5 Stans - Private Luxury Tour

Welcome to Kazakhstan!  Upon arrival to Almaty Airport, you will be met by one of our guides and transferred to the hotel for a night of rest and relaxation. After check in, there will be a welcome dinner where we’ll provide a short introduction to Kazakhstan, and you’ll have an opportunity to become acquainted with your fellow travelers. Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia, with majestic mountains and plains, glaciers, awe inspiring rivers, lakes, and deserts. The variety of natural wonders is truly staggering and guarantees new sights at every turn. Besides natural sights, the country has a long and rich history, the record of which is preserved in numerous ancient monuments. We’ll visit the remains of ancient settlements, barrows, petroglyphs, mausoleums and mosques. Kazakhstan boasts one of the ancient civilizations of the Eurasian continent. It was home to nomadic tribes for thousands of years, as well as 870 miles of the Great Silk Road. Leading industries in Kazakhstan include metallurgy, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Oil processing and production of building materials are also developed industries of Kazakhstan. After dinner, we’ll overnight at a hotel in Almaty.  

After breakfast at the hotel, we have a full day of sightseeing ahead. Today we’ll visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Wooden Cathedral, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the National Musical Instruments Museum, the Central State Museum, Almaty's Green Bazaar. We’ll also take some time out to get a panoramic view at the Tien-Shan Observatory. The name Almaty means "the southern capital" of Kazakhstan. It is the largest city in the country and was the state capital between 1927 – 1997. Almaty is located in the southeast part of Kazakhstan near the border of Kyrgyzstan, with elevations from 670 to 1100 m above sea level. The main sight of Almaty is Panfilov Park, named in honor of Panfilov’s 28 guardsmen, it stretches to the northeast part of the city, covering nearly 18 hectares. Located in the center of the park is the majestic Holy Ascension Cathedral, and behind Panfilov park is the Green Bazaar, one of the biggest market places in Almaty. It is a fine example of a true Asian bazaar.

The State Museum of National Musical Instruments is surely a highlight of today’s excursion, as it is named in honor of Ykylas Dukenov, the People’s Composer. It was opened in the 1980s and contains many types of Kazakh national musical instruments, many of which date back to the 17th century. In the southern part of the city, we will visit the Central State Museum, which houses unique archaeological artifacts from the region. Before dinner, we’ll spend a relaxing afternoon at the Sunkar Falconry Centre, where we’ll attend a short presentation. After dinner at one of the best local restaurants, we’ll overnight in Almaty.  

After breakfast, we’ll depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via the newly built highway. The trip will take about 3 hours, during which time we will enjoy the beautiful landscape. On the way, we will also provide information about Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is a Republic located in northeast Central Asia and crossed by two of the world’s major mountain ranges: Tien Shan and Pamir. Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country with a continental climate, and over 93% of its territory is located over 350 meters above sea level. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. After hotel check in and lunch, we’ll set out to see the sights of Bishkek, including: the Central Museum, Panfilov Park, and the local bazaar. Dinner will be followed by a traditional Bishkek folk show. 

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the Issyk Kul Lake, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. En route we’ll visit Burana Tower, located in the city of Tokmok, just 50 mi. from Bishkek. Today we’ll have lunch with a Kyrgyz family in Tokmok, before driving through the Boom Gorge to Issyk Kul. Issyk Kul is one of the largest mountain lakes in the world and the most beautiful lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is located between two ridges of the Northern Tien-Shan: Kungey Ala-Too and Terskey Ala-Too and rests 1609 m. above sea level. Today’s excursion will also include a visit to Paleolithic petroglyphs, as well the local museum in Cholpon Ata. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel and have dinner at one of the local restaurants before retiring to a hotel on the edge of scenic Issyk Kul Lake. 

Today we’ll take an excursion to Grigorievka Gorge, located 45 mi. from the city of Cholpon-Ata. The gentle slopes of this 25-mile valley are covered with a dense fir forest and is considered one of the most picturesque in the Issyk Kul area. Consider today a chance to destress and get in touch with nature. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to Bishkek and transfer to the airport for our flight to Tashkent by HY778 at 18:40 (subject to change).

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon your arrival at Tashkent airport, you’ll be met by one of our guides and transferred to your hotel. En route, you’ll receive a short introduction to Uzbekistan, which is one of the most economically developed states of the Central Asian region, occupying more than 11% of the territory of Central Asia. Main branches of industry of the republic include cotton growing, silk production, fruit and vegetable production and irrigation construction.  

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent. This historic city holds many unexpected surprises! First, we’ll visit Khast Imam Complex, in the old part of the city, and the Mui Mubarak Library, home of the oldest Quran in the world. We will also visit the Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest, largest market places in Tashkent. At one edge of the Chorsu Bazaar stands the Kukeldash Madrasah, which dates back to 1570. After lunch we’ll travel to the newer part of the city, visiting Independence Square (Mustakillik), flanked by lush topiaries and fountains. Other sights will include the A. Navoi Theater, built in 1947 by Japanese prisoners of war; The Museum of Amir Timur; and The Museum of Handicraft Art. Dinner will be held at a local restaurant. 

After breakfast, we’ll board a train to world famous Samarkand, located 190 mi. from Tashkent. The road to Samarkand passes through Syrdarya and Jizzakh provinces and takes approximately 3 hours. We’ll arrive to Samarkand in the afternoon and check into our hotel before a light lunch. After a short rest, we’ll head out on our excursion of Samarkand, visiting the Paper Mills Factory, where we’ll be delighted by a presentation on paper production from the mulberry tree. Today we will also visit the Afrasiab Museum, as well as Ulugbek’s observatory, built in 1428 and known as the biggest observatory in the East with the most advanced equipment for the time. After dinner at one of the local restaurants, we’ll retire to our hotel in Samarkand.

After breakfast, we’ll have a full day of sightseeing in Samarkand. We’ll visit Registan Square in the heart of the city, which has played a major role in commercial and scientific life for several centuries. Then, we’ll visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum - mausoleum for the males of Timurid dynasty, a real masterpiece of Central Asian architecture. Shaki Zinda Necropolis in the northern outskirts of Samarkand. Bibi-Khanum Mosque construction of which started in 1399 after Victorian campaign of Timur to India. Central bazaar of Samarkand – Siab where we’ll taste famous round bread (non) made only in Samarkand.  After this long day, we’ll have dinner at one of the local restaurants and overnight in Samarkand. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart from Samarkand for Bukhara. Stop along the way include the ruins of Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik, a medieval treasure. Then, we’ll continue driving to Bukhara via Gijduvan, where we are invited for tea and a short presentation at Abdulla’s pottery house. Upon arrival to Bukhara, we’ll check into our hotel before visiting the Chor Minor memorial with its famous four minarets. Dinner will be held at a local restaurant where you’ll be able to sample truly Uzbek local fare.

After breakfast we’ll have a full day of sightseeing in the ancient city of Bukhara. Bukhara is one of most historically rich cities on the Great Silk Road, attracting thousands of curious travelers every year. Other stops will include the Samanid Dynasty Mausoleum, considered one of the best examples of architecture from the Samanid period (875 - 999). We will also visit Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, where according to legend, the Prophet Job is laid to rest. Then we’ll take in the wonder of the Bolo Khauz Mosque, before heading to check out The Ark Fortress, having been built in the 3rd century B.C. Kalon Complex consists of the minaret, as well as an ancient Mosque and Madrasah, both of which are still active. We will also stop at Magoki Attori Mosque, As well as Ulugbek and Abdulazizi Khan madrasahs. Topping off our sightseeing tour of Bukhara, we’ll visit the Lyabi Khauz reservoir, a complex built in 1620 by Khans’ gardener, Nodir Devan Begi. The day will end with dinner and a show. 

After breakfast, we’ll continue with half a day of sightseeing in Bukhara, visiting the former summer palace of Emir Said Olimkhan, the last Emir of Bukhara Sitora. Then, we’ll head to the Museum of Applied and Decorative Art. After a brief lunch, we’ll say goodbye to Uzbekistan, as we will be traveling to Turkmenistan. The trip will take approximately an hour and half, and upon arrival to the border point we’ll go through custom procedures. After completing your passport check, you will find a minibus (subject to be available), which will take you ~800 meters to Turkmenistan Customs. Then, we’ll transfer to another minibus (subject to be available), which will direct you ~600 meters to the last checkpoint. There you will find your Turkmenistan guide & transportation to your hotel. After the last checkpoint at the border zone, you will drive ~280km (about 4 hours) to Mary via Turkmenabat, crossing one of the biggest deserts in the world, Garagum Desert, the name of which means “black sand.” En route, we’ll stop to visit some amazing sand dunes before heading to our hotel in Mary for dinner.

This morning, we’ll take a scenic drive ~35 km (35 minutes) to Bayramaly, where we’ll see Old Merv, which used to be as Mary Shahu Jahan-King of the World. For a period of 300 years, Mary was one of the biggest cities in the World and for 8 years was the site of Islamic Khalifat. Today’s excursion at Old Merv will include: Gyz Gala & Oglan Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Erk Gala (VI BC), Soltan Gala (XI), and the Shrine & Pilgrimage Complex of Yusup Hemadani, the famous scholar who founded a strain of Sufism and whose tomb became a popular pilgrimage There we’ll visit the Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum (XII) and the Ibn Zeid Mausoleum (XII), before heading back to Mary. After lunch, we’ll consider the local United Museum of History, the Flora & Fauna of Mary, and an Orthodox Church built by Russians at the end of the XIX century. We will also visit the Regional Mosque of Mary Province, the Central Theater of Mary, and the convention & conference Center, “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, where important state events are still held today. We’ll stop at Central Park and the Monument of Mollanepes, a poet who lived in Mary from XVIII-XIX. Later that afternoon, we’ll board a flight to Ashgabat. Dep: 18.55 &  Arr: at 19.35 (subject to change). Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel before a sumptuous dinner of local cuisine. 

Note: Passports & 2 colored photos required to be left at hotel reception for registration at the City Tourist Board (CTB) in Ashgabat. 

A full day of sightseeing in/around Ashgabat awaits you! Today’s sights include: the Memorial Complex with Monuments for Victims of World War II and the Patriotic Wars of XIX, as well as a monument dedicated to the victims of the 1948 earthquake. We’ll visit Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi, the largest mosque in Central Asia, which also holds the tombs of Turkmenbashy (first President of Turkmenistan S. Nyyazow), his parents, and his brothers. Before lunch, we’ll have just one more item on the itinerary, the Old Nissa and the sanctuary of Parhian Kings. After lunch and a short break, you will continue with a half day of sightseeing in Ashgabat, including: the Museum of Turkmen Carpets, the park dedicated to Turkmen, and Gulistan Bazar, which is known as “Russian Bazaar.” We will also see a monument Lenin erected in 1927. It, thankfully, also survived the earthquake of 1948, making it one of the oldest standing monuments in Ashgabat. After our final stop for the day at Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, it will be time for dinner at a local restaurant. Then we’ll take a leisurely drive through the main avenues/streets of Ashgabat, including one stop near the Palace of Happiness, where we can view the lights of Ashgabat at night. 

Today is another full day of sightseeing in Ashgabat, which will include: the Complex of Monuments of Oguz Han & sons, which is surrounded by the largest fountain complex in the world. The complex includes 27 computerized fountains. Next, we’ll visit Ashgabat’s famous “Altyn Asyr” Oriental Bazaar, Jygyldyk, located ~16km to the north of Ashgabat in its new location/complex built in 2011. After our visit to the Bazaar, we’ll drive to the Hippodrome of Ashgabat to watch the Horse Race, which is free to enter for all and gives everyone the chance to see the best horses of Turkmenistan compete: We’ll have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Ashgabat, before continuing our expedition. We’ll visit the National Museum of History and, then, the Monuments of Archabil Shayoly (Berzengi). Today we’ll also see the modern buildings, monuments, and parks of the new part of the city: the Monument of the Constitution, the “Alem” Culture & Recreation Center, and the Arch of Neutrality, the last of which is famous for its monuments that resemble tripods and rockets and symbolizing the neutral status of Turkmenistan. In the late afternoon, we’ll transfer to the airport of Ashgabat and catch a flight to Dashoguz, Dep: 18.55 & Arr: at 19.45. (subject to change). 

After breakfast, we’ll take a morning drive (~110 km, which will take 1,5 hrs”) to Koneurgench, the capital of Khorezmshahs (III-XVI cc). The sightseeing of the Old City will include: the Turabek Hanum Mausoleum (XIV), the Kutlug Timur Minaret (XIV), which is one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum (XIII), the Academy of Horezm (III-XIII), Il Arslan Mausoleum (XII), and the Mausoleums of Najm Ed Din (XIII) & Soltan Ali (XVI), which are both located near Dash Metjit/Medrese (XIX). After sightseeing in Koneurgench, we’ll drive back to Dashoguz and stop for lunch. Then, we’ll break for lunch, before obtaining boarding passes at “Dashoguz-Shavat,” located about ~15km from Dashoguz. Upon arrival, proceed through passport control & customs procedures.  After you come out from Turkmenistan Customs building, you will walk ~100 meters to the next checkpoint there will be a minibus (subject to be available) shuttling for ~1000 meters from Turkmenistan Customs to the Real Wire Border located between Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan. After you cross the border and move through passport check, you’ll be free to continue. Now, when you’re back in Uzbekistan, you’ll want to walk about 100 meters behind the customs’s building to get to the last checkpoint. Also, when you arrive, you will find a guide welcoming you back to the US. We’ll have dinner at a local restaurant followed by a show. 

Today is a full day of sightseeing in Khiva: we’ll visit Ichan Kala, the madrasah of Muhammad Rakhimkhan. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah, Djuma Mosque and Minaret, and Tash Hovli Palace. After dinner, we’ll head back to the airport for our flight to Tashkent, where we’ll check in to our hotel and have dinner.

After early breakfast at the hotel in Tashkent, we’ll head on to a one-day excursion of Tajikistan. We’ll drive to the Oybek border check, then continue on to the city of Khujand. Today, we’ll visit Khujand, the country's second largest city, situated in the north of Tajikistan. Khujard is also one Uzbekistan’s oldest cities, founded about 2300 years ago during the time of Alexander the Great. Located in the Ferghana valley, Khujand prospered for a long time, building palaces, mosques, and citadels. However, in the 13th century, the city was conquered and destroyed by Genghis Khan's army. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we ‘ll continue sightseeing in Khujand, stopping to visit an orphanage in the ancient part of Khujand.  We’ll see Timurmalik Fortress. Here, we’ll visit the famous Panjshanbe city market, one of the most interesting sights of Khujand. Near the market we’ll stop by Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Mausoleum, as well as the Museum of Archaeology and Fortification.  We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Tashkent. Once back to Uzbekistan, we’ll have a rest at the hotel before making a long way back home. 

Today is the last day of the tour. We’ll have breakfast at the hotel and arrange your transportation to the airport for your flight home. Thank you!