• Overall

  On our most adventurous 20-night adventure, we will start in the new capital of Kazakhstan, Astana and finish in the ostentatious city of Ashgabat Turkmenistan.

  In between these two fascinating cities, we will travel by road, rail, and air as we adventure and explore parts of Kazakhstan only a few have seen before. We will be heading to the industrial base of Karaganda, the infamous Semipalatinsk (in two words; Gulags and Nukes), and Kurchatov - the Los Alamos of the USSR, where the Red Bomb was developed and tested. Plus, we will even visit ‘The Polygon’; the vast nuclear testing range full of abandoned measuring platforms, bunkers, craters, buried machinery, and the scenic yet chilling ‘Atomic Lake’.

  Please Note: the situation vis-a-vis access to the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Polygon is very much changeable with no notice. So while we do intend to run the tour as scheduled here there is a chance that things may change and we have to adjust to which areas we visit, where we stay overnight, and so on. We have explored this area thoroughly though and have redundancies and backup plans in place, so we can still assure all visitors that they will experience as much access to the site as possible when they visit with Koryo Tours.

  We will make sure to visit the main sites during our time in Turkmenistan such as Ashgabat and the Darvaza Gas Crater (Gates of Hell), but also take you off the beaten path to really experience and understand Turkmenistan. Meet local people, and learn about their lives and history, their differences and commonalities.

  Dates don't suit?
  Check out our Explore Kazakhstan | Astana to Almaty September Tour, or contact us for more information on private tours.

  Highlights

  • Combine Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan for the ultimate adventure.
  • Astana | Ashgabat | Almaty Nuclear Polygon – USSR’s testing range for atmospheric and underground nukes.
  • Darvaza Gas Crater - This Giant burning crater known as the ‘Mouth of Hell’.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 21

  1. Monday 23rd September

     Arrival Day

     • Flights to Astana (airport code NQZ) arrive from many international destinations – let us know which flight you will be on, and we will arrange your pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Arriving even earlier is, of course, fine and can be accommodated.
        
     • Today we start the tour with a group dinner of some excellent local food, coordination and briefing session, before the adventure ahead!

     Overnight: Astana - Kazakhstan's shiny new Capital City!

  2. Tuesday 24th September

     Astana

     • Astana is a new city rightly famed for its unique approach to architecture; it piles together with a wide range of different styles and forms. The result is either a glimpse at the future of post-modern cities or a horrifying un-curated mish-mash of clashing buildings.
        
     • Bayterek Tower – now the icon of the city, this ornate monument has a viewing platform 97 metres above the ground (1997 is when Astana become the capital city) and is designed to evoke a folk tale about a bird laying an egg in a tree. Amazing views over the city from here.
        
     • Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – glass Pyramid from the eminent architect Norman Foster with the vague but noble aim of reconciling the world’s faiths and ideologies and bringing an end to violence. Even if this goal remains elusive, it is a stunning building and worth exploring!
        
     • Hazret Sultan Mosque – the biggest in Kazakhstan (and second in the region only to the monstrous Gypjak Mosque in Turkmenistan). Classically Islamic in style and Kazakh in décor, this impressive building can house up to 5000 worshippers at once.
        
     • Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre – perhaps the building that architecturally sums up modern Astana more than any other. Another Carbuncle/work-of-genius (delete as you prefer) from Norman Foster, this ingenious structure looking somewhat like a lop-sided tent maintains an even temperature year-round and provides leisure facilities, shopping, entertainment in general.
        
     • River Ishim – we’ll stroll the banks of this waterway in the centre of town, a good way to see a slice of local life and people enjoying their time. Remember that almost all of Astana’s population are recent arrivals so a big mix of people from around the country and beyond can be met with here.

     Overnight: Astana

  3. Wednesday 25th September

     Akmol & Karaganda

     • We take a drive out of the city to the nearby village of Akmol; home of the chilling Museum of the Camp for Wives of Traitors to the Motherland – A sensitively-done spot telling the story of the loyal (going to such a place could often be avoided with a divorce and public denunciation) women sent here when their husbands were persecuted.
        
     • We see a little more of this settlement on a walk around; church, mosque, and apartment buildings now occupy this former gulag-site before leaving for a 3 hour drive to the major city of Karaganda (lunch along the way)
        
     • An introductory walking tour of the city centre - focusing on the architecture, history, and local culture of this city (all of which is varied and fascinating), we’ll visit the central park as well and see and mix with locals spending leisure time here.
        
     • Karaganda is a large city but with a very walkable centre – the Russian/Soviet influence here is strong and our guide (a local to this place) will tell us all about the city, you’ll find it fascinating for sure! He can also recommend good spots for dinner/evening socialising/etc
        
     • We will also visit a local painter - famed for having no arms and painting with the brush in his mouth. He sells his amazing work and can speak about his history growing up close to the nearby nuclear weapons testing area

     Overnight: Chaika Hotel – amazing brutalist Soviet monstrosity. Real time-warp stuff. One part of the hotel was built specifically for the visit of Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. The rooms are comfy and modern. The building itself is timeless!

  4. Thursday 26th September

     Karaganda

     • We drive an hour out to the museum of KarLag, the local gulag system – a dark part of history indeed told through the rooms of this former NKVD HQ. State ‘enemies’, departed nationalities (a vast number of whom were dumped in central Asia due to Stalin’s paranoia about enemies within – the largest numbers being Germans from the west and Koreans from the east. Their stories are told here in this chilling memorial to the all-too-recent evils.
        
     • The village around this museum is made up largely of former Gulag barracks, admin buildings, and medical centres, we will take a look around and also visit the depressing cemetery for children who died in this cruel system.
        
     • The nearby town of Shahtinsk hosts us for lunch and some views of local industries; coal mining primarily, but also steel production and agriculture.
        
     • In the afternoon we offer the choice between free time to further explore Karaganda City or a trip to a former execution ground (what a choice, we know!) marked by tasteful and meaningful memorials to the various nationalities whose people were among the unfortunate souls to perish here.

     Overnight: Chaika Hotel

  5. Friday 27th September

     Astana/Train Ride

     • We return to Astana by road in the morning. A special lunch with a local family awaits us when we arrive back in the Kazakh capital and then time to shop for some supplies for the overnight train ride ahead of us.
        
     • All aboard! We jump onto a sleeper train making its way through the night and across the country to the city of Kurchatov - home of the Soviet atomic weapons program. Comfy beds and a clean restaurant await us and rolling steppe outside the windows for this 800km journey. We will have dinner delivered to us on the platform at Ekibastusz Station that evening.

     Overnight: Onboard the train – 4 beds in each room. Comfortable and clean

  6. Saturday 28th September

     Semey/Nuclear Polygon/Kurchatov

     • We arrive in the morning in the eastern city of Semey and grab breakfast and the chance to leave our luggage in a local hotel (we will be back in a couple of days) - we then board our vehicles for an epic adventure in a fascinating and formerly forbidden area
        
     • We go deep into the Polygon - heading for a wide range of sites associated with the Soviet nuclear weapons program - the Atomic Lake, abandoned and derelict ICBM sites, underground bunkers, buildings erected and then destroyed in nuclear test explosions, and much more. it will be an epic adventure and, of course, protective clothing is provided when required.
        
     • We’ll make a few stops on the way through but most significantly Atomic Lake – caused by a deep underground nuclear blast – this was in fact made deliberately and is known as the world’s first and only use of industrial nuclear weapons. Find out what on earth they were thinking and meet some fishermen looking for three-eyed fish in the 180m deep lake.
        
     • We’ll have a Roadside Picnic (note to non-literature lovers, this is a joke – read this book and you will find some eerie similarities to this part of the trip) and continue to see some relics of the testing program. A local expert will also be with us to explain in detail, answer questions, etc.
        
     • We arrive in Kurchatov and check in at our hotel, used mainly by scientists still studying the effects of all the nuclear tests in this region.  Kurchatov was founded in 1947 simply to make Soviet Nuclear weapons a reality. Under the control of then KGB Chief Lavrentiy Beria and scientist Igor Kurchatov, this is where the arms race became a two-horse event.

     Overnight: Mayak Hotel – another time-warp hotel with period furnishings and decor.

  7. Sunday 29th September

     Kurchatov/Chagan

     • Museum of the Semipalatinsk Test Site – a detailed and deep explanation of what this place is, what happened here, and what effect their inventions can have. Some machines from that time are displayed here too. (note: this museum opens and closes at the whim of higher powers, so its opening cannot be 100% confirmed - if not open we will have a lecture on the history of the area at a different location
        
     • We board our vehicle and take a drive, deep into a formerly off-limits (very off limits!) area; the Semipalatinsk Polygon – nuclear testing ground chosen due to its remoteness, lack of population, and because it seemed like a good spot to blow a few things up. we provide protective gear of course
        
     • Next stop is Chagan – once a deeply secret long-range bomber base. Now a deeply abandoned former long-range bomber base. See the massive runways, the remaining ammunition hangars, and the collapsing main buildings of the base. Plus the garrison town nearby which housed the base staff from 1954 to 1994 and now stands completely stripped like a spooky post-apocalyptic warning. A bit of UrbEx here
        
     • We will visit a local family who used to live in Chagan - hear their stories of what it was like living at the front line of the Cold War so far in the USSR interior, and what things have been like for them since the base closed and their lives changed forever.

     Overnight | Mayak Hotel

  8. Monday 30th September

     Semey

     • We leave Kurchaov and the Polygon/Test Field behind us today as we return to Semey. Semipalatinsk is actually the former name of this city; correctly it is now referred to as Semey, we explore with a city tour of this little-visited settlement.
        
     • We will spend some time with a very special group of people - a local school who specialise in teaching disadvantaged children from more modest backgrounds. They teach English to a very high level here and we will meet with some teachers and children from the school who will give us some information about their hometown, give us a performance, and give us a chance to learn from these kids as well as helping them with a chance for conversation time with visitors - this is another Koryo Tours exclusive and something you will never forget
        
     • After lunch we liberate you for free time – a couple of recommendations include;​​​​​​ Fine Arts Museum – not just the best collection in Kazakhstan but also a display of abnormal anatomy, something quirky and troubling (especially with our trip to the nuclear test site coming up)
       Stronger Than Death Monument – in the Tatar section of town (itself an attraction we will explore some more) – shows the resilience of those who live and have lived in this remote part of the world.
        
     • Free time from the later afternoon to explore the city, have an evening out away from the shadow of nuclear tests and enjoy a very unique place indeed on a very special day.

     Overnight: Semey Hotel – very Soviet-style place with an aesthetic unlike what you may be used to! All the charm of the late-USSR but with free wifi! You’ll love it!

  9. Tuesday 1st October

     Semey/Almaty

     • Once upon a time Semipalatinsk was a wealthy trading city, situated between China and Russia, and acted as a gateway to the Central Asian territories added to the Russian Empire in the 19th Century. We will explore mainly on foot and see buildings from various eras, statues and monuments, mosaics and a little-known part of history. All explained to us as we make our way on a short walking tour around this unexpectedly-charming place. Sites we visit include...
        
     • Lenin Alley – a common sight in Kazakhstan’s smaller cities; a collection of Lenin's in a nice park setting. The central piece is awe-inspiring.
        
     • Victory Park – with statues, tank monument, and a hang-out place for locals.
        
     • Dostoyevsky Museum – the titan of Russian Literature, was exiled out here in Semipalatinsk and this museum explains the importance of his works. Pro-tip: read Crime and Punishment before your visit.
        
     • After an early lunch we head to Semey Airport for a flight to Almaty - the former capital and the most charming city in the country
        
     • We transfer to our hotel and you can head out for exploring, enjoying the very lively coffee shop scene, hot up some amazing restaurants and bars, pamper yourself at a beauty centre. Do whatever you like in this very modern but also laid-back place. You've earned it after the long journeys of the last few days!

     Overnight: Hotel Kazakhstan – a towering monstrosity offering great views over the city as well as faded-luxury. An iconic structure in an iconic city; ideal for finishing off our Kazakhstan adventure

  10. Wednesday 2nd October

      Almaty

      • We embark on a walking tour of this amazing city - Almaty. Nestled against the precipitous Tian Shan Mountain range and dotted with parks, theatres, boulevards, and much more. Sites we visit include...
      • Almaty Metro – one of only two subway systems in the whole of Central Asia (the other is the Moscow knock-off in Tashkent) this system opened in 2012 and strikes a balance between Moscow opulence and modern efficiency
      • Green Bazaar & Rakhat Chocolate Factory – these neighbouring sites are local institutions. You can smell the sweetness from the latter all across this part of the city. Banter and barter with sellers in the market, pick up the apples that Almaty is known for as well as all manner of other delicious local delicacies. Get your sweet tooth into action with the terrific and very affordable selection at the chocolate factory (ideal for gifts too!)
         
      • Panfilovets Park – Almaty's main place of leisure. Very pleasant and marked with stunning and evocative monuments to the Kazakh soldiers who fell while fighting to defend Moscow from the Nazi invasion. Zenkov Cathedral is also located in this park.
         
      • Central Mosque – With its broad ethnic mixture and clear secularism, it is easy to forget that Kazakhstan is a majority-Muslim country. We’ll have a look at the main mosque in Almaty to see how the locals worship and what their faith means to them.
         
      • Arbat Street – every good former USSR town has one; a pedestrian area ideal for promenading, window shopping, café culture, public art sales, and so on. This one is very modern, and is lined with some great examples of brutalist apartment buildings.
         
      • Kok-Tebe – a cable car ride up to a mountain overlooking the city. Amazing views, a statue of the Beatles, A Ferris Wheel and toboggan ride, small zoo, bars, and entertainment in general. Simply put, this is the city’s best spot and a very popular area for local families, youths, and everyone really. We’ll have a final lunch of the tour along the way. A fitting relaxing end to an intense, mind-blowing week!

      Overnight: Hotel Kazakhstan

  11. Thursday 3rd October

      Goodbye Almaty welcome Ashgabat

      Today you travel between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan - two fascinating and very different states in the same region. In terms of logistics, there are only occasional flights directly on this route - if one is available we will help you with that, but otherwise, the safer and most reliable route would be to fly via Istanbul or Dubai - two places well-connected several times daily to both Almaty and Ashgabat. Get in touch with us for help with planning this route.

      You can make this journey all in one day, or arrive the following day, this will still get you there in time for the Turkmenistan tour to begin, so explore options and let us know what you think.

      Arriving in Ashgabat/ Turkmenistan you pass through its multi-billion dollar marble-clad eagle-shaped airport - the kind of ostentatious building any country in the Middle East would be proud of. Exchange the Letter of Invitation (LOI) we have sent you in advance for a visa on arrival and a pickup and transfer to the hotel will be provided along with a local guide.

      This evening is free for your short own exploration or to relax in another exciting country.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Overnight: Olympia Hotel, Ashgabat - Built for the 2017 Asian indoor martial arts game this well-located and modern hotel allows access to malls, shops, and restaurants, and provides guests with quality facilities in a fascinating part of the city

  12. Friday 4th October

      Ashgabat

      This morning there is time to relax and soak up your surrounding before this afternoon's orientation walk around the city visiting.

      • Tekke Bazaar - Walk through this real, local slice of life, a true local market very popular amongst local people for shopping. On weekends, there are also local booksellers in the park opposite the market selling a selection of second-hand books. If you're lucky, you may pick up a copy of the Ruhnama the book written by Saparmurat Niyazov, the Turkmenistan president. Niyazov famously said, "a person that reads Ruhnama three times becomes smart, and after it, he will go straight to heaven".
         
      • Inspiration park - A public park at the centre of Ashgabat this narrow parkland is lined with sculptures of Persian poets, scholars and great thinkers all surrounding an artificial river and impressive water fountains. 
         
      • Russian Bazaar - located in the very centre of town, this covered bazaar is where you can buy almost everything you may need in daily life; fruit & nuts, cables & chargers, sweets, kimchi, baked goods, souvenirs, and so on. Nearby is also the Alty Asyr Shopping Centre which is a good place to buy cotton goods (tracksuits, towels, bedsheets, etc. all made from local cotton, and all very cheap).
         
      • Lenin statue - Best described as a small Lenin on a giant plinth decorated in central Asian tile work. 
         
      • Pushkin Monument - this small bust erected to Russia's most famous poet Pushkin is easily visited only 5 minutes from Lenin.
         
      • Pervyy park - this is one of Ashgabat's oldest parks founded in 1890 named officer park, Lenin park, first park and independence park.
         
      •  Ashgabat Train station - originally built in 1888 the first railway station was destroyed in the earthquake of 1948 along with much of the city. A new station was built shortly after in 1950 although this was remodelled 2009 taking on its now grand form crowned by the eight-pointed star (Rub El Hizb).

      We return to the hotel after this mini-adventure to meet the new tour members at dinner.
      
      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Overnight: Olympia Hotel, Ashgabat

  13. Saturday 5th October

      Ashgabat

      A free day in Ashgabat. We can make recommendations for what to do and help to arrange drivers, and guides, as needed for excursions outside of the city. Or you can simply wander, relax, go shopping, use leisure facilities, and so on.

      Ashgabat has malls, galleries, museums, and other sites open to visitors. Just tell us what kind of thing you would like to do and our local partners and we can help with making a plan for you.

      The tour starts properly this evening with a group dinner and orientation. Meet those arriving just for the Turkmenistan part of the tour and get ready for a further group adventure!
      
      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Overnight: Olympia Hotel, Ashgabat

  14. Sunday 6th October

      Ashgabat City Tour

      • Tolkuchka Bazaar – The nation's largest market, built outside the city and home to various sections selling household goods, clothes, the famous Turkmen carpets, camels & other animals, and much more!
      • Ashgabat Hippodrome – Sunday is a day at the races, with the sacred Ahal-Teke horses in full display.
      • Cooking course – for today's lunch, we attend a local restaurant which gives us a tutorial and the opportunity to bake some local Turkmen pies. If it's not for you, don't worry, you'll be able to relax whilst your meal is cooked for you. 
      • Afternoon city tour – Including Independence Park and Monument, Arch of Neutrality topped by the gold statue of Turkmenbashi, Ahal-Teke horses monument, Earthquake Monument and Museum.
      • Free evening for a night out in the city.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

      Overnight: Olympia Hotel, Ashgabat

  15. Monday 7th October
      
      Darvaza Gas Crater & Bokhurdag

      • Desert adventure! We head off in a fleet of 4x4s into the deep desert today.
      • Bokhurdag semi-nomadic village for a look at what desert life is like today and lunch at a local family home.
      • Onwards to the bizarre mud and water craters, scenes of accidents that opened sinkholes in the desert.
      • Finally, we arrive at the stunning and unforgettable Darvaza Gas Crater in the centre of the country and the scene of a 40-year-old industrial accident that ended with a giant flaming pit burning to this day. A hypnotic sight and one of the strangest and most spectacular things you can possibly see.
      • We camp tonight beside the crater; it is best seen at night, and dinner is cooked on the spot.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      
      Overnight: Camping at the Darvaza Gas Crater - Camping in the desert with tents, sleeping bags and roll mats provided. we will also provide tents based on your rooming options. this affords us the best opportunity to view the amazing gas crater from before sunset to sunrise.

  16. Tuesday 8th October

      Ashgabat

      • We return to Ashgabat, driving through the morning with a stop at a monument to the suppression of the Basmachi rebellion.
      • Once back in the capital the rest of the day is yours to do with as you please; explore, relax, shop, take a side trip (drivers are available for hire), we and our local guides can advise on the spot.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Overnight: Olympia Hotel, Ashgabat

  17. Wednesday 9th October

      Nisa Fortress and Kow Ata Underground Lake

      • Nisa Fortress - a UNESCO site and former capital of the mighty Parthian state in ancient times.
      • Ahal-Teke horses are considered heavenly and sacred beasts in Turkmenistan, and this stud farm visit will show you why. Have a ride on one of the horses if you like.
      • We then drive on to the bizarre Kow-Ata underground lake. A Sulphur-heated lake 100m deep underground. Take a swim, explore the cave, and then have lunch at a shashlik restaurant on the spot.
      • We will drive in our 4x4 fleet on to the remote city of Balkanabad; this sleepy town is easily explored on foot in a couple of hours of free time before dinner and overnight in a hotel shaped like a giant yurt.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      
      Overnight: Hotel Niebitchi, Balkanabat - Yurt-shaped curiosity in the town centre, well-situated for wandering around and exploring.

  18. Thursday 10th October

      Yangykala Canyon & Turkmenbashi

      • We drive to the stunning Yangykala Canyon, known as the ‘Turkmen Grand Canyon’ little-known but a gorgeous area with shifting colours in the rocks, amazing formations, and some wonderful photos to be taken.
      • Through the afternoon we make our way across the country, stopping at scenic areas, pilgrimage sites and so on until we reach our destination; the Caspian sea city of Turkmenbashi and the bizarre ‘touristic zone’ of Awaza. This place has to be seen to be believed, and we will have a look around the hotel-covered peninsular before checking in for a relaxing evening at the coast.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

      Overnight: Serdar Hotel. A comfortable beachside option. You can also upgrade to the Yelken Yacht Club, the finest establishment in Awaza. Contact us for more details!

  19. Friday 11th October

      Awaza to Ashgabat

      • A free morning to relax at the coastal resort, try swimming (although the Caspian is a cold sea) or some watersports, wandering around, or even sleeping in!
      • Late morning we will take a boat ride down a canal stretching the length of the Awaza area, see the different architectural styles of the buildings here, all of which have sprung up in the last few years.
      • We will drive to Turkmenbashi city for lunch, the oldest city in the country and one settled by Russians during their invasion from across the sea during the late Great Game.
      • A city tour of Turkmenbashi – the local bazaar, railway station, Oil Workers’ Square, various monuments, and even a cemetery for Japanese POWs who were brought here to labour after their capture at the end of WWII, and never got home again.
      • Flight back to Ashgabat for the final dinner of the tour, time for goodbyes and the last night out, if you’ve got the energy!

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

      Overnight: Olympia Hotel, Ashgabat

  20. Saturday 12th October
      
      Departure

      • Departure day – airport transfers provided for everyone regardless of the time of flight or where you are going.

      End of tour, OR;
      
      OPTIONAL EXTENSION (+600 EUR)
      
      Extension day 1: Mary & Margush

      • Flight from Ashgabat to Mary, in the centre of the country and the nearest city to the ancient silk road metropolis of Merv.
      • Visit Gonur-Deppe (Margush); another ancient city in this area, with some lovely ancient architectural features.
      • Back to Mary City and explore this modern town, mix with the locals, go to parks, bars, etc. as you like, a sleepy area with welcoming and friendly locals.

      Meals: Breakfast 

  21. Sunday 13th October
      
      Extension day 2: Ancient Merv

      • Excursion to Ancient Merv, probably the most important city in the world at certain times of its history and a place where you will learn a great deal about the history of Central Asia, the rise and fall of dynasties and cities, the silk road, and human civilisation in this part of the world in general. This vast area is roamed by animals, explorers, extant buildings, ruins, etc. All contributing to a sense of the dynamism of the ancient silk road.
      • In the afternoon you fly back to Ashgabat for a final rest/night out before departure.
        
        Please let us know if you wish to book an extra night in Ashgabat. the flight should return to the capital at around 8 PM - 9 PM.

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Kazakhstan

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours to Kazakhstan feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $50 USD per night

  • Upgrade to your own room in Turkmenistan

    The default rooming option for this tour is shared hotel room or tent (one night). Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $50 USD per night

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • English-speaking local guides
  • Western tour leader
  • Meals where indicated
  • Accommodation
  • Internal flights
  • Internal trains
  • All included sightseeing
  • All taxes & entrance fees to areas where special permits are required
  • Airport transfers
  • An amazing time in two very different yet amazing countries!

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips for local guides and drivers
  • Incidentals, extra drinks, etc
  • Optional single supplement: USD 50 per night (Kazakhstan) and USD 55 Per night (Turkmenistan)
  • Kazakhstan: Visa fee - depending on nationality – most Western nationalities do not need visas to Kazakhstan. Please do check first to be sure
  • Turkmenistan: All visitors will need a visa USD 80 to USD 150, depending on nationality; we will do the work required for this
  • International flights to Kazakhstan and from Ashgabat
  • Flight between Almaty and Ashgabat - we can assist with recommendations for this route

• Notes

  How to Apply: To apply simply click on the application button listed with this tour and fill out the online form, upload a passport copy and photo (or send to us by email) and you can consider yourself to be booked on this adventure! For any questions, comments, etc about this trip get in touch with Rich at [email protected] We ask for an application to be completed a minimum of one month in advance of the tour, ideally six weeks or more if possible: We will require a deposit to be paid at this time as we start taking on administrative costs as well as an obligation to pay for the visa invitation as soon as we send off an application. We ask for a deposit of 50% of the tour fee. Cancellation & Refunds: Please note that if you require a visa for Kazakhstan you will need to pay this fee yourself. Most visitors do not require visas though.

  Check https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Kazakhstan For Turkmenistan everyone will need a letter of invitation this is used upon arrival to obtain your visa for the country. We will send you further details upon booking. We practice the same cancellation policy with this tour as we do with our DPRK tours. This is listed on our website T&C. However, we do not seek profit from people who cannot go on tours but we do make arrangements and commit to payments in good faith once a booking is received and payment is made. So we always try to refund more than the minimum. As with any trip it is best to be as sure as possible that you will be able to attend the trip when making the final booking. If the tour is cancelled by Koryo Tours for any reason then a full refund is of course made. In all cases we return as much as we can and we do not take a fee for client's cancellation. Please be sure that you will definitely be joining the tour when you send all application details.

Please apply by 1st September, 2024.

• Overall

  On this incredible, new-and-improved for 2024, 10-night adventure, we will start in the new capital of Kazakhstan, Astana and finish in the old, Almaty.

  In between these two fascinating cities, we will travel by road, rail, and air as we adventure and explore parts of Kazakhstan only a few have seen before. We will be heading to the industrial base of Karaganda, the infamous Semipalatinsk (in two words; Gulags and Nukes), and Kurchatov - the Los Alamos of the USSR, where the Red Bomb was developed and tested. Plus, we will even visit ‘The Polygon’; the vast nuclear testing range full of abandoned measuring platforms, bunkers, craters, buried machinery, and the scenic yet chilling ‘Atomic Lake’.

  We’ll get a history lesson on the darker side of this little-known land, as well as updates on what’s been going on in the cities and countryside as we pass between them seeing local life, industry, and so much more. Combining our expertise working in the country, contacts, and in-depth research, we’ve put together a tour that is like no other to offer you the best in Kazakhstan tourism.

  Please Note: the situation vis-a-vis access to the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Polygon is very much changeable with no notice. So while we do intend to run the tour as scheduled here there is a chance that things may change and we have to adjust to which areas we visit, where we stay overnight, and so on. We have explored this area thoroughly though and have redundancies and backup plans in place, so we can still assure all visitors that they will experience as much access to the site as possible when they visit with Koryo Tours.

  Dates don’t suit?
  Check out our Explore Kazakhstan | Astana to Almaty tour in May, or consider combining with Turkmenistan on our amazing Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Adventure, or contact us for details on private tours.

  Scroll down for an overview of our Explore Kazakhstan - Astana to Almaty September tour highlights, tour itinerary, transport options, DPRK tourist visa information, and extra add-ons.

  Highlights

  • Nur-Sultan - once the centre of the Virgin Lands campaign, now national capital
  • Dostoyevsky Nuclear Polygon – USSR’s testing range for atmospheric and underground nukes 
  • Semi-abandoned these days Karaganda – in the heart of Kazakhstan, also the heart of the old Central Asian Gulag system 

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 11

  1. Monday 23rd September

     Arrival Day

     • Flights to Astana (airport code NQZ) arrive from many international destinations – let us know which flight you will be on, and we will arrange your pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Arriving even earlier is, of course, fine and can be accommodated.
        
     • Today we start the tour with a group dinner of some excellent local food, coordination and a briefing session, before the adventure ahead!

     Overnight: Astana - Kazakhstan's shiny new Capital City!

  2. Tuesday 24th September

     Astana

     • Astana is a new city rightly famed for its unique approach to architecture; it piles together with a wide range of different styles and forms. The result is either a glimpse at the future of post-modern cities or a horrifying un-curated mish-mash of clashing buildings.
        
     • Bayterek Tower – now the icon of the city, this ornate monument has a viewing platform 97 metres above the ground (1997 is when Astana become the capital city) and is designed to evoke a folk tale about a bird laying an egg in a tree. Amazing views over the city from here.
        
     • Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – glass Pyramid from the eminent architect Norman Foster with the vague but noble aim of reconciling the world’s faiths and ideologies and bringing an end to violence. Even if this goal remains elusive, it is a stunning building and worth exploring!
        
     • Hazret Sultan Mosque – the biggest in Kazakhstan (and second in the region only to the monstrous Gypjak Mosque in Turkmenistan). Classically Islamic in style and Kazakh in décor, this impressive building can house up to 5000 worshippers at once.
        
     • Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre – perhaps the building that architecturally sums up modern Astana more than any other. Another Carbuncle/work-of-genius (delete as you prefer) from Norman Foster, this ingenious structure looking somewhat like a lop-sided tent maintains an even temperature year-round and provides leisure facilities, shopping, entertainment in general.
        
     • River Ishim – we’ll stroll the banks of this waterway in the centre of town, a good way to see a slice of local life and people enjoying their time. Remember that almost all of Astana’s population are recent arrivals so a big mix of people from around the country and beyond can be met with here.

     Overnight: Astana

  3. Wednesday 25th September

     Akmol & Karaganda

     • We take a drive out of the city to the nearby village of Akmol; home of the chilling Museum of the Camp for Wives of Traitors to the Motherland – A sensitively-done spot telling the story of the loyal (going to such a place could often be avoided with a divorce and public denunciation) women sent here when their husbands were persecuted.
        
     • We see a little more of this settlement on a walk around; church, mosque, and apartment buildings now occupy this former gulag-site before leaving for a 3 hour drive to the major city of Karaganda (lunch along the way)
        
     • An introductory walking tour of the city centre - focusing on the architecture, history, and local culture of this city (all of which is varied and fascinating), we’ll visit the central park as well and see and mix with locals spending leisure time here.
        
     • Karaganda is a large city but with a very walkable centre – the Russian/Soviet influence here is strong and our guide (a local to this place) will tell us all about the city, you’ll find it fascinating for sure! He can also recommend good spots for dinner/evening socialising/etc
        
     • We will also visit a local painter - famed for having no arms and painting with the brush in his mouth. He sells his amazing work and can speak about his history growing up close to the nearby nuclear weapons testing area

     Overnight: Chaika Hotel – amazing brutalist Soviet monstrosity. Real time-warp stuff. One part of the hotel was built specifically for the visit of Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. The rooms are comfy and modern. The building itself is timeless!

  4. Thursday 26th September

     Karaganda

     • We drive an hour out to the museum of KarLag, the local gulag system – a dark part of history indeed told through the rooms of this former NKVD HQ. State ‘enemies’, departed nationalities (a vast number of whom were dumped in central Asia due to Stalin’s paranoia about enemies within – the largest numbers being Germans from the west and Koreans from the east. Their stories are told here in this chilling memorial to the all-too-recent evils.
        
     • The village around this museum is made up largely of former Gulag barracks, admin buildings, and medical centres, we will take a look around and also visit the depressing cemetery for children who died in this cruel system.
        
     • The nearby town of Shahtinsk hosts us for lunch and some views of local industries; coal mining primarily, but also steel production and agriculture.
        
     • In the afternoon we offer the choice between free time to further explore Karaganda city or a trip to a former execution ground (what a choice, we know!) marked by tasteful and meaningful memorials to the various nationalities whose people were among the unfortunate souls to perish here.

     Overnight: Chaika Hotel

  5. Friday 27th September

     Astana/Train Ride

     • We return to Astana by road in the morning. A special lunch with a local family awaits us when we arrive back in the Kazakh capital and then time to shop for some supplies for the overnight train ride ahead of us.
        
     • All aboard! We jump onto a sleeper train making its way through the night and across the country to the city of Kurchatov - home of the soviet atomic weapons program. Comfy beds and a clean restaurant await us and rolling steppe outside the windows for this 800km journey. We will have dinner delivered to us on the platform at Ekibastusz Station that evening.

     Overnight: Onboard the train – 4 beds in each room. Comfortable and clean

  6. Saturday 28th September

     Semey/Nuclear Polygon/Kurchatov

     • We arrive in the morning in the eastern city of Semey and grab breakfast and the chance to leave our luggage in a local hotel (we will be back in a couple of days) - we then board our vehicles for an epic adventure in a fascinating and formerly forbidden area
        
     • We go deep into the Polygon - heading for a wide range of sites associated with the Soviet nuclear weapons program - the Atomic Lake, abandoned and derelict ICBM sites, underground bunkers, buildings erected and then destroyed in nuclear test explosions, and much more. it will be an epic adventure and, of course, protective clothing is provided when required.
        
     • We’ll make a few stops on the way through but most significantly Atomic Lake – caused by a deep underground nuclear blast – this was in fact made deliberately and is known as the world’s first and only use of industrial nuclear weapons. Find out what on earth they were thinking and meet some fishermen looking for three-eyed fish in the 180m deep lake.
        
     • We’ll have a Roadside Picnic (note to non-literature lovers, this is a joke – read this book and you will find some eerie similarities to this part of the trip) and continue to see some relics of the testing program. A local expert will also be with us to explain in detail, answer questions, etc.
        
     • We arrive in Kurchatov and check in at our hotel, used mainly by scientists still studying the effects of all the nuclear tests in this region.  Kurchatov was founded in 1947 simply to make Soviet Nuclear weapons a reality. Under the control of then KGB Chief Lavrentiy Beria and scientist Igor Kurchatov, this is where the arms race became a two-horse event.

     Overnight: Mayak Hotel – another time-warp hotel with period furnishings and decor.

  7. Sunday 29th September

     Kurchatov/Chagan

     • Museum of the Semipalatinsk Test Site – a detailed and deep explanation of what this place is, what happened here, and what effect their inventions can have. Some machines from that time are displayed here too. (note: this museum opens and closes at the whim of higher powers, so its opening cannot be 100% confirmed - if not open we will have a lecture on the history of the area at a different location
        
     • We board our vehicle and take a drive, deep into a formerly off-limits (very off limits!) area; the Semipalatinsk Polygon – nuclear testing ground chosen due to its remoteness, lack of population, and because it seemed like a good spot to blow a few things up. we provide protective gear of course
        
     • Next stop is Chagan – once a deeply secret long-range bomber base. Now a deeply abandoned former long-range bomber base. See the massive runways, the remaining ammunition hangars, and the collapsing main buildings of the base. Plus the garrison town nearby which housed the base staff from 1954 to 1994 and now stands completely stripped like a spooky post-apocalyptic warning. A bit of UrbEx here
        
     • We will visit a local family who used to live in Chagan - hear their stories of what it was like living at the front line of the Cold War so far in the USSR interior, and what things have been like for them since the base closed and their lives changed forever.

     Overnight | Mayak Hotel

  8. Monday 30th September

     Semey

     • We leave Kurchaov and the Polygon/Test Field behind us today as we return to Semey. Semipalatinsk is actually the former name of this city; correctly it is now referred to as Semey, we explore with a city tour of this little-visited settlement.
        
     • We will spend some time with a very special group of people - a local school who specialise in teaching disadvantaged children from more modest backgrounds. They teach English to a very high level here and we will meet with some teachers and children from the school who will give us some information about their hometown, give us a performance, and give us a chance to learn from these kids as well as helping them with a chance for conversation time with visitors - this is another Koryo Tours exclusive and something you will never forget
        
     • After lunch we liberate you for free time – a couple of recommendations include;​​​​​​ Fine Arts Museum – not just the best collection in Kazakhstan but also a display of abnormal anatomy, something quirky and troubling (especially with our trip to the nuclear test site coming up)
       Stronger Than Death Monument – in the Tatar section of town (itself an attraction we will explore some more) – shows the resilience of those who live and have lived in this remote part of the world.
        
     • Free time from the later afternoon to explore the city, have an evening out away from the shadow of nuclear tests and enjoy a very unique place indeed on a very special day.

     Overnight: Semey Hotel – very Soviet-style place with an aesthetic unlike what you may be used to! All the charm of the late-USSR but with free wifi! You’ll love it!

  9. Tuesday 1st October

     Semey/Almaty

     • Once upon a time Semipalatinsk was a wealthy trading city, situated between China and Russia, and acted as a gateway to the Central Asian territories added to the Russian Empire in the 19th Century. We will explore mainly on foot and see buildings from various eras, statues and monuments, mosaics and a little-known part of history. All explained to us as we make our way on a short walking tour around this unexpectedly-charming place. Sites we visit include...
        
     • Lenin Alley – a common sight in Kazakhstan’s smaller cities; a collection of Lenin's in a nice park setting. The central piece is awe-inspiring.
        
     • Victory Park – with statues, tank monument, and a hang-out place for locals.
        
     • Dostoyevsky Museum – the titan of Russian Literature, was exiled out here in Semipalatinsk and this museum explains the importance of his works. Pro-tip: read Crime and Punishment before your visit.
        
     • After an early lunch we head to Semey Airport for a flight to Almaty - the former capital and the most charming city in the country
        
     • We transfer to our hotel and you can head out for exploring, enjoying the very lively coffee shop scene, hot up some amazing restaurants and bars, pamper yourself at a beauty centre. Do whatever you like in this very modern but also laid-back place. You've earned it after the long journeys of the last few days!

     Overnight: Hotel Kazakhstan – a towering monstrosity offering great views over the city as well as faded-luxury. An iconic structure in an iconic city; ideal for finishing off our Kazakhstan adventure

  10. Wednesday 2nd October

      Almaty

      • We embark on a walking tour of this amazing city - Almaty. Nestled against the precipitous Tian Shan Mountain range and dotted with parks, theatres, boulevards, and much more. Sites we visit include...
      • Almaty Metro – one of only two subway systems in the whole of Central Asia (the other is the Moscow knock-off in Tashkent) this system opened in 2012 and strikes a balance between Moscow opulence and modern efficiency
      • Green Bazaar & Rakhat Chocolate Factory – these neighbouring sites are local institutions. You can smell the sweetness from the latter all across this part of the city. Banter and barter with sellers in the market, pick up the apples that Almaty is known for as well as all manner of other delicious local delicacies. Get your sweet tooth into action with the terrific and very affordable selection at the chocolate factory (ideal for gifts too!)
         
      • Panfilovets Park – Almaty's main place of leisure. Very pleasant and marked with stunning and evocative monuments to the Kazakh soldiers who fell while fighting to defend Moscow from the Nazi invasion. Zenkov Cathedral is also located in this park.
         
      • Central Mosque – With its broad ethnic mixture and clear secularism, it is easy to forget that Kazakhstan is a majority-Muslim country. We’ll have a look at the main mosque in Almaty to see how the locals worship and what their faith means to them.
         
      • Arbat Street – every good former USSR town has one; a pedestrian area ideal for promenading, window shopping, café culture, public art sales, and so on. This one is very modern, and is lined with some great examples of brutalist apartment buildings.
         
      • Kok-Tebe – a cable car ride up to a mountain overlooking the city. Amazing views, a statue of the Beatles, A Ferris Wheel and toboggan ride, small zoo, bars, and entertainment in general. Simply put, this is the city’s best spot and a very popular area for local families, youths, and everyone really. We’ll have a final lunch of the tour along the way. A fitting relaxing end to an intense, mind-blowing week!

      Overnight: Hotel Kazakhstan

  11. Thursday 3rd October

      Departure Day

      • Flights leave from Almaty airport to various destinations both international and domestic. Let us know where you are going and we will get you there on time!
         
      • You may also wish to spend more time in Almaty, a truly lovely city – walkable, friendly people, lots to see and do. We recommend continuing at least one more day to make the most of the trip – you won’t regret it!

      Don’t forget that Almaty is also very close to the border with Kyrgyzstan – the capital city of Bishkek is just a few hours away and there are buses and shared taxis plying this route very frequently. We can help with this if you like and can recommend a visit to Bishkek too.

      TOP RECOMMENDATION – Join our tour of TURKMENISTAN! If you take this option not only do you join the ranks of Koryo Tours’ extra-special veterans but you also get an extra night in Ashgabat (free of charge). We fly from Almaty to Turkmenistan this afternoon and when there we meet our local partners and have time to relax, explore, and do whatever you like really, until the Turkmenistan Tour (more info on this here) begins.

      Continue your Central Asia adventure with us – it’s the best way to see the most amazing parts of the region!

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Kazakhstan

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours to Kazakhstan feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $50 USD per night

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • English-speaking local guide Western tour leader
  • Meals other than those taken at leisure
  • Accommodation Internal flight Internal train
  • All included sightseeing
  • All taxes & entrance fees to areas where special permits are required
  • Airport transfers
  • An amazing time in a fascinating country!

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips for local guides and drivers
  • Incidentals, extra drinks, etc
  • Optional single supplement: USD 50 per night
  • Visa fee - depending on nationality – most western nationalities do not need visas to Kazakhstan. Please do check first to be sure
  • International flights to/from Kazakhstan not included

• Notes

  How to Apply: To apply simply click on the application button listed with this tour and fill out the online form, upload a passport copy and photo (or send to us by email) and you can consider yourself to be booked on this adventure! For any questions, comments, etc about this trip get in touch with Simon Cockerell at [email protected] We ask for applications to be completed a minimum of one month in advance of the tour, ideally six weeks or more if possible. Please also indicate where you plan to join the tour from and where you are headed after the tour (we can offer advice on this, drop us a line to discuss). We also require a deposit to be paid at this time as we start taking on administrative costs as well as an obligation to pay for the visa invitation as soon as we send off an application. We ask for a deposit of 50% of the tour fee. Cancellation & Refunds: Please note that if you require a visa for Kazakhstan you will need to pay this fee yourself. Most visitors do not require visas though. Check https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Kazakhstan We practice the same cancellation policy with this tour as we do with our DPRK tours. This is listed on our website T&C. However we do not seek profit from people who cannot go on tours but we do make arrangements and commit to payments in good faith once a booking is received and payment is made. So we always try to refund more than the minimum. As with any trip it is best to be as sure as possible that you will be able to attend the trip when making the final booking. If the tour is cancelled by Koryo Tours for any reason then a full refund is of course made. In all cases we return as much as we can and we do not take a fee for client's cancellation. Please be sure that you will definitely be joining the tour when you send all application details.

Please apply by 1st September, 2024.

• Overall

  Spend 3 weeks ticking off all 5 of the 'Stan Countries'!

  This trip, curated and led by our expert tour leaders and in-country partners, is designed to show you the best of Central Asia in the limited time we have. All with a special Koryo-Twist that makes all of our tours so unique.

  It will take you from the mountainous republic of Kyrgyzstan on a 3-week adventure. You'll the path of the ancient Silk Road, as we wind between vast mountain ranges, cross stunning rivers, traverse great deserts, and rub shoulders with local people from across Central Asia.

  Having worked in Central Asia for over two decades, Koryo Tours are extremely happy to be able to announce this trip that has been years in the making. Truly the ultimate trip for those travellers wishing to get a thorough insight into Central Asia from those who know and love it best. Crossing multiple borders by land can be tricky... Sit back and let us do all the hard work and planning - leaving you more time for enjoying! 

  Let's take a look at an introduction to what you can expect from each of these unique countries. 

  Kyrgyzstan

  This journey begins in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, known for its incredible mountain ranges and ancient history.

  We’ll spend a couple of days in the country, both in the capital and in the surrounding region, exploring the beauty and history of this great country.

  Kazakhstan

  No true adventure to this region would be complete without a visit to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

  This ancient city is still a thriving hub in this intriguing and enigmatic country, and also the perfect gateway from which to fly into the heart of Central Asia.

  Tajikistan

  Another great mountainous republic, Tajikistan is home to a handful of incredible cities. We’ll begin in Dushanbe. Perhaps the most laid-back, and beautiful capital in the region.

  Home to ancient cultural traditions, and the more modern trappings of the Soviet Union.

  Uzbekistan

  Once home to ancient Persian capitals.

  Uzbekistan is where we transition from towering mountains to blistering deserts as we journey to explore what remains of Samarkand and Bukhara. Once a hub of Islamic culture and architecture, and still home to some of the most beautiful sites in Asia.

  Turkmenistan

  One of the strangest offerings from this adventure.

  Whether you’re looking to marvel at ancient cities in Merv & Mary, stare into the gateway to hell at the Darvaza Gas Crater, or wonder at the pure white marble capital, Turkmenistan has something for everyone!

  ---

  ---

  Looking for something shorter? We run individual and combo tours to all of the above countries, as well as private tours for those travellers looking for something more flexible. 

  Turkmenistan tours | Uzbekistan tours | Tajikistan tours | Kyrgyzstan Tours | Kazakhstan Tours

  Highlights

  • The stunning natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan: The Mountain Republic.
  • Enjoy mountains and rivers, and mix with locals in beautiful, laid-back Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
  • Almaty & Little-Known Tashkent Solar Furnace (Kazakhstan)
  • The Ancient Cities of Samarkand & Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
  • The Gateway to Hell: Darvaza Gas Crater & Ashgabat. The Marble Capital! (Turkmenistan)

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 21

  1. Saturday, 19th October

     Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

     • Our adventure begins in the heart of Central Asia’s mountainous heart of the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek.
        
     • Airport Pick-Up | All travellers will be met at the airport and taken straight to the group hotel where we’ll meet for introductions and a pre-tour briefing.

     Bishkek City Tour

     • Osh Bazaar | Our first stop will be the Osh Bazaar. A bustling market at the heart of Bishkek. This gives us a chance to rub shoulders with the locals and pick up bits and bobs from the market traders.
        
     • National Philharmonic | From the market, we’ll make our way to the Soviet-era National Philharmonic building an austere, communist-era building. The hard edges of the concrete are softened somewhat by the bright flowers and magnificent bronze statue which graces the front of the building.
        
     • Next, we’ll stop off at the Ala-too Square and the nearby State Historical Museum. And we follow this with a walk through Oak Park. We can enjoy the local Open-air art gallery and the various sculptures contained within.
        
     • State Department Store | Finally, we’ll head to Victory Square and the nearby State Department Store, ZUM. These state-run department stores are a main-stay across former communist states, home to everything from traditional souvenirs to home appliances.
        
     • Return to Hotel | As the day draws to a close, we’ll head back to the hotel. This evening, we’ll prepare for the epic adventure ahead of us as we relax before we depart from Bishkek in the morning.

     Accommodation
     Soviet-style Hotel

     Included Meals
     Lunch

  2. Sunday, 20th October

     Bishkek - Chon Kemin

     • Kyrgyzstan Countryside | This morning it’s up and out as we depart the nation’s capital and make our way out into the countryside. 

     Burana Tower

     • Our first stop today is the Burana Tower. This is an 11^th-century construction that marks the site of the once-great city of Balasagun. Once a major stopover along the Silk Road.
        
     • The city is nowhere to be seen today. The tower is the only remaining building at the site. Even the tower used to be taller than it is today!

     Tokmok Stadium

     • After marvelling at the ancient tower, we’ll continue our journey to Tokmok Stadium. This is the home of many horse sports, which remain popular across Central Asia to this day.
        
     • We’ll spend the afternoon enjoying some of these horse games. We will enjoy a Kyrgyz version of ‘tag'. Except on horses... and with grown men rather than primary school children!

     Chon Kemin

     • Finally, we’ll arrive in Chon Kemin, our rest stop for this evening. Chon Kemin is set deep in a valley, surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna.
        
     • There are also pine forests which coat the higher slopes above us. Here, we’ll rest for the night before carrying on our journey tomorrow towards Issyk Kul Lake.

     Accommodation
     Local Guesthouse

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Monday, 21st October

     Chon Kemin - Lake Issyk Kul

     Local Family Visit | This morning, we’ll visit a local family in Chon Kemin. Here, we can some time with the locals and learn about life in this strange, small town. Whilst we’re there, we may have a chance to try (or even make) some traditional Kyrgyz cuisine alongside our hosts.

     Local Co-Operative (Traditional Felt Carpets)

     • Shyrdaks and Ala-kiyiz | We’ll make our way to a local cooperative. They are responsible for the creation of traditional felt carpets, known locally as Shyrdaks and Ala-kiyiz.
        
     • This visit gives us a great chance to meet with local people keeping historical traditions alive in Kyrgyzstan. We can also learn about the arts and culture which has continued uninterrupted in Central Asia for hundreds of years.

     Eagle Hunters

     • Next, we’ll visit a local eagle hunter, another great example of Kyrgyz culture in action.

     Yurt Camp

     • Finally, we head to our overnight stop. A yurt camp on the banks of Lake Issyk Kul.
        
     • Here, we’ll enjoy a free evening of relaxing, swimming (for those who wish) and generally decompressing on the shores of the stunning lake, hidden deep amidst the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

     Accommodation
     Yurt Camp

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Tuesday, 22nd October

     Lake Issk Kul - Tepke

     Skazka Canyon

     • Continuing our exploration of Kyrgyzstan's natural wonders, we'll depart Issyk Kul Lake and head towards Skazka Canyon, known locally as 'Fairytale Canyon'.
        
     • This natural wonder is a mixture of intriguing rock formations made of red sandstone. From a distance, it looks almost like flames rising from the valley floor and towering into the sky.
        
     • We'll spend some time admiring this Martian landscape before boarding our trusty vehicles once more and making our way to Karakol City.

     Karakol City

     • The city of Karakol sits at the northern tip of Issyk Kul Lake and is the country's fourth largest city.
        
     • Dungan Mosque | Our first stop will be the oddly charming Dungan Mosque. This mosque is famous for being built without a single nail back in 1904. It was built as a place for Muslims from China to worship in the country. Something noticeable in its design. Distinctly Chinese style of architecture.
        
     • Orthodox Church | Nearby sits the local Orthodox church, built at the end of 1860 entirely from wood. It's a marvel that the building continues to stand today. But it does!
        
     • Museum of Przkevalski | After visiting the church, we'll stop at the Museum of Przkevalski, a Russian Explorer who once gave his name to the town. Przkevalski is famous across Russia and Central Asia, and this museum allows us to learn a little more about this enigmatic adventurer!

     Tepke

     • Finally, we'll drive to our local guesthouse near the village of Tepke.

     Accommodation
     TBC

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Wednesday, 23rd October

     Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan

     Tien Shen Mountain Range

     • Today, we'll make our final journey in Kyrgyzstan as we leave our guesthouse and make a beeline for the border with neighbouring Kazakhstan.

     Kazakhstan

     • Border Crossing | Our journey will take us to the eastern edge of the Tien Shen Mountain Range. Here, we'll make our border crossing, and head down into the steppe of southern Kazakhstan.

     Charyn Canyon

     • Before reaching our destination, Almaty, we'll stop at the Charyn Canyon.
        
     • Similar to the canyon in Kyrgyzstan, this rocky valley is filled with unusual and mesmerizing rock formations. We'll spend the afternoon here, enjoying the scenery, and the cool water of the river which runs through the bottom of the canyon.

     Almaty

     • After we've had a pleasant packed lunch, we'll finally make our way to the world-famous city of Almaty.
        
     • Once the capital of Kazakhstan, it now serves as the largest city. And the culture hub of the country.
        
     • A major stop on the ancient Silk Road, people of all different nationalities and ethnicities have been mixing and mingling in Almaty for centuries. Something which continues to this day.
        
     • The Soviet planning of the city will become evident as we drive through wide-open boulevards lined with trees. And low-rise Soviet-style apartment blocks lining the smaller backroads.
        
     • Almaty is a city of contrasts. The modern Soviet city making way for the traditional, ancient aspects of the city. All while being nestled in the foothills of the surrounding mountains.

     Accommodation
     Hotel Kazakhstan

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Thursday, 24th October

     Almaty

     • This morning, we'll wake up in the beautiful city of Almaty. Nestled against the precipitous Tian Shan Mountain range and dotted with parks, theatres, boulevards, and much more.

     Panfilovets Park

     • We'll begin our walking tour of the city with a trip to Panfilovets Park. This is Almaty's main place of leisure.
        
     • It is very pleasant and marked with stunning and evocative monuments to the Kazakh soldiers who fell while fighting to defend Moscow from the Nazi invasion.
        
     • Zenkov Cathedral is also located in this park.

     Green Bazaar & Rakhat Chocolate Factory

     • These neighbouring sites are local institutions. You can smell the sweetness from the latter all across this part of the city.
        
     • Banter and barter with sellers in the market, pick up the apples that Almaty is known for as well as all manner of other delicious local delicacies.
        
     • Get your sweet tooth into action with the terrific and very affordable selection at the chocolate factory. (Ideal for gifts too!)

     Arbat Street

     • Every good former USSR town has one. A pedestrian area ideal for promenading, window shopping, cafe culture, public art sales, and so on.
        
     • This one is very modern and it is lined with some great examples of brutalist apartment buildings. We'll visit some local coffee shops, visit the site of the former GUM department store in the heart of the city, and enjoy some lunch in downtown Almaty.

     Almaty Metro

     • Following on from our relaxing city centre, we'll board the Almaty Metro. One of only two subway systems in the whole of Central Asia. (The other is Tashkent).
        
     • This system opened in 2012 and strikes a balance between Moscow's opulence and modern efficiency.

     Cable Car Ride

     • Finally, those who wish can take a trip on a cable car ride up to a mountain overlooking the city.
        
     • Amazing views, a statue of the Beatles, a Ferris Wheel and toboggan ride, a small zoo, bars, and entertainment in general. Simply put - this is the city's best spot and a very popular area for local families, youths, and everyone else.

     Evening Free Time

     • We'll wrap the day up with a free evening to explore the city. For those who prefer to stay in the hotel, you're welcome to eat at the restaurant. Otherwise, you're free to roam the streets to find some delicious local cuisine for dinner.

     Accommodation
     Hotel Kazakhstan

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Friday, 25th October

     Kazakhstan - Tajikistan

     Flight to Tajikistan

     • This morning, we'll bid farewell to Kazakhstan as we board our flight. This flight takes us from Almaty to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
        
     • The flight is only around 2 hours, and we'll fly over the majestic Pamir Mountain Range which blankets this part of Central Asia.

     Dushanbe

     • Upon arrival in Dushanbe, we'll meet our local guides and head into the city.
        
     • Dushanbe is a relatively young capital. It was little more than a small town at the beginning of the 20^th century. As a result, the influence of city planning by the ruling Soviet Union is stark in this city. Wide open boulevards, tree-lined streets, and a relaxed atmosphere make Dushanbe one of the greatest cities in the region for weary travellers.
        
     • Victory Park | Victory Park was built in 1975 to commemorate the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, this Soviet-built monument offers great views of the city.
        
     • Rudaki & Somoni Avenues | Two main streets in Dushanbe formally known as Lenin Street and Petoskey Street. Rudaki Avenue and Somoni Avenue were renamed in the early 1990s after the poet Rudaki and the ancient king Ismail Somoni. Lined with a mixture of past Soviet architecture and modern Tajik grand buildings.
        
     • Rudaki Park | We'll take our time meandering through the streets of Dushanbe, making sure to stop at Rudaki Park. A beautifully laid out park with a grand statue of the poet Rudaki, located opposite the brilliant national library building.
        
     • Ismaili Somoni Monument | This amazing statue of the ancient king stands on the former site of Lenin. It is said that Somoni's crown contains 10 kilograms of Tajik gold.
        
     • Mehrgon Market Building | As the afternoon approaches, we'll head to the Mehrgon Market Building. As with many of the cities, old marketplaces are now closed in Dushanbe's drive for modernization. We visit one of the new areas where local people travel to buy fruit and vegetables as well as other necessities.
        
     • National Museum of Antiquities | The National Museum of Antiquities is next on our list of must-see sites. This museum gives us a more in-depth look at the complicated history of Tajikistan and the surrounding countries.
        
     • Botanical Gardens | We will then enjoy a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Popular for wedding groups as well as housing a vast range of Central Asian flora.
        
     • Dushanbe Tea House | For a bit of end-of-day relaxation, we'll visit the Dushanbe Tea House. This was once the largest tea house in the world, but it has now been remodelled as an entertainment facility for local people. It has recently been renovated and holds a small cinema, bowling alleys and even various shops. We can still visit to view the amazingly intricate work carried out in its construction.

     Accommodation
     Hotel Tajikistan

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Saturday, 26th October

     Khoja Obi Garm Health Spa

     Khoja Obi Garm Spa

     • Today we'll depart our hotel a little later, allowing you the chance to repack and prepare for the following day's journey.
        
     • Today, we leave Dushanbe and make our way into the mountains.
        
     • Our destination is the mammoth, brutalist Soviet health spa that is Khoja Obi Garm Health Spa. This ageing Soviet marvel sits perched against the mountains like a Bond villain's mountain fortress. The building is an impressive display of brutalist-style architecture looking out of place against the stunning mountain backdrop.

     Read all about the Khoja Obi Garm Health Spa here. 

     • Construction began on Khoja Obi Garm in 1935 inspired by Lenin's decree that more attention should be paid to workers' health within the Soviet Union. From 1922, two weeks' holiday were given to workers during this time. Often, they would visit one of the many spa resorts being constructed across the Soviet Union. Construction of Khoja Obi Garm continued right up until the collapse of the Union in 1991!
     • The spa will not fail to impress. Its gargantuan size from the outside fills the mountain slopes. However inside, its rooms and facilities have begun to decay.
        
     • We'll spend the afternoon with the feeling that we've travelled back to the 1960s. Whilst attendants poke, prod and recommend varying scary-sounding treatments. We'll be able to wander around this ageing building where time appears to have stood still.
        
     • If plunging into radioactive water, steam baths, and massages are not for you, then you're free to head out and about photographing this behemoth from the outside. Or view the surrounding stunning snow-capped mountains which cage this ageing monster.

     Accommodation
     Khoja Obi Garm Health Spa

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Sunday, 27th October

     Panjikent Ancient City

     • Our destination is the ancient city of Panjikent. The drive there is a worthy mention. We pass small Soviet-era villages, busy rural markets and farms dotted by blossoming apricot trees.
        
     • On our way, we'll make a few intriguing stops. A visit to the infamous 'Tunnel of Death', past the burning cliffs which have been emanating smoke for longer than anyone can remember, and a visit to the local cognac factory.
        
     • Tracing the Zeravshan, we'll drive through deep mountain gorges with cliffs that tower above us lined with waving sediment. A testament to the region's rich geological value.

     Zarafshan Valley

     • Eventually, the steep valley sides open out to the lush Zarafshan Valley, a welcome sight. This means Panjikent is close! As well as a well-deserved lunch.

     Panjikent City Tour

     • Once we have eaten and checked into our hotel, we will continue our exploration of the city, journeying to ancient Panjikent on the fringes of the town.
        
     • Walking around the foundations of ancient houses, Bazaars, temples and citadels, we will learn about the area's history from our excellent local guide. From the 5^th-century Sogdian construction to the settlement's decline and abandonment at the hands of the invading Arabs in the 8^th century (now a UNESCO-listed site).
        
     • Statue of Lenin | We'll also stop at a small statue of Lenin in a local park, outside a former Soviet ministerial building. A strange addition to this interesting little city.

     Sarazm

     • We drive to the bronze age settlement of Sarazm. 
        
     • This is another regional UNESCO-listed site. It is believed to have been founded in the 4th millennium BC. We walk around the heavily protected area learning about the rich finds and discoveries made within the covered pits.

     Pajikent Central Market

     • From the 4th millennium, BC, we're brought back to the present as we journey back to Panjikent and visit its colourful local bazaar.
        
     • Panjakent Central Market is an absolute delight to wander around and soak up the local atmosphere, helped by the smell of freshly cooked Tajik bread.
        
     • Before we retire to our local guesthouse, we will head to a real showcase of a family home for our evening meal and some local entertainment.

     Accommodation
     Sugd Hotel or similar

     Included Meals
     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Monday, 28th October

      Tajikistan - Uzbekistan

      • Today, we’ll load up our trusty vehicles and make our way towards the Uzbek border. Our destination for today is the ancient city of Samarkand.
         
      • Uzbekistan Border Crossing | After passing through the border formalities, we’ll enter our fourth country on this adventure. Uzbekistan is home to some of the most incredible ancient cities in the region, and our first stop is one of the jewels in the crown.

      Samarkand

      • Perhaps there is no city associated more with the ancient Silk Road than Samarkand. The muse of poets and playwrights throughout history, Samarkand has an aura like no other.
         
      • Today, the city is split into the ancient and the modern, with the ancient districts still reminiscent of the days of merchants and traders, and the new part, a much more Soviet, functional affair.

      Registan Square

      • The Registan is an ensemble of majestic and stunningly beautiful madrassahs. The most incredible example of Islamic architecture.
         
      • The plaza would once have been dominated by a great bazaar, allowing local people to go about their business. Meanwhile, the surrounding madrassahs allow scholars to work and create a centre for Islamic scholars across Central Asia. Today, the Registan is the number one, must-see sight in the country, an unmissable experience!
         
      • Gur Emir | We will also make a stop at the mausoleum of Tamerlane, known as the Gur Emir. A national icon in Uzbekistan.

      Accommodation
      Local 3* Hotel

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Tuesday, 29th October

      Samarkand - Tashkent

      Shah-i-Zinda

      • Our day will begin with a visit to a necropolis which graces the northern part of the city, Shah-i-Zinda. A fabulous example of traditional Islamic architecture in the region, comprising numerous buildings, towers and beautiful domed rooves.
         
      • The turquoise mosaic tiling contrasts against the arid sandy backdrop of Samarkand’s desert surroundings.
         
      • Bibi-Khanym Mosque | We’ll also visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Once the largest in Central Asia.
         
      • Siab Baazar | We then break away from the ancient history to explore the local market, known as the Siab Baazar.
         
      • Whether you’re searching for textiles and fabrics, exquisite and intriguing foodstuffs, or just looking for an opportunity to rub shoulders with Samarkand’s locals – Siab Baazar is the place to visit.
         
      • The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, clothes, snacks, and all manner of things, but it’s also an oddly peaceful and fun place to spend some time. Wander the aisles, chat with shoppers and market vendors, and experience life as it’s truly lived in this city.

      Train to Tashkent

      • After lunch, we’ll bid farewell to Samarkand as we head to the train station to catch a high-speed train from the city and head north. This journey will take around 3 hours to our destination, Tashkent. The capital of Uzbekistan.

      Tashkent

      • Since its near destruction during an earthquake in 1966, the city has been redeveloped. Initially, this was by the Soviet Union. Leaving an obvious trace of the USSR in its city planning.
         
      • Following the communist theme, our accommodation tonight will be the Hotel Uzbekistan. Hotel Uzbekistan was once the premiere hotel in the country for visiting dignitaries, government officials, and rare foreign tourists.

      Accommodation
      Hotel Uzbekistan

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Wednesday, 30th October

      Tashkent

      • This morning we’ll step out into the bustling city of Tashkent.

      Tashkent City Tour 

      • Amir Timur Square | Our day begins with a visit to Amir Timur Square at the heart of this vibrant capital. One of the main squares in Tashkent, Amir Timur is graced with a magnificent statue of Tamerlane, a medieval conqueror, on horseback.
         
      • Although Amir Timur is not the largest square in the city, the tree-lined pavements and bright green grass make it perfect for an evening stroll amidst the locals of Tashkent.
         
      • Bazaar | From here, we will spend some time in the beautifully domed chorus Bazaar. A great place to observe local life or buy those last-minute bargains. And another chance to chat with locals from the city, as well as support local independent businesses in Tashkent.
         
      • Tashkent Metro | No visit to Tashkent would be complete without first a ride on the Tashkent Metro. Built in the former USSR, it opened in 1977.
         
      • The metro network consists of three lines which crisscross beneath the streets of the city. This incredibly ornate metro system was opened in 1977 and has only grown in beauty since then. Not only is it an incredible tourist attraction in its own right, but you can use it to get between Tashkent’s other incredible above-ground sites!
         
      • Tashkent Metro is one of only two subway systems currently operating in Central Asia (the other one is the Almaty Metro).
         
      • Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan | Our last stop for the day will be the Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan. There are, of course, hundreds of museums across the Uzbek capital worth poking your head in. However, our favourite must be the State Fine Arts Museum. Home to thousands of artefacts from across Russia and Europe.
         
      • This Soviet-era museum holds many of the treasures confiscated from the Grand Duke Romanov, who himself likely stole them from St Petersburg. In addition, artwork from across Russia and the Soviet Union is displayed throughout this museum.
         
      • Finally, we’ll return to our Soviet hotel. From here, we’ll have a free evening. You’ll be able to wander the streets, find and try unusual delicacies, and meet local Tashkenters.

      Accommodation
      Hotel Uzbekistan

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch

  13. Thursday, 31st October

      Uzbekistan's Northern Countryside

      • Today, we’ll take a trip outside of the city to the Institute of Solar Physics. A huge series of mirrors that used to heat a large furnace.

      Institute of Solar Physics

      • The institute will open just for us, and run a test of the system to demonstrate the immense power of this Soviet-era megaproject.
         
      • Situated 45km outside the city, we’ll pass through some of Uzbekistan’s northern countryside. A far cry from the dry desert-like environment which dominates the rest of the country.
         
      • Upon arrival, we’ll witness the effect of these huge parabolic mirrors, heating the furnace to over 3000*C. We’ll also learn about the potential that exists for clean energy from this system, since the energy produced is completely clean, and could be put to work in the future for clean energy.
         
      • After our close call with the heat of the sun, we’ll head back into Tashkent for our final evening in the capital before returning to the heart of the country tomorrow.

      Accommodation
      Hotel Uzbekistan

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Friday, 1st November

      Tashkent - Bukhara

      • After breakfast, we’ll head back to Tashkent’s magnificent railway station. We’ll board the high-speed train back towards the desert. Today, our destination is Bukhara, another ancient city that was once the heart of empires in the region.
         
      • After our 4-and-a-half-hour train journey, we’ll arrive at Bukhara train station and begin our adventure through the bustling streets of Bukhara.

      Bukhara City Tour

      • The city of Bukhara, along with nearby Samarkand, served as the heart of the Persian world for centuries under numerous empires. It continues today as Uzbekistan’s seventh-largest city. And one of its most popular attractions for foreign travellers, owing to its rich history as a Persian capital, and an outpost on the renowned Silk Road.
         
      • The modern city is home to dozens of architectural sites, uncovering the legacy of Persia, and the many mosques, minarets, and madrassahs it left behind. Many of these sites are visitable and make for a wonderful experience for any adventurer looking for a glimpse back into this city’s majestic past.
         
      • Ark of Bukhara | This afternoon we begin our exploration with a visit to the fantastic Ark of Bukhara.  The Ark of Bukhara citadel has stood defending the city from the 5th century until its final stand against the Red Army in 1920.
         
      • Bolo-Hauz Mosque | We make a short walk from the Ark to the Bolo-Hauz Mosque famed for its elegant wooden carvings, Built in 1712, it served as a Friday mosque during the time of the emir of Bukhara and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
         
      • Ismail Samani Mausoleum | A short drive will take us to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum. Built in the 9th century, this mausoleum is an example of the excellent artistry of architects at this time.
         
      • The tomb is the final resting place of Ismail Samani, founder of the Samanid dynasty and the last true Persian king of the region.
         
      • Local Family Visit | Tonight we will sample some traditional food at the residence of a local family.

      Accommodation
      3* Hotel or similar

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  15. Saturday, 2nd November

      Bukhara

      • Today we’ll enjoy another day in the picturesque surroundings of Bukhara, exploring the ancient legacy of this stunning city. Our first stop of the day will be the magnificent Kalyan Minaret.

      Kalyan Minaret

      • Built in 1127, the Kalyan Minaret is all that survives of a once grandiose Djuma Mosque, designed for crowds of people to worship at once.
         
      • Today, the site has been rebuilt around the footprint of this great tower, now at the centre of a courtyard surrounded by galleries and stunning architecture. It’s from here that the ancient call to prayer would have blasted across the city, and many locals would have descended on the site.
         
      • It was actually built twice. Evidence suggests the soft ground led it to collapse after being nearly completed the first time. However, after almost a millennium, it shouldn’t fall again!

      Khoja-Gaukushon

      • Next, we’ll make our way to Khoja-Gaukushon. A great ensemble at the heart of the city, home to a mosque, madrassah, and minaret.
         
      • The area once served as a kind of plaza for local people to meet, trade, set up market stalls, and (rather oddly) slaughter animals. Hence the name ‘Gaukushon’ which means ‘Slaughter of Bulls’.
         
      • Later, a large minaret, mosque, and madrassah were built on the site, adding to the great patchwork of beautiful buildings littered across the skyline of Bukhara.

      Mausoleum of Naqshbandi

      • Finally, we’ll wrap up with the Mausoleum of Naqshbandi and the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara which sits a few kilometres outside the city itself.
         
      • The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for many Sufis and a place of incredible beauty. And the summer palace is known as ‘the place where the moon meets the stars.
         
      • Free Time | Finally, we’ll return to the city for a free evening to explore, discover and marvel at this ancient city.

      Accommodation
      3* Hotel or similar

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch

  16.  

      Sunday, 3rd November

      Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan

      • This morning, we’ll depart Bukhara and make our way south towards the river that marks the border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
         
      • Turkmenistan Border Crossing | We’ll make our crossing into our fifth and final country, Turkmenistan. However, our adventure is far from over.

      Turkmenabat

      • We’ll head down to Turkmenabat, the border city on the Turkmen side of the river. Then, we continue our adventure south to Ancient Merv.

      Ancient Merv

      • Merv was once one of the most important cities in the world at certain times of its history.
         
      • This ancient site is now a place where you will learn a great deal about the history of Central Asia. The rise and fall of dynasties and cities, the Silk Road, and human civilisation in this part of the world. Animals, travellers and archaeologists now roam the existing buildings, ruins, etc. All contribute to a sense of the dynamism of the ancient Silk Road.

      Mary

      • Finally, we’ll make our way to the nearby city of Mary. Here, we’ll bed down for the night and prepare for the Turkmen adventure which lies ahead!

      Accommodation
      Mary Hotel

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  17. Monday, 4th November

      Ashgabat

      • Domestic Flight to Ashgabat | Departing Mary, we’ll board a flight from this relatively small city to the nation’s capital. A city coated entirely in white marble.

      Ashgabat City Tour

      • Independence Park and Independence Monument | Arriving in Ashgabat, our first stop is Independence Park and Independence Monument. These were constructed to celebrate the independence of Turkmenistan on the 27th of October 1991.
         
      • As well as the memorial, the park is home to an impressive array of statues of characters from Turkmen history.
         
      • Monument of Neutrality | From Independence to Neutrality, we go! Our next visit is the Monument of Neutrality built in 1998; a gold statue of Turkmenbashi tops this impressive structure.
         
      • Bake Turkmen Pies | For today's lunch, we’ll visit a local restaurant, which will give us a tutorial and the opportunity to bake some local Turkmen pies. If it's not for you, don't worry. You'll be able to relax while your meal is cooked for you.
         
      • Earthquake Monument and Museum | We hope you’re not too tired of statues just yet as we have a few more to go! Next up, is the Earthquake Monument and Museum.
         
      • A grim reminder of the terrible earthquake that struck Ashgabat in 1948, killing 110,00 people and levelling the city. Both are tastefully presented and very educational.

      Ashgabat Architecture

      • On our way back to the hotel, we will pass a few of Ashgabat’s more unusual buildings, The Ministry of Gas is shaped like a giant cigarette lighter, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is shaped like a globe, and our personal favourite, The Ashgabat Dental Hospital is shaped like a massive tooth!
         
      • Free Time | Once we have returned to the hotel, you are free to continue exploring Ashgabat or enjoy some well-deserved rest.

      Accommodation
      Sport Hotel

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch

  18. Tuesday, 5th November

      Turkmen Desert & Darvaza Gas Crater

      • This morning there is a bit of free time for relaxing or shopping for supplies, which may be useful as later today we’re off into the desert.

      Bokhurdag

      • Our first stop is the small desert village of Bokhurdag. It is here that we stop to sample the local cuisine and learn a little more about living outside the bright lights of Turkmenistan’s flamboyant capital.

      Desert Trip (Mining History)

      • Once our journey resumes, we’ll continue stopping as we travel to see other examples of the desert’s mining history, visiting two other craters (one filled with water, the other with mud). A perfect pretext for the great Darvaza Gas Crater.

      The Darvaza Gas Crater

      • The incredible Darvaza Gas Crater, continuously burning since 1971, was created when Soviet engineers were drilling what they thought were vast oil fields. No oil was found, and the fields turned out to be rich in gas, evident when the drilling rig at Darvaza hit a void and collapsed in on itself.
         
      • Sometime later it’s believed that the escaping gas was set alight to prevent methane from polluting a nearby village.
         
      • Here we are all these years later, and the gas crater has now become one of the world’s most unusual tourist attractions.
         
      • We’ll arrive during daylight hours to observe the transition from light to dark as the night sky becomes illuminated by the flickering blaze of the crater.

      Darvaza Gas Crater Camping

      • Turkmen BBQ | Camping next to this burning void, we will enjoy a delicious Turkmen BBQ prepared by our local crew

      Accommodation
      Camping

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  19. Wednesday, 6th November

      Ashgabat & Erbent

      • Today we’ll pack up and head back to Ashgabat.
         
      • After lunch, before heading back towards the capital, we will make a stop at the village of Erbent.

      Village of Erbent

      • Erbent is similar to most of the surrounding desert settlements. However, it is here that the Monument to the Basmachi Revolution is located.
         
      • The Basmachi Revolutionary Monument | The Basmachi Revolutionary Monument was built here as this area was a Basmachi stronghold during the 1920s. The Basmachi were an Islamic group fighting the occupying Soviet forces.
         
      • Upon arrival back in the capital city, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You’re welcome to spend this free day however you please – exploring, shopping, or even just resting before the adventure continues tomorrow!

      Accommodation
      Sport Hotel

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch

  20. Thursday, 7th November

      Ashgabat

      • Our final day on tour begins with a relaxed walking tour of the city, a chance to unwind and catch a few of the things we didn’t get to during our last day in this odd marble city.

      Ashgabat City Tour

      • Tekke Bazaar | We’ll start with a walk through the Tekke Bazaar. A real, local slice of life, a true local market very popular amongst local people for shopping. On weekends, there are also local booksellers in the park opposite the market selling a selection of second-hand books.
         
      • If you're lucky, you may pick up a copy of the Ruhnama the book written by Saparmurat Niyazov, the Turkmenistan president. Niyazov famously said, "A person that reads Ruhnama three times becomes smart, and after it, he will go straight to heaven".
         
      • Inspiration Park | Next up, we’ll visit Inspiration Park. A public park at the centre of Ashgabat this narrow parkland is lined with sculptures of Persian poets, scholars and great thinkers. All surrounding an artificial river and impressive water fountains.
         
      • The Russian Bazaar | Following this, another market! The Russian Bazaar is located in the very centre of town. This covered bazaar is where you can buy almost everything you may need in daily life; fruit & nuts, cables & chargers, sweets, kimchi, baked goods, souvenirs, and so on.
         
      • Nearby is also the Alty Asyr Shopping Centre which is a good place to buy cotton goods (tracksuits, towels, bedsheets, etc. all made from local cotton, and all very cheap).
         
      • Lenin Statue | We’ll stop by the local Lenin statue, best described as a small Lenin on a giant plinth decorated in central Asian tile work, followed by a visit to the Pushkin Monument.
         
      • Pushkin Monument | This small bust erected for Russia's most famous poet Pushkin is easily visited only 5 minutes from Lenin. And, nearby our next stop - Pervyy Park.
         
      • Pevvy Park | This park is one of Ashgabat's oldest parks founded in 1890 named Officer Park, Lenin Park, First Park and Independence Park.
         
      • Ashgabat Train Station | Finally, we’ll visit Ashgabat Train Station. Originally built in 1888, the first railway station was destroyed in the earthquake of 1948 along with much of the city.
         
      • A new station was built shortly after in 1950. Although, this was remodelled in 2009 taking on its now grand form crowned by the eight-pointed star (Rub El Hizb).

      Free Time

      • As our walking tour draws to a close, you’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy. This is our last day on our epic 3-week adventure, so perhaps explore the city some more, pick up souvenirs, try new foods, or just relax for the afternoon.
         
      • We’ll end the day with a group meal, a chance to say farewell and to reminisce about our adventures together.

      Accommodation
      Sport Hotel

      Included Meals
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  21. Friday, 8th November

      End of Tour

      Airport transfers are available to all travellers from our group hotel to Ashgabat International Airport, no matter your time of departure.

      For independent extensions, contact your tour leader.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Guides & Drivers
  • All Meals Where Listed
  • Regional Flights
  • Turkmenistan Visa (LOI)
  • All Vehicles & Transport
  • Entrance Fees

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Visas (other than Turkmenistan)
  • Pre/Post Tour International Flights
  • Snacks/Alcoholic Drinks
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance

Please apply by 1st October, 2024.