Arrival and check-in: arrive at Ashgabat International Airport with Turkish Airlines at 2:00 AM or other. You’ll be greeted and transferred to hotel for early check-in.

Kick off the afternoon with a visit to the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, honoring national heroes and historic tragedies, before enjoying panoramic city views from the Palace of Happiness. Continue along Archabil Highway to see the Magtymguly monument, ending at Independence Park and the monumental buildings. Conclude the day with a welcome dinner overlooking the illuminated city skyline.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat

Meals: B, L, D

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, discover Ashgabat, the “City of Love,” renowned for its striking white marble architecture and grand boulevards. Begin at the State Museum of History and Ethnography to explore ancient artifacts, then travel to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Old Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire, set against the scenic Kopetdag Mountains.

Afternoon: visit the Geokdepe stud-farm to see the legendary Ahalteke horses, famed for their speed, endurance, and shimmering coats, with opportunities to ride, feed, and photograph them. The area is also historically significant as the site of the fortress that was the site of a battle during the Great Game in 1881, as well as the Geokdepe Mosque, built in memory of those events.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: after an early check-out, transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Mary. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for breakfast where you can also leave your luggage.

After breakfast, we will drive 40 mins to Bayramali and have the unforgettable opportunity of visiting Ancient Merv Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). With the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Gyz-Gala fortress, two of Islamic Architecture’s grandest monuments, Merv is by far Turkmenistan’s most recognized heritage site. It impresses with its vast size of over 2,000 ha and comprises of 5 different city-sites from 3 millenniums.

Ancient Merv Historical Park includes ancient cities Erk-Kala and Gyaur-Kala, medieval cities Sultan Kala, Abdullakhan-Kala and Bayramalikhan-Kala, the oldest of still standing corrugated mud-brick palaces – Great and Little Gyz Kalas, mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammad ibn Zaid, and tombs of the Prophet’s companions, Askhabs, and some others.

Distance: 350 km | Flight: ~40 mins

Accommodation: Hotel in Mary

Meals: B, L, D

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, embark on a journey to the Central Karakum Desert in 4×4 SUVs.

En route: Experience village life in Bokurdak, where tradition thrives. Explore homes built from unfired bricks and authentic yurts. Meet locals and see traditional crafts like embroidery and “pishme”-making. Enjoy a homemade lunch and learn about Turkmen culture.

Afternoon: continue toward the Darvaza also known as “The Gates of Hell“, a methane-belching fire pit in the Turkmenistan desert has been spewing fire for decades – but its origin is considered The USSR’s top-secret desert mystery. The journey includes paved highways, uneven asphalt roads, and a short off-road desert section. Arrive in Darvaza by early evening.

Settle into a traditional yurt camp and visit the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, a massive natural gas crater burning continuously since the 1970s. As night falls, the glowing flames create an unforgettable desert atmosphere.

Note: ~160 km of smooth asphalt / ~103 km of uneven asphalt roads / ~7 km of desert off-road terrain

Comfortable 4×4 vehicles (max. 3 passengers per vehicle) to ensure safety and comfort.

Distance: 270 km | Drive: ~4 hrs.

Accommodation: yurt in Darvaza

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: After breakfast at the camp we start our 5-hour journey through bumpy road to Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to see outstanding monuments of the Turkmen Khorezm.

Explore the city’s architectural and spiritual treasures, including the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanym, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Kyrk Mollah Mound, Il-Arslan Mausoleum, and the shrines of Najm al-Din al-Kubra and Piryar Vali. These sites reflect centuries of Islamic culture, medieval scholarship, and stunning Seljuk-Khorezmian architecture.

Late afternoon: Transfer to Dashoguz (100 km, about 1.5 hour drive) and check in at hotel.

Distance: 280 km | Drive: ~5 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel in Dashoguz

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to the Turkmen-Uzbek border. Complete border formalities and cross into Uzbekistan. (Note: after exiting Turkmenistan border use 1 shuttle transfer to get to Uzbekistan border, 4-5 minute drive in neutral zone, the cost of the transfer is $1 per person). The road from the border to Khiva will be one-hour drive (56 km).

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Khiva, begin the tour of Old Khiva, visiting iconic sites such as the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah and the Kelte Minor Minaret. Explore the Kunya Ark, a 12th-century fortress and residence of Khiva’s rulers. Continue to the Mahmud Pakhlavan Mausoleum, renowned for its intricate tilework and sere courtyard. After lunch, visit Islam Khoja Madrassah and Minaret, and the Juma Mosque, known for its 213 wooden pillars.

Distance: 56 km | Drive: ~1 hr

Accommodation: Hotel in Khiva

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Bukhara (480 km) by road across Kyzul Kum (Red Sand Desert), the same route taken by loaded Silk Road camel caravans. Stop on the way for an open-air coffee break with oriental sweet table and dried fruits. Lunch at Sunnat’s place – “Kyzylkum” chaykhana or other restaurant. The place gives a chance to take a look at the Amu Darya River, which used to be called the Oxus, and loosely parallels the Uzbek-Turkmen border.

Arrive in Bukhara and accommodate in hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore Bukhara at your leisure.

Distance: 480 km | Drive: ~6 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bukhara

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, explore the ancient city of Bukhara. Begin with the Poi Kalon Ensemble, featuring the Mir-I-Arab Madrassah and the Kalon Minaret, a symbol of the city for 875 years. Visit 3 domed bazaars, which were among dozens of specialized bazaars in the town. Explore the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, built around in 1620, and its nearby madrasahs.

Afternoon: visit Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ismoil Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma Ayub (Spring of Job). In the evening, enjoy dinner with a traditional folk show at Nadir Devon Begi Madrasah, showcasing music, dance, and local cuisine.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bukhara

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, depart to a country excursion at Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa Palace, a residence of Bukhara Emir, built in the late XIX – early XX century. Nowadays it houses a museum of decorative-applied art. Visit to the Bahauddin Naqshband Memorial Complex is a cult ensemble located in the vicinity of Bukhara. It is located at the burial place of the head of the Naqshbandi dervish order. It consists of a madrasa, two mosques and a minaret.

Drive to Samarkand, the historic hear of Tamerlane’s empire. Dinner upon arrival and check in at hotel.

Distance: 280 km | Drive: ~4,5 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel in Samarkand

Meals: B, L, D

Spend the day exploring Samarkand, one of the most beautiful cities of Central Asia. Visit Gur Emir – mausoleum of Timur and the Timurids, Reghistan square – ensemble of majestic madrasahs, Bibi Khanym Mosque – the gigantic congregational mosque, once one of the Islamic world’s biggest mosque, and Siab Market – colorful main farmers’ market.

After lunch, explore Shakhi Zinda – necropolis of Samarkand rulers and nobles. Visit Ulugbek Observatory – the remains of an immense astrolabe for observing star position, part of three-storey observatory.

Accommodation: Hotel in Samarkand

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: drive to the Uzbek-Tajik border. Upon arrival, complete border formalities on both sides before crossing into Tajikistan. Drive to Panjakent (ca. 30 km, 40 min) and explore the city in the picturesque Zarafshon Valley. Quite possibly Panjakent originated in the V-VIII centuries AD and used to be a major cultural and crafts hub of the Sogdian civilization.

Explore the ruins of old Sogdian town founded in V century; foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples, Rudaki museum, local bazar and mosque.

Distance: 70 km | Drive: ~1 hr

Accommodation: Hotel in Panjakent

Meals: B, L, D

Today we will drive to Khujand city through the Zaravshan Valley and 5km tunnel. Khujand is the second largest city of Tajikistan. It is situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley.

Afternoon: Khujand, founded 2,500 years ago during the time of Alexander the Great, was once a prosperous city. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Visit the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum, a 17th–19th-century architectural gem and spiritual site. Continue to the Payshanbe Bazaar, one of the largest and busiest bazaars in Central Asia. End the day at Somoni Park, which features a statue of Ismoil Somoni, the founder of the Samanid Empire, surrounded by mosaics depicting the city’s history.

Distance: 280 km | Drive: ~5 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel in Khudjand

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring more of Khujand. Drive 15 km outside the city to visit the Kayraccum Reservoir (Tajik Sea). Return to the city to visit the Arbob Palace, built in the 20th century. The palace is notable for its Soviet-era architecture and was a hub for the cotton industry. Explore the Khujand Fortress, originally built in the 5th century BC, one of the most formidable fortresses in Central Asia.

After lunch, drive to the Tajik-Uzbek border to cross back into Uzbekistan. Upon crossing the border, transfer to Tashkent (99 km, 2.5 hours). In Tashkent, visit the Khast-Imam Complex, where the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman is preserved, considered one of the oldest Quran manuscripts in the world.

Distance: ~200 km | Drive: ~4 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel in Tashkent

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board a train to Kokand (08:20–12:36). Arrive in Kokand, a city rich in history, and start a brief sightseeing tour (2–2.5 hours).

Visit the grand Khudoyar-Khan Palace, a royal residence with vibrant tile work and historical exhibits. Explore the Jami Mosque, built in the 19th century, and the Kamol-Kazy and Norbut-biy Madrasahs, which highlight the religious history of the region.

Afternoon: continue to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, cross the border for a short transfer to Osh (20 minutes).

Distance: ~190 km | Drive: ~4 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel in Osh

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: embark on a city tour of Osh, believed to be 3,000 years old. Visit Suleyman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred pilgrimage spot. Explore the National Museum of History and Archaeology and stroll through the Osh Bazaar, a bustling market that has existed since the city’s time on the Great Silk Road.

Afternoon: transfer to the airport for your flight (40 mins) to Bishkek. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, start the sightseeing tour of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Visit Ala-Too Square, witness the changing of the guards, and explore the Victory Square, Old Square, and the Central White Mosque.

After lunch: drive to the Burana Tower, a historical minaret from the 10th century. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area, and explore the local museum and Balbal stone warrior statues. Continue the journey to Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Stop in Balykchy for an eagle hunting demonstration, showcasing the traditional Kyrgyz art of falconry. Arrive at Cholpan Ata and check in to a beach resort on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Distance: ~280 km | Drive: ~4,5 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cholpan Ata

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: depart from Cholpan Ata and drive towards the Jety-Oguz Gorge, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Kyrgyzstan” due to its scenic forests of fir, juniper, and birch trees. Stop at the famous red rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart”, where you can hear the local legends behind these striking natural features. Enjoy a 2–3-hour hike through the Jety-Oguz Gorge, taking in the beauty of this lush valley filled with wildflowers and panoramic views.

Afternoon: continue your drive to Karakol, a city known for its cultural diversity and historic landmarks. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, a wooden structure from the 19th century, and the Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the style of a Buddhist pagoda. Explore the Prezhevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer Nikolay Przhevalsky, who explored Central Asia in the 19th century.

Dinner with a Dungan family, where you’ll experience the unique culture and cuisine of the Dungan people, who are descendants of Chinese Muslims.

Distance: ~200 km | Drive: ~4 hrs.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, drive to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border.

Continue the journey to Saty Village and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest. The lake was formed after a limestone landslide, submerging a grove of spruce trees, which now stand eerily upright in the water. Take a walk around Kaindy Lake, exploring the natural beauty and unique landscape.

Return to Saty Village and check in at a guesthouse for dinner.

Distance: ~250 km | Drive: ~4,5 hrs.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Saty Village

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: head towards the stunning Kolsay Lakes, a system of three alpine lakes set at different elevations in the northern Tian Shan Mountains. The lakes are often called the “Pearls of the Tien Shan” for their vivid blue color and surrounding pine forests. Take a short hike around the lower lake (1,800 m) or simply enjoy the breathtaking views.

Afternoon: drive to the majestic Charyn Canyon, a unique natural monument stretching 154 km along the Charyn River. This site is famous for its Valley of Castles, where towering red rock formations resemble ancient fortresses. Walk through the canyon and enjoy lunch in a scenic spot. After the canyon, continue driving to Almaty. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Distance: ~320 km | Drive: ~6 hrs

Accommodation: Hotel in Almaty

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, drive to Medeo Gorge, where you’ll visit the famous Medeo Dam, built to protect the city from mudflows. From the dam, enjoy panoramic views of the Medeo Ice Rink, the world’s largest high-altitude skating rink, nestled among the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. Continue to the Shymbulak Ski Resort, and take a gondola ride for spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Return to Almaty for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Almaty City Tour. Visit Panfilov Park, dedicated to the soldiers of World War II, and explore the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Visit the Memorial Complex, with its eternal flame honoring fallen soldiers, and explore the Green Bazaar, a lively market where you can shop for local souvenirs and spices. Visit Republic Square, where you’ll see three key symbols of Kazakhstan and the Obelisk of Independence, which celebrates the country’s sovereignty.

Distance: ~20 km | Drive: ~40 mins

Accommodation: Hotel in Almaty

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: transfer to Almaty International Airport for your international departure.

Note: late check-out is not included.

Meals: B

NOTE: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner.

Tour price information

Important Accommodation Policy

In the event of government-level events or official delegations requiring priority accommodation, our company reserves the right to substitute the originally confirmed hotel with an alternative property of the same category and comparable standard.