21 Day Central Asia Grand Discovery Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

After breakfast, 09:00 depart from Almaty and transfer to Bishkek. Following border formalities and arrival in Kyrgyzstan, check in at guesthouse

15:00 Tour to Ala Archa National Park Located just 40 km south of Bishkek, Ala Archa is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful natural reserves, renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, alpine forests, crystal-clear rivers, and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a scenic walk through the gorge while admiring the breathtaking landscapes of the Tian Shan Mountains.

18:00 Return to Bishkek and remainder of the day is free for independent exploration of the city. You may visit Ala-Too Square, stroll through Oak Park, browse local markets and souvenir shops, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Kyrgyzstan’s capital.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Guesthouse in Bishkek

After breakfast, 09:00 depart Bishkek and travel towards Son Kul Lake.

En route, 11:00 visit the Burana Tower, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important historical monuments and a remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Explore the archaeological site, stone balbals, and museum while learning about the region’s fascinating history.

According to your wishes you can stop at Kochkor for lunch or visit market, there are local cafes and restaurants, markets.

Continue through scenic mountain landscapes and over the Kalmak Ashuu Pass before arriving at Son Kul Lake, situated at an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level.

17:00 arrive at Son Kul Lake

Explore the lakeshore, observing nomadic shepherds and their livestock, or simply enjoying the tranquility of Kyrgyzstan’s vast alpine pastures.

19:00 Traditional Kyrgyz dinner served in the yurt camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Yurt Camp at Son Kul Lake

Distance: ~320 km
Driving time: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, depart Son Kul and cross the scenic Moldo Ashuu Pass, offering magnificent mountain panoramas.

According to your wishes you can stop at Naryn for lunch, there are local cafes and markets

Continue through Naryn Region toward Tash Rabat, one of the most remarkable Silk Road monuments in Central Asia. Visit the well-preserved stone caravanserai hidden in a remote mountain valley.

19:00 Dinner and overnight near Tash Rabat.

Highlights:
• Son Kul landscapes
• Moldo Ashuu Pass
• Naryn mountain scenery
• Tash Rabat Caravanserai

Accommodation: Guesthouse or Yurt Camp near Tash Rabat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transport: Yes

After breakfast, 09:00 depart from Tash Rabat and travel towards the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

14:00 Upon arrival in Kizil Tuu Village, visit a local family renowned for preserving the traditional craft of yurt making. Participate in a yurt assembly demonstration and learn about the construction techniques and cultural significance of the Kyrgyz yurt, an essential symbol of nomadic life. Enjoy a homemade lunch with the family.

16:00 Continue to Bokonbaevo, where you will attend a traditional Eagle Hunting Show. Witness the remarkable skills of local hunters and their golden eagles while learning about this centuries-old nomadic tradition that has been passed down through generations.

18:00 After the performance, continue to Kaji Say, a peaceful village located on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery and relax after a day rich in cultural experiences.

20:00 Dinner at the guesthouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Guesthouse in Kaji Say

After breakfast at the guesthouse, 09:00 depart from Kaji Say and continue along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

10:00 Visit Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon), famous for its colorful sandstone formations shaped by wind and erosion over thousands of years. Enjoy a walk through the canyon and admire its unique landscapes and spectacular views.

Continue to Jeti Oguz Gorge, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous natural landmarks.

13:00 Explore the striking red rock formations known as the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart and take a leisurely walk through the picturesque valley.

Proceed to Karakol and continue along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake towards Cholpon Ata.

In Karakol you can stop for lunch, there are local cafes, restaurants, markets. Also we will visit Wooden Orthodox church and Dungan mosque

18:00 Upon arrival, check in at your guesthouse and enjoy free time at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Guesthouse in Cholpon Ata

08:00 Breakfast at the guesthouse. 09:00 Visit Petroglyphs open sky museum.

10:00 Depart Cholpon Ata and drive to Bishkek. Enjoy scenic views of Issyk Kul Lake and the surrounding mountains during the journey.

14:00 Upon arrival in Bishkek, transfer directly to Manas International Airport for your domestic flight to Osh.

16:20-17:10 Bishkek Osh flight

17:10 Upon arrival in Osh transfer to guesthouse, free time. You can explore Sulaiman Too(UNESCO SITE)

Meals included: Breakfast

Welcome to the Pamir Highway! Today we start our drive towards Sarymogol village, 4hr.

Before departing from Osh, your driver will take you to a supermarket where you can pick up snacks,

water, and toiletries for the trip. A nice valley opens when you reach Taldyk Pass (3600 meters) with

green pastures and yaks grazing around. Our first stop is the village of Sary Tash, where you can have

lunch. Afterward, two-hour drive brings you to Tulparkul Lake, situated at 3,500 meters (11,482 ft)

above sea level. After settling in, enjoy a stroll around the lake to adapt to the heights. Dinner and

overnight in the yurt camp.

Accommodation: Yurt camps are available from 20 June until 20 September (Tilek Yurt Camp or

Buaisha Yurt Camp). Eshimbai Guesthouse or Almaz Guesthouse are available from April to

October. The price is 2000 KGS / 23 USD per person, including breakfast and dinner.

• Driving distance/hour: 250 km/ 155mi / 5 hours

• Internet: MegaCom

• Electricity: Available only after dinner (bring a power bank just in case)

• Facilities: Traditional yurts with outside shared showers and toilets

Begin the day with breakfast at the yurt camp, followed by a hike to Traveler’s Pass, located at

4,130 meters (13,550 ft). The 3-hour ascent starts just outside the yurt camp, crossing streams and

winding alongside the Achyk-Tash River before reaching the pass. From this vantage point, you’ll be

rewarded with breathtaking views of glaciers cascading from Lenin Peak, which towers at 7,134

meters (23,406 ft). After a break to take in the views, we’ll make the 3-hour descent back to the yurt

camp. Lunch at the yurt camp and continue to Bordobo checkpoint, cross the border to Karakul

Lake in Tajikistan. The different landscape opens up confirming that this is Tajikistan. Karakul Lake

is the largest lake in Pamirs, formed by glaciers, and has no outflow. Dinner and overnight in a

guesthouse.

Accommodation: Saadat homestay and Erkin Guest house or Sher’s Inn - 250 somoni/27 USD

including breakfast and dinner. Only cash in TJS is accepted.

Supermarkets aren't available.

• Driving distance/hour: 150 km / 94mi – 4 hours

• Hike: 6 hours, reaching 4,130 m / 13,549 ft

• Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft (Karakul Lake)

• Internet: No internet coverage until Murgab. Megafon 2G in Karakul.

• Electricity: Available only after dinner (bring a power bank just in case)

• Facilities: The guesthouse has a traditional Russian-style sauna, where water is heated and

you can wash yourself by mixing hot and cold water in a bucket, outdoor western squat

toilets. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

Travel continues to Murghab via the Ak-Baital Pass (4,655 m) — the highest road pass in

Tajikistan and one of the most impressive sections of the Pamir Highway. The drive takes about 3

hours, with a short side trip offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Karakul Lake and surrounding

glaciers. Take a one-hour walk near the pass to enjoy panoramic mountain scenery and capture

stunning photos. Upon arrival in Murghab — often called the “heart of the Eastern Pamirs” — stop

for lunch. This remote highland town is an important hub where you can buy snacks, refill water,

exchange money, or purchase a local SIM card.

After lunch, continue towards Alichur village. Along the way, those interested can enjoy a short yak-

riding experience (10–15 minutes, cost 5-6 USD per person) and visit a local nomadic family. You’ll

be welcomed into their yurt (please note that yurt camp season last from June to early Sep, early

spring or late autumn you visit to their village houses), where you can taste traditional yak yogurt

and fresh bread while learning about their mountain lifestyle. Return to the main road and continue

to Alichur. Dinner and overnight in a cozy homestay.

Accommodation: Sher’s Inn homestay and Marko Polo homestay - 250 somoni/27 USD

including breakfast and dinner. Only cash in TJS is accepted.

Supermarkets aren't available.

• Driving distance/hour: 352 km / 219 mi – 6 hours

• Yak Riding: up to 10-15 minutes

• Altitude: Alichur village -3,850 m / 12,631 ft

• Internet: No internet coverage after Murgab. Megafon 2G in Karakul.

• Electricity: Solar Panels 12V, only for charging phones

• Facilities: The guesthouse has a traditional Russian-style sauna, where water is heated and

you can wash yourself by mixing hot and cold water in a bucket, outdoor western squat

toilets. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

Breakfast. Take a side trip to visit the Alpine Bulunkul and Yashylkul lakes. Drive back to the

main road and head up to the Kargush pass (4 344m). Arrive at the Kargush pass and start the 3-4

hrs trek to Panorama Ridge at 4800 meters. While walking up, two small lakes behind you at the

roadside open up to cheer you. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of Great Pamir on the Afghan

border on top of the pass. Walk back to your car. After the pass, drive down to the Afghanistan border

for another checkpoint to check your GBAO permit. The road follows the river Pamir to Wakhan

valley with the chance to admire the Big Pamir of Afghanistan with nomadic Afghan Kyrgyz

caravans. Great rugged Hindu Kush mountain ranges welcome you right before entering Wakhan

Valley. Overnight and dinner in a friendly homestay in Langar village.

Accommodation: Sash Guesthouse or Mish Guesthouse - 250 somoni/28 USD including

breakfast and dinner. Only cash in TJS is accepted.

Supermarkets aren't available.

• Driving distance/hour: 145 km/ 90 mi/ 5-6 hours

• Hike: 3–4 hours, reaching 4,800 m / 15,748 ft

• Internet: Limited coverage (Tcell and Megafon)

• Electricity: Available, but power outages are possible (carry a power bank)

• Facilities: Shared indoor shower, outdoor western, and squat toilets at the homestays.

Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

Breakfast. Right after you leave your guesthouse, we do a side trip to admire the 12th-

century Yamchun Fortress rising from a platform of natural rock. Walk up to the edge of the fort and

you will have an amazing view of the Wakhan Valley. Further up the hillside are located the hot

springs of Bibi Fatima, with its crystal waters rich in minerals. Back to the main road. Another fortress

Khaaka comes up along the way at Namadgut village when you get closer to Ishkashim village. It is

worth a 10-minute stop. Continue to drive to Khorog City. Afternoon, visit the interesting Regional

Museum and Central Park of Khorog City. Evening hike in a Botanical Garden that has various

plants and trees to explore. Dinner at a cafe. Night in a hotel.

Accommodation: Tatmirzo homestay 250 somoni/28 USD, including breakfast and dinner,

and Delhi Darbar Hotel or Pamir Palace- 250-300 somoni/28-33 USD, including breakfast, not

including dinner. Only cash in TJS is accepted.

Supermarkets are available.

• Driving distance/hour: 225 km / 139 mi, 5-6 hours

• Altitude: 2,200 m / 7,218 ft

• Internet: Tcell (4G), Megafon (4G), Wi-Fi

• Electricity: Available

• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up

to 4 people.

Breakfast. Travel to Darvoz district. A gorgeous road goes along the river up to the Vanj

valley where the road widens up.The road from Kalaikhum to Khorog is known for its rugged terrain,

winding through narrow passes and offering panoramic views of towering mountains. Ongoing road

construction as of 2024 may cause delays, so be prepared for occasional stops and slower sections.

Arrive in Kalaikhum village and be accommodated in a guesthouse.

Accommodation: Roma guesthouse or Zing guesthouse - 250 somoni/28 USD including

breakfast and dinner. Only cash in TJS is accepted.

Supermarkets are available.

• Driving distance/hour: 240 km / 149 mi – 7 hours

• Altitude: 1200 m / 3,937 ft

• Internet: Tcell (3G), Megafon (3G), Wi-Fi

• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)

• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up

to 4 people.

Today is the last day of the Pamir Highway trip. Travel to Dushanbe along the Panj

River through numerous local villages along the way. The road has been reconsrtucted recently and

it will be a comfortable drive. Deep rocky valleys and gorgeous mountains accompany you up to

the Shurobod pass before Kulab village. Lunch in a Chaikana (local cafe). Visit 11th-

century Hulbuk Palace on the way and enjoy the views of the world’s second-highest hydropower

station Nurek in the distance. Arrival in Dushanbe. Accommodation in your hotel.

• Driving distance/hour: 352km / 219 mi – 6 hours

• Altitude: 700 m / 2,297 ft

• Internet: Tcell (4G), Megafon (4G), Wi-Fi

• Electricity: Available

Distance: ~300 km
Driving time: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, visit Hissar Fortress near Dushanbe then depart toward the spectacular Iskanderkul Lake, one of Tajikistan’s most beautiful mountain lakes located in the heart of the Fann Mountains.

Enjoy free time to walk around the lake, admire the scenery, and take photographs before continuing toward Penjikent to see Penjikent Ruins.

Highlights:
• Iskanderkul Lake
• Fann Mountains
• Scenic mountain landscapes
• Penjikent

Accommodation: Hotel in Penjikent
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Yes

Distance: ~120 km
Driving time: 4–5 hours including border crossing

After breakfast, drive to the famous Seven Lakes (Haft Kul), a chain of colorful alpine lakes surrounded by mountain villages and dramatic landscapes.

After exploring the lakes area, transfer to the Jartepa border crossing. Complete border formalities and cross into Uzbekistan. Meet your Uzbek driver and continue to Samarkand.

Highlights:
• Seven Lakes (Haft Kul)
• Fann Mountains
• Mountain villages
• Jartepa Border Crossing
• Arrival in Samarkand

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Samarkand
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Yes
Border transfer: Yes
Transport during free time in Samarkand: No

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a full free day in Samarkand for independent exploration. Visit historical monuments, local bazaars, museums, cafés, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of one of the greatest Silk Road cities.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Samarkand
Meals: Breakfast
Transport during free time in Samarkand: No

Early Transfer to railway station.

05:34 – 08:32 Samarkand–Bukhara train.

08:32 Arrival in Bukhara.

Transfer to your hotel in Bukhara to put your heavy bags at hotel and Free time to explore the old city independently.

Check in at hotel afternoon

Accommodation: Hotel in Bukhara
Meals: Breakfast will be skipped because of early checking out
Transfer to railway station: Yes
Transport during city tour in Bukhara: No

Early morning transfer to the Farap / Alat border crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Meet your Turkmen guide after border formalities.

Transfer to Turkmenabat airport for domestic flight to Ashgabat (16:15- 17:05)

Arrival in Ashgabat and transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Yes

Distance: ~280 km
Driving time: 4–5 hours

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Begin sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, known as the “white marble city” and listed in the Guinness World Records for the highest concentration of white marble buildings.

Visit the Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, Wedding Palace, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, and other major landmarks. Also visit the famous Akhal-Teke horse stable to see the national pride of Turkmenistan.

In the afternoon, drive through the Karakum Desert to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell.”

Enjoy sunset and barbecue dinner near the burning crater.

Accommodation: Yurt camp near Darvaza
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transport: Yes

Distance: ~309 km
Driving time: 5–6 hours

Picnic-style breakfast at the crater camp. Continue driving north toward Dashoguz and the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border.

After border formalities, transfer to central part of Khiva, Free time in Khiva Explore main attractions inside Itchan Kala, including Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark, Juma Mosque, Tash Hauli Palace, and Islam Khoja Minaret, are all within walking distance. A self-guided visit takes around 4 hours, then at 19:00 transfer to Urgench airport, flight to Tashkent 23:30-01:00

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Tashkent
Meals: Breakfast
Transport untill hotel in Khiva: Yes
Transport in Khiva during free time: No need

Airport transfer:yes