Central Asia Discovery Tour: 5 Countries, One

Tashkent

Day 1: Land in Tashkent

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Although a young nation, the country celebrates thousands of years of rich history and tradition. Land at Tashkent International Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Don't waste a minute of your first day in this fascinating country. Drop your bags and head out into the city to visit the religious center of the city, the complex of Khast-i-Imam. Use the afternoon to visit the Museum of Applied Art of Tashkent. Once the palace of Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev, it was transformed into a museum in 1938. Afterwards, head to Chorsu, the biggest bazaar in Uzbekistan. Browse the stalls and let your imagination run wild before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva

Day 2: Explore Ancient Khiva

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Then, it's off to the airport to catch your domestic flight to Urgench. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Khiva. The city of Khiva is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there is plenty to explore as you wander through the city. Your first stop in the afternoon is to Khiva's inner city, which is surrounded by a powerful wall 10 meters high. Move on to see the stunning Juma Mosque, a wonderful example of the Muslim architecture that decorates Central Asia, and Kunya Ark, which was completed in 1688. In the afternoon, take a look at the mausoleums of Sayid All-Uddin and Pahlavan Mahmud, ancient structures that have been well-preserved throughout the centuries. End your day with a visit to the Medresa of Islam-Khodja, which features the highest minaret in Khiva. In the evening, return to your hotel to rest for the night.

Khiva - Bukhara

Day 3: Soak in the Views of Kizil-Kum

Have breakfast at your hotel. Today, drive to Bakhara and gaze out the window at the elegant dunes of red sand as you traverse the Kizil-Kum desert. On the way, stretch your feed and get out to take a look at the mighty river of Amu-Darya, which cuts through the desert and fills the landscape with shades of blue and green. Continue your journey with a stop near Gazli. In the late afternoon, arrive at your hotel in Bakhara. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest, relax, or spend however you like.

Bukhara

Day 4: Discover the Secrets of the Silk Road

Take in a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day exploring the sites of Bukhara - the most mysterious city on the Silk Road. Start your day off with a visit to the architectural complex of Poi-Kalyan, which translates to "Foot of the Great". After that head to Ulugh-Beg Madrasah, built in 1417, and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, built in 1652, and watch the region's history of medieval architecture unfold. Your next stop of the day is at Tim Abdullah Khan, a covered bazaar that dates back to 1577. In the afternoon, continue your sightseeing tour with visits to the architectural marvel of Lazbi-Hauz, the massive fortress of Ark-Citadel, and Bolo-Hauz Mosque. After such a full and fulfilling day, return to your hotel in the evening for your overnight stay.

Bukhara - Nurata - Yangui Gazgan

Day 5: Sleep in a Traditional Yurt

Depart in the morning towards Nurata. Your first stop en route is in the village of Guijduvan. Home to a renown ceramic workshop, the site is protected by UNESCO. During your visit, enjoy a ceramics presentation and learn about the craft from the artists themselves. Continue your journey through the desert. In the afternoon, stop by the ruins of the ancient citadel of Alexander the Great before arriving at camp. Stay the night in a traditional shared yurt, a one-of-a-kind experience. In the evening, get the chance to ride a camel, and feel what is like move on these creatures through the desert. In the evening, enjoy a communal fire beneath a heaven full of sparkling stars. 

Yangui Gazgan - Mitan - Samarkand

Day 6: Experience Culture with the Locals

Wake up and greet the morning with breakfast at camp. Afterwards, depart towards Mitan village, and take advantage of a unique opportunity. As a guest, enter the home of a local Uzbek family, where you will enjoy lunch. There are many traditional "welcome meal" that are served in Uzbekistan, such as "bichaks" (triangular pastries with meat or pumpkin) or "plov" (rice with meat and vegetables). Spending time with local people is one of the best ways to understand a foreign culture, and can be one of the most memorable parts of your stay in Uzbekistan. In the afternoon, stroll through the village and get a glimpse of the rural lifestyle that is shared by many Uzbek people. Meet the locals with warm smiles and enjoy their hospitality. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Samarkand, where you will check into your hotel. 

Samarkand

Day 7: Sightsee in Samarkand

Spend your day discovering the sights of the intriguing city of Samarkand. Start with a visit to the Registan Square and gaze upon the three Madrasah that dominate it. Next, head to the Gur-Amir Mausoleum, the family resting place of the Tamerlane destiny. With its fine ribbed dome and paper mache interior, it is a masterpiece of Central Asian architecture. After lunch, head to what is known as "the Pearl of Samerkand" - the Bibi Khanum Mosque. Constructed by architects and artisans from various nations in 1399, the Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful in Uzbekistan. In the evening, you're in for a theatrical treat. Visit the theater and watch a historical presentation of "El Merosi", which translates to "The Peoples' Heritage". Watch the show, as people dressed in traditional costumes reenact customs of different historical periods.

Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand

Day 8: An Excursion to Shakhrisabz

Have breakfast before your departure. Then hop in your car and pay a visit to Shakhrisabz, where you will spend your day. Visit sites such as the Mausoleum of Jakhongir, the remains of Ak-Saray Palace, and the Dor-ut Tilavat complex, which consists of the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and burial vault. In the afternoon, ride back to Samerkand. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax in your hotel or walk around the neighborhood. 

Samarkand - Tashkent

Day 9: Take the Train to Tashkent

Savor your breakfast and conserve your energy for another fascinating day in Samerkand. Start your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Shakhi-Zinda complex. Composed of over 20 buildings, each decorated in its own unique artistic style, the site was constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries. Next, head to the Observatory of Ulugbek. Built in the 14th century, it was the first observatory in Central Asia. Afterwards, continue to the mausoleum of Hodja Daniyar, a popular destination near a healing spring. In the early evening, transfer to the train station and catch your high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Tashkent - Chimgan Mountains - Tashkent

Day 10: Ride the Cable Car in the Chimgan Mountains

Spend the day in nature. After breakfast, take a day trip to the Chimgan Mountains. Wind your way along the roads as you appreciate the drive through local villages and valleys. Take a ride on the cable car that traverses the stretch over Bedersay Gorge to Kumbel peak, a popular route for skiers. Enjoy the stunning views of the lush green terrain, and go for a walk to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Continue on towards the Charvak Reserviour, a favorite spot for locals and visitors to hang out in the summertime. Explore the area, and discover petroglyphs and prehistoric rock carvings. In the afternoon, return to Tashkent, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Tashkent - Kokand - Fergana

Day 11: Visit a Ceramic Master

Today, head to the beautiful Fergana Valley. On your way, traverse Kamchik Pass, at over 2200 meters above sea level. En route, stop by Kokand, where you can see the palace of Khudoyar Khan and the Juma Mosque. Your next stop is in Ristan, the ceramics center of the region. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to visit the home of world renown ceramic master, Rustam Usmanov. Before you depart, visit a pottery workshop and step into a ceramics museum. Continue your journey to Fergana, and check into your hotel upon arrival. Use the evening to take a stroll through the city's serene park and spacious boulevards. 

Fegana - Andijan - Osh

Day 12: Head to the City of Osh

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Afterwards, depart Fergana Valley for Osh in western Kyrgyzstan. Arrive in the late morning and drop your bags at your hotel. Spend the afternoon discovering the must-sees of the city. Start with a visit to Solomon Mountain, located in the center of the city. According to religious tradition, the biblical prophet Solomon was buried at the foot of the mountain, and today it is considered a pilgrimage place for local Muslims. Then, head off to visit an Asian bazaar and see what treasures the vendors are hawking at their stalls! Return to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Osh - Bishkek

Day 13: Visit the Bustling Bazaar of Bishkek

Wake up and enjoy your breakfast. In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Bishkek. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights of this fantastic city. Visit Pobeda Square, also known as Victory Square, Duboviy Park, and Ala-Too Square. Round off your exploration of the city with a trip to the National Arts Museum before paying a visit to the spectacular National Philharmonic. End your day with an exciting excursion to the Asian Bazaar, where you can roam and photograph life at the market. Head to your hotel in the evening to relax.

Bishkek - Chon Kemin

Day 14: Ride on Horseback through the Mountains

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Today, make your way to Chon Kemin gorge. On the way, make a pit stop to view Burana Tower, a minaret from the 11th century. Climb to the top of the tower, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside from above. Visit an open air museum featuring stone warriors, called Balbals, before continuing on your way. Upon arrival at the gorge, you will be introduced to a local family and share a traditional meal with them. In the afternoon, hop into the saddle! Ride a horse through the high mountain forests that look down upon the gorge. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view from the top of the trail. In the evening, return to the house of a local family for a comfortable homestay experience.

Chon Kemin - Karakol

Day 15: Enjoy the Shores Of Isszk Kul

After breakfast, move on to your next stop on the serene Issyk Kul Lake. Called "The Pearl of Central Asia", Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world. Considered sacred by the locals for more than 1500 years, the scenery paints a picturesque mural of calm waters and mountain backdrops. Take in the spectacular scenery as you drive around the perimeter of the lake to reach the town of Karakol. On the way, stop to visit ancient petroglyphs that can be found nearby. In Karakol, stop to gaze upon the Chinese-style Dungan Mosque and a wooden Orthodox church. In the evening, retire in your hotel. 

Karakol - Bishkek

Day 16: Discover Impressive Jeti Oguz Gorge

Enjoy your breakfast. In the morning, visit the impressive Jeti Oguz gorge, famous for the red rock formations that give the gorge its name. If you wish, take a short hike up the nearby Broken Heart Mountain, and take in the beautiful 360-degree view before continuing your journey. Your next stop is in the village of Bokonbaeva. Here, meet a local eagle hunter and learn about his trade. Relying on the help of eagles to catch small game, the hunter relies on ancient practices that have been passed down through the generations. In the evening, return to Biskek, where you will check into your hotel for your final evening in Central Asia.

Bishkek

Day 17: See you Soon, Asia!

Wake up and enjoy your breakfast. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. Hop on your onward flight and wave goodbye to Kyrgyzstan. Come again soon!