The Best of Central Asia: 8 Days Across 5 Countries

Welcome to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in around noon. After settling in, you will meet your guide to begin your exploration of Tashkent.

Discover the historical Old City, home to the revered Khast-Imam Complex, where you can see the famed Quran of Caliph Uthman.

Explore the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi. Don’t miss the bustling ChorSu Bazaar, and enjoy a ride on the Tashkent Metro. Here, you will visit the Applied Arts Museum, a treasure trove of traditional Uzbek crafts, before walking through the beautiful Navoi Theater. The day ends with a visit to Amir Timur Square, where you can reflect on the historical significance of the city’s founding. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Duration of sightseeing: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, you’ll board the high-speed train Afrosiyob, traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand in just two hours. On arrival, your guide and driver will be waiting to take you on a tour of this timeless city, famous for its stunning architecture and historical significance as a key stop along the ancient Silk Road.

Begin your exploration at Registan Square, a breathtaking ensemble of madrasahs, which has been a center of learning and cultural exchange for centuries. From there, visit the grand Bibi Khanum Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, and the nearby Siyob Bazaar, a vibrant market that has existed for centuries. Continue your journey through history with a visit to Ulugbek Observatory, a 15th-century scientific marvel, and the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a complex of richly decorated tombs that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The day will end with a visit to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), one of the most powerful rulers of the 14th century. Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Sightseeing duration: 6-7 hours

After an early breakfast, your adventure continues with a border crossing to Tajikistan. You’ll be transferred to the Jartepa border, where you’ll go through customs before crossing into Tajikistan. Upon arrival, your Tajik guide will take you to Penjikent, a town rich in history and situated along the Zeravshan River.

Visit the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the great Persian poet Rudaki, and explore the bustling local bazaar and historic mosque. Afterward, take a trip to the ruins of ancient Penjikent, once a thriving city of the Sogdian civilization before its destruction in the 8th century by Arab invaders. After your historical exploration, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, make your way back to Uzbekistan and return to Samarkand for an overnight stay.

Sightseeing duration: 6-7 hours

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and continue your exploration of Samarkand. Visit the Afrosiab Museum, dedicated to the ancient city of Samarkand, which has been a hub of culture and knowledge for millennia. Then, head to the Tomb of Saint Daniel, a revered site for both Muslims and Christians, before visiting Konigil Village to witness the ancient art of Samarkand paper-making from mulberry bark.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the city at your leisure or relax before taking the high-speed train back to Tashkent. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Sightseeing duration: 3-4 hours

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a short drive to visit the Burana Tower, an ancient 11th-century minaret and the remains of the city of Balasagun, once a key city along the Silk Road. After exploring the tower and the nearby museum, return to Bishkek for a city tour.

In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bishkek, visiting Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, and the Statue of Manas, a monumental figure in Kyrgyz folklore. See examples of Soviet-era architecture at the Victory Monument and Philharmonic Hall, and finish your day with some free time to explore the city. Overnight stay in Bishkek.

Sightseeing duration: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Ala-Archa National Park, located just 40 kilometers from Bishkek. This stunning alpine park is famous for its dramatic mountain views, lush valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. Enjoy some free time here, with the option to take a short hike or simply relax amidst nature’s beauty.

In the afternoon, return to Bishkek and catch an evening flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s southern capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, your tour of Almaty begins with a visit to Panfilov Park, home to the Zenkov Cathedral, an iconic wooden structure that is one of the most impressive in Central Asia. Visit the Almaty City Museum to learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, then explore Republic Square, the heart of the city.

Later, head to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Then, visit the famous Medeo Gorge, known for its Olympic-speed skating rink and stunning natural scenery. Return to the hotel in the evening for your final overnight stay in Kazakhstan.

Sightseeing duration: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and be transferred to Almaty International Airport for your departure flight. Your 8-day adventure across Central Asia ends here, filled with unforgettable memories and experiences.