
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:
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
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
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.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
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.
- 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, Minorai-Kalon , 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 |