The countries of Central Asia are truly the cradle of civilization! They're also home to a kaleidoscope of landscapes and cultures that have influenced the shape of each state.
Nestled in the heart of the Asian continent, Central Asia is strategically positioned between the Caspian Sea, China, northern Iran, and southern Siberia. This vibrant region of Asia is made up of five independent countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
For many Westerners, Central Asia is still terra incognita. It comprises five former Soviet republics - Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, also known as the Stans - which only became independent states in 1991. Hidden behind the Soviet Iron Curtain for most of the 20th century, they have become new and fascinating tourist destinations that promise an enjoyable travel experience. Among the region's man-made attractions, the world-renowned masterpieces of Islamic architecture stand out.
Hidden in this region are the legends of the Persian era of culture and prosperity, here are the deposits of the Cylinder (Kono prava) of Cyrus the Great (Hukuki Bashari Kurushi Kabir) Conon of Avicenna (Al-Konun Abulai Sina), Rubaii Hayam (Omar Hayam), Firdausi's Book of Kings (Shahnameh Abulkasim Firdausi), Astronomy of Beruni (Al-Bakoi Aburaihoni Beruni), Masnaviyya Rumi (Masnaviyya Jaloliddin Balkhi) and dozens of other thinkers and poets, in addition, the legends of the Achaemenid Empire, the conquest of Alexander the Great, the Samanid Dynasty and many other legends are hidden in this land.
Places/regions for visit:
Uzbekistan, Tashkent (arrival day)
Uzbekistan, Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva (flight to Urgench)
Uzbekistan, Khiva - Bukhara
Uzbekistan, Bukhara sightseeing
Uzbekistan, Bukhara – Samarkand (train transfer)
Uzbekistan, Samarkand
13:00 – Lunch time
Tajikistan, Samarkand - Panjakent
Tajikistan, Panjakent – Istaravshan
Uzbekistan, Khujand – Tashkent
Uzbekistan, Tashkent – Bishkek (flight to Bishkek)
Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul
Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul - Karakol
Kyrgyzstan, Karakol - Charyn canyon – Almaty (Kazakhztan)
Kazakhstan, Almaty
Kazakhstan, Almaty (Departure day)