Accommodation

Double or Twin room share hotel accommodation

Guide

Escort guide in each country separately (Kyrgystan and Kazakhstan 1 guide, Uzbekistan 1 guide and in Turkmenistan 1 guide) Language: English or can be any if requested by majority of group members.

Flights

Local flights Mary - Ashgabat, Urgench-Tashkent

Others

Bottled water daily per person

Meals

Breakfast in the hotels

Transport

2-6 in Minivan 8-15 in Minibus

Not included:

Insurance

Personal Insurance

Optional

Opera and Ballet theatre in Tashkent Sound and Light show in Samarkand Folk music show in Bukhara

Others

Lunch and Dinner International ticket Bishkek-Tashkent flight Alcohol beverages Personal charges in hotels Tipping Guides and Drivers

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Bishkek

Arrival in Bishkek. Transfer to your hotel. Proceed for a city tour in Bishkek. Sightseeing of Bishkek includes the following: visit to Victory Square, Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Ploshad Ala-Too (Ala-Too square), the History Museum, walking tour in Bishkek, National philharmonic and many others places upon your request. It is not a real city tour without visiting a real central-Asian Bazaar! Overnight in hotel Asia Mountains or Discovery 3*
Day 2 Day 2: Issyk Kul Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Issyk Kul Lake

Breakfast at hotel. 09:00 am: Transfer to the Issyk Kul Lake, en route visit Burana Tower. 12:00 pm: Lunch in Kyrgyz family home, not far from Tokmok city (included). Continue on driving to Issyk Kul Lake, through Boom Canyon. Visit petroglyphs of Paleolithic era and a local museum in Cholpon Ata. Upon arrival check in to hotel, 1930 Dinner at local restaurant on your own. Overnight in Tri Korony 3* or similar hotel.
Day 3 Day 3: Issyk Kul Lake / Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Issyk Kul Lake / Bishkek

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Grigorevka Gorge. Lunch break. And PM return to Bishkek, overnight in Asia Mountains hotel or hotel Discovery 3*. Dinner is on your own.
Day 4 Day 4: Almaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Almaty

Morning excursion to Ala Archa national park. Lunch at local restaurant and afternoon transfer to Almaty. It is the capital city of Kazakhstan located 240 km from Bishkek. Overnight in Otrar or Kazjol hotel.
Day 5 Day 5: Almaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Almaty

Breakfast in the hotel. Start sightseeing in Almaty at 0900, Panfilov Park Zenkov Wooden Cathedral, St.Nicholas Cathedral, National Musical Instruments Museum, Central State Museum, Green Bazaar and enjoy a Panoramic view at observatory. Overnight in Otrar hotel.
Day 6 Day 6: Dushanbe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Dushanbe

Morning transfer to Almaty airport at 8 AM. Flight number KC 131 (Air Astana) 1105AM–1200PM, Almaty -Dushanbe. Meeting in the airport. Sightseeing in the city of Dushanbe city. Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan. Dushanbe means "Monday" in Tajik (Persian Language), site of a village that originally was a popular Monday marketplace. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, Varzob and Kofarnihon. Tajikistan United Museum – includes the exhibits on history, natural history and art. Museum of ethnography – professional showcase of 20th century Tajik art. The collection includes pottery, carpets, cloaks, embroidery, jeweler, musical instruments, woodwork and more. Sleeping Buddha. Monument Somoni and park Rudaki Hissar fortress, 30km outside of city – the remains of an 18th century fortress, occupied until 1924 is located 30 km west of Dushanbe. Beside the fortress are two plain madrassahs, one dating from the 18th century and the other 19th, and beyond them is the mausoleum of 16th century (25km). Drive to Dushanbe for overnight.
Day 7 Day 7: Khujand (Leninabad)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Khujand (Leninabad)

You will see Fan Mountains – a popular tourism and mountain climbing area in Tajikistan. There are about 100 passes in height from 3200 to 5060 m (Mirali). The Fan Mountains are the highest part of Zeravshan range with 11 peaks above 5,000 m with sharp fantastical pointed forms. In the bosom of these mountains are about 30 lakes, the largest of which are Iskandarkul, and the most beautiful and picturesque, famous for the unique play of colors - Kulikalon. Iskandarkul lake: length - 5км, width - 3,5км and depth to - 80м, located at height 2250м. The heart of Fan mountains, the treasure of Tyan-Shan, a scenic Iskandarkul lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tajikistan. Having emerald green and blue color. A fast flouring Iskandar-darya river flows from the lake, forming a marvelous and gorgeous waterfall, so called the “Fan Niagara” that falls from the height 38 meters. Drive to Istarafshan. Istaravshan is a museum city, the ancient center of trade and crafts, one of the most ancient cities of the Central Asia. In 2002 Istaravshan turned 2,500 years old. The city was founded in the sixth century B.C. by a Akhemenid king Cyrus who fortified the settlement by means of three wall lines and a citadel. In the second -seventh centuries B.C. the ancient sentiment Mugteppa was located on the territory of Istaravshan. Mugteppa was the residence of the local aristocracy who erected there numerous palaces distinguished by original expressive architecture. The evidence of that was found in Bundzhikat (Kala and Kakh-Kakh) and Chil’khudzhra settlements which had fortified structures with palaces and cult buildings decorated with paintings and carved panels. For example in Bundzhikat the archaeologists found the painting with the image of a she-wolf feeding two babies - the symbol of contacts between the West and the Orient. During the years of Arabian sovereignty Istaravshan became a province Arabian Caliphate. It was at this time when Islamic architectural structures of portal-dome design such as mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, etc. started to appear. Sightseeing the city: Madrasa Kuk-Gumbaz, Old city, mosque Shohi Zinda . Drive to Khujand city. Evening walk in the central park.
Day 8 Day 8: Khujand (Leninabad) / Penjikent 300 Km
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Khujand (Leninabad) / Penjikent 300 Km

Khujand is the capital of northern Tajikistan and the second largest city in the country. The city’s history dates back to ancient times. In the opinion of historians legendary city of Alexander-Eskhata (Alexandria Extreme) was constructed by Alexander the Great on the place of the present Khujand (the 5th century BC) and become the city of highly developed culture, important commercial and crafts center. It in many respects speaks it can be explained by its favorable position. Khujand stands at the entrance to the fertile Fergana Valley. Owing to this it was one of the main centers of the Great Silk way and enjoyed prosperity and richness. One of the ancient cities of the Central Asia Khujand has been known since the 7th century. In the 19th century after the Russian intrusion Khujand became the center of district of rapid industrial development. Sightseeing the city: museum, western market Panjshanbe and mausoleum Shayh Muslihiddin. Afternoon transfer to Penjikent. Overnight in Penjikent.
Day 9 Day 9: Penjikent To Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Penjikent To Samarkand

In the morning visit ancient ruins of Panjikent settelment of 1-6 Centuries AD. It was one of the main sities of Sogdian and Bactrian empire and destroyed in 7 century by Arabs. Afternoon drive to Uzbekistan border 50 km. Arrive in Samarkand, check in to hotel.
Day 10 Day 10: Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel .0900 Full day sightseeing of Samarkand Visit Registan Square, the center of Samarkand with 3 madrasah of 15-17 Centuries, Bibi Hanum mosque of 14 Century and Siab Bazaar of Samarkand where you can spend your time for shopping of dry fruits, Samarkand bread, sweets, spices. Shahi Zinda complex, the holy necropolis of Kusam Ibn Abbas and the mausoleums of Temur’s relatives and generals. Ulugbek’s observatory of 14 Century and Gur Emir, the tomb of Amir Temur, his teacher, sons and grand sons. Also visit Afrasiyob Museum/Central bazaar of Samarkand-Siyob and taste Non (bread) made only in Samarkand, overnight.
Day 11 Day 11: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel 0830 Depart Samarkand for Bukhara with stop at city Shakhrisabz (140 km, 2,5 hrs) Upon arrival to Shakhrisabz, visit Ak – Saray/Kok Gumbaz Mosque, PM continue to Bukhara (another 290 km, 4,5 hrs) Upon arrival to Bukhara, accommodate at the hotel. Evening you enjoy walking tour of Bukhara, the center of the old town with shops, craft workshops, galleries, mosque and madrasah, café and restaurants. Overnight
Day 12 Day 12: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Bukhara

After breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing. Bukhara is main religious center of Islamic world as it was the main education center of Islam after invasion of central Asia in 7th century. There are more than 100 s of mosques and madrasag preserved.

Visit Samanid’s Dynasty Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo – Khauz Mosque, The Ark Fortress – Citadel, Kalon Complex – consists of minaret, Mosque and Madrasah, Magoki Attori Mosque, Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasahs, Lyabi Khauz complex is the most populated and crowded center of the old town. Upon request we may arrange seats for Folk and costumer show in old madrasah.
Day 13 Day 13: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Bukhara

Full day of sightseeing in Bukhara 0900 Visit Chor Minor memorial/ former summer palace of Bukhara Emir Said Olimkhan , Sitora – Mokhi – Khosa. Museum of Decorative Applied Art . Afternoon we drive to Gijhduvan to visit Abdulla’s pottery house and enjoy a cup of tea with the master. Back to Bukhara. Overnight
Day 14 Day 14: Mary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Mary

08:30 am: After breakfast depart to Turkmenistan border. Upon arrival to the border point go through customs procedures and continue on to drive directly to Mary via Turkmenabat, on the way cross the Floating Bridge and transfer to Mary. Overnight in Mary 4* hotel.
Day 15 Day 15: Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Ashgabat

In the morning visit to the Ancient Merv (UNESCO). Merv is one of the ancient ruins of Central Asia and was a big city with city walls built up in the hill. There we will explore the 9th C Greater and Lessor Kyz Kala, the Two Askhars, then climb up Alexander the Great’s Erk Kala, and visiting the 12th C Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum. Wonderful 3 hour visit. Upon return to Mary, visit the History Museum of Merv region. Transfer to airport for evening flight to Ashgabat, (ETD 1920h ETA 2000h). Transfer to hotel in Ashgabat, Ak Altyn hotel 3*.
Day 16 Day 16: Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Ashgabat

Ashgabat is called as the city of love, Ashk Abad, but the modern city looks like a white marble city. There are also many grandiose national monuments. City tour includes visits of Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, Ahalteke horse stables, Nissa (UNESCO) site which was the city of Parthians. National Museum. Overnight in hotel.
Day 17 Day 17: Darvaza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Darvaza

Morning at leisure. Transfer to Karakum desert, visit Erbent desert community on the way. Set up camp and enjoy Shish Kebab cooked in open air and sleep in Tents. The crater looks gorgeous, especially at night! Dinner in a Camp near the Gas crater.
Day 18 Day 18: Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Khiva

Drive to Dashoguz. Visit Kunya Urgench (UNESCO) on the way. Transfer to the border post for border crossing. Meet your Uzbek guide and driver after Uzbekistan customs and head to Khiva. Overnight in Khiva, in Ichan kala or outside.
Day 19 Day 19: Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Khiva

Today we will enjoy open air city museum Khiva. Khiva was the center of Khorezm khanate after Kunya Urgench was destroyed by Mongols. and the city was formed after 14-15 century as the capital of the Khanate. Visit all mosques, madrasah and workshops in Khiva. The hotel is located in the old city. The main and well known crafts of Khiva is wood carving and silk carpet weaving whcih you can see it in workshops. Evening take flight to Tashkent at around 2100, arrive at 2240, overnight
Day 20 Day 20: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and it was the centre of Turkistan during the 17-19th centuries and is located in the crossroad of the Great Silk Road.

It now has a modern and an old town with madrasah of 16th century, Uthman Koran of 7th century and the biggest bazaar; Chorsu. The modern city can offer you museums, galleries, theatres and shopping for souvenirs. The Metro of Tashkent is unique and it is worth a visit as one of the main architectural treasures of Soviet era.
Day 21 Day 21: Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Departure

Transfer to airport for your return flight home. End of Services.

+18

21 days tour

Central Asia Combined Silk Road Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Central Asia Combined Silk Road Tour

Day 1: Bishkek

Day 2: Issyk Kul Lake

Day 3: Issyk Kul Lake / Bishkek

Day 4: Almaty

Day 5: Almaty

Day 6: Dushanbe

Day 7: Khujand (Leninabad)

Day 8: Khujand (Leninabad) / Penjikent 300 Km

Day 9: Penjikent To Samarkand

Day 10: Samarkand

Day 11: Bukhara

Day 12: Bukhara

Day 13: Bukhara

Day 14: Mary

Day 15: Ashgabat

Day 16: Ashgabat

Day 17: Darvaza

Day 18: Khiva

Day 19: Khiva

Day 20: Tashkent

Day 21: Departure

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania