Duration: 25 days/24 nights
Season: April-October
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Day 1: Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Dushanbe city. This day is dedicated to a guided city tour.
First of we will visit Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. After it
we will walk in National park to make photos of Ministry of Inner Affairs and the biggest National Flag in the world –
165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. After excursion in Central Museum you will have lunch. Then you will visit to
Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. To feel real life you should visit Asian bazar. It has colorful
goods, fruits and vegetables. We will see today the main highlights of Dushanbe and you will find out many
interesting facts about Tajik people. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Dushanbe – Iskanderkul Lake – Seven Lakes (Tajikistan)
In the morning we will drive to Iskanderkul Lake. It is situated in the famous Fann Mountains. This fabulous area is
one of the best places of Central Asia. After arrival to the lake you will go for a walk along it beaches. Also we will
hike 40 minutes to see a waterfall. Then we will continue drive to Dushanbe via Anzob pass (3 372 m) and tunnel of
Isticlol. The road will go over a mountain passes and you will have many photo stops. After it we will drive today to
the Fannsky Gory (Fan Mountains). They are one of Central Asia’s most popular hiking areas. You will do a day trip
from Panjakent to the Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes), about 60 km south of Panjakent. At this place you will have
time to go for short hiking. There road goes along a gorge where 7 lakes are located. They are situated on different
altitudes and have different colors. Also you will meet local people that live at that area. It will be very interesting to
see their way of life. Overnight is in home stays.

Day 3: Seven Lakes – Penjakent (Tajikistan)
In the morning we will drive to Penjakent. The city of Penjakent («five villages») is located in Khujand area of
Tajikistan in a picturesque Zeravshan river valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this
remarkable city which originated in the 5th-8th centuries AD. Penjikent of that time was one of the most important
cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. It was even named «Central Asian Pompeii». Today the tourists can see the
remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire
worshipers church. On the way we will visit Istaravshan old city. Istravshan is an ancient center of trade and craft as
well as one of the ancient cities in Central Asia. It is really a museum city with its history dating back to II-VI cc BC.
After sightseeing in Istaravshan we drive to Penjakent. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 4: Penjakent – Khujand (Tajikistan)
In the morning you will drive Khujand city. It is the second largest city of Tajikistan. It is situated on the Syr
Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is 149,000. It is also the capital of the
northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. You will visit in the afternoon a Cultural Palace of Khujant. At
this place the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. Also we will go to see Central Mosque that is situated in the
middle of the city. Night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Khujand – Oybek — Tashkent (Tajikistan/Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM. Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 AM Check-out from the hotel.
Full day excursion in Tashkent:
— Khast Imam Complex (XVI-XX cc.)
— eastern market Chor-Su
— Abdul Kasim Medressa where we can see a lot of souvenirs workshops (XIX c.)
Break for lunch
After lunch, continuation of exploring Tashkent.
— Applied Arts Museum where kept the best Uzbek handicrafts
— Independence Square – the main square in Uzbekistan
— Alisher’s Navoi Uzbek state Opera and Ballet Theatre
— Monument of Courage dedicated to earthquake in 1966 year.

Day 5: Tashkent – Urgench –Khiva – 30 km (Uzbekistan)
In the morning flight to Urgench. Upon arrival, transfer to Khiva.
Full day excursion in Khiva by walk.
Khiva – is a beautiful and ancient town and perfect for exploring by walk, with impressive four walls at the centre of
each side of the old city named Ichan-Kala.
— Monument of Al-Khorezmiy
— Kalta Minor Minaret and Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa,
— Juma Mosque (XVII c.),
— the Islom-Khodja complex includes mosque and minaret,
— the Kuhna Ark, which was the main fortress,
— the Pakhlavon Mahmud Mausoleum complex
— Toza Bog Palace, which was the summer palace of Mohammed Rakhim Khan II.
During excursion, break for lunch time.
After excursion. Free time at leisure.

Day 6: Khiva — Dashoguz (Shavat) Post — Kunya Urgench – Darwaza,(Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Uzbek/Turkmen border “Shavat”.
Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Kunya Urgench. Sightseeing tour in
Kunya Urgench:
— Portal of Caravansaray,
— Mamun Minaret,
— II Arslan Mausoleum,
— Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum,
— Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret,
— Turabek Hanum Mausoleum.
Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (3.5 h) The Crater is also called as «The Door to Hell». The area is rich
in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground
beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 m and 20 m deep. To avoid poisonous
gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days,
but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater.
BBQ dinner & overnight at Gas Crater.

Day 7: Darwaza – Ashgabat, (Turkmenistan)
Breakfast at the camp. Morning drive to Ashgabat (3.5 h). En-route we cross Karakum desert, will stop in a small
village. Arrival in Ashgabat and accommodation. Free time.
Afternoon you will have Ashgabat city tour. Drive to visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. The fortress
was enrolled to UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. Nissa described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It
was founded by Arsaces I and was the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings.
Then drive to visit Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia).
Later you will see Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park
of Independence.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Mary, (Turkmenistan)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning transfer to domestic flights Airport for morning flight to Mary city. Arrival in Mary.
Drive to Bayramali town to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of
Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv:
— Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII),
— Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV),
— Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC),
— Hoja Yusus Hamadani complex,
— Sultan Sanjar mausoleum,
— Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9: Mary – Farab – Bukhara, (Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Turkmen/Uzbek border “Farab”.
After border formalities, transfer to Bukhara.
Free time at leisure.

Day 10: Bukhara, (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion in Bukhara.
— mausoleum of the Samanids (IX-X cc.) — the pearl of Central Asia .
— Chashma Ayub (XII c.), which means «source of Job.»
— Bolo House complex including a reservoir, a Friday mosque and minaret.
— Arc citadel. (VII-XIX cc.)
— Poi Kalyan complex (XII-XVI cc.) includes the Kalyan Mosque , Mir-Arab and the famous Kalyan minaret.
After lunch, continuation of exploring Bukhara.
— one of the biggest architectural ensembles of Bukhara «Lyabi House.» The oldest part of the complex —
Madrassa Kulbaba-Kukeldash, which has 160 cells and it pretend the biggest in Bukhara.
— Madrassa «Nadir Devanbegi»
— The oldest mosque Magoki Attori located next to the ensemble “Lyabi House”, built in the tradition of
figurative brick masonry and carved ornaments of archaic majolica.
— Chor Minor Madrassa (XVIII c.)

Day 11: Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
Continuation of sightseeing in Bukhara.
— summer palace of Bukhara emirs «Sitora-I-Mohihosa.», built in fusion of European & Bukhara’s traditions,
more than hundred years ago (XIX-XX cc)
— Bakhauddin Naqshbandi shaykh (XIV-XX cc.)
— necropolis Chor Bakr — city of shadows (XVI c.)
After excursion drive back to Bukhara. Free time at leisure upon arrival.

Day 12: Bukhara – Shakrisabz — Samarkand — 300 km (transfer 4-5 hrs) (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Check-out from the hotel and drive to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz.
On the way, time for lunch.
Upon arrival to Shakrisabz, excursion
— summer Palace Ak-Saray (XIV- XV cc.)
— Dorut Siodat complex (XIV-XV cc.)
— Dorut Tillavat Medressa (XIV-XV cc.)
After excursion, drive to Samarkand.
Upon arrival to Samarkand, accommodation at the hotel.

Day 13: Samarkand – Tashkent – 300 km (transfer 2-3 hrs) (Uzbekistan)
07:00 – 09:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Check-out from the hotel
Full day excursion in Samarkand.
— Central Registan square with the majestic Madrassas dated back to different centuries: Ulugbek Madrassa
(XV c.), Sher-Dor Madrassa (XVII c.) and the Tilya Kori Madrassa (XVII c.)
— Gur – Emir Mausoleum – the famous necropolis of Tamerlane (XIV-XV cc.)
— famous oriental Bazaar Siyob
— Bibi-Khanum Mosque dedicated to one of Tamerlane’s wife (XIV-XV cc.)
— Shohi-Zinda memorial Complex (XI-XV cc.)

— Ulugbek Observatory – one of the greatest in the middle ages.
After excursion transfer to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 14: Tashkent — Almaty (Uzbekistan/Kazakhstan)
In the morning flight to Almaty.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany to Almaty. Today you will have a city tour. You will visit the
Green Bazaar, where it is impossible to refrain from shopping. Then the tour will continue in one of the oldest
Almaty parks – Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden building in the world – Zenkov Cathedral is
located. After exploration of sport, cultural and business areas of the city you will get to the Medeo Gorge, well
known due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and Shymbulak resort. Next destination is the Kok-Tobe
hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (if to count from the sea level) and where you will get by the
picturesque winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe 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. The
tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.
Transfer to the hotel.

Day 15: Almaty – Tamgaly – Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Tour route provides you a great opportunity not only to enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of Almaty region, but
also see the one of the unique monuments of the past – Tamgaly petroglyphs — one of the oldest and most striking

monuments of rock art of Zhetisu, which is protected by UNESCO since 2004. Tamgaly Gorge located 170 km north-
west of Almaty city. This is virtually an ancient art gallery, where are depicted individual animals and people as well

as the whole scenes from the life of ancient people. The total number of drawings in the main gorge — about 2,000.
There are images of solar deities, clowns, soldiers, married couples, pregnant women, multi-figure compositions,
scenes of hunting and sacrifice. Most of the petroglyphs date back to the Bronze Age and are made in «animal» style
of Sakas. For centuries the rocks of this canyon and narrow valley of Tamgaly retained value of the sanctuary — the
place where ritual ceremonies were hold, magic rituals were performed, worship of the gods and the spirits of
ancestors took place. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 16: Almaty – Kaindy (Kazakhstan)
In the morning is transfer to Kaindy Gorge. Sightseeing at Kaindy Lake. Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is situated among
magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in
1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the
water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are
well preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water, and dry stems of fir trees overlook
the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical
splendor of the lake – it is necessary to go there and see everything with own eyes. Return to Saty settlement. Free
time. Walking, trekking in the vicinity. Horse riding on request (for surcharge). Overnight is in a home stay.

Day 17: Kolsai lakes (Kazakhstan)
Today you will have a walk from Kolsai lake 1 to Kolsai lake 2. Kolsai Lakes – «Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan» –
represent a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible for all visitors. It is the most beautiful lake, having a
lack of civilization and the abundance of mushrooms. Horse lovers can order horseback tour to this place. The
highest lake is small. It is located on the border of fir-wood and the alpine meadows and amazes by its harsh
alpine beauty, as well as the rich flora and fauna. Vertical drop between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The
lowest lake can be reached by car. But you should walk few kilometers along mountain trails to see the second and
the third lake. Without doubts the tourists are expected to have a wonderful vacation in these places — berries,
mushrooms and fishing. The water in the lakes is cold and clean and is home for the rainbow trout — a fish that lives

only in the running or spring water. In the around mountains you can see Marals, mountain goats, wolves and even
bears. Return to Saty settlement. Overnight is in a home stay.

Day 18: Kolsai lakes – Charyn Canyon – Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Today you will have a day trip to Charyn Canyons. It is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The
canyon is about 12 million years old and surprises with its vertical cliffs, reminding the ancient castles, created by
wind, sun and rain. It will take about 3 hours to reach the canyon. Meanwhile, you will hear a lot of interesting about
the history and nature of the region, about Kazakh people, their life and traditions as well as have a lunch in a local
cafe. And as soon as you see Charyn Canyon you will forget about this long way at once — so much you will be
impressed with the beauty and splendor of the canyon. You can admire the grand panorama and then have a walk
through the maze of the Castles Valley with its inaccessible walls overhanging you. In the evening is transfer to
Almaty. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 19: Almaty – Issyk lake – Almaty (Kazakhstan)
The tour route to one of the most beautiful gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau — Issyk Gorge lies along the Kuldja tract, where
hundreds of years ago the trade caravans travelled. On the way you will visit the State Historical and Cultural
Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, where you will see the expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period,
including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well
as the model of Saka burial mound. Then the tour route will take you to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level,
to the beautiful mountain lake Issyk, located in the valley with the same name. On the lake you will enjoy the
majestic beauty of its turquoise water surface and the Issyk Gorge, as well as listen to the details of the natural
disaster of 1963. Also at the lake you will have a picnic and free time for recreation at nature. In the evening is
transfer back to the city. Night is in the hotel.

Day 20: Almaty – Bishkek (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan)
Your Kyrgyz guide will pick you from the hotel in Almaty and accompany you to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The road takes
4-5 hours. This entire day is dedicated to a guided tour of Bishkek. It includes visiting Pobeda Square (Victory
Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic, and
many others places of interest. But no tour of Bishkek is complete without visiting our Asian Bazaar! We will show it
to you today and you will be able to take a lot of dynamic photos of bustling local life. This bazaar is a noisy and
colorful tapestry of fabrics, produce, and people selling and buying goods. You will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 21: Bishkek – Issyk Kul lake (Kyrgyzstan)
Your guide will pick you up at 8 a.m and you will be transferred to Issyk Kul Lake, surrounded by the celestial
mountains. It’s the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m. above sea level). The lake is called «the pearl of
Central Asia». Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. On route to the lake you will visit
Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). In Cholpon Ata town
you will visit Rukh Ordo, a unique cultural and spiritual complex of culture and tolerance of religious diversity.
Located right on the shore of the lake it perfectly demonstrates its beauty and magnificence. Here you will also visit
ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.). These petroglyphs were made more than 2000 years ago by
shamans. Also you will visit local ethnography museum.

Day 22: Issyk Kul northern shore – Grigorievskoye – Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)
In the morning you will drive to beautiful Grigorievskoe gorge! This area is part of the national park. Here you will be
able to enjoy the magnificent mountains covered with snow tops and slopes grown by blue and green pine trees.
Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol. You will visit the Dungan
mosque. One of its highlights is the fact that it was built in a Chinese style without using a single metal nail. The
mosque will be followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. The night is spent in a guesthouse.

Day 23: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bokombaevo (Kyrgyzstan)
Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rocks formations that have a name Seven Bulls – Jeti
Oguz. Also you will see there the Broken Heart Mountain. We will make many photos there and if you want it is
possible to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge. There are yurts in the gorge
and people can offer you to drink Kumis. It is a national drink that is made of mare’s milk, and it is an alcoholic drink
as a beer. Dinner will be served in the Bokombaevo homestay, where you will also spend the night. We will drive
there along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

Day 24: Bokombaevo – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
In the morning we will meet a local eagle-hunter in this village. There are still some people in villages that continue
this ancient way of hunting in our days. They train eagles and hawks when they are young and every winter go with
them to the mountains for hunting. You will find out many interesting facts about this way of hunting and you will be
able to take photo while keeping the bird on your hand! Then we will drive to Bishkek city. We will continue driving
along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. This is a great chance to see the whole lake from all sights. Night is in a
hotel.

Day 26: Bishkek (departure)
In the morning is transfer to the airport

• Visa support (not visa fees)
• All transfers by comfortable vehicle
• Accommodation in twin room sharing with breakfasts
• Excursions with Professional English Speaking guides
• Entry tickets
• Air fare Tashkent – Urgench, Ashgabat-Mary, Tashkent —
  Almaty
• Mineral water 1 lt per day on transfers between cities

• International air fare to/from Kyrgyzstan
• Full board (lunches/dinners)
• Photo and camera fees on sights
• Insurance
• Travel taxes in Turkmenistan