Arrival & Sightseeing in Almaty

Almaty - Upon arriving at Almaty airport, travelers will be greeted by a guide who will escort them to their hotel.

Ascension Cathedral - The striking golden domes and vibrant color palette of the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, Kazakhstan, attract visitors to Panfilov Park. However, the cathedral’s remarkable architecture and rich history are equally captivating. Construction of the Ascension Cathedral began in 1904, following architect Constantin Arkadyevich Borisoglebsky’s design. Since Borisoglebsky left the city in 1902, regional engineer Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov made modifications to the plans and supervised the construction, leading to its common name, Zenkov Cathedral. The cathedral was completed in 1907.

Park Named After Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen - This historical and architectural monument, established in the late 19th century, spans 18 hectares and features numerous old oaks, maples, aspens, pines, and firs surrounding the renowned Ascension (Zenkov) Cathedral. Engineer P. M. Zenkov, who managed the cathedral’s construction, also contributed to the park’s development. Initially called the Urban Garden, it underwent several name changes before being named in 1942 to honor the Panfilov Heroes who defended Moscow in 1941 during WWII. Today, it is a major attraction in Almaty.

The Central Mosque of Almaty - This grand mosque, with its golden dome and minarets set against the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains, is a breathtaking sight. As one of the largest mosques in the country, it accommodates up to 7,000 visitors. The mosque’s courtyard offers picturesque views and a serene atmosphere for relaxation and prayer. It includes separate halls for men and women, Quran reading rooms, a wedding hall, and spaces for Islamic lessons. Visitors are reminded to remove shoes before entering the prayer hall, dress modestly, and maintain silence.

Zeleny Bazar - Zeleny Bazar is a vibrant shopping destination offering a variety of sights, aromas, and tastes. Visitors can explore aisles filled with items ranging from nail clippers to clothing, and fresh produce to smoked horsemeat. Friendly vendors often offer samples of their edible goods.

Bishkek

Bishkek - Travel from Almaty to Bishkek.

Ala-Too Square - This central square in Bishkek is home to the White House, the State History Museum, a flagpole with the national flag, a monument to the April 7 revolution victims, and statues of Chingiz Aitmatov and Manas, the hero of the Kyrgyz epic. Named after the Central & Western Tien-Shan mountains, the square and its surrounding buildings, including the Historical Museum, form a cohesive architectural ensemble. Built in 1984, the square features marble and granite facades and intersects Chui Avenue and Kievskaya Street.

State History Museum - The Kyrgyz State History Museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people, with exhibits ranging from ancient sculptures to 20th-century artifacts. It is a key museum in Central Asia.

Victory Square - Dedicated to the WWII victory of the allied forces, Victory Square in Bishkek was established in 1985 to mark the 40th anniversary of the war’s end.

Osh Bazaar - Bishkek’s central bazaar is a lively and significant city landmark. It offers traditional Kyrgyz clothing, including ak kalpak hats and colorful shepherds’ chests. While Mondays are quieter, the bazaar is bustling on other days.

Fly to Osh, Sightseeing, Drive to Margilan

Osh - Transfer from hotel to airport for a morning flight to Osh, then fly from Bishkek to Osh.

Lenin Monument - This is the only remaining statue of Lenin in Central Asia, offering a glimpse into Soviet nostalgia.

Visit Silk Factory, Rishtan Ceramics, Drive to Kokand

Yodgorlik Silk Factory - Founded in 1983 to preserve traditional silk weaving techniques, the Yodgorlik Silk Factory produces high-quality handmade goods. Employing over 100 workers, the factory handles the entire production process, from feeding silkworms to dyeing and weaving silk. Guided tours are available for visitors to learn about Margilan’s silk weaving industry.

Kumtepa Bazaar - A colorful local bazaar known for its unique earth-oven baked bread.

Rishtan - A 60km, one-hour drive to Rishtan to visit a traditional ceramic workshop.

Kokand - Travel through endless fruit orchards to Kokand.

Khan Palace - Built in 1871, this palace complex covers four acres with a three-meter-thick foundation. It features a high portal, a large entrance arch, and four minarets. Surrounded by a carved stone wall, the palace includes seven courtyards and 119 rooms. The main gate bears the inscription: “Great Seyed Mohammad Khudayar Khan.”

Jami Mosque - Kokand’s most impressive mosque, constructed by Umar Khan in 1812, features a 22m minaret and a colorful 100m-long portico supported by 98 red-wood columns from India. The complex now serves as a museum of applied art, showcasing suzani and ceramics. An on-site workshop produces delicious pistachio-flavored halva.

Norbut-Biya Madrasah - Originally closed by the Bolsheviks in 1799, the Narbutabey Medressa reopened after independence but was closed again in 2008. Visitors can explore the mosque, with its original ceiling, and the non-operational medressa, now called the Mir Medressa.

Drive to Khujand, Tajikistan, Sightseeing

Khujand - Travel to Khujand, crossing the Uzbek-Tajik border.

Khujand Fortress - Visit Khujand Fortress for a historical insight into Tajikistan and its people. Now a history museum, it features exhibits detailing the country’s development from early settlers to modern times. Ancient archaeological findings are preserved under a glass floor, allowing visitors to walk over history.

Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification - This museum in the city center showcases relics from various historical periods, offering a journey through local and national history.

Drive to Penjikent

Panjakent - Travel over the Shakristan pass, 3300m above sea level, to Penjikent.

Republican Museum of History and Local Lore of Rudaki - This museum primarily features artifacts excavated from Sarazm and Ancient Penjikent, nearby archaeological sites. It has eight rooms covering Penjikent’s history, ancient sites, poet Rudaki’s life and work, local customs, and aspects of the national economy.

Proto-urban site of Sarazm - Sarazm, meaning “where the land begins,” is an archaeological site that illustrates the development of human settlements in Central Asia from the 4th to the 3rd millennium BCE. The ruins highlight early proto-urbanization and demonstrate commercial and cultural exchanges with regions from Central Asia to the Indian Ocean.

Drive Penjikent-Samarkand, Half-Day Sightseeing in Samarkand

Samarkand - Cross the Jar-tepa border from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan, covering 70km.

Registan - Registan became the city square after life in Afrosiab ceased. It has been reconstructed several times and is now surrounded by the medreses Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tillokori.

Gur Emir Mausoleum - The Gur Emir Mausoleum is the resting place of Tamerlane, a conqueror of vast territories. Visitors can reflect on his legacy while viewing the world’s largest piece of jade.

Bibi Khanym Mosque - Named after Temur’s wife and built between 1399-1404, this mosque is a renowned architectural attraction in Central Asia, erected after Timur’s conquest of Delhi.

Siab Bazaar - Siab Bazaar in Samarkand remains as impressive as ever, showcasing Uzbekistan’s natural wealth and the talents of its people through abundant produce and handicrafts.

Half-Day Sightseeing in Samarkand, Free Time

Shah-i-Zinda - The Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble, located on the southeastern mound of Afrosiab, consists of 44 tombs in over 20 mausoleums. Shah E Zinda, the Prophet Muhammad’s first cousin, is of great significance here.

Ulugh Beg Observatory - Built by Ulugbek, Amir Timur’s grandson, in the 14th century on Afrosiyob hill, this ancient observatory overlooks Samarkand.

Afrasiyab Museum - Situated near the central bazaar and Afrasiab hills, the Afrasiab Museum is dedicated to Samarkand’s rich history. The collection includes artifacts from Alexander the Great’s time, with highlights like unique wall paintings depicting royal hunts and celebrations.

Tourist Village - Konigil - Just outside Samarkand, the Konigil Meros Paper Factory, founded by the Mukhtarov brothers, revives the ancient art of Samarkand paper-making. Visitors can observe the handcrafted production process and participate in a masterclass.

Train Samarkand-Bukhara, Optional Tour in Bukhara Countryside

Bukhara - Transfer to Samarkand train station for a morning train to Bukhara.

Bukhara - Enjoy a free afternoon or opt for a four-hour tour in the Bukhara countryside, including visits to Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, Naqshbandi Mausoleum, and Fayzullo Hodjaev’s House Museum.

Full-Day Sightseeing in Bukhara

Trading Domes - A medieval oriental bazaar featuring artisan workshops.

Ark of Bukhara - The Ark, Bukhara’s oldest structure, served as a royal mini-town for over a millennium. Its origins are ancient, and it was the focal point around which the medieval town developed.

Moschea Bolo-khauz - Opposite the Ark Fortress, the Bolo Hauz, meaning “above the pool,” features an octagonal hauz in front. Built in 1712, it is one of Bukhara’s last major pre-modern buildings.

Maghak-i ‘Attari Mosque - Central Asia’s oldest surviving mosque, once a Buddhist and Zoroastrian temple, is known for its marvelous brickwork architecture.

Lyab-i-Hauz - Built in the 16th-17th centuries, the Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble is a major Bukhara square, popular for its grandeur, tranquility, and historical significance.

Train to Urgench, Sightseeing in Khiva

Bukhara - Early transfer to the train station in Bukhara.

Urgench - Early train from Kokand to Urgench.

Khiva - Free afternoon.

Sightseeing in Khiva

Kalta Minor Minaret - Known for its unique decor and incompleteness, the Kalta-minor is a minaret covered with glazed tile and majolica. Commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, it was intended to rise over 70 meters but stopped at 29 meters, earning the name Kalta-minor (Short minaret).

Citadel Kunya-ark - The Kunya Ark, a fortified citadel in Khiva, was originally built in the 12th century. The current layout was constructed by Arang Khan in the late 17th century and is the largest of Khiva’s buildings.

Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum - Dedicated to Pahlavan Mahmud, a local poet and philosopher known for his strength and healing abilities. The mausoleum, initially modest, was expanded into a magnificent structure with the city’s largest dome.

Juma Mosque - Located at the heart of Khiva’s Ichan Kala, the Juma Mosque is where the ruling Khan’s name was read during Friday prayers.

Stone Palace (Tash Khauli) - Built between 1830-1838, Tash-Khauli Palace in Ichan-Kala exemplifies Khorezm architectural grandeur.

Islam Khodja Complex - This complex in Khiva’s Ichan-Kala includes a madrasa and minaret, named after Islam Khodja, the grand vizier and cousin of Muhammad Rahmi Bahadur II.

Urgench - Transfer from Khiva to Urgench airport.

Tashkent - Flight from Urgench to Tashkent (1 hour 15 minutes). Transfer to hotel in Tashkent.

Tashkent City Sightseeing

Navoi Opera Theater - Designed by Alexey Shchusev, the theater was built between 1942-1947 and opened to celebrate Alisher Navoi’s 500th anniversary. Tours are conducted outside the building.

Ensemble Hazrati Imam - The Khazrati-Imam ensemble, also known as Khast-Imam, is a spiritual monument in Tashkent’s old city. It includes the Tillya Sheikh mosque, Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan madrasah, and Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute.

Amir Temur Square - A central green space in modern Tashkent, featuring a statue of Tamerlane on horseback.

Metro Taschkent - Central Asia’s first underground metro, opened in 1977, features unique architectural designs with marble, granite, columns, and colorful bas-reliefs.

Independence Square (Mustakillik Square) - Formerly Red Square, this area is now a beautiful garden with fountains, popular with local families.

Palace of the Romanovs - Built in 1891, this residence of Prince Romanov is now the Reception House of the MFA of Uzbekistan. Tours are conducted from outside.

Chorsu Bazaar - Located on historic Eski-Juva Square, Chorsu Bazaar has been a trade and social hub for over a century. Its blue-domed halls house shops and storage, offering fresh produce, meats, traditional dishes, and handicrafts.

Departure

Tashkent International Airport - Transfer to Tashkent Airport for departure.

• Licensed experienced local guide in each city
• Visa support letter if needed (check visa rules before travel)
• Accommodation in high-rated 3-star hotels
• 24/7 customer service
• All entrance tickets to Museums included
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast included
• All fees and taxes covered
• Single room supplement for odd-numbered groups

• Visa fees
• Tips for guides & drivers
• Photo/Video charge to be paid cash to Museum at entrance
• Flight Bishkek-Osh pls book online with international flight
• Flight Urgench-Tashkent, please book online

Embark on a private journey to explore the historic Silk Road across four Central Asian nations with the assistance of a professional IATA certified agency that includes a dedicated team of reservation professionals, guides, and drivers. Utilize your time to discover renowned touristic cities rather than fretting about the subsequent stages of your voyage. The tour includes all principal cities and attractions, yet it can be rearranged and personalized at minimal or no cost. Reserve as soon as you can to obtain the quickest trains and choice seats. No shortcuts, surplus or concealed charges, satisfaction assured.

• Please check Uzbekistan entry requirement https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.