Embark on an unparalleled 12-day journey through the heart of Central Asia, exploring the capitals of five fascinating countries. The Central Asia Capitals Adventure Tour offers an immersive experience, where you’ll step into vibrant cities that blend rich history, modernity, and captivating cultural traditions. This tour is ideal for those who want to witness firsthand the incredible transformation of Central Asia, where ancient legacies meet contemporary innovation.
Start your adventure in Dushanbe, the charming capital of Tajikistan, where history comes alive in the city’s parks, museums, and iconic monuments. From there, travel to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital, where the echoes of Soviet-era architecture blend with stunning natural landscapes. Astana, Kazakhstan’s new capital, showcases modern marvels and futuristic skyscrapers that make it one of the world’s coldest capitals. Continue your journey to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s vibrant city surrounded by the majestic Ala-Too mountains, before heading to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s thriving capital, where ancient Silk Road heritage meets contemporary flair. Your journey concludes in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s gleaming city of white marble, where opulence and architectural splendor define the skyline.
This tour not only takes you to the political and cultural hubs of the region but also offers opportunities to experience the rich history and architecture that have shaped Central Asia over millennia. Highlights include visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Khiva’s Ichan-Kala fortress, the ancient city of Samarkand, and the fascinating Old Nisa archaeological site. You’ll also explore the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, with a hike through the stunning Ala-Archa National Park, and witness the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan, a true natural wonder.
Each capital holds its own unique story, from bustling markets and vibrant streets to historic landmarks and iconic monuments. This tour is designed for those eager to explore the heart of Central Asia, experiencing its diverse cultures, architectural feats, and scenic landscapes.
Tour Highlights:
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply love discovering new cultures, this tour is an unforgettable way to experience Central Asia at its best.
P.S. It is advisable to plan arrival to Dushanbe for Monday in order to match regional flights in the itinerary
Arrive in Dushanbe, the vibrant capital of Tajikistan. After a warm welcome, transfer to your hotel where you can safely leave your luggage. Take some time to relax before officially checking in at noon. Begin your exploration of Central Asia’s fascinating capitals with a guided city tour. Visit the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments to admire a collection that reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Continue to the iconic Ismail Somoni Monument, dedicated to the founder of the Samanid Dynasty, and conclude your day with a peaceful stroll through the scenic Rudaki Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
Start your day with breakfast before delving deeper into Dushanbe’s history and culture. Visit the National Museum of Antiquities (closed on Mondays) to marvel at its extensive collection of historical artifacts, including the renowned Buddha in Nirvana statue. In the afternoon, transfer to Dushanbe International Airport for your flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Upon arrival in Almaty, meet your driver, who will escort you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then meet your guide and driver to explore Kazakhstan’s largest city. Begin your tour with a visit to Panfilov Park, home to the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, a remarkable wooden structure. Explore the exhibits at the Central State Museum (closed on Tuesdays) to gain insight into the country’s rich heritage. Proceed to Republic Square, then ascend Kok-Tobe Hill for a panoramic view of the city. Conclude your tour with a visit to Medeo Gorge, a stunning natural area known for its high-altitude ice rink. Spend your evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver for a city tour of this modern metropolis. Begin with the historic «Old Center,» once a merchant hub. Visit the Millennium Axis line, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, which features landmarks like the Opera House and the Round Square. Stroll through Nurzhol and Green Water Boulevards, lined with architecturally impressive skyscrapers. Ascend the Bayterek Monument for a breathtaking view of the city before ending the day at Khan Shatyr, a unique shopping and entertainment center. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
Transfer to Astana International Airport for a morning flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival, begin your guided city tour with visits to Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, and the Statue of Manas. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays), Philharmonic Hall, and the Victory Monument, showcasing Soviet-era architecture. In the afternoon, drive to the ancient Burana Tower, a relic of the 11th–13th centuries and part of the historical city of Balasagun. Return to Bishkek and enjoy free time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, embark on a journey to Ala-Archa National Park, located in the Tian Shan mountains. Explore the alpine gorge, where the Ala-Archa River carves its way through snow-capped peaks and dense forests. Start a 3.5-km hike from the alpine camp (2,200 m) to the picturesque Ak-Sai waterfall (2,700 m), traversing lush conifer forests and serene meadows. Return to the alpine camp before heading back to Bishkek. Enjoy your free afternoon in the city. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time before transferring to Bishkek International Airport for your daytime flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver to begin exploring the largest city in Central Asia. Visit the historic Old City, Chorsu Bazaar, and the Khast-Imam Complex, which houses the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman. Experience the Tashkent Metro, known for its artistic stations, and visit the Museum of Applied Arts. Conclude your day at Amir Timur Square. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 5-6 hours
Start your day with breakfast before transferring to the railway station for a high-speed train ride to Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s most iconic cities. Upon arrival, explore Registan Square, the remnants of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and Gur Emir Mausoleum. In the evening, return to Tashkent by train. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 6-7 hours
Early morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Urgench. From there, drive to Khiva, a historical gem of Uzbekistan. Spend your day exploring Itchan-Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit key landmarks including Mukhammad Aminkhan and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasahs, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, and the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. End the day with free time to explore on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Depart from your hotel and travel to the Turkmenistan border. After clearing customs, meet your guide and transfer to the Darvaza Gas Crater, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon in the Karakum Desert. Enjoy a fire-cooked dinner near the “Door to Hell.” Later, drive to Ashgabat for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, embark on a tour of Ashgabat, a city renowned for its marble-clad architecture. Visit Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Spiritual Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia. Explore the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and Independence Park. The tour also includes a visit to the Akhalteke horse stables and Lenin Monument. Overnight at the hotel.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Check out of your hotel by noon and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport, marking the conclusion of your Capitals of Central Asia tour.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $6150 | $4000 | $3800 | $3450 | $3200 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $6600 | $4300 | $4100 | $3750 | $3500 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program in each country with local guides (in Uzbekistan, different guides in each city) Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Economy class tickets for flights: Dushanbe-Almaty, Almaty-Astana, Astana-Bishkek, Bishkek-Tashkent, Tashkent-Urgench Ticket for trains Tashkent-Samarkand-Tashkent Visa support for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board (lunch and dinners) Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour All costs associated with visas and Turkmenistan migration tax (14 USD) International flight tickets before and after the tour
I joined this tour with my friends, and it was truly amazing! The blend of history, nature, and modern culture kept every day exciting. Highlights included the stunning views from Kok-Tobe Hill in Almaty and the ancient architecture of Khiva. The guides were friendly and provided deep insights about the places we visited, making it more meaningful. I especially loved the hike in Ala-Archa National Park; the breathtaking scenery of snowy peaks and alpine meadows was unforgettable. The logistics, like flights and transfers, were very well-organized, and the hotels were comfortable. This was a well-rounded adventure that offered something for everyone, from urban explorations to tranquil natural escapes. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a hassle-free way to experience Central Asia’s beauty and history!
This tour was an unforgettable journey through the capitals of Central Asia! Each city had its unique charm, from the bustling bazaars of Tashkent to the serene mountain landscapes near Bishkek. The highlight for me was the visit to the Registan Square in Samarkand, which felt like stepping back in time. The local guides were knowledgeable and ensured that everything ran smoothly. I also enjoyed the seamless travel arrangements, especially between countries, which can often be tricky. The experience at the Darvaza gas crater was surreal—like being on another planet. Accommodations were comfortable, and I appreciated having some free time in each city. This tour exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the rich culture and history of Central Asia.