Salem and welcome to Kazakhstan!

Your Central Asian odyssey begins in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, set at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains. Upon arrival into at the Almaty International Airport (ALA), you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel.

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty 4* or similar

Today, you’ll explore Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and its cultural and economic hub. Though no longer the official capital, Almaty remains the country’s most vibrant urban centre, with a rich history and strong Russian architectural influence.

Founded in 1854 as the Russian garrison town of Verniy, Almaty evolved from the earlier settlement of Alma-Tau—meaning “apple tree,” a nod to the region’s wild apple forests. During the city tour, you’ll see some of its most iconic sites, including 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park and the striking Zenkov Cathedral—one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings, built without nails. You’ll also visit the Museum of History for insights into Kazakhstan’s past, and take in the atmosphere of Republic Square, the heart of modern Almaty.

The tour also passes by notable pre-revolutionary architecture, including the former officers’ assembly house and an early 20th-century department store, offering a glimpse into the city’s tsarist past.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty 4* or similar

Today, we cross into the next country on our journey—Kyrgyzstan. But first, we make a stop at one of Kazakhstan’s most striking natural wonders: Charyn Canyon. Often called the Grand Canyon’s younger sibling, Charyn’s red sandstone formations and deep gorges have been shaped by millennia of wind and water. The area known as the Valley of Castles features rock towers and cliffs that resemble fortress walls, their vivid hues glowing under the midday sun—and even more dramatically beneath a star-filled night sky.

After exploring the canyon, we continue to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border. Once border formalities are complete, the journey continues through the scenic Karkara Valley, known for its wildflower meadows and beekeeping traditions, before arriving in Karakol, a town near the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Green Yard 3* or similar

Travel duration: By coach – approx. seven hours / 400 kilometers.

Karakol offers a glimpse into the past, with its quiet streets and architecture that echo the days of Tsarist Russia. During a short city tour, you’ll see traditional Russian-style homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the wooden Russian Orthodox Church built in 1886, and the Dungan Mosque—constructed entirely of wood without a single nail, completed in 1899.

From Karakol, we continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, known for its striking red sandstone formations and sweeping alpine views. The gorge has long served as grazing land for local shepherds, and its dramatic scenery is a favourite among visitors.

The journey then follows the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau ranges, the lake sits at an altitude of 1,600 meters. Stretching 180 km in length and reaching depths of 700 meters, it’s one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. Interestingly, while 134 rivers and streams flow into the lake, none flow out—likely due to underground tectonic activity.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp or similar

Travel duration: By coach – approx. three hours / 120 kilometers.

At 8am, we travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, a high-altitude body of water surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau ranges. At 1,600 meters above sea level, the lake stretches 180 kilometres long, 60 kilometres wide, and reaches a depth of 700 meters. Over 130 rivers and streams feed into it, though none flow out—due to underground tectonic activity.

Later, we arrive in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, located at the base of the Kyrgyz Ala-Tau mountains. The city blends Soviet-era architecture with green spaces and a growing modern identity. Known for its tree-lined streets and park-filled layout, Bishkek is considered one of the greenest cities in the region.

Our short sightseeing tour includes Ala-Too Square, the country’s central public space, used for national events and gatherings. Nearby, we explore Oak Park, pass marble-clad government buildings, and view open-air artwork, giving you a grounded first impression of urban life in Kyrgyzstan.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Garden 4* or similar

Travel duration: By coach – approx. four hours / 320 kilometers.

This morning, we take a short flight to Osh, the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan and the country’s second largest. With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, Osh once stood at the crossroads of the Silk Road and still carries the atmosphere of an ancient trading centre.

In the heart of the city rises Suleiman Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred place for centuries. Rock carvings and inscriptions on its northern slope hint at its long history. Locals still make pilgrimages to its peak, where a small mosque, first built in 1510, offers sweeping views of the Fergana Valley.

We’ll explore the bustling Osh Bazaar, a vivid snapshot of daily life, and visit the city’s historical museum to gain more insight into its rich past. The day also includes a visit to a traditional bread bakery, where you’ll have the chance to join a local baker in shaping and baking lepyoshka in a clay oven. We’ll also stop by the workshop of Zakir Aka, a master craftsman who has been hand-forging knives for nearly 60 years—an opportunity to see a living tradition and perhaps pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sunrise 3* or similar

Travel duration: By plane – approx. 40 mins. (Bishkek to Osh)

Today marks a new chapter as you cross from Kyrgyzstan into Tajikistan, heading toward the historic city of Khujand. Set along the Syr Darya River, Khujand is one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and carries deep roots in Persian culture and history.

Here, the Silk Road legacy is still visible—in the weathered blue domes, serene mausoleums, and lively streets. At the heart of the city lies the vibrant Payshanba Bazaar, one of the largest in Central Asia, where trade, conversation, and colour fill the air. Khujand is a city that blends the past and present with ease—a place where ancient poets found inspiration and daily life continues in rhythm with tradition.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sogdiyon 3* or similar

Travel duration: By coach – approx. five to six hours / 370 kilometers.

The journey to Dushanbe winds through the dramatic Varzob Gorge, where steep cliffs rise above rushing rivers and quiet villages dot the landscape, seemingly untouched by time. En route, you pause in Istaravshan—a city with over 2,500 years of history, once a hub of scholarship and craftsmanship on the Silk Road. Its vibrant blue domes and intricate woodwork reflect a rich cultural legacy, inviting you to explore centuries-old mosques and the remnants of once-mighty fortresses.

As the day fades, you reach Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital. Wide boulevards lined with trees lead to imposing buildings and graceful public squares—a blend of Soviet-era grandeur and subtle Persian influence that gives the city its distinctive character.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Atlas 4* or similar

Travel duration: By coach – approx. five to six hours / 350 kilometers.

Dushanbe, named after the Persian word for “Monday,” began as a village known for its weekly market. Though the name is recent, the area’s history goes back over 3,000 years. Archaeologists have uncovered remains from the Greek-Bactrian and Kushan periods, along with medieval sites like Shishi Khon. During the Soviet era, the region became a centre for cotton and silk production.

In Dushanbe, you’ll visit the National Museum of Antiquities, home to Central Asia’s largest reclining Buddha. The city tour also includes the main mosque, a historic synagogue, a Russian Orthodox church, Rudaki Park, and the busy Shah Mansur Bazaar. Just outside the city, you’ll explore the Hissar Fortress, once a key stronghold of the Emirate of Bukhara.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Atlas 4* or similar

Today’s journey takes you to Penjikent, a historic city along the Zaravshan River known for its archaeological sites and riverside setting. With a history spanning over 5,500 years, Penjikent is among the oldest cities in Central Asia. Its name translates as “Five Villages,” a nod to its early roots.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the ruins of Old Penjikent—a 5th-century city often referred to as the “Pompeii of Central Asia.” The site includes remains of palaces, temples, and burial grounds that offer a glimpse into the region’s pre-Islamic past. You’ll also visit the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the famed Persian poet who was born here, and take time to walk through the historic quarters of the town.

In the afternoon, you continue your journey to Samarkand.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Samarkand 4* or similar

Travel duration: By coach – approx. five to six hours / 300 kilometers.

Samarkand, one of the most storied cities on the Silk Road, has stood at the crossroads of civilizations for over two millennia. Originally known as Afrosiab and founded in the 7th century BCE, it reached its peak during the Timurid era in the 14th and 15th centuries, when it became a centre of art, science, and architecture.

Today, you’ll explore the heart of this legendary city. Your visit begins at Registan Square, once the cultural and commercial centre of Samarkand. Framed by three striking madrasahs—the Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century), the Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the Tillya-Kori Madrasah (both from the 17th century)—the square is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. You’ll also visit the Gur-e-Amir, the majestic mausoleum of Tamerlane, whose empire once stretched across much of Central Asia.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Samarkand 4* or similar

Today, you’ll take a train from Samarkand to Bukhara (subject to availability), tracing a route once taken by merchants and scholars along the Silk Road. Once a key hub for trade and learning, Bukhara has been continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years and remains one of Central Asia’s most historic cities.

Long regarded as a centre of Islamic culture and scholarship, Bukhara is often described as an open-air museum, with its skyline dominated by domes, minarets, and centuries-old madrasahs. On arrival, you’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Poi Kalon complex with its towering minaret, grand mosque, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. You’ll also visit the Magoki Attori Mosque and the domed market of Toki Zargaron, once a bustling trading spot on the Silk Road.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Bukhara 3* or similar

Travel duration: By train – approx. three hours / 120 kilometers.

In the morning, explore a bustling local bazaar, alive with vibrant colours and the rich scents of spices, herbs, and fresh produce. The day continues with a walking tour through Bukhara’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the ancient Ark Citadel, once home to emirs; the elegant Mausoleum of the Samanids; the distinctive Chor Minor with its four minarets; Lyabi Khauz Square, a tranquil gathering place shaded by mulberry trees; and the Mausoleum of Chashma Ayub, said to be built over a spring struck by the prophet Job. You’ll also stop at the intricately decorated Bolo Mosque. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Bukhara 3* or similar

Today’s journey takes you across the vast Kyzylkum Desert—“the Red Sands”—following a route once travelled by Persian legions, nomadic tribes, and the armies of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. Along the way, pause for a scenic picnic by the Amu Darya River, the ancient Oxus, before continuing to Khiva.

Often called The Pearl of the Khorezm Oasis, Khiva is a city of timeless beauty. Once a centre of science and culture, it was home to renowned scholars like Beruni and Nadjmiddin. Within the city’s mudbrick walls, narrow alleyways lead to hidden courtyards behind ornately carved wooden doors. Though steeped in history, Khiva remains a living city, where daily life continues alongside its architectural wonders.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Malika Khiva 3* or similar

Travel duration: By coach – approx. seven hours / 470 kilometers.

Khiva’s old town is a remarkably well-preserved example of Central Asian architecture and urban planning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, it offers a clear window into the region’s past. Behind its thick mudbrick walls, you’ll find a compact maze of alleyways, mosques, madrasahs, and traditional homes where craftspeople still work using centuries-old techniques.

Your visit includes the Kunya Ark fortress, the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah, and the tall, tiled Khodja Minaret. You’ll also explore the Palvan Kari and Rafanek Madrasahs, as well as the Juma Mosque, known for its unique forest of carved wooden columns. The Tash-Hauli Palace stands out for its detailed decoration and the legends surrounding its former rulers.

Later, visit the Uch-Avliyo Mausoleum and Arab Mohammed Khan Madrasah. Throughout the day, you’ll notice the fine wood carving that Khiva is known for. If time allows, climb the Akshi Bobo Tower for a panoramic view of the city, especially striking at sunset.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Malika Khiva 3* or similar

In the morning, you cross into the final country on your journey—Turkmenistan. From here, the road leads deep into the Karakum Desert, toward one of Central Asia’s most surreal natural phenomena: the Darvaza Gas Crater.

Often referred to as the “Gateway to Hell,” the crater is a fiery pit measuring roughly 70 meters across, created in 1971 when a natural gas field collapsed. Geologists set the gas alight to prevent the spread of methane, and it has been burning ever since. The flames, combined with the stark desert surroundings, create an otherworldly scene.

Arriving by sunset, you’ll witness the crater at its most dramatic—its flames casting an eerie glow across the desert as daylight fades. Nearby, enjoy a BBQ dinner under the open sky, a fitting end to a day deep in the heart of the Karakum.

Travel duration: By coach – approx. five to six hours / 380 kilometers.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp

After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat, arriving around midday. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before checking into the hotel and taking a short rest.

In the afternoon, set out on a city tour of Turkmenistan’s capital. Explore the city centre and its key landmarks, including the Russian Bazaar, the striking Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, and the panoramic viewpoint near the Wedding Palace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sport 4*

Travel duration: By coach – approx. three hours / 275 kilometers.

Today’s exploration of Ashgabat begins with a visit to the ancient site of Nisa, once the winter capital of the Parthian Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the National Museum of History, where a remarkable collection of archaeological finds and cultural artifacts provides insight into Turkmenistan’s rich past and diverse heritage.

Later, travel 40 kilometres northeast of the city to a renowned stud farm to see the famed Akhal-Teke horses. These elegant, purebred horses have been raised in Turkmenistan for over 5,000 years. Known for their shimmering coats, speed, and endurance, they are a source of national pride. Learn about their training, care, and role in Turkmen culture.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner in a specially chosen setting—a memorable way to close your Central Asian journey.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sport 4*

This morning, we set off at 9:00 am for a journey into the heart of one of Central Asia’s greatest lost cities—Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road to Mary leads us across vast desert plains to a place that once rivalled the world’s greatest metropolises.

Founded over 2,500 years ago, Merv flourished at the crossroads of civilizations and empires. Conquered by Alexander the Great, shaped by Persian kings, and later crowned as the glittering capital of the Seljuk Turks, Merv became a centre of power, science, and art that stretched its influence from the steppes of Central Asia to the sands of Egypt. But in the 13th century, the Mongol armies swept through, and the city fell silent.

Today, the echoes of its former grandeur still linger among the ruins—crumbling fortresses, ancient mausoleums, and windswept walls that once guarded one of the most advanced cities of its time. It’s a place where history breathes through the dust, and each step connects you with centuries of human endeavour and ambition.

Afterwards, check into your hotel in Mary.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Mary 3*

Travel duration: By coach – approx. four hours / 400 kilometers.

After exploring the ancient ruins of Merv, the journey continues with a visit to the modern heart of Mary—a vibrant city that bridges past and present. Begin at the bustling central bazaar, where vendors offer everything from fragrant spices and freshly baked bread to colourful fabrics and traditional Turkmen handicrafts. It’s a chance to experience everyday life in Mary, where local culture thrives in the rhythm of trade and conversation.

Next, step inside the serene Russian Orthodox Church, a striking remnant of the city’s colonial-era past, offering a quiet moment beneath its ornate domes and icon-covered walls. Then visit the Juma Mosque, Mary’s grand modern mosque, with its spacious courtyard and elegant architecture reflecting the region’s Islamic heritage.

As the afternoon sun begins to dip, we depart Mary and make our way back to Ashgabat. The drive offers a final glimpse of the desert landscapes that have shaped civilizations for millennia—a fitting transition from the rich history of Merv and Mary back to the bold modernity of Turkmenistan’s capital.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sport 4*

Travel duration: By coach – approx. four hours / 400 kilometers.

At a relevant time, meet your AVG Travels representative at the hotel lobby for your private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), taking with you lasting impressions of desert landscapes, historic cities, and the enduring spirit of the Silk Road.

Meals: Breakfast