Central Asia Unveiled: A 20-Day Overland Experience

Upon arrival in Bishkek, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can leave your luggage before embarking on a city tour. Visit iconic landmarks such as Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Philharmonic Hall, the Statue of Manas, and Victory Square. Take a closer look at Soviet-era architecture and explore the National Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays). Following the city tour, journey to the Burana Tower (85 km, 1.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun from the 11th-13th centuries. Return to Bishkek for free time and overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 6–7 hours
Meals: -/-/-

Travel to the remote and serene Son-Kul Lake (380 km, 6 hours), located at an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level. This breathtaking high-mountain plateau is where Kyrgyz shepherds bring their livestock in summer, setting up traditional yurt camps. Spend time amidst stunning landscapes dotted with yurts and grazing animals. With your guide, immerse yourself in the nomadic Kyrgyz lifestyle, including observing how kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) is prepared, and sampling local treats like bread and homemade jams. Horseback riding is available as an optional activity (extra cost). Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a shared yurt at the camp.
Duration: 10–11 hours (including 2–3 hours of activities)
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Note: Shared yurts; outdoor toilets and washing facilities are available.

Depart for Kochkor (140 km, 2.5 hours) and participate in a hands-on workshop to learn the art of making Kyrgyz felt carpets. You’ll have the chance to purchase one as a unique souvenir. After lunch at a Kyrgyz family’s home, continue to Kyzyl Tuu village (90 km, 1.5 hours), known for its yurt craftsmanship. Engage in or observe the intricate process of yurt assembly. Conclude the day with a drive to Bokonbaevo (30 km, 30 minutes), situated between the scenic Terskey Ala-Too Mountains and the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Take some leisure time to explore the area before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at a local homestay.
Duration: 8–9 hours (including 3 hours of activities)
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Begin the day with a visit to Skazka Canyon (150 km, 2 hours), aptly named «Fairy Tale» Canyon for its vibrant geological formations. After a short hike (1 hour), proceed to the scenic Jeti-Oguz Gorge (Seven Bulls) (60 km, 1 hour). Enjoy a 1.5-hour hike through this picturesque valley before transferring to Karakol for a city tour. Highlights include the Russian Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque, built by a Chinese architect without using nails. Conclude the day with dinner at a local Dungan/Uighur family’s home. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 8–9 hours (including 2.5 hours of hiking)
Meals: Breakfast/-/Dinner

Travel to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border at Kegen (116 km, 2 hours), stopping at the Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum en route. After crossing the border, drive to Charyn Canyon (110 km, 2 hours), often called Kazakhstan’s «Grand Canyon.» Enjoy a picnic lunch before taking a leisurely 2-hour walk through the breathtaking Castle Valley. Continue to Almaty (220 km, 3–4 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration: 12–13 hours (depending on border crossing)
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/-

Explore Almaty, Kazakhstan’s southern capital. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the World War II Memorial Complex. Admire the vibrant Green Bazaar, Central Mosque, and Independence Square. Later, drive to Medeo Gorge to see the Medeo Dam, built to protect the city from mudflows. Ascend Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of Almaty, a stroll through the park, and a visit to the Beatles Monument. Return to the city via a scenic cable car ride. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Journey to the serene Issyk Lake, nestled at 1,759 meters above sea level in the Issyk Gorge. Enjoy a scenic walk along the lake, complemented by a picnic lunch in nature. Return to Almaty for an evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/-

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Almaty International Airport for a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Upon arrival in Dushanbe, meet your guide and driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Once settled, embark on a brief city tour that introduces you to Dushanbe’s unique blend of modernity and tradition. Highlights include Rudaki Park, named after the celebrated Persian poet, and the impressive National Museum of Tajikistan, which showcases the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps exploring the bustling local markets or relaxing at a traditional teahouse. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 6-7 hours (including flight and city tour)
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Start early with a scenic drive to Iskanderkul Lake, one of Tajikistan’s most famous natural wonders, situated at an elevation of 2,195 meters above sea level. The route takes you through the dramatic Anzob Pass, offering panoramic views of the Fann Mountains. According to local legend, the lake was named after Alexander the Great, who is said to have camped near its shores. Stop to enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene mountain scenery.

Continue to the Seven Lakes, a chain of seven dazzlingly colored lakes set at varying altitudes in the Marguzor Valley. Each lake boasts its own distinct hue and character, creating a truly mesmerizing landscape. Explore the area before arriving at a cozy homestay near one of the lakes, where you’ll enjoy a warm meal and the hospitality of a local family. Overnight at the homestay.
Duration: 12-13 hours, including 3 hours of sightseeing and hiking
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Spend the morning visiting the Seven Lakes, taking in the breathtaking natural beauty of this region. Afterward, drive to Penjikent, an ancient city with a rich Sogdian heritage. Explore the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the legendary Persian poet, and visit the ruins of Old Penjikent, where remnants of Zoroastrian temples, houses, and marketplaces offer a glimpse into life during the 5th century.

From Penjikent, travel to Sarazm, an archaeological site with a history stretching back over 5,500 years, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the Tajik-Uzbek border at Jartepa and drive to Samarkand, the cultural and historical heart of Uzbekistan. Enjoy some free time upon arrival. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 12 hours, including sightseeing and border crossing
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/-

Explore the treasures of Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic cities along the Great Silk Road. Begin at the magnificent Registan Square, framed by three majestic madrassahs with intricate tilework. Continue to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants.

Visit the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque and wander through the bustling Siyob Bazaar, where you can sample local produce and sweets. End the day at the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a collection of exquisitely decorated mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Continue your exploration of Samarkand with visits to the Afrasiab Museum, which chronicles the city’s ancient history, and the Tomb of Saint Daniel, a revered pilgrimage site. Travel to Konigil village to observe the traditional method of making Samarkand’s renowned mulberry paper. Afterward, enjoy free time with access to a private car and driver to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Depart for Bukhara, a journey of approximately four hours. Upon arrival, visit Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the opulent summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, combining Russian and Central Asian architectural styles. Continue to the Memorial Complex of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, a site of spiritual significance dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. Also visit Chor-Bakr Necropolis, a tranquil complex with centuries-old mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Spend the day exploring Bukhara’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved historic core. Highlights include the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, the Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, the Miri-Arab Madrasah, and the trading domes. Visit Chor-Minor, a charming madrassah with four distinctive towers, and the Ark Fortress, an ancient citadel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Travel across the Kyzylkum Desert, following the ancient Silk Road route to Khiva. This 7-8 hour journey offers opportunities to enjoy the arid desert landscape and views of the Amudarya River. Upon arrival in Khiva, check in to the hotel and relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Explore the Itchan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum of Islamic architecture. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque, and Tash Khovli Palace. Learn about local legends and history at Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and the Islam Khoja Minaret. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

After breakfast, drive to Kunya-Urgench, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore mausoleums and monuments from the Khorezm Empire. Continue into the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Door to Hell.” Arrive in the evening to witness the fiery crater’s mesmerizing glow. Overnight in tents near the crater.
Duration: 9-10 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Head to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital. Tour the city’s landmarks, including the Independence Monument, Ruhyyet Palace, and the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Learn about the country’s history and culture while admiring the city’s modern architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Drive to the ancient Parthian city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of this once-thriving trade and cultural hub. Return to Ashgabat to visit the Tolkuchka Bazaar, famous for its vibrant carpets, textiles, and jewelry. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Enjoy free time in the morning before your transfer to the airport for departure. Take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey through Central Asia, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Meals: Breakfast/-/-