Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of Central Asia with the Experience Central Asia Tour, a unique adventure that takes you across the vibrant landscapes, rich traditions, and fascinating history of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. This tour is your gateway to uncovering the authentic spirit of these four diverse countries, blending ancient heritage with modern charm.
Begin your exploration in Tajikistan’s bustling capital, Dushanbe, where museums, parks, and ancient settlements bring history to life. Traverse the breathtaking Anzob Pass to discover Penjikent’s ancient ruins and the serene Seven Lakes. From there, enter Uzbekistan’s enchanting cities. Stroll through Samarkand’s iconic Registan Square, immerse yourself in Bukhara’s Old City, and savor the hospitality of remote mountain villages in the Nurata region.
In Kyrgyzstan, immerse yourself in traditional life with hands-on cultural experiences, from learning the art of felt-making to tasting delicious Kyrgyz cuisine at the renowned Supara Ethno Complex. Witness the elegance of ethnic costumes and participate in the winding of an elechek, a traditional headdress that reflects Kyrgyz history and pride.
The adventure continues into Kazakhstan, where the modern skylines of Almaty and Astana are juxtaposed with traditions that connect visitors to nomadic heritage. Experience a warm Kazakh welcome in the Huns Ethno Village, where you’ll learn about yurt construction, taste homemade baursaks, and witness dazzling horseback games.
This tour is more than sightseeing; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the soul of Central Asia, where every destination is steeped in stories, flavors, and traditions. From stunning mountain landscapes and historical landmarks to vibrant bazaars and unforgettable local encounters, this journey promises memories to last a lifetime.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of four incredible nations in one seamless tour. Book your adventure today and let the wonders of Central Asia unfold before your eyes.
P.S. It is recommended to plan your arrival in Dushanbe on any date except SUNDAY, in order to match regional flight in the itinerary.
Welcome to Dushanbe! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in at noon. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to embark on a guided tour of the capital city. Begin with the National Museum of Antiquities, renowned for its exhibits on history, natural sciences, and art, including the notable Buddha in Nirvana statue. Continue to the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments, explore the Statue of Ismail Somoni, and relax at Rudaki Park. Overnight in Dushanbe.
Tour duration: 4–5 hours
After breakfast, drive to Penjikent (270 km, 4–5 hours) along a scenic route through the Anzob Pass, standing at 3,300 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin a tour of ancient Penjikent, a significant Sogdian city from the 5th century, destroyed by Arab invaders in the 8th century. Highlights include the Rudaki Museum, the local bazaar, and a mosque. Overnight in Penjikent.
Enjoy breakfast before heading to the stunning Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5–2 hours), nestled in the Fann Mountains. Each lake boasts unique and vibrant colors, ranging from turquoise to purple. Relax with a picnic at Khoazorchashma, the seventh lake. In the late afternoon, drive to the Jartepa border crossing, complete customs and passport formalities, and meet your Uzbek driver for a transfer to your hotel in Samarkand.
After breakfast, meet your guide to explore Samarkand, one of the most iconic cities on the Silk Road. Visit the magnificent Registan Square, the ruins of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the revered resting place of Tamerlane. Overnight in Samarkand.
Tour duration: 6–7 hours
Depart Samarkand for a village in the Nurata Mountains (330 km, 5–6 hours). Check into a guesthouse upon arrival. These serene villages are surrounded by lush greenery, fresh mountain air, and starlit skies, offering a glimpse into rural life. Take a tour of the village to witness traditional customs and daily routines. Overnight in the guesthouse.
Meals: Dinner
Enjoy breakfast and morning leisure time. Explore the village lifestyle, where locals maintain age-old traditions like bread baking, yarn spinning, and stone house construction. Optional activities include guided hikes to nearby waterfalls or donkey rides. Depart for Bukhara in the afternoon, stopping at Nurata Pass to view ancient petroglyphs, visit Nurata’s mosque with its sacred spring, and explore the renowned Gijduvan pottery workshop. Arrive in Bukhara and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Bukhara.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Begin your day with a walking tour of Bukhara’s Old City. Highlights include the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, historic trade domes, Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, Miri-Arab Madrasah, and the Ark Fortress. Also visit Bolo-Khauz Mosque and the Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums. Overnight in Bukhara.
Tour duration: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, enjoy free time before checking out of the hotel. Transfer to the train station at 14:40 to catch the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Tashkent, departing at 15:52 and arriving at 19:40. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meet your guide after breakfast to explore Tashkent. Visit the Old City and the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the Quran of Caliph Uthman. Explore the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Chor-Su Bazaar, ride the Tashkent Metro, and visit Amir Temur Square, Independence Square, and the Museum of Applied Arts. Overnight in Tashkent.
Tour duration: 4–5 hours
After breakfast, transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your flight to Bishkek (15:35–17:45). On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, tour Bishkek, visiting Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Manas Statue, Philharmonic Hall, and the Victory Monument. Learn about Kyrgyz traditions with a visit to the “Kiyiz Duino” Foundation, where you’ll witness ethnic costumes, headdress demonstrations, and felt-making. End your day with dinner and cultural performances at the Ethno Complex Supara. Overnight in Bishkek.
Tour duration: 3–4 hours
Meals: Dinner
Drive to Almaty via a scenic highway (250 km, 4 hours), crossing the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and start a city tour. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum, and Republic Square. Enjoy panoramic views from Kok-Tobe Hill and visit Medeo Gorge. Overnight in Almaty.
Tour duration: 4–5 hours
Travel to the Huns Ethno-Village for an immersive experience in Kazakh culture. Participate in traditional activities, from yurt construction to archery, and enjoy theatrical performances and a traditional Kazakh meal. Return to Almaty in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Check out of your hotel by noon and transfer to Astana International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Central Asia Cultural Tour.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $7400 | $4350 | $3800 | $3300 | $3000 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $7800 | $4600 | $4000 | $3550 | $3250 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program in each country with local guides Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Dinners on Days 5 and 11, lunches on Days 6 and 13. Visits to Supara Ethno Complex and Huns complex Economy class tickets for flights: Almaty-Astana, Tashkent-Bishkek Ticket for train Bukhara – Tashkent Visa support for Uzbekistan
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board (lunches and dinners, unless otherwise specified) Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour International flight tickets before and after the tour
This tour was a fantastic way to explore Central Asia! Each destination offered something unique, from the breathtaking Seven Lakes in Tajikistan to the cultural vibrancy of Bishkek and Almaty. I particularly loved visiting the local village in the Nurata Mountains—it felt like stepping back in time. The guides were knowledgeable, the accommodations comfortable, and the food delicious. The transitions between countries were seamless, and I felt well cared for throughout. The highlight for me was Samarkand’s Registan Square—truly mesmerizing! This tour balances history, nature, and local traditions perfectly. Highly recommended for those who want an authentic Central Asian experience!
I joined this tour hoping to experience the culture and history of Central Asia, and it exceeded my expectations. Every location, from Dushanbe’s museums to Almaty’s ethno-village, offered rich insights into the region’s heritage. The highlight was learning Kyrgyz traditions at the Supara Ethno Complex—it was interactive, fun, and memorable. The journey through the Anzob Pass to Penjikent was stunning, and Samarkand’s architectural wonders left me in awe. The itinerary was well-paced, although some drives were long, but they allowed us to enjoy the incredible scenery. Overall, an unforgettable adventure!