ALMATY

Almaty - Arrive in the morning at Almaty, the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to a hotel (Plaza 4* or similar) to leave your luggage. Please inform us if you wish to arrive a day earlier or require an early check-in on Day 1.

The city tour of Almaty begins next. Today’s itinerary includes:

Park Named After Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen - Visit Panfilov Park, the oldest park in Almaty, featuring Zenkov Cathedral, the eternal flame, and World War II monuments.

Zeleny Bazar - Explore the Green Bazaar, a traditional market offering local shopping, dried fruits, and souvenirs.

Republic Square - Discover Republic Square, home to national monuments and city administration.

Kok-Tobe Hill - Visit the legendary Hotel Kazakhstan, the first tallest building in Central Asia. Kok Tobe, meaning Green Hill in Kazakh, is a recreational area on a hilltop offering a cable car ride and panoramic views of Almaty. Also, see the Opera and Ballet Theatre, showcasing old Soviet architecture, and Panfilov Alley, highlighting Almaty’s cultural life with restaurants and architecture.

After this delightful Almaty tour, enjoy some personal free time. Have a wonderful evening! Tomorrow, the journey continues into the regions…

ALMATY - CHARYN CANYON - KOLSAY

Charyn Canyon - After breakfast, embark on a journey to the renowned Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the Grand Canyon’s little brother (3 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy exploring Charyn through hiking and photography. Lunch will be at a café.

Kolsai Lake - Continue to the enchanting Kolsay Lakes (2 hours), known as the “Pearls of the Tien Shan.” Nestled among conifer forests and towering peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, these small alpine lakes are located in southeastern Kazakhstan, near the Kyrgyzstan border. Upon arrival in Saty village, check into a guesthouse. A short 10-minute drive takes you to the first lake, where you can walk around and enjoy the crisp alpine air. Personal free time follows, with dinner in the evening. Tomorrow, delve deeper into exploring Kolsay and another hidden gem, Kaindy Lake.

KOLSAY - KAINDY LAKE - ALMATY

Lake Kaindy - After breakfast, take a short drive (12km) in old Soviet UAZ trucks to explore the magical turquoise Lake Kaindy, famous for its submerged spruce trees. This picturesque alpine lake was formed by a massive landslide caused by the “Kemin earthquake” in 1911. Enjoy free time at this fascinating location before returning to the village for lunch. Next, return to Kolsay Lake for a more detailed exploration, walking through forest terrain to a panoramic viewpoint. Enjoy free time to take in the views and capture beautiful photographs. Boat rides are available in summer (optional).

Almaty - Drive back to Almaty (300 km), arriving in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

ALMATY - BISHKEK

Bishkek - Today, cross into Kyrgyzstan for the next adventure. After breakfast, drive towards the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border (3.5 hours), passing through “Kordai” border control. Once across, continue to Bishkek city (40 minutes). Begin the city tour of Bishkek, visiting:

Victory Square - Explore Victory Square, featuring World War II monuments and the eternal flame. Visit the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre, showcasing beautiful Soviet architecture, and Oak Park, an open-air art gallery.

Ala-Too Square - Discover Ala-Too Square, the city’s main square, with the largest flagpole and guards of honor, the Manas monument, History Museum, and the White House.

Erkindik Boulevard - Visit the Old Railway Station and “Erkindik” or “Freedom” Boulevard.

Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Hall - Explore Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Square, home to the Mayor’s office and International University. Check into a hotel and enjoy free time in the evening.

BISHKEK - BURANA - KOK MOINOK - CHOLPON ATA

Burana Tower - After breakfast, head towards Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake (230km). En route, visit the famous historical landmark, Burana Tower (11th century), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend about 30 minutes here, climbing the tower, visiting an archaeology museum, and viewing “balbals” (ancient stones with depictions).

Kok Moinok Canyon - Continue to the Issyk Kul region, stopping at the stunning Kok Moinok Canyon for a light hike. Enjoy lunch.

Cholpon Ata - Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata, the central town on the lake’s north coast, check into a hotel. Enjoy personal free time and dinner.

CHOLPON ATA - GRIGORIEV GORGE - SEMYONOV GORGE - KARAKOL

Grigorievka - After breakfast, head to the local dock for a scenic ship ride on Issyk Kul Lake. The ship will stop 4km out at a depth of 120m. During the hot season (May-September), enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In other seasons, enjoy the lake’s beauty and surrounding mountains from the ship.

Karakol - Continue to Karakol, a town between the north and south coasts of the Issyk Kul region. Visit two stunning gorges, Grigoriev and Semyonov, to explore beautiful mountainous landscapes and a hidden alpine lake. Enjoy lunch before arriving in Karakol and checking into a hotel. After a brief rest, drive to the nearby village of Ak Suu for a relaxing swim in hot spring pools near a forest, a perfect end to an active day. Return to Karakol for dinner at a national restaurant.

KARAKOL - JETI OGUZ - BARSKOON - SKAZKA - KAJI SAY

Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks) - In the morning, enjoy a quick tour of Karakol, visiting the Old Orthodox Church (1895) and Dungan Mosque (1910). Optionally, visit a local hand-made souvenir shop. Then, head to Jeti Oguz Valley, famous for its red rock formations, and spend time at a panoramic viewpoint.

KAJI SAY - AK SAI - BISHKEK

Bokonbayevo - After breakfast, drive to the nearby village of Bokonbaevo to gather supplies for a delightful picnic. Visit the neighboring village of Ak Sai to meet a local “Berkutchi” (eagle man) for a fascinating experience:

Kyrgyz Eagle Hunting - This traditional form of falconry, dating back thousands of years, involves using trained golden eagles to hunt small prey (only artificial animal carcasses are used during the hunts). Learn key facts about these majestic birds and participate in national archery.

Next, drive to the adjacent Ak Say Canyons (also known as the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers) for a beautiful, light hike to a panoramic spot (1 hour round trip). Enjoy a delicious picnic in paradise, with opportunities for swimming and relaxing on the wild beach of Issyk Kul Lake.

Bishkek - Bid farewell to the enchanting Issyk Kul region and return to Bishkek (230km). Check into the hotel upon arrival, with free time and dinner.

BISHKEK - TASHKENT

Tashkent - After breakfast, head to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, begin exploring Tashkent, starting with the charming Old Tashkent. Admire architectural gems such as:

Barak-Khan Madrassah - Visit Barak-Khan Madrasah and Tillya Sheikh Mosque in Hast Imam Square, and the Library of Eastern Manuscripts, home to centuries-old texts.

Chorsu Bazaar - Explore Chorsu Bazaar. After lunch, take the metro to the modern heart of the city:

Amir Temur Square - Visit the Monument of Courage, Independence Square, the Residence of Romanov (the exiled grandson of Russian Emperor Nikolai I), the Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Amir Timur Square, named after the legendary conqueror. Check into a hotel and enjoy personal free time in the evening.

TASHKENT - SAMARKAND

Samarkand - After breakfast, travel to Samarkand (2 hours). Upon arrival, begin the Samarkand excursion:

Registan - Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum and tombs of the Timurid dynasty, Registan Square (the heart of Samarkand), and Siyab Bazaar (an open-air market). Enjoy a lunch break at a national restaurant, tasting the legendary Samarkand Plov. Continue the city tour:

Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum - Explore Bibi-Khanym Palace (15th century), Ulugbek Observatory (famous astronomer and grandson of Tamerlane), and the Shahi-Zinda architectural complex. Check into a hotel and enjoy personal free time in the evening.

SAMARKAND - BUKHARA

Bukhara - After breakfast, continue the journey from Samarkand to Bukhara (2 hours). Upon arrival, begin the Bukhara city tour:

Chor-Minor - Visit the Kalyan Minaret (also known as the Tower of Death), Chor Minor (“Four Minarets” in Farsi), and the Lyabi Hauz area. Enjoy a lunch break at a national restaurant before continuing the Bukhara tour:

Lyab-i-Hauz - Explore the Ark Citadel (a massive fortress) and the trading domes of Bukhara. Check into a hotel and enjoy personal free time in the evening.

BUKHARA - FARAP - MARY

Mary - Drive through legendary desert landscapes to the historical town of Mary (4 hours). Enjoy lunch along the way. Check into a hotel and enjoy free time to rest. In the evening, explore Mary and enjoy dinner.

MARY - ASHGABAT

Merv - In the morning, continue exploring Mary and the ancient historical landmark Merv, dating back to at least the 6th century BCE. Merv was a significant center on the Great Silk Road, serving as a major hub for trade and culture between China, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Explore the area, discovering numerous ancient structures such as city walls, palaces, mosques, mausoleums, and fortresses.

Ashgabat - Enjoy lunch at a restaurant before traveling from Mary to Ashgabat, the capital city. Check into a hotel upon arrival. Enjoy a group walk in the evening and dinner at a restaurant. Tomorrow, explore Ashgabat in detail.

ASHGABAT

Monument Arch of Neutrality - Today, enjoy a comprehensive introduction to Ashgabat. Begin the city tour with visits to Independence Park, the Turkmenistan National Museum (showcasing history and heritage), the Arch of Neutrality (featuring a golden statue of the country’s first president), and the Wedding Palace (a giant cube with a ball atop).

ASHGABAT - DARVAZA

Darvaza Gas Crater - After breakfast, set off for Turkmenistan’s most famous landmark, Darvaza (3.5 hours), a natural burning gas crater often referred to as the “Gates of Hell.” Enjoy lunch along the way. Upon arrival at Darvaza, check into a yurt camp. Enjoy free time to view the burning crater, take photos, and soak in the otherworldly atmosphere at sunset. Dinner will be at the camp, with an overnight stay in yurts.

DARVAZA - ASHGABAT

Ashgabat - In the morning, enjoy more free time to take in the sights of Darvaza. Then, return to the white city of Ashgabat (3.5 hours). Check into the hotel upon arrival and enjoy lunch at a restaurant. Enjoy personal free time to rest, followed by an evening group walk and a farewell dinner at a restaurant. The next morning, you will be transferred to Ashgabat airport for your flight home, with daily direct departures to Istanbul and Dubai (check the schedule for direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, London, Frankfurt, Milan, and Abu Dhabi).

• Visa voucher and LOI for Turkmenistan
• Admission fees
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Private transportation

Embark on an incredible 16-day journey through the 4 STANS of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

Explore 4 countries and experience countless adventures! Enjoy two weeks of awe-inspiring sights and thrilling activities.

This adventure is perfectly balanced and optimized for a vibrant yet comfortable pace.

No matter the season—summer, winter, autumn, or spring—this 16-day tour is crafted to be your unforgettable Central Asian adventure all year round!

Everything is ready for you to enjoy!

On this once-in-a-lifetime journey, you’ll engage in a variety of authentic Central Asian experiences:

• Hiking in the legendary Tian Shan mountains
• Horseback riding
• Staying in traditional yurts
• Visiting Silk Road cities
• Savoring national cuisines
• Meeting local artisans who bring centuries-old traditions to life, and much more!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.