Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Almaty
Almaty- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Optional Activities
- Almaty Metro Experience - ride the 18-meter-deep Soviet-era subway with themed stations featuring mosaics and chandeliers
- Abay Opera House - watch evening ballet or opera performance
- Arbat Street - explore vibrant pedestrian zone with street performers, local art, crafts, and cafes
Landmarks Almaty International Airport Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains Almaty Metro Abay Opera House Arbat Street 
- Day 2
Almaty
Almaty- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Special Welcome Dinner - authentic Kazakh-style cuisine accompanied by local dance or live music)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Included Activities
- 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park - stroll through peaceful green oasis with Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame
- Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) - explore the 56-meter-tall architectural gem, second-tallest wooden church in the world, built without nails in 1907
- Military History Museum - view exhibits on Kazakhstan's warriors from ancient Saka and Turkic nomads to modern armed forces, including World War II artifacts
- Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments - visit charming wooden building with over 1,000 traditional instruments including dombra and kobyz
- Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazar) - browse colorful marketplace stalls with spices, dried fruits, and handmade crafts
- Kok-Tobe Hill cable car - ascend 1,100 meters for panoramic views and visit attractions including Beatles monument, 372-meter TV Tower, Ferris wheel, and mini-zoo
- Welcome Dinner - special group meal featuring authentic Kazakh-style cuisine with local dance or live music
Optional Activities
- Live performance at Museum of Folk Musical Instruments - short performance featuring traditional Kazakh instruments (subject to timing)
Landmarks 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame Military History Museum Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazar) Kok-Tobe Hill Beatles Monument Kok-Tobe TV Tower Shymbulak Mountains - Day 3
Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch - simple lunch box with sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Included Activities
- Valley of Castles walk - leisurely 2-3 km hike along canyon floor surrounded by wind-sculpted cliffs and pillars resembling ancient fortresses
- Picnic lunch - simple lunch box provided by tour operator, typically including sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water
Landmarks Charyn Canyon National Park Valley of Castles (Dolina Zamkov) Charyn River Tian Shan Mountains - Day 4
Almaty to Bishkek
Almaty to Bishkek- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Plaza)
Landmarks Almaty International Airport Manas International Airport - Day 5
Bishkek
Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Featured Dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Plaza)
Included Activities
- Ala-Archa National Park hike - leisurely riverside trail walk with fresh mountain air and alpine scenery
- Ala-Too Square - view impressive statue of Manas and Government House; catch changing-of-the-guard ceremony if timing allows
- Oak Park - peaceful walk among centuries-old oak trees and sculptures
- State Historical Museum - explore over 80,000 artifacts including full-scale Kyrgyz yurt, traditional felt and leather crafts, embroidered clothing, and horse gear
- Osh Bazaar - explore one of the liveliest markets in the city with fresh produce, spices, nuts, dried fruits, local clothing, handicrafts, and woven carpets
Landmarks Ala-Archa National Park Tian Shan Mountains Ala-Too Square Statue of Manas Government House Oak Park State Historical Museum Osh Bazaar - Day 6
Bishkek - Issyk-Kul Lake
Bishkek - Issyk-Kul Lake- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Karven 4 Seasons)
Included Activities
- Burana Tower - climb 11th-century minaret for sweeping views of plains and distant snow-capped mountains
- Balbals - stroll among medieval stone figures used as Turkic nomadic gravestones
- Issyk-Kul Lake relaxation - afternoon at leisure by the lake
Optional Activities
- Boat trip on Issyk-Kul Lake - scenic boat ride with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
- Swimming or sunbathing - enjoy golden sandy beaches and swim in warm, crystal-clear water
Landmarks Burana Tower Balasagun Balbals Issyk-Kul Lake Cholpon-Ata 
- Day 7
Cholpon-Ata - Bishkek
Cholpon-Ata - Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Plaza)
Included Activities
- Petroglyphs Museum - explore 42-hectare open-air museum with ancient petroglyphs carved on black basalt stones from 2nd millennium BC to 4th century AD, depicting wolves, snow leopards, hunting and sacrificial scenes
Landmarks Petroglyphs Museum Tianshan Mountain Range - Day 8
Bishkek to Tashkent
Bishkek to Tashkent- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tashkent)
Landmarks Tashkent International Airport - Day 9
Tashkent
Tashkent- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Featured Dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tashkent)
Included Activities
- Khast-Imam Complex - explore serene ensemble of blue-domed mosques, mausoleums, and madrasahs
- Hazrati Imam Mosque - view elegant twin 53-meter minarets and gold-leafed domes
- Tillya Sheikh Mosque - explore mosque within the complex
- Barak Khan Madrasah - stroll through and watch local masters create ikat fabrics, woodcarvings, pottery, and jewelry
- Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi - visit 10th-century scholar's mausoleum
- Mui Muborak Library - visit library with revered 7th-century Osman Qur'an
- Chorsu Bazaar - explore Tashkent's largest iconic marketplace beneath turquoise dome with colorful spices, dried fruits, fresh tandoor bread, and handicrafts
- State Museum of Applied Arts - view over 7,000 exhibits showcasing intricate gold embroidery, suzani textiles, ceramics, jewelry, carpets, and woodcarvings
- Tashkent Metro - ride Soviet-era first subway in Central Asia with uniquely designed stations featuring cosmonaut-themed mosaics and cotton motifs
- Amir Timur Square - relax by fountains and stroll through green spaces at heart of modern Tashkent
- Amir Timur Museum - explore exhibits on Timur's life and legacy (closed Mondays)
- Featured Dinner
Optional Activities
- Street food tasting at Chorsu Bazaar
- Chat with friendly locals at the bazaar
Landmarks Khast-Imam Complex Hazrati Imam Mosque Tillya Sheikh Mosque Barak Khan Madrasah Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mui Muborak Library Chorsu Bazaar State Museum of Applied Arts Tashkent Metro Kosmonavtlar Station Paxtakor Station Amir Timur Square Statue of Amir Timur Hotel Uzbekistan Palace of International Forums University of Law Amir Timur Museum - Day 10
Tashkent - Khiva
Tashkent - Khiva- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tashkent)
Included Activities
- Kalta Minor Minaret - admire turquoise-glazed short minaret
- Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah - visit the largest madrasah in Khiva
- Sayid Allauddin Mausoleum - explore peaceful 14th-century mausoleum
- Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum - visit holiest site in Khiva with striking turquoise domes
- Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque) - step into mosque with mesmerizing forest of 218 wooden columns
- Allakuli Khan Madrasah - admire intricate tilework
- Tosh Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) - explore elegant palace with harem quarters and mirrored halls
- Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasa - glimpse Khiva's cultural history
- Kuhna Ark (Old Fortress) - explore 17th-century citadel with khans' harem, mint, stables, arsenal, mosque, and jail
Optional Activities
- Islam Khoja Minaret climb - ascend 57 meters for breathtaking panoramic views over the city (self-pay)
- Walk along Itchan Kala walls - enjoy unforgettable panoramic views and sunset over Khiva's skyline (self-pay)
Landmarks Itchan Kala Ata Darvaza (West Gate) Kalta Minor Minaret Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah Sayid Allauddin Mausoleum Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum Islam Khoja Minaret Juma Mosque Allakuli Khan Madrasah Tosh Hovli Palace Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasa Kuhna Ark 
- Day 11
Khiva - Darvaza Gas Crater
Khiva - Darvaza Gas Crater- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Barbecue dinner in the desert)
- Accommodation
- (Darvaza Yurt Camp)
Included Activities
- Darvaza Gas Crater daytime exploration - walk around the crater site
- Barbecue dinner in the desert - taste delicious nomadic food with 'eternal' fire backdrop
- Overnight yurt camp stay - experience traditional Central Asian accommodation
Landmarks Shavat Border Point Dashoguz Karakum Desert Darvaza Gas Crater - Day 12
Darvaza - Ashgabat
Darvaza - Ashgabat- Meals
- Breakfast (Picnic-style breakfast at Darvaza in the desert), Dinner (Special dinner at Tower Restaurant - authentic local flavors with stunning night views of Ashgabat)
- Accommodation
- (Mizan hotel)
Included Activities
- Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque) - explore largest mosque in Central Asia with massive golden dome and four 91-meter minarets
- Akhal-Teke Horse Stables - observe and gently touch the national pride horses known for distinctive metallic sheen
- Gulistan Bazaar - experience vibrant local life with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, daily essentials, and traditional Turkmen carpets
- Ashgabat night city tour - admire beautifully illuminated landmarks
Optional Activities
- Horse riding at Akhal-Teke stables - ride the horses (additional fee required)
- Local snacks or street food sampling at Gulistan Bazaar
Landmarks Karakum Desert Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque Gypjak Mosque Akhal-Teke Horse Stables Gulistan Bazaar Tower Restaurant - Day 13
Ashgabat - Mary
Ashgabat - Mary- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- (Margush Hotel)
Included Activities
- Ashgabat city drive - view Wedding Palace, Wheel of Fortune, and impressive modern monuments
- Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center - brief stop at center with world's largest indoor Ferris wheel (outlook)
- Palace of Happiness - brief stop at iconic building designed as eight-pointed star (outlook)
- Neutrality Monument - 75-meter-high tripod-shaped arch with viewing platform offering sweeping panoramas
- National Museum of Turkmenistan - explore white-marble building with blue dome and golden statues, featuring over 500,000 artifacts from Silk Road sites
- Independence Park - stroll through park with statues of poets, philosophers, and national heroes
- Independence Monument - marvel at 118-meter masterpiece commemorating 1991 independence
Landmarks Wedding Palace Wheel of Fortune Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center Palace of Happiness Neutrality Monument National Museum of Turkmenistan Independence Park Independence Monument Karakum Desert Mary Oasis - Day 14
Mary - Bukhara
Mary - Bukhara- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Asia Bukhara)
Included Activities
- Ancient Merv UNESCO site exploration - observe ancient, medieval, and post-medieval city remnants within 1,200-hectare archaeological park
- Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala ruins - explore ancient city remains
- Sultan Kala ruins - visit medieval city section
- Big and Little Kyz-Kalas forts - examine 6th-9th century AD forts with 'corrugated Koshks'
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum - view splendid 12th-century Seljuk-period mausoleum with exquisite brickwork
- Muhammed ibn-Zeyd Mausoleum - explore 12th-century mausoleum demonstrating Seljuk architectural décor
Landmarks Ancient Merv Erk Kala Gyaur Kala Sultan Kala Abdulla-Khan Kala Bayram-Ali-Khan Kala Big Kyz-Kalas Little Kyz-Kalas Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum Muhammed ibn-Zeyd Mausoleum Farap Border Crossing - Day 15
Bukhara
Bukhara- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Asia Bukhara)
Included Activities
- Chor Minor Madrasah - explore four-towered gem with four unique minarets representing four major world religions
- Lyabi Hauz Ensemble - experience the beating heart of Bukhara with peaceful pool, three surrounding monuments (Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Beghi Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrasah), and Khodja Nasreddin statue
- Magoki Attori Mosque - visit Bukhara's oldest surviving mosque from 9th-10th centuries situated 4.5 meters below ground
- Trading Domes - stroll through 16th-century domed bazaars (Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Sarrofon, Telpak-Furushon, Tim Abdullah Khan)
- Po-i-Kalyan Complex - admire 47-meter Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque with 288 domes, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah with turquoise domes
- Ark of Bukhara - explore ancient royal fortress with throne room, coronation mosque, and museums or climb for panoramic city views
- Bolo Hauz Mosque - visit 'Mosque of Forty Columns' with 20 exquisitely carved wooden pillars reflected in pool
Optional Activities
- Magoki Attori Mosque carpet museum visit (self-pay admission)
- Sunset viewing from Ark's walls or nearby rooftop
Landmarks Chor Minor Madrasah Lyabi Hauz Ensemble Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah Nadir Divan-Beghi Khanaka Kukeldash Madrasah Khodja Nasreddin Statue Magoki Attori Mosque Toki-Zargaron Toki-Sarrofon Telpak-Furushon Tim Abdullah Khan Po-i-Kalyan Complex Kalyan Minaret Kalyan Mosque Mir-i-Arab Madrasah Ark of Bukhara Bolo Hauz Mosque - Day 16
Bukhara - Samarkand
Bukhara - Samarkand- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Continental Hotel Samarkand)
Landmarks Semi-Desert Steppe Landscape Cotton Fields 
- Day 17
Samarkand
Samarkand- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner - authentic Uzbek dishes and Central Asian fusion cuisine at renowned local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Continental Hotel Samarkand)
Included Activities
- Gur-e Amir Mausoleum - marvel at final resting place of Amir Timur completed in 1404 with ribbed azure dome, gilded interior, intricate jade tombstones, and delicate calligraphy
- Registan Square - experience Silk Road's most magnificent sights with three resplendent madrasahs: Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1420) with starry celestial mosaics, Sher-Dor Madrasa (1619) with lion mosaics, and Tilya-Kori Madrasa (1660) with gold-leaf dome
- Bibi Khanim Mosque - visit monumental mosque built in 1404 with gilded decorations inspired by local embroidery
- Siyab Bazaar - sample Samarkand's famous round bread, dried fruits, and spices
- Shahi Zinda Necropolis - stroll through extraordinary 'avenue of mausoleums' with Timurid-era tilework, mausoleums of Timur's female relatives and high-ranking nobles, and revered burial site
- Farewell Dinner - enjoy memorable meal with authentic Uzbek dishes and Central Asian fusion cuisine
Optional Activities
- Sunset viewing from Ark's walls or rooftop near Po-i-Kalyan - watch sunset as minarets glow golden
Landmarks Gur-e Amir Mausoleum Registan Square Ulugh Beg Madrasa Sher-Dor Madrasa Tilya-Kori Madrasa Bibi Khanim Mosque Siyab Bazaar Shahi Zinda Necropolis - Day 18
Samarkand
Samarkand- Meals
- Breakfast
