Discovery of Central Asia – 5 Stans

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

Begin your day exploring Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, which 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.

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 the 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.

Please note that whilst the Darvaza Gas Crater remains one of Turkmenistan’s most unique and fascinating sights, travellers should note that the crater is not burning as intensely as it once did. Rather than a single giant fire pit, the flames emerge through smaller vents and cracks where natural gas escapes, creating pockets of fire across the crater floor. The experience is often most impressive after dark, when the glow of the flames becomes far more visible against the night sky. While expectations are sometimes shaped by dramatic images online, the true appeal of Darvaza lies in its eerie atmosphere, remote desert setting, and the rarity of witnessing such an unusual natural phenomenon in person. (B,D)

Overnight – Stantrips Yurt Camp or similar – sleeping mats, sleeping bags and pillows provided

After enjoying your camp-style breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat. The journey is approx. 270km and will take approx. 4-5 hours due to poor road conditions. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, check into your hotel.

Later today, you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site), described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211 BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian kings.

On the way back, 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-woven 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. (B)

Overnight – Yyldyz Hotel or similar

This morning, depart Ashgabat for Kow-Ata Underground Lake (approx. 107km from the capital). The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means “father of caves”. The cavern resembles a vast natural chamber, stretching about 230 metres in length, with a height of up to 20 metres and a width reaching 57 metres in places. The cave floor is dotted with limestone formations, and at its centre lies a clear, emerald-coloured thermal lake. The mineral-rich water maintains a constant temperature of around 33–37°C, offering the opportunity for a swim.

Continue to a local home for a Turkmen Hospitality experience, providing an insight into traditional Turkmen culture and daily life. Try on traditional clothing, watch demonstrations of carpet weaving and felt-mat making, and learn to prepare national dishes such as dograma and ishlekli. You will also bake traditional bread and prepare pishme, a fried pastry served with tea. The experience concludes with a shared lunch with the family.

Later, visit the Gökdepe Mosque before continuing to an Akhal-Teke Horse Farm, home to the prized Akhal-Teke horses, one of the oldest and most distinctive horse breeds in the world. Return to Ashgabat in the afternoon. (B,L)

Overnight – Yyldyz Hotel or similar

It is an early start this morning as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Turkmenabat. From Turkmenabat Airport, you will transfer to the Turkmen-Uzbek border at Farap. Once you have crossed the bridge to the Uzbek side, catch another minivan to the Uzbekistan immigration building (around 5,000 UZS to be paid in local currency or US dollars). Please make sure you have cash on you to take these shuttle minivans; otherwise the walk can take around 30 minutes.

After completing and passing through Uzbekistan immigration, head outside the building to meet your guide who will be waiting with your name on a board. From here, drive approximately 120 kilometres to Bukhara. On arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel before beginning your exploration of this historic Silk Road city. Bukhara was a prominent stop on the trade route between East and West and a major medieval centre for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassahs, bazaars and caravanserais dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

This afternoon, explore some of the highlights of Old Bukhara, including the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, a focal point of the old city built around a historic water reservoir, the Jewish Synagogue, the trading domes that once formed the commercial heart of Bukhara, Bozori Kord Hammam, Abdullakhan Tim, the Madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, and the impressive Poi Kalyan Complex, home to Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah. (B)

Overnight – Paradise Plaza or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before continuing your exploration of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bukhara. Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of the earliest surviving examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia; the elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque; Chor Minor with its distinctive four towers; Magoki-Attori Mosque; the ancient Ark Fortress and Chashma Ayub, a historic site associated with the biblical figure Job.

Today will involve approximately 3–4 km of walking spread throughout the day, with regular breaks for refreshments, photography and lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore Bukhara’s old city at your own pace. (B)

Overnight – Paradise Plaza or similar

This morning, you’ll set off for Khiva, journeying through the vast Kyzylkum Desert (8-9hrs including stops). This historic route follows the path once taken by the Great Silk Road, which linked the ancient cities of Bukhara and Khiva across the same sweeping desert landscape. En route, you will stop at the Amudaryo riverbank.

Upon arrival in Khiva, check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Overnight – Orient Star Khiva or similar

Step into Khiva, a masterpiece of desert architecture and a former capital of ancient Khorezm. A UNESCO-listed gem, the walled city of Ichan Kala is home to over 60 historical monuments. Spend the day delving into the soul of Khiva, where history unfolds through towering minarets, intricate tilework, and ancient courtyards.

Admire the elegance of the Mukhammad Amin Khan and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasahs and stand before the imposing Kalta Minor Minaret, an iconic structure of Khiva’s ancient city. Marvel at the splendour of Toshkhovli Palace and pay homage at the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Wander the Juma Mosque where 218 carved pillars cast shifting patterns of light. If you are feeling energetic, you may take the time to climb Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. Explore the fortified Kunya Ark, from where you will get the best panoramic views of Old Khiva. Today you will be on your feet for around 7-8 hours, walking approx. 2-3 km, with frequent stops. (B)

Overnight – Orient Star Khiva or similar

This morning, transfer from Khiva to Urgench Airport (40km, 50 mins) for your flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, you will begin your explorations of Tashkent’s deep-rooted history and vibrant culture. Start in the old city part of Tashkent, with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, one of the most important religious centres in Uzbekistan. See the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, the Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.

Next, immerse yourself in Chorsu Bazaar, a marketplace thriving since the Middle Ages, where stalls overflow with spices, fresh produce, and intricate handicrafts. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products they have grown or crafted themselves. The market is covered by seven domes tiled with coloured ceramic designs, and stalls spill out into the surrounding streets. Mingle with locals as they bargain and barter, and let your senses take over as you inhale the aromas of different eastern spices, vegetables and fruits.

Later, visit Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and the Applied Arts Museum, which displays traditional Uzbek textiles, ceramics, woodcarving and decorative arts. (B)

Overnight – Ateca Suites or similar

This morning, transfer to the train station for the Afrosiyob train (07:52 – 10:22 or 08:29 – 10:53) to Samarkand. A UNESCO-listed city, Samarkand has long enchanted travellers, and its history is rich with upheavals, from the time of Alexander the Great and the Arab Conquest to Genghis Khan’s invasion and, most notably, the reign of Tamerlane. As a result, Samarkand’s culture is a unique blend of Iranian, Indian, Mongolian, and influences from both Western and Eastern worlds.

Marvel at the iconic Registan Square, bordered by three ornate majolica-covered madrassas, and a true highlight of Uzbekistan. Registan, meaning “Sandy Place”, was a medieval commercial centre and a place where royal decrees were announced and public executions were performed. The grand Madrasahs – Ulugh Beg, Sherdor, and Tilla-Kari – date back to the 15th and 17th centuries, and each has an expansive inner courtyard, with many of the ground-level student rooms now repurposed into small shops offering local handicrafts. While at Sherdor Madrasah, meaning “with Lions” – a name inspired by the lion-like beasts which are depicted in the tiled mosaics above its entrance – you will enjoy a mini concert and mini lecture about national instruments.

Next, you will visit the Happy Bird Craft Centre, located within a converted caravanserai, where you will meet with local artists. Continue to Bibi Khanym Mosque, which in the 15th century was one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the world. Explore the Siyob Bazaar, bustling with local life.

Continue to Shah-i-Zinda – the “Tomb of the Living King” – a necropolis in the north-eastern part of Samarkand housing an avenue of Mausoleums featuring some of the richest tile works of the city. Legend has it that Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), is buried here.

This evening, you will return to Registan Square to see it illuminated at night. (B)

Overnight – Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel or similar

Continue your explorations of Samarkand today, starting with the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – the final resting place for Timur (Tamerlane), his two sons and two grandsons. Next is the Afrosiyob Museum, located at the historic site of Afrosiyob – an ancient neighbouring city of Samarkand that was flattened by Genghis Khan’s armies in the 13th century. Continuing on, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the finest in the Islamic world, followed by the Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum (Saint Daniil), one of the most famous religious sites in Samarkand, which was built in the time of Tamerlane. (B)

Overnight – Zarafshan Parkside or similar

After breakfast, drive to Shakhrisabz (90km), the motherland of Amir Timur the Great, who was born in the village of Hoja Ilghar in 1336. The city became one of the first major centres of the Timurid dynasty, before Samarkand replaced it as the empire’s capital. Start by visiting Aksarai Palace, whose construction was started in 1380 and lasted for 24 years. Continue to Dorus Saodat complex, which arose after the death of Jakhangir, the eldest son of Amir Temur, in 1376.

Next, you will explore Dorut Tilovat Complex, a religious and memorial complex which includes Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, Gumbazi Sayidon, and the Mausoleum of Jakhangir. Visit Hazrati Imom Mosque, a 19th-century building associated with Abu Abdulla Muhammad ibn Nasr al Keshi, a local holy man from the 9th century whose remains, according to legend, were brought back from Baghdad by Tamerlane. Finally, visit the Crypt of Tamerlane – found by archaeologists in 1941. Amir Temur had requested to be buried here; however, at the time of his death, the mountain pass between Samarkand and Shakhrisabz was covered in snow, and so he had to be buried in Samarkand against his wishes. Afterwards, return to
Samarkand. (B)

Overnight – Zarafshan Parkside or similar

This morning, leave Samarkand and travel to the border with Tajikistan. After completing border formalities, continue by road to Penjikent (approx. 60km, 1.5hrs), an important centre of Sogdian history.

Visit the Museum of Rudaki, dedicated to Abu Abdallah Rudaki, who was born near Penjikent and is often regarded as the father of Persian literature. The museum introduces his life, poetry and influence on the development of classical Persian writing.

Continue to Ancient Penjikent, a former Sogdian city founded in the 5th century and abandoned following the Arab conquest in the 8th century. Explore the excavated remains of houses, temples, a citadel and market areas. The surviving foundations reveal the layout of the settlement and provide insight into daily life, religion and commerce along the Silk Road. Among the most significant remains are the traces of Zoroastrian fire temples within the citadel complex.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Penjikent. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar

Travel from Penjikent into the Shing Valley, west of the Fann Mountains, to explore the Seven Lakes, one of Tajikistan’s most distinctive natural regions.

The chain of lakes includes Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin, Khurdak, Marguzor and Hazorchashma. Set at progressively higher elevations, the lakes are known for their changing colours, which range from turquoise and emerald to deeper violet tones depending on the light and mineral content of the water. Nophin Lake lies at approximately 2,139 metres, while the upper lake reaches around 2,400 metres.

Pause near Hushyor Lake for a picnic lunch, then continue with some light hiking around the lakes. Return to Penjikent after exploring the lakes. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar

After breakfast, leave Penjikent and travel towards Hissar (260km, 4–5 hrs). The drive passes through a changing landscape of valleys, mountain roads and settled agricultural areas.

On arrival, explore Hissar Fortress, one of Tajikistan’s most important cultural landmarks. The site contains the remains of an 18th-century fortress that continued to be used until 1924. Nearby, visit two historic madrasahs, one dating from the 18th century and the other from the 19th century. Continue to a well-preserved 16th-century mausoleum.

After exploring the site, continue by road to Dushanbe, approximately 25 kilometres away. Arrive in the capital and transfer to your hotel. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Serena Hotel or similar

Explore Dushanbe this morning, starting with a visit to the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities, which houses exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations, including 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.

Continue to 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.

Take a short walk through Rudaki Park, named after the poet regarded as the founder of classical Persian poetry, before continuing to Independence Square. Here, see the 165-metre flagpole, together with the Palace of the Nation and the National Library.

Visit the Tajikistan United Museum, which presents collections covering the country’s history, natural history and art. The museum is closed on Mondays. Later, stroll through the Botanical Garden, known for its mature trees and popularity with residents, before visiting a bustling Dushanbe Bazaar for an introduction to everyday city life. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Serena Hotel or similar

This morning, transfer to Dushanbe International Airport for your flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

On arrival, meet your local representative and transfer into the city.

This afternoon, visit Ala-Too Square, the principal public square in central Bishkek, before continuing to Osh Bazaar. Explore the market’s busy aisles, where local traders sell produce, spices, dried fruit, bread, textiles and everyday household goods. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Overnight – Plaza Hotel Bishkek or similar

In the morning, depart for Ala-Archa National Park (40km). The fast-flowing Ala-Archa River runs through this stunning alpine gorge. The gorge is flanked by tall, snow-covered peaks with steep-sided, forested mountain slopes. Enjoy a moderate hike in the gorge (approx. 5- 6 km, 2hrs).

After your hike, continue your journey towards Kochkor. En route, visit Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun that dates back to the 11th century, where you can see the remains of the city and visit the small museum that contains artefacts found during the excavations.

On arrival in Kochkor, visit a local felt workshop to see how traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets are made. Local women demonstrate the process of preparing, arranging and rolling the wool to create patterned shyrdak and ala-kiyiz carpets, crafts closely associated with Kyrgyz domestic and nomadic life. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar

Today you will be driving to Son-Kul Lake (2-3hrs via 4WD). The road climbs through mountain passes to a broad, treeless plateau at 3,016 metres above sea level.

Son-Kul Lake is one of the highest lakes in Kyrgyzstan and a place where you can experience true nomadic life. You will have a chance to ride a horse (paid locally), 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.

The remainder of the day is free to walk through the surrounding grasslands and observe life on the high plateau. Depending on seasonal conditions, you may see edelweiss, camels, yaks and golden eagles, and learn how local families prepare kymyz, a traditional drink made from fermented mare’s milk.

Horse riding is included today, offering the opportunity to explore the grasslands around Son-Kul Lake in the traditional way. There may also be the opportunity to see a demonstration of the traditional horse game Kok-Boru (or Ulak-Tartysh as most local people call it). (B,L,D)

Overnight – Yurt Camp, Son-Kul or similar

Enjoy a relaxed morning at Son-Kul Lake, with time to take in the open grasslands and surrounding mountain scenery before leaving the high plateau. Later, you will travel back to Kochkor (120km, 3–4 hrs). The route descends along unpaved, winding mountain roads, passing summer pastures and broad valleys as the landscape gradually changes from the exposed highlands around Son-Kul Lake to the more settled countryside near Kochkor.

On arrival, transfer to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar

After breakfast, leave Kochkor and travel towards the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in the Tamga region (150km, 3–4 hrs). The route follows mostly paved roads through rural landscapes before reaching one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.

Stop in Bokonbaevo for an Eagle Hunting Demonstration, introducing a traditional practice that has long formed part of Kyrgyz nomadic culture.

Continue to Kyzyl-Tuu Village, known for the traditional production of wooden yurt frames. Meet local craftspeople and see how the curved wall sections, roof poles and central crown are shaped and assembled.

Later, visit Fairy Canyon for a short walk among its eroded sandstone formations. Wind and water have shaped the landscape into ridges, narrow passages and unusual pinnacles in shades of red, orange and ochre. Afterwards, continue to your accommodation near the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Yurt Camp, Issyk-Kul or similar

After breakfast, continue along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake towards Karakol. En route, visit Jety-Oguz, a striking valley known for its red sandstone formations. The best known are the Seven Bulls, a line of weathered cliffs resembling a row of bulls, and Broken Heart Rock, another distinctive formation linked to local legend.

Continue to Karakol before exploring two of the town’s principal religious landmarks. Visit the Dungan Mosque, built in the early 20th century in the style of a Chinese Buddhist temple and constructed largely without nails. Continue to the wooden Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, rebuilt in the late 19th century and known for its timber architecture and collection of religious icons.

This evening, dine with a local Uyghur family and learn about the culinary traditions of one of the region’s longstanding communities. (B,D)

Overnight – Green Yard Hotel or similar

Drive to the Kyrgyz–Kazakh border at Kegen Border Crossing in the morning (100 km, 2 hr drive). After completing border formalities and crossing the border, continue to Saty village (150 km, 2–3 hrs).

Sitting at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains, Saty is best known as the gateway to Kolsai Lakes National Park and Kaindy Lake, two of the most beautiful alpine lake systems in the country. Traditionally a Kazakh pastoral village, Saty is surrounded by open steppe, forests, and mountain valleys where local families still practice livestock herding. Check in to your accommodation and spend the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Overnight – Kolsai Grand Hotel or similar

Spend the day exploring the Kolsai Lakes, known as the “Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan”. This cascade of three alpine lakes is set among fir forest, mountain slopes and high meadows, with a vertical difference of approximately 700 metres between the lowest and highest lakes.

The lowest and largest lake, Kolsai-1, is accessible by vehicle and provides the starting point for today’s activities. With little surrounding development, the area is known for its cold, clear water, abundant wild mushrooms and rich plant life. Rainbow trout inhabit the lakes, while the surrounding mountains support maral deer, mountain goats, wolves, bears and numerous bird species.

Those wishing to explore further can follow the mountain trail towards Kolsai-2. The route covers approximately seven kilometres each way and takes around three to three and a half hours in each direction, passing through fir forest, alpine meadows and areas rich in berries and mushrooms. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the second lake before returning along the same trail. The highest lake lies near the boundary between the forest and alpine meadows and is defined by its remote, high-altitude setting. After exploring the lake area, return to Saty. (B)

Overnight – Kolsai Grand Hotel or similar

Total walking distance and time – approx. 14-15km, 6-7hrs

This morning, change to a local AWD vehicle for the journey to Kaindy Lake (12km, 1 hr). The rough mountain track passes through forested terrain before reaching this unusual alpine lake.

Kaindy Lake was formed when an earthquake triggered a landslide that blocked the valley and flooded the surrounding spruce forest. The cold water has preserved parts of the submerged trees, while their bare trunks rise above the surface. Walk around the lakeshore and take in the contrast between the clear water, forested slopes and the trees emerging from the lake.

Continue from Saty towards Almaty (320km, 5–6 hrs), stopping en route at Charyn Canyon. Often compared to the Grand Canyon on a smaller scale, this dramatic landscape has been shaped over millions of years by erosion. Explore part of the canyon on foot and see its layered rock formations, steep walls and sculpted towers.

Afterwards, continue to Almaty and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Overnight – KazZhol Park Hotel or similar

This morning, explore Almaty, starting with Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden
buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral (also known as Ascension Cathedral) is located. Constructed in 1907, it features incredible craftsmanship, being constructed entirely without nails.

Continue to the Museum of Musical Instruments, where displays introduce traditional instruments from across Kazakhstan and Central Asia, including the dombra, kobyz and other instruments associated with nomadic music and oral traditions.

Later, visit Almaty’s central squares before continuing to the Green Bazaar, a busy local market where traders sell fresh produce, spices, dried fruit, meats and traditional products. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Overnight – KazZhol Park Hotel or similar

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

Important Note

The above itinerary is based on 2027 departures. The 2026 itinerary differs. Please contact info@crooked-compass.com for the 2026 itinerary.

Horse riding:

Horse riding is included during your stay at Son-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Please note that this activity is weather-dependent and may not be able to operate if conditions are unsuitable. Where possible, an alternative riding location will be arranged, subject to local conditions and availability.

Horse riding may also be available at the Kolsai Lakes in Kazakhstan, but this cannot be guaranteed due to weather, local availability and operating conditions.

Wearing a helmet while horse riding is compulsory. Helmet hire is included, and you will need to advise your helmet size before departure:

• Small: 52–55 cm
• Medium: 55–58 cm
• Large: 58–61 cm

• At present, it is still compulsory to do a PCR Test upon arrival in Turkmenistan. This is paid locally and generally costs between 33-37USD.
• We will provide you with a visa support letter for Turkmenistan (for use when applying for your visa).
• Prior to crossing the border to Uzbekistan, your guide in Turkmenistan will be able to advise the best place to change money, as this changes regularly. Please note that Turkmen currency cannot be exchanged in Uzbekistan.
• At the Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan border crossing, the Uzbek side of the border is open 24/7, and the Turkmen side is open daily from 09:00 to 17:30 with a break for lunch at 12:45 to 14:15. On very rare occasions it can close without warning.