Almaty

Morning arrival in Kazakhstan’s south capital city Almaty. You ’ll be met at the airport and transported to a hotel (Plaza 4*; or similar) to drop your luggage - NOTE: let us know if you’d like to arrive one day prior to the tour or if you need an early hotel check-in on Day 1. Next, we’re starting the city excursion of Almaty. Places that we’ll visit today include:

Park Named After Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen

Panfilov Park (the oldest park in Almaty): Zenkov cathedral; eternal fire; Second World War monuments

Zeleny Bazar

Green Bazaar (traditional market): local shopping; dried fruits; souvenirs

Republic Square

Republic Square: national monuments; city administration

Park Kok Tobe

The legendary hotel Kazakhstan: first tallest building in Central Asia Kok Tobe (Green Hill from Kazakh language): recreation area located on a hilltop; cable car ride; Almaty city panoramic viewpoint Opera and Ballet theatre: old Soviet architecture Panfilov alley: cultural life of Almaty; restaurants / architechture After this lovely Almaty excursion you ’ll have your personal free time. Enjoy your evening! Tomorrow we’re heading into regions...

Charyn Canyon

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re hitting the road and making our way towards the famous Charyn canyon - often called the Grand Canyon's little brother (3 hours). Upon arrival, we’re having a beautiful time for Charyn’s exploration: hiking and taking pictures. Lunch in a cafe.

Kolsai Lake

Next, we’re moving on and heading towards the enchanting Kolsay lakes (2 hours) that are also referred to as the "Pearls of the Tien Shan” . Hidden among the conifer forests and tall peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, these small alpine lakes are located in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, along the border with Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival in Saty village, we’re checking in to a guesthouse. 10 minute drive to the first lake: walking around and enjoying the crispy alpine air. Personal free time. Dinner. Tomorrow we’re delving deep into exploring Kolsay and another hidden gem - Kaindy lake.

Lake Kaindy

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re taking the old Soviet trucks UAZ and driving shortly (12km) to explore the magical turquoise lake Kaindy (the famous lake with spruce trees sticking out of water). This picturesque alpine lake emerged as the result of a massive landslide in the area caused by the devastating “Kemin earthquake” in 1911. Free time for enjoying this fascinating place. Return to the village for lunch. Next, we’re coming back to Kolsay lake for a more detailed exploration: walking through the forest terrain and on to a panoramic viewpoint. Free time for contemplating the views and taking some nice photographs. Boat riding available in summer (optional).

Almaty

Next, we’re driving back to Almaty (300 km). Arrival in the evening and dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Bishkek

Today, we’re switching countries and starting the next adventure in Kyrgyzstan. In the morning, after breakfast, we’re driving towards the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (3,5 hours). Passing through “Kordai” border control. As soon as we happen on the other side, we’re driving to Bishkek city (40 minutes). Next, we’re starting the beautiful city excursion of Bishkek. Places we’ll visit today:

Victory Square

Victory square: Second World War monuments and eternal fire Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet theater: beautiful Soviet architecture Oak park: open air art gallery

Ala-Too Square

Ala Too Square: the main square of the city; biggest flagpole with guards of honor; Manas monument; History museum; White House

Old Railway station “Erkindik” or “Freedom” boulevard

Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Hall

Kyrgyz State Philharmonic square: Mayor’s office, International University Hotel check-in. Free time in the evening.

Burana Tower

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re heading towards the second largest alpine lake in the world - Issyk Kul (230km). On the way, we’re visiting a famous historical landmark - Burana Tower (11th century). This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here: climb onto top of the tower, visit an archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at “balbals” (ancient stones with depictions).

Kok Moinok Canyon

Resuming the way to Issyk Kul region. On the way, we’re visiting a fabulous Kok Moinok canyon for a light but awesome hike. Lunch.

Cholpon Ata

Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s north coast) we're checking-in to a hotel. Personal free time. Dinner.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re heading to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on Issyk Kul lake. After roaming 4km away the ship will stop at the depth of 120m. In the hot season (May-September) you may dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In the other seasons you will have a no less beautiful time on the ship enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around.

Karakol

Next, we’re moving towards Karakol (a town between the north and south coasts of Issyk Kul region). On the way, we’re visiting 2 stunning gorges - Grigoriev and Semyonov. Exploring some wonderful mountainous landscapes and a hidden alpine lake. Lunch. Arrival in Karakol and check-in to a hotel. After a quick rest break, we’re driving shortly to a neighboring village Ak Suu, to have a relaxing swim in hot spring pools near a forest. This will be a great touch after such an active day! Return to Karakol and dinner at a national restaurant.

Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)

In the morning, we’re having a quick excursion of Karakol: Old Orthodox Church 1895; Dungan Mosque 1910. Visiting a local hand-made souvenir shop (optional). Next, we’re heading to Jeti Oguz valley (Seven Bulls), famous for its red rock formations. Spending some time at a panoramic viewpoint.

Barskoon Gorge

Afterwards, we’re heading along the south coast of Issyk Kul lake, towards a lovely Barskoon valley. Lunch on the way. Exploring the waterfalls of Barskoon.

Canyon Skazka

Moving on and visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming walk. This canyon got its name because of all the fancy claystone formations here, which have been moulded by winds and rains for ages. Explore the fairy tale “Castles” , the “Chinese Wall” and various animals’ silhouettes.

Kaji-Say

Resuming the road and driving shortly to Kaji Say village. Check in to a guesthouse. Personal free time for rest: going to the beach of Issyk Kul lake at sunset. Dinner at the guesthouse.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re hitting the road and driving to the nearby village of Bokonbaevo. Stocking up on some food for the loveliest picnic ahead. Next, we’re visiting a neighboring village Ak Sai. Here, we’re meeting a local “Berkutchi” (eagle man) and it is the time for a fascinating experience: Kyrgyz Eagle Hunting - is a traditional form of falconry which dates back for thousands of years. In a nutshell, it involves the use of trained golden eagles to hunt small prey (we use only artificial animal carcasses during the hunts). You will learn all key facts about these majestic birds and by the end of the process everyone will participate in the national archery. Next, we’re driving towards the adjacent Ak Say canyons (also Canyon of Forgotten Rivers). A beautiful, light hike up the canyon to its panoramic spot (1 hour both ways). Afterwards, it’s time for a delicious picnic in paradise: eating, swimming and relaxing on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake.

Bishkek

Now, it’s time to say goodbye to this fairy region of Issyk Kul and return back to Bishkek (230km). Check-in to the hotel upon arrival. Free time and dinner.

Tashkent

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re heading to the capital city of Uzbekistan - Tashkent. Upon arrival, we’re delving into Tashkent’s exploration. The excursion begins with a visit to the enchanting Old Tashkent. Step back in time as you admire architectural gems like:

Barak-Khan Madrassah

Barak-Khan Madrasah and Tillya Sheikh Mosque in Hast Imam Square The Library of Eastern Manuscripts - home to centuries-old texts

Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent

Chorsu Bazaar Lunch. Afterwards, we'll hop on the metro for a journey into the modern heart of the city:

Amir Temur Square

Monument of Courage Independence Square Residence of Romanov: the exiled grandson of the Russian Emperor Nikolai I Opera and Ballet theater Amir Timur Square: named after the legendary conqueror Check-in to a hotel. Personal free time in the evening.

Samarkand

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re heading to Samarkand (2h). Upon arrival, we’re kicking off the excursion of Samarkand:

Registan

Gur-Emir mausoleum and tombs of Timurid dynasty Registan Square - the heart of Samarkand Siyab bazaar (open air market) Lunch break at a national restaurant: tasting the legendary Samarkand Plov. Continuing the city excursion:

Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum

Bibi-Khanym Palace (15th century) Ulugbek Observatory: famous astronomer and grandson of Tamerlane Shahi – Zinda architectural complex Check-in to a hotel. Personal free time. Enjoy your evening!

Bukhara

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re resuming the road and heading from Samarkand to Bukhara (2h). Upon arrival, we’re starting the city excursion of Bukhara:

Chor Minor Madrasah

Visiting Kalyan minaret (also known as the Tower of Death) Chor Minor: "Four Minarets" in Farsi language Lyabi Hauz area Lunch break in a national restaurant. Continuation of Bukhara’s excursion:

Lyab-i-Hauz

Ark citadel (massive fortress) Trading domes of Bukhara Check-in to a hotel. Personal free time in the evening.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re heading towards the Uzbek-Turkmen border (1,5-2 hours). Passing through “Farap” border control.

Mary

Next, we’re driving through the legendary desert landscapes to a historical town Mary (4 hours). Lunch on the way. Check-in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Evening excursion of Mary and dinner.

Merv

In the morning, we’re resuming the excursion of Mary itself and also of the ancient historical landmark Merv (dates back at least to the 6th century BCE): It was an important center of the Great Silk Road, serving as a major hub for trade and culture between China, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Walking around the area and exploring numerous remains of ancient structures like: city walls, palaces, mosques, mausoleums, and fortresses.

Ashgabat

Lunch in a restaurant. Next, we're heading from Mary to the capital city of Ashgabat. Hotel check-in upon arrival. Group walk in the evening Ashgabat. Dinner at a restaurant. Tomorrow, we’re exploring Ashgabat in details.

Monument Arch of Neutrality

Today, we’re having a complete introduction to Ashgabat. Starting off the city excursion: Independence Park Turkmenistan National Museum: history and heritage Arch of Neutrality: golden statue of the country’s first president Wedding Palace: giant cube with a ball atop

Ertugrul Gazi Mosque

Lunch in a national restaurant. Continuation of the excursion: Earthquake Memorial and Museum Health Path: a popular leisure spot for locals Ertugrul Gazi Mosque Return to the hotel. Free time for rest. Evening group walk and dinner in a restaurant.

Darvaza Gas Crater

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re hitting the road and driving towards Turkmenistan’s most renowned landmark Darvaza (3,5 hours) - a natural burning gas crater (often called as “Gates of Hell”). Lunch on the way. Arrival at Darvaza and check-in to a yurt camp. Free time for watching the burning crater itself: taking photos and enjoying the otherworldly vibe of the place at sunset. Dinner at the camp. Overnight in yurts.

Ashgabat

In the morning, after sunrise, we have some more free time to enjoy the scenes of Darvaza. Setting off back for the white city of Ashgabat (3,5 hours). Check-in to the hotel upon arrival. Lunch in a restaurant. Personal free time for rest. Evening group walk and a farewell dinner in a restaurant. Next morning, you ’ll be transported to Ashgabat airport to catch your flight back home: daily direct departures to Istanbul and Dubai (check schedule for direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, London, Frankfurt, Milan, Abu Dhabi).