Central Asian Odyssey: Journey Across the Four Stans
Central Asian Odyssey: Journey Across the Four Stans
Central Asia captivates with its diverse cultures, intricately woven together by a shared Turkic heritage. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, each rich in history and adorned with stunning landscapes, offer unique experiences. Traveling among these former Soviet states has been made easier with relaxed visa regulations.
Embark on the Central Asia Group Tour, a remarkable two-week adventure spanning all four countries. Our small group tours ensure a seamless exploration of Central Asia, from witnessing yurt construction in Kyrgyzstan to marveling at Tajikistan and Kazakhstan's mountains and canyons. Discover the vibrant bazaars and breathtaking blue-tiled madrassas of Uzbekistan — this comprehensive journey guarantees an unforgettable experience.
![group_tour_img0](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/holiday/1707196680_01.png)
![group_tour_img1](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/holiday/1707196680_02.png)
![group_tour_img2](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/holiday/1707196740_03.png)
Almaty – Arrival (Kazakhstan)
Upon reaching Almaty, complete your hotel check-in at noon. After your flight, allow yourself some time to relax and rejuvenate before commencing your fourteen-day Group Tour. Spend the night at the hotel.
Optional Activity: Explore the Abay Opera and Ballet Theater. Tickets are available for purchase directly from the theater or on their website, gatob.kz, with prices starting at around 10 USD.
Meals: Not included
Almaty – Charyn Canyon
Commence your second day of the tour with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Your tour guide and driver will be ready to meet you at your Almaty hotel. Depart from Almaty and journey towards Charyn Canyon, enjoying the captivating views of the Altai Mountains and charming villages along the way (220 km, 3-4 hours). Upon reaching Charyn Canyon, indulge in a scenic picnic lunch. Embark on a hike through this breathtaking canyon, marked by towering mountains reaching heights of up to 300 meters and the picturesque "Valley of Castles" spanning over 2 kilometers. Return to Almaty in the late afternoon and spend the night at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Almaty – border – Bishkek (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan)
After having breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet up with you in the lobby to commence a sightseeing tour of Almaty. Your itinerary will include a visit to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where you'll delve into the city's history and witness the grandeur of Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world's largest wooden structures. Explore the Memorial of Glory and the Eternal Flame, a solemn tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence. The journey continues to Republic Square and Almaty City Museum. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in shopping for sweets and souvenirs at the renowned Green Bazaar.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Following your exploration of Almaty, you will depart for Bishkek, traversing a newly constructed highway that offers breathtaking views of the natural landscapes along the 250-kilometer, 4-hour journey. After passing through border control, you will reach Bishkek and then transfer to your hotel. Spend the night in Bishkek
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Bishkek – Burana – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Indulge in a delightful breakfast at the hotel and kick off your day with a captivating city tour of Bishkek, where you'll encounter impressive examples of Soviet urban planning and architecture. Explore Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Manas Statue, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Philharmonic Hall, and the Victory Monument.
Following the city exploration, enjoy a transfer to Don Aryk village for a unique lunch experience with a local Kyrgyz family in the comfort of their home. Post-lunch, witness a demonstration by local women showcasing the art of constructing a yurt, with the opportunity for you to actively participate. Subsequently, journey to the Burana Tower, an integral part of the ancient city of Balasagun (11th-13th centuries) and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude your day with a return to Bishkek and spend the night at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Bishkek – Ala Archa – Tashkent (Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan)
Continue your immersive journey with a picturesque drive to the enchanting Ala-Archa National Park. Following a delectable breakfast, your guide will greet you, leading the way to this awe-inspiring alpine gorge. Embark on a scenic hike through the park, marveling at the snow-capped peaks as you reach the Ak-Sai Waterfall and the serene banks of the Ala-Archa River. Enjoy an invigorating picnic lunch amid nature's beauty before returning to Bishkek for your late afternoon flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, rest assured as you're transferred to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and well-deserved night's rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Today after breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to kickstart an engaging Tashkent city tour. Your itinerary will encompass an excursion to the Old City, featuring the architectural marvel Hast-Imam (15th century), home to the oldest known Quran in the world. Explore the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia's oldest markets, where you can indulge in sampling or purchasing sweets, fruits, and unique souvenirs.
Experience the Tashkent Metro with its beautifully adorned stations, each showcasing ceramic tiles and murals depicting distinctive themes. Take a stroll through Amir Timur Square and Independence Square, enjoying the artistic offerings along 'Broadway' Drive. Head to the Sacred Heart Cathedral and explore the Museum of Applied Arts, a captivating collection of Uzbekistan's finest handicrafts housed in an intricately decorated villa. Conclude your day with a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Tashkent – Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Today, in the morning, your driver will escort you to the railway station for a scenic train journey to the enchanting city of Samarkand. Immerse yourself in the historical richness as you visit Gur Emir and the awe-inspiring Registan Square, adorned with three Madrasahs dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries. Marvel at the architectural splendor of Bibi Khanum Mosque and stroll through the multi-level complex of Siab Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace offering souvenirs, local sweets, fruits, and the renowned Samarkand bread.
Delve into the captivating history of Shakhi-Zinda, a 15th-century burial complex, as you walk along the imposing pathway, admiring its blue-domed tombs. Conclude the day with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, where the remains of a 14th-15th-century sextant await exploration, and tour the Ulugbek Museum. After a day filled with exploration, retreat to your hotel for a well-deserved relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast
Samarkand – border – Seven Lakes – Penjikent (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan)
Today Start your tour with a delightful hotel breakfast, setting the tone for a day filled with adventure. Next, enjoy a smooth transition to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border crossing at Jartepa (50km). Once you've passed through customs and passport control, anticipate a warm welcome from your local Tajik guide and driver on the Tajikistan side, ready to guide you to the awe-inspiring Seven Lakes (90km) nestled in the scenic Fann Mountains.
Each of the Seven Lakes exhibits a distinctive color palette, ranging from serene turquoise to vibrant purple. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique destination and relish a scrumptious lunch at a guest house near the fourth lake. Continue your journey to the enchanting city of Penjikent, where a comfortable hotel awaits for a restful night's stay. Embark on this thrilling and indelible journey through Central Asia with our group tour, complete with meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Penjikent – border – Samarkand (Tajikistan/Uzbekistan)
Indulge in a delicious breakfast and kick off your day with a fascinating tour of the ancient city of Penjikent. This historical town, founded by the Sogdians in the 5th century and later abandoned by the Arabs in the 8th century, reveals its rich past through the remnants of houses, a citadel housing Zoroastrian fire temples, the remnants of a bustling city bazaar, and various excavated ruins.
Explore the older section of Penjikent, immersing yourself in its history, and then transition to the newer part. Here, visit a vibrant local bazaar, a mosque, and the Rudaki Museum. Drive to the Jartepa border crossing (30 km, 40 min) via Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in the 4th century BC. Upon crossing the border, your group tour in Uzbekistan commences, with your driver meeting you at the border to escort you to your hotel in Samarkand. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel, rounding off another day of captivating exploration.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Samarkand – Gijduvon – Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Continuing the tour, the journey from Samarkand to the Bukhara Ceramic Center unfolds with a pottery master class and lunch. Explore the unique Emir's Summer Residence at Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, a 19th-century site near Bukhara that harmoniously fuses Oriental and Russian architecture (please note, there is no English-speaking guide available here). Following the exploration, proceed to check into the hotel in Bukhara.
Optional Activity: For those interested in an additional experience, delve into the rich traditions of the Bozori Kord Hammam—a traditional Turkic bathhouse established in the 14th century and operational ever since. The optional activity is priced at 25 USD, offering a literal immersion into centuries-old practices.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Embark on the morning with a guided city walking tour led by your local guide. Your exclusive exploration will encompass the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, and the Trade Domes (15-16th centuries), repurposed today as a tourist bazaar. Continue the journey to the Poi Kalyan Ensemble, featuring the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Explore the Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs, followed by a visit to the Ark Fortress and museum in Bukhara. The itinerary then leads to the Bolo-Khauz Mosque with an accompanying pond, concluding with the mausoleum of Ismail Samani. Conclude your walking city tour of the Central Asia Small Group Tour, with a duration of 6-7 hours. Enjoy free time in the evening and overnight at the hotel in Bukhara.
Optional Activity: Experience the National Show at the Nadir Divan-begin Madrasah, commencing at 18:00. The cost for both the show and dinner is 20 USD per person.
Meals: Breakfast
Bukhara – Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Enjoy breakfast and commence your journey from Bukhara to Khiva in the morning, covering a distance of 480 km over 7-8 hours. This overland transfer will take you through the Kyzylkum desert, traversed by caravans carrying porcelain and spices on the Great Silk Road for centuries. Arrive in Khiva, often called the "museum under the open sky," in the late afternoon. After checking in, you'll have free time to explore Khiva. Stay overnight in a hotel situated inside or near Ichan-Kala, the historic center of Khiva, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Note: Considering the basic offerings and limited menus at cafes and restaurants along the way, you may want to bring a packed lunch for this trip.
As an optional activity, participate in a masterclass on cooking "tukhumbarak" (egg dumplings) in the evening, a classic Khivan cuisine. The price is 25 USD per person, with a minimum of 4 persons required, and it includes dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Commence your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a guided walking tour around Itchan-Kala. Explore Kunya-Ark Khan's castle and the inner citadel of Ichan Kala. Continue the journey to visit the following landmarks: Kalta Minor Tower, the tallest minaret in Central Asia; Muhammad Amin-Khan, the largest medieval madrasah in Khiva, and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah; Juma Mosque, featuring 212 wooden columns and a 32.5 m high minaret; Tash-Hauli with its imposing battlements, towers, and fortified gates; the Necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud, the revered center of Ichan Kala; and the residence of Islam Khodja, the vizier of the last khan.
In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Urgench airport (35 km, 45 min) for a flight to Tashkent (1093 km, 1 hour 40 min). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Tashkent – departure (Uzbekistan)
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your convenience before completing hotel check-out by noon. Your dedicated driver will then transport you to the airport for your return flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
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Top Attractions
![Charyn Canyon](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697698140_Img_1.jpg)
Charyn Canyon
Duration: Full day trip from Almaty
![Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen- Almaty](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697878920_Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen- Almaty1.jpeg)
Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen- Almaty
Duration: 1 Hour
![Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697696340_iMG_1.jpg)
Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Republic Square, Almaty](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697879160_Republic Square- Almaty1.jpeg)
Republic Square, Almaty
Duration: 1 Hour
![Green Market (Zelyony Bazaar)](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697699460_Img_1.jpg)
Green Market (Zelyony Bazaar)
Duration: 2-3 Hours
![Independence Monument- Almaty](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697879040_monument-of-independence-3.png)
Independence Monument- Almaty
Duration: 1 Hour
![Oak Park](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1704693540_Img_1.jpg)
Oak Park
Duration: 1 Hour
![Ala-Too Square](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1701075600_Img_1.png)
Ala-Too Square
Duration: 30 Minutes
![Kyrgyz Drama Theatre](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1701944100_Img_1.jpg)
Kyrgyz Drama Theatre
Duration: 2 to 3 Hours
![Burana Tower](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1704693120_Img_1.jpg)
Burana Tower
Duration: 1 Hour
![Victory Monument](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1700824500_Img_1.jpg)
Victory Monument
Duration: 1 Hour
![Ala-Archa National Park](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1701075960_Img_1.png)
Ala-Archa National Park
Duration: 3 to 4 Hours
![Ak Sai Waterfall](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1705571700_Img_1.jpg)
Ak Sai Waterfall
Duration: 2 Hour
![Khast Imam Complex](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697704680_Img_1.jpg)
Khast Imam Complex
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Chorsu Bazaar](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697700060_Img_1.jpg)
Chorsu Bazaar
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Tashkent Metro (kosmonavtlar Station)](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697706780_Img_1.jpg)
Tashkent Metro (kosmonavtlar Station)
Duration: 1 -2 Hours
![Amir Timur Square (Tamerlane Square)](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697699880_Img_1.jpg)
Amir Timur Square (Tamerlane Square)
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
![Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697700480_Img_1.jpg)
Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
![Museum of Applied Arts](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1703655300_Img_2.jpg)
Museum of Applied Arts
Duration: 2 Hour
![Gur-e Amir Mausoleum](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697802840_Img_1.jpg)
Gur-e Amir Mausoleum
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
![Registan Square](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697802960_Img_1.jpg)
Registan Square
Duration: 2-3 hours
![Bibi-Khanym Mosque](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697802540_Img_1.jpg)
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Siab Bazaar](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697801520_Img_1.jpg)
Siab Bazaar
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697802720_Img_1.jpg)
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Ulugh Beg Observatory](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697802420_Img_1.jpg)
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Fann Mountains](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1704693000_Img_2.jpg)
Fann Mountains
Duration: 2 Hour
![Seven Lakes](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1704692760_Img_2.jpg)
Seven Lakes
Duration: 1 Hour
![Rudaki Historical Museum](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1704692640_Img_1.jpg)
Rudaki Historical Museum
Duration: 30 Minute
![Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa palace](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1704692280_Img_1.jpg)
Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa palace
Duration: 4 Hours
![Magoki Attori Mosque](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1703656740_Img_2.jpg)
Magoki Attori Mosque
Duration: 1 Hour
![Poi Kalyan Mosque Complex](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1703657820_Img_1.jpg)
Poi Kalyan Mosque Complex
Duration: 2 Hour
![The Ark Fortress](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1703656560_Img_1.jpg)
The Ark Fortress
Duration: 1 Hour
![Bolo Khauz Complex](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1703656380_Img_1.jpg)
Bolo Khauz Complex
Duration: 30 Minutes
![Nadir Devanbegi Madrasah](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1703655960_Img_1.jpg)
Nadir Devanbegi Madrasah
Duration: 1 Hour
![Kunya Ark (Old Fortress)](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697803080_Img_1.jpg)
Kunya Ark (Old Fortress)
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Kalta Minor Minaret](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697708220_Img_1.jpg)
Kalta Minor Minaret
Duration: 15-30 minutes
![Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697709060_Img_1.jpg)
Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah
Duration: 20-30 minutes
![Juma Mosque](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697708340_Img_2.jpg)
Juma Mosque
Duration: 20-30 minutes
![Tash Hauli Palace (Tash-Khauli)](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697708700_Img_1.jpg)
Tash Hauli Palace (Tash-Khauli)
Duration: 1-2 hours
![Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697803500_Img_1.jpg)
Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
Duration: 20-30 minutes
![Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah](https://agent.dookinternational.com/uploads/pointofattractions/1697709480_Img_1.jpg)
Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Visa
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Terms
- Please note that these packages are customizable, which means that you will be able to make changes to the itinerary/activity if you so desire. The final payment will be calculated as per the itinerary and inclusions reflected on the confirmatory e-mail sent to you.
- Please expect to receive your vouchers 72 hours before your departure date (subject to full payment of your package cost).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, mini bars etc., are not included.
- In case your package needs to be canceled due to any natural calamity, weather conditions etc. Dook Travels shall strive to give you the maximum possible refund subject to the agreement made with our trade partners/vendors.
- The passenger names in the booking form should be exactly as per passports. Dook Travels will not bear any liability for the name change fee, if incorrect names and ages have been added at the time of booking.
- Please note that your package includes baggage as per airlines policy. Any addition in baggage will be charged separately.
- Standard check-in time at the hotel is normally 2:00 pm and check-out is 11:00 am. An early check-in, or a late check-out is solely based on the discretion of the hotel.
- In case the selected hotel is unavailable for booking, an alternate arrangement will be offered to the customer in another hotel of a similar category.
- Certain hotels may ask for a security deposit during check-in, which is refundable at check-out subject to the hotel policy.This amount has to be deposited by the traveler.
- Please note that Day at Leisure essentially implies that no sightseeing activities have been included for that day.
- Kindly be on time for your activities, tours and transfers. Dook Travels will not be liable for missing any activity thus for any refund against it in such cases.
- No refund either in part or in full will be made for any unused part of the services provided in the package.
- The package price doesn’t include special dinner or mandatory charges at times levied by the hotels especially during New Year and Christmas or any special occasions. Dook Travels shall try to communicate the same while booking the package. However Dook Travels may not have this information readily available all the time.
- Our package price does not include GST and TCS. Applicable GST and TCS will be charged over and above the package price.
- For queries regarding cancellations and refunds, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.
- For any paid activity which is non-operational due to any unforeseen reason, we will process the refund & should reach the guest within 30 days refund requisition. Also, for any activity which is complementary and not charged to Dook Travels & guests, no refund will be processed.
- Our package prices are on twin sharing accommodation basis thus published prices are applicable for minimum two persons and multiple of two thereon.
- As per RBI guideline every foreign traveler has to provide us his PAN details. The Dollar component of package price will be taken out of your BTQ (Basic Travel Quota).
- The tour cost does not include any Overseas Insurance Premium, but we strongly recommend buying Overseas Insurance Policy. The same after issuance is non refundable.
- These terms are general terms for our tour packages.Any term mentioned in proposal shall be considered part of it and in case of discrepancy term mentioned in proposal shall prevail.
- Disputes, if any, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi.
- Dook will try to operate each group tour on best effort basis. In case Dook is not able to operate the group for insufficient no. of passengers, Dook will refund 100% money to travellers. Except for this Dook will not have any other liability
Payment Policy
- Payment schedule depends on destination, time of booking, inclusions, airline and hotel payment policy etc thus it is specific to your package bookining.
- Payment schedule will be part of our proposal to you for the package.
- If payment is not made as per the schedule provided in the first booking confirmation e-mail, Dook Travels reserves the right to cancel the booking after attempting to get in touch with you. Refunds would be as per the package cancellation policy.
Cancellation Policy
- Once Booking received : INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation + Hotel cancellation as per hotel policy+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- 60 – 45 Days prior to departure : 25 % of land cost + INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- 45 – 30 days prior to departure: 50% of land cost + INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- 30 – 10 days prior to departure: 75% of land cost + INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- Within 10 days: Full.
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