cities
- — Discover the cultural gem of the Silk Road and visit the awe-inspiring restored madrassas standing on three sides of Registan Square in Samarkand
- — Visit remote regions with stunning mountains and valleys
- — Experience Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tajik, Turkmen and Russian cultures
Arrive to Tashkent. You will be met by company's representative and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start 'Central Asian stretch of Silk Road' tour with a sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia.
Visit Old City part of Tashkent with 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. Explore Chorsu bazar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to city center to explore Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Drive to Fergana Valley (320 km drive till Fergana city). The steep road which connects Fergana Valley with the rest of Uzbekistan runs via picturesque mountain pass Kamchik (2267 m above sea level). The first stop will be in the city of Kokand where you will visit the Khudoyar Khan Palace, Jami Mosque, Kamol-Kazy Madrasah, Norbut-biy Madrasah. Head to Rishtan town to visit a pottery workshop. Continue driving to Fergana city. Visit Akhmad Al-Fergani Park in Fergana. Check in to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
In the morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan border point. Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. In Kyrgyzstan meet your local guide and driver and continue to Osh. Have a short city tour in Osh founded by King Solomon 3000 years ago as legends say. Visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), National Museum of History and Archaeology, and Osh bazaar located at that same place since the time when Osh was an important trading center on the Great Silk Road. In the afternoon transfer to the local airport for flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
After breakfast transfer to the Ala-Archa National Park (40 km, 50 min.) which attracts visitors with its beautiful mountain scenery and hiking trails. Fast flowing Ala-Archa River runs through the alpine gorge surrounded by snowy peaks with steep forested slopes. Enjoy free time or a hike in the park. In the afternoon return to Bishkek for city tour. Visit Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas. See Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
In the morning transfer to Issyk-Kul Lake (260 km, 4 h.). On the way stop to see Burana tower, the remnants of the ancient city Balasagun (11-13th centuries). Continue driving to Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world (1600 m above sea level). Arrival at the lake, accommodation in a hotel at the North Coast of Issyk-Kul.
After breakfast transfer to Cholpon-Ata where you will see petroglyphs, the rock carvings under the open sky, visit Ethnographical Museum. Continue to Bishkek (280 km, 4 h.). Arrive in Bishkek, free time. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast depart Bishkek and drive to Almaty (250 km, 4 h.). Cross Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border. Continue travelling to Almaty via a newly built highway, see natural landscapes on the way. Arrive in Almaty in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start the sightseeing tour in Almaty: visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Central State Museum and Republic Square. Enjoy panoramic view at Kok-Tobe Hill, visit Medeo Gorge. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Breakfast. You will have some free time until transfer to the airport to fly to Tashkent (672 km, 1 h. 40 min.). Arrival in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Oybek-Fotekhobod (100 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Meet Tajik local guide and driver and drive to Khujand (70 km, 1 h.). Sightseeing in Khujand: Republican Historical-Ethnographic Museum, Timur Malik Fortress, Archeological Museum, Mosque and Madrasah of Sheikh Muslehiddin, Panjshanbe Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
In the morning depart Khujand and drive to Dushanbe (270 km, 5 h.). The mountain road goes via picturesque Anzob pass (3300 m above sea level). Arrive in Dushanbe and start a city tour: Mosque of Hoji Yakub, National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, Gurminj Musical Instruments Museum, Ismail Somoni Monument, and Rudaki Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Transfer to Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border Bratstvo-Sariosiyo (70 km, 1 h.), on the way visit Hissar Fortress where you will see Madrasah Kuhna. Continue driving to the border. Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. On Uzbekistan side meet your local guide and driver. Transfer to Termez (180 km, 2 h. and 30 min.). In the afternoon have a short sightseeing tour in Termez: visit Archeology Museum and Mausoleum of Al-Hakim at-Termezi. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
Continue city tour in Termez: visit Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, Fortress Kirk Kiz – a summer residence of Samani rulers, Sultan Saodat Ensemble, and Zurmala Tower – Buddha's stupa. Continue to Buddhist archaeological site of Fayaztepa. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
In the morning depart Termez and drive to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz (290 km, 5 h.). Have a city tour in Shakhrisabz. Visit Mausoleum of Jakhongir in Dor-us Siodat Memorial Complex, remains of Ak-Saray Palace, Dor-ut Tilavat Ensemble with Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and burial vault of Tamerlane’s father. In the afternoon continue driving to Samarkand (90 km, 2 h.). Arrive in Samarkand, check in to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start a city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur Emir Mausoleum – authentic shrine of Tamerlane. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Check-out from the hotel till noon. Continue sightseeing: visit Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Koni Ghil village to learn how Samarkand paper from mulberry is made in a traditional way. In the afternoon depart Samarkand and drive to Bukhara. On the way stop at Caravanserai Rabat Malik dating back to the 11th century. Continue driving to Bukhara. Arrive in Bukhara, check in to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Start the second day in this holy city with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
In the morning depart Bukhara and drive to Khiva (480 km, 7-8 h). The Great Silk Road once routed through Bukhara and Khiva ran through the Kyzylkum Desert, today you will pass the same route. Stop en-route to enjoy views of the desert and Amudarya River. Arrive in Khiva late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest. Overnight at the hotel.
Today you will visit Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour features visits to Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Toshkhovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Try yourself at climbing Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Old Khiva in Kunya-Ark. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
In the morning drive to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Kunya Urgench (100 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Visit mausoleums of Turebek-Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan, Najmad-din-Kubra, Sultan Ali. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla hill.
In the afternoon drive to Dashoguz airport (120 km, 1 h. 30 min.), take an evening flight to Ashgabat (580 km, 50 min.). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
After breakfast start sightseeing tour in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most white marble-clad buildings in the world. During the city tour you will explore an archeological site of Old Nisa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) and Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. You will visit the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Independence Park. Intense and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horse stables and Lenin Monument. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take a morning flight to Mary (370 km, 40 min.). Upon arrival drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min.), an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Discover historical park that includes Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and others. Return to Mary Airport to get the flight back to Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Transfer to the airport. End of the tour.
Duration: 24 days
Path: Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan - Tajikistan - Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan
Difficulty level: Easy
| Tourists |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11000 | $11700 |
| 2 | $6700 | $7100 |
| 3 | $6000 | $6300 |
| 4 | $5200 | $5600 |
| 5 | $4800 | $5200 |
| City |
|
| N of nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almaty | Kazzhol, Iris |
Atakent Park Hotel | 2 |
| Bishkek | Park Hotel, Smart, Asia Mountains Hotel, Shah Palace |
Park Hotel, Ambassador, Smart |
3 |
| Issyk Kul | Raduga Hotel, Tri Korony | 1 | |
| Khudjand | Vatan | Khujand Grand Hotel, Khujand Delux | 1 |
| Dushanbe | Lotus | Sheraton Dushanbe | 1 |
| Tashkent | Uzbekistan, Shodlik Palace, Sharq | Wyndham Tashkent, Ramada, City Palace |
2 |
| Fergana | Club 777 | Asia Fergana |
1 |
| Khiva | Euro Asia, Old Khiva, Orient Star | Asia Khiva |
2 |
| Ashgabat | Grand Turkmen, Ak-Altyn |
Nusay, Oguzkent | 3 |
| Bukhara | Omar Khayyam, Minzifa, K.Komil | Asia Bukhara, Devon-Begi |
3 |
| Samarkand | Grand Samarkand, Diyora, Malika Prime | Grand Samarkand Superior, Asia Samarkand |
2 |
| Termez | Asson | Meridian |
2 |
Hotels will be booked based on availability
- Visa invitation letter;
- Transport service on comfortable tourist class vehicle (a certain type of vehicle is provided depending on the group size);
- Double/twin & Single sharing accommodation in the hotels with full breakfast and travel tax;
- Sightseeing with a local English speaking guide in each city (for group below 8 pax);
- Economy class tickets for flights: Almaty-Bishkek-Tashkent-Urgench, Ashgabat-Mary;
- Economy-class tickets for trains: Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent;
- Visa support for Uzbekistan triple entry visa and Turkmenistan tourist visa;
- .
- Consular fees for Uzbekistan tourist visa;
- Fees for the use of cameras and videos in the monuments and tourist sites;
- Fees for extra service (folklore performance, meetings, tickets for a theatre and visits to museums which are not specified in the program);
- Alcohol drinks;
- Personal items;
- Consular fees for tourist visas and Turkmenistan migration tax ($12);
- Full board (lunch and dinner);
- International air tickets;
- Travel insurance.
best price
