Great Central Asia Tour 4 Countries with THY 13 Nights 14 Days 2026
Tour Detail
Day 1: Istanbul – Ashgabat[ Turkmenistan ]
After meeting at Istanbul Airport’s International Terminal, we depart for Ashgabat at 20:55 on Turkish Airlines’ scheduled TK flight. In the later hours of the night, we land in Ashgabat at 02:35 local time. Following arrival, after customs and passport procedures, transfer to our hotel by private vehicle. Overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Ashgabat. Yyldyz Hotel 4★
Day 2: Ashgabat City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our Ashgabat city tour. First, the places to be visited include the Ruhiyet Palace, Independence Square, the Golden Asmaly Statue, and Türkmenbaşı Ruhy Mosque, the country’s largest mosque.
We have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue discovering cultural riches with a visit to the famous Turkmen Carpet Museum and the National History Museum. After the tour, we return to our hotel. Free time in the evening.
Our hotel: Yyldyz Hotel 4★
Day 3: Ashgabat – Turkmenabat / Mary (Domestic Flight) – Overland to Bukhara
After breakfast, we transfer to Ashgabat Airport. We take our local airline flight at 10:40 to Turkmenabat (or Mary). After arrival, we have lunch.
After the meal, we begin our journey by road toward the Uzbekistan border. After border crossing procedures at the Farap - Alat Border Gate, we arrive in Bukhara and check in to our hotel.
Our hotel: Sasha & Son Boutique Hotel 4★
Day 4: Bukhara – Full-Day Cultural Discovery
After breakfast at the hotel, we start a full-day city tour in Bukhara, one of the dazzling cities of the Silk Road.
As part of our tour, we will first discover the Kalan Minaret and Kalan Mosque, pearls of Islamic architecture on the UNESCO World Heritage List, followed by the historic center enriched with madrasa and caravanserai structures such as Mir-i Arab Madrasa, Ulug Bey Madrasa, Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa, and Toki Zargaron bazaars.
We have lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek cuisine. In the afternoon, we will visit Bukhara’s historical symbols such as Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.
We complete our day with a pleasant walk in Bukhara’s traditional textile and handicraft bazaars. Then return to our hotel.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Our hotel: Sasha & Son Boutique Hotel 4★
Day 5: Bukhara – Samarkand / Overland Transfer & Half-Day Samarkand Tour
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we leave Bukhara and set off for the legendary city of Samarkand on a pleasant approximately 4-hour overland journey.
Along the way, we travel accompanied by steppe landscapes bearing the traces of the Silk Road, arriving in Samarkand in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the half-day tour we will carry out in the heart of Samarkand, which is under UNESCO protection, in the afternoon:
The magnificent Registan Square and the Ulugh Beg, Sher Dor, and Tilla Kari Madrasas surrounding this square,
The Gur Emir Mausoleum (the mausoleum of Amir Timur), built by Timur’s grandson,
And the observatory of the legendary astronomer Ulugh Beg, among the panoramic viewing points.
After the tour, transfer to our hotel and rest.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Our hotel: Arba Boutique Hotel 4★
Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent / High-Speed Train Journey & Capital Tour
After breakfast at our hotel, we proceed to Samarkand train station. Following a pleasant approximately 2-hour journey on the modern and comfortable Afrosiyob high-speed train, we arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
Upon arrival, we first have lunch, then begin our Tashkent city tour. Our program includes:
Independence Square
Amir Timur Square and Monument
Tashkent Metro (a short ride in stations notable for Soviet architecture)
The legendary Kukeldash Madrasa and the Khazrati Imam Complex
Walk through the streets of the old city
At the end of the day, we check in to our hotel. The evening can be spent at leisure.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Our hotel: Wyndham Tashkent 4★ etc.
Day 7: Tashkent - Full-Day Surroundings Tour
After breakfast, we begin our all-day excursions. Today we will discover the more modern and cultural aspects of the capital:
Navoi Opera House and surroundings
Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan
Chorsu Bazaar – a colorful atmosphere in a traditional spice, textile, and handicrafts market
We have lunch during the tour. In the afternoon, free time will be provided for shopping or individual sightseeing.
In the evening, with the suggestion of our tour leader, an optional dinner with local music may be organized.
Overnight again in Tashkent.
Our hotel: Wyndham Tashkent 4★ etc.
Day 8: Tashkent – Shymkent (Kazakhstan) / Overland Transfer & City Tour
After breakfast at our hotel, we head toward the Chernyaevka border gate between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. After border crossing procedures, we enter Kazakhstan and continue our journey to Shymkent.
With an approximately 2.5-hour overland journey, we arrive in Shymkent, the cultural center of Southern Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, we have lunch at a local restaurant and then begin our city tour:
Al Farabi Square
Independence Park
Baiterek Park and Monument
Local market and Soviet-era architectural structures
After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. We have dinner at the hotel restaurant and settle into our rooms for the night.
Overnight in Shymkent.
Our hotel: Canvas Hotel Shymkent 4* etc
Day 9: Shymkent – Almaty Flight & City Tour
In the early morning, we leave the hotel and transfer to Shymkent Airport. With FlyArystan Airlines, we fly to Almaty at 07:30. After an approximately 1.5-hour journey, we arrive at Almaty Airport at 09:00.
After arrival, we begin our Almaty city tour. Almaty, the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan, stands out with its structure blending Soviet architecture with modern life. During our visit, Panfilov Park and the Zenkov Cathedral inside it, the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, Independence Square, the Republic Palace, and Kok Tobe Hill will be among the panoramic sights.
After lunch at a local restaurant, free time will be given in the city. Guests who wish may shop or spend time in the city’s cafés and parks.
Overnight at our hotel in Almaty.
Our hotel: Kazakhstan Hotel 4★ etc.
Day 10: Almaty – Traditional Culture and Natural Beauties
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our explorations around Almaty. The first stop of the day will be the Hun Ethnographic Complex, which keeps Kazakh culture and traditions alive. After being welcomed here with the traditional Kazakh “Shashu” custom, we tour the complex and get to know Kazakh life culture up close. We watch reenactments of traditional rituals such as “Besike Salu” (placing in the cradle) and “Tusau Kesu” (first-step ceremony). We see life inside a Kazakh yurt and witness horse-riding sports shows such as “Atpen Audarysmak” and “Kyz Kuu.” In addition, we will observe the preparation of the Kazakh national bread baursak and have the opportunity to taste this traditional delicacy.
After our visit, we have lunch at an authentic restaurant in the region.
If time allows in the afternoon, we will have the chance to go up to Shymbulak Ski Resort, one of Almaty’s symbols. Later, by returning to the city, we will have the opportunity to see iconic places such as Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar, and Kok Tobe. From Kok Tobe hill, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Almaty and take unique photos.
At the end of the day, we return to our hotel.
Overnight at our hotel in Almaty.
Our hotel: Kazakhstan Hotel 4★ etc.
Day 11: Almaty – Bishkek / Overland Transfer and Accommodation
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart by private vehicle from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan. The Almaty–Bishkek route is an enjoyable overland journey of about 4 hours. Along the way, we witness the natural beauties of the region while observing the Central Asian steppes and mountain ranges.
We complete our passport and customs procedures at the Korday crossing, the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border gate. Vehicle changes may be made during border crossing. All transfer procedures will be organized with the local guide and authorities.
In the afternoon, after arriving in Bishkek, we go to our centrally located hotel and check into our rooms. In the evening, we have dinner at a special restaurant with a menu featuring some of the highlights of local cuisine.
Overnight in Bishkek, at our comfortable 5-star hotel.
Our hotel: Novotel Bishkek City Center5★ etc.
Day 12: Bishkek – Cholpon Ata – Issyk Kul Lake
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off by private bus. Our first stop will be the Burana Tower and its historical-architectural complex, about 90 km from Bishkek. This tower, located among the ruins of the ancient city of Balasagun founded during the Karakhanid period in the 10th century, is one of the important symbols of Central Asian Turkic-Islamic civilization.
After the visit, we proceed along the Boom Canyon route and explore canyon labyrinths with impressive natural formations. We will have walks among these unique formations, known by different names such as “Grand Canyon,” “Bobsled,” and “Skyscraper,” and have the opportunity to photograph the natural richness of the region.
After our tour, we arrive at the town of Cholpon Ata on the shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Free time to enjoy a pleasant walk by the lake and take in this magnificent nature. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Our hotel: Raduga Hotel 4★ etc.
Day 13: Cholpon Ata Area – Issyk Kul Boat Tour – Bishkek
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our surrounding tour in Cholpon Ata. First, we visit the Open-Air Petroglyph Museum, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. Hundreds of prehistoric animal figures and hunting scenes carved on rocks spread across the mountain slope shed light on the region’s past. Then, we tour the Cholpon Ata History Museum and the Rukh Ordo Cultural Complex. This complex, symbolizing tolerance among religions and cultures, fascinates visitors with its different religious architectures and impressive sculptures.
Later in the day, we move to the marina on the shore of Issyk Kul Lake and embark on an enjoyable boat tour lasting about 2 hours. During this journey on the lake’s turquoise waters, we enjoy the surrounding mountain views and the unique beauty of nature.
After the tour, following a short free time by the lake, we begin our return journey to Bishkek by private vehicle. We arrive in the city in the evening and check in to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Bishkek.
? Our hotel: Novotel Bishkek City Center 5★ etc.
Day 14: Bishkek – Istanbul
After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer at the time determined by our guide to Bishkek Manas International Airport. After our ticket and passport procedures, our flight to Istanbul begins at 10:55 with Turkish Airlines’ direct THY service. After an approximately 6 hour 20 minute journey, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 14:15.
The end of our memory-filled Central Asia discovery tour.
See you on the next Tourism trip! ?
What's Included
Economy class flight ticket with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul – Ashgabat and Bishkek – Istanbul
Specified domestic and short-distance flights (Türkmenabat – Bukhara, Shymkent – Almaty)
All intercity road transfers specified in the program
A total of 13 nights of hotel accommodation (in 4* and 5* hotels)
Accommodation with breakfast at hotels
All excursions and city tours specified in the program
Professional Turkish-speaking guide service
Organization of country border crossing procedures (Farap-Alat, Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan)
Mandatory travel insurance
Not Included
Personal expenses
International departure tax
Visa fee and procedures
Tips (a total of 150 USD per person per day is recommended for guide, driver, and local guides)
Room service and minibar use