| Duration: | 19 Day(s) - 18 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Adventure Tours |
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
After check-in and some rest, enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, take a city tour. Ashgabat is renowned for having the highest number of white marble buildings in the world (Guinness World Record).
Highlights include the Presidential Palace, Wedding Palace, Yildiz Hotel, Indoor Ferris Wheel, Arch of Neutrality, and the Monument of Independence.
You will also visit Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, modern sports complexes, residential areas, parks, and memorials dedicated to the 1948 earthquake and World War II.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Ashgabat to Darvaza
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart from Ashgabat and enjoy a scenic drive through the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Lunch will be provided en route or near the crater at a local spot or camp.
Upon arrival, explore the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell,” where natural gas has been burning continuously for decades, creating a captivating fiery spectacle, especially stunning at sunset and after dark.
Spend time walking around the crater edge, taking photos, and learning about the geology and history of this unique site from your guide.
Enjoy a traditional dinner at the yurt camp near the crater.
Overnight stay in comfortable yurts near the Darvaza Gas Crater, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the desert under the starry sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Darvaza to Mary
Breakfast at the camp.
Drive to Mary, a city rich in history and culture.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant upon arrival.
Explore Mary City:
Visit the Mary Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, which features exhibits showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Take a stroll through the modern city center, visiting parks and local markets to experience the everyday life and atmosphere of the city.
See architectural landmarks and contemporary cultural sites around the city.
Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Mary.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Mary, Merv–Farap Border to Bukhara
Breakfast at the hotel in Mary.
Visit the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road, rich with archaeological ruins including mausoleums, city walls, and ancient fortifications.
Explore key sites such as the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Great Kyz Kala Fortress, and the ancient citadel of Erk Kala.
Enjoy lunch in the area while sampling local Turkmen cuisine.
After the visit, travel to the Merv–Farap border crossing to enter Uzbekistan.
Continue the journey to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most famous historic cities, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bukhara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Bukhara City Tour and Transfer to Samarkand by Train
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your day with a comprehensive city tour of Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most ancient and well-preserved cities.
Visit the Lyabi Hauz Complex, a picturesque plaza with a historic pool surrounded by beautiful madrasas and teahouses.
Explore the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa, famous for its intricate tilework and stunning architecture.
Walk to the Kalon Minaret and Kalon Mosque, iconic landmarks of Bukhara. Take in the views and admire the magnificent Islamic architecture.
Visit the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, an active religious school known for its beautiful design and history.
Tour the Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel that served as the residence of the emirs of Bukhara.
Stroll through the Bolo Hauz Mosque, notable for its wooden columns and elegant façade.
Visit the charming Chor Minor, with its four unique minarets and rich history.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek cuisine.
After lunch, transfer to the train station for a comfortable train journey to Samarkand.
Arrive in Samarkand in the evening, transfer to the hotel, and check in.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Samarkand dishes.
Overnight stay in Samarkand.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel in Samarkand.
Begin a full-day exploration of Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia and a jewel of the Silk Road.
Visit the iconic Registan Square, surrounded by three magnificent madrasas adorned with intricate tilework and stunning Islamic architecture.
Explore the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the conqueror Timur (Tamerlane), featuring beautiful blue domes and ornate decorations.
Visit Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis known for its stunning mausoleums and vibrant tile mosaics.
Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the Islamic world.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek dishes.
In the afternoon, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, an important medieval astronomical center founded by Timur’s grandson.
End the day with free time to explore local bazaars or relax.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant featuring authentic Central Asian cuisine.
Overnight stay in Samarkand.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Samarkand – Penjikent – Seven Lakes
Breakfast at the hotel in Samarkand.
Early morning departure from Samarkand at approximately 07:30.
Drive to the border and cross at the Jartepa checkpoint around 09:00, entering Tajikistan.
After crossing the border, we will first visit the 5,500-year-old ancient city of Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we will drive to Penjikent for a sightseeing tour. Lunch will be provided during the tour.
Then take an excursion to the Seven Lakes (Haftkul), a stunning natural area famous for its series of alpine lakes nestled in the mountains.
Visit all the lakes if possible, enjoying leisurely walks through the picturesque landscapes and photo opportunities.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse near the Marguzor Lakes / Seven Lakes / Haftkul.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a city teahouse, dinner at the guesthouse
Day 8: Seven Lakes – Dushanbe
Breakfast at the guesthouse near Marguzor Lakes.
Depart early, around 08:00, for the drive to Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan.
Enjoy the scenic journey through the rugged and dramatic landscapes of the Anzob Pass and Tunnel, a mountain route known for its breathtaking views and engineering achievements.
The drive will take approximately 6–7 hours, including stops for rest and photo opportunities.
Upon arrival in Dushanbe, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time.
We will then go on a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting Dusti Square, the Ismail Samani Monument, A. Rudaki Park, the Flagpole, and the National Museum. After visiting Independence Park and Stella, we will explore the interior and ascend to the 14th floor for a bird’s-eye view of Dushanbe.
Depending on time and availability, we may also visit the Navruz Palace.
Dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Tajik cuisine with music and dance.
Overnight stay at a 3* hotel in Dushanbe.
Meals: Breakfast at the guesthouse, lunch at a roadside teahouse. Dinner not included.
Day 9: Dushanbe – Khujand – Transfer to Tashkent
Breakfast at the hotel in Dushanbe.
Check out of the hotel and start the journey north towards Khujand city.
We will drive along the Anzob and Shahristan Passes and tunnels.
Lunch stop at the Shahristan teahouse to try delicious mountain cuisine.
Upon arrival in Khujand city, we will visit the Panjshanbe Bazaar and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin.
After completing the tour, we will continue our journey towards the Tajikistan–Uzbekistan border crossing.
After border formalities, continue your journey by road to Tashkent (approximately 3–4 hours).
Arrive in Tashkent in the evening, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner.
Overnight stay at a 3* hotel in Tashkent.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a roadside teahouse, Dinner
Day 10: Tashkent – City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel in Tashkent.
Full-day city tour of Tashkent, including visits to the historic Old Town, Khast Imam Complex, Amir Timur Square, Independence Square, and the bustling Chorsu Bazaar.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Uzbek cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.
Dinner at a local restaurant or hotel.
Overnight stay at a 3* hotel in Tashkent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Tashkent to Fergana
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning departure by train or bus (approximately 5–6 hours).
Check into the hotel in Fergana.
City tour including Central City Park, the Fergana Regional Museum of History and Culture, and visits to traditional craft workshops specializing in ceramics and textiles.
Lunch at a local restaurant featuring national cuisine.
Evening stroll around the local market and city streets.
Dinner and overnight stay at a 3* hotel in Fergana.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Fergana – Osh – Bishkek
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early transfer from Fergana to the border.
Cross the border and transfer to Osh (approximately 3–4 hours, including border crossing).
City tour of Osh: Sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain (walk and panoramic views), Osh Bazaar, Rabat Abdullo Mosque, and historical sites.
Lunch with traditional dishes (kese samsa).
Evening transfer to the airport for a flight to Bishkek.
Arrival and hotel check-in.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bishkek at a 3* hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Bishkek – Moldo Ashu Pass – Son Kul Lake
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive from Bishkek to Moldo Ashu Pass with stunning mountain views.
Continue to Son Kul Lake, famous for its alpine scenery and nomadic culture.
Lunch en route or picnic lunch.
Overnight in traditional yurt camps near the lake.
(Note: 4-person accommodation at the yurt camp with shared bathrooms outside.)
Dinner at the camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Son Kul Lake – Kalmak Ashu Pass – Kochkor – Kyzyl Tuu Yurt Show – Bokonbaevo Eagle Hunting Show – Kaji Say
Breakfast at the yurt camp.
Morning drive over Kalmak Ashu Pass to Kochkor.
Experience the Kyzyl Tuu Yurt Show, showcasing the traditional nomadic lifestyle, and enjoy lunch with a local family.
Witness the Bokonbaevo Eagle Hunting Show, a unique cultural experience.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kaji Say.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Skazka Canyon – Barskoon Waterfall – Jeti Oguz Valley
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Explore Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon with its stunning rock formations.
Visit Barskoon Waterfall for nature walks and photography.
Lunch en route or picnic lunch.
Continue to Jeti Oguz Valley, famous for its striking red rock formations.
Dinner and overnight stay at a yurt camp in Jeti Oguz Valley.
(Note: 4-person accommodation at the yurt camp with shared bathrooms outside.)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Altyn Arashan Canyon – Karakol
Breakfast at the yurt camp.
Trek or transfer by UAZ vehicle to Altyn Arashan Canyon, known for its hot springs and beautiful mountain scenery.
Lunch at a yurt camp in Altyn Arashan.
Return to Karakol.
Dinner and overnight stay at a 3* hotel in Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Karakol – Kegen Border Post – Saty – Kolsai Lakes
Breakfast at the hotel.
Cross the Kegen border post into Kazakhstan.
Stop in the village of Saty.
Lunch in Saty.
Visit the Kolsai Lakes, a series of stunning alpine lakes.
Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse in Saty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Kaindy Lake – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
Breakfast at the guesthouse or hotel.
Morning visit to Kaindy Lake by UAZ vehicle, famous for its submerged forest.
Lunch at the guesthouse in Saty.
Explore Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.”
Drive to Almaty city.
Dinner and overnight stay at a 3* hotel in Almaty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Almaty City Tour and Flight Home
Breakfast at the hotel.
If time allows, enjoy a city tour including Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar, and Kok-Tobe Hill.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
