Small Group Tour of Central Asia with Uzbekistan Discovery

Arrival in Almaty on a Turkish Airlines flight. Meeting with our colleague and transfer to the chosen hotel. Check-in. After breakfast, we head to the mountains. This excursion offers the best opportunity to admire the beautiful mountains surrounding the city of Almaty. We will visit the Medeu Gorge, home to the wonderful mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau, the largest high-altitude skating rink in the world, as well as the huge dam that protects the city from the destructive mudflows that form on the peaks of the western Tien Shan. Next, visit Shymbulak, also known as Chimbulak, a ski resort located at an altitude of 2,230 metres above sea level. It is very popular for its mild climate, the large number of sunny days, snow throughout the winter and the stunning mountain scenery. On reaching the mountains, guests will be taken to the top by chairlift. The city tour begins with a sightseeing tour of central Almaty. You will learn more about the history and development of the capital of southern Kazakhstan and see its main attractions: the Presidential Palace, Republic Square, the Independence Monument, Astana Square, Abai Square and the Palace of the Republic. The tour continues to one of Almaty's oldest parks, Panfilov Park, where you will see one of the most unique wooden buildings in the world, Zenkov Cathedral, and you will also visit the Monument of Glory and the Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died for the country's freedom and independence. After lunch, guests will be taken on a shopping route through Almaty with a visit to the Green Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

First, we head towards the impressive Charyn Canyon. The canyon is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon. The dramatic erosion caused by the Charyn River has created a stunning landscape. The place is also known as the Valley of Castles. It has a distinctive bright red colour and its rock formations resemble castles. It is spectacular both by day and at night under a starry sky. Next, we cross the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan into the next country of our tour: Kyrgyzstan. After completing all border formalities, we continue towards Karakol along the picturesque Karkara Valley, famous for its mountain flowers that attract many beekeepers. Overnight at the hotel.

Optional: Dinner with a Dungan family + traditional Lagman/Ashlamfu dishes.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

The atmosphere of Karakol will transport you a hundred years back in time and let you experience a taste of tsarist Russia. Our 2-hour guided tour of the town includes: old Russian-style houses (1870-1910), the Russian Orthodox church (1886) and the Dungan mosque (1899), built entirely of wood without a single nail. Next, transfer to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Here you will have the chance to admire fantastic red sandstone rock formations. The local pastures have long been used by shepherds to graze flocks of sheep and horses. We continue along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The lake lies in a basin surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Too ranges, at an altitude of 1,600 metres. Lake Issyk-Kul is 180 km long, 60 km wide and 700 m deep. It is fed by 134 streams and rivers, yet none flow out of it, a phenomenon explained by underwater tectonic activity. Today we will stay at a luxurious yurt camp, located on the shore of the southern part of Lake Issyk-Kul, called Oimo Tash.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch/dinner.

On the way to Bishkek, we stop at the 12th-century Karakhanid minaret: the Burana Tower. Today it is a museum complex that includes the tower itself, reconstructions of the mausoleums found on the site, remains of the citadel, a collection of balbals (gravestones used by Turkic nomadic peoples), petroglyphs (stone carvings) and a small museum. On arrival in Bishkek, check-in at the hotel and a guided city tour: the central Ala-Too Square, the White House, the Parliament building, the statue of Lenin and Oak Park. Visit to University Square, along with the Philharmonic building and the monument to Manas. A stroll along Erkindik Boulevard and a visit to the monument to Kurmanjan Datka, Queen of Alay. Transfer to Victory Square to conclude the guided city tour.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast, then transfer to Ala-Archa National Park. Take a peaceful walk through the heights to enjoy the mountain views and Kyrgyzstan's rich nature, observe the birds and animals that live there, and watch as the cold water of the Kyrgyz rivers cascades down the mountains and continues its course through centuries-old trees and ravines. At the scheduled time, transfer to Bishkek International Airport to take the international flight to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent and transfer to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will begin our tour of the capital:

the Khast-Imam Complex, where at the Khasti-Imam complex you will visit the Barak-Khan Madrasah and Muyi Mubarak, as well as the Friday Mosque and the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi; Chorsu Bazaar - an Oriental market more than a hundred years old, always located on the main square of Eski-Juva;

Amir Temur Square - the history of the square in the centre of Tashkent, named after Amir Temur, the commander and founder of a great medieval empire;

Independence Square - located in the centre of Tashkent. This is where the main state events and parades are held on national holidays.

We will end the excursion with the Tashkent Metro, the only one in Uzbekistan and the first in Central Asia. Then, transfer to the Uzbek-Tajik border. Meeting with driver and guide and transfer to the city of Khujand. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

After breakfast, we will begin the day with an early morning drive to Dushanbe, continuing through the Fann Mountains and passing through the Anzob Tunnel. We will enjoy picturesque landscapes of mountain valleys and rivers along the way. In the afternoon: Hissor Fortress, located just 30 km west of Dushanbe. This historic site, which served as a key military and administrative centre for various empires throughout history, is a must-see, offering insight into Tajikistan's rich past. We then visit the caravanserais of Hissor, roadside inns that served as vital rest stops for travellers and merchants along the Silk Road. In the past, travellers also used this area to restock supplies and trade goods, reflecting the region's important role as a trading hub. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel to check in before heading out for dinner in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

After breakfast, explore Dusti Square, home to the monuments to Ismoili Somoni and Rudaki in the central park. Next, take a stroll through the Botanical Garden, a lush, peaceful park full of centuries-old trees and a favourite spot for locals, before visiting Mehrgon Bazaar, a lively Oriental market that is the busiest place in the city for shopping. Before heading to Panjikent, we will stop at the legendary Lake Iskanderkul, known as Alexander the Great's lake. Picture this: a 340-hectare lake steeped in history, which Alexander himself may have passed on his way to India. We will have lunch on the shore of the lake, enjoying those incredible views. On finally arriving in Panjikent, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Begin the day exploring the ancient ruins of Panjikent. A Sogdian city that flourished along the Silk Road until the Arab conquest in the 8th century. The large archaeological site features places of historical interest, such as a walled city, a citadel with a palace and even a necropolis. Next, visit the Rudaki Museum, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of the Sogdian civilisation and the legacy of the famous Persian poet Rudaki. Afterwards, return to Uzbekistan by crossing the Jartepa border. Check in at your hotel before spending the day exploring Samarkand. Free afternoon and overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and driver at 09:00. Today we will visit the Mausoleum of Amir Temur (Tamerlane) and the Timurids - one of the most significant architectural complexes of the medieval East is the Gur-e Amir (Gur-Emir) building.

It is located in the south-western part of Samarkand, from the early 15th century; Registan Square in Samarkand, a symbol of Uzbekistan and the "eighth wonder of the world". It is a complex formed by three madrasahs: Ulugbek (15th century), Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori (17th century). We will then visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built in the 14th-15th centuries by order of Amir Temur and his favourite wife, Bibi-Khanym. We will stroll through the traditional Siab Bazaar in Samarkand and the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where relatives of Tamerlane are buried. Then transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure at the scheduled time for Bukhara on the high-speed train from Samarkand. Arrival in Bukhara and visits around the ancient, sacred and noble city of Bukhara, homeland of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), known as one of the world's most famous physicians. We will begin our excursion on foot through the city, full of historic monuments (9th-19th centuries): the Lyabi-Hauz Complex – a pool with the Nodir Devonbegi and Kukaldash Madrasahs; the ancient domed Oriental markets. We will then visit the Ulugbek Madrasah (16th century) – one of the oldest madrasahs in Bukhara, the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah (17th century) - lavishly decorated; the trading domes - Toki-Sarrafon (once a Central Asian currency exchange centre), Telpak Furushon (sold books, later hats), Tim Abdullakhan (sold carpets and textiles), Toki-Zargaron (sold jewellery); the Poi Kalon Complex, made up of: the Kalon Minaret (12th century) - a symbol of the city of Bukhara, built to call Muslims to prayer five times a day, the Kalon Mosque (15th century) - the layout of the Djuma (Friday) mosque, also called the Kalyan Mosque, is traditional: a rectangular courtyard with a tall, grand maksura hall, the Miri-Arab Madrasah (16th century) - one of the finest monuments of the Bukhara school of architecture. We will end the excursion with the legendary Ark Fortress (4th century BC) - a symbol of state power. It was the residence of the khans of Bukhara. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast. Departure for Khiva by car or train, with stops along the way.

Kyzylkum is the largest desert in the country, with dunes and desert trees, with abundant vegetation cared for by the state. In the afternoon, arrival in Khiva and transfer to the hotel.

Today we begin our visit by exploring the 26-hectare complex of Ichan-Qala (inner fortress, 10th-19th centuries) in Khiva, known as the "open-air museum city", surrounded by a thick, tall wall:

the Madrasah of Mohammed Amin Khan and its Kalta Minor minaret: the largest madrasah in Khiva, built by the Khan of Khiva Mohammed Amin Khan, stands next to Kalta Minor, which captivates everyone with its wonderful colours and appearance.

Kunya-Ark is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Khiva; it is an old khans' palace divided into four courtyards. Visiting the residence of the three rulers, you will see with your own eyes how the rulers of the past lived in those times.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

We continue exploring this beautiful city:

the Madrasah of Mohammed Rahim Khan (Feruz) - one of the most revered khans of Khiva, it is also one of the most beautiful madrasahs in the city and consists of a mosque, a classroom, a library and rooms.

the Djuma (Friday) Mosque is known as one of the first mosques built in Central Asia (10th-18th centuries). It will surprise you with its 227 unique wooden columns, and you won't find such a unique mosque anywhere else in the world.

the Tash Khauli Palace and the Khan's harem - built by the Khan of Khiva Allakuli Khan, it consists of 3 courtyards and 111 rooms: the supply courtyard, baths and harem. The harem section of the palace is also uniquely decorated, with wood carvings and ornamentation. The harem, which is of interest to all visitors, has 5 separate porches (for the khan and his 4 wives), from which the rooms are entered via corridors.

the Allakuli Khan Caravanserai - as Khiva was an important city on the Great Silk Road, caravanserais (a caravanserai being an ancient structure where caravans would stop, exchange goods, and be served food and lodging) played a very important role; this historic site still hosts trade today, which will give you a special pleasure and make you feel as though you have stepped back in time.

the Madrasah and Minaret of Islam Khodja (no climbing) – one of the most important sites in the history of Khiva. Islam Khodja was the prime minister, and by visiting Khiva you can learn about his services to the city and its people, especially the tall minaret he built.

the Pahlavan Mahmud Complex - the magnificent mausoleums built in honour of the great poet, philosopher, scientist and wrestler, and renowned maker of astrakhan coats and hats, Pahlavan Mahmud, are simply impossible not to admire.

the Mennonite Museum in Khiva (Oq Masjid) – one of the most interesting museums in the city; this museum tells the stories of the 19th-20th century German Mennonites in Khiva. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast. Then, transfer to the Uzbek-Turkmen border "Shavat". After customs formalities, meeting with our staff on the Turkmen side. Lunch at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the blazing Darvaza gas crater (296 km, 5 hours due to the poor condition of the road), one of the leading international tourist destinations. The area is rich in natural gas. The Darvaza gas crater, which has been burning for more than 50 years, glows like a pearl in the Karakum Desert. In addition to the Darvaza gas crater, you will also see water and mud craters. One of the most vivid and unforgettable features of this trip is the fresh desert air and experiencing nomadic life first-hand. In the evening, as the light of the gas crater lights up the sky, you will camp in a national Turkmen yurt or in private tents and enjoy a barbecue dinner. This unique landscape will fascinate you and make you want to return. Overnight in the yurt (shared yurt with 2 beds for 2 people).

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch/dinner.

Picnic-style breakfast in Darvaza. After breakfast, transfer to Ashgabat (276 km, 4 hours) and check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, guided tour of the city of Ashgabat. You will see the Wedding Palace, the modern "Yildyz" hotel, the Ferris wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Independence Monument and Park, the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, the Ashgabat Olympic Stadium and the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, transfer to Merv (390 km, 4 hours), one of the most important historic capitals of the Islamic era, alongside Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. The sightseeing tour of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Kala and Lesser Kyz Kala (6th-7th centuries), the Complex of the Askhabs (8th-14th centuries), Erk Kala (6th century BC), Gyaur Kala (4th century BC), the Khoja Yusuf Hamadani complex, the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the mausoleum of Muhammad ibn Zayd. After the sightseeing tour, return to Ashgabat. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport to take your return flight. End of our services.