Itinerary
- Day 1
Almaty
Almaty- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Optional Activities
- Ride the Almaty Metro - an 18-meter-deep Soviet-era marvel with artistic themed stations featuring mosaics, murals, and ornate chandeliers
- Evening performance at Abay Opera House - one of Central Asia's oldest opera houses showcasing world-class ballet and opera
- Night life at Arbat Street - a vibrant pedestrian zone with street performers, local art, crafts, and cafes
Landmarks Trans-Ili Alatau 
- Day 2
Almaty
Almaty- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Special Welcome Dinner with authentic Kazakh-style cuisine accompanied by local dance or live music)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park with the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame
- Visit Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) - 56-meter-tall wooden church built in 1907 without nails
- Explore Military History Museum with exhibits on Kazakhstan's warriors from ancient times to modern armed forces, including WWII section
- Visit Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments featuring over 1,000 traditional instruments including dombra and kobyz
- Browse Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazar) - bustling marketplace with spices, dried fruits, and handmade crafts
- Ascend to Kok-Tobe Hill (1,100 meters) via scenic cable car with panoramic city and mountain views
- Explore attractions at Kok-Tobe Hill including Beatles monument, 372-meter TV Tower, Ferris wheel, and mini-zoo
- Special Welcome Dinner with authentic Kazakh-style cuisine, local dance or live music
Optional Activities
- Live performance at Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (if timing allows)
Landmarks 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) Military History Museum Museum of Folk Musical Instruments Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazar) Kok-Tobe Hill Shymbulak Mountains - Day 3
Almaty to Charyn Canyon
Almaty to Charyn Canyon- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch by the Charyn River, typically including sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to Charyn Canyon National Park (210 km, approximately 4-5 hours)
- Leisurely 2-3 km hiking walk along the canyon floor through the Valley of Castles
- Picnic lunch by the Charyn River
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)
- Day 5
Bishkek
Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Featured welcome dinner with authentic Kyrgyz dishes and Central Asian fusion cuisine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Plaza)
Included Activities
- Light hiking in Ala-Archa National Park with easy riverside path walk
- Visit Ala-Too Square with the impressive statue of Manas and Government House
- Walk through Oak Park with centuries-old oak trees and sculptures
- Explore State Historical Museum with over 80,000 artifacts including full-scale Kyrgyz yurt, traditional crafts, and embroidered clothing
- Browse Osh Bazaar - one of the liveliest markets with fresh produce, spices, nuts, dried fruits, local clothing, handicrafts, and woven carpets
- Featured welcome dinner at a renowned local restaurant with authentic Kyrgyz dishes and Central Asian fusion cuisine
Optional Activities
- Catch the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at Ala-Too Square (at certain times)
Landmarks Ala-Archa National Park Tian Shan Mountains Ala-Too Square Statue of Manas Oak Park State Historical Museum Osh Bazaar - Day 6
Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata
Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Karven 4 Seasons)
Included Activities
- Stop at Burana Tower - 11th-century minaret with views of surrounding plains and snow-capped mountains
- Explore Balbals - medieval stone Turkic nomadic gravestones
- Scenic boat trip on Issyk-Kul Lake with panoramic views
Optional Activities
- Relax or swim in the golden sandy beaches of Issyk-Kul Lake
Landmarks Burana Tower Issyk-Kul Lake Cholpon-Ata - Day 7
Cholpon-Ata to Bishkek
Cholpon-Ata to Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Plaza)
Included Activities
- Visit Petroglyphs Museum - 42-hectare open-air museum with ancient petroglyphs on black basalt stones (dated 2nd millennium BC to 4th century AD)
Optional Activities
- Visit a local market in Bishkek to buy souvenirs
Landmarks Petroglyphs Museum Tianshan Mountain range - Day 8
Bishkek to Tashkent
Bishkek to Tashkent- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tashkent)
- Day 9
Tashkent
Tashkent- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Featured dinner at a renowned local restaurant with authentic local flavors)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tashkent)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Khast-Imam Complex (Hazrati Imam Complex) - spiritual heart of Tashkent with blue-domed mosques, mausoleums, and madrasahs
- Visit Hazrati Imam Mosque with twin 53-meter minarets and gold-leafed domes
- Explore Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Barak Khan Madrasah, and Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi
- Visit Mui Muborak Library - home to the revered 7th-century Osman Qur'an
- Stroll through Barak Khan Madrasah artisan workshops and boutiques - watch local masters create ikat fabrics, woodcarvings, pottery, and jewelry
- Browse Chorsu Bazaar - Tashkent's largest marketplace with spices, dried fruits, fresh tandoor bread, and handicrafts
- Explore State Museum of Applied Arts with over 7,000 exhibits showcasing intricate gold embroidery, suzani textiles, ceramics, jewelry, carpets, and woodcarvings
- Experience the Tashkent Metro - the first subway system in Central Asia with uniquely designed stations featuring cosmonaut-themed mosaics and cotton motifs
- Visit Amir Timur Square surrounded by Hotel Uzbekistan, Palace of International Forums, and University of Law, anchored by bronze equestrian statue
- Featured dinner at a renowned local restaurant with authentic local cuisine
Optional Activities
- Visit Amir Timur Museum (closed Mondays) with exhibits on Timur's life and legacy
Landmarks Khast-Imam Complex (Hazrati 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 to Khiva
Tashkent to Khiva- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tashkent)
Included Activities
- Flight from Tashkent to Urgench International Airport
- Transfer to Khiva (36 km, short drive)
- Guided exploration of Itchan Kala - UNESCO World Heritage inner-walled city
- Visit Kalta Minor Minaret (the 'Short Minaret') - turquoise-glazed minaret and Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah (largest in Khiva)
- Explore Sayid Allauddin Mausoleum (14th century)
- Visit Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum - holiest site in Khiva with striking turquoise domes
- Explore Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque) with mesmerizing forest of 218 wooden columns
- Admire intricate tilework at Allakuli Khan Madrasah
- Explore elegant Tosh Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) with harem quarters and mirrored halls
- Visit Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasa
- Explore Kuhna Ark (Old Fortress, 17th century) - citadel with khan's harem, mint, stables, arsenal, mosque, and jail
Optional Activities
- Climb Islam Khoja Minaret (57 meters tall) for breathtaking panoramic views over the city (self-pay)
- Walk along the Itchan Kala walls (self-pay) for panoramic views and sunset watching
Landmarks Itchan Kala 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 Ata Darvaza (West Gate) - Day 11
Khiva to Darvaza Gas Crater
Khiva to Darvaza Gas Crater- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Barbecue nomadic food with the flickering lights of the eternal fire)
- Accommodation
- (Darvaza Yurt Camp)
Included Activities
- Border crossing at Shavat-Dashoguz checkpoint with customs assistance
- Scenic drive through the Karakum Desert (276 km, approximately 5 hours)
- Visit Darvaza Gas Crater - 60-meter diameter, 20-meter depth crater with burning natural gas
- Walk around the crater site
- Barbecue dinner (nomadic food) at the crater site
Landmarks Darvaza Gas Crater (Door to Hell) Karakum Desert - Day 12
Darvaza to Ashgabat
Darvaza to Ashgabat- Meals
- Breakfast (Picnic-style breakfast at Darvaza in the desert), Dinner (Special dinner at Tower Restaurant with authentic local flavors and stunning night views of Ashgabat)
- Accommodation
- (Mizan hotel)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Karakum Desert back to Ashgabat (approximately 4-5 hours)
- Visit Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque) - largest mosque in Central Asia with massive golden dome, four 91-meter minarets, and white marble construction
- Explore interior of Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque with glittering chandeliers, geometric designs, and Quranic and Ruhnama inscriptions
- Visit Akhal-Teke Horse Stables - see the national pride of Turkmenistan with their distinctive metallic sheen
- Interact with and touch the Akhal-Teke horses
- Browse Gulistan Bazaar for fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, daily essentials, and traditional Turkmen carpets
- Special dinner at Tower Restaurant with stunning night views of Ashgabat
- Night city tour to admire beautifully illuminated landmarks along main avenues
Optional Activities
- Optional horse riding at Akhal-Teke Horse Stables (additional fee)
Landmarks Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque) Akhal-Teke Horse Stables Gulistan Bazaar Tower Restaurant - Day 13
Ashgabat to Mary
Ashgabat to Mary- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- (Margush Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Ashgabat - drive through and admire marble-clad architecture and modern monuments including Wedding Palace and Wheel of Fortune
- Brief stop at Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center (outlook) - world's largest indoor Ferris wheel
- Brief stop at Palace of Happiness (outlook) - iconic eight-pointed star building encircling a globe
- Visit Neutrality Monument - 75-meter-high tripod-shaped arch built in 1998 with viewing platform offering sweeping city panoramas
- Explore National Museum of Turkmenistan with white-marble exterior, brilliant blue dome, golden statues, and over 500,000 artifacts including Silk Road finds from Nisa, Merv, and Gonur Depe
- See ancient rhytons (ceremonial drinking vessels) - museum's star exhibits
- Stroll through Independence Park with statues of poets, philosophers, and national heroes
- Marvel at Independence Monument - 118-meter masterpiece commemorating 1991 independence
- Scenic drive to Mary (360 km southeast, 3.5-4 hours) along the Karakum Desert edge with views of rolling dunes and arid landscapes
- Observe scenery change from desert to Mary Oasis with cotton fields and farmland
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 to Bukhara
Mary to Bukhara- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Asia Bukhara)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Ancient Merv UNESCO World Heritage Site - 1,200-hectare archaeological park
- Explore ancient city remains including Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
- Visit medieval Sultan Kala
- Visit post-medieval Abdulla-Khan Kala and Bayram-Ali-Khan Kala
- Explore 6th-9th century AD forts of Big and Little Kyz-Kalas - examples of 'corrugated Koshks' architecture
- Visit splendid 12th-century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd with exquisite Seljuk-period brickwork and architectural décor
- Border crossing at Farap with customs and passport control assistance
Landmarks Ancient Merv Erk Kala Gyaur Kala Sultan Kala Abdulla-Khan Kala Bayram-Ali-Khan Kala Big Kyz-Kalas Little Kyz-Kalas Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum of Muhammed ibn-Zeyd 
- Day 15
Bukhara
Bukhara- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Asia Bukhara)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Chor Minor Madrasah - four-towered gem built in 1807 with four unique minarets representing major world religions
- Visit Lyabi Hauz Ensemble - beating heart of Bukhara since 17th century with peaceful pool, mulberry trees, and three surrounding madrasahs: Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Beghi Khanaka, and Kukeldash Madrasah
- See playful statue of Khodja Nasreddin (Afandi) riding his donkey at Lyabi Hauz
- Explore Magoki Attori Mosque - Bukhara's oldest surviving mosque (9th-10th centuries) situated 4.5 meters below ground with ancient brickwork and terracotta ornamentation
- Stroll through Trading Domes - 16th-century domed bazaars including Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Sarrofon, Telpak-Furushon, and Tim Abdullah Khan
- Visit Po-i-Kalyan Complex - iconic centerpiece of Bukhara's skyline with 47-meter Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque (288 domes, capacity 10,000 worshippers), and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah with turquoise domes
- Explore Ark of Bukhara - ancient fortress serving as royal residence with throne room, coronation mosque, museums, and climb to top for sweeping city views
- Visit Bolo Hauz Mosque - known as 'Mosque of Forty Columns' with 20 exquisitely carved wooden pillars reflected in pool in front
Optional Activities
- Admission to Magoki Attori Mosque carpet museum (self-pay)
- Sunset viewing from Ark's walls or rooftop near Po-i-Kalyan
Landmarks Chor Minor Madrasah Lyabi Hauz Ensemble Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah Nadir Divan-Beghi Khanaka Kukeldash Madrasah 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 to Samarkand
Bukhara to Samarkand- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Continental Hotel Samarkand)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive from Bukhara to Samarkand (approximately 278 km, 4.5-5 hours) through diverse landscapes
- Day 17
Samarkand
Samarkand- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Continental Hotel Samarkand)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Gur-e Amir Mausoleum - final resting place of Amir Timur, completed in 1404, with ribbed azure dome and gilded interior
- Explore interior with intricate jade tombstones and delicate calligraphy at Gur-e Amir
- Visit Registan Square - the heart of Samarkand flanked by three resplendent madrasahs
- Explore Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1420) with starry celestial mosaics
- Explore Sher-Dor Madrasa (1619) with unique lion mosaics
- Explore Tilya-Kori Madrasa (1660) with dazzling gold-leaf dome
- Visit monumental Bibi Khanim Mosque built in 1404 to honor Timur's wife with gilded decorations
- Browse Siyab Bazaar for Samarkand's famous round bread, dried fruits, and spices
- Stroll through Shahi Zinda Necropolis - avenue of mausoleums (11th-15th centuries) with brilliant turquoise domes and intricate mosaics
Optional Activities
- Sunset viewing from Ark's walls or rooftop near Po-i-Kalyan
Landmarks Gur-e Amir Mausoleum Amir Timur (Tamerlane) Registan Square Ulugh Beg Madrasa Sher-Dor Madrasa Tilya-Kori Madrasa Bibi Khanim Mosque Siyab Bazaar Shahi Zinda Necropolis - Day 18
Samarkand to Penjikent
Samarkand to Penjikent- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic by the lakeshore)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 3* (Panjakent Plaza)
Included Activities
- Border crossing at Jartepa with customs and passport control assistance
- Scenic drive to Penjikent and the Seven Lakes area (approximately full day of travel)
- Scenic drive through the mountains passing the first five lakes: Nejigon, Soya, Gushor, Nofin, and Khurdak
- Visit Marguzor - the sixth and largest lake with sapphire water framed by dramatic peaks
- Easy two-hour round-trip hike from Marguzor to Hazorchashma (the seventh and highest lake named 'A Thousand Springs')
- Picnic by the lakeshore
- Optional short stroll through nearby villages
Landmarks Seven Lakes (Haftkul/Marguzor Lakes) Nejigon Lake Soya Lake Gushor Lake Nofin Lake Khurdak Lake Marguzor Lake Hazorchashma Lake Fann Mountains - Day 19
Penjikent to Samarkand
Penjikent to Samarkand- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Continental Hotel Samarkand)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Rudaki Museum (closed Sundays) with thousands of artifacts from local excavations including pottery, coins, sculptures, and tools
- Visit Ancient Penjikent Ruins - remarkably preserved remains of complete 5th-8th century Sogdian city with mud-brick foundations of palaces, residential quarters, temples, and fortifications
- Border crossing at Jartepa returning to Uzbekistan
Landmarks Rudaki Museum Ancient Penjikent Ruins - Day 20
Samarkand
Samarkand- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Transfer service from Samarkand to Tashkent (extra fee required) - train booking and transfers in Tashkent available upon request
