Tour Discovery Of Central Asia – 5 Stans | Visit Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Others

Services of English-speaking local guides Entrance fees as per the itinerary Cable car to Shymbulak on Day 7 Special Shows: Felt show in Kochkor and Eagle hunting show in Bokombaevo. Business class train ticket Bukhara – Khiva Visa support letter for Turkmenistan 1L of bottled water per day

Accommodation

25 nights’ accommodation including breakfast

Transport

Return airport transfers Economy class flights Ashgabat – Almaty, Bishkek – Dushanbe, Urgench – Tashkent Private transportation

Meals

Meals as per the itinerary

Flights

Economy class flights Ashagabat – Almaty, Bishkek – Dushanbe, Urgench – Tashkent *** International flights are not included.

Guide

Services of English speaking local guides

Not included:

Insurance

Optional

Others

International flights State Travel Tax Visas Items of a personal nature Tipping Travel insurance Meals and beverages not specified above Early check-in on Day 1 in Ashgabat

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)

Welcome to Turkmenistan! On arrival in Ashgabat, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan is known for its white marble buildings and grand natural monuments.

Meals
NULL

Accommodation
Yyldyz Hotel or similar

Services
Airport transfer
Day 2 Day 2: Ashgabat – Darwaza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Ashgabat – Darwaza

Ashgabat Highlights
Begin your day exploring Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. During your city tour, you will visit the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the newly built Independence Park, and the Lenin Monument.

Door to Hell
In the late afternoon, your guide and driver will meet you in your hotel lobby where you will depart for Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert. Known as the ‘Door to Hell’, expect 280 km of desert sands with the journey taking about 4 hours. Arrive just before dusk, the best time to see the unique gas crater flame away into the remoteness of the Karakum desert. Upon arrival have a delicious BBQ dinner near the burning crater. At night, in an empty desert with only the stars for company, red light emanates from the ground in the distance, and a distant rumble presages the crater. Shooting flames and fireballs cross its crater, like a volcano – the crater must be viewed at night for full effect. In the morning, wake up to a desert sunrise.

Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation
Overnight camping – tents & sleeping bags provided

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time:
Ashgabat – Darwaza (approx. 257km, 4-5 hours’ drive), city touring (4 hours by bus)
Walking Distance: Approximately 12km
Walking Time: Approximately 3-4hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 3 Day 3: Darwaza – Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Darwaza – Ashgabat

After enjoying your camp-style breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat (270 km, 5h due to bad road conditions) and check in to your hotel.

Later that day you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site) and the Turkmenbashy Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. Drive to visit the Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of the cultural centres of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. The museum has the world’s largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records.

Complimentary night drive in Ashgabat to see the town in lights.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Yyyldyz Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Darwaza – Ashgabat (270km, 4-5 hours, poor road conditions), City touring (3 hours by bus)
Walking Distance: Approximately 8km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with shade
Day 4 Day 4: Ashgabat – Nohur- Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Ashgabat – Nohur- Ashgabat

This morning, depart for Nohur mountain village tucked into the Kopet Dag Mountains. Visit the Gokdepe Mosque, Akhalteke horse farm, and Kow-Ata underground lake on the way.

Time permitting, you may be able to swim in the underground lake. Continue on to explore a tribal cemetery and participate in a silk weaving workshop. Drive back to Ashgabat.

Meals
Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Accommodation
Overnight at Yyldyz Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
5hr drive by bus
Walking Distance: Approximately 10km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 5 Day 5: Ashgabat – Almaty (Kazakhstan)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Ashgabat – Almaty (Kazakhstan)

An early start this morning as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Almaty at 08:50 am (is subject to change). Upon arrival in Almaty at 12:35 pm, you will set off to explore Almaty.

Your tour starts with sightseeing in the central part of Almaty. You learn about the history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its major attractions. Your tour will continue in one of the oldest Almaty parks – Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral is located. You will also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died for the freedom and independence of the country.

Discover the Central State Museum and Republic Square. Your next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (from sea level) and where you will travel via the picturesque winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe Park, you can stroll along the winding paths of the park, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs.

From here, visit Medeo Gorge, well known for being home to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflow. Take a brief walk around with a chance to take your mountain-view pictures and breathe the fresh pine tree air. Check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
KazZhol Park Hotel or a similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
2 hr drive by bus
Walking Distance: Approximately 6-8 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 6 Day 6: Big Almaty Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Big Almaty Lake

Drive to the Big Almaty gorge, where located at an altitude of 2,510m above sea level, you will find the Big Almaty Lake – one of the most picturesque lakes in Trans-Ili Alatau. The lake is beautiful, especially when its blue surface is calm, and it reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. The Big Almaty Lake was formed as a result of the movement of an ancient glacier. Thanks to its high-mountain location, the water in the lake is always cool – even in July, the water temperature does not exceed 10 degrees.

On the way back to the town, you will visit a Falcon Farm, where you will enjoy a spectacular show with specially trained falcons – hunting with them is one of the most unique features of the Kazakh way of life and an age-old tradition still practised today and also in the west of Mongolia.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation
KazZhol Park Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
2-3 hr drive by bus
Walking Distance: Approximately 6-8 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 7 Day 7: Kaindy Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kaindy Lake

Depart early from Almaty at 07:00 am to Saty (280km, 4-5 hours’ drive). Upon arrival at Saty, you will check in at your guest house, where you will spend the next two nights. After lunch, you will change vehicles to an AWD local car, such as “UAZ” or “PAZ” (Russian car models), as they are fully capable of covering uneven mountain roads (12 km, approx. 1 hour) to the beautiful Kaindy Lake.

Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forests at an altitude of 2000m above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to a powerful earthquake which triggered a landslide and blocked the valley causing a natural dam, and the water flooded the valley. The water in the lake is very cold – the chilling temperatures preserve the pine needles of the flooded trees which are visible through the crystal-clear surface of the water. Dry stems of fir trees overlook the water’s surface, like the masts of a submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words the mystical splendour of the lake. After walking around the lake, return to Saty settlement to freshen up and enjoy dinner.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Kolsai Grand Hotel

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
280 km, 5-7 hr drive by bus
Walking Distance: Approximately 5-6 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 8 Day 8: Kolsai Lakes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Kolsai Lakes

The Kolsai Lakes, known as the ‘Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan’, represent a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible to all travellers. It is the most beautiful lake, with a lack of civilisation and an abundance of wild mushrooms. For those who are horse lovers, there is the option to explore on horseback. The highest lake is small. It is located on the border of firewood and the alpine meadows and amazes with its harsh alpine beauty, as well as the rich flora and fauna. The vertical drop between the three lakes is about 700m. The lowest lake can be reached by car. Walk a few kilometres along mountain trails to see the second and third lakes. This will be one of your highlights. This area is rich in berries, mushrooms, and fishing. The water in the lakes is cold and clean and is home to the rainbow trout – a fish that lives only in running or spring water. In the surrounding mountains, you can see many birds, Marals, mountain goats, wolves and even bears.

Having arrived at Kolsay-1 Lake and after brief instructions, you will start trekking. The route lies on the bank of the lake and continues with the path through the pine forest, and alpine meadows along a pure mountain river flowing all the way down from Kolsai-2 Lake. The total walking distance between the two lakes is about 7 km and usually takes 3-3,5 hours one way. The altitude rises up more than 400m, from 1818m above sea level at the first lake to 2250 m at the second lake. There is no category of difficulty and the route is accessible for healthy, average-trained people. Enjoying your lunch in front of the cold and pure-clean lake in the surroundings of magnificent mountain peaks.

Enjoy an afternoon walk back to Kolsai-1 Lake and drive back to your hotel.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Kolsai Grand Hotel

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
1 hr drive by bus
Walking Distance: Approximately 14-15 km
Walking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no difficulties for trained people
Day 9 Day 9: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Karakol (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Karakol (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan)

After breakfast, farewell to your guesthouse host family and depart to Charyn Canyon at 08:00 am. It will take about 2 hours to reach the canyon. Upon arrival, admire the grand panorama and go down to the bottom of the canyon to walk around 2 km through the maze of the Valley of the Castles.

Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique in its kind not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during the Paleogene and reminds you of the Grand Canyon in North America, although inferior to it in size. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon is up to 150-300m. The extraordinary dissection of the terrain is striking: the numerous ravines form a dense, chaotic network. Wind and water have created the beautiful ‘Valley of Castles’, where you are always surrounded by fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley is more than 2km and its width is 20-80m. For millions of years, nature has been creating a unique architecture, erecting magnificent castles carefully and slowly. You can spend hours walking amongst the strange towers and columns, being absorbed in the wild imagination of nature.

The bottom of the canyon has a slight descent to the end of the walk, where you will reach the fresh oasis on the banks of the icy cold Charyn River. Here there is a small eco-park with several yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open air café, operating in the summer months. Relax and take in the surrounding beauty before walking back and driving to one of the observation points for another breathtaking panoramic view. After 3-4 hours spent in the canyon, you will depart to Karakol (200 km). Your lunch today will be served in a local café in the canyon.

Following lunch, transfer to the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border Kegen (95 km). After completing border formalities, you will transfer to Karakol via Karkara Valley (110 km). Dinner this evening is with in Uigur family where you will try traditional cuisine.

Meals
Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
GreenYard Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: around 300 km, 5-6 hr drive by bus
Walking Distance: Approximately 4-5 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1-1,5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no difficulties for trained people
Day 10 Day 10: Karakol – Jety Oguz – Kochkor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Karakol – Jety Oguz – Kochkor

This morning, you will visit a traditional wooden Orthodox Church and Dungan Mosque which is built in Chinese style. From here, continue to Jety-Oguz Gorge. Enjoy a short hike in the gorge and then transfer along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way stop in Bokonbaevo, where you will see an eagle hunting show. Continue driving to Kochkor where one of the best views on the Issyk-Kul Lake is guaranteed. This evening, you will have Kyrgyz cuisine for dinner.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
around 280 km, 5-6 hr drive by bus

Walking Distance: Approximately 2-3 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate, with no difficulties for trained people
Day 11 Day 11: Kochkor – Son-Kul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Kochkor – Son-Kul

After breakfast transfer to Son-Kul (120km). Son-Kul is one of the highest lakes in Kyrgyzstan (3016m above sea level). It’s a place where you can experience true nomadic life. You will have a chance to ride a horse, see edelweiss flowers, camels, yaks, and golden eagles, and see how local women make the Kyrgyz national drink – Kymyz (mare’s milk). This is a remote mountain lake situated on a treeless, high mountain plateau where shepherds bring their livestock in the summertime and establish a camp where they will live for the season and set up their yurts. In this area of beauty, you will see hundreds of herds of animals and their shepherds as well as many different yurts.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Yurt camp or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: Kochor – Son-Kul (approx. 120 km) 3 hr drive by bus
Day 12 Day 12: Son-Kul – Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Son-Kul – Bishkek

This morning, you will transfer to Bishkek (400km). On the way visit a felt carpet workshop in Kochkor, where you can see the traditional process of making Kyrgyz felt carpets. After lunch, continue driving to Bishkek. On the way, you will stop to see Burana Tower, which is left from the ancient city Balasagyn (XI – XIII).

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation
Plaza Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Son-Kul – Bishkek (approx. 330 km), 6-7 hr drive by bus
Day 13 Day 13: Ala-Archa National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Ala-Archa National Park

In the morning, depart for Ala-Archa National Park (40km). The stunning alpine gorge is pushed through with the fast-flowing Ala-Archa River runs. The gorge is flanked by tall, snow-covered peaks with steep-sided, forested, mountain slopes. Enjoy a gentle hike in the gorge. Return to Bishkek where the remainder of the day is free at leisure. This evening you will enjoy dinner with a traditional folklore shore.

Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation
Plaza Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Bishkek – Ala-Archa (around 80 km return), 2 hr drive by bus
Walking Distance: Approximately 5-6 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 14 Day 14: Bishkek – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Bishkek – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

This morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent.

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon arrival at Tashkent airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel (approx. 20-30 min).

The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding infusion of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply intertwined with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road.

Meals
N/A

Accommodation
Manor Hotel or similar

Services
Airport transfer
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Domestic Economy flight to Tashkent

Distance and Journey Time
Airport – Hotel, 20-30min
Day 15 Day 15: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Tashkent

This morning, you will start exploring Tashkent, the biggest city in Central Asia. Start in the old City part of Tashkent with the 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, the Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.

Explore Choru Bazaar. This bazaar is one of the largest and most popular in the capital. Covered by seven domes tiled with coloured ceramic designs, mingle amongst the longest as they bargain and barter amongst themselves. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products of their own production. Let your senses take over as you inhale the aromas of different Eastern spices, vegetables and fruits. Continuing on, you will also visit Kukeldash madrasah, the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical monuments of Tashkent.

Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to the city centre to explore Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and the Applied Arts Museum.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Manor Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Tashkent Metro to City Centre (30 minutes)
Walking Time & Distances: Tashkent City Walk (approx. 0.5km) 1 hour 30 minutes, Choru Bazaar (approx. 1.5km) staircases to manage and can be crowded, Amir Timur and Independence Square (approx. 1.5km) 1 hour walk.
Day 16 Day 16: Tashkent - Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Tashkent - Khiva

Following an early morning breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Urgench (1hr 40 min). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Today you will visit Ichan-Kala Fortress which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also visit Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Toshkhovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. If you are feeling energetic, you may take the time to climb Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Old Khiva in Kunya-Ark.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Orient Star Khiva or similar

Services
Airport transfer
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: Hotel – Airport (30km, 35 minutes), Flight from Tashkent – Urgench (1 hr 40 min).

Walking Time & Distances: Islom Khodja Minaret climb (2-3km) 7-8 hours. Moderate difficulty with lots of stops and time to sit.
Day 17 Day 17: Khiva - Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Khiva - Bukhara

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel. Transfer to the railway station to meet your train departing for Bukhara at 9:12 am (480km). The Great Silk Road was once routed through Bukhara and Khiva and ran through the Kyzylkum Desert, as the present road does nowadays. Upon arrival at 16:17, transfer to your hotel.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Paradise Plaza or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Train ride to Bukhara

Distance and Journey Time
Khiva to Bukhara by train (480km) approx. 7 hours.
Day 18 Day 18: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Bukhara

Bukhara was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West and a major medieval centre for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries. Spend your day in fascinating Old Bukhara which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Explore Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Magoki-Attori Mosque, madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, trade domes, Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Chor-Minor Madrasah and others.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Paradise Plaza or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Exploring Bukhara (approx. 3-4km) 8-9 hours walk and driving with breaks for drinks, lunch and photo stops.
Day 19 Day 19: Bukhara – Nurata
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Bukhara – Nurata

This morning, you will depart Bukhara and drive to a village located in the Nurata Mountains. On arrival in Ashraf or Yangi Hayot village, you will spend the evening in a local guesthouse. Both villages are located far from roads and cities and sit in a picturesque mountain area with crisp fresh air, lush green orchards, singing birds, sky blanketed in stars and friendly people.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Paradise Plaza or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Bukhara – Nurata (approx. 300km) 5-6 hours with photo stops.
Day 20 Day 20: Village In Nurata Mountains
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Village In Nurata Mountains

People have been living in the Nurata Mountains since the times of Alexander the Great. Villagers’ houses and farms are as they were done centuries ago. Women cook on the open fire, weave, spin yarn, bake their own bread, and milk the cows. The men farm, shepherd, and built houses of stone, rocks and clay. Enjoy exploring the village, watching birds, hiking the surroundings and participating in cooking traditional food with the locals.

Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation
Paradise Plaza or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Walking Time & Distances
Exploring Nurata Mountains (approx. 2-5km) 3-4 hours walking, moderate difficulty with shady stops.
Day 21 Day 21: Nurata – Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Nurata – Samarkand

Depart the village and farewell your local friends and drive to Samarkand. Upon arrival in Samarkand, visit Koni Ghil Silk Paper Centre and check in to your hotel.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Arka Boutique Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Nurata – Samarkand (approx. 220km, 4 hours)
Day 22 Day 22: Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Samarkand

Today you will explore the main attractions in Samarkand including the Registan, which is a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating to the 15th and 17th centuries. You also have the chance to explore Gur Emir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire.

You will also visit the Shakhizinda, which is a necropolis in the north-eastern part of Samarkand and the remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque which is one of the most important monuments of Samarkand. Siyob Bazaar and Ulugbek Observatory will also be visited.

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Arka Boutique Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Walking Time & Distances
Ulugbek Observatory (approx. 2-3km) 45 minutes, easy walk.
Day 23 Day 23: Samarkand – Penjikent – 7 Lakes – Penjikent (Tajikistan)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Samarkand – Penjikent – 7 Lakes – Penjikent (Tajikistan)

Today you will transfer to the Jartepa border crossing to cross over into Tajikistan.

Once you have completed customs and passport control, you will meet your driver in Tajikistan. Visit Sarazm ruins – Sarazm is one of the ancient settlements in Central Asia with over 5500 years of civilisation. In 2010, Sarazm was added to the list of the Human heritage by UNESCO.

Seven Lakes
Drive to the Seven Lakes which are located in the west of the beautiful Fann Mountains: Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin lakes (2139m), Khurdak, Marguzor and Hazorchashma lakes (2400m); each of them has its own colour which varies from a calming turquoise to mesmerising purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma, you will enjoy a picnic lunch.

Light Hiking and Return to Penjikent
Enjoy some light hiking in this stunning region. The Fann Mountains are part of the western Pamir-Alay Mountain system and are primarily located in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province between the Zarafshan Range to the north and the Gissary Range to the south. Enjoy a picnic at the lakes before you drive back to Penjikent and your hotel for dinner.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Penjikent Plaza Hotel or similar

ServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Samarkand – Border Crossing (60km, 1 hour), Total driving for the day: 5 hours
Walking Distance: Approximately 4km
Walking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 24 Day 24: Penjikent – Dushanbe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Penjikent – Dushanbe

Following breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Penjikent where you will visit the Museum of Rudaki – Penjikent is the birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, and is considered by many to be the father of Persian Poetry. Explore ancient Penjikent with its ruins of old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and a city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Drive to Dushanbe.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Atlas Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
Penjikent – Dushanbe (260km, 5-6 hr drive)
Walking Distance: Approximately 3 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 25 Day 25: Dushanbe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Dushanbe

National Museum of Antiquities
After breakfast, start a guided city tour with a visit to the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities with exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations: the Greek, Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian periods. The most notable piece in the museum is the largest, fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue.

Ismail Samani Monument
Next on the itinerary is a stop at the Ismail Samani monument, honouring the first king of Tajiks and the founder of the Samanid State, whose influence extended across Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran during the 9th and 10th centuries.

Rudaki Central Park to Hissar Fortress
Stroll through Central Park, later named Rudaki Park, commemorating the founder of modern Persian poetry during the 9th and 10th centuries.

Your city tour includes Independence Square, the Palace of the Nation and the National Library and then onto the Botanical Garden. As you venture into the vibrant heart of the city, immerse yourself in the bustling ambience of the Bazaar, an emblematic oriental market that epitomises the lively spirit of Dushanbe.

Lastly, you will visit Hissar Fortress, a historic site dating back to the 18th century and occupied until 1924. Nearby, you’ll discover two plain Madrassahs—one from the 18th century and the other from the 19th century. Further, a 16th-century mausoleum graces the landscape.

In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at a restaurant, complete with an engaging show program to cap off your day of exploration.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation
Atlas Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time
3-4 hr drive
Walking Distance: Approximately 2 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Day 26 Day 26: Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Departure

Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward departure.

Meals
Breakfast

Services
Airport transfer

+23

26 days tour

Discovery Of Central Asia – 5 Stans

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Itinerary of your trip Discovery Of Central Asia – 5 Stans

Day 1: Arrival In Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)

Day 2: Ashgabat – Darwaza

Day 3: Darwaza – Ashgabat

Day 4: Ashgabat – Nohur- Ashgabat

Day 5: Ashgabat – Almaty (Kazakhstan)

Day 6: Big Almaty Lake

Day 7: Kaindy Lake

Day 8: Kolsai Lakes

Day 9: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Karakol (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan)

Day 10: Karakol – Jety Oguz – Kochkor

Day 11: Kochkor – Son-Kul

Day 12: Son-Kul – Bishkek

Day 13: Ala-Archa National Park

Day 14: Bishkek – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

Day 15: Tashkent

Day 16: Tashkent - Khiva

Day 17: Khiva - Bukhara

Day 18: Bukhara

Day 19: Bukhara – Nurata

Day 20: Village In Nurata Mountains

Day 21: Nurata – Samarkand

Day 22: Samarkand

Day 23: Samarkand – Penjikent – 7 Lakes – Penjikent (Tajikistan)

Day 24: Penjikent – Dushanbe

Day 25: Dushanbe

Day 26: Departure

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