Best of Central Asia: Across the Stans

Explore Tashkent’s blend of modern design, Soviet heritage, and ancient Islamic architecture.
Wander Khiva’s walled old town and ride across the Kyzylkum Desert to historic Bukhara.
Discover Samarkand’s Silk Road splendour at Registan Square, Shakh i-Zinda, and Bibi-Khanum Mosque.
Experience Kyrgyz life at Songkul Lake, spending a night in a yurt amid mountain beauty.
Conclude in Almaty, Kazakhstan, exploring its museums, mosques, and sweeping views from Kok Tyube Hill.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,242 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,242 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Arts & Culture

Showcasing local cultural traditions and artistic masterworks.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Arts & Culture

Showcasing local cultural traditions and artistic masterworks.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Tashkent

DAY

Tashkent to Khiva

DAY

Discover the Walled City of Khiva

DAY

Khiva to Bukhara

DAY

Exploring Bukhara

DAY

Bukhara to Samarkand

DAY

Touring Samarkand

DAY

Excursion to Langar Ota & Shakhrisabz

DAY

Samarkand to Bishkek

DAY

Exploring Bishkek & Tokmok

DAY

Bishkek to Songkul

DAY

Songkul to Karakol

DAY

Excursion to Djeti Oghuz

DAY

Karakol to Almaty

DAY

Exploring Almaty

DAY

Depart from Almaty

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Tashkent

Welcome to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Tashkent is one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Meet on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Tashkent

Your Accommodation

Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace

Built in 1958 and designated as a Uzbekistan cultural heritage, Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace is a charming hotel. The hotel is located in the center of Uzbekistan, a 10-minute drive from the airport, and next to major buildings such as the Alisher Navoy Opera Ballet Theatre, Trade Center and the Central Bank. Currently, Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace has been completely renovated in October 2013, combining classic exterior with refined interior. Among them, the beautiful courtyard and outdoor swimming pool will allow you to relax and enjoy your private service. The 6-floor outdoor restaurant on the top floor accommodates up to 300 guests, making Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace even more special.

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DAY

Tashkent to Khiva

Full day tour of Tashkent visiting the old town area, which was once a walled city. Visit the Hast Imama Complex housing Kafelsashi shrine, Barak Khana seminary, Tilla Shaikh mosque archives which houses the oldest copy of the Quran, Kukeldasj madrassah, Akbar's pottery house and the Fine Arts museum. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Urgench, the capital of the Khorezum region (90 mins). Meet, greet on arrival and drive to your hotel in Khiva (approx. 45 mins).

Multi Day Tour

Tashkent to Khiva

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Asia Khiva

Hotel Asia Khiva is one of the largest in Khiva and one of the hotels of Asia Hotels chain. Design and structure of the Hotel as well as its interior meet the up-to-date standards of the international hotel industry. You and your guests are offered high-quality European services with underlying Oriental hospitality. Today Khiva attracts not only tourists, businessmen has commercial interests here. Perhaps, the best choice for business meetings is the Hotel Khiva.

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DAY

Discover the Walled City of Khiva

Khiva is a walled city with a varied history of powerful leaders including the khans, Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Take a full day walking tour to see some of the main buildings and monuments including Kalta minaret, Kunya Arg to climb to an upper storey for a viewpoint of the walled city, Rakhimkhon madrassah, Islam Kdodja minaret, the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and Tashauli palace. In addition, you can choose to visit some of the handicraft workshops.

Multi Day Tour

Khiva

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Asia Khiva

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DAY

Khiva to Bukhara

Transfer to the train station in the morning to take the train to Kagan (approx. 6.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic train journey through the Kyzylkum desert. Arrive in Kagan in the afternoon and learn about the history of the Railway Station before transferring to your hotel in nearby Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Later in the afternoon, take a walking tour of Bukhara. Walk through the historical city to see Lyabi-khauz plaza, the Jewish quarter and madrassah Nadirkhon. Also visit a Bukharan puppet master to learn about the puppet making tradition.

Multi Day Tour

Khiva to Bukhara

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Asia Hotel Bukhara

Exquisite Asia Bukhara is the eastern exotica with the European quality of service. The convenient location, comfortable rooms, good service will enjoy a stay in the ancient city. The hotel is located near the legendary landmarks of the city, as well as the airport and the railway station. The hotel has 24-hour room service. In our lobby bar you can find excellent beverages and cold drinks, hot coffee with snacks. This is a quiet and cozy place where you can enjoy a quiet rest, as well as free wireless internet available. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, where you can swim at the hot summer day. There is also a summer bar "Under the moon", which is located on the roof of the hotel. In the evening, the panorama of the night city is perfectly observable there, and the sunset is clearly visible.

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DAY

Exploring Bukhara

Continue to explore Bukhara today to see many more historical sites including Mogaki Attari mosque, Arg Fortress, the Balakhauz mosque, Ismail Samanid mausoleum, the madrassahs of Aziz Khan and Ulugbek, and the grand minaret of Poi Kalon. You will also learn about Bukhara's art traditions with a visit to the workshop and gallery of miniaturist painter Davlat, well known for this classic style of painting. You will also have time to visit the bazaar where you can see and shop for Uzbek caps and other handicraft items.

Multi Day Tour

Bukhara

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

Your Accommodation

Asia Hotel Bukhara

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DAY

Bukhara to Samarkand

In the morning, depart for Samarkand (approx. 4 hr drive). En-route visit the shrine of Bakhauddin Nakshbandi, the summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara - Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, a rural village and Gijduvan. At the village learn about Uzbekistan agriculture and visit a farmer's house. Also, learn about Uzbek cuisine and have the opportunity to partake in making samsa buns. Continue to Gijduvan to visit the ceramic center, a family run shop where you will see the whole pottery making process. Then continue to your hotel in Samarkand.

Multi Day Tour

Bukhara to Samarkand

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Grand Samarkand

Set in the heart of Samarkand, our hotels offers Uzbek and European cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Old Town district and Registan Square are within a 10-minute drive. Grand Samarkand Restaurants is decorated with traditional Uzbek rugs and serves Uzbek and European cuisine. A wide range of wines and fine drinks is offered at the bar. Both Samarkand Airport and Samarkand Train Station are an 8-minute drive from Hotels Grand Samarkand Superior. A shuttle service is available for an extra fee, and free on-site parking is also offered.

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DAY

Touring Samarkand

Take a full day city tour of Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road cities. Samarkand was greatly admired for its gardens and vegetation and was a flourishing city during the Silk Road period. The city has a very interesting history having been invaded by Macedonians under Alexander the Great and by the Mongols and was also visited by Marco Polo. Visit the Shakh-i-Zinda mausoleum including monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries and architecture from the Timurid dynasty. Also visit Registan Square, the great central square of Samarkand, the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Afrosiab Museum, Ulugbek's Observatory and the Silk Road bazaar. Drive to Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. Later in the day visit Samarkand Winery for a wine tasting. Learn about Samarkand's wine making traditions, which date back to Sogdian times. In the evening, attend the El Mirosi show, a performance depicting cultural dances, dress and Uzbek heritage.

Multi Day Tour

Samarkand

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Grand Samarkand

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DAY

Excursion to Langar Ota & Shakhrisabz

Today take a full day excursion to Langar Ota village and Shakhrisabz, a UNESCO designated historic city. At the village visit Shaikh Muhammad Sadiq shrine and take a walk uphill to visit a 16th century mosque that has remained in good original condition. In Shakhrisabz visit the remains of Ak-Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz mosque and other archaeological sites.

Multi Day Tour

Samarkand

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Grand Samarkand

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DAY

Samarkand to Bishkek

Depart for Tashkent in the morning (approx. 5 hr drive). Arrive in Tashkent and visit the grand market - the Chorus Bazaar for your last bit of Uzbek shopping. In the late afternoon transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Meet, greet on arrival in Bishkek and then transfer to your hotel.

Multi Day Tour

Samarkand to Bishkek

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

The Plaza Hotel Bishkek

Plaza Hotel is the embodiment of aristocratic sophistication and modern multifunctionality. Nine floors of luxury and impeccable style will make you feel like part of a secular society. On the territory of the hotel for guests to relax, there is a magnificent SPA zone, which includes an indoor pool of 60 square meters, a relaxation area where relaxing music sounds, for lovers of outdoor activities our hotel can offer a well-equipped gym and a Finnish sauna. The comfort of the rooms will make you relax after a long business day and set you up for a wonderful mood, the view from the panoramic windows will make you feel all the conservatism and beauty of Bishkek.

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DAY

Exploring Bishkek & Tokmok

In the morning, take a tour of Bishkek. Start with a drive past the Presidential Palace and see the changing of the guards at the national monument. Proceed to Frunze's museum, Oak park to see the young painters at work and the monument of Manas -- the Kyrgyz epic Hero. In the afternoon, drive out of the city to visit the town of Tokmok, once a bustling Silk Road town. See the remains of a Kara Khanid minaret and Turkic tombstones. Also, visit a Shardyk, a traditional felt making workshop to learn about the felt making process.

Multi Day Tour

Bishkek

Your Accommodation

The Plaza Hotel Bishkek

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DAY

Bishkek to Songkul

In the morning take a scenic drive to Songkul Lake, situated at 3016 meters above sea level (approx. 3 hr drive) where you will have a unique yurt camp experience. Arrive and take a short walk to visit a Kyrgyz family. Learn about their nomadic lifestyles and traditions. Overnight in your authentic yurt camp.

Multi Day Tour

Bishkek to Songkul

Meal

Breakfast

DAY

Songkul to Karakol

Take a morning walk near the lake before departing for Karakol city (approx. 4 hr drive). Drive along the southern beach of Issykul Lake, stopping at different viewpoints along the way to take photos. Transfer to your hotel in Karakol on arrival. Later in the afternoon, take a short tour of Karakol.

Multi Day Tour

Songkul to Karakol

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Green Yard

Welcome to Green Yard Hotel! Whether you come with business purpose or you want an activity holiday with a relaxing getaway with a bit of walking and some great food we look forward to welcoming you and making it a memorable stay. So, be our guest. Be our story. We'll be honoured to take care of you.

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DAY

Excursion to Djeti Oghuz

Full day excursion to Djeti Oghuz village, set amid beautiful hills and alpine forests. Visit an animal market where cows, sheep, horses and sometimes camel are sold. Then continue to the village, which is home to Kyrgyz nomads. Return to Karakol later in the day and visit Dungan mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Multi Day Tour

Karakol

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Green Yard

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DAY

Karakol to Almaty

Drive through the Karakol valley and Tien Shan mountain range to the Kazakh border. After border formalities, proceed to the Kegen Pass and Charyn Canyon, where you will see some stunning canyon views of the red rock formations. Stop along the way at different viewpoints. Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel (approx. 6 hr drive).

Multi Day Tour

Karakol to Almaty

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Novotel Almaty City Center

Novotel Almaty City Center is ideal for business and leisure. This 190 rooms hotel is situated in the downtown of Almaty on Dostyk and Abai main avenues cross, which are famous for their business centers, offices, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Kok-Tobe Cable Road, The Palace of Republic, Arman Cinema are next to the hotel. Guests have access to WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a fitness center with pool, restaurant with terrace, bar, children corner and 7 meeting rooms.

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DAY

Exploring Almaty

Enjoy a full day tour of Almaty, a city with some interesting Russian architectural buildings surrounded by the Tienshan Mountains. Visit Panfilov Park, Zhenkov's Holy Ascension Cathedral, the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, the State Museum of Kazakhstan, the Central Mosque of Almaty and either Zeelyoni Bazaar or the Green Bazaar. Also, drive to Kok Tyube to take a gondola ride to a panoramic viewpoint of the city.

Multi Day Tour

Almaty

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Novotel Almaty City Center

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DAY

Depart from Almaty

Day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Multi Day Tour

Almaty Departure

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Kyrgyzstan

Almaty

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

AlmatyMostly Sunny

36°C / 97°F

7mm / 0.3"

SamarkandMostly Sunny

38°C / 100°F

4mm / 0.2"

BukharaMostly Sunny

41°C / 105°F

0mm / 0.0"

TashkentMostly Sunny

40°C / 103°F

0mm / 0.0"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,242 Reviews

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We went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja Breiling

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We used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly Dawn

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I can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle Labarca

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I had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie Williams

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We were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormack

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The destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years. If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek Travel

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We had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you! Ben Daube

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Katie was professional, extremely responsive, and very welcoming to work with! We appreciate the recommendations, thoughtful edits, and the expertise. Would definitely recommend Goway travel and working with their team.Parking.com Customer

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Such thoughtful and sincere communication with my advisor Katie! Even though the trip didn’t come into fruition as expected, she still remained committed to adjusting around our itinerary every step of the way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity she gave us as well as just general ideas for the trip.Jenna

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Working with Isabella on a families trip to Ireland! The itinerary was 2 weeks, self drive with many excursions and a family wedding in the middle of it all! She was amazing from start to finish! She answered every question my clients had! She gave the best recommendations! So many details and planning went into this amazing trip! If i could give 10 stars I would! She would call me to make sure everything looked great! Thank you Isabella at Goway! You are the BEST and made this so easy for everyone! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christine Amling