Highlights of Central Asia

Highlights of Central Asia

Visit 4 countries in 18 days!
Burana Tower in Kyrgyzstan

Highlights of this 18-day program with highlights in Central Asia:

– Ashgabat and surroundings, contrasts of modern megalomania, excavations and a tribal people
– an overnight in a yurt at the notorious burning gas crater of Darwaza
– the interesting archaeological sites Merv and Konye Urgench in Turkmenistan
– Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan, classical and legendary Silk Road cities
– the nature parks in Almaty province in Kazakhstan; Altyn Emel, Charyn and Kolsai
– a beautiful and vast border area between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with more horses than people
– the quiet south side of Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan with a yurt camp, canyon and excellent swimming opportunities
– during the entire trip, stay in attractive guesthouses, homestays and a yurt camp

This program takes you to highlights in all four countries and is also logistically feasible. From the historical treasures in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, to the variety of landscapes and nomadic cultures of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The number of kilometers in the car or minibus is thereby minimized, while four domestic flights (incl. Tashkent-Almaty) allow you to bridge a large distance quickly several times.

While the pace is high, especially in the second part of the journey, you will have plenty of opportunities to take a rest. Finally, adjustment of the program in the case of an individual journey is of course possible.

In 2023 having a visa is necessary (for most countries) only for Turkmenistan. While we arrange you the invitation letter for the Turkmen visa, that can be acquired upon arrival in the country.

You can read more about the four countries, including practical advise, on our second website here.

The four countries

The start is in Turkmenistan, with a special focus on the archaeological sites of Nisa, Merv and Konye Urgench, as well as the intriguing capital Ashgabat and some bizarre places in the Kopet Dag Mountains. You cross the desert, stay in a yurtcamp at the Darwaza gas crater and from there visit the site Konye Urgench, near the border with Uzbekistan.

On day five, crossing the border into Uzbekistan to the ancient city of Khiva. Additionally you visit in Uzbekistan of course also include Bukhara and Samarkand, pearls of the Silk Road.

After four days in Uzbekistan you fly from Tashkent to Almaty in Kazakhstan. On the first day the city and its mountains are on the program. Then, a 3-day tour by 4WD in Almaty province with its varied nature, including semi-desert in Altyn Emel, Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai mountain lakes. In summer, nomads with their herds are living in this area.

The border with Kyrgyzstan in the Karkara valley is open in summer and we thankfully make use of that possibility because it has a beautiful setting. Entering Kyrgystan in the far north-east of the country we travel across highlands, in summer populated by nomads, to the the town of Karakol. With a tour along the quiet south side of the Issyk Kul lake, staying two nights in different yurt camps, we reach the capital Bishkek and finish our tour.

Day 1

Wedding at National Monument in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Wedding in Ashgabat

You fly to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, for the start of Central Asia journey.Start of your tour to the highlights of Central Asia!

Upon arrival, usually at night or in the early morning of the following day, you can apply for your Turkmen visa at the airport with your letter of invitation and will receive the Turkmen visa.

Outside the airport you will be met by a driver and transfered to your hotel in the city. Ashgabat is situated 10 kms from the airport.

 

 

Day 2

Day travel distance: 50 kms

Nisa, nearby Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Nisa, excavation site nearby Ashgabat

After having rested we start with a visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan. The archeology section in particular is very interesting, with very rare works of art from the early history as well as the Middle Ages, all found on the territory of Turkmenistan. Around 500,000 objects are exhibited in the museum.

Then you will visit the Ruhy Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, where 20,000 people can pray at the same time and which also houses the family mausoleum of the first Turkmen President Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy.

Next is a step back in time, with a visit to Nisa, once the capital of the Parthen (300 BC – 300), located just outside of Ashgabat. Finally, you will visit the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque and the “Arch of Neutrality” today. On top (75 meters) you can enjoy the panorama.

When you drive through the new part of Ashgabat you will be surprised by the many buildings from white marble, and the lack of people.

Day 3

Day travel distance: 150 kms

Ancient Cemetory in Nohur, Turkmenistan

Tribal cemetery in Nohur

 

Transfer to the remarkable village of Nohur in the Kopetdag Mountains, the natural border with Iran. On the way visits to the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum, the Geok Depe Mosque and the underground lake (hot springs) of Kowata (swimming is possible).

Arrival in Nohur, populated by a people once arriving from Mesopotamia. It is said here is polygamy is still being practiced here, even allowed secretly during Soviet times! In the afternoon the village is being explored, including a visit to a tribal cemetery and a silk weaving workshop.

Return to Ashgabat and accommodation in the hotel.

Day 4

Day travel distance: 75 kms

Ancient site in Merv, Turkmenistan

Merv, Turkmenistan

Today an early rise because we have to catch a flight to Mary at 07:00 o’clock. (flight time may change). Arrival in Mary at 07:40 o’clock.

Transfer to Ancient Merv (27 km from Mary) and visits to: Erk Kala (VI century BC), Gyaur Kala (III century BC), Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar (XII century), Big and Small Kiz Kala (VI-VII century AD), Mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zeid (XII century).

This is followed by a visit of the History Museum in Mary, a beautiful new building with a stunning collection artefacts from nearby sites.

Back to the airport to catch the flight to Ashgabat at 19:40 o’clock. Arrival in Ashgabat at 20:20 o’clock (flight time may change). Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

Day 5

Day travel distance: 280 kms

Konye Urgench, Turkmenistan

Konye Urgench, Turkmenistan

Today we visit a unique phenomenon in the desert of Turkmenistan, namely the burning gas crater of Darwaza. Once lit in the 1970s to briefly flare off the gas, the gas supply turned out to be larger than expected and it is still burning! It has become a (bizarre) tourist attraction.

During the Covid period, our local partner first cleaned up a lot of rubbish and then built a yurt camp. That’s where you will stay today.

 

Day 6

Day travel distance: 350 kms

Ancient city walls of Khiva, Uzbekistan

Khiva city wall

 

From the gas crater you will start early today and drive straight to the important archaeological site of Konye Urgench (100 km) where we will delve further into the history of this area. Konye Urgench prospered when the ever-changing Amu Darya River ran near the city.

We successively visit the Mausoleum of Turabek Hanum, the Minaret of Kutlug Timur (the highest minaret in Central Asia), the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh, the Mausoleum of Il Arslan and the Mausoleum of Najm et-din Kubra and Sultan Ali.

Further we go to the border with Uzbekistan. Along the way you will see the consequences of the drying up of the Aral Sea. Everywhere the bottom is covered with a layer of salt, blown away from the dried-up bottom of the former lake. A catastrophe for the living environment for miles around.

Once you arrive at the border, the formalities on both sides can take half an hour or more, depending on the daily traffic. You walk through the piece of no man’s land between the two countries. A driver will await you for further transport to Khiva, an hour’s drive away. Here you will stay in a guest house or hotel.

 

Day 7

Day travel distance: 500 kms

Chora Minor, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara

 

A long drive through the Kyzyl Kum desert takes you from Khiva to Bukhara. Along the way you make a photo stop at the Amu Darya, the lifeblood of the area, and have lunch in an oasis.

In this part of Uzbekistan, especially near Khiva, the effects of the drying up of the Aral Sea cannot be ignored; the landscape is covered with a thin layer of salt blown away from the bottom of the lake.

In Bukhara you will be accommodated in a hotel in the old town and have free time to get acquainted with it.

While Khiva is basically a (marvellous) open air museum, the old city of Bukhara is bustling and will give you a flavour of what life during the Silk Road times must have looked like.

Day 8

Day travel distance: 270 kms

Famous Lyabi Hauz, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Lyabi Hauz in Bukhara

 

You will spent almost the whole day in Bukhara. The program today includes visits to: Ismael Samani mausoleum (9th-10th century), Chor-Minor, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums (14th century), Bukhara local bazar. Jewish synagogue. Poli-Kalon ensemble with a minaret (12th century), mosque (15th century), functioning Miri-Arab Madrassah (16th century), Amir-Alim-Khan Madrassah (14c), Taqi (trading houses) Kukeldash Madrassah (16c).

And after lunch: Lyab-i-Hauz (17th century), Nadir Divanbegi (17th century), Magoki Attari (16th century), Ulug Beg (15th century), Abdul Aziz (17th century) Madrassahs. And visits to: the Registan Ensemble, Ark Fortress (16th century) and Bolo-Hauz complex (18th century).

In the evening transfer to Samarkand (270 kms, 3-3.5 hours) and accommodation in a hotel.

Day 9

Day travel distance: 280 kms
Ulugbek Observatory in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Ulugbek Observatory, Samarkand

Samarkand, with lots of blue after the brown of Bukhara.
Samarkand is not only a legendary Silk Road city, is also a city with more Soviet influences, and much bigger than Bukhara.

Also, unlike Bukhara’s relatively small old town, in Samarkand the distances between the great buildings are significant. You will visit today, if you keep up with it:
– Guri-Emir mausoleum where legendary Amir Temur and his family are buried.
– Registan Square-famous complex of three Madrasahs and the golden dome mosque.
– Bibi Khanum Mosque – the largest mosque ever building over in Central Asia, as a gift from Tamerlame’s wife to her husband!
– Siyab local bazaar – a unique chance to experience present life in Samarkand
– Shahi – Zinda necropolis, a sacred place and cemetery with the graves of Temured’s dynasty and the grave of a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
– The Observatory of Ulugbek – an incredible (really!) structure from the 15th century to study astronomy.
Transfer to the railway station and catching the fast train to Tashkent (3 hours). Transfer to a hotel and accommodation.

Day 10

Day travel distance: 50 kms
Panfilov Cathedrale, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Panfilov Cathedrale in Central Almaty

In the morning transfer to the airport and flight to Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan and the third country in this tour. First you will be taken to a hotel in the city, have time to check in and have a lunch.

After lunch a city tour is programmed, including visits to Panfilov Park and the Zenkov cathedral, the neighboring museum of traditional musical instruments, the Central Museum, and the mountains surrounding the Medeo sports complex. Almaty is situated beautifully against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, which are visible throughout the year.

Return to the city, if you wish you can be dropped off at a recommended restaurant.

Day 11

Day travel distance: 250 kms
Singing Dune, Altyn Emel National Park, Kazakhstan

Singing Dune in Altyn Emel

The first day of a small round trip within the big trip. You will leave the city and for three days in a 4WD (car or minibus, depending on group size) and explore the diverse nature of the Almaty province, and  country life in this part of Kazakhstan.

The first destination is the Altyn Emel nature park north of Almaty. In this semi-desert you may well encounter interesting wildlife – wild asses and gazelles – and climb (or view) the Singing Dune, a huge sand mountain in the middle of a landscape where nobody knows how it got there. History is present in the national park by the Besshatyr Necropolis.

You end the day in a homestay in the village of Basshi.

Day 12

Day travel distance: 200 kms
Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Charyn Canyon

First you will visit Charyn Canyon, certainly the most spectacular attraction in Almaty Province.
And an ideal place for hiking and having a picnic.

Onwards, by moving towards Kyrgyzstan, through rolling steppe landscapes where in summer herds of horses apparently are runnung around freely, arriving in the village of Saty. This is the base for visiting the nearby (10 kms) Kolsai mountain lakes the next day. Accommodation and dinner in a homestay in Saty.

Day 13

Day travel distance: 50 kms

Kaindy Lake in Kazakhstan

Kayindi lake at Saty

The Kolsai lakes very much invite for walking, horse riding, swimming and fishing. The first mountain lake is situated at an altitude of 1800 meters and is the largest. TLake number two is 14 kms away, including an ascend of 450 meters, a challenging hike (and back!) for a day. Unless you opt for a spectacular ride on horseback – not for cautious types!

You end the day in the homestay in Saty at the local Kazakh family.

Day 14

Day travel distance: 150 kms
Free roaming horses, Kyrgyz-Kazakh borderlands

En Route

Today we cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and enjoy a scenic drive to the town of Karakol. To get there you drive through the plateaus where in summer herds of cattle are grazing with nomads on their horses guarding them, while living in yurts with their families.

Please keep in mind that this border in the Karkara valley was closed for several years by the Kazakhs, re-opened in 2013 but only between May 1 and September 1!

If time permits, you’ll enjoy an excursion in the town today, if not then tomorrow.
Accommodation in a comfortable homestay or hotel.

Day 15

Day travel distance: 75 kms

Chinese style Mosque in Karakol

Chinese style mosque in Karakol

Depending on available time and wishes, either yesterday or tomorrow you can visit the attractions of Karakol; there’s interesting Russian Orthodox church and a Dungan mosque (which looks more like a temple) are definitely worth a visit.

Nearby Karakol a special park is constructed in honour of Russian explorer Przwalsky, who died nearby here. His grave and a museum bear witness to his fantastic trips in Central Asia, Mongolia and China.

Not much further, to the south side of the Issyk Kul lake is the Jeti Oguz Canyon with wonderful red rock formations and a yurt camp, where you will spend the night.

Day 16

Day travel distance: 100 kms
Yurts with view over Lake Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Yurts close to Issyk Kul lake

This is the day to take a dive in the clear waters of Lake Issyk Kul, on one of the beaches along the quiet southern side of the lake. You may first opt for a hike or any other activity in the Jeti Oguz yurt camp, before departing.

Through the south side of the lake we reach another yurt camp, this time situated near the lake, with a nice view over the lake (especially at night, when the lights of the tourist north side are clearly visible, in combination with the sunset).

Day 17

Day travel distance: 250 kms
En Route in Kyrgystan

En Route in Kyrgystan

Unfortunately, the journey is almost over. The final stage, from the yurt camp Bokonbaeva to the capital Bishkek of about 250 kms, along mostly good roads. It’s up to you whether you want to arrive in the city earlier or later, maybe wish to enjoy a a tour (or just some time to walk) in green and spacious Bishkek. In the city center the main attractions (museums, parks, buidlings, monuments) are all packed closely together.

Overnight is in the city.

Day 18

Transfer to the airport, end of your tour visiting ighlights of Central Asia!

The cost of this program visiting highlights of Central Asia at four persons is per indication €2,850 p.p. and at two persons €3,625 p.p. For other group sizes please write us for an offer.

Included in the offer are:
– 16 nights accommodation in simple but good hotels and guesthouses, on the basis of bed & breakfast and in double rooms
– all transfers in by car/minibus with driver, and by train according to program
– services of English speaking guides during all excursions in Uzbekistan and in Almaty
– entrance tickets for all nature parks, museums and sites according to the program in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and in Kazakhstan
– seven lunches and eight dinners
– transfers airport-hotel-airport at the start and finish of the program
– visa support for Turkmenistan

Not included in the offer are the international flight tickets, visa for Turkmenistan (cost USD 100 approx.), the remaining lunches and dinners, English guidance (optional) in Turkmenistan and in Kazakhstan outside Almaty, entrance fees in Turkmenistan and all not mentioned services. The cost for the flight Tashkent-Almaty is approx. USD 150.

Finally we withhold €9 per person for the Dutch GGTO Travel Guarantee Fund.

    Information

    Tour Route in Central Asia

    PLACE

    Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan & Kyrgystan

    DATES

    May-September

    PRICE

    indications €2,850-3,625 p.p. at 4-2 persons

    LENGTH

    18 days

    Contact