3-Week Central Asia Tour Packages
Central Asia brings together cities with long, layered histories. Bishkek introduces everyday life in Kyrgyzstan, while Issykul Lake and the Burana Tower reflect older routes through the region. In Turkmenistan, the ruins of Merv recall the Silk Road, Ashgabat shows a newer national style, and Bukhara’s madrasahs and bazaars remain largely intact.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Central Asia tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Asia travel expert at TourRadar
16 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Bishkek and Samarkand
A fascinating 16-day journey covers 10 major cities from Bishkek to Tashkent. Highlights include Almaty's Panfilov Park, Samarkand's Registan, and Turkmenistan's ancient Merv, enhanced by daily breakfasts, local flights, and expert guides offering cultural insights.
- Days 1-2
Bishkek & Issyk Kul Lake
Start your journey in Bishkek and visit Ala-Too Square early to avoid crowds. "The State Museum of Fine Arts offers fascinating insights into local culture - go in the afternoon when the lighting is best for photography." Take a 4-hour drive to Issyk Kul Lake on Day 2 and stop at the historic Burana Tower along the way.
- Days 3-4
Almaty
A 4-hour drive takes you into Kazakhstan to explore Almaty. Visit Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral in the morning for the best photos. Make sure to visit the Green Bazaar with small bills in local currency to try dried fruits and nuts. Head to Kok-Tobe hill for sunset views over the city.
- Days 5-7
Samarkand
Take a flight to Tashkent followed by a fast train to Samarkand. "Start at Registan Square right at opening (8 AM) before tour buses arrive. The intricate tile work is incredible in morning light." You'll need two full days to see the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and Gur-e-Amir mausoleum. The evening light show at Registan is worth staying for.
- Days 8-9
Bukhara
Catch the morning train to Bukhara. Book a hotel in the old town to walk to major sites easily. In the evening, join locals at the Lyab-i Hauz plaza. The covered bazaars offer great shopping for traditional textiles and ceramics.
- Days 10-11
Mary & Merv
The drive to Mary in Turkmenistan takes 5-6 hours including border crossing. Explore the ancient ruins of Merv but bring a hat and water for shade. "Hire a local guide at the museum for deeper insights into this fascinating UNESCO site."
- Days 12-13
Ashgabat
Fly to Turkmenistan's capital to see its unique white marble buildings best photographed in morning light. Visit Tolkuchka Bazaar on Thursday or Sunday when it's busiest. The Wedding Palace and world's largest indoor Ferris wheel are must-see attractions.
- Days 14-16
Khiva & Tashkent
Enter Uzbekistan again to explore Khiva's preserved old town. Get sunset views from the Kalta Minor minaret. End your trip in Tashkent where you can visit Chorsu Bazaar and take rides on the decorated metro system.
21 Days in Central Asia, incl. Bishkek and Samarkand
A grand 21-day tour winds through 19 cities from Bishkek to Ashgabat. Marvel at UNESCO treasures like Khiva's Ichan Kala and Samarkand's Registan Square, rest in traditional yurts by Issyk Kul Lake, and witness the spectacular Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan.
- Days 1-2
Bishkek & Chon-Kemin Valley, Kyrgyzstan
Start exploring Bishkek's Oak Park and Ala-Too Square. "Bishkek is surprisingly green and modern - get to Oak Park early for the best morning light photos." On your second day drive to the ancient Burana Tower before heading to scenic Chon-Kemin Valley. You can go horseback riding in the afternoon to see authentic mountain views.
- Days 3-4
Issyk Kul Lake & Karakol
Visit Issyk Kul, the second-largest mountain lake in the world. You'll stay in traditional yurt camps with 4 people per yurt and watch an eagle hunting demonstration. Take a drive along the southern shore to Karakol and stop at the red rocks of Jety Oguz Valley. The wooden Orthodox Church and nail-free Dungan Mosque are must-see spots.
- Days 5-6
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Enter Kazakhstan through Charyn Canyon. A recent visitor advises: "The canyon drive is bumpy but worth it - bring motion sickness pills if needed." In Almaty you can see the wooden Zenkov Cathedral and take a cable car up to Medeo ice rink for great city views. The city is easy to navigate thanks to its wide boulevards.
- Days 7-9
Dushanbe & Iskanderkul Lake, Tajikistan
Fly to Dushanbe to see Rudaki Park before driving to beautiful Iskanderkul Lake. The road winds a lot but offers amazing mountain views. You'll continue to historic Penjikent. If you want to hike the Seven Lakes it takes about 2 hours each way to reach the highest one.
- Days 10-11
Khujand & Tashkent
Start at Khujand's huge Panjshanbe Bazaar before crossing to Uzbekistan. When in Tashkent visit the metro stations. As one traveler said: "They're like underground museums." You can see one of the world's oldest Qurans at the Khast Imam Complex.
- Days 12-14
Samarkand & Bukhara
Take a 2-hour high-speed train to Samarkand. Visit the stunning Registan Square early to avoid crowds. In Bukhara walk through the old town's trading domes and see the Ark Fortress. A recent review notes: "The evening light on Poi Kalyan minaret is magical for photos."
- Days 15-16
Khiva
Travel through the Kyzylkum Desert to historic Khiva. The walled inner city Ichan Kala has over 50 historic monuments. Get the best views from the Islam Khodja Minaret but avoid the hot midday hours.
- Days 17-21
Turkmenistan
Enter Turkmenistan and visit the Darvaza Gas Crater known as the "Door to Hell." Spend a night camping in the desert before going to modern Ashgabat. The Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque and National Museum are highlights. One traveler observed: "The contrast between ancient sites and modern Ashgabat is striking."
15 Days in Central Asia, incl. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
This 15-day tour of Central Asia showcases Uzbekistan's Samarkand, Turkmenistan's white marble Ashgabat, and Tajikistan's ancient Khujand. Guests stay at premium hotels like Devonbegi Bukhara, visit 6 UNESCO sites, and browse massive bazaars including Altyn Asyr and Panjshanbe.
- Days 1-2
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Start your journey in Uzbekistan's capital. Head to Chorsu Bazaar in the morning to see local vendors setting up for the day. Take time to explore the city's metro stations - they're stunning works of art and you can now take photos inside. A recent visitor shared: "The elaborate wall paintings and gilt-wood furniture in Tashkent's hotels made me feel like a wealthy Silk Road merchant."
- Days 3-4
Samarkand
Take the 3-hour high-speed train from Tashkent. Visit Registan Square before 9 AM to beat the tour buses. The blue tiles look spectacular at sunset. Stop by the ancient paper mill to watch traditional silk paper making using centuries-old techniques.
- Days 5-6
Bukhara
This well-preserved Silk Road city is perfect for walking tours. Stay in the old town near Lyabi-Hauz plaza but pack good walking shoes for the uneven ancient streets. The folklore show at Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah makes for a great evening activity.
- Days 7-8
Mary & Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
The border crossing takes 1-2 hours. Drive 4.5 hours through the Karakum Desert to reach Mary. Visit the UNESCO ruins of ancient Merv before flying to Ashgabat. The city's illuminated fountains and monuments create a stunning nighttime display.
- Days 9-10
Dashoguz
After exploring more of Ashgabat, fly to Dashoguz. Visit the medieval monuments of Konye-Urgench, including Central Asia's highest minaret. Start your sightseeing early to avoid the intense desert heat.
- Days 11-12
Khiva
Back in Uzbekistan, immerse yourself in this living museum city. Book a hotel inside the ancient walls and try a rooftop dinner overlooking the lit-up minarets.
- Days 13-14
Khujand (Tajikistan)
Visit Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of Central Asia's oldest markets, in the morning when fresh produce arrives. Plan extra time for border crossings.
- Day 15
Departure from Tashkent
Return to Tashkent for your flight home. Book afternoon departures to avoid morning traffic delays.
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What people love about 3-week Central Asia tours
- Central Asia 16 days Start in Bishkek
Our Guide Justin was a wonderful mix of historical information to everyday life as well as being enthusiastic about the activities that were on offer throughout the tour. The itinerary was a good mix of things to do as well as quiet time on the bus travelling between destinations. Some days were a little long getting to the hotels which didn't suit us this could have been reduced by shorter lunch breaks or time at highlight stops.
- The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
It was amazing! Penguin was well organised and the sites were incredible. The frontier of travel. Highly recommend the 5 Stans with penguin travel!
- Central Asia 3 Stans
Central Asia - 3 Stans - August 2019. East Site uses boutique hotels in Uzbekistan. These hotels exude old-world charm: wall paintings, moldings, gilt-wood furniture. You may think that's too pretentious but on the other hand - this is Central Asia, the Great Silk Road. I enjoyed the brightness and extravagance of my rooms. I felt myself becoming one of rich merchants of that time.