DAY 1: ARRIVE AT TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN)

Upon arrival in Tashkent airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel (includes immediate occupancy).

Tashkent is one of the oldest and largest cities in Central Asia, and the Uzbek capital since 1930. It is very much a showpiece of Soviet and post-Soviet architecture. In the afternoon start exploring the capital and visit the old town. Khast Imam Square is in the old Tashkent city, within blocks of small mud houses and here you will find relics of the Muslim world. It is the religious centre of Tashkent and a place of worship for Muslim pilgrims. Visit the Barak Khana Seminary, Tila Shaikh mosque, Mausoleum of St. Kaffal Shashi, and Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari, where future priests are taught. A rich library of oriental manuscripts is also located there, and the world-famous Koran of the third Caliph Osman has been preserved here. Later continue to Chorsu bazaar, the oldest market in Tashkent and Kukeldash Madrasah.

Overnight at Bek Hotel or similar

DAY2: TASHKENT – URGENCH

Morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Urgench. You will be collected from the airport and driven to Khiva. Khiva is a city meant for walking. It is compact, well looked after and basks in a beautiful desert light.

This walking tour takes in all the major sights of the Ichan Kala - the citadel - where we will see the truncated Kalta Minor Minaret, the Kunya Ark, the Madrasah Rakhimkhon, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and Islam Khodja Minaret - from the latter you will get a view of the entire town around you and the desert beyond. As you walk around, you relive the history around you - the town is thought to date back more than 2,000 years. What you see now would not be dissimilar to the city that the Russian army stormed in 1873 in their conquest of Central Asia. The ravages of modern development have been largely kept away from the citadel itself, which adds to its charm.

Overnight at Shaherezada Hotel or similar

DAY 3: KHIVA – UZBEK-TURKMEN BORDER - DASOGUZ (TURKMENISTAN)

Today you will drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border. After the border formalities, you will meet with the local guide from Turkmenistan and proceed to Dashoguz.

Overnight at Dashoguz Hotel or similar

DAY 4: DASOGUZ – KUNYA URGENCH – DARWAZA - ASHGABAT

Today you will visit Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once the glorious capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire and the largest Muslim empire from the late 12th to early 13th centuries. Take a close look at the outstanding monuments of the medieval Khorezm. You will also visit the 14th century Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, one of the best living examples of the architecture of its period. Other architectural monuments include Minaret of Kutlug Timur, once the tallest minaret of Central Asia that formed a part of the main cathedral mosque of the city; Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh, a beautiful 12th century mausoleum with a unique conical dome; Kyrk-Mollah mound, the fabled Al- Mamun’s Academy of Sciences and the Mausoleum of Il-Arslan, a tiny precursor of the unique

Khorezmian Mausoleums with a pyramidal cone as its dome. Thereafter proceed to the Gas Crater – Darwaza which is located to the North of Ashgabat.

Stop at a nomadic village and in the evening observe the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. Picnic style dinner before driving to Ashgabat. (Note: arrival at Ashgabat will be round midnight).

Overnight at Grand Turkmen/Sport Hotel or similar

DAY 5: ASHGABAT

After breakfast, explore the capital of Turkmenistan. Start with the monument and park of independence, a white-marble monument resembling the Eiffel tower, standing in a beautiful park, a fountain- monument with a sculptural depiction of ten Akhal-Tekke horses placed on top of the beautiful fountain, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Independence and the impressive Ertoghrul Ghazi Mosque. Later, you will visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography (closed on Tuesdays), with more than 327,000 objects on display, and see the exclusive ancient artefacts from different historical and archaeological sites of Turkmenistan, like Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, etc. After lunch, visit the colourful Russian bazaar where you will be plunged into an atmosphere that resembles the rhythm of Ashgabat life, and peculiarities of the mentality of the Turkmen capital’s residents.

Overnight at Grand Turkmen/Sport Hotel or similar

DAY 6: ASHGABAT - MARY/MERV - BUKHARA (UZBEKISTAN)

Early morning check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Mary/Merv. Visit Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia. Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2000 years. The splendid 12th century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammedibn-Zeyd, demonstrate exquisite Seljuk period brickwork and architectural décor. In the afternoon, transfer to the Turkmen Uzbek border - Farab. After border crossing formalities meet your Uzbek guide and drive to Bukhara.

Overnight at Royal Bukhara Hotel or similar

DAY 7: BUKHARA

After breakfast, leave on a walking tour. Bukhara, the former capital, and a centre for Islamic learning, has over 300 mosques and was considered the holiest city in Asia with its 80 Madrassahs. Your full-day sightseeing tour of Bukhara includes visits to Lyab-I Khauz ensemble, the pool and chaykhana, which is the modern centre of traditional Uzbekistan; Madrassah Nadir Divan-Begi, Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka and Magoki Attori Mosque; Poi Kalon minaret and mosque, Madrassahs Aziz Khan and Ulugbek.

After lunch visit Ark Fortress, Balakhauz Mosque, Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid and Chashma Ayub. You will also visit Hunarmand UNDP Assisted workshops near Lyabikhauz where you can see block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, wood carving, miniature painting and gold embroidery.

Overnight at Royal Bukhara Hotel or similar

DAY 8: BUKHARA - GIJDUVAN - SAMARKAND

After breakfast visit Poi Kalyan Minaret and Mosque. You will also visit Madrassah of Ulugbek and Madrassah of Abdul Aziz Khan before leaving for Samarkand. En route visit Gijduvan, where you will visit the house of famous potter, Alisher. You will see all the processes from preparing clay to pottery making. Gijduvan pottery is famous for its unique coloration and techniques. Lunch will be with Alisher Nazrullayev’s family where you will also get to learn the art of Uzbek bread baking and shashlik

preparation.

On arrival in Samarkand, visit the Registan Square. Registan means desert in Persian and is the centrepiece of the city. It is also one of the most spectacular sights in Central Asia. Within the Registan itself, visit the three madrasahs namely the Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah and the Tilla-Kori Madrasah. Each of these three madrasahs was built at a different time with its own unique purpose, history, and architecture.

Overnight at Gur Emir Hotel or similar

DAY 9: SAMARKAND – TASHKENT (by fast train)

After breakfast, visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum. This magnificent structure that began its construction in the 15 th century and occupies an important place in the history of Islamic architecture, like the Taj Mahal in India. It is also the tomb of the great Tamerlane. Thereafter visit the Bibi-Khanum Madrasah and the local market “Siab”.

After lunch, visit the Ulugbek Observatory, built by Ulugbek, a Timurid ruler in the 15th century who was also a famous astronomer. Then visit the Shahi-Zinda complex. It is one of the well-known necropolises in Central Asia. Shahi-Zinda means “The Living King” in Persian. The complex was formed over nine centuries and now has more than twenty buildings which includes mausoleums and other ritual buildings.

Transfer to the train station to take the evening train to Tashkent. Upon arrival you will be met at the railway station and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at Bek Hotel or similar

DAY 10: TASHKENT – KHOJAND (TAJIKISTAN)

In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the Uzbek-Tajik border. After border formalities, your Tajik guide will meet you and drive you to Khujand city, the second largest city of Tajikistan. It is situated on the Syr Darya River, at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd.

In the afternoon, visit the Cultural Palace of Khujand, where the first president of Tajikistan was chosen. Also visit the Central Mosque that is situated in the middle of the city and its nearby bazaar.

Overnight at Khujand Deluxe Hotel or similar

DAY 11: KHOJAND - DUSHANBE

After breakfast, drive to Dushanbe. The road goes over Anzob Pass (3,372 m) and the tunnel of Isticlol. The road goes over mountain passes and you will have many photo stops along the way. The second half of the day will be for a guided city tour. Visit Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state

seal, House of Parliament and Jomi theatre. Thereafter, walk in the National Park to see the Ministry of Inner Affairs building and the biggest National Flag in the world – 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long.

You will also visit the Archeological Museum and Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. Dinner will be in a traditional restaurant where you can try Tajik food.

Overnight at Atlas Hotel or similar

DAY 12: DUSHANBE

In the morning, drive 35 km to visit Hisor fortress (7th–17th centuries). This historical site has fortified areas and citadel. The fortress used to be the residence of delegates of the Emir of Bukhara. Located on a high hill, it was well defended with 1m thick walls and loopholes for guns and cannons. Inside the fortress, there is a pool and garden and across from the fortress there is a busy market square with a caravanserai and shops. Apart from the entrance gate with its two imposing towers, not much has survived of the fortress. Other interesting sites in Hisor include: the recently restored monuments of “Madrasah-i- Kuhna” (new school of 16th-17th century), mosque and the mausoleum of “Mahdumi Azam” (16th century).

Overnight at Atlas Hotel or similar

DAY 13: DUSHANBE – ALMATY (KAZAKHSTAN)

After breakfast there will be some free time before check-out. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Almaty in Kazakhstan. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at Kazzhol Park Hotel or similar

DAY 14: ALMATY

Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan and is still its largest city. Being a financial and cultural centre of Central Asia, Almaty boasts moderate sized tourist and expatriate communities. Visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, located in the heart of the city. This park is the memorial of glory and in eternal memory of those who defended the country with great courage and honour.

Continue your journey to the orthodox Zenkov Cathedral which is deservingly considered the most interesting architectural monument in Almaty. This wooden building, towering at a height of 56m, was built without using any nails. After lunch, visit Central Mosque and the Golden room in the Central Historical Museum. Here you find magnificent exhibits and a big collection of Kazak National tools and the history of jewellery art of Kazakhstan. Next, visit Republic Square - the largest open public space in the city, flanked by impressive modern edifices on every side. A tall obelisk, rising from street level is the Independence Monument.

Overnight at Kazzhol Park Hotel or similar

DAY 15: ALMATY - BISHKEK- ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK (KYRGYZSTAN)

After breakfast drive to Bishkek – capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and drive out of the city to visit Ala Archa Gorge (45 km), a Nature Park located on a spur of the Tien Shan Mountain range. Embark on a short hiking tour to enjoy the panoramic views of the gorge. Lunch at local restaurant and in the afternoon, you will return to Bishkek.

Before dinner proceed on an orientation city tour of Bishkek, visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park) and Central Ala-Too Square. But no tour of Bishkek is complete without visiting the Asian Bazaar! This bazaar is a noisy and colorful tapestry of fabrics, produce, and people selling and buying goods.

Overnight at Plaza Hotel or similar

DAY 16: BISHKEK – KARAKOL (450 km, 7-7.5 hrs, including stops on the way)

After an early breakfast, leave for Karakol city along the Chuy valley, Boom canyon, Balikchi city and south shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Your first stop will be at Bokonbaevo village, where you will meet a local eagle-hunter. There are still some people in the village who continue this ancient way of hunting. They train eagles and hawks when the birds are still young and every winter they go with the birds to the mountains for hunting. Here you’ll have the opportunity to learn many interesting facts their way of hunting.

Next stop will be Jetti Oguz (“seven bulls”) gorge that is famous for its red rock formations. Here you’ll also see Broken Heart Mountain. There will be plenty of photo opportunities while hiking the mountain (20 minutes), from where you will enjoy breath-taking, panoramic views. Continue to Karakol.

Overnight at Green Yard Hotel or similar

DAY 17: KARAKOL - ISSY KUL LAKE (150 km)

Start your day with a city-tour. Visit the Dungan Mosque that was built in the Chinese-style without using a single metal nail. Also visit an old wooden Orthodox Church and the Museum of N.M. Prjevalskiy – the famous explorer of Tien Shan mountains.

Drive to Cholpon Ata, situated on the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world, after Lake Titicaca in South America. 182 km long and 58 km wide, the lake appeared because of volcanic activity. Issyk-Kul means “warm lake” and refers to the fact that it never freezes, despite its high elevation. With diverse flora and fauna, Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding environs are rightly considered to be one of Central Asia’s most remarkable locations.

In Cholpon Ata visit the open-air Petroglyph’s Museum (dating back to 800 BC). These petroglyphs were made over 2000 years ago by local shamans. The images are of primitive long-horned ibex, horses, camels, and snow leopards. There are several thousand petroglyphs here, providing a glimpse into the world of the Iron Age. Your accommodation will be in a hotel located on the shore of the lake.

Overnight at Karven Hotel or similar

DAY 18: ISSY KUL LAKE - BISHKEK – DEPARTURE

After breakfast there will be some free time before departing for Bishkek. En-route visit an archaeological centre; Burana Tower (11th century minaret); a collection of Balbals (stone warriors) and ancient Turkic tombs. Explore the ruins of this important trading point of the Ancient Silk Road. Later you will be driven to Bishkek airport for your departure flight.