Silk Road Grand Journey: Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan – Tajikistan – Kazakhstan (16 Days)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat
- Upon arrival in Ashgabat at 03:50, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After some rest, your introduction to the city begins.
- You head to the city center, where wide avenues, white-marble buildings, and green parks create the unique architectural image of the capital.
- You visit Independence Square, see the Arch of Neutrality, stroll through modern city ensembles, and experience the atmosphere of the famous “marble city.”
- In the evening, return to the hotel and rest.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Nisa – Drive to Darvaza
- After breakfast, you travel to Ancient Nisa, one of the former residences of the Parthian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you explore panoramic views of ancient fortifications, excavated palaces, and watchtowers.
- After returning to the city, you continue your journey toward the Karakum Desert. The road leads through sandy landscapes, and by evening you arrive at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater.
- The fiery pit burning in the middle of the desert for more than half a century is a truly mesmerizing sight.
- Dinner at a yurt camp and overnight near the crater create an unforgettable sense of adventure.
Day 3: Crossing into Uzbekistan – Arrival in Khiva
- In the morning, you leave the camp and head toward the Uzbekistan border. After completing border formalities, you are met on the Uzbek side and transferred to Khiva, one of the most atmospheric ancient cities in Central Asia.
- Upon arrival, hotel check-in and rest.
- In the evening, you may enjoy a walk through the quiet streets of Itchan-Kala, softly illuminated by minaret lights.
Day 4: Khiva
- This day is dedicated to Itchan-Kala, the ancient inner city of Khiva, completely surrounded by fortress walls. You move at a relaxed pace between madrasahs, ancient minarets, palaces, and caravanserais.
- You visit Kunya-Ark, the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, and climb viewpoints overlooking the clay-brick city, including the Islam Khoja Minaret.
- Khiva’s old town is a living open-air museum that fully immerses you in the atmosphere of the ancient East.
Day 5: Khiva – Bukhara
- After breakfast, you depart for Bukhara. Along the way, landscapes gradually change: open steppes give way to towns and oases, and the road follows ancient caravan routes.
- Upon arrival, hotel check-in and an evening walk through the old city.
- Under the soft lights of Lyabi-Hauz, among traditional teahouses and craft workshops, Bukhara feels especially warm and atmospheric.
Day 6: Bukhara – Train to Samarkand
- The first half of the day is spent exploring Bukhara’s historic center. You visit the majestic Kalyan Minaret, Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, the Ark Fortress, the ancient Samanid Mausoleum, and traditional domed trading halls.
- Bukhara was one of the most important cultural and scientific centers of medieval Central Asia, and its architectural beauty is felt in every alley.
- In the evening, you take a train to Samarkand (18:00–19:43).
- Upon arrival, hotel accommodation.
Day 7: Samarkand
- In the morning, you visit the legendary Registan Square, one of the most iconic symbols of Central Asia.
- The grand madrasahs decorated with turquoise mosaics create an unforgettable view, especially in evening light.
- You also visit Shakhi-Zinda, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
- Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Samarkand – Tajikistan – Seven Lakes (Haft-Kul)
- In the morning, you travel to the Jartepa border with Tajikistan, cross the border, and meet the Tajik team.
- From here, the journey continues into the Fann Mountains, home to the stunning Seven Lakes (Haft-Kul).
- You gradually ascend the gorge, stopping at each lake.
- Nezhigon, Soya, Gushor, Nofin, and Marguzor impress with colors ranging from emerald green to deep blue.
- You continue higher to the most remote lakes, enjoying the peaceful mountain silence.
- In the evening, descend to Panjikent and check in at the hotel.
Day 9: Panjikent – Drive to Dushanbe
- In the morning, you visit either the Rudaki Museum or the ruins of Ancient Panjikent, a city dating back to the 6th–8th centuries with restored frescoes, streets, and palaces.
- Afterwards, you travel to Dushanbe via mountain passes.
- Upon arrival, a city tour includes Dusti Square, the flagpole, and Rudaki Park.
- Evening at leisure.
Day 10: Dushanbe – Flight to Almaty
- In the morning, you visit the impressive Hissar Fortress, a powerful historical citadel near Dushanbe.
- After returning to the city, you have free time.
- In the evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Almaty (20:40–22:35).
- Upon arrival, hotel transfer and rest.
Day 11: Almaty
- After breakfast, you begin exploring Kazakhstan’s southern capital.
- You visit Panfilov Park, home to the wooden Ascension Cathedral.
- You then head to the Green Bazaar to experience local cuisine and handicrafts.
- After lunch, you ascend Kok-Tobe Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains.
- Free evening.
Day 12: Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes
- Today features a full-day excursion to some of southeastern Kazakhstan’s most scenic natural sites.
- First, you visit Charyn Canyon, a dramatic gorge with red rock formations often compared to the Grand Canyon.
- A walk through the Valley of Castles reveals surreal stone towers and cliffs.
- The journey continues to the Kolsai Lakes, passing through steppes, mountain villages, and spruce forests.
- Upon arrival, enjoy a walk along Kolsai-1, one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes, surrounded by dense coniferous forests.
- Lunch is provided at a guesthouse or local café.
- In the evening, return to Almaty.
Day 13: Big Almaty Lake
- After breakfast, you travel to Big Almaty Lake, a high-mountain reservoir of striking turquoise color set among snow-capped peaks.
- You walk along scenic viewpoints, enjoying mountain silence, fresh air, and panoramic views of the national park.
- Return to Almaty and free time.
Day 14: Medeu & Shymbulak
- Today you visit the Medeu Gorge, home to the famous high-altitude ice rink.
- From here, you take a cable car up to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort.
- Along the way, enjoy spectacular alpine scenery and mountain slopes.
- Light walks and relaxation at mountain cafés are possible.
- Return to Almaty.
Day 15: Free Day in Almaty
- After breakfast, the day is free for rest and independent exploration.
- You may enjoy shopping, museums, cafés, or leisurely walks along the city’s pedestrian streets.
Day 16: Departure from Almaty
- After breakfast, free time until transfer to the airport.
- Farewell to the city and departure home.
Price Includes:
- Professional guides / guide-drivers throughout the entire route
- All transportation during the tour
- Accommodation in 3-4* hotels, guesthouses, and yurts throughout the route (breakfasts included)
- Entrance tickets to all sightseeing attractions along the entire itinerary
- Train ticket Bukhara – Samarkand
- Flight ticket Dushanbe – Almaty
- Dinner and breakfast at Darvaza
- Letter of Invitation (LOI) for Turkmenistan
Not included:
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- International flights before and after the tour
- Additional services in hotels
- Turkmenistan visa fee and border taxes (approx. USD 200 in total)
- Visas for other countries (if required)
