Let Central Asia leave an impression in your memory with this trip to the most entrancing sights of the region. Start with the best sights in Uzbekistan, with a trip from Khiva through Bukhara to Samarkand. Each of these cities has a long and storied past, tying together civilizations that crossed along the Silk Road. The large architectural monuments and historic atmospheres have made these cities excellent inclusions into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Penjikent, in Tajikistan, is an excellent extension of the historical part of the tour, as the city has lots of historical and cultural significance, while Iskanderkul, as one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, is a must for Central Asia’s best tours. Continue on through Dushanbe, Almaty, and Bishkek, which are the three biggest cities in their respective countries (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). Don’t miss this opportunity to take the best tour of Central Asia and visit all the main sights of the region.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Tashkent. You will be met by Advantour driver and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia.
Visit Old City part of Tashkent with Khast-Imam Complex where the world famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. Explore Chorsu Bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to city center to walk through Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Visit Old City part of Tashkent with Khast-Imam Complex where the world famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. Explore Chorsu Bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to city center to walk through Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Early breakfast. Transfer to the local airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min). Later proceed for guided walking sightseeing tour. Spend a day in Itchan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Kunya-Ark, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Minaret of Islam-Khoja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
After breakfast depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 h.*). Today we will have an overland transfer from Khiva to Bukhara through Kyzylkum desert**. Caravans on the Great Silk Road carrying porcelain and spices used the same route for hundreds of years.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before).
**Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before).
**Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.
Breakfast. Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
After breakfast continue sightseeing tour with a guide. Drive out of the city to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir. Head to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi. In the afternoon depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 h). Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in Samarkand late in the afternoon, check in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel till noon. Continue sightseeing: visit Afrosiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to explore a traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with the car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
After breakfast transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). After you pass customs and passport control on both sides, Tajik guide and driver will meet you and drive to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2h). The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. Lunch at the guest house at the Lake #4. In the afternoon, drive back to Penjikent and visit Rudaki Museum and a local bazaar. Continue to ancient Penjikent archaeological site which takes you back to the times when Penjikent was a major Sogdian city before it was destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Overnight at the hotel in Penjikent.
After breakfast depart Penjikent and drive to Dushanbe (270 km, 4-5 h). The mountain road goes via picturesque Anzob pass (3300 m above sea level). On the way visit Iskanderkul Lake. According to the legend, the Iskanderkul Lake was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great's path to India passed by this lake. Lunch at traditional homestay "Dilovar". Free time to explore the surroundings of the lake: five springs, Zmeinoe Lake, 38m high “Fan Niagara“ waterfall. In the afternoon continue driving to Dushanbe. Arrive in Dushanbe, check in to the hotel.
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit Hissar Fortress where you can see Madrasah Kuhna, Mosque of Hoji Yakub, National Museum of Antiquities, Gurminj Musical Instruments Museum, Statue of Ismail Samani, and Rudaki Park. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Breakfast. Free time till transfer to the International Airport for flight to Almaty. Arrival in Almaty. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start sightseeing tour in Almaty. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Central State Museum (closed on Tuesday) and Republic Square. Enjoy panoramic view at Kok-Tobe Hill, visit Medeo Gorge. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
After breakfast depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway, enjoy nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h). Cross Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border*. Arrive in Bishkek, check in to the hotel.
In the afternoon start sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas; National Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays), Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
*Note: from January 2020 the Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan border point “Kordai” has been closed for reconstruction. Everyone will have to detour 20 kilometers east to the nearby “Ak-Tilek” border point. Another option is to get a direct flight from Almaty to Bishkek.
In the afternoon start sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas; National Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays), Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
*Note: from January 2020 the Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan border point “Kordai” has been closed for reconstruction. Everyone will have to detour 20 kilometers east to the nearby “Ak-Tilek” border point. Another option is to get a direct flight from Almaty to Bishkek.
After breakfast transfer to see Burana Tower (85 km, 1 h 15 min), the remnants of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th century). Return to Bishkek, free time. Overnight at the hotel
- All transfers: 1-2 pax on sedan type car, 3-8 pax on minivan/van;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program in each country with local guides (in Uzbekistan, different guides in each city);
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Visa support for Uzbekistan tourist visas;
- Economy class tickets for flights Tashkent-Urgench and Dushanbe-Almaty.
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- All costs associated with visas;
- Visa support for Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan tourist visas;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour.
Accommodation:
| Tashkent - 1 night | |
| Navruz, Praga, Sharq, Grand Capital, Bek | Wyndham Tashkent, Miran, Grand Mir, City Palace |
| Khiva - 1 night | |
| New Star, Qosha Darvoza or similar | Erkin Palace or similar |
| Bukhara - 2 nights | |
| As-Salom, Fatima or similar | Omar Khayam, Devon-Begi, Zargaron Plaza, Asia Bukhara |
| Samarkand - 3 nights | |
| Platan, Meros, Orient Star, Malika Prime, Rabat, City | Dilimah, Sultan, Grand Samarkand Superior A, Grand Samarkand Superior B, Platan, Alexander, Minor, Malika Prime, Asia Samarkand |
| Penjikent - 1 night | |
| Sugd, Umariyon | Sugd, Umariyon |
| Dushanbe - 2 nights | |
| Atlas B&B or similar | Hilton Dushanbe or similar |
| Almaty - 2 nights | |
| Novotel | Rixos Almaty |
| Bishkek - 2 nights | |
| Plaza, Park Hotel, Ambassador or similar | Orion |
