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.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning to relax and acclimate.

Afternoon Adventure:

Kick off the afternoon with a visit to Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, dedicated to Turkmenistan’s heroes and victims of WWII, the Geokdepe Battle, and the 1948 earthquake. Explore its three captivating halls with dramatic dioramas and poignant exhibits.

Modern Ashgabat city tour: We will first stop at “Bagt Koshgi” – Wedding Palace hill platform with a panoramic view of the city. The 3 dimensional cubic shaped building is especially popular landmark for newlyweds at night who come here for pictures with a glowing palace. Next, we will make a short stop for pictures at the Monument of Constitution and the Alem Ferris Wheel. Continue driving to the Kopetdag Mountains until we reach the Magtymguly Park with a gigantic 60-metere high statue of the famous Turkmen poet and a philosopher Magtymguly Fragi. Drive back to city center with a stop at the Monument of Neutrality with a 12-meter high golden statue of the first president of Turkmenistan. And we end the tour visiting the Independence Park with it monuments and the Monument to the Book of Ruhnama (translated as a “the Book of Soul”, which was written by the first president of Turkmenistan).

Overnight: in Ashgabat
Meals: full board

Morning Kick-Off: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Visit the State Museum of History and Ethnography to see ancient artifacts and treasures from Turkmenistan’s rich history. Drive to Bagir village to explore the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa Fortress, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire. Wander through its atmospheric ruins, set against the picturesque Kopet-Dag Mountains.

Afternoon: Visit the Gokdepe stud-farm to see the magnificent Ahal Teke horses. Ride, feed, and photograph these unique creatures, known for their exceptional speed and ancient heritage. On the way to Ashgabat we will make a stop to see the biggest mosque of Turkmenistan “The Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi” and the family mausoleum of the first president. After an exciting day, drive back to Ashgabat for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: in Ashgabat
Meals: full board

Morning: After an early check-out, transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Mary. Arrive in Mary and transfer to the hotel for breakfast where you can also leave your luggage. After breakfast, we’ll drive 40 minutes to Bayramaly village to explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was known as “the Queen of the World.” Tour highlights,

• Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (the last Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire)
• Yusuf Hamadani Mosque (Yusuf Hamadani was one of the most influential Sufi masters whose teachings spread across Central Asia)
• Erk gala (was founded in the 6th century BCE; in the 3rd century BCE it became the citadel for the larger Hellenistic city of Antiochia/Margiana)
• Sultan gala (built in between 800-1400 AD, Sultan–Kala offers to explore the mudbrick work of Seljuk fortifications)
• Great and Small Gyz kala (7th-12th centuries), known as “Ladies Fortress”. One of the most well-preserved fortresses made from mud bricks.
• Mohammad ibn Zayd Mausoleum (the leader of the Shia movement against the Abbasid Caliphate)

Experience traditions: Enjoy lunch at the local guesthouse “Ancient Turkmen Hearth,” where you can observe traditional activities like making “pishme”, embroidery, and ride a camel or “the Winged” Akhal Teke horses.

Overnight: in Mary
Meals: full board

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: Stop at Bokurdak Village,where you can experience traditional Turkmen village life. Explore homes built from unfired bricks, authentic yurts, and enjoy a traditional homemade lunch. Discover local crafts, including embroidery and the preparation of ishlekli (a meat pie baked in the sand).
Afternoon: Continue to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell”, an extraordinary natural gas crater has been burning for over 50 years. On the way, stop to observe bubbling water and sulfur-mud craters.

Upon arrival at Darvaza, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the flaming crater. Enjoy a nomad-style dinner featuring kebabs, and sip traditional tea while watching the sunset over the desert.

Overnight: Darvaza, yurt stay
Meals: full board

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.

Kunya Urgench – once a glorious capital of the medieval Khorezshah Empire, the biggest Muslim empire of the late 12 and early 13 centuries. We will take a close look at the outstanding 14-century mausoleum of Turabek Hanum, one of the best examples of the architecture of its period; the minaret of Kutlug Timur, a former highest minaret of Central Asia that used to form a part of the main cathedral mosque of the city; the mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh, a beautiful 12-century mausoleum with one of the earliest portals of the east and a unique cone of a dome; Kyrk-Mollah mound, the fabled al-Mamun’s Academy of Sciences; the mausoleum of Il-Arslan; Najmeddin Kubra and Piryar Wali shrines.

Late afternoon: Transfer to Dashoguz (100 km, about 1.5 hour drive). Hotel check-in and rest of the time is free for leisure.

Overnight: in Dashoguz
Meals: full board

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to the Turkmen-Uzbek border “SHAVAT”. 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). Meet your guide and the driver, drive to Khiva. The road from the border to Khiva will be 1 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 12^th-century fortress and residence of Khiva’s rulers. Continue to the Pakhlavan Mahmud 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. Rest of the day you are free to explore the city on your own.

Overnight: in Khiva
Meals: full board

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. Dinner at local restaurant or hotel.

Overnight: in Bukhara
Meals: full board

Morning and Afternoon: 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.

Also visit 3 remaining domed bazaars – Taqi Zargaron (1570), or Jeweler’s Bazaar, Taqi Telpak Furushon or Cap Makers’ Bazaar and Taqi Sarrafon, or Moneychangers’ Bazaar, which were among dozens of specialized bazaars in the town.

Explore the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, built around in 1620, and its nearby madrasahs. After lunch, visit Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ismoil Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma Ayub (Spring of Job).

Evening: Enjoy dinner with a traditional folk show at Nadir Devon Begi Madrasah, showcasing music, dance, and local cuisine.

Overnight: in Bukhara
Meals: full board

Morning: After breakfast – Departure on country excursion: Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa Palace is a country 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. Lunch at the restaurant nearby.

Afternoon: Drive to Samarkand (280 km, 4,5 hrs. drive), the historic hear of Tamerlane’s empire. Dinner upon arrival. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Overnight: in Samarkand
Meals: full board

Morning and Afternoon: Spend the day exploring Samarkand, one of the most beautiful cities of Central Asia. Visit to Gur Emir (in Tajik – Tomb of the emir) – mausoleum of Timur and the Timurids (15 c.), Reghistan square (Sandy place) – ensemble of majestic madrasahs (15-17 cc.), ranks first in Central Asia and among the greatest of all the grandiose and magnificent works of the Islamic world. At Registan Ensemble inside Tillya-Kari Mosque we can watch how local women hand-weave silk carpets and silk fabrics; Bibi Khanym Mosque (15 c.) – the gigantic congregational mosque, once one of the Islamic world’s biggest mosque and Siab market – colorful main farmers’ market. After lunch visit to Shakhi Zinda (The Living King) – necropolis of Samarkand rulers and nobles. Also visit to Ulugbek Observatory (1420) – the remains of an immense (30 m. tall) astrolabe for observing star position, part of three- storey observatory. Dinner at local restaurant. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Overnight: in Samarkand
Meals: full board

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Uzbek-Tajik border “JARTEPA” (ca. 70 km, 1hr). Upon arrival, complete border formalities on both sides before crossing into Tajikistan. Meet your local guide and drive to Panjakent (ca. 30 km, 40 min).

Panjakent Exploration: The city of Panjakent (“five villages”) is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in the picturesque Zarafshon valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the V-VIII centuries AD. It was once 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.

Overnight: in Panjakent
Meals: full board

Morning: 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 until it was sacked by Genghis Khan’s army in the 13th century. 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, where you can immerse yourself in local culture.

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.

Overnight: in Khudjand
Meals: full board

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring more of Khujand. Drive 15 km outside the city to visit the Kayraccum Reservoir (Tajik Sea), built in 1968 as a symbol of Soviet-Tajik friendship. Return to the city to visit the Arbob Palace, built in the 20th century and named after S. Urunhodlaev. 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 and later reconstructed. It was once one of the most formidable fortresses in Central Asia.

Afternoon: After lunch, drive to the Tajik-Uzbek border “OYBEK” (80 km, approximately 1 hour) to cross back into Uzbekistan. Upon crossing the border, meet your Uzbek guide and 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.

Overnight: in Tashkent
Meals: full board

Morning: 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).

Kokand Exploration: 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 “DUSTLIK” (190 km, 4-hour drive). Cross the border and meet your Kyrgyz guide for a short transfer to Osh (20 minutes).

Overnight: in Osh
Meals: full board

Morning: After breakfast, 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 to Bishkek. Upon arrival, meet your Bishkek guide, who will accompany you for the rest of your journey in Kyrgyzstan.

Overnight: in Bishkek
Meals: full board

Morning: 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.

Afternoon: 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.

Overnight: in Cholpan Ata
Meals: full board

Morning: After breakfast, depart from Cholpan Ata and drive towards the Jety-Oguz Gorge (200 km, 4 hours), 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.

Lunch: Picnic in the gorge, surrounded by serene nature.

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.

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

Overnight: in Karakol
Meals: full board

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border at “KARKYRA” (approximately 250 km, 4–5 hours). Cross the border and meet your Kazakh guide and driver.

Afternoon: 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.

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

Overnight: in Saty Village
Meals: full board

Morning: After breakfast, 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. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” 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 (215 km, approximately 4 hours).

Evening: Arrive in Almaty and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: in Almaty
Meals: full board

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Medeo Gorge, where you’ll visit the famous Medeo Dam (1,733 m above sea level), 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.

Lunch: 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.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: in Almaty
Meals: full board

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

Meals: Breakfast

Note: late check-out is not included.