Itinerary

Sep 7 - Sep 8 USA / Almaty, Kazakhstan

Depart USA on your independent flight to Almaty via Frankfurt, Germany. Arrive in Almaty late on Day 2, transfer to our hotel for overnight.

September 9 Almaty

The largest of the ’Stans, Kazakhstan has a steppe landscape of plateaus and plains rising to a mountainous eastern border with China. We explore Almaty, the country’s largest city and its former capital. Zenkov Cathedral is a masterpiece of nail-less wooden construction from the tsarist era. We also visit the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments and the National Historical Museum.

September 10 Almaty

We drive uphill into the countryside to Medeu, a picturesque, canyon-like valley where we visit Chimbulak, a top ski resort and base for alpine mountaineering. Enjoy a moderate hike into Tuyuk Su Gorge, with a lunch of regional cuisine.

September 11 Almaty / Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Mountain panoramas surround us as we drive south to Kyrgyzstan, a rugged and beautiful country with over half its territory situated in the Tian Shan Mountains, which rise to elevations of 10,000 feet or more. An ancient Silk Road settlement, modern Bishkek is an attractive town lying under the mountainous backdrop. Upon arrival in Bishkek we have a late lunch before visiting the bazaar. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant followed by a vibrant folkloric presentation.

September 12 Bishkek / Ala-Archa Gorge

Today we take a day trip to Ala-Archa Gorge for a hike in this verdant national park whose name means “bright juniper.” The Alamedin River flows through the gorge, which is surrounded by lush forest, alpine meadows, and glacier-clad peaks.

September 13 Bishkek / Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Today we enjoy a tour of Bishkek, a city graced with noted cultural and architectural monuments and expansive parks. In the late afternoon we board our flight to Tashkent for our third ’Stans republic, Uzbekistan. A former crossroads of Silk Road caravans and invaders, Uzbekistan is rich in architectural treasures.

September 14 Tashkent

We spend the day exploring this European-flavored city. View the beautiful facade of the Navoi Theater of Opera and Ballet, visit the Museum of Applied Arts, and tour Old Tashkent, the center of Uzbek culture.

September 15 Tashkent / Samarkand

Today we drive to Samarkand, a prosperous Silk Road trading city and the capital of Tamerlane’s 14th-century rule.

September 16 Samarkand / Pendjikent, Tajikistan

In the morning we plan to cross the border into Tajikistan for a short drive to Pendjikent. Tajikistan is the “Nepal of the ’Stans,” with over 90 percent of its land covered in high, glacier-clad peaks. We visit the ancient ruins of Bunjikath, explore the former residential quarters and citadel, and the town’s wonderful museum, plus the bazaar. After a lunch of regional cuisine, visit a beautiful local town mosque before returning to Samarkand. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

September 17 Samarkand

Today we explore this city’s architectural treasures, including the mausoleums of Shakh-i-Zinda Necropolis. In Registan Square, admire the magnificent domes and gleaming turquoise tiles of historic madrassas (Islamic seminaries). Nearby Bibi Khanym Mosque boasts elegant façades and an interior covered in delicate carved marble, glazed tiles, and frescoes. After lunch we visit Ulug Bek Observatory. We gather this evening to enjoy a folkloric show at Shere Dore complex before dinner.

September 18 Samarkand / Bukhara

This morning we visit Samarkand’s bazaar where displays of grains, fruits, and vegetables are reminiscent of Tamerlane’s time. Watch for colorfully clad Uzbek women in this photographer’s paradise. We also pay a visit to Tamerlane’s tomb, the Gur Emir, with its turquoise dome and richly gilded interior. Enjoy an early lunch before we depart for Bukhara. By the 10th century, this Silk Road trading city had become Central Asia’s religious capital. Its prominence as the capital of the Shaybanids resulted in the flowering of its architectural creativity. Enjoy dinner in the old city this evening.

Sep 19 - Sep 20 Bukhara

We spend two full days exploring Bukhara, a city endowed with magnificent examples of Islamic architecture. Highlights include the central Lyab-i-Khauz square; the elegant 10th-century tomb of Ismail Samani; the 16th-century Ark Fortress; the massive Kalyan Mosque and minaret complex; the graceful Chor Minor; and historic 17th-century madrassas.

September 21 Bukhara / Chardzhow, Turkmenistan / Ashgabat

This morning we depart Bukhara for the Turkmenistan border, and cross over into the town of Chardzhow. On arrival we have a late lunch, and time permitting, tour the town’s museum before continuing to the airport for our evening flight to Ashgabat.

September 22 Ashgabat

Today we explore Ashgabat, the country’s capital, located at the base of the 10,000-foot Kopet Dag Mountains. The city borders the Karakum Canal, the world’s longest canal, which carries water nearly the entire length of the country. Watch for the exotically dressed Turkmen, known for their splendid horses. We visit the ancient citadel at nearby Nisa where archaeological digs are under way. At the Carpet Museum, see fine specimens of brilliantly colored hand-woven carpets, a specialty of Turkmen. Dinner is at a local restaurant in the city tonight.

September 23 Ashgabat

Early risers tour the morning bazaar for an authentic experience of local culture amid overflowing displays of spices, jewelry, and crimson carpets. After lunch at a local restaurant the afternoon is free to explore on your own. We gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner.

September 24 Ashgabat / USA

Early morning transfer to the airport for independent flights homeward.

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