Day 01: Dushanbe – Iskanderkul Lake

Meet at the Dushanbe airport. Start the day by visiting the Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. After it we will head to the biggest National Flag in the world – 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. Visit the Hissar fort and then drive to Iskanderkul Lake. It is situated in the famous Fann Mountains – one of the most beautiful places of Central Asia. The road to the lakes goes over Anzob pass (3,372 m) with amazing panorama views. 

Overnight near the lake.

Day 02: Iskanderkul Lake – Khujand

Morning walk along the lake shore. Tajikistan takes the second place among the CIS countries for volume of water resources: it has the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1 000 rivers, 2 000 lakes and 8000 glaciers.

Drive to Penjakent (meaning 5 villages), located in Tajikistan’s scenic Zeravshan valley, is a remarkable ancient city from the 5th-8th centuries AD. Known as “Central Asian Pompeii,” this fortified Sogdian hub was a major cultural and craft center, featuring a palace, temples, markets, and homes with elaborate decorations. Its ruins were rediscovered last century.

Visit the Panjshanbe Bazaar and Khujand Fortress.

Overnight at Khujand.

Day 03: Penjikent – Tajik border – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

Morning transfer to the Tajik-Uzbek border, then continue to Tashkent.

Discover the city’s highlights on a tour, including the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, the historic Khast Imam Complex, and Amir Timur Square.

Overnight at Tashkent.

Day 04: Tashkent – Samarkand 

Early morning drive to Samarkand. Located in the Zeravshan Valley, Samarkand is one of Uzbekistan’s oldest and largest cities.

Today we will explore key sites including the Guri Emir Mausoleum, Bibi Khanum Mosque, the UNESCO-listed Shakhi-Zindeh complex (11th-15th c. mausoleums), and the magnificent Registan Square (15th-17th c. madrasahs).

Overnight at Samarkand.

Day 05: Samarkand – Bukhara

Continue exploring Samarkand today. Visit the 15th-century Ulughbek Observatory, site of the renowned scientist-king’s astronomical work. Enjoy a stroll along a local street with shops and cafes. Explore the vibrant Siab Bazaar for local goods and traditional crafts, and see a unique handmade carpet factory.

Evening train transfer to Bukhara. 

Day 06: Bukhara

Today, we will explore the city of Bukhara – we will visit the ancient Citadel Ark (4th century), the stunning 9th-10th century Samanid Mausoleum, and the beautiful Bolo-Hauz Mosque, sometimes called the “mosque of forty columns.” 
Later we will continue to Nodir Divan Begi, a notable madrasah part of the Lyabi House Ensemble, and the impressive Poi Kalon complex (12th-16th centuries), which includes the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque, and Mir Arab Madrasah. 

Overnight at Bukhara

Day 07: Bukhara – Khiva

Departure at 05:00. We begin our journey to Khiva.

Upon arrival in Khiva, It is going to be inside Ichan-Qala, the walled inner city of Khiva. Ichan-Qala was transformed into a unique city-monument with centuries-old architectural buildings, palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravan-sarais, and bathhouses. Around 60 architectural monuments and more than 400 traditional dwelling buildings make up Ichan-Qala.

Day 08: Khiva – Turkmen border – Darvaza (Turkmenistan)

Transfer to Shavat border.

Meet guide and drive to Kone Urgench (UNESKO 2005) ancient capital of Khorezm. Visit mausoleums of II Arslan and Soltan Tekesh, Nejmeddin Kubra, Soltan Ali, Turabek –Khanum (12th c), minaret of Kutlug Timur, Mamun II.

Continue the Darvaza Gas Crater “The Door to Hell”. The settlement was once the site of a sulphur works, which closed in the 1960s. Created by Soviet gas exploration, this site features a prominent flaming crater, roughly 60m in diameter.

Night is at the tents or yurts.

Day 09: Darvaza – Ashgabat

After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat.

Visit the Monument and Park of Independence. “Old Nisa” – The Sanctuary of Parhian Kings (UNESCO site) and “Gypjak” Mosque and Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan and local bazaars.

Visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography. Continue to Ferris wheel, Neutrality Arch, Earthquake Memorial, Wedding Palace.

Overnight at Ashgabat.

Day 10: Ashgabat – Airport

After early breakfast, transfer to airport. End of the tour.