Day 1: Arrival in Almaty
• Welcome to Kazakhstan: Private transfer from Almaty airport to your hotel to rest before your grand adventure begins.
Day 2: Almaty City Exploration
• Wooden Wonders: Visit the Ascension Cathedral, one of the world's tallest wooden buildings, and pay respects at the Square of 28 Panfilov Heroes.
• Commercial Hub: Discover the history of Kazakhstan's southern capital and its diverse cultural tapestry.
Day 3: Charyn Canyon Day Trip
• The Valley of Castles: Marvel at the 12-million-year-old vertical cliffs and labyrinthine paths of Charyn Canyon, followed by a traditional lunch in a local cafe.
Day 4: Almaty – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
• Tian Shan Backdrop: Drive across the border to Bishkek and tour Victory Square, Oak Park, and the National Philharmonic with the majestic mountains as your backdrop.
Day 5: Ala Archa National Park & Asian Bazaar
• Alpine Freshness: Hike through the Ala Archa gorge, a stunning natural park once reserved for VIPs.
• Bustling Local Life: Immerse yourself in the colors and sounds of a traditional Asian Bazaar.
Day 6: Bishkek – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
• History & Modernity: Visit the Kyrgyz State History Museum before flying to Tashkent. Ride the world-famous Tashkent Metro and view the world's oldest Othman Quran at Hast Imam.
Day 7: Tashkent – Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
• Capital Grandeur: Fly to Dushanbe to visit Somoni Square and the world’s tallest flagpole (165m). Explore the vibrant local Asian Bazaar.
Day 8: Dushanbe – Iskandarkul Lake – Penjakent
• Niagara of Fann Mountains: Detour to the turquoise Iskandarkul Lake (2,255m) to see the massive 50m waterfall and Snake Lake.
Day 9: Penjakent City Tour – Samarkand
• Ancient Sogdiana: Explore the ruins of Old Penjikent and the UNESCO-listed Sarazm excavations before crossing back into Uzbekistan.
Day 10: Samarkand’s Majestic Domes
• The Heart of the Silk Road: Stand in awe at Registan Square, the Shakhi-Zindeh necropolis, and the Bibi Khanum Mosque.
Day 11: Samarkand – Bukhara (Train)
• Medieval Masterpieces: Take the train to Bukhara and explore the 4th-century Citadel Ark and the intricate Samanids Mausoleum.
Day 12: Holy Bukhara Environs
• Sufi Spirit: Visit the Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex and the Sitorai Mohi Hosa summer palace of the last Emirs.
Day 13: Bukhara – Mary – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
• Ancient Merv: Cross the border to Turkmenistan and explore the ruins of Merv, one of the largest cities of the ancient Islamic world.
Day 14: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
• Door to Hell: Drive through the Karakum desert to the Darvaza Crater. Witness the spectacular "giant oven" burning in the dark desert night.
Day 15: Darvaza – Shavat – Khiva
• Living Museum: Return to Uzbekistan to wander through Ichan-Qala, the enchantingly walled heart of ancient Khiva.
Day 16: Khiva – Desert Fortresses – Tashkent
• Clay Forts: Visit the ancient desert castles of Ayaz Qala and Tuprak Qala before taking an evening flight back to Tashkent.
Day 17: Tashkent Departure
• Final Souvenirs: Enjoy last-minute shopping at local bazaars before your final transfer to the airport.
Hotel:
Royal Tulip (Almaty), Novotel (Bishkek), Ramada (Tashkent), Parliament (Khujand), Atlas (Dushanbe), Emirkhan (Samarkand), Turon Plaza (Bukhara), Sport (Ashgabat), Tents (Darwaza), Said Islam Hodja (Khiva).
