This tour will lead you through cities in Central Asia that were once important stopovers on the Great Silk Road. You will discover the cultural treasures and traditions of the nomadic people who have crossed the region for ages, and of the people who have settled in its cities. Explore the sprawling Soviet-styled cities and tour three modern capitals of Central Asia. Absorb the architectural legacies of flourishing Islamic culture and the great Timurid Empire in Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva. In your short stay, you will live through the centuries of the Central Asian Silk Road.
Welcome to Central Asia! Transfer to the hotel and early check in at the hotel. You can have a rest after your long flight, take a shower and have breakfast. Meet your group and guide in the late morning in the hotel lobby. Today it is time to begin a genuine journey deep into the remarkable history of Uzbekistan.
Tashkent, the largest city in Central Asia, is a curious blend of Islamic and Soviet influences. We will start with a visit to the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan. Next, we visit the Old City area of Tashkent where you will discover ancient historical sites: the Khast Imom Complex, which contains ancient Quran book of Caliph Uthman (7th century!) and the mausoleum of the Islamic saint, Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi. Join the animated throng of traders at Chor-Su Bazaar before taking a ride on the former-Soviet Tashkent Metro, which features ornately decorated stations. Exit the metro at Amir Temur Square Station to view the statue of Timur, the great conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire, and, next to that, the grand Independence Square. We will have a welcome dinner at one of the finest eateries in Tashkent. During dinner, there will be a short presentation about the culture and history of Central Asia and Uzbekistan in particular. The evening will also be a great opportunity to discuss the adventures that lie in store, and you can ask any questions you might have about your tour.
Hotel Wyndham or similar
Today we have to get up very early to catch the morning flight to the western part of Uzbekistan. From the airport, in Urgench it takes another 40 minutes by bus until we reach Khiva, where we check in at the hotel. 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 Ichan-Kala. This old section of town preserves more than fifty historic monuments and hundreds of old houses dating back hundreds of years. The entire citadel is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the enormous city gates, you are confronted by the glistening Islamic beacon, the Kalta-minor Minaret. Delve deep into the town on a guided tour that embraces all of the city sites, and includes an ascent of the Islam Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Khiva. Enjoy broad views of Old Khiva atop the Kunya-Ark Citadel.
Hotel Asia or similar
Ancient Khorezm is a real gem for archaeologists with ruins in the desert dating back to the 3rd Century AD. We will make a day trip into the Kyzylkum desert (“red sand”) (150km, ca. 2h driving) to explore the archaeological monuments of ancient Khorezm: We will visit Kyzyl-Kala – ruins from the Kushan-Afrigid period of antique history, and Toprak-Kala, the capital of the kingdom of Khorezm in the 3d Century AD. Toprak-Kala is also called “the museum of fine arts of Ancient Khorezm” since it is the only archaeological site in ancient Khorezm which was completely dug out. Finally we will visit one of the largest architectural monuments in Ancient Khorezm – ancient fortress Ayaz-Kala, a showcase of the prosperity of the Kushan empire in the 2nd Century AD. Next to the ruins of Ayaz-Kala we will have lunch in a yurt camp before heading back to Khiva. Free time in the afternoon. In the evening transfer to Urgench to catch flight to Bukhara, departing 21:00. Upon arrival in Bukhara at 22:00, transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Komil Boutique Hotel or similar
The second of our UNESCO World Heritage stops – even the very name Bukhara conjures up images of the exotic Orient. Today, as for centuries, it is an important trading post and you have numerous opportunities to see traditional Uzbek products being bought and sold. The Old Town 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 at 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. In the evening, we are invited by a local family for dinner.
Komil Boutique Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we depart Bukhara to drive to the capital of Timur’s impressive empire, Samarkand. On the way, we stop at Shahrisabz – birth place of Timur – for lunch and a short city tour. You will see the ruins of Timur’s summer palace Ak Saray, Mosque Chasrati-Imam and Kok-Gumbaz as well as the Darus Saodat complex. As birth place of Timur, the buildings of Shahrisabz should demonstrate the power of the emperor. The ruins of the summer palace are indeed still today impressive and witness of the past grandeur of the Timurid empire. From Shahrisabz it is another two-hour drive to Samarkand. Check in at the hotel. Dinner in the restaurant of the hotel.
Hotel L’Argamak/ Registon Plaza or similar
Sublime Samarkand evokes an almost mythical past full of romance and intrigue. This was the domain of Timur, one of history’s great conquerors. His vast empire rivalled any, stretching across the Eurasian steppe, who ruled his kingdom with an iron fist while at the same time patronizing the arts and literature. Much of his architectural heritage has been preserved, allowing us to see how the city might have been at the peak of his power.
We begin the city tour just outside the city in the village Koni Ghil to explore the traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Back in the city we then visit Ulgubek’s observatory, once the biggest research center of Central Asia. Ulugbek was decades ahead of the West with his observations of the solar system and the earth and we will learn more about his story in this prestigious setting. Our next stop is Shah-i-Zinda, the necropolis where family members of Timur are buried. After lunch we visit the impressive Bibi Khanum Mosque, before delving into the world of dried fruits and other local delicacies at nearby Siyob Bazaar.
Hotel L’Argamak/ Registon Plaza or similar
Today, finally you get to see Samarkand’s and arguably Uzbekistan’s most famous landmark, spectacular Registan Square. The focal point of ancient Samarkand is framed by three beautiful madrassas – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori. We will also visit Gur-Emir mausoleum, where Timur is buried and Afrasiyab Museum, where you can learn more about the ancient city of Samarkand that was destroyed by the Mongols in early 13th century.
In the late afternoon, we will take the high-speed train back to Tashkent. Check in at the hotel and Uzbek farewell dinner.
Hotel Wyndham or similar
After breakfast, we say good bye to marvelous cities of Uzbekistan and transfer to Oybek border crossing with Tajikistan. Go through border formalities on both checkpoints on foot and meet Tajik guide & driver on the other side of the border. Transfer to Khujand, where you will check in at the hotel, have lunch and then city tour.
Khujand is situated not far from the Fergana Valley on the Syr Darya river. It is another ancient city with its history dating back to Cyrus the Great of Persia and Alexander the Great. Today it is the second largest city in Tajikistan with Tajikistan’s largest market – Panjshanbe Bazaar. City tour includes the bazaar and adjacent Maslihaddin Mosque, and the historical Museum of Khujand. In the evening, we will have a walk around Kmaoli Khujand park and see the Lenin statue.
Grand Hotel or similar
Today is another long, but very scenic driving day through the Zarafshan mountains to Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan. On the way, just a bit more than an hour from Khujand we make a first stop at the ancient city of Istaravshan. Recently it celebrated its 2500th anniversary. From medieval times until today its artisans are highly regarded in Central Asia. Istaravshan is particularly well known for its blacksmiths who produce knives of high quality. At the entrance of the market we will visit such a workshop. We will also meet a famous wood carving master, who will tell us more about his work and passion. The short tour in Istaravshan will be completed by a visit to the Hazrati Shoh Mosque and Mugtepa fortress.
The road from Istaravshan to Dushanbe is very scenic and we cross two passes, first Shahriston then Anzob on almost 3000m altitude. After Anzob tunnel we drive along Vazob river down to the Varzob gorge, weekend getaway for locals from Dushanbe, from where the city is already not far. In the evening we arrive in Dushanbe, check in at the hotel and have dinner.
Sheraton Hotel or similar
Today we spend the full day in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan. Originally, Dushanbe was a small village around a market that took place every Monday. The word Dushanbe translated from Persian literally means Monday. It was during the Soviet Union that it became the industrial center of Tajikistan.
We start the day just outside Dushanbe at the historic Hissar Fortress (7th – 17th century). Once an official residence of the delegates of the Emir of Bukhara, you can still feel and experience the grandiosity of the fortress. Back in Dushanbe we visit the National Archeological Museum of Tajikistan with the famous Buddha statue. We will then visit Ismail Samani statue. The large monument commemorates the 1100th anniversary of the Samanid State, the heyday of the Tajik nation, when science and arts flourished. From there we walk up to Rudaki park, dedicated to great Persian poet Rudaki, who also lived during Samanid time in the 9th century.
Sheraton Hotel or similar
Today you can have some free time in the morning before we will make our way to Dushanbe International Airport to catch the Air Astana flight departing at 13:30 and arriving in Almaty at 16:15 local time. Meet your Kazakh guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check in. We will then go to the city center to have dinner.
Rixos Hotel or similar
Almaty is the largest city of Central Asia’s richest country, Kazakhstan. Until 1997 it was the country’s capital and it remains today the country’s business and educational center. Roads are wide and tree-lined and there are good views of the Zailisky Ala-Too mountains that 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. Today we have the whole day to spend in the city.
We will start the day with a visit of the State History Museum in Almaty, where you can learn more about the country and its rich history. Next, we visit Panfilov Park to see the most famous sight of Almaty, Zenkov Cathedral. It was built in 1904 without a single metal nail and is one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. In the same Park is the impressive Soviet Glory Memorial, a tribute to 28 men who, as the narrative goes, repulsed 50 German tanks from the outskirts of Moscow during World War II. Adjacent to the park is the Museum of Musical Instruments. On display are many traditional instruments from the region.
At the Green Bazaar, you get a chance to explore local Kazakh culture as you shop for fresh fruits and vegetables. From the second floor you will also be able to observe the hustle of bustle inside the market and take photos.
Rixos Hotel or similar
The flight to Bishkek will be only in the evening so we will have more time to explore the city. In the morning we drive half an hour up to Medeo ice skating rink and take a cable car to enjoy a nice view at the top of Shymbulak skiing area. It will be cold and windy on top at 3200m altitude, so make sure to bring a warm jacket.
Back in the city we will have farewell lunch with our Kazakh guide before heading to the Airport at 15:00 to catch the flight to Bishkek departing 18:00. Upon arrival at 18:55 we head directly to the restaurant for welcome dinner with the Kyrgyz guide, before checking in at the hotel.
Park Hotel or similar
We start the day with a 2-hour drive to Burana Tower, 85km east of Bishkek. The minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval town of Balasagun, capital of the mighty Karakhanid emprie. You can climb up the winding staircase to enjoy a nice view of the Chuy valley. There is also an open-air museum featuring a collection of ancient balbals, carved stone figures used as monuments. We then drive back to Bishkek to have lunch in a nice restaurant in the city center.
Bishkek, the charming capital of Kyrgyzstan, is relatively young. It started as a Russian garrison “Pishpek” in the late 19th century and it was only during Soviet Union time that a city was built. It is a very green city, with tree-lined boulevards, and many parks. Our sightseeing program in Bishkek includes stops at the newly renovated National History Museum, Oak Park, the Central Square Ala Too and the Philharmonic Hall.
Park Hotel or similar
Transfer to airport for departure flight back home. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Central Asia and will return soon to discover more places in this beautiful part of the world!
Tashkent – city tour
Khiva – walking tour
Bukhara – walking tour
Samarkand – city tour
Khujand -city tour
Dushanbe-city tour
Almaty-city tour
Bishkek-city tour
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 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 centres, 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 bank notes 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 credit card is still not possible at most places, except for 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 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 e-Visa online 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 almost immediately 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.
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 altitude, 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 metres. The best season to visit is during summer.
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 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 need a visa. For citizens of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom a facilitated visa regime applies, meaning if you are from one of these countries you do not need an invitation letter. Everybody else needs an invitation letter to apply for a visa. Please note: If you book a tour with us we provide invitation letter free of charge and assist you with getting your visa.
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 Uzbekistan.
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 characterises 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. There you will find the full list of medicine that it is prohibited to import into Uzbekistan and also medicine which you can import only with doctor’s prescription.
