Title of tour: Best of Central Asia 

Days / Nights: 20/19 

Overnights: Almaty, Karakol, Kochkor, Son Kul, Chon Kemin, Bishkek, Osh, Khujand, Penjakent, Samarkand, Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Merv, Ashgabat, Darwaza

Day 1: Almaty
This day you will arrive to the airport and transfer to Almaty. At 10:00 you will have a city tour where you will observe the fascinating sights of the city. It will take about (5-6 hours). The first site of the tour will be the Green Bazaar! This is a great place for shopping as you can enjoy shopping, see a lot of products, take photos and feel the national atmosphere. After that you will direct to another spot- the oldest Panfilov Park. In the park you will find the outstanding building called Zenkov Cathedral. During the tour you will walk and visit Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame which established in honor of the soldiers who defended their homeland. Further you will drive to the Medeo Gorge where you will have a chance to try your skill and observe the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam. After that you will head to the next spot the Kok-Tobe hill! You can observe there the tallest TV tower in the world. In the Park of Kok Tobe you will stroll along the mountain path and see the panoramic views of the city. We also recommend you to visit souvenir shops. You will finish the tour with riding from the famous cableway from the top of the park to the center of the city. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn – Kegen border – Karakol
Be ready at 09:00. Today you will have a wonderful trip to amazing Natural Park Charyn Canyon. The canyon was formed about 12 million years ago by wind, rain and sun. The canyon is famous for its bizarre shapes that resemble fairy-tale castles. The canyon is rich in flora and fauna. When you go to the canyon, you will have a chance to learn about the customs and traditions of the Kazakh people, history and culture. Upon arrival at the canyon, you will be amazed by the panorama and charming views, where you can take a lot of photos. We are sure you will be delighted. You will remember this tour for the rest of your life. Then you will drive to Kegen border.

Day 3: Karakol – Kochkor
We are glad to present new day of the tour where you will transfer to the village Kochkor. Along the way you will break at the breathtaking Jeti Oguz gorge that is translated as Seven Bulls. You will marvel the wonderful row of red rocks. During the tour you will see the Broken Heart Mountain as well. You will have a chance to see the beautiful panoramic views of the gorge and make wonderful photos. Then you will continue tour to Bokonbaevo village. You will meet today the local eagle hunter that will inform you about the ancient eagle hunting. He will tell you how he trains eagles and hunts hares and foxes with the help of them. After arrival to Kochkor village you will rest and the overnight is in the home stay.

Day 4: Kochkor – Son Kul Lake
This day you will start with driving to the wonderful lake Son Kul Lake. This charming lake is the second largest in Kyrgyzstan. You will be inspired by the charm of the lake and will be able to take a lot of photos. The lake has a natural beauty, rich flora and fauna; it is surrounded by powerful mountains and landscapes. During the tour, you will learn that this place is inhabited by nomads who come here in the summer and see the pasture lands. The lake is located at the altitude of 3016 meters above the sea level. After arrival you will enjoy the amazing nature and have walking. The night will be in the felt nomadic dwellings – yurts.

Day 5: Son Kul Lake – Chon Kemin
This day you will transfer to spectacular Chon Kemin village. Along the way you will drive through picturesque Kalmak Ashu pass that is 3 225 meters high. Along the way don’t miss chance to take photos. After you will have a stop at Kochkor village. You will learn there how to produce the national felt carpet. That is the very popular among Kyrgyz people. There you should explore a small handicraft museum where you will observe silver decorations, coats made of wolfs, horse saddle decorations, carpets and many others. After arrival to Chon Kemin village, you will spend the night in a house of a Kyrgyz family. 

Day 6: Chon Kemin – Bishkek
Today you will have an exciting 3 hours of horse riding. This gorge is famous for its mountains and forests. You can see the charm of mountain forests and enjoy the panorama of the gorge. You can also take vivid photos and remember these moments for a long time. Then you will head to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek city. During the tour you will break at the Burana Tower. This tower was built in the 11th century and was a significant building in the routes of the Great Silk Road. The tower was built by the Karakhanids. Near the tower you will see old remains and an open-air rock garden of Balbals. These stones were placed in honor of the soldiers who fought for their homeland. Then continue tour with driving to Bishkek, you will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek  
Today you will have a city tour in the capital Bishkek. During the tour you will visit: the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and other fascinating sites. This day you will also reach the fascinating gorge called Ala Archa that is located 45 km from Bishkek. You will be amazed by the charming views of the gorge and panoramic views. The flora and fauna of the gorge abounds. You can take beautiful photos. The gorge is located in a branch of the Tien Shan Mountains. It is important to note that in Soviet times the entrance was forbidden and only special people had access to the gorge. Then you will transfer to the capital Bishkek. This night will be in the hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek – Osh  
After breakfast you will drive to the airport for a flight to the ancient city Osh. After arrival to Osh you will have a sightseeing tour where you will observe the pilgrimage site Suleiman Mountain. Mount Suleiman is a sacred place where many Muslims arrive and where 3 visits are counted for a Hajj trip to Mecca. There are legends about this place that the prophet Suleiman was buried here at the foot of the mountain, so it became sacred. Many people come here to ask God for their most cherished wishes. You will be offered to explore the colorful place the Asian Bazaar. Where you will have a chance to make shopping and see vivid rows. Don’t miss chance to take vibrant photos. The night will be in the hotel.

Day 9: Osh – Kyrgyz-Tajik border Guliston – Khudjand
Today you will travel to Tajik border. Along the way you will see the beautiful passes and mountains. Along the way you will drive through Batken region. There you will observe apricot trees and have a chance to see unique flower called Aigul. Then you will get acquainted with Tajik driver and transfer to Khujand city. This is the second largest city of Tajikistan. The city is situated on the Syr Darya River at the Fergana Valley. There are live about 149,000 people. It is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan. Now it is called Sughd. In the second part of the day you will have a chance to explore Cultural Palace of Khujant. There was chosen the first president of Tajikistan. After you will direct to Central Mosque. The location of the mosque is in the center of the city. Night will be in the hotel. 

Day 10: Khudjand – Penjakent   
After breakfast you will drive to Penjakent through picturesque pass Shahriston (3 378 m) in the morning. Penjakent translates as “five villages” and situated in Khujand area of Tajikistan near Zeravshan river valley. Since the beginning of the last century, Panjikent and its surroundings have not been abandoned by archaeologists, as excavations have not yet been carried out in many significant places. There are a lot of architectural and archaeological monuments in the city. The five villages of Penjakent was formed a long time ago 5-8 century. Panjikent itself was formed about 5500 years ago. For its cultural and historical heritage, the city is known as "Central Asian Pompeii". There were a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods, but the ruins of this city were found only in the last century. During the tour visitors will have a chance to observe the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers’ church. You will spend the night in the hotel. 

Day 11: Penjakent – Jartepo border – Samarkand
Today you will wonderful trip to Jartepo border at 10:00 and travel to Samarkand (45km). Samarkand is the second largest city in Uzbekistan, located in the valley of the Zeravshan river. The city has a very ancient history and appeared about 2500 years ago. The city is considered to be the same age as Rome and Babylon. Today you will have a unique opportunity to enjoy the sights of the city and see such places as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan surprises with its three mausoleums of the 15th and 17th centuries, which are grandly located on the square. Shakhi Zinda will surprise you with its beauty of mausoleums of 11-15 centuries, which are also on the UNESCO list of cultural heritage protection. Bibi Khanum Mosque was erected in honor of the favorite wife of Tamerlane, it impresses with its grandeur. After looking at these places, you will be able to learn more about the architecture of Uzbekistan. This night will be in the hotel.

Day 12: Samarkand – Tashkent 
You will start the tour with driving to Tashkent by train. You will have a city tour in the fascinating capital of Uzbekistan. The first spot of the tour will be Independence square. This main square of the country is the most frequently visited place in the capital. You will stroll along the amazing square of the country and learn that the square was erected in honor of victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will get to the local Broadway and stroll along it. You will see the souvenirs shop and cafes. After you will be offered to see the charming Tashkent metro that was opened in 1977. You will have a ride and take photos. Then you will transfer to the old part of the city as Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam. The Hast Imam complex includes madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. Don’t miss ythe opportunity to see the remarkable artifact the Othman Quran. It is the ancient Quran copy (8^th century). This night will be in the hotel.

Day 13: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
This day you will travel by plane to Urgench and then drive to Khiva. You will have fascinating tour in Uzbekistan that will inspire you. You will explore today the inner city of Khiva called Ichan-Qala with strong walls. There you will marvel old sound buildings, palaces, mosques; Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses that made Ichan-Qala into unique city-monument. There are located over 400 traditional dwelling houses and 60 architectural monuments. It is important to note that in 1969 Ichan-Qala became a historical and architectural conservation area. You will explore the Kunya-Ark fortress (17^th century), found by Muhammad Arang Khan. Then you will continue the tour with exploring Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. This is Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. You will spedn the night in the hotel. 

Day 14: Khiva – Bukhara
After breakfast you will transfer to amazing city of Uzbekistan, Bukhara. There you will see more than 140 architectural monuments. Bukhara is called the Holy city for its countless mosques and mausoleums, or otherwise the city of domes. You will fascinate the town museum, walk in narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments that were built in different times but located close to each other. You will transfer today from Khiva to Bukhara through the popular Kizilkum desert. Along the way you will have a chance to observe the fascinating views of Amu Darya River. This is the deepest river in Central Asia, originated by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan, flowing into Aral See. Then you will arrive to Bukhara. This night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 15: Bukhara
We are happy to provide interesting tour in amazing city Bukhara. You will start the sightseeing tour with exploring the most ancient citadel in Bukhara − Citadel Ark. That dates back to the 4^th century. This site served as a palace for dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will continue the tour with visiting Samanids mausoleum which belongs to the 9th-10th century and was an excellent example of medieval architecture.  After you will lead to the next spot Chashma Ayub. It contains the Holy spring of the prophet job. You will also visit the Bolo Hauz mosque, a beautiful mosque that served for Friday prayer, where Bukhara Emirs came to pray. Then you will be offered to explore the shopping domes and buy some souvenirs. Further you will move to another popular destination madrasahs of Bukhara − Nodir Divan Begi. This is a part of Lyabi House Ensemble. This day you will end with exploring the amazing Poi Kalon complex. It is amazing architectural art of Bukhara. There are situated three structures built in the 12^th − 16^th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Night will be in the hotel. 

Day 16: Bukhara – Farab border – Mary/Merv
After breakfast you will drive to the border with Turkmenistan near Turkmenabad. You will met today by the local guide at the Turkmen/Uzbek border and travel to Turkmenabad city. Then you will have the amazing tour to Mary city. This night will be in the hotel.

Day 17: Mary – Ashgabat
After breakfast you will transfer from the hotel to Mary city. You will explore today Ancient Merv that is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name of not only one of the oldest Asian cities, but also the entire surrounding area in the old Murgab river. Since time immemorial, these places have attracted people with their land and wealth of water. Merv in ancient times played a particularly important role in the great Silk Road and was a significant city. There are located the remarkable mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd of 12th century that famous for the grandeur Seljuk period of brickwork and architectural ornamentation. Then you will drive to Ashgabat city. This night will be in the hotel.

Day 18: Ashgabat – Darwaza
Today you will start the tour at 08:00. After that you will drive to the Gas Crater – Darwaza. This is fascinating site that admire people from all over the world. This is situated to the North of Ashgabat. You will get the information about this mysterious site and in the evening you will have the opportunity to marvel the fantastic views of the gas crater. Don’t miss chance to take amazing photos. You will see the fabulous views at daylight and as well as at night. We sure that you will like the wonderful scenery. This night you will spend in the tents. 

Day 19: Darwaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast you will transfer to Ashgabat City. Todaay you will fascinate the “Old Nisa” – the capitals of Parhian Kings. This place is also included in UNESCO site. Then you will see the amazing “Gypjak” Mosque and Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan. Night will ne in the hotel. 

Day 20: Flight
Morning transfer to airport. 

Transport in KZ and KG:
02 pax – Sedan (KZ) or Mitsubishi Delica (KG)
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter

Transport in TJ:
02-02 pax – Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax – 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax – 3 cars: Hyundai Starex 

Transport in UZ:
02 pax – Sedan
04-06 pax – Minivan
08-10 pax – Minibus

Transport in TM:
02 pax – Sedan
04-10 pax – Minibus 14 seats

Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 3 085 $
04 pax – 2 215 $
06 pax – 1 890 $
08 pax – 1 660 $
10 pax – 1 670 $
Single – 355 $

Early check-in – 25 $
Single early check-in – 45 $  

Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 3 320 $
04 pax – 2 470 $
06 pax – 2 140 $
08 pax – 1 910 $
10 pax – 1 870 $
Single – 540 $

Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 70 $  

Half board – 240 $*
Full board – 490 $*

Entrance fees – 55 $* 

Meals and entrance fees are available with escort guide only.*

Supplement for escort guide in Uzbekistan – 350 $ per group

Tashkent – Urgench flight – from 80 $

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3* / “KazZhol” Hotel 4*
      Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Guesthouse
      Kochkor – Homestay
      Son Kul – Yurts, “Nomad’s Dream” camp (4 pax in 1)
      Chon Kemin – Homestay
      Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4* /“Plaza” Hotel 4*
      Osh – “Sun Rise” Hotel 3*/ “Classic” Hotel 4*
      Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
      Penjikent – “Sugd” Hotel 3
      Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*/ “Diyora” Hotel 4*
      Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*/ “Ramada” Hotel 4*
      Khiva – “Old Khiva” Hotel 3*/ “Lokomotiv” Hotel 4*
      Bukhara – “Porso” Hotel 3*/ “Omar Khayam” Hotel 4*
      Mary – “Mary” Hotel 3*/ “Merv” Hotel 4*
      Ashgabat – “Menzil” Hotel 3*/ “Ak Altyn” Hotel 4*
      Darwaza – Tents
- Visa support to TM
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
- Train tickets Samarkand – Tashkent
- English speaking local guides in UZ
- English speaking escort guides in KZ, KG, TJ, TM
- Flight tickets Bishkek – Osh (15 kg limit, extra 2 $ per kg) 

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Tashkent – Urgench flight
- Migration tax (12 $ + 4 $bank fee)
- Fees for using cameras on monuments