20-day Central Asia tour is a well-balanced combination of cultural sightseeing in Uzbekistan, hiking trips in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and marvelous nature exploration in Kazakhstan.
This 20 days itinerary in Central Asia stan countries offers to experience the whole specter of brand new feelings, learn more about traditions of the Great Silk Road cities and nomadic life, as well as tasting most delicious food of local cuisines. If you're unsure about to travel or not - most of world countries citizens don't need visa for entry, and even if they do - they can apply online and not be bothered with paperwork.
So open your mind towards new world located between China and India - a lost place full of miracles and atmosphere, a homeland of plov and glittering mosaics - Central Asia!
Connecting flights via Istanbul to Tashkent by TK 370
01:55 Arrival in Tashkent.
Migration formalities usually take 30 min to 60 min: passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, the driver meets with “ANUR TOUR” sign.
Transfer to hotel. Resting time after the flights to get over the jet lag.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs):
- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994 after of the Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theater of the world performs both classical and national repertoires.
- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present and future of the country. There are fountains standing for the life energy of Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second World War.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;
- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam, one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia, attracts visitors all over the world.
- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four waters”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of the old city in the bazaar where people come for trades.
- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet the driver at the hotel in Tashkent.
06:00 Transfer to the local airport.
07:25 Flight Tashkent - Nukus HY 11.
09:05 Arrival in Nukus.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver and guide.
Transfer to Aral Sea lake shore with sightseeing and photo stops en-route.
The Aral Sea is the former fourth largest lake in the world bordering on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In 1960-s the construction of melioration canals for cotton irrigation from the Amu Darya River began, the Aral Sea began to shallow. The area of the Aral Sea is rapidly decreasing, towns and villages that once the seaports are now far away from the present sea line.
The same is with Muynak, once located on the shore of the Aral Sea, now it is separated from the sea by 200 kilometers.
Photo stop in Ustyurt Plateau to enjoy unusual landscapes.
Arrival in the yurt camp, located close to Aral Sea.
Resting time in the afternoon. BBQ dinner and overnight in a yurt.
Camp-style breakfast.
09:00 Transfer to Muynak via beautiful Red Canyons with the beautiful and unusual Martian landscape. Arrival in Muynak city that used to be one of the richest cities in the delta of Amu-Darya,” the gates to Uzbekistan from the sea”.
- The Regional History and Aral Sea Museum and the ship cemetery of the Aral Sea.
- Mizdakhan necropolis on the way back to Nukus (about 20 km from Nukus), an ancient cemetery, and located next to the remains of the Gyaur-Kala fortress (4-3 Century BC).
- Gaur Kala (translated as the fortress of pagans) was a Zoroastrian town with the citadel, the fire altar, and a large cemetery nearby. Even after the Arab invasion and Islam expansion, the town was inhabited until 14th Century and people continued to bury their relatives in Mizdakhan as they believed the place was a sacred place.
Arrival in Nukus.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the driver in the lobby.
- Visit Savitsky Museum exhibiting a unique collection of antiques of Khorezm and Karakalpak, Uzbek fine arts, and second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde works after the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg.
The founder of the museum, Igor Savitsky devoted his life to piece-by-piece collecting of the finest works of modern artists of Uzbekistan and Russian avant-gardists. In 70 s it was quite risky to become an anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned world recognition and deserved rightfully the must-see site status in Central Asia.
Transfer to Khiva (180 km, ~ 3,5 hours) en-route photo stops at the ruins of fortresses of ancient Khorezm.
- Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala, the fortresses of the Kushan period of Ancient Khorezm that used to be mighty border forts protecting the residents from raids of nomadic tribes. The forts were built in ~4-7th century BCE, during the ages when Khorezm achieved its independence. The fortresses are located on the hills quite close to each other and visitors are welcome to have a short overview tour in the monumental forts that currently are drowning in sands.
Arrival in Khiva. Check-in the hotel.
Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide and start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”) - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia:
- Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark;
- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;
- Madrassah of Muhammed Aminhan;
- Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva;
- Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was;
- Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan;
- Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,
- Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV century.
- Mosque and Jami Minaret.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day in Khiva to have some rest and enjoy leisure sightseeing, shopping and photo time on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
11:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start WALKING sightseeing tour in Bukhara (5 hrs):
- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);
- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;
- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;
- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);
- There are three trading domes or so called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;
- Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;
- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;
- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Sightseeing program in Bukhara countryside visiting:
- Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.
- Sitora-I – Mohi Khosa – last Emir summer residence visit by request.
14:30 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.
15:50 Departure for Samarkand by train "Afrosiyob"/ "Sharq".
17:20 Arrival in Samarkand.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hrs):
– Gur Emir Mausoleum – burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants decorated with gold ornaments, considered as one of the world significant places;
– Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture consists of three grandiose buildings: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori.
– Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city which was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century.
- Carpet factory “Hudjum” to observe the process of the finest carpets weaving.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand visiting (5-6 hrs):
– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of Abbas ibn-Kussam;
– Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
– Paper factory "Meros” in Konigil village that produces unique paper that can be preserved for more than and is used in craftworks.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 Transfer to border post Jartepa. Border crossing usually takes 30 min-1 hr.
Meet the guide and driver at Tajikistan part of the border. Start sightseeing tour:
-The Sarazm Important Bird Area (UNESCO World Heritage) lies downstream of the city on the tugay-vegetated floodplain of the river.
Transfer to Marguzor, the famous seven lakes - seven wonderful water mirrors full of mountain riverside drops. Each lake looks different whenever the sun changes its position. Colors may vary from deep blue to indie color ripple. Most of them are cold to swim even in summer. These lakes belong to Fann Mountains system.
On the western edge of the Fan Mountains in the valley of the river Shing there are seven lakes, six of them are dammed origin, besides the lake Hazorchashma. Lakes are called Marguzor, but each lake has its own name: Nezhigon, Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma. The difference in level between the upper and lower lake is 692 meters. Easy hike at the lakes. Lunch in the guesthouse.
Afternoon arrival in Penjikent.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Dushanbe with photo stop near Iskanderkul.
- Iskanderkul Lake, known as a lake of Alexander the Great The area of the lake is 30000 ha. According to the legend, the Iskanderkul Lake was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great’s path to Central Asia from India passed through this lake.
Continue to Dushanbe passing Iskanderkul lake, Anzob tunnel and Anzob pass with amazing panoramic views.
Evening arrival in Dushanbe. Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:
- Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana.
The Museum consists of 22 exhibition halls with departments of nature, antiquity and the Middle Ages, modern history, fine and applied arts.
- Tajik flagpole-one of the World tallest flagpoles (165-meter flagpole);
- Main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni - the forefather of Tajik Nation located on the main square. A 40-meter-high monument built to the memory of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty;
- Gissar Fortress- the remains of the Bukhara Emirate Beck’s palace. Its thick walls once guarded a pool, garden, and palace, while the fortress itself opposed a noisy market and caravanserai. The place was famous for its center of commerce during the Silk Road. Old Madrassa (Madrasai Kuhna) of the 16-17th century with a museum inside, the new Madrassa of the 17-18th century as well as Caravan Saray.
17:00 Transfer to Dushanbe International Airport.
20:40 Departure flight Dushanbe– Almaty by KC 132.
22:40 Morning arrival in Almaty International Airport.
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, meet the driver with “ANUR TOUR” sign. Transfer to the hotel. Arrival in hotel. Time to rest after the flight.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure.
12:00 Standard check-out.
15:00 Transfer to Dushanbe International Airport.
14:10 Departure flight Dushanbe– Almaty by KC 128.
16:40 Morning arrival in Almaty International Airport.
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, meet the driver with “ANUR TOUR” sign. Transfer to the hotel. Arrival in hotel. Time to rest after the flight.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Charyn Canyon that is often called "Valley of Castles". The length of the valley is more than 2 km, the width is 20-80 meters. It looks like the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America.
Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique in its kind not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during Paleogene and reminds the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America, although inferior to it in size. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon is up to 150-300 meters. Extraordinary dissection of the terrain is striking: the numerous ravines form a dense, chaotic network. Wind and water have created the beautiful "Valley of Castles", where you are always surrounded by the fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley - more than 2 km, width - 20-80 meters. For millions of years nature has been creating a unique architecture, erecting magnificent castles carefully and slowly.
Transfer to Kolsai Lakes, easy hiking near Kolsai lake 1 (1800 m above sea level).
Later continue driving to Saty Village.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Exploring most beautiful places of Kazakhstan, Kaindy Gorge.
-Kaindy lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley.
The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are well-preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water, and dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake.
Transfer to Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) passing the border post "Kegen". Border passing formalities usually take 30 min - 1 hour.Please note: while passing the border one needs to be ready to handle all the luggage across the border by him/herself.
Arrival in Karakol. Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure.
11:00 Start sightseeing in Karakol:
- Przhevalski memorial, who was a Great Russian Explorer of 19th century.
- The wooden Russian-orthodox church;
- Dungan mosque is one of the most famous places in Karakol town. The most interesting thing is that it is built without a single metal nail. More than 100 years ago there was a Chinese master who lived in this town. Dungans are people from China who had Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
* By request, the program in Karakol can be rearrange for hiking/ nature sightseeing in Altyn Arashan ( as extra).
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure. Standard hotel check-out.
12:00 Transfer to Issyk- Kul lake with sightseeing :
- Jeti Oguz gorge is famous for its red rocks formations that have the name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. One can see there the Broken Heart Mountain, one of the most popular places among locals and visitors, the valley is also known as Valley of flowers.
- Issyk-Kyl lake is located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “hot Lake” and is considered as one of the pearls of Central Asia. Due to the salty water, Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities.
Arrival in yurt camp, where Kyrgyz people still live in traditional simplicity in unity with nature. Enjoy your stay in and real experience of nomadic life in the yurt camp.
Dinner and overnight in national yurt.
Breakfast at the yurt camp
Transfer to Bishkek with sightseeing en-route:
- Eagle show in Bokonbayevo (traditional eagle hunting).
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start sightseeing in Bishkek visiting:
- Ala Archa Natural park (~35 km from Bishkek, ~ 40min)
Take an easy walk high up to observe the view of mountains and rich Kyrgyz nature, spectate birds and animals living their lives, watch how cold water of Kyrgyz rivers falling down the mountains and continue its way among ancient trees and gorge.Time to explore the area, take photos and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful nature.
- Oak Park in the city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among locals and tourists in Bishkek.
- Ala - Too Square is the central square in Bishkek. It serves as a place for state events and celebrations. Philharmonic hall – situated at the top of Rose Alley.
- Statue of Manas (Manas is legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).
- Victory Square, where in the centre you can see the Victory monument, a memorial which was completed in 1984. Usually the main festival events are held in Bishkek at eternal flame, on Victory Square, where is posted guard of honor, forces of Kyrgyz garrison and a military band.
- State History museum is a perfect display of the Kyrgyz people and the history.
- Visit to the central bazaar for shopping.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Manas International Airport.
Morning departure flight from Bishkek.
End of the tour.
Bestseller Silkroad tour (5 d)
Bukhara City Tour (1 d)
Tashkent City Tour (1 d)
Khiva City Tour (1 d)
Samarkand City Tour (1 d)
Tashkent city tour (1 d)
Tamerlane Treasures Tour (2 d)
Aral Sea Tour (2 d)
Nurata 3 days tour (3 d)
2 day Khujand Tour (2 d)
2 days tour to Ayaz Kala (2 d)
Mary Tour from Bukhara (2 d)
Aral Sea Tour: 3 days (3 d)
Uzbekistan 3-day tour (3 d)
Uzbekistan 4-day tour (4 d)
Uzbekistan 5-day tour (5 d)
Uzbekistan 6-day tour (6 d)
Uzbekistan 7-day tour (7 d)
Uzbekistan 8-day tour (8 d)
Uzbekistan 9-day tour (9 d)
Uzbekistan 10-day tour (10 d)
Uzbekistan 12-day tour (12 d)
Uzbekistan 14-day tour (14 d)
Uzbekistan 16-day tour (16 d)
Uzbekistan 18-day tour (18 d)
Uzbekistan tour by train (8 d)
Navruz Group Tour 2025 (6 d)
Uzbekistan Art Tour (8 d)
Wine tasting tour (7 d)
Chimgan Hiking Tour (1 d)
Nurata Village Tour (3 d)
Aral Sea Tour (Basic) (2 d)
Asraf – Aydarkul Tour (4 d)
Nurata Hiking Tour (5 d)
Aral Sea Tour (Extended) (3 d)
New Year Uzbekistan Tour (5 d)
Sufi tour in Uzbekistan (7 d)
4 Stan Capital Tour (6 d)
Central Asia 4 STAN tour - 5 (12 d)
Central Asia 4 STAN tour - 3 (14 d)
Central Asia 4-stan tour - 6 (16 d)
Central Asia 4-stan tour - 2 (20 d)
Central Asia 4 STAN tour - 4 (16 d)
Central Asia 4 STAN tour - 7 (20 d)
5 Stan Capital Tour (12 d)
4 STAN VIP Tour (17 d)
Central Asia VIP Tour (12 d)
5 STAN VIP TOUR (17 d)
Uzbekistan Family Tour (6 d)
Copyright © 2008 - 2024 Anur Tour
