Best of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

Assistance on arrival at Dushanbe International airport

Welcome to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Upon arrival at Dushanbe International Airport, clear immigration and visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed through the green channel if you have no goods to declare to customs. On arrival, you will be received and transferred to your accommodation.

City tour of Dushanbe

Dushanbe was once a small market village where traders would gather each Monday to sell their goods. Today, enjoy the city's rich culture and history with a city tour. Begin by visiting the Ismoili Somoni monument, a tribute to the founder of the Tajik state. Rudaki Park, is named after the great Persian poet Rudaki. In the center of the city, marvel at one of the world's tallest flagpoles, a symbol of Tajikistan's national pride. Continue your tour with a visit to the Tajikistan State Museum, where you can delve into the country's rich history and culture through its impressive exhibits. Then, explore Victory Park, a peaceful retreat dedicated to the memory of those who fought for Tajikistan's independence. In the afternoon, wander through the bustling Mehrgon Bazaar, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and fresh produce. In the evening, enjoy some free time to relax.

Travel to Penjikent

Today, embark on a scenic journey from Dushanbe to Penjikent, a city with a rich history dating back 5500 years. Travel through the picturesque Varzob Valley and Anzob pass-tunnel, taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery along the way. Your destination is Lake Iskander Kul, also known as Alexander the Great Lake, nestled in the heart of the Fan Mountains. This stunning alpine lake is named after the legendary conqueror Alexander the Great, who is said to have passed through this region during his campaigns. Penjikent itself is one of the easternmost settlements of the ancient Sogdiana Empire, known for its ancient ruins and rich archaeological sites.

Check-in at hotel and half day city tour of Penjikent

Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour, visiting the Penjikent excavation sites, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Rudaki Museum, where you can explore artefacts dating from the Bronze Age to the Sogdian era.

Travel to Samarkand

After breakfast, check-out and embark on a scenic drive to the Sarazm/Jartepa border. Upon crossing the border, meet your Uzbek Part driver and continue your journey into Uzbekistan towards the historic city of Samarkand, a city steeped in history and renowned for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage.

Check-in at hotel

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Samarkand

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided excursion in Samarkand. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and the Bibi-Khanum Mosque — the largest mosque in Central Asia. Explore the vibrant Siyab Bazaar, Registan Square (featuring the Sherdor, Tilla-Kari, and Ulughbek Madrassahs), and the Guri-Emir Mausoleum. Conclude the day with a visit to the Koni Ghil Silk Paper Making Center. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Travel to Bukhara via Shakhrisabz

Travel to Bukhara with an en-route stop at Shakhrisabz, the historic hometown of Tamerlane and one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. In Shakhrisabz, visit notable historical sites including Ak Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz, Dorut-Tilovat Complex, Dorus-Saodat Complex. After exploring Shakhrisabz, continue your journey to Bukhara, immersing yourself in the region's deep historical and cultural significance along the way.

Check-in at hotel

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Bukhara

Spend the day exploring Bukhara with a local guide. Visit the Samanid Mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo-Khovuz Mosque, and the historic Ark Fortress. Continue to the Poi-Kalyan Complex, featuring the Kalyan Mosque, Kalyan Minaret, and Miri-Arab Madrassa. Discover the Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas, the Magoki Attori Mosque, and stroll through the Trade Domes (Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Telpakfurushon, and Toki-Sarrofon). Conclude the tour at the Labi Khovuz Complex. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Half day city tour of Bukhara and train to Taskent

In the morning, check out and enjoy the half-day city of Bukhara before traveling to Tashkent. Start with the distinctive Chor Minor Mosque, renowned for its four unique minarets and the blend of cultural influences. Explore the opulent Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of Bukhara's last Emir, which beautifully combines Russian and Oriental architecture. Visit the spiritually significant Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and the encompassing Naqshbandiy Complex, dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. Finally, marvel at the Chor Bakr Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an ancient cemetery with stunning architecture and tombs, offering a profound insight into the region's historical and religious legacy. Later departure transfer to the Railway station to board the train to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's vibrant capital, known for its modern architecture, bustling bazaars, and rich cultural heritage.

Arrival at railway station and transfer to the hotel

Upon arrival at Tashkent Railway station and you will be transferred to your accommodation with the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Tashkent

After breakfast, begin a guided tour of Tashkent. Visit the Hast-Imam complex, which includes the Muyi Muborak Library housing the original Holy Osman Koran, Barakhan Madrassah, and Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum. Continue to Chorsu Bazaar, exploring its vibrant street food and dry fruit sections, followed by a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts. In the afternoon, experience Tashkent’s renowned metro stations, noted for their unique architecture and cleanliness. Exit at Amir Temur Square and enjoy a walking tour through Independence Square, featuring the WWII memorial, Romanov’s Palace (exterior), and the Alisher Navoi Theatre complex

Train to Kokand

In the morning, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the train station, where you will board the train to Kokand. Upon arrival, you will meet a local guide and visit the renowned Khudoyar Khan Palace and Dahmai Shahon (Grave of Kings). then Drive to Rishtan. During your visit, meet a Kyrgyz family specializing in traditional wool products and a local ceramist’s family to observe the ceramic-making process. Explore the Khoja Ilgor Mausoleum, notable for its unique needle-pointed dome, distinct from typical Uzbek architecture. The complex also features a sacred cave associated with a revered holy man, a pilgrimage site for locals, as well as a mosque adorned with original, untouched patterns and former dervish cells.

Arrive and half day city tour

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and visit the renowned Khudoyar Khan Palace and the Dahmai Shahon ('Grave of Kings'). Then drive to Rishtan, where you'll visit a Kyrgyz family known for their wool products and a local ceramist’s family to observe traditional ceramic-making techniques. Also explore the Khoja Ilgor Mausoleum, notable for its unique needle-pointed dome—unlike typical Uzbek architecture. The site includes a sacred cave visited by pilgrims, a mosque with original, untouched decorative patterns, and dervish cells. Continue the journey to Margilan.

Check-in at hotel in Margilan and relax

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Half day city tour and travel to Osh

After breakfast, meet your local guide and set off for the day's visits. Begin by exploring the Madrassah of Said Ahmad (19th century), now transformed into a handicraft center. Afterwards, visit a family-run silk factory, in operation since 1810, and observe the complete silk-making process, from harvesting cocoons to dyeing the finished fabrics. Begin the drive to the border without a guide. After completing border formalities, meet your Kyrgyz guide and driver on the other side.

Check-in at hotel and half day city tour

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation. Later, embark on a half-day city tour starting with a visit to the sacred Suleiman’s Throne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important place of pilgrimage offering panoramic views of the city. The new museum houses a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the region's history and culture. Conclude your tour at Jayma Bazaar, a bustling market that has been a hub of trade for around 2,000 years, where you can experience the vibrant local commerce and find a variety of goods, from fresh produce to traditional crafts.

Flight to Bishkek

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is known for its wide boulevards, Soviet-era architecture, and bustling bazaars, offering a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture.

Arrival transfer and half-day city tour of Bishkek

Upon arrival at Bishkek Airport, you will be greeted by your local English-speaking guide and set off on a half-day city tour of Bishkek. Afterwards, continue to the famous Ala Archa National Park, a breathtaking alpine reserve located in the majestic Tien Shan Mountains. Embark on a scenic hike toward the Broken Heart rock formation, surrounded by stunning views of rugged peaks, lush valleys, and flowing rivers. Following the hike, return to Bishkek.

Full day city tour of Bishkek

After breakfast, embark on a city sightseeing tour of Bishkek. The program includes visits to key landmarks such as the Philharmonic Hall, Victory Square, Oak Park, Ala-Too Central Square, the Kurmanjan Datka Monument, major government buildings, Old Square with the Parliament House and Lenin’s Monument, and the State Historical Museum. Conclude the city tour at Victory Square, dedicated to World War II. Afterwards, continue to the vibrant Osh Bazaar, one of Bishkek’s largest markets. Here, you’ll find a vast array of goods, from fresh produce and spices to household items, clothing, souvenirs, and musical instruments, truly a place where you can find just about anything.

Travel to Karakol

Today enjoy a scenic ride alongside the shore of magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake to Karakol. In the afternoon, visit Cholpon-Ata, a large open-air collection of rock carvings referred to as a "Stone Garden," and the Museum of History for its grand collection of national embroidery

Check-in at the hotel

Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon and the rest of the day at your leisure.

Half day city tour and travel to Bokonbaevo

In the morning, explore Karakol, a town established in 1869 and featuring architecture from the Tsarist era in traditional Russian style. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church (built in 1896) and the Chinese pagoda-style mosque (constructed in 1899). In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Bokonbaevo, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau mountain ranges.

Check-in at accommodation

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Travel to Bishkek enroute visit Burana

Today, embark on a journey to Bishkek, passing through the stunning Boom Gorge. As you traverse this scenic route, you'll be surrounded by towering cliffs, vibrant greenery, and the winding river that carves its way through the valley, creating a truly breathtaking landscape. Make a stop along the way at Burana, an ancient tower that was once part of Balasagun, the capital of the medieval Karakhanid state. Dating back to the 9th-10th centuries, the tower rises about 25 meters. In the vicinity, you can explore the ruins of a mausoleum, ancient stone grave markers (balbals), and intriguing petroglyphs (rock carvings) left behind by the region’s earliest inhabitants. Afterward, continue your journey to Bishkek

Check-in at hotel

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Departure transfer to Airport

After breakfast, the tour finishes with a direct transfer to the Bishkek International Airport for your departure