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 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 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.  (B,D)

Overnight camping – tents & sleeping bags provided

Walking Distance: Approximately 12km
Walking Time: Approximately 3-4hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: Ashgabat – Darwaza (approx. 257km, 4-5 hours’ drive), city touring (4 hours by bus)

After enjoying your camp-style breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat (270 km, 5h due to bad road conditions) and check in to your hotel.

Later that day you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa (a UNESCO World Heritage listed site) and the Turkmenbashy Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. Drive to visit 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 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)

Complimentary night drive in Ashgabat to see the town in lights.

Overnight at Yyyldyz Hotel or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 8km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with shade
Distance and Journey Time: Darwaza – Ashgabat (270km, 4-5 hours, poor road conditions), City touring (3 hours by bus)

This morning, depart for Nohur mountain village tucked into the Kopet Dag Mountains. Visit the Gokdepe Mosque, Akhalteke horse farm, Kow-Ata underground lake on the way.

Time permitting, you may be able to swim in the underground lake. Continue on to explore a tribal cemetery and participate in a silk weaving workshop. Drive back to Ashgabat. (B, PL)

Overnight at Yyldyz Hotel or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 10km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 5hr drive by bus

An early start this morning as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Almaty at 08:50am (is subject to change). Upon arrival in Almaty at 12:35pm, you will set off to explore Almaty.

Your tour starts with sightseeing in the central part of Almaty. You learn about the history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its major attractions. Your tour will continue in one of the oldest Almaty parks – Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral is located. You will also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country.

Discover the Central State Museum and Republic Square. Your next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (from sea level) and where you will travel via the picturesque winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe Park, you can stroll along the winding paths of the park, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs.

From here, visit Medeo Gorge, well known for being home to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflow. Take a brief walk around with a chance to take your mountain-view pictures and breath the fresh pine-tree air. Check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure (B)

Overnight at KazZhol Park Hotel or a similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 6-8 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 2 hr drive by bus

Drive to the Big Almaty gorge, where located at an altitude of 2,510m above sea level, you will find the Big Almaty Lake – one of the most picturesque lakes in Trans-Ili Alatau. The lake is beautiful, especially when its blue surface is absolutely calm, and it reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. The Big Almaty Lake was formed as a result of the movement of an ancient glacier. Thanks to its high-mountain location, the water in the lake is always cool – even in July, the water temperature does not exceed 10 degrees.

On the way back to the town, you will visit a Falcon Farm, where you will enjoy a spectacular show with specially trained falcons – hunting with them is one of the most unique features of the Kazakh way of life and an age-old tradition still practiced today and also in the west of Mongolia. (B,L)

Overnight KazZhol Park Hotel or similar 

Walking Distance: Approximately 6-8 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 2-3 hr drive by bus

Depart early from Almaty at 07:00 am to Saty (280km, 4-5 hours’ drive).

Upon arrival into Saty, you will check-in at your guest house, where you will spend next two nights. After lunch, you will change vehicles to an AWD local car, such as “UAZ” or “PAZ” (Russian car models), as they are fully capable to cover uneven mountain road (12 km, approx. 1 hour) to the beautiful Kaindy Lake.

Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000m above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to a powerful earthquake which triggered a landslide and blocked the valley causing a natural dam, and the water flooded the valley. The water in the lake is very cold – the chilling temperatures preserve the pine needles of the flooded trees which are clearly visible through the crystal-clear surface of the water. Dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of a submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words the mystical splendour of the lake. After walking around the lake, return to Saty settlement to freshen up and enjoy dinner. (B,L,D)

2 nights in Kolsai Grand Hotel

Walking Distance: Approximately 5-6 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 280 km, 5-7 hr drive by bus

The Kolsai Lakes, known as the ‘Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan’, represent a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible to all travellers. It is the most beautiful lake, with a lack of civilization and an abundance of wild mushrooms. For those who are horse lovers, there is the option to explore on horseback. The highest lake is small. It is located on the border of firwood and the alpine meadows and amazes with its harsh alpine beauty, as well as the rich flora and fauna. The vertical drop between the three lakes is about 700m. The lowest lake can be reached by car. Walk a few kilometres along mountain trails to see the second and third lakes. This will be one of your highlights. This area is rich in berries, mushrooms, and fishing. The water in the lakes is cold and clean and is home to the rainbow trout – a fish that lives only in running or spring water. In the surrounding mountains, you can see many birds, Marals, mountain goats, wolves and even bears.

Having arrived at Kolsay-1 Lake and after brief instructions, you will start trekking. The route lies on the bank of the lake and continues with the path through the pine forest, alpine meadows along pure mountain river flowing all the way down from Kolsai-2 Lake. The total walking distance between two lakes is about 7 km and usually takes 3-3,5 hours one way. The altitude rises up more than 400m, from 1818m above sea level at the first lake to 2250 m at the second lake. There is no category of difficulty and route is accessible for healthy, average-trained people. Enjoying your lunch in front of the cold and pure-clean lake in the surroundings of magnificent mountain peaks.

Enjoy an afternoon walk back to Kolsai-1 Lake and drive back to your hotel. (B, L, D)

Walking Distance: Approximately 14-15 km
Walking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no difficulties for trained people

After breakfast, farewell to your guesthouse host family and depart to Charyn Canyon at 08:00 am. It will take about 2 hours to reach the canyon. Upon arrival, admire the grand panorama and go down to the bottom of the canyon to walk around 2 km through the maze of the Valley of the Castles.

Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique in its kind not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during the Paleogene and reminds you of the Grand Canyon in North America, although inferior to it in size. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon is up to 150-300m. The extraordinary dissection of the terrain is striking: the numerous ravines form a dense, chaotic network. Wind and water have created the beautiful ‘Valley of Castles’, where you are always surrounded by fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley is more than 2km and its width is 20-80m. For millions of years, nature has been creating a unique architecture, erecting magnificent castles carefully and slowly. You can spend hours walking amongst the strange towers and columns, being absorbed in the wild imagination of nature.

The bottom of the canyon has a slight descent to the end of the walk, where you will reach the fresh oasis on the banks of the icy cold Charyn River. Here there is a small eco-park with several yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open air café, operating in the summer months. Relax and take in the surrounding beauty before walking back and driving to one of the observation points for another breathtaking panoramic view. After 3-4 hours spent in the canyon, you will depart to Karakol (200 km). Your lunch today, will be served in a local café in the canyon.

Following lunch, transfer to the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border Kegen (95 km). After completing border formalities, you will transfer to Karakol via Karkara Valley (110 km). Dinner this evening is with in Uigur family where you will try traditional cuisine. (B,PL,D)

Overnight in GreenYard Hotel or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 4-5 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1-1,5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no difficulties for trained people
Distance and Journey Time: around 300 km, 5-6 hr drive by bus

This morning, you will visit a traditional wooden Orthodox Church and Dungan mosque which is built in Chinese style. From here, continue to Jety-Oguz Gorge. Enjoy a short hike in the gorge and then transfer along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.  On the way stop in Bokonbaevo, where you will see an eagle hunting show. Continue driving to Kochkor where one of the best views on the Issyk-Kul Lake is guaranteed. This evening, you will have Kyrgyz cuisine for dinner. (B,L,D)

Overnight in Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 2-3 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no difficulties for trained people
Distance and Journey Time: around 280 km, 5-6 hr drive by bus

After breakfast transfer to Son-Kul (120km). Son-Kul is one of the highest lakes in Kyrgyzstan (3016m above sea level). It’s a place where you can experience true nomadic life. You will have a chance to ride a horse, see edelweiss flowers, camels, yaks, golden eagles, and to 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 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. (B,L,D)

Overnight in a yurt camp or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Kochor – Son-Kul (approx. 120 km) 3 hr drive by bus

This morning, you will transfer to Bishkek (400km). On the way visit a felt carpet workshop in Kochkor, where you can see the traditional process of making Kyrgyz felt carpets. After lunch, continue driving to Bishkek. On the way, you will stop to see Burana tower, which is left from the ancient city Balasagyn (XI – XIII). (B,L)

Overnight in Plaza Hotel or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Son-Kul – Bishkek (approx. 330 km), 6-7 hr drive by bus

In the morning, depart for Ala-Archa National Park (40km). The stunning alpine gorge is pushed through with the fast-flowing Ala-Archa River runs. The gorge is flanked by tall, snow-covered peaks with steep-sided, forested, mountain slopes. Enjoy a gentle hike in the gorge. Return to Bishkek where the remainder of the day is free at leisure. This evening you will enjoy dinner with a traditional folklore shore (B,D)

Overnight in Plaza Hotel or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 5-6 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance and Journey Time: Bishkek – Ala-Archa (around 80 km return), 2 hr drive by bus

This morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent.

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon arrival at Tashkent airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel (approx. 20-30 min).

The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding infusion of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply intertwined with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road.

Overnight Inspira (deluxe rooms) or Ikat Villa

Distance and Journey Time: Airport – Hotel, 20-30min

This morning, you will start exploring Tashkent, the biggest city in Central Asia. Start in the old City part of Tashkent with the Khast-Imam Complex where the world-famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. In Khast-Imam visit Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, the Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.

Explore Choru Bazaar. This bazaar is one of the largest and most popular in the capital. Covered by seven domes tiled with coloured ceramic designs, mingle amongst the longest as they bargain and barter amongst themselves. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products of their own production. Let your senses take over as you inhale the aromas of different Eastern spices, vegetables and fruits. Continuing on, you will also visit Kukeldash madrasah, the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical monuments of Tashkent.

Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to the city centre to explore Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and the Applied Arts Museum.  (B)

Overnight Inspira (deluxe rooms) or Ikat Villa

Walking Time & Distances: Tashkent City Walk (approx. 0.5km) 1 hour 30 minutes, Choru Bazaar (approx. 1.5km) staircases to manage and can be crowded, Amir Timur and Independence Square (approx. 1.5km) 1 hour walk.
Distance and Journey Time: Tashkent Metro to City Centre (30 minutes)

Following an early morning breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Urgench (1hr 40 min). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Today you will visit Ichan-Kala Fortress which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also visit Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Toshkhovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. If you are feeling energetic, you may take the time to climb Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Old Khiva in Kunya-Ark. (B)

Overnight Orient Star Khiva or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Hotel – Airport (30km, 35 minutes), Flight from Tashkent – Urgench (1 hr 40 min)
Walking Time & Distances: Islom Khodja Minaret climb (2-3km) 7-8 hours. Moderate difficulty with lots of stops and time to sit.

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel. Transfer to the railway station to meet your train departing for Bukhara at 9:12 am (480km). The Great Silk Road was once routed through Bukhara and Khiva and ran through the Kyzylkum Desert, as the present road does nowadays. Upon arrival at 16:17, transfer to your hotel.

2 nights Paradise Plaza or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Khiva to Bukhara by train (480km) approx. 7 hours.

Bukhara was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West, and a major medieval centre for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries. Spend your day in fascinating Old Bukhara which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Explore Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Magoki-Attori Mosque, madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, trade domes, Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Chor-Minor Madrasah and others. (B)

Travel Time & Distances: Exploring Bukhara (approx. 3-4km) 8-9 hours walk and driving with breaks for drinks, lunch and photo stops.

This morning, you will depart Bukhara and drive to a village located in the Nurata Mountains. On arrival in Ashraf or Yangi Hayot village, you will spend the evening in a local guesthouse. Both villages are located far from roads and cities and sit in a picturesque mountain area with crisp fresh air, lush green orchards, singing birds, sky blanketed in stars and friendly people. (B,L,D)

2 nights in a local guesthouse

Distance and Journey Time: Bukhara – Nurata (approx. 300km) 5-6 hours with photo stops.

People have been living in the Nurata Mountains since the times of Alexander the Great. Villagers’ houses and farms are as they were done centuries ago. Women cook on the open fire, weave, spin yarn, bake their own bread, and milk the cows. The men farm, shepherd, and built houses of stone, rocks and clay. Enjoy exploring the village, watching birds, hiking the surroundings and participating in cooking traditional food with the locals. (B,D)

Walking Time & Distances: Exploring Nurata Mountains (approx. 2-5km) 3-4 hours walking, moderate difficulty with shady stops.

Depart the village and farewell your local friends and drive to Samarkand. Upon arrival in Samarkand, visit Koni Ghil Silk Paper Centre and check in to your hotel. (B)

2 nights Arka Boutique Hotel or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Nurata – Samarkand (approx. 220km, 4 hours)

Today you will explore the main attractions in Samarkand including the Registan, which is a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating to the 15th and 17th centuries. You also have the chance to explore Gur Emir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire.

You will also visit the Shakhizinda, which is a necropolis in the north-eastern part of Samarkand and the remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque which is one of the most important monuments of Samarkand. Siyob Bazaar and Ulugbek Observatory will also be visited. (B)

Walking Time & Distances: Ulugbek Observatory (approx. 2-3km) 45 minutes, easy walk.

Today you will transfer to the Jartepa border crossing to cross over into Tajikistan.

Once you have completed customs and passport control, you will meet your driver in Tajikistan. Visit Sarazm ruins – Sarazm is one of the ancient settlements in Central Asia with over 5500 years of civilization. In 2010, Sarazm was added to the list of the Human heritage by UNESCO.

Drive to the Seven Lakes which are located in the west of the beautiful Fann Mountains: Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin lakes (2139m), Khurdak, Marguzor and Hazorchashma lakes (2400m); each of them has its own colour which varies from a calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma, you will enjoy a picnic lunch.

Enjoy some light hiking in this stunning region. The Fann Mountains are part of the western Pamir-Alay Mountain system and are primarily located in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province between the Zarafshan Range to the north and the Gissary Range to the south. Enjoy a picnic at the lakes before you drive back to Penjikent and your hotel for dinner. (B,L,D)

Overnight Penjikent Plaza Hotel or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 4km
Walking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: Samarkand – Border Crossing (60km, 1 hour), Total driving for the day: 5 hours

Following breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Penjikent where you will visit the  Museum of Rudaki – Penjikent is the birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, and is considered by many to be the father of Persian Poetry. Explore ancient Penjikent with its ruins of old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and a city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Drive to Dushanbe. (B,L,D)

2 nights in Atlas Hotel or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 3 km
Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: Penjikent – Dushanbe (260km, 5-6 hr drive)

After breakfast, start a guided city tour with a visit to the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities with exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilizations: 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.

Next on the itinerary is a stop at 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. Stroll through Central Park, later named Rudaki Park, commemorating the founder of modern Persian poetry during the 9th and 10th centuries.

Your city tour includes Independence Square, the Palace of the Nation and the National Library and then onto the Botanical Garden. As you venture into the vibrant heart of the city, immerse yourself in the bustling ambience of the Bazaar, an emblematic oriental market that epitomizes the lively spirit of Dushanbe.

Lastly, you will visit Hissar Fortress, a historic site dating back to the 18th century and occupied until 1924. Nearby, you’ll discover two plain Madrassahs—one from the 18th century and the other from the 19th century. Further, a 16th-century mausoleum graces the landscape.

In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at a restaurant, complete with an engaging show program to cap off your day of exploration. (B, L, D)

Walking Distance: Approximately 2 km
Walking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 3-4 hr drive

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