Our trip is not just a glance but a deep look into the countries boasting rich history and outstanding nature. On this rather short but eventful tour you will get to know four different Republics of Central Asia. It is a smart combination of incredible natural landscapes, imposing medieval architecture, remarkable theatres and extensive collections of National museums together with delicious cuisine variety and outstanding hospitality.

These lands witnessed the armies of Alexander the Great, the hordes of Genghis Khan, and Timur’s Empire. You will touch the history in ancient Samarkand, enjoy breathtaking views in Ala-Archa Nature Park and at the Talgar Pass, stroll down wide boulevards in modern cities, taste local cuisine in authentic national restaurants, and visit famous bazaars. Born by the caravans traveling along the Great Silk Road, trade is already a part of the culture here. Training your bargain skills you may bring home outstanding pieces of arts and crafts like silk, ceramics, carved wooden boxes and various textiles.

The National Museums in the Capitals possess rich collections and National Opera and Ballet theatres offer brilliant performances. You will have a chance to immerse yourself in local culture and life and fell in love with this vibrant, diverse and hospitable region.

At a glance:

Dates: 13 - 21 May, 2023 and 23 Sept. - 1 Oct., 2023
Countries: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan
Join & End: in Tashkent (TAS), Uzbekistan

Highlights:

  • Visit four Central Asian countries in 9 days
  • Great world-known architecture, dramatic hitory and outsdtanding nature
  • Absolutely fantastic ornaments and decoration of ancient madrassas and mosques
  • Landscape divercity and great mountain views
  • Oriental spirit, interesting traditions and delicious cuisine
Day 1. Arrival in Tashkent
Today we explore Tashkent (GMT+5), the modern capital of Uzbekistan. It's hard to believe this metropolis is an ancient city that lived through many invasions and rulers. Today we will see both old and new city and learn a lot about Uzbekistan.

After some free time at the hotel we meet up with the group and guide at the welcome lunch in traditional restaurant. Continue with a vehicle supported tour of Tashkent. For dinner we will book one of the most popular restaurants where you can make your own choice of meals with the help of your guide. Or you may prefer to see a performance in Navoi Opera & Ballet theatre as an alternative.

Highlights of the day:
* Early check-in and time to recover after the flight till lunchtime
* Tashkent’s old town mahallah with narrow streets, small private dwellings and old channels
* Hast-Imam area with ancient mosques and madrassas and a library housing Uthman Quran dating back to the 7th century AD
* Modern city attractions
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals included:  Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2. Samarkand, the former Uzbek capital
 We take a comfortable high-speed train to Samarkand and spend the day there. The ride is only 2 hours one way so very soon we arrive in the second important city of Uzbekistan. One of the most beautiful cities in Central Asia, it boasts magnificent monuments attracting people from all over the world.

We start our tour with a visit to the beautifully decorated Gur-Emir – the family shrine of Timurides. Our guide will tell you stories about Timur or Tamerlane, one of the most powerful and successful leaders and conquerors in the world, who had once made Samarkand his glorious capital. Then visit the world-known Registan square. After lunch we look closer at the splendid Bibi Khanum mosque Timur built for his beloved wife, look into hustling and bustling Siab bazaar, and finally stroll through charming Shakh-i-Zinda memorial complex with probably the finest glazed tile decoration in Central Asia.

Late in the afternoon we take our train back to Tashkent.

Highlights of the day:
* Comfortable and modern high-speed train
* UNESCO heritage Registan ensemble with three beautifully decorated ancient madrassas
* Story of Timur and his great Empire traced in medieval monuments right in front of you
* Finest tile decoration, superb mosaic and twisted oriental ornaments along with bright blue domes all around
* Traditional lunch in authentic ancient caravanserai in Samarkand
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals included:  Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3. Tashkent - Bishkek
Morning and early afternoon in Tashkent are at your disposal. You can stroll along the central part, or visit the Applied Arts Museum or enjoy a pleasant walk in Botanical garden.
In the afternoon we take a short flight to Bishkek (GMT+6), the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The ancient settlements here had been a part of the Silk Road caravan route through the Tien Shan Mountains. Rather young as a city, modern Bishkek is probably the greenest capital on the tour due to many parks and trees in the streets and boulevards. On sunny days the snowcapped mountains surrounding the city provide nice views.
We drive to our hotel in the centre and have dinner there.

Highlights of the day:
* Half-day in Tashkent at your disposal to explore city museums or Botanical garden at your own pace
* Comfortable ca. 1-hour flight
Overnight: Bishkek
Meals included:  Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4. Bishkek, the capital or Kyrgyzstan
Mountains cover most part of Kyrgyzstan, and we start our reconnaissance of this beautiful country with a half-day trip to Ala-Archa Nature Park which is only 30 minutes drive from Bishkek. This amazing place combines scenic mountain views with good infrastructure offering pleasant walks for everyone. You will surely love the stunning scenery with rushing rivers, winding gorges and wild rock formations, bushes of juniper and rosehip surrounded by snowy peaks of Tien Shan Mountains.
After a short walk in the park we return to Bishkek for traditional Kyrgyz lunch. Then visit Osh bazaar famous for outstanding traditional felt and leather accessories. We will spend the rest of the day touring around the city and will end up the day at the National History Museum.
Evening is at your disposal and if you’d like you may attend a folklore performance (not included).

Highlights of the day:
* A pleasant walk along beautiful gorges of Ala-Archa Nature Park
* Taste traditional Kyrgyz cuisine in an authentic restaurant
* Tour of Bishkek with a visit to Ala-Too Square
* Everyday life and loud emotional trading in the heart the famous Osh bazaar
* The National History Museum telling the story of the Kyrgyzstan from ancient times to the present day
Overnight: Bishkek
Meals included:  Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5. Almaty, the Southern Capital of Kazakhstan
In the morning we drive ca. 235 km to Almaty (GMT+6). The city was Kazakhstan’s capital for over 70 years. It still remains the country’s largest and most important city and is fairly called the Southern Capital.
After about an hour drive we arrive to the border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and upon passing all formalities and changing our bus to a Kazakh one, we continue driving ca. 3 more hours towards Almaty.
Our tour of the city includes a short walk through peaceful nice-looking Panfilov Heroes Park to see charming Assumption Cathedral and a short visit to authentic Green bazaar. Finish the day visiting existing bird show at the falconry outside Almaty. Dinner is on your own today.

Highlights of the day:
* Unique Assumption Cathedral made from Tien-Shan spur and noted for its brightly colored domes
* Beautifully maintained Panfilov Heroes Park where city dwellers love to spend their free time
* Vigorous and noisy old Green bazaar
* Exciting bird show in Ak-Sunkar falconry showing outstanding birds’ skills and telling how people and birds live together
* Traditional Kazakh lunch
Overnight: Almaty
Meals included:  Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6. Almaty
Today we head to the mountains and after a 30 km drive stop at Medeo, the world’s highest open-air skating ring located at 1691 m. After a short walk in the area we take a modern cable car and move up to the Talgar Pass at 3200 m. Leaving behind the green slopes we find ourselves in the land of bare rocks and snow spotted with bright alpine flowers. The views of Tien Shan Mountains and Almaty are amazing.
Return to Almaty for a visit to the State Museum of Kazakhstan, one of the largest museums in Central Asia. It is focused on the history of the country and is a home to many interesting artifacts. For lunch we taste Kazakh cuisine in a traditional restaurant. Afternoon and evening are at your disposal. Theatre-lovers can enjoy a performance at Kazakh National Opera and Ballet theatre.

Highlights of the day:
* Medeo, the world’s highest open-air skating ring, a home for many international and national competitions and a favorite outdoor activities center for local people
* Beautiful cable car ride up to the Talgar Pass
* Alpine scenery and stunning mountain views from over 3000 m
* Rich collection of one of the largest museums in Central Asia
* Kazakh cuisine in authentic restaurant
Overnight: Almaty
Meals included:  Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7. Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan
After a morning transfer to the airport we take a short flight to Dushanbe (GMT+5 ). Although these lands were settled as early as the 5th century BC, Dushanbe itself is a young city which only a century ago was a small village where weekly bazaar took place on Mondays (Dushanbe means Monday). Despite the fact today it’s a beautiful well-developed city with many parks, wide avenues and beautiful mountains in the backdrop.
Enjoy lunch in the city and start our tour Dushanbe that includes a short walk in the central part and visits to the National Museum and Shokhmansur (Green) bazaar. Dinner today is in traditional Tajik restaurant.

Highlights of the day:
* Sightseeing tour of Dushanbe
* Rich collection of the National museum devoted to the history and culture of Tajikistan
* Traditional Tajik dinner in an authentic restaurant
Overnight: Dushanbe
Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8. Tashkent
Today we take another short morning flight and return back to Tashkent (GMT+5). After lunch we visit Chorsu bazaar – the oldest bazaar in Tashkent. After all the days spent in Сentral Asia it’s a great opportunity to train your bargaining skills and get best prices for your goodies. You can find sorts of produce, different kinds of nuts and dried fruits.
Finally enjoy a tour of the world-known Rakhimov’s private ceramic studio. We will meet the master, learn about ancient and modern traditions and see the entire process of making their wonderful ceramics. It is possible to buy some pieces too.
Farewell dinner in a restaurant in the city.

Highlights of the day:
* The oldest bazaar in Tashkent, Chorsu bazaar
* An opportunity to buy oriental snacks and goodies for your family and friends
* Tour of Rakhimov’s private ceramic studio, with a master and a chance to buy unique world known ceramics
* Farewell Uzbek dinner
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals included:  Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9. Fly Home

Today we leave Central Asia and fly home bringing back pleasant memories, dozens of beautiful photos and nice souvenirs.
Trip ends.
Meals included: Breakfast

 

Important note

For over 30 years we have been designing and organizing many trips in Uzbekistan and all over Central Asia, from in-depth sightseeing to adventure and exploratory trips.

We are proud of our high level of service. We take care of every detail on each step of the process from the initial inquiry to the very end of the trip.

We carefully chose hotels to offer best combination of service, price and location. Our guides are true experts and enthusiasts knowing their home country inside out. We offer high quality vehicles and choose perfect restaurants.

Food & Accommodation

We offer nice cozy hotels throughout the trip. Your hotel will be centrally located, all rooms will have facilities ensuite. The exact names & addresses of all the hotels will be send to you together with other detailed instructions ca. 2-3 weeks prior to the departure.

You may find the cities and towns where you stay for an overnight in the day-by-day itinerary on this site as well as meals included each day.

We take care of vegetarians and people with any other diet or food limitations. Please make sure you inform us when booking a trip so that we could provide you with an appropriate menu.

Please feel free to contact us any time if you have any questions regarding meals and accommodation.

Airport transfers and Meeting instructions

All our groups meet at the hotel. Upon arrival in Tashkent you may take a taxi to your hotel on your own. If you would like us to meet you at the airport please let us know in advance. We will confirm the cost of the arrival transfer as soon as you let us know your flight details.

You may organize your departure airport transfer at your hotel or book with our company.

We are ready to assist in any kind of logistics including train tickets, minivan transfers or domestic flight. Should you require any help in your arrival or departure planning, please do not hesitate to ask.

Trip price:

US $1470 per person

Included:
  • 8 nights in twin/double rooms in cozy centrally located 3-4 star hotels
  • Early check-in at the hotel on the arrival day (including breakfast)
  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Local English-speaking guides throughout the trip
  • All group bus/minibus rides throughout the trip
  • Train rides Tashkent – Samarkand – Tashkent (Day 2)
  • Cable car rides from Medeo to the Talgar Pass and back (Day 6)
  • Entry tickets to the following sites: Tashkent: Hast-Imam Complex. Samarkand: Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Bibi Khanum mosque, Shakh-i-Zinda complex. Bishkek: Ala-Archa Nature Park, National History Museum. Almaty: National Museum. Dushanbe: National Museum
  • Bird show in Ak-Sunkar falconry (Day 5)
  • Tour of Rahimov’s private ceramic studio (Day 6)
Necessary expenses not included:
  • Domestic flights: due to the price volatility we do not include domestic flights in our initial price. Current price for the domestic flights Tashkent – Bishkek, Almaty – Dushanbe and Dushanbe – Tashkent is ca. US $ 400 per person.
  • International flights: we do not book international flights. The trip starts and ends in Tashkent (TAS), Uzbekistan. Please book your arrival and departure flights accordingly.
  • Arrival and departure airport transfer in Tashkent
Extras not included:
  • Single supplement US $280 per person
  • Alcohol and soft drinks during meals
  • Tickets to the National theatres
  • Tips for guides and drivers
Visas

On this trip you visit Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Citizens of many countries do not need visas to most of the countries visited on the trip or need only an e-visa (applied before arrival). Please make sure to check at the websites below in advance to have time to issue an e-visa.

Uzbekistan:
Check whether you need a visa: https://mfa.uz/en/pages/visa-republic-uzb
E-visas https://e-visa.gov.uz/main

Kazakhstan:
Check whether you need a visa https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/article/details/6764?directionId=3053&lang=en
E-visas https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/

Kyrgyzstan:
Check whether you need a visa https://www.evisa.e-gov.kg/get_information.php?lng=en
E-visas https://www.evisa.e-gov.kg/

Tajikistan:
Check whether you need a visa https://www.consular.tj/visa-system-with-foreign-countries.aspx
E-visas https://www.evisa.tj

Please ask us questions!

Please note, in case you need the visas those visas must be obtained beforehand! You can not obtain your visas at the border control.
Full details of the visa (if required) procedures involved will be included in the pre-departure booklet.