• Almaty - Day 1: Almaty (Kazakhstan)

Arrival in Almaty

Upon arrival at Almaty’s international airport, you will be greeted by our driver holding a Minzifa Travel sign.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in, settle in, and relax.

Overnight stay at Almaty Hotel.

• Almaty - Day 2: Almaty

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Begin a sightseeing tour of Almaty.

Almaty served as the capital of independent Kazakhstan from 1991 to 1997.

In 1997, the capital was relocated to Nur-Sultan, and Almaty has since been known as Kazakhstan’s southern capital.

Almaty remains the country’s main commercial hub. The city is situated in the mountainous region of southern Kazakhstan. Almaty is the largest and most developed city, showcasing Kazakhstan’s ethnic and cultural diversity.

Visit the Historical Museum. In the evening, head to the Kok-Tobe mountains for a panoramic view of the city.

The tour concludes with a cable car ride from the hilltop to the city center.

Overnight stay in Almaty.

• Charyn Canyon National Park - Day 3: Almaty - The Huns Ethno village - Charyn Canyon - Saty village (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Depart for Charyn Canyon via the Huns Ethno village.

In the Ethno-village, experience the traditional lifestyle, customs, and culture of the Kazakh people.

The tour includes activities such as watching a performance of traditional customs, attending a professional horse-riding tricks show, learning about yurts, watching an archery show, participating in amateur horseback riding, crafting local items, cooking basic national dishes, drinking kumis (horse milk), and enjoying a delicious authentic meal.

Lunch break.

Continue to the unique natural monument of Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon.

Transfer to Saty village.

Overnight at a guest house in Saty.

• Lower Kolsai Lake - Day 4: Saty village - Lake Kaindy - Lake Kolsai - Saty village (by car)

Breakfast at the guest house.

In the morning, drive 15 km to Kaindy Lake. Nestled in a magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, the lake is renowned for its origin. Formed in 1911 due to a powerful earthquake that caused a landslide, the valley was blocked by a natural dam, flooding the area. The cold water preserves the needle tops of the submerged trees, visible through the clear water, while the dry fir tree stalks rise above the surface like masts of an underwater fleet.

Return to Saty village for lunch. Afterwards, travel 15 km to Kolsai Lake, a stunning lake abundant with mushrooms and far from civilization.

After the walk, return to Saty village.

Overnight at the guest house.

• Bishkek - Day 5: Saty village - Almaty (by car) Almaty - Bishkek (by plane)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out from the guesthouse.

After breakfast, head to Almaty airport. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Transfer to Almaty international airport.

BORDER CROSSING (by air ✈) !!! KAZAKHSTAN - KYRGYZSTAN!!!

Evening flight from Almaty to Bishkek.

16:35 Departure from Almaty

18:25 Arrival in Bishkek (subject to change)

Meet our driver at the exit of Bishkek airport.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in, settle in, and relax.

Overnight stay in Bishkek.

• Burana Tower - Day 6: Bishkek - Burana Tower - Issyk Kul Lake Northern shore - Karakol (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a short city tour of Bishkek, including visits to:

• Pobeda Square (Victory Square)
• Duboviy Park (Oak Park)
• Central Ala-Too Square

After the excursion, continue driving to Karakol town.

En route, visit Burana Tower (an 11th-century minaret) and an open-air museum of Balbals (stone warriors).

Today, transfer to the celestial Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m above sea level), known as “the pearl of Central Asia.” Also, visit a site with ancient stone patterns – petroglyphs.

After a short excursion, continue driving to Karakol town. In Karakol, visit the Dungan mosque, built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail, followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Karakol.

• Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks) - Day 7: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul Lake Southern Shore - Kochkor village (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In Karakol, visit the Dungan mosque, built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail, followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church.

Today, drive to Jeti Oguz gorge, famous for its red rock formations known as Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz.

Also, see the Broken Heart Mountain. If desired, hike to the top of a mountain (20 minutes) for a panoramic view of the gorge.

Continue driving along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to Kochkor village.

On the way, visit Skazka canyon, then drive to Bokonbaevo for an Eagle hunting demonstration. Witness traditional nomadic hunting with eagles, targeting hares and foxes.

Arrive in Kochkor in the evening. Enjoy dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse.

Overnight stay in Kochkor.

• Moldo-Ashu Pass - Day 8: Kochkor village - Moldo Ashuu pass - Son Kul Lake (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 In Kochkor village, spend time with a family demonstrating the production of national felt carpets. Also, visit a small handicraft museum.

Drive to Son Kul Lake, surrounded by mountains and the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. Kyrgyz nomads have long visited this beautiful area with their families for rest and relaxation.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and then drive to Moldo Ashuu Pass (3201 m), considered one of the most beautiful passes in Kyrgyzstan. From the top, view the winding road to the pass and enjoy spectacular views of the Naryn Valley and stunning mountain ranges to the south.

Overnight stay in a Yurt camp at Son Kul.

• 33 Parrots Waterfall - Day 9: Son Kul Lake - 33 Parrots pass - Bishkek (by car) Bishkek - Osh (by plane)

Breakfast at the Yurt Camp.

After meeting locals, drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The road to the city passes through 33 Parrots pass (3,133 m).

Transfer to Bishkek airport.

Evening flight from Bishkek to Osh.

17:30 - 18:10 (subject to change)

Upon arrival in Osh, check-in, accommodation in a hotel, and rest.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Osh.

• Margilan - Day 10: Osh - BP Dustlik - Margilan - Rishtan - Kokand (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 Check out from Osh hotel (Kyrgyz time).

Transfer to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border at Dustlik.

BORDER CROSSING (by land) !!! KYRGYZSTAN - UZBEKISTAN!

Border pass (you will go through border procedures, be aware that you will cross the border on your own, and your luggage might be searched - standard border procedure).

09:00 am (UZBEK TIME) Meet on the Uzbek side of the border with the Uzbek driver.

Travel from the Dustlik border via Ferghana to Margilan city (Drive is about 2 hours without a guide unless accompanying).

Dinner in Kokand.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in, settle in, and relax.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Kokand.

• Khujand - Day 11: Kokand - BP Patar - Khudjand - Dushanbe (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Check out from Kokand hotel.

08:00 Transfer to Patar Border post (1 h 10 min, 57 km).

BORDER CROSSING (by land) !!! UZBEKISTAN - TAJIKISTAN!

Complete border crossing formalities. Ensure all proper documents are ready. You might be searched.

After crossing the Uzbek-Tajik border, meet with our Tajik guide.

Transfer to Khujand city and visit:

• Bazar Panjshanbe
• Mosque / Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin

The archive of documents is currently stored in the Institute of Oriental manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and material finds are in the Hermitage.

Transfer to Dushanbe city. Upon arrival, check in to the Dushanbe hotel, settle in, and enjoy free time.

Overnight stay in Dushanbe hotel.

• Dushanbe - Day 12: Dushanbe - Hissar Fortress - Dushanbe (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Stay in the same hotel.

Start the day with history and culture by visiting Hissar, located 35 km and 40 minutes from Dushanbe. Tour the Hissar fortress. Enjoy lunch.

Continue the city tour with visits to Kokhi Navruz Palace, Botanical Garden, and Market Mehrgon.

The word “Hissar” (“Hisor”) first appeared in the 11th century as the name of a settlement, city, or administrative center. It referred to a settlement where state troops were stationed, and crafts developed. In ancient times, the city was the center of the most independent part of the Samanid state.

Overnight stay in Dushanbe hotel.

• Iskanderkul Lake - Day 13: Dushanbe - Iskanderkul - Sarytag village (by car)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out from Dushanbe hotel.

Today, embark on a day tour to Iskanderkul Lake, known as Alexander the Great’s lake.

Drive 140 km in 3 – 3.5 hours. On the way, pass through Anzob Pass and Tunnel. Upon arrival, walk to the lake to take pictures and enjoy breathtaking views. Later, take a short hike to the grand Fann Niagara waterfall (1.5 km, 20 min) and Snake Lake. Afterwards, drive to another side of the lake to see the cave and springs.

After finishing, drive to Sarytag village and settle in.

Iskanderkul is a mountain lake in Tajikistan on the Northern slopes of the Hissar range in the Fann mountains.

The name “Iskanderkul” comes from “Iskander” - the Eastern name for Alexander the Great, and “Kul” - which in Turkic languages means lake. Thus, it is the lake of Alexander the Great.

Check in to the guest house.

Overnight stay in the village.

• Proto-urban site of Sarazm - Day 14: Sarytag village - Panjakent - Sarazm - Samarkand (by car)

Breakfast in the Guest House.

Check out from the guest house.

In the morning, take a short walk around the village and drive to Panjakent city.

Today, visit:

• Panjakent Local Bazar
• Ancient town SARAZM - UNESCO World Heritage Site - 5500 years

The name “Sarazm” comes from the Tajik word “sarzamin” (beginning of the earth).

Transfer to the Tajikistan - Uzbekistan border.

BORDER CROSSING (by land) !!! TAJIKISTAN - UZBEKISTAN!

Complete border formalities.

14:00 - 15:00 On the Uzbek side, meet with the Uzbek driver.

Transfer to Samarkand (40 km, 1 hour).

Transfer to the hotel, check-in to Samarkand hotel, settle in, and relax.

Overnight stay in Samarkand.

• Samarkand - Day 15: Samarkand City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour around Samarkand.

Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum (“the grave of Emir”).

Explore Registan Square, the center of Samarkand for centuries. Registan Square is a complex of three monuments: Ulugbek Madrassah (15th century), Sher-Dor Madrassah (17th century), and Tilla-Kari Madrassah (17th century).

13:00 Break for lunch.

Visit Bibi Khanym mosque (15th century), the largest mosque in Central Asia.

Explore Siyob Bazaar (shopping time).

Visit Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a complex of more than twenty buildings, unique in Central Asia.

Duration of the tour: 5-6 hours.

Enjoy free time in Samarkand.

Overnight stay in Samarkand hotel.

• Bukhara - Day 16: Samarkand - Bukhara (by train)

Breakfast at the hotel.

12:00 Country excursion 30 km from Samarkand:

Visit the paper factory of Cunha Meros (a re-created manual production of ancient paper from the mulberry tree, showcasing the entire process of paper production).

Explore the Ulugbek Observatory, a unique 15th-century structure, currently featuring a fragment of the measuring instrument “Sulce Fakhri.”

Visit the Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel, a holy place of worship for Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

Explore the Museum Afrosiyeb - Ancient city of Samarkand.

Lunch in Chayhana.

The duration of the excursion program is 3-4 hours.

20:00 Transfer to the railway station.

21:03 Departure from Samarkand to Bukhara.

22:36 Arrival in Bukhara.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Bukhara.

• Bukhara - Day 17: Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Start the excursion program in Bukhara.

Visit the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani.

Explore the Mausoleum of Chashma Ayub (the well of Job), located near the Samanid Mausoleum.

Visit the Bolo House mosque (18-20th century).

Explore the Fortress Ark-Citadel of the Emir of Bukhara.

Lunch in a local teahouse.

Continue the sightseeing tour:

• The Poi Kalyan complex includes the Kalon Mosque and the Kalyan Minaret, the Mir-Arab Madrassah.
• Madrasah of Ulugbek and Abdulazizhan.
• Ancient trading domes.
• The Magoki-Attori Mosque (12th century).
• Lyabi Hauz Complex, consisting of three architectural monuments: Kukeldash Madrasah, Nodir Divan-Begi, and Khanaka Madrasah (17th century).

Duration of the excursion program: 5 - 6 hours.

Overnight stay in the hotel of Bukhara.

• Ashgabat - Day 18: Bukhara - BP Farap - Mary (by car) Mary - Ashgabat (by plane)

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:30 Meet the driver in the hotel lobby.

Transfer to the Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan border post (121 km, 2 h).

09:30 Arrive at the border post Farap.

BORDER CROSSING !!! UZBEKISTAN - TURKMENISTAN!

Complete border crossing formalities. Ensure all proper documents are ready. You and your luggage might be searched.

Meet with the guide and drive to the Ancient city of Merv (UNESCO), exploring the historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortresses, Muhammed ibn Zaid mausoleum, and others.

Continue driving to Mary for a flight to Ashgabat.

(ETD 1940h. ETA 2020h.).

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and rest.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

• Turkmenistan - Day 19: Ashgabat - Darwaza (by car)

After breakfast, visit Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, and Turkmenbashi mosque-mausoleum.

In the afternoon, drive to the Darwaza gas crater, visiting mud and water craters along the way. Arrive in Darwaza before sunset (~1800h). Enjoy a BBQ dinner and explore the burning gas crater by day and night.

Overnight stay in tents near the crater or shared yurts (3 or 4 people per yurt).

Overnight in Yurt camp near Darwaza crater.

• Turkmenistan - Day 20: Darwaza - BP Shavat - Khiva (by car)

After a camp-style breakfast, drive to the Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan border post Shavat (Khiva).

BORDER CROSSING !!! TURKMENISTAN - UZBEKISTAN!

Complete border crossing formalities. Ensure all proper documents are ready. You and your luggage might be searched.

Meet with the Uzbek Driver on the Uzbek side of the Uzbek-Turkmen border.

Drive to Khiva, transfer to the hotel, settle in, and relax.

Enjoy free time in Khiva.

Overnight stay in Khiva hotel.

• Khiva - Day 21: Khiva

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Guided sightseeing program in Khiva and its surroundings.

Explore Khiva’s old city, known as Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the carpet workshop.

Guided sightseeing program in Khiva.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Visit woodcarving and carpet workshops.

Explore Juma Mosque and Minaret, Karavan-Saray, Minaret and Mosque of Khodja-Islam, Tim of Ala-Kuli Khan, Madrassah of Abdulla-Khan, Madrassah of Muhamad Amin-Khan, Madrassah of Muhamad Rakhim-Khan, Walls, and gates.

Duration of the tour: 5 - 6 hours.

Enjoy free time in Khiva.

Overnight stay in Khiva.

• Khiva - Day 22: Khiva Urgench✈Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet your driver at the hotel and transfer to Urgench airport.

Depart from Urgench to Tashkent by plane.

Arrive in Tashkent.

Transfer to the hotel to leave your luggage.

Tashkent

Enjoy a sightseeing program around the center of Tashkent.

Visit the Hasti Imam complex, including:

• Tashkent Islamic Institute under the name of Imam Bukhori
• Kaffal Shashi Madrasah
• Barak Khan Madrasah
• Tillys-Sheik Mosque
• “Muyi Muborak” Madrasah and Library, where the world’s oldest Al-Qur’an, stained with the blood of Caliph Usman, is held. “Muyi Muborak” means ‘the sacred hair,’ referring to a holy relic said to belong to the Prophet Muhammad.

Visit the Biggest Juma Mosque in Tashkent.

Explore Chor-Su Bazaar (market), one of the largest bazaars in Tashkent.

Visit the Museum of Applied Arts.

Explore Amir Timur Square.

Overnight stay in Tashkent hotel.

• Tashkent - Day 23: Tashkent✈

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

Departure from Tashkent Flight:

End of Tour!

• Private transportation
• Meeting point
• Transport during the tour
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Guide

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.