Interesting 15-days tour to Central Asia visiting the main cities of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, the trip to discover civilizations of Kunya – Urgench, Merv, Balasagun and explore the Great Silk Road pearls locked in a circle of wonders, beautiful monuments and Asian cultures. Each of them have similarities and differences from ornamental patterns to exquisite well-preserved carvings of high mosques, calligraphy and distinctive architecture.
You will see most of the Central Asia pearls - Ancient Nissa, marvelous Bukhara, mysterious Merv and sky-blue glittering Samarkand in our 15-day Central Asia Tour.
Flight to Tashkent, the biggest city in Central Asia with 2.5 million population.
Morning arrival in Tashkent International Airport named after Islam Karimov, first President of Uzbekistan.
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the guide and holding a sign “ANUR TOUR” or with your name on it.
09:00 Meet the guide at the hotel lobby.
Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:
- 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.
Around the Square there is the Museum of History of Timurids, Uzbekistan hotel, Forum Palace and famous striking clock.
- Tashkent striking clock, one of the major symbols of Tashkent.
- 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 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 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 is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts the pilgrims and 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 old city in bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in post cards and international magazines and became one of the major sights of interest both for locals and guests – one can see oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delirious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.
- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Early breakfast at the hotel.
06:00 Transfer to local airport.
07:25 Flight to Urgench by HY51.
08:55 Arrival in Urgench Airport.
Come out of the terminal and meet with our driver.
Transfer to Khiva (30 км) hotel to drop off the bags. Standard hotel check-in at 14:00.
Meet the guide at the lobby.
Start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”). Ichan-kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia consisting of:
- 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;
- Pahlavan Mahmud Gates, Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,
- Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum;
- Minaret and Islam-Khoja Madrassah;
- Mosque and Jami Minaret.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
08:30
Pass the border. Border passing formalities (passport and visa control might take 1 to 2 hrs depending on the customs formalities). Meet the guide and driver at Turkmen side of the border.
Transfer to Kunya – Urgench.
Start sightseeing tour with visiting
- Mausoleum of the founder of Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII C);
- Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym ;
- Minaret Mamun (X-XI);
- Minaret Kutlug-Timur (XII-XIV c, the highest minaret in Central Asia);
- Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in BC - III A.D.);
- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city - the date of its bookmark is roughly estimated by XI century).
- Transfer to Darvaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, continue 10 km deep inside.
In 1971 geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists hoped the fire would go out in a few days but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate - Darvaza. The views are impressive, especially in sunset and night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings.
BBQ dinner and overnight stay in yurt or tent.
Breakfast at the yurt camp.
Transfer to Ashgabat with sightseeing en-route visiting:
- Ancient Nissa (18 km from Ashgabad) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of I millennium BC - I millennium BC).
- Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. It is considered the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousand people). There are a beautiful garden and fountains near the mosque.
- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque with four minarets reminding the Blu Mosque of Istanbul was built in honor Ertogrul the father of the Osman I, the founder of Ottoman Empire,
- Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118 m column that is considered the highest building in the country);
- Neutrality Arch - a unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun;
- National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique expositions from Ancient Merv and Nissa.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport.
08:00 Departure for Mary by flight.
08:40 Arrival in Mary.
Transfer to Mary en-route visit to the Ancient Merv (UNESCO) for sightseeing in the historical park visiting:
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum - the best remaining testimony to Seljuk power at Merv is the 38 m-high Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, located in the center of Sultan Kala. The building was restored with Turkish aid and rises dramatically in the open plain. Sanjar, the grandson of Alp-Arslan, died in 1157, reputedly of a broken heart when, after escaping from captivity in Khiva, he came home to find that his beloved Merv had been pillaged by Turkic nomads.
- Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum;
- Medieval castles – “Kesk” fortresses (6-7 centuries);
- History museum of Merv region.
Meeting the driver at Uzbekistan side of the border.
Breakfast in the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.
Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):
- 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;
- Visit 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.
Optionally can be added by request:
Visit Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Free time in Bukhara, morning at leisure.
12:00 Transfer to Samarkand (270 km), en- route visiting famous Gijduvan pottery workshop where visitors are welcome for a tour around the workshop and observe the process of ceramic making and painting.
The owners demonstrate the stages of making ceramics from turning the potter’s wheel to making paints from natural ingredients, decorating the ceramics in distinctive style, drying and firing. Take a tour around the museum-hall of ceramic masterpieces with a unique collection of the ceramic items of Gijduvan and other regions of Uzbekistan.
By request, a master-class of painting ceramics, suzani embroidery and traditional bread baking.
Continue to Samarkand.
Arrival in Samarkand in the afternoon, check in the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):
- Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants is decorated with gold ornaments and is considered as one of the most significant sights of the world;
- Continue to the famous Registan Square – heart of Samarkand and real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture, the ensemble of grandiose buildings: Ulugbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor and Madrassa Tilla Kori;
- Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century;
- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of the Muslim saint Abbas ibn - Kussam;
- Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
16:30 Transfer from hotel to the train station.
17:28 Departure for Tashkent by speed train "Afrosiyob" or "Sharq".
19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.
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.
07:00 Transfer from hotel to Tashkent train station.
08:07 Departure for Kokand by train.
12:11 Arrival in Kokand.
Come out of the terminal and meet the guide and driver.
Kokand (mentioned as Khavakand or Kokan derived from a tribal name) is an ancient city that due to favorable location was one of the convenient fortified points of caravan routes in the Great Silk Road. Nowadays, Kokand is a modern town at the crossroads of Tashkent, Fergana valley to Andijan and the other route to Khujand (Tajikistan) and is considered as one of the most important pre-border points.
Start sightseeing tour around Kokand visiting :
- Khudoyar-Khan Palace of 19 century is listed in the world heritage of UNESCO, at present days houses Kokand Regional History Museum that exibits a unique collection of more than 3000 artefacts from ancient, khanate and tsarist periods of the region.
- Norbut-Biy Madrassah, the largest madrassa in Kokand. The madrassa was built in XVIII century by captured architects as well as the famous Bukharian architect Usto Muhammed Salih Kasim , so the design and construction is quite typical to some monuments of XVIII Century in Bukhara.
- Modari Khan Mausoleum ( Modari-khan means “ Mother of Khan”) was built in 1825 by order of the widow of Umarkhan, famous poetess Nodira to honor the tomb of her mother-in-law. Since then the mausoleum became the family mausoleum where most of the female members of khan family were buried.
- Rishton (50 km west of Fergana) famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to ancient tradition that is more than 800 years. Masters hand down their trade secrets from father to son. The unique red clay ceramic masterpieces are decorated with naturally made ultramarine, turquoise and azure ornaments known as blue glaze "ishkor",
- Workshop of the famous potter Rustam Umarov where visitors are welcome to observe the finest Rishtan ceramics in wonderful hand made and painted tea sets and lagans and beautifully decorated jugs and vases.
Transfer to Fergana.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Continue sightseeing in Fergana valley:
- Fergana is a relatively young city that was founded as a strategic fortified point in Turkestan in 1876 during tsarist period of the region. The town was initially called as New Margilan, further in soviet period renamed as Fergona in 1924. Nowadays, Fergana is a flourishing beautiful town and despite its young history became the central point of Fergana valley.
- Visit Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex ;
- Continue to Margilan. Margilan (“Marg” from Persian green grass, “lon”- “place“) was inhabited settlement in Fergana valley since IV-III Centuries BC, the town was well known for its crafts and finest silk fabrics from the Great Silk Road period up to now.
- Said-Ahmad Hodji Madrassah where craftsmen produce original silk carpets,
- Silk factory Yodgorlik where visitors are welcome to observe the process of silk manufacture with traditional decoration “ikat”.
Transfer to Andijan to visit
- Bobur Literary museum with unique collection of literary works of Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur, an outstanding ruler and the founder of Mogol Empire,
- Art and Literature Museum,
- Memorial park complex on the Bog-I Shamol named after Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur is one of the most beautiful places in Andijan, popular among the locals and the visitors of the city.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to the Uzbek- Kyrgyz border Dostyk ( ETA 09:00)
Border crossing formalities (40 min- 1, 5 hrs depending on the customs formalities and tourist flow). Meet the guide and driver.
Transfer to Osh, Osh is the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan, for sightseeing tour visiting
- Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too (Suleiman is the prophet Solomon -Suleyman in Quran, “Too “is “mountain”. The museum is the only UNESCO sight of the whole mountain with many sacred places in caves and paths. It is quite unusual – the museum with rare artefacts is located in a largest cave of the mountain. Besides, there are several caves, rocks and niches each with its name. The locals and pilgrims believe every spot of the mountain is sacred and come here to follow the rituals and pray for better life and good health; couples come pray to be blessed with a child. It is believe that every spot of the mountain is sacred. There is a watching platform with beautiful panoramic views to the city and surrondings.
- Osh Bazaar, a colorful bazaar with more than 2000 years history, plays an important role in the Great Silk Road as a major landmark. Nowadays, along the visitors may take a walk around and enjoy shopping in the shops of national clothes, embroidery, handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Main Square with Lenin statue. Kyrgyz people are very respectful to the history of Soviet period and kept the monument to Lenin in main cities as the country major developments were made during soviet time.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
11:30 Arrival in Uzgen, start the sightseeing tour.
- Uzgen Archaeological - Architectural Museum complex consisting of Minaret of the 11-12 century, and the Museum with an exhibition hall.
Due to earthquake Uzgen Minaret was partially destroyed and was reconstructed in 1823. One can raise the highest point of the Minaret, there is a nice view of Uzgen town. it is interesting that the ornamental works of Uzgen Minaret are more precise and complex than those of Burana Tower near Bishkek.
Take some time to explore the area and take photos.
- Ancient bathhouse where one can see the remains of the eastern bathhouse of 11-12 century.
Most people of Uzgen are ethnical Uzbeks, therefore no wonder that traditional Uzbek plov is one of the most favorite dishes here. Uzgen is famous for its special kind of finest reddish-brown rice called devzira of excellent nutrition quality and taste, many locals from Osh come to Uzgen bazaar just for Uzgen brown rice.
Visit the authentic rice mill and colorful Uzgen bazaar with more than a century history.
Have lunch and taste delicious traditional meal at the local cafe.
Transfer back to Osh (1,5 hrs).
15:00 Transfer to the Osh airport.
16:00 Flight Osh - Bishkek.
16:40 Arrival in Bishkek.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver holding a sign with your name on it.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Karakol via Issyk Kul with sightseeing en-route:
- Burana Tower was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the north capital of the Turkic lingual state of the Karakhanids and the small nearby museum with its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments.
- Continue driving to Issyk-Kul. The lake is called "the pearl of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. Arrival to Issyk-Kul, accommodation in the hotel on the North Shore of the lake.
- Easy hike near the lake. Issyk Kul is one of the most wonderful lakes of the world, located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “Hot Lake”. There are many activities that entertain people on the beach. Windsurfing, scooters, aqua parks, parachutes and rides on boats and ships. In winter, there are also spots of alpinism where people enjoy incredible landscapes.
Return to Bishkek.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Bishkek with sightseeing en-route visiting:
- Visit a place with ancient pictures on stones- petroglyphs, where you can see a panorama view of the Issyk Kul Lake. Shamans made these petroglyphs and told people that this place was the middle of the world. The stones are at the same place waiting the visitors to reveal their secrets.
In the afternoon start Bishkek walking tour visiting:
- Oak Park - city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among 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 a legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).
- Victory Square where one can see the Victory monument, a memorial was completed in 1984. Usually, the main festival events are held in Bishkek at the eternal flame, on Victory Square with the 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 of the country of Kyrgyzstan.
- Visit the central bazaar.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Bishkek International Airport.
Morning departure flight from Bishkek.
End of the tour.
- Turkmenistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);
- Accommodation based on shared yurt/private tent in Darwaza camp (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow);
- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms;
- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class/SUV transport as per road conditions including transfers to-from airports /borders;
- English-speaking professional licensed local guides in Uzbekistan (6 standard excursions), escorting guides in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan;
- Meals: breakfast at hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp;
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums and natural fees as per program;
- Internal flights Tashkent - Urgench (economy class), Ashgabat - Mary (economy class), Osh - Bishkek ( economy class);
- Tourist tax per person.
- International flights to Tashkent, from Bishkek;
- Kyrgyzstan e/visa, E-visa to Uzbekistan (if required); Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent) and migration tax 10+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent);
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- Uzbekistan: transport for walking tours in Bukhara and Khiva; guide/transport service for free time after the standard city tours;
- Meals: lunches and dinners except those specified in the included section;
- Personal/travel insurance; portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.
Accommodation
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City |
Standard |
Comford |
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Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle / Uzbekistan |
Inspira-S / Ichan Qala / Ateca / Mirzo Boutique |
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Minor Boutique/ Malika Kheyvak |
Zarafshon Boutique/ Erkin Palace/ Asia Khiva |
|
|
Darwaza |
Yurt camp |
|
|
Ashgabat |
||
|
An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya |
||
|
Malika Prime/ Zilol Baxt/ Shaxzoda Elite |
Dilimah / East Star/ Kosh Hovuz/ Emirhan |
|
|
Osh |
Sunrise |
Classic |
|
Bishkek |
Bugu / Discovery |
Golden Dragon / Damas |
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 testing tour (7 d)
Uzbekistan winery tour (6 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 (6 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)
22 day tour (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)
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