Kalpak Travel’s Best of Central Asia Tour combines the cultural highlights and natural beauty of five different countries in one epic journey. In each of the Central Asian republics you’ll visit the modern and historic capitals, and see firsthand the cultural treasures and traditions of both the nomadic people who have crossed this region for centuries, and also the people who have settled in its cities. The eclectic contemporary architecture of Nur-Sultan and Ashgabat contrasts with the sprawling Soviet-styled cities of Almaty, Bishkek, and Dushanbe, and nothing can prepare you for the impact of the great Silk Road cities, where flourishing Islamic culture and the medieval Timurid Empire left a lasting architectural legacy. Travel across the five ‘Stans with us to experience the very best of Central Asian hospitality on an unforgettable adventure.
Welcome to Central Asia! Most of the flights to Nur-Sultan arrive early in the morning, so you can have a rest and breakfast after the long flight.
Please note: If you have time, we recommend arriving a day early to have some rest and get used to the time difference. We can book an extra night at the hotel for you.
You will meet your fellow travelers and your guide at 10:00 AM in the hotel lobby to start the city tour. Nur-Sultan is Central Asia’s youngest capital and a showpiece for 21st century Kazakhstan. We will visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan, walk to Independence Square, and in the afternoon enjoy the panoramic city view from the top of Baiterek Tower. We will walk along Nurzhol Boulevard, designed by celebrity architect Kisho Kurokawa, to the Khan Shatyr, the giant, tent-like shopping center designed by the equally famous Norman Foster. Finally, you will see the venue for Expo 2017, where the impressive Kazakh pavilion has a unique spherical shape.
Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn 4* or similar
This morning we need to get up early to catch our flight to Bishkek, departing at 8:00 AM with Air Astana. The flight to the Kyrgyz capital takes less than two hours, and your Kyrgyz guide will meet you at the airport for the transfer to the hotel, where you can check in and leave your luggage. You will have lunch in Bishkek and then some light touring in what is one of the most charming and greenest cities in Central Asia. Our sightseeing program in Bishkek includes stops at Oak Park, Ala Too Square, and Victory Square.
Overnight in Hotel Plaza 4* or similar
We will depart from Bishkek at 8 AM and drive 80km to our first stop at Burana Tower. This minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval city of Balasagun, capital of the mighty Karakhanid Empire. You can climb up the minaret’s winding staircase to enjoy a wide view of the scenic Chuy Valley. There is also an open-air museum here featuring a collection of ancient balbals, carved stone figures often found around ancient burial mounds.
In June, July, August & September: Song-Kul
From Burana, we will continue driving to the village of Kochkor, where we stop for lunch. It is then another 4-5 hours drive, mostly on dirt roads, up to Song Kul and around the lake’s southern shore to the yurt camp. The lake is situated at an altitude of around 3,000m and is only accessible in summer.
Overnight in a yurt (one yurt for 2 of you, shared bathroom facilities)
In May & October: Chon Kemin
From Burana, we will drive further on into the mountains to our guesthouse in the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley. We will have lunch at the guesthouse on arrival. In the afternoon, you can walk into the village, observe the life of the local people; or opt for a short horse ride into the surrounding hills. Dinner will be served at the guesthouse.
Kemin Guesthouse (single/ twin room with private bathroom)
After breakfast, it is time to leave Song Kul/Chon Kemin and drive to Issyk Kul, the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan”. On the way, we will stop in Kochkor to see a demonstration of how shyrdak, traditional felt carpets, are made. It’s only a short distance on from Kochkor to Issyk Kul , where we will drive along the southern shore of the lake to Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon. The canyon derived its name from its bizarre landscape with fabulous geological formations. Our overnight stay – a delightful yurt camp about 200m from the beach – is only a few minutes drive away.
Overnight in a yurt – 2 people per yurt, shared bathroom facilities
Today we will drive further east along Issyk Kul’s southern shore towards the town of Karakol. En route we will take a diversion into the side valley of Jety Oguz, famous for its two red rock formations called “Seven Bulls” and “The Broken Heart”. You will see these rocks and our guide will tell you the legends behind their interesting names.
In Karakol, we will have lunch with a local Uighur family, and a short sightseeing tour of the town’s most interesting sights. These include the Dungan Mosque, built in 1904; and the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, which has been standing since 1869. From Karakol, it is another 30km drive north to the village of Tepke, where we will spend the night in the welcoming guesthouse of a family who breeds Kyrgyz horses. You can see their horses and learn how boorsok (deep-fried bread, a specialty of Kyrgyzstan) is made.
Overnight at Reina Kench Guesthouse – twin/ single room with toilet and shower in the room
It is time to leave Kyrgyzstan behind and cross the mountains into Kazakhstan, driving to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital and its largest city. It is a very long ride and partly on bad roads.It is a very long ride and partly on bad roads. About halfway between Karakol and Almaty, we will stop for a picnic lunch at one of the most famous natural sights in Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon. The canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon, although it is much smaller in size with a total length of 80-90km. The part of the canyon you will visit is known as the Valley of Castles for its unusual rock formations. It is 3km long and 100m deep. We will walk these 3km down to the river, and have our lunch in a scenic spot there. We will arrive in Almaty in time for dinner.
Overnight in Hotel Kazzhol 3* or similar
Almaty was Kazakhstan’s capital until 1997 and it remains the country’s business and educational center. The roads are wide and tree-lined, and there are good views of the Zailisky Ala-Tau Mountains which form a backdrop to the city. The name Almaty means “the place with apples” and it is believed that this is where apples originated from.
In Almaty we will visit Panfilov Park to see the city’s most famous sight, Zenkov Cathedral. In the same park is the impressive Soviet Glory Memorial, a tribute to 28 men who, as the story goes, repelled 50 German tanks from the outskirts of Moscow during World War II. At Green Bazaar, you will get the chance to explore local Kazakh culture as you shop for fresh fruits and vegetables. There will be some free time in the afternoon to explore the city on your own, or to relax at the hotel. Your guide will be available to help and happy to suggest places to go and things to see or do.
In the evening, we will meet again in the hotel lobby and take the cable car to Kok Tobe, a hill overlooking the city from which there are panoramic views. We will then have dinner together before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Kazzhol 4* or similar
After a leisurely breakfast, we will transfer to Almaty Airport to catch the Air Astana flight to Dushanbe, departing at 11:10 AM. It is under two hours flying time.
Originally, Dushanbe was a small village centered on a market that took place every Monday. The Persian word Dushanbe means “Monday”, so this is how the city got its name. It was during the Soviet Union that Dushanbe became the industrial center of Tajikistan and the capital city it is today.
Arriving in Dushanbe you will meet your Tajik guide and have lunch in the city. We will visit the Museum of Antiquities with its 13m-long Sleeping Buddha, then walk in the shade of the trees in the Botanical Garden or tour the marvelous modern Navruz Palace (sometimes closed on Sundays). Together we will visit the Ismail Samani statue. This large gold and marble monument commemorates the 1,100th anniversary of the Samanid State, a Golden Age of the Tajik nation when science and arts flourished. From there we will walk across to Rudaki Park, dedicated to great Persian poet Rudaki, who lived under the Samanids during the 10th century. By then it will be time for a delicious dinner in a Tajik restaurant.
Overnight in hotel Atlas 4*
Today after an early breakfast we will drive to Iskander Kul, a mountain lake named after Alexander the Great. Triangular in shape, it is considered one of the most exquisitely beautiful lakes in all the former Soviet Union nations. It is nestled in the Fann Mountains at an altitude of 2,200m. The route is a delightful one, through rugged mountain scenery. On the shore of the lake we will have lunch, then take a short hike to a nearby waterfall. It is then a four-hour drive on to reach the town of Penjikent, where we arrive just in time for dinner and will stay for overnight in a hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Umarion 2* or similar
Our day trip will start with a bumpy ride into the mountains to explore the area of the Seven Lakes. This mountain valley is not far from Penjikent, but due to the terrible road conditions, this trip takes a full day. Near the fourth lake, there is a guesthouse. If you want to, you can stay there after lunch and relax, otherwise, we will drive further up the valley to the sixth lake. It is then a short and easy hike of about two hours (both ways) to the seventh and highest lake, Hazorchashma. There will be time to enjoy the scenery and wander along the lakeshore before hiking back down to the sixth lake and returning by road to Penjikent.
Overnight in Hotel Umarion 2* or similar
From Penjikent we will drive north first to Istarafshan and finally to Khujand. The road to Istarafshan is very scenic, crossing the Shahriston Pass. Istarafshan was founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC and recently celebrated its 2,500th anniversary. In the 14th century, the Timurids called Istarafshan Ura-Tube, and the city’s artisans were highly regarded across Central Asia. Istarafshan is still well known in Tajikistan for its blacksmiths, who hand-craft knives of particularly high quality. We will visit the blacksmiths’ workshops near the entrance to the city’s market.
From Istarafshan, it is one and a half hours’ drive to Khujand, the second-largest city in Tajikistan. We will check-in at the hotel and have dinner in the city.
Overnight in Grand Hotel 3* or similar
Khujand is situated in the Fergana Valley on the Syr Darya River. It is another ancient city with history dating back to Cyrus the Great and Alexander the Great. Khujand’s main market, Panjshanbe Bazaar, is the largest in Tajikistan. Our city tour includes the bazaar and the adjacent Maslihaddin Mosque, the Historical Museum of Khujand, and the curious Arbob Cultural Palace, which was built in the 1950s and inspired by the Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
In the afternoon, around 3:00 PM, we will depart from Khujand for Tashkent. We will cross the Oybek border point on foot and meet our Uzbek driver and bus on the other side. It will take approximately two hours to reach Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia.
Overnight in Hotel City Palace 4* or similar
After breakfast at the hotel we will visit Tashkent’s Old City, where you will find the Khast Imom Complex. The library here displays the Quran of Caliph Osman, thought to be the oldest Quran in the world. We’ll take a ride on Tashkent’s famous Soviet-era metro system, which like Moscow’s features some of the most ornately decorated stations in the world. Exiting at Amir Timur Square, we will view the statue of the great conqueror, and continue to the nearby Independence Square. In the afternoon we will have free time, or you can opt to visit one of several national museums, or the bustling Chorsu Bazaar.
In the evening we will take the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand (6:50 PM – 9:00 PM), and on arrival transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Rabat 3* or similar
Sublime Samarkand was the capital of the Timurid Empire; Timur was one of history’s greatest conquerors. His vast empire rivaled any, stretching across the Eurasian steppe. He ruled his kingdom with an iron fist, whilst at the same time patronizing the arts and literature. Much of the architectural heritage from this period has been preserved, allowing us to see how the city might have been at the peak of Timur’s power.
We will start the city tour with a visit to the Gur-e-Amir, the gilded mausoleum where Timur is buried. We will hear stories from his life and how he began the construction of Samarkand. Then, we will go to the Registan, the most famous landmark in all of Uzbekistan. This square was the focal point of medieval Samarkand and is framed by three beautiful madrassas (religious schools), Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tillya Kori. After lunch, we will stroll through the spacious courtyard of the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, a structure that legend says was gifted to Timur by one of his wives. We will have time to explore the Siyob Bazaar before checking in at the hotel and having dinner in the city center.
Overnight in Hotel Rabat 3* or similar
After breakfast, we will visit the Konigil Paper Mill. At the paper mill, you will see the same process of paper production from mulberry tree bark which was used in 8th century Samarkand. We will then continue our tour to the Shah-i Zinda necropolis to see the magnificent mosaic tile work and turquoise and blue domes.
After lunch, you can have some free time or visit Ulugbek’s Observatory and the Afrasiyab Museum. The museum explores the ancient history of Samarkand – then known as Afrasiyab – before was destroyed by the Mongols in the early 13th century. Dinner will be in the city center.
After dinner, we will transfer to the train station to catch the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Bukhara, departing at 9:00 PM and arriving at 10:40 PM. We will transfer to the hotel and check-in for two nights.
Overnight in Hotel Safiya 3* or similar
After breakfast, we will start our walking tour of Bukhara, one of the most important trading hubs on the Great Silk Road, as well as a respected center of religious learning. The Old City has been well preserved and is crammed full of minarets, mosques, and madrassas. Its once-notorious canals and pools, the source of many an epidemic, have now been drained, but the most famous, Lyabi-Hauz, is still there, an oasis shaded by mulberry trees in the heart of the city. Your guide will show you the city’s unmissable sights, and you can soak up the atmosphere wandering through Bukhara’s labyrinthine alleyways. Key sites on today’s tour itinerary include the 10th-century Samanid Mausoleum, Poi Kalon, Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, and the historic trading domes, which still house market stalls. Dinner will be in the city center.
Overnight in Hotel Safiya 3* or similar
We will check out from the hotel after breakfast and depart around 9:00 AM to Khiva. It is a long but scenic ride through the Kyzylkum Desert, but the roads are shaky in places. On the way, we will stop for lunch in a small restaurant, and also have time to stretch our legs. At the end of this arduous drive, we will be rewarded with the magnificence of Khiva. We will arrive in the evening, just in time for dinner in the Old City, and check-in at the hotel for the night.
Overnight in Hotel Zarafshan 3* or similar
Our walking tour of Khiva will begin after breakfast. Khiva is bursting with historical sites and today you will get a chance to see them all. We will visit the walled inner-city section of Khiva called the Ichan-Kala. This old section of the city contains more than 50 historic monuments and hundreds of centuries-old houses. The entire citadel is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the enormous city gates, you will be confronted by a glistening beacon of Islamic design, the Kalta Minor. Our tour delves deep into all of Khiva’s sites, and ends with panoramic views from the top of the Kunya-Ark Citadel. During dinner tonight there will be a performance by local dancers and singers, immersing you in Khorezmian culture.
Overnight in Hotel Zarafshan 3* or similar
In the morning we will drive to the Shavat-Dashoguz border post to enter Turkmenistan (60km, 1 h.). We plan to be at the checkpoint at 9:00 AM when it opens and will pass through formalities on both sides, as well as the 1.5km of no man’s land (minibus available for c. $1). With your invitation letter, you will be able to get your Turkmenistan visa on arrival, for which you will need to pay around $100 USD per person in cash.
In Turkmenistan, you will meet your Turkmen guide and driver and transfer to Kunya Urgench (100 km, 2 h.). Here you will visit the most important mausoleums and see the Kutlug Timur Minaret. In the afternoon, we will drive on to the Darwaza Gas Crater, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert (270km, 4-5 h.). Together we’ll enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner, then sleep overnight at the yurt camp.
Please note: On the September and October departures we will skip Kunya Urgench and drive directly to Darvaza, to be there before sunset. This reduces the driving time by 1-2 hours.
Overnight in a yurt (2 people per yurt, shared bathroom facilities)
After a light breakfast at the yurt camp, we will drive to Ashgabat via the water crater and the Erbent desert community. Arrival in Ashgabat will be around noon, so we will check-in and have lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will have a short sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. The capital of Turkmenistan has experienced a boom in marble architecture in the 30 years since independence. The tour includes visits to the National Museum of History, the Arch of Neutrality, and the newly-built Independence Park. The tour will end with dinner at Terrace, a restaurant on the seventh floor, with views of Independence Park and the surrounding buildings. Our after-dinner drive through the New City area of Ashgabat will enable you to see the city’s nighttime illuminations.
Overnight in Hotel Diwan 5* or similar
Today we have another busy day. After breakfast, we will drive to Old Nisa Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the earliest of the Parthian Empire’s capitals. It is located atop a hill at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. 14 hectares in size, the fort incorporates two semi-excavated complexes from the Parthian period (III c. BC – III c. AD), which have been identified as a royal residence and a temple complex. From Nisa, we will continue to the Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia, and then drive back to Ashgabat, stopping en route at the Halk Hakydasy national memorial complex with its WWII and earthquake memorials. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon we will visit a farm in Goekdepe, about 50km west of Ashgabat. Here you will see Turkmenistan’s famous Akhal Teke horses. Then we will drive back to Ashgabat to share a farewell dinner together at the hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Diwan 5* or similar
Transfer to Ashgabat Airport for your flight back home, or to begin a private extension trip.
The Kyrgyz currency is called the Som (KGS). In the capital Bishkek there are many ATMs that you can find in shopping centers, supermarkets or on the main streets. All of them accept Visa cards and some, like Kyrgyz Kommerts Bank, Demir Bank and Uni Credit accept other cards such as MasterCard or Maestro card. Outside of Bishkek, we don’t recommend relying on ATMs as there are so few of them. We also recommend that you bring some cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible at most places, except for high-end restaurants, hotels and a small number of international stores. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is the most liberal and democratic country in the Central Asian region. For the last seven years, the political situation in the country has been calm and there is nothing to suggest that this situation might change. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and only use official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kyrgyz partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of most Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. To be sure whether you need a visa or not you can check on www.thevisamachine.com. Any special permits that you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide to you free of charge.
As soon as we receive your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kyrgyzstan.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. In the Ferghana Valley in the south and in capital Bishkek, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated more than 1500 meters above the sea level, where temperatures are in the mid-20s during summer. At high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer, so make sure you bring some warm clothes. The best season to visit for activity or jeep tours would be in summer and winter for skiing tours. Please note, weather in some mountain areas may be very changeable.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kyrgyzstan are basic at best.
The Tajik currency is called the Somoni (TJS). In the capital Dushanbe there are a few ATMs that you’ll find in shopping malls, supermarkets, or on the main streets, but most of them accept only Visa cards. Outside of Dushanbe, we don’t recommend relying on ATMs as there are only a few of them and they may run out of money.
We recommend bringing cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible in most places, except for a few high-end restaurants and hotels. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
The political situation in the country has been calm in recent years and there are no indications of upcoming tensions. The border area with Afghanistan is safe as well, but we do not recommend crossing the border for a trip into Afghanistan. Guests and locals are treated with respect and Tajikistan can be regarded as a safe destination for travelers. That being said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and only take official taxi rides. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Tajik partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of almost every country can obtain an electronic visa for stays of up to 45 days in Tajikistan. All you need to do is enter the requested information then pay a fee of 50 USD by credit card and you will receive after 2-3 days the eVisa by email. You can print it out and use it just like an ordinary visa to enter the country. Please note, if you are planning to visit Pamir region, you need a GBAO permit, which you can purchase online, together with the eVisa, for an additional fee of USD 20. If you book a tour with us, we can get the visa for you.
As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Tajikistan.
The climate of Tajikistan is continental and dry across most of the country, including the largest cities. In regions situated at relatively low altitudes, such as the capital Dushanbe, the south of Tajikistan around Kulob and the Khujand region, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated at high altitudes, where temperatures are in the mid-20s or less during the summer. If you visit the Fann or Pamir Mountains, make sure to bring some warm clothes, as it can get very cold at night at elevations of more than 3000 meters. The best season to visit Tajikistan is during summer when it's possible to go to the mountains.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Tajikistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Tajikistan are basic at best. Please note: there is a small risk of malaria in the south of Tajikistan by the borders with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. None of our tours visit this region.
The Kazakh currency is called the Tenge (KZT). The banking system in Kazakhstan is the most developed in Central Asia and in big cities there are many places to exchange money and to withdraw cash from ATMs using a variety of cards. We recommend bringing some cash in new USD bank notes of denominations of at least 20 USD. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible at most places, except for high-end restaurants, hotels and international stores like Zara, Mango, McDonalds or Starbucks. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic country with a long history of tolerance. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as a very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and take only official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kazakh partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of most Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 15 days in Kazakhstan. To be sure whether you need visa or not you can check on the website of The Visa Machine. Any permits you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide for you free of charge.
As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kazakhstan.
The climate of Kazakhstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. Summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius and winters extremely cold with strong winds. In the mountains, however, the weather is quite changeable. If you are planning to visit the mountains the best season is summer. Be aware, however, at high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer. For cultural sightseeing tours, spring and autumn are the best seasons. Autumn is also the time when the country goes to harvest, meaning markets are full of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveller’s diarrhoea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kazakhstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kazakhstan are basic at best.
The Turkmen currency is called the Manat. In Ashgabat, you may find ATMs that accept international payment cards. VneshEkonomBank for example accepts Visa credit cards. However, most ATMs accept only local cards issued by Turkmen banks. Credit cards may be accepted in a few high-end hotels, but most stores and restaurants do not accept any cards. We recommend bringing all money in cash, in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. They will be easy to exchange. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Turkmenistan is a safe country and most trips are trouble-free. There is a visible police presence and most citizens are law-abiding. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, steer clear of dark streets at night and avoid taking rides in unofficial taxis alone. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Turkmen partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of every country in the world need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. As soon as you book a tour, we will ask you to provide some additional information to apply on your behalf for a letter of invitation. If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approves your application, we will send you a letter of invitation. With this letter, you will be able to purchase the visa on arrival at Ashgabat Airport. Please note: your application for a letter of invitation may be rejected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Please do not book any flights or other non-refundable travel services prior to checking with us. Depending on your nationality, and circumstances we can advise you on your chances of getting the visa letter approved for Turkmenistan.
As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Turkmenistan.
The climate of Turkmenistan is continental and dry and the best seasons to visit are Spring and Autumn, from mid-April until early June and then again from September until early November. Autumn is drier than Spring, but even in Spring chances are high you can enjoy the bluest sky you have ever seen. Autumn is also the time when the country goes to harvest, meaning markets are full of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you don’t mind dry heat of 40° Celsius, sometimes more, summer is the best time to go. There are few tourists and the sun is shining every single day. If you are considering visiting Turkmenistan in winter you will practically have the country all to yourself. We recommend you go in November or December when daytime temperatures are still around 10° Celsius and the often chilly winds of January & February have not yet begun to make their presence felt.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Turkmenistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Turkmenistan are basic at best.
The Uzbek currency is called the Som (UZS). There are few ATMs in Uzbekistan and even then, most do not accept any card other than Visa. Stores and restaurants typically do not accept credit cards. We recommend you bring all money in cash, preferably carrying new USD bank notes of different denominations. They will be easy to exchange – for the best rates ask your guide – and you will be able to pay directly with USD for some souvenirs. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during trips to Central Asia.
Uzbekistan is a safe country and most trips are trouble-free. There is a visible police presence and most citizens are law-abiding. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, steer clear of dark streets at night and avoid taking rides in unofficial taxis alone. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Uzbek partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of most countries do no longer need a visa to visit Uzbekistan for a period of up to 30 days. A notable exception is the United States - US citizens need to apply for an electronic visa to visit Uzbekistan. You can get the visa yourself through the official government website for 20 USD per person: https://e-visa.gov.uz/. If you book a trip to Uzbekistan with us we will get the visa for you.
The climate of Uzbekistan is continental and dry. The best season to visit is during spring and autumn, from mid-March until early June and then again from September until early November. Autumn is drier than spring, but even in spring chances are high you can enjoy the bluest sky you have ever seen. Autumn is also the time when the country goes to harvest, meaning markets are full of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you don’t mind the dry heat of 40°+ Celsius, summer is the best time to go. There are few tourists and the sky is blue every single day. If you consider visiting Uzbekistan in winter, having the country all to yourself, we recommend going in December, when day temperature is still around 10° Celsius and the chill wind that characterizes January & February has not yet reared its ugly head.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered or boiled. Do not use it for brushing teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for travelers to Uzbekistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Uzbekistan are basic at best.
As soon as we receive your deposit, we will confirm your booking and send you additional pre-departure information.
