Central Asia Ethno Tour is a tour to explore the nature and culture of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Flight to Tashkent.
Evening arrival at Tashkent International Airport (ETA 18:00)
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim.
Please come out of the terminal, the driver meets at the exit with a sign “ANUR TOUR” .
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
18:30 Transfer to Tashkent Airport/ Terminal 3 ( internal airl;ines)
20:00 Departure flight Tashkent - Nukus HY 17.
21:40 Arrival in Nukus Airport.
The driver meets at the exit of the terminal/ meeting zone. Transfer to the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00
Meet the guide and driver. The transfer to the yurt camp near present shoreline
of Aral sea (~7 hours, 400 km), en route visiting:
- Ship cemetery and Aral Sea museum in Muynak, once located on the shore of the Aral Sea that is now more than 200 kilometers from the present sea shore.
- Ustyurt Plateau - a huge plateau
that is surrounded with canyons and rocks, the area is especially beautiful in the sunset.
Arrival in yurt camp near Aral Sea.
Camp-style dinner and overnight in a comfortable yurt camp.
Camp
– style breakfast.
Return transfer to Nukus ( approx. 8 hr drive).
Davlitgirey (Kurgancha qala)
and abandoned caravan sarai (XIII);
Ustyurt Plateau is a great
source of oil and gas; besides it is a gorgeous place full of Karakalpak
legends.
-Photo stop at Sudochie lake.
Lunch in Kungrad. Continue to
Nukus.
Resting time in the evening. 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 the 70s it was quite risky to become an anti-Soviet propagandist. During perestroika and first years since Uzbekistan independence, the museum earned world recognition and rightfully deserved 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 at the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.
Start the 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 Muhammad 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;
- Minaret and Islam-Khoja Madrassah,
- Mosque and Jami Minaret.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
- 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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start the Bukhara countryside tour:
- Samanids Mausoleum (9th century), a monument of early medieval architecture.
- The last Bukhara Emir’s summer residence, "Sitorai-Mokhi-Khossa". Located 4 km away from Bukhara. Once this palace life was in full swing and sealed people's fates. The palace witnessed the triumph and the last days of the Bukhara emirs
Master class of golden embroidery Zarduzlik ( about 1 hr)
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure.
11:00 Transfer to Asraf village, en-route visit
- 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 a distinctive style, drying, and firing. Take a tour around the museum hall of ceramic masterpieces with a unique collection of the ceramic schools of Uzbekistan.
Master-class of painting the ceramics and late lunch in master’s house.
Photo time near Aydarkul lake.
Aydarkul is a beautiful lake in the Kyzyl Kum desert which is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, abundance of fish and relaxing atmosphere.
It is possible to take a camel ride at the yurt camp (extra about 20 USD per person).
Traditional /camp-style dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
Breakfast at the yurt camp
Morning at leisure, photo time.
Transfer to Nurata mountains.
- Nurata mounts, that is a unique place famous for
Uzbekistan largest collection of ancient stone inscriptions – petroglyphs, some
of the earliest ones are dated 9000 BC, while the latest inscriptions of 15
Century were made by sufi darvishes in Arab. Nowadays, the petroglyphs are a
popular sight to visist in the National Park –reserve.
It is possible to
take a horse riding in the surroundings (extra, usually, 15 – 20 USD per person
– the locals offer horse riding at the area).
Lunch at the guesthouse.
Transfer to Samarkand.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00
Transfer to the border post Jartepa. Border crossing, visa/ passport
After
crossing the border, meet the guide-driver at Tajik side of the border (ETA
09:30).
Transfer to Marguzor lakes or Haftkul
(Seven lakes) in Fan Mountains.
Six lakes are of dammed origin, besides
the lake Hazorchashma. Lakes are called Marguzor, but each lake has its
own name: Nezhigon, Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor,
Hazorchashma. Each lake looks different whenever the sunlight changes the
angles, colors may vary from deep blue to indie color. Most of them are cold to
swim even in summer. Photo-stops with panoramic views.
Lunch at the guesthouse.
Transfer to the land border Jartepa. If time allows, possible visit
-Sarazm museum
(UNESCO World Heritage).
16:00 Border
post Jartepa crossing usually takes 30 min-1 hr.
17:00 Meet
the driver at Uzbek part of the border. Transfer to Samarkand (1 hr drive). 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 one of the world's most significant places;
– Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture—which 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 the 15th century.
- Carpet factory “Hudjum” to observe the process of weaving the finest carpets.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure.
12:30 Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
15:20 Morning flight Tashkent- Bishkek by HY 777
17:30 Arrival at Manas International Airport.
The driver meets with a signboard ANUR TOUR at the exit of the terminal/ meeting zone.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start Bishkek sightseeing tour visiting:
- Ala Archa Natural Park (~35 km from Bishkek, ~ 40min). Easy hiking and photo stops in Ala Archa gorge.
Start walking a city tour around Bishkek, visiting:
- Oak Park, the city center. It is also known 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 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 the Kyrgyz garrison, and a military band.
- The State History Museum is a perfect display of the Kyrgyz people and the history of the country of Kyrgyzstan.
Master class of felt weaving into silk in the Aidai handicraft workshop.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to the yurt camp near Issyk Kul with nature sightseeing en route.
- Burana Tower was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the northern capital of the Turkic linguistic state of the Karakhanids, and the small nearby museum with its collection of ancient bal-bals, carved stone figures used as monuments.
- Eagle show in Bokonbayevo;
- Issyk-Kul, translated as “Hot Lake,” is one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Asia. Due to the salty water, Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities.
Enjoy your stay and the real experience of nomadic life in the yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in a yurt.
Breakfast at the
yurt camp.
09:00 Transfer to Karakol with
sightseeing en-route.
- Skazka
(Fairy tale) Canyon and enjoy an easy hike among the impressive red rocks;
- 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.
On arrival in Karakol, 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.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30
Meet the driver, transfer to Kazakstan 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.
Transfer to Kaindy gorge to exploring
most beautiful places of Kazakhstan. Because some part of the road is off-road and very shaky
part, there will be change the transport for old off-road vehicles for transfer
from the foot hill to Kayindy gorge.
On arrival in Kayindy, take a
hiking tour from the gorge to Kayindy lake.
-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.
Transfer to Saty
Village. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Morning exploring Kolsai Lakes (1800 m above sea level), enjoying gorgeous views and photo stops en route.
Transfer to Almaty with nature sightseeing en route.
- Charyn Canyon, which is often called "Valley of Castles". The length of the valley is more than 2 km, and the width is 20-80 meters. It looks like the Grand Canyon of the 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 the Paleogene and resembles the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in North America. 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. Nature has been carving the unique landscape of the canyon, the so-called "Valley of Castles," surrounded by sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley is more than 2 km, and the width is 20-80 meters.
Evening arrival in Almaty.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Start sightseeing around Almaty:
- Panfilov Park. The name of the Panfilov Park comes after the heroes
of Panfilov. There is a big monument in commemoration of the heroic actions
made by 28 Almaty Soldiers who died in 1941 near Moscow.
- Zenkov Cathedral. Zenkov Wooden Cathedral
is one of the eight unique wooden buildings in the world. It is one of the few
buildings to survive the 1911 earthquake, despite the fact that it is built entirely
of wood and constructed without nails;
- National Musical Instruments
Museum. In the Museum of Musical Instruments, one can find various national musical
instruments.
- Kok tobe cableway.
Resting time in the
evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Almaty International Airport.
Morning departure flight
from Almaty. End of the tour
Accommodation:
-The tour is published on September 21, 2026 and the rates as per program and conditions specified are actual for 180 days ( 6 month) from the date of publication.
All the rates will be subject to change if the request is after 180 days from date of publication because any changes in the seasonal tariffs for hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may cause the increase of rates.
- By request, the itineraries can be adjusted for solo traveller or family private tours, please note the tariffs for individual/ private tours may be higher than in group offers.
- If the hotels noted in the program are fully booked or not available for the dates in case of stop-sale dates/ temporary reconstruction works, booked for government delegation, etc.. Tour company reserves the right to book the other hotels of the same category and similar service in case of last-minute booking due to restricted time and high season intensity.
- We highly recommend early booking of Central Asia group tours, family tours about 9- 6 months before the tour dates, and not later than 3 months before the tour dates.
Please note, in case of late booking less than 3 month ahead and last-minute booking less than 10 days ahead the trip it is possible that the itineraries can be changed because of restricted time and high season availability of the hotels and train tickets for the date of booking/ for travel dates.
- Yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions. Single accommodation in the guesthouses, yurts and homestays is not guaranteed and will be subject of availability.
- Please note the international flights Tashkent – Bishkek/ Bishkek - Tashkent, Tashkent – Almaty/ Almaty - Tashkent, Almaty - Dushanbe/ Dushanbe – Almaty are regular flights but can be scheduled not every day, the program can be slightly adjusted as per actual flight details.
- Please confirm your return flights and provide full information ( flight details, passport copies and if required, other documents for visa support) to book the tours. We highly recommend acknowledging the necessary documentation before the trip: valid passport with expiration not later than 6-month, visa / e-visa/ LOI.
- Travel/ medical insurance is not included in the tour packages as it is not obligatory, but we highly recommend all tourists buying the travel/medical insurance in the country of residence.
- Please note that during the national holidays, during the big summits, fairs, festivals, major sport and cultural events, some parts of the roads can be temporarily blocked for delegations and events as per government decrees.
- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;
- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;
- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;
- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;
- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;
- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).
21 days, from: $4575
Season: March - October
12 days, from: $2075
Season: all year round
10 days, from: $1515
Season: all year round
4 days, from: $325
Season: all year round
3 days, from: $775
Season: all year round
8 days, from: $730
Season: all year round
