Almaty

Upon arrival at Almaty airport, meet your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

Ascension Cathedral

THE EYE-CATCHING GOLDEN DOMES AND kaleidoscopic color scheme of the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, Kazakhstan, draw visitors to the city’s Panfilov Park, but the building’s genius architecture and complex history demand just as much attention. After nearly 40 years of deliberations, construction of Almaty’s Ascension Cathedral began in 1904, according to architect Constantin Arkadyevich Borisoglebsky’s design. However, as Borisoglebsky had left the city in 1902, it was regional engineer Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov who made addendums to Borisoglebsky’s plans and oversaw construction. As such, it’s commonly called the Zenkov Cathedral. Construction was completed in 1907.

Park Named After Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is a historical and architectural monument founded in the second half of the 19th century. The green park 18 ha in area with numerous old oaks, maples, aspens, pines and firs growing in it surrounds the famous Ascension (Zenkov) Cathedral. Engineer P. M. Zenkov who had been managing the construction of the Ascension Cathedral took part in the organization of the park. Initially known as the Urban Garden, the place was consecutively renamed Pushkin Garden, Lenin Park and the Park of the Soviet Federative Republics, and only in 1942 it was given its current name in honour of Panfilov Heroes who were defending Moscow against the German army in 1941 during the Second World War. Currently, the park is one of Almaty’s main attractions. The park’s territory encompasses a few significant architectural and cultural

The Central Mosque of Almaty

The Central Mosque of Almaty is a magnificent gold-domed building. Its minarets rise against the backdrop of Zailiysky Alatau Mountains - what a stunning view! It is one of the largest mosques in the country, it holds up to 7,000 visitors. The magnificent courtyard of the mosque pleases the eye with its picturesque views, good lighting and is known as an amazingly peaceful place where one can sit, relax and pray while admiring the surrounding beauty. There are halls for men and women, rooms for reading the Quran, a wedding hall, as well as rooms for Islamic lessons. The walls are decorated by verses from the Quran. There are certain rules of visiting a mosque: take off your shoes before entering the prayer hall, dress modestly and make as little noise as possible.

Zeleny Bazar

Zeleny Bazar is a one-stop shopping destination filled with a variety of exciting sights, aroma & tastes. Exploring the aisles, you'll come across everything from nail clippers to clothing, and fruit and vegetables to smoked horsemeat. The friendly storeowners will happily allow you to sample the edible goods.

Bishkek

Drive Alamty-Bishkek

Ala-Too Square

Ala-Too Square is the central square of Bishkek where the White House, the State History Museum, the flagpole with the national flag, the monument to the victims of the revolution on April 7, the statue of Chingiz Aitmatov and the statue of Manas, the hero of the Kyrgyz folk epic, are located, Square named after the mountains of Central & Western Tien-Shan, which the Kyrgyz nomadic tribes called Ala-Too(from Kyrgyz “Motley mountains”). The whole area including the building of the Historical Museum standing on it, conceived as a museum of Lenin, creates a single architectural ensemble. A distinctive feature of the square is the marble and granite facing of buildings. The square was built relatively recently – in 1984 and crosses several streets: Chui Avenue and Kievskaya Street.

State History Museum

The Kyrgyz State History Museum contains several exhibits about the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people, whose sculptures and objects date from antiquity to the end of the 20th century. It is one of the most important museums in Central Asia.

Victory Square

Victory Square is a public square in the city of Bishkek. It is dedicated to the Victory of allied forces WWII. It was created in 1985, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Osh Bazaar

Bishkek's most central bazaar has a certain compulsive interest and is an important city landmark. For traditional Kyrgyz clothes, including white imitation-felt ak kalpak hats (80som) and colourful shepherds' chests, find the stalls outside the south tip of the bazaar's Khial building. Mondays are quiet, but on any other day it bustles.

Osh

transfer Hotel airport for a morning flight to Osh, Fly Bishkek-Osh

Russian Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church was built between 1904-1910. It is the only Russian Church in Osh. During Soviet rule it was closed and used for storage and different purposes. After independence from the Soviet Union, the church has returned to religious services in 1995, and is an active church today.

Lenin Monument

Soviet nostalgy only remaining statue of Lenin in Central Asia.

Fergana Province

Drive over Kyrgiz-Uzbek Boarder Fergana

Yodgorlik Silk Factory

Established in 1983 in an attempt to preserve traditional silk weaving techniques in the face of industrialisation, the Yodgorlik Silk Factory focuses on producing high quality handmade goods. It employs over 100 workers, and the full production process takes place in the factory, from the feeding of silk worms with mulberry leaves, to dyeing the silks with natural mineral and vegetable dyes, to weaving the silk. The factory is open to the public for guided tours, enabling tourists to learn about Margilan’s traditional silk weaving industry

Kumtepa Bazaar

Colorful local bazaar famous for unique earth-oven baked bread

Drive Rishtan 60km 1 hour, visit traditional ceramic workshop

Kokand

Drive via endless fruit orchids to Kokand

Khan Palace

The palace complex, built in 1871, occupied a total area of four acres with a foundation three meters thick. It was constructed with a high portal, a highly decorated large entrance arch, and four minarets. Surrounded by a carved stone wall, the palace consisted of seven courtyards and one hundred and nineteen rooms. The inscription above the main gate reads: "Great Seyed Mohammad Khudayar Khan"

Jome Mosque

Kokand’s most impressive mosque, built by Umar Khan in 1812, is centred on a 22m minaret and includes a colourful 100m-long aivan (portico) supported by 98 red-wood columns brought from India. The entire complex has reverted to its former Soviet guise as a museum of applied art, with one room housing a collection of suzani and ceramics from the region. A small workshop on-site makes delicious pistachio-flavored halva (fudge-like sweet).

Norbut-Biya Madrasah

The Bolsheviks closed the 1799 Narbutabey Medressa, but it opened after independence only to have Karimov shut it down again in 2008. Visitors can visit the mosque (with its original ceiling), which Stalin reopened to win wartime support from Muslim subjects, as well the non-working medressa (now named the Mir Medressa).

Khujand

Drive to khujand over Uzbek-Tajik boarder

Khujand Fortress

Come to Khujand Fortress for a history lesson about Tajikistan and its people. Now a history museum, the fort houses exhibits narrating the country's development through the ages, from the early settlers to the present day. You will also notice ancient archeological findings here, still in their original place and protected by a glass floor--allowing you to literally walk over history.

Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification

Turn back time at Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification, guarding relics from different historical periods right at the center of the city. See both local and national artifacts as you walk the exhibits and experience centuries of history.

Panjakent

Drive over the Shakristan pass 3300m above sea level to Penjikent

Republican Museum of History and Local Lore of Rudaki

This museum has mostly excavated artifacts from Sarazm and Ancient Penjikent - nearby archaeological sites. The museum has eight rooms dealing with history of Penjikent, ancient sites, life and work of poet Rudaki, local customs and traditions as well as aspects of national economy.

Proto-urban site of Sarazm

Sarazm, which means “where the land begins”, is an archaeological site bearing testimony to the development of human settlements in Central Asia, from the 4th millennium BCE to the end of the 3rd millennium BCE. The ruins demonstrate the early development of proto-urbanization in this region. This centre of settlement, one of the oldest in Central Asia, is situated between a mountainous region suitable for cattle rearing by nomadic pastoralists, and a large valley conducive to the development of agriculture and irrigation by the first settled populations in the region. Sarazm also demonstrates the existence of commercial and cultural exchanges and trade relations with peoples over an extensive geographical area, extending from the steppes of Central Asia and Turkmenistan, to the Iranian plateau, the Indus valley and as far as the Indian Ocean.

Samarkand

Drive over Jar-tepa boarder crossing Tajikstan-Uzbekistan 70km

Registan

Registan became the city square when life in Afrosiab stopped. Since that time Registan was reconstructed several times. Today it is surrounded by the three medreses Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillokori.

Gur Emir Mausoleum

Gur Emir Mausoleum – As a conqueror there are few that are Tamerlane’s equal, both in territory and legacy left. Today one can visit his tomb in the beautifully reconstructed Gur-Emir Mausoleum (1404-1405, 15-17 centuries) and reflect on his life while looking at the largest piece of jade (greenstone) in the world.

Bibi Khanym Mosque

Bibi-Khanym Mosque – named after the wife of Temur and built between 1399-1404 – is one of best-known architectural attractions of Central Asia. The Mosque was erected on Timur's order after his combat of Delhi. The Minaret of the Mosque was supposed to be the tallest.

Siab Bazaar

Siab Bazaar in Samarkand is still as impressive as it was many years ago. Its abundant produce and handicrafts is evidence of the natural wealth of Uzbekistan and its people’s talents and diligence.

Shah-i-Zinda

Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble – (IX) situated on southeastern mound of Afrosiab. This architectural complex consists of 44 tombs in more than 20 mausoleums. The greatest significance of Shah E Zinda is that he was the First cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and resembles the Prophet the most

Ulugh Beg Observatory

Ancient Observatory built by Ulugbek grandson of Amir Timur in 14th Century on Afrosiyob hill overlooking Samarkand

Afrasiyab Museum

Located in northern Samarkand near the central bazaar and ancient Afrasiab hills, the Afrasiab Museum is dedicated to the city's rich history. Afrasiab, the original settlement, was destroyed by the Mongols in the early 13th century. The museum's collection showcases Samarkand’s development since the time of Alexander the Great. Artifacts uncovered during ongoing excavations include ossuaries, ancient weapons, coins, pottery, and frescoes from the 7th–8th centuries, notably from the Ikhshidid dynasty. Highlights include unique wall paintings depicting royal hunts and celebrations. The museum building, designed by Armenian architect Bagdasar Arzumanyan, opened in 1970.

Located just outside Samarkand in the village of Konigil, the Konigil Meros Paper Factory was founded by the Mukhtarov brothers to revive the ancient art of Samarkand paper-making. Visitors can watch the entire handcrafted production process and even join a masterclass to create their own paper.

Bukhara

Transfer to Samarkand train station, morning train to Bukhara

Bukhara

Free afternoon or optional (4 hrs) tour in Bukhara countryside, including Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, Naqshbandi Mausoleum and Fayzullo Hodjaev's House Museum.

Trading Domes

Medieval oriental bazaar dotted with artisan workshops.

Ark of Bukhara

The Ark, a royal mini town-within-a-town, is Bukhara’s oldest structure, it was home to the rulers of Bukhara for over a millennium. The Ark is as old as Bukhara itself. The founding of the original fortress is blurred in antiquity, but it was certainly the focus around which developed the medieval town.

Bolo Hauz Mosque

The Bolo Hauz stands opposite the Ark Fortress in a Kosh arrangement with the resistance between them. Its name means "above the pool", referring to the octagonal hauz, or artificial pond, located directly in front of it. Begun in 1712, early in the reign of Abu'l-Faiz Khan (r. 1711-47), it is one of the last and finest of Bukhara's major buildings prior to the modern era.

Maghak-i 'Attari Mosque

Oldest surviving Mosque of Central Asia which served once as a budast & zaradustrian temple. Marvelous Architecture Brickwork.

Lyab-i-Hauz

Built in the 16th - 17th centuries, Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble is still one of the major Bukhara squares. Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble is probably the most popular Bukhara tourist attraction, often used as a rest stop, thanks to its grandness, tranquility and old age. Lyab-i Hauz is located in the southeast shakhristan near the main Bukhara trade street.

Bukhara

Early transfer to train Station in Bukahra

Urgench

Early Train Kokand-Urgench

Khiva

Free afternoon

Kalta Minor Minaret

Minaret The minaret is well regarded, thanks to its unique decor and its incompleteness. The Kalta-minor is a unique minaret completely covered with glazed tile and majolica. It was commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva, as an architectural marvel intended to rise over 70 meters. But the construction stopped at a height of 29 m, which is why the name the Kalta-minor (or Short minaret) was assigned to it.

Citadel Kunya-ark

The Kunya Ark is a fortified citadel at the heart of Khiva, nestled against the western ramparts of the Ichan Kala immediately north of the city's west gate. Originally built as early as the 12th century, the nucleus of its current layout was first constructed by Arang Khan (r. 1688-94). The Ark is the largest of Khiva's myriad buildings.

Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum

Pahlavan Mahmud is a local poet and philosopher who was famous for his heroic strength and the ability to heal people. Originally the construction of the mausoleum was very modest but soon there was built khanaka and mosque where pilgrims said their prayer. Later the building was rebuilt into a magnificent construction with the largest dome in the city, covered with blue tiles.

Juma Mosque

Khiva's Juma, or Friday Mosque is located almost at the heart of the Ichan Kala (old city)—a fitting location as the name of the ruling Khan would have been read aloud here during Friday prayers.

Stone Palace (Tash Khauli)

Located in the eastern part of Ichan-Kala, Tash-Khauli Palace built in 1830 - 1838 is an example of Khorezm architectural grandeur of those times. The palace was built by order of Allakuli-Khan.

Islam Khodja Complex

The Islam-Khodja complex stands to the southeast of the main east-west street in Khiva's Ichan-Kala (old city) and includes a madrasa and minaret. The site is named after Islam Khodja, the grand vizier (and also first cousin) of Muhammad Rahmi Bahadur II.

Urgench

Transfer Khiva-Urgench airport.

Tashkent

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

Alisher Navoiy Theater

Designed by Alexey Shchusev, the building of the theater was built in 1942-1947 and was opened to the public, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of Alisher Navoi. A tour of this facility is conducted outside the building.nt Airport

Ensemble Hazrati Imam

One of the spiritual monuments of Tashkent is the Khazrati-Imam ensemble, popularly called Khast-Imam. The square is located in the heart of the old city. The complex consists of Tillya Sheikh mosque, Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan madrasah and Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute.

Amir Temur Square

Central to the modern city, Amir Timur Square is a lush, green space with plenty of flowers and fountains. In the center of the square you will find a statue of Tamerlane on horseback.

Tashkent Metro tour guide

The Tashkent metro was the first underground in Central Asia. It was completed and opened in 1977. All stations have their own unique architectural appearance: marble, granite, rows of columns, colorful bas-reliefs, hand crafted gypsum, etc.

Independence Square (Mustakillik Square)

Former red square, beautiful gardens & fountains frequented by local families

Romanov Palace

One of the unusual monuments of Tashkent is the Prince Romanov residence, built in 1891 in the center of the city, under the project of architects A.L. Benoit and V.S. Geyntseltsman. This is a one-storey private residence of Nikolay Konstantinovich Romanov. At the end of the XX century, the building was restored and is now used as the Reception House of the MFA of Uzbekistan. Currently, the tour is only conducted from outside.

Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent

Chorsu Bazaar, located on historic Eski-Juva Square, has been the center of Tashkent’s trade and social life for over a century. Its signature blue-domed halls, designed to suit the hot, dry climate, reflect architectural traditions from the 11th–13th centuries. The main three-story building, nearly 300–350 meters wide, houses bustling shops and underground storage. Visitors can find fresh produce, breads, meats, and traditional dishes, or relax in nearby choykhanas with pilaf and shashlyk. Handicraft shops offering souvenirs make Chorsu a must-visit spot in Tashkent.

Transfer to Tashkent Airport for Departure.