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Ashgabat · Ahal · Turkmenistan
19-Day Central Asia at a Glance
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The Experience
What your day looks like
This immersive tour of Turkmenistan and neighboring Central Asian countries begins in the vibrant capital city of Ashgabat, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Travelers will explore the ancient site of Nissa, a significant Parthian capital, and visit the renowned Akhal-Teke horse stud farm, celebrated for its majestic golden horses. The journey continues with a visit to the Carpet Museum, showcasing exquisite handcrafted carpets, followed by a lively day at the Sunday market and the History Museum. Participants will then travel to Dashoguz to discover the historical marvels of Kunya Urgench, a key Silk Road city, before crossing into Uzbekistan to experience the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Khiva, rich in cultural heritage. Following stops in the ancient oasis city of Bukhara and the iconic Silk Road destination of Samarkand, travelers will journey to the beautiful Ferghana Valley, before heading to the historic town of Osh in Kyrgyzstan. The adventure includes stunning landscapes at Issyk Kul Lake, traditional Kyrgyz experiences, and sightseeing in Bishkek and Almaty, Kazakhstan, culminating in an enriching exploration of ancient Merv, showcasing the historical significance of the region. This tour provides an in-depth experience of Central Asia's diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable history.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Discover the captivating city of Ashgabat
- Unearth the ancient secrets of Nissa, a Parthian capital
- Delight in the artistry at the Carpet Museum, showcasing intricate, handcrafted carpets
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 01 - Welcome to Turkmenistan! Arrive at Ashgabat Airport in Turkmenistan, where you will meet your guide and be transferred to the hotel.
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Ashgabat
Day 01 - Accommodation: Overnight in Archabil hotel
Day 2
Ashgabat
Local Flavor at Turkmen Carpet Museum. Day 02 - Ashgabat: Visit the ancient site of Nissa, home to a citadel, palaces, temples, and tombs dating back to the 3rd century BC, when it served as the capital of the Parthian Empire, which extended as far as Syria. This historic city lies at the foot of the Kopet Dag Mountains, which form a natural border between Turkmenistan and Iran. We will also stop to visit the renowned Akhal Tekke horse stud farm. The Akhal-Teke breed, a national emblem of Turkmenistan, is famous for its speed, endurance, intelligence, and unique metallic sheen. Often called "Golden Horses" due to the shiny coats of palominos and buckskins, these horses are well-adapted to harsh climates and are considered one of the oldest horse breeds in existence. Today, around 6,600 Akhal-Teke horses remain worldwide, mostly in Turkmenistan and Russia, with some found in Europe and North America. Next, we will visit the Carpet Museum of Turkmenistan, which houses a vast collection of Turkmen carpets, celebrated globally for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and exceptional craftsmanship. The museum also features the world's largest handmade carpet, as recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Turkmenistan has a rich history of carpet making, and the art of carpet weaving is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
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Ashgabat
Day 02 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 3
Ashgabat
Local Flavor at Ashgabat National Museum of History. Day 03 - Ashgabat: Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Ashgabat, including a visit to the vibrant and bustling Sunday market. In the afternoon, we will explore the History Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including exquisite carved ivory drinking horns from Nissa, dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. The museum boasts over 500,000 exhibits from historical and archaeological sites across Turkmenistan, with nine halls, each dedicated to a specific period or theme. The Hall of Ancient History showcases a collection of flint tools from the Mesolithic era (50,000 years BC) used by early humans in Western Turkmenistan, as well as Neolithic ceramics and ornaments from the first human settlements along the northern slopes of the Kopet-Dag Mountains.
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Ashgabat
Day 03 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 4
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 04 - Ashgabat to Dashoguz: After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Dashoguz.
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Ashgabat
Archaeological Exploration at Konye-Urgench. Day 04 - Konye-Urgench: Visit Kunya Urgench, the original capital of the Khorezm Kingdom, where we will see the tallest minaret in Central Asia and the stunning blue-tiled mosaic dome of the Turabek Mausoleum. We will also explore the tomb and the grand portal of the Karavansaray before continuing to Dashoguz. Kunya Urgench holds a special place among the remarkable cities of Central Asia, once a thriving city on the Great Silk Road. Today, it stands as a quiet desert plain with scattered monuments, yet it was once the flourishing seat of the Khorezmshahs and later became a major city in the northern region of the Golden Horde. The well-preserved monuments reflect the city's former grandeur, often referred to as the "pearl" or "heart" of Khorezm. These structures, some over a thousand years old, still hold many mysteries that have intrigued generations. Kunya Urgench’s monuments offer a splendid display of Islamic architectural forms and decorative elements in Central Asia, featuring rare designs, unique cupolas, and a high level of artistry that sets the city apart.
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Ashgabat
Day 04 - Accommodation: Overnight in a hotel in Dashoguz
Day 5
Khiva
Transportation. Day 05 - Dashoguz to Khiva: Drive to the border with Uzbekistan, where we will complete visa formalities before crossing the border and entering Uzbekistan.
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Khiva
Archaeological Exploration at Itchan Kala. Day 05 - Itchan Kala: Visit the Old Town of Itschan Kale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that perfectly embodies an oriental atmosphere. The city's walls remain intact, and once a center of religion and science, it now serves as a unique open-air museum. To the south, we will explore the well-preserved Amin Khan Madrasa and its minarets. Built in 1851/52, it once housed 99 students, making it the largest madrasa in Khiva. Next, we will visit the "old fortress," Köhne Ark, founded in the 17th century. Pay special attention to the beautifully preserved summer mosque with its slender wooden columns and a Mihrab adorned in Khiva’s characteristic style. We will also visit the Dschuma Mosque, known for its 218 wooden pillars—one of the oldest examples of Central Asian woodcarving. Lastly, we will take a look at the harem, which housed the Khan and his wives, and visit the mausoleum of Pahlawan Mahmud, a renowned poet and former wrestler.
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Ashgabat
Day 05 - Accommodation: Overnight in Asia hotel or similar
Day 6
Bukhara
Transportation. Day 06 - Khiva to Bukhara: After breakfast, we will transfer to Bukhara, with a stop for lunch along the way at a desert Chaihana.
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Bukhara
Sightseeing at Samanid Mausoleum. Day 06 - Samanid Mausoleum: This afternoon, we will visit the Ark Palace, where two British spies were imprisoned and met their demise during the 19th-century geopolitical conflict known as "The Great Game" between Britain and Russia for control over this strategic oasis town. We will also visit the Ismael Samani Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Samanid dynasty. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through Bukhara, Central Asia’s most ancient living city. The morning's sightseeing begins at the Lyabi-Hauz Complex, located in the heart of the old town. We will wander through the spice bazaars and pass street-level mosques and madrassahs, before heading to the Kalon Mosque and Minaret, the second-largest mosque in Central Asia, second only to the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand.
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Ashgabat
Day 06 - Accommodation: Overnight in Omar Hayyam hotel or similar
Day 7
Samarkand
Transportation. Day 07 - Bukhara to Samarkand: Transfer from Bukhara to Gizhduvan, a center of traditional ceramics, lunch in craftsmen center, transfer to Samarkand.
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Samarkand
Sightseeing at Registan. Day 07 - Samarkand: Perhaps the most famous of all Silk Road towns, Samarkand has earned titles like the Mirror of the World, the Pearl of the East, and the Center of the Universe. This legendary oasis on the edge of the Kyzyl Kum Desert holds a remarkable history of trade and culture. This afternoon, after checking in at the hotel, we will tour the Registan, regarded as Central Asia’s most magnificent square.
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Samarkand
Local Flavor. Day 07 - Samarkand: Dinner will be hosted at the home of a local Tajik family, providing you with an opportunity to learn about their customs and daily routines.
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Ashgabat
Day 07 - Accommodation: Overnight in Asia hotel or similar
Day 8
Samarkand
City/Town Tour. Day 08 - Samarkand: Enjoy a full-day city tour of Samarkand. Despite its development into a modern city, the turbulent history of Samarkand is evident everywhere. Under Timur's rule (1369), it became the capital of his empire and was regarded as one of the most beautiful and important cities in the world. Our journey begins at Registan Square, home to three medreses: Ulughbek, Tilla-Kari, and Shir-Dor, where the teachings of both divine and secular subjects have flourished for centuries. Notable is the perfectly restored mosque in the Tilla-Kari Madrasa, known as "Gold-Embellished," featuring an interior adorned with lavish, carpet-like patterns that shimmer in gold. After soaking in this grandeur, we will visit the Gur-e Amir ("Grave of the Prince"), the majestic mausoleum of the Mongol ruler Timur, distinguished by its stunning mosaics and intricate geometric designs that decorate the melon dome. To the north of Samarkand lies Shah-e Zinda, a renowned pilgrimage site even in pre-Mongol times, famous for the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed. Next, we will explore the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built by Timur, which stands as one of the greatest achievements of Islamic architecture in Samarkand, showcasing an impressive variety of decorative elements on its façade. Finally, we will visit the Dar ut Tilawat ("House of Reflection") Madrasa and the 14th-century Dar Saadat complex ("Abode of Power"). In the evening, we have a special visit planned to the workshop of a local artist and fashion designer.
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Ashgabat
Day 08 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 9
Tashkent
Transportation. Day 09 - Samarkand to Tashkent: Depart for Tashkent.
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Ashgabat
Local Flavor at Navoi Theater. Day 09 - Tashkent: Enjoy a half-day city tour of Uzbekistan's capital. Visit classic attractions, including the Square of Independence, the Navoi Theatre, and Hast Imam Square, home to the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum. Additionally, explore one of the country's finest museums, the History Museum (closed on Mondays; in this case, it will be replaced by the Museum of Applied Arts).
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Ashgabat
Day 09 - Accommodation: Overnight in Lotte Tashkent Palace hotel or similar
Day 10
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 10 - Tashkent to Osh: In the morning, depart for an exciting ride across the Kamchik Mountains pass, heading toward the beautiful green Ferghana Valley. Upon arrival in Ferghana, cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and make your way to the town of Osh. Historically positioned at the crossroads of several caravan trails, Osh was a significant staging post in transit trade. Once you arrive in Osh, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the city.
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Ashgabat
Day 10 - Accommodation: Overnight in Sun-Rise hotel
Day 11
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 11 - Osh to Cholpon Ata: In the morning, board your flight to Bishkek. After arriving in Bishkek, embark on a drive to the town of Cholpon Ata.
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Ashgabat
Leisure at Issyk Kul Lake. Day 11 - Issyk Kul Lake: Enjoy captivating views of Issyk Kul Lake, known as the "warm lake," aptly named for its abundance of hot springs that keep the waters from freezing. Along the way, visit ancient petroglyphs dating from around 500 BC to the 1st century AD, offering a glimpse into the world of early Iron Age people through their primitive depictions of ibex, horses and riders, leopards, camels, and other animals. Upon arriving in Cholpon Ata, transfer to your hotel.
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Ashgabat
Day 11 - Accommodation: Overnight in Three crowns resort hotel
Day 12
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Karakol. Day 12 - Karakol: Today's adventure takes you to Karakol, the administrative capital of Issyk-Kul province, which serves as an excellent base for trekking or leisurely exploration. Your sightseeing tour of this historical town will include the Przhevalski Memorial Complex, dedicated to the famous explorer of Central Asia, as well as the unique Muslim Mosque designed in the style of a Buddhist pagoda. You will also visit the Russian Orthodox Church and the Djeti Oghuz Gorge, known for its distinctive red rock formations, famously referred to as the "seven bulls." According to local legend, these were turned to stone by the gods to prevent them from terrorizing nomads. After a day of exploration, return to Cholpon Ata for dinner.
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Ashgabat
Day 12 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 13
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 13 - Issyk-Kul lake to Bishkek: Today, you will continue your journey west toward Bishkek. Along the way, make a stop to visit the restored Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret from the Karakhanid period. Upon arrival in Bishkek, you will be transferred to your hotel.
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Bishkek
Local Flavor at Kyrgyz State Historical Museum. Day 13 - Kyrgyz State Historical Museum: In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, located in the Chuli Valley and north of the Kyrgyz Mountain Range. Two rivers, the Ala-Archa and Alamedin, flow through Bishkek, enhancing its natural beauty. During the tour, you will visit the Historical Museum and admire the impressive Soviet painting collection at the Fine Arts Museum. You'll also stop by the Children’s Craft Center to see the handicrafts created by children and their teachers. The day concludes with a special dinner featuring folk music.
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Ashgabat
Day 13 - Accommodation: Overnight in My hotel
Day 14
Ashgabat
Transportation at Almaty (City). Day 14 - Bishkek to Almaty: In the morning, you will take a flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Upon arrival at Almaty Airport, you'll transfer to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a city tour of Almaty, where you can explore its vibrant culture and stunning architecture.
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Ashgabat
Day 14 - Accommodation: Overnight in Kazakhstan hotel or similar
Day 15
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Almaty (City). Day 15 - Almaty: Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Almaty. Begin by visiting the Zenkov Cathedral, renowned for its striking wooden architecture. Next, explore the Central State Museum, which showcases the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan. Then, take a cable car ride up Kok Tobe Mountain for breathtaking views of the city. Finally, visit the Museum of Kazakhstan National Musical Instruments to appreciate the country's musical heritage.
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Ashgabat
Day 15 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 16
Bukhara
Transportation. Day 16 - Almaty to Bukhara: Arrive at Tashkent Airport, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then transfer to Bukhara.
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Ashgabat
Day 16 - Accommodation: Overnight in Omar Hayyam hotel or similar
Day 17
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 17 - Bukhara to Mary: Arrive at Tashkent Airport, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then transfer to Bukhara.
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Ashgabat
Archaeological Exploration at Merv. Day 17 - Merv: On the way, stop at the ancient city of Merv, one of Turkmenistan's renowned sites. Ancient Merv features several fortresses, including Erk Gala, Gawur Gala, Soltan Gala, and Bayramaly Han Gala. It is also the burial site of the last Emperor of the Seljuk Empire, Soltan Sanjar, as well as the renowned Sufi leader Hoja Yusup Hemedani, a friend of Prophet Mohammed. While exploring, you'll have the opportunity to see medieval fridges known as sardobas. After your visit, continue on to Mary.
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Ashgabat
Day 17 - Accommodation: Overnight in a hotel in Mary
Day 18
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Gonur Depe. Day 18 - Gonur Depe: Begin your visit at the local bazaar, followed by a trip to the Historical and Ethnographical Museum and the historical site of Margush. From there, journey 40 km by 4WD to Gonur Depe, where the first agricultural settlements emerged in the delta of the Murgab River as early as the 3rd millennium BC. The fertile silt from the mountains, combined with an abundance of water and a moderate climate, created ideal conditions for thriving crops. The progress of the ancient economy continued for several centuries. The Boston Globe noted that while the four oldest centers of civilization—Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China—are well-known, the extraordinary findings from the Margiana expedition suggest the possibility of a fifth center emerging from this region.
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Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 18 - Mary - Ashgabat: In the evening fly to Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel.
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Ashgabat
Day 18 - Meals included: Picnic lunch
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Ashgabat
Day 18 - Accommodation: Overnight in Archabil hotel
Day 19
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 19 - We hope you enjoyed your trip with us! Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Accommodation ESG A/C transport Entrance fees to the sites mentioned Visa support and travel pass for Turkmenistan Camping gear Plane ticket Ashgabat-Dashoguz, Mary-Ashgabat Folklore show on Day 12 Domestic air tickets Osh-Bishkek Food and Drinks
Not Included
Tips and gratuity Visa fee Insurance Immigration card Visa and visa support for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzystan
What to Bring
Camera Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat Bag for Essentials Comfortable clothing and footwear
Meeting & Pickup
Pick-up is available from Ashgabat International Airport
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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