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 5,220 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,220 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

38°C / 100°F

7mm / 0.3"

SamarkandMostly Sunny

40°C / 104°F

0mm / 0.0"

BukharaMostly Sunny

43°C / 110°F

0mm / 0.0"

TashkentMostly Sunny

42°C / 107°F

0mm / 0.0"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,220 Reviews

Verified

Ingrid did a phenomenal job creating a 22 day trip beginning in with 3 days in Turkey, that included a Turkish Bath and a private tour of the mosques, we then took a 10 day cruise through the Mediterranean, Greece, Croatia, plus a couple of other stops. We got off the cruise in Ravenna Italy our transportation was spot on picking us up (I would have to stay all of our transportation was impressive, always there, on time, very helpful) we traveled from Ravenna to Venice where we stayed for two nights. Venice is the only place we had a hiccup, we weren't sure if someone was meeting us at our Hotel to take us to the water taxi to get to the train station, we figured it out, made the train and all was good. Traveled to Florence, had the best time there with one of our most favorite excusions, stayed in Florence for two nights and then completed our trip with three nights in Rome. Rome is BUSY, I was not prepared for that but should of expected it. This is our second big trip planning through Goway Travel, I can not recommend enough, they are so detailed and take care of everything you need and everything you didn't know you needed. Paula Hall-Keefe

Verified

The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M

Verified

Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

Verified

Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

Verified

A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

Verified

I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri

Verified

Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill

Verified

I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals. We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc. We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets. I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed. Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay

Verified

We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow. Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN

Verified

Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire