Central Asia Small Group Tour 2026-2028
$4,090
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$4,090
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Tour Details
16 days
Spring, summer, autumn
Season
2-8 pax
$4,090 / per person
$600 Single supplement
Description
Central Asia is an enchanting region, characterized by a diverse cultural landscape, which is uniquely woven together by a shared Turkic heritage. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are all steeped in history and boast awe-inspiring landscapes and singular experiences. Fortunately, visa regulations have been relaxed, making travel between these former Soviet states much easier.
Embarking on the Central Asia Small Group Tour is an exceptional adventure that spans 16 days, taking you to each of the five Central Asian nations to experience their finest offerings. With our small group tours, you can effortlessly explore Central Asia without any hassle. This comprehensive tour offers an array of unforgettable experiences, from witnessing the construction of yurts in Kyrgyzstan to marveling at the stunning mountains and canyons of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Additionally, you'll visit Uzbekistan's breathtaking blue-tiled madrassas and vibrant bazaars, ensuring a truly unforgettable journey. Embark on a journey of discovery to Turkmenistan and witness the surreal beauty of the Darvaza Gas Crater with our group tour. This unique experience promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
Program
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Upon arrival in Almaty, check into the hotel at noon. After your flight, take some time to rest and recharge before embarking on your sixteen-day Central Asia Group Tour. Spend the night at the hotel.
Meals: none
Meals: none
Start your second day on the Central Asia Small Group Tour with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Your tour guide and driver will be waiting to meet you at your hotel in Almaty. Leave Almaty and make your way to Charyn Canyon, taking in the breathtaking views of the Altai Mountains and quaint villages en route (220 km, 3-4 hours). Arrive at Charyn Canyon in time for a scenic picnic lunch. Take a hike through this stunning canyon, characterized by towering mountains reaching up to 300 meters and the picturesque "Valley of Castles" stretching over 2 kilometers. Return to Almaty in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby for a sightseeing tour of Almaty. Visit Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where you’ll learn more about the city’s history and see one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, Zenkov Cathedral. Visit the Memorial of Glory and the Eternal Flame, dedicated to the soldiers who died for the country’s independence. Continue to Republic Square and Almaty City Museum. Shop for sweets and souvenirs at the famed Green Bazaar. Lunch.
Depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway enjoying the nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h.). Pass border control and arrive in Bishkek, then transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bishkek your Central Asia Group Tour third night.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway enjoying the nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h.). Pass border control and arrive in Bishkek, then transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bishkek your Central Asia Group Tour third night.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast at the hotel on the fourth day of your Central Asia Group Tour. Begin your day with a city tour of Bishkek’s impressive examples of Soviet urban planning and architecture: Oak Park, Ala Too Square, Manas Statue, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Philharmonic Hall, and Victory Monument.
Transfer to Don Aryk village for lunch with local Kyrgyz family at their home. After lunch, local women will demonstrate the construction of a yurt, and you can even take part in it! Then drive to Burana Tower, part of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th centuries) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Bishkek. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Transfer to Don Aryk village for lunch with local Kyrgyz family at their home. After lunch, local women will demonstrate the construction of a yurt, and you can even take part in it! Then drive to Burana Tower, part of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th centuries) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Bishkek. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Your Central Asia small group tour continues with a scenic drive to the stunning Ala-Archa National Park (40km). After a delicious breakfast, your guide will meet you and take you to this breathtaking alpine gorge. Hike through the park, admiring the snow-capped peaks as you make your way to Ak-Sai Waterfall and the banks of the Ala-Archa River. After an energizing picnic lunch, return to Bishkek for your late afternoon flight to Tashkent (1h 10min). Upon arrival in Tashkent, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a comfortable and well-earned night's rest.
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
Day six of your Central Asia Small Group Tour. Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin Tashkent city tour. Your private tour will include: Excursion to the Old City, including the architectural complex Hast-Imam (15th century). Walking through the Islamic Civilization Center and Zarqaynar street. Visit to Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in Central Asia, where you can sample or buy sweets, fruits and souvenirs. Take a ride on the Tashkent Metro. Each station is decorated with ceramic tiles and murals depicting a unique theme. Walk through Amir Timur Square and Independence Square, admiring the paintings for sale on ‘Broadway’ Drive. Drive to Sacred Heart Cathedral. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, an informative collection of Uzbekistan's finest handicrafts housed in an ornately decorated villa. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
On your 7th day of Central Asia Small Group Tour, your driver will transfer you to the railway station in the morning for a train journey to the stunning city of Samarkand (310km, 2-3h). You will visit Gur Emir, and the impressive Registan Square, with its three Madrasahs dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries. Take in the beauty of Bibi Khanum Mosque and stroll through the multi-level complex of Siab Bazaar, where you can find souvenirs and sample local sweets, fruits, and the famous Samarkand bread. Explore the impressive Shakhi-Zinda, a 15th-century burial complex, and walk the imposing pathway to see its blue-domed tombs. End the day with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, where you can view the remains of a 14th-15th-century sextant and tour the Ulugbek Museum. After a full day of exploration, rest and relax at your hotel. This is just one of many exciting experiences you'll have on your Central Asia Small Group Tour.
Begin your 8th day on your Central Asia Group Tour with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border crossing at Jartepa (50km). After passing through customs and passport control, your local Tajik guide and driver will be waiting for you on the Tajikistan side to take you to the breathtaking Seven Lakes (90km). Located in the Fann Mountains, each of the Seven Lakes boasts its own unique color, ranging from turquoise to purple. Take in the natural beauty of this special place and enjoy your lunch at a guest house near the fourth lake. Continue your journey to the charming city of Penjikent, where you'll spend the night at a hotel. Embark on an exciting and unforgettable journey through Central Asia with this group tour.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Have breakfast and start a tour to ancient Penjikent, the ruins of a town founded by the Sogdians in the 5th century and abandoned by Arabs in the 8th century. In old Penjikent you’ll get to see the foundations of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples, the remains of the city bazaar and other excavated ruins. In the newer part of Penjikent, visit a local bazaar, mosque, and the Rudaki Museum. Drive to the Jartepa border crossing (30 km, 40 min) via Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 4th century BC. After crossing the border, you’ll continue your group tour in Uzbekistan, with your driver meeting you at the border to take you to your hotel in Samarkand. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Meals: breakfast, lunch
After breakfast at hotel, free time. Group tour of Central Asia continues with a drive from Samarkand to Bukhara via Gijduvan ceramic center and pottery master-class, before having lunch.
Drive to Bukhara and on the way visit the Emir's Summer Residence at Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century). This is a unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture (please note that no English-speaking guide is provided here). Check-in to the hotel in Bukhara. In the evening, there is a National show at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah with dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Drive to Bukhara and on the way visit the Emir's Summer Residence at Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century). This is a unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture (please note that no English-speaking guide is provided here). Check-in to the hotel in Bukhara. In the evening, there is a National show at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah with dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Begin the morning with a city walking tour led by your local guide. Your private tour will include the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque and the Trade Domes (15-16th centuries) that serve today as a tourist bazaar. Continue your excursion to Poi Kalyan Ensemble, including the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs. Discover the Ark Fortress and museum in Bukhara. Next site is the Bolo-Khauz Mosque with a pond. Last site is the mausoleum of Ismail Samani. Finish your 6-hour walking city tour. Free time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Bukhara.
Optional Activity: Immerse yourself, literally, in centuries-old traditions at the Bozori Kord Hammam, a traditional Turkic bathhouse. Opened in the 14th century, it’s been in operation ever since.
Meals: breakfast
Optional Activity: Immerse yourself, literally, in centuries-old traditions at the Bozori Kord Hammam, a traditional Turkic bathhouse. Opened in the 14th century, it’s been in operation ever since.
Meals: breakfast
Breakfast. In the morning depart Bukhara and drive to Khiva (480 km, 7-8 h*). Today we will have an overland transfer from Bukhara to Khiva through Kyzylkum desert. Caravans on the Great Silk Road carrying porcelain and spices used the same route for hundreds of years. Arrival in Khiva, the "museum under the open sky" late in the afternoon. After check-in, free time to discover Khiva during your Central Asia Small Group Tour. Overnight in a hotel located inside or near Ichan-Kala, the historical center of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip.
Optional Activity: In the evening, take a masterclass on cooking “tukhumbarak” (egg dumplings) a classic Khivan cuisine. Dinner is included. Price is 25 USD per person, with a minimum of 4 persons required.
Meals: breakfast
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip.
Optional Activity: In the evening, take a masterclass on cooking “tukhumbarak” (egg dumplings) a classic Khivan cuisine. Dinner is included. Price is 25 USD per person, with a minimum of 4 persons required.
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, take a walking tour around Itchan-Kala with a local guide in your Central Asia Small Group Tour. Start with Kunya-Ark Khan's castle and the inner citadel of Ichan Kala, before continuing to the following sites: Kalta Minor Tower, the tallest minaret in Central Asia; Muhammad Amin-Khan, the biggest medieval madrasah in Khiva and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah; Juma Mosque, with 212 wooden columns and a minaret 32.5 m high; Tash-Hauli with its high battlements, towers and fortified gates; Necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud, the cultic center of Ichan Kala; residence of Islam Khodja, vizier of the last khan. Overnight at the hotel in Khiva.
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
After your morning breakfast, you'll travel with your driver to the Turkmenistan border point, which is approximately an hour away. You'll have to pass through customs, and transportation may not be available in the transit zone. Once you pass border control, your Turkmenistan guide will meet you, and together you'll embark on a 100km drive to Kunya-Urgench. In Kunya-Urgench, you'll visit the Tyurabek-Khanym and Sayit Ahmed Mausoleums, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum of Khorezmshakh, and Kyrk Molla Hill. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch while exploring the area.
In the afternoon, you'll take a four-hour drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert (280 km, 4-5h). You'll set up camp and enjoy the magnificent ring of fire by night, which is approximately 80 meters in diameter and 30 meters in depth. A delicious fire-cooked meal will be served for dinner near the burning gas crater, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, camp style BBQ Dinner
In the afternoon, you'll take a four-hour drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert (280 km, 4-5h). You'll set up camp and enjoy the magnificent ring of fire by night, which is approximately 80 meters in diameter and 30 meters in depth. A delicious fire-cooked meal will be served for dinner near the burning gas crater, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, camp style BBQ Dinner
Begin your day by witnessing the stunning desert sunrise before indulging in a camp-style breakfast. Afterward, you'll visit the mud crater before embarking on a scenic drive to Ashgabat, which spans 280 kilometers and takes approximately four hours to complete. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to take photos of the majestic sand dunes and graceful camels.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, check-in to hotel and start a sightseeing tour of the capital city, which has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. You'll visit the Old Nissa archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Spiritual Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Other notable stops include the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the recently built Independence Park. A delicious dinner will be served, overnight in Ashgabat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, check-in to hotel and start a sightseeing tour of the capital city, which has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. You'll visit the Old Nissa archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Spiritual Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Other notable stops include the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the recently built Independence Park. A delicious dinner will be served, overnight in Ashgabat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your Central Asia Small Group Tour comes to a close with check-out from the hotel at noon. Enjoy some free time before your transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure. We hope you had an unforgettable journey and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future.
Meals: Breakfast
Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, with breakfast, 14 nights;
- All road transfers including airport and train station (2 persons in sedan, 3-8 persons in minivan);
- Local English-speaking escort guide on days 2-5, 8-9 and 14-15;
- Local English-speaking guide for the city tours in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Yurt construction show in Don Aryk village on day 4;
- Gijduvan pottery master class;
- National folklore show and dinner in Bukhara;
- Economy-class tickets for flights from Bishkek to Tashkent;
- Economy-class tickets for Tashkent-Samarkand train;
- Meals as designated in the program;
- 1L bottle of water per person per day;
- Trekking tent in Darvaza or shared Yurt (includes sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow, 1 night);
- Transfers SUV/4WD in Darvaza;
- Visa support letter for Turkmenistan tourist visa.
- Tour leader to accompany the group for the whole duration of the tour;
- Meals not indicated in the program;
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- All visas, e-visas and visa support letters to Central Asia countries;
- Tips are not included (driver, guide, porter);
- All other charges and services not mentioned under “Inclusions”.
Discount: Discover the beauty of Central Asia with an amazing 5% discount! Book our Central Asia Small Group Tour now and receive this special offer when you invite 2 new travelers to join you on the journey. Explore the rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes of this fascinating region in the company of like-minded travelers and a knowledgeable guide. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save and create unforgettable memories. Book now and start your adventure!
Accommodation:
| Almaty - 2 nights | Kazzhol Park, Ramada, Garden Park Inn or similar |
| Bishkek - 2 night | Ramada, Plaza, Damas, Sofia or similar |
| Penjikent - 1 nights | Panjakent Plaza, Rudaki |
| Tashkent - 2 nights | ATECA, Baden-Baden, Al Anvar, Elements, The Tower |
| Samarkand - 2 night | Shahjahon Palace, Welfort, Samaria, East Star |
| Bukhara - 2 nights | Minzifa, Amiran, Mehrob, Marhaba, K.Komil |
| Khiva - 2 night | Malika Kheivak, ANNEX, Erkin Palace, Arslan, New Minor |
| Darvaza - 1 night | Tent / shared yurt |
| Ashgabat - 1 night | Sport, Ak Altyn or similar |
Planning to travel to Central Asia is an exciting adventure and it's important to be well-informed before you go. Here are some key things to keep in mind for your Central Asia Small Group Tour:
- Passport and visa requirements: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your trip and check the visa requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.
- Health and safety: Consult with your doctor about any recommended vaccinations and carry a basic first aid kit. It's also important to familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Climate: Central Asia has a diverse range of climates, from the hot and arid deserts to the cold and snowy mountain regions. Pack appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions you'll be facing.
- Currency: Research the currency of each country you'll be visiting and consider exchanging some cash or carrying a credit card for added convenience.
- Local culture: Central Asia is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Familiarize yourself with basic etiquette and cultural norms to ensure a smooth and culturally immersive experience.
By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be well prepared for an unforgettable trip to Central Asia. So pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Joining the Central Asia Small Group Tour requires every participant to have a valid travel insurance policy. To ensure a safe and worry-free experience, it's important to choose a reputable insurance provider that offers comprehensive coverage for the entire duration of the tour. This should include coverage for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation costs, lost luggage, and expenses related to cancellations or trip interruption. We strongly recommend using an insurance company based in your home country to make the claims process easier in case of an emergency.
Dates & Prices
April 2027
4 Apr — 19 Apr
Available
$4,090
11 Apr — 26 Apr
Available
$4,090
18 Apr — 3 May
Available
$4,090
25 Apr — 10 May
Available
$4,090
May 2027
2 May — 17 May
Available
$4,090
9 May — 24 May
Available
$4,090
16 May — 31 May
Available
$4,090
23 May — 7 Jun
Available
$4,090
30 May — 14 Jun
Available
$4,090
June 2027
6 Jun — 21 Jun
Available
$4,090
13 Jun — 28 Jun
Available
$4,090
20 Jun — 5 Jul
Available
$4,090
27 Jun — 12 Jul
Available
$4,090
July 2027
4 Jul — 19 Jul
Available
$4,090
11 Jul — 26 Jul
Available
$4,090
18 Jul — 2 Aug
Available
$4,090
25 Jul — 9 Aug
Available
$4,090
August 2027
1 Aug — 16 Aug
Available
$4,090
8 Aug — 23 Aug
Available
$4,090
15 Aug — 30 Aug
Available
$4,090
22 Aug — 6 Sep
Available
$4,090
29 Aug — 13 Sep
Available
$4,090
September 2027
5 Sep — 20 Sep
Available
$4,090
12 Sep — 27 Sep
Available
$4,090
19 Sep — 4 Oct
Available
$4,090
26 Sep — 11 Oct
Available
$4,090
October 2027
3 Oct — 18 Oct
Available
$4,090
10 Oct — 25 Oct
Available
$4,090
17 Oct — 1 Nov
Available
$4,090
24 Oct — 8 Nov
Available
$4,090
April 2028
2 Apr — 17 Apr
Available
$4,090
9 Apr — 24 Apr
Available
$4,090
16 Apr — 1 May
Available
$4,090
23 Apr — 8 May
Available
$4,090
30 Apr — 15 May
Available
$4,090
May 2028
7 May — 22 May
Available
$4,090
14 May — 29 May
Available
$4,090
21 May — 5 Jun
Available
$4,090
28 May — 12 Jun
Available
$4,090
June 2028
4 Jun — 19 Jun
Available
$4,090
11 Jun — 26 Jun
Available
$4,090
18 Jun — 3 Jul
Available
$4,090
25 Jun — 10 Jul
Available
$4,090
July 2028
2 Jul — 17 Jul
Available
$4,090
9 Jul — 24 Jul
Available
$4,090
16 Jul — 31 Jul
Available
$4,090
23 Jul — 7 Aug
Available
$4,090
30 Jul — 14 Aug
Available
$4,090
August 2028
6 Aug — 21 Aug
Available
$4,090
13 Aug — 28 Aug
Available
$4,090
20 Aug — 4 Sep
Available
$4,090
27 Aug — 11 Sep
Available
$4,090
September 2028
3 Sep — 18 Sep
Available
$4,090
10 Sep — 25 Sep
Available
$4,090
17 Sep — 2 Oct
Available
$4,090
24 Sep — 9 Oct
Available
$4,090
October 2028
1 Oct — 16 Oct
Available
$4,090
8 Oct — 23 Oct
Available
$4,090
15 Oct — 30 Oct
Available
$4,090
22 Oct — 6 Nov
Available
$4,090
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Central Asia Small Group Tour start and finish? +
The tour starts in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where you can check into the hotel from noon on day 1. It ends in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, with check-out at noon on day 16 and a transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
How big is the group and how do we travel? +
Groups have 2 to 8 travellers. Two people travel in a sedan and groups of 3 to 8 in a minivan. The route also includes a flight from Bishkek to Tashkent, a train from Tashkent to Samarkand and 4WD transfers around Darvaza.
How demanding is the pace? +
The route is action-packed, covering 5 countries in 16 days, with four land border crossings. It includes hikes in Charyn Canyon and Ala-Archa National Park and some long drives, such as about 7-8 hours across the Kyzylkum desert from Bukhara to Khiva.
What is the night at the Darvaza Gas Crater like? +
You spend one night at the crater in a trekking tent or a shared yurt, with a sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow provided. Dinner is a camp-style BBQ near the burning crater, and the next morning starts with a desert sunrise and a camp breakfast.
Do I need travel insurance and a valid passport? +
Yes, every participant must have valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, repatriation, lost luggage and cancellation or trip interruption. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your trip. Visas are not included, but a visa support letter for the Turkmenistan tourist visa is provided.
Is there a dress code? +
Generally, you can dress as you would at home. When visiting active mosques, women are advised to cover their heads with a light scarf and to wear skirts or trousers that reach below the knee.
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Reviews
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E
Edward and Mary
USA · May 2025
We are now back home. We had a lovely time. The Plov making with the family last night was absolutely great. The guide and driver in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were excellent. Samarkand great tour - driver and guide both very good. The pottery class in Gijduvan was interesting, the delivered the plates to the hotel. Minor issues with a couple guides/drivers are things you cannot control. We saw a lot and learned a lot. We have now been to 81 countries; will start working on the next trip to find some more!
Places visited: Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Bishkek, Burana, Ala Archa, Tashkent, Samarkand, Seven Lakes, Penjikent, Gijduvon, Bukhara, Khiva, Kunya Urgench, Darvaza Gas Crater, Ashgabat.
Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan.