2 Weeks/14 Days Central Asia Travel Itinerary

14 Days Highlights of Central Asia Itinerary

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

A 14-day itinerary for visiting Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will allow you to explore some of the highlights of both countries. 

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Check-in to your hotel and relax after your journey. Explore the city's local markets and try some Uzbek cuisine.

Day 2: Tashkent, Visit the Khast-Imam Square, which includes the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum.Explore Chorsu Bazaar for shopping and experiencing local life. Visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan to learn about the country's rich history.

Day 3: Samarkand, Take a high-speed train to Samarkand (approximately 2.5 hours). Visit the Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Explore the local markets in the evening.

Day 4: Samarkand, Visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory and the Afrosiab Museum. Spend the afternoon exploring the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum and Rukhobod Mausoleum. Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner.

Day 5: Bukhara, Drive to Bukhara (approximately 3-4 hours). Visit the Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, and Ismail Samani Mausoleum. Stroll through the historic streets of Bukhara.

Day 6: Bukhara, Explore the Poi Kalyan Complex, including the Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque. Visit the Magoki-Attori Mosque and the Lyab-i-Hauz Complex.

Take a leisurely walk in the evening through the old city.

Day 7: Khiva, Drive to Khiva (approximately 6-7 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the walled city of Khiva, known for its well-preserved architecture.

Day 8: Khiva, Visit the Ichan Kala, the historic old town of Khiva, and explore its many palaces, mosques, and madrasahs. Enjoy an evening stroll along the city walls.

Day 9: Nukus, Uzbekistan, Drive to Nukus (approximately 5-6 hours). Visit the Igor Savitsky Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Russian and Uzbek avant-garde art.

Day 10: Crossing into Kazakhstan, Drive to the border with Kazakhstan (approximately 4-5 hours). Cross the border and continue to Shymkent (approximately 3-4 hours). Check-in to your hotel in Shymkent.

Day 11: Shymkent, Explore Shymkent's attractions, including the Abay Park, Independence Monument, and the local bazaars. Taste Kazakh cuisine at a traditional restaurant. Day 12: Almaty, Take a flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city (approximately 1.5 hours). Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the Central State Museum. Explore Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city.

Day 13: Almaty, Visit the Medeu Ice Skating Rink, Shymbulak Ski Resort (if visiting in winter), or the Big Almaty Lake (if visiting in summer). Explore Almaty's modern side, including shopping centers and cafes.

Day 14: Departure, Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploration. Depart from Almaty and head to the airport for your onward journey.

14 Days Best of the Central Asia Itinerary

3 Stans: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan

Day 1: Arrival at Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, and visit the famous Chorsu Bazaar

Day 2-3: Tashkent - Samarkand, visit the Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Day 4-5: Bukhara, visit the Ark of Bukhara, the Kalon Mosque, and the Poi Kalon Complex

Day 6-7: Dushanbe, a vibrant city of Tajikistan, visit the National Museum of Tajikistan and the stunning Ismaili Centre

Day 8-9: Pamir Highway, enjoy the stunning landscapes en route, and visit the traditional Pamiri villages

Day 10-11: Osh, Kyrgyzstan, visit the Suleiman-Too Sacred Mountain and the Osh Bazaar

Day 12-13: Song Kol Lake, experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle and enjoy horseback riding and hiking

Day 14: Bishkek departure, Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, visit the Ala-Too Square, the Osh Bazaar

14 Days Uzbekistan Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Arrive at Tashkent International Airport. Check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Explore Tashkent: Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni), Amir Timur Square, Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent Metro (known for its unique station designs). Enjoy Uzbek cuisine at a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Day 2: Tashkent to Samarkand, sssssAfter breakfast, take the high-speed train or drive to Samarkand (around 2.5-3 hours). Visit the following attractions in Samarkand: Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Explore the local markets and enjoy some Uzbek cuisine. Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Day 3: Samarkand to Bukhara, Continue your journey to Bukhara by train or car (approximately 4-5 hours). Explore Bukhara's historical sites: The Ark of Bukhara, Samanid Mausoleum, Chor Minor, Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner. Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Day 4: Bukhara, Spend a full day exploring more of Bukhara's attractions: Po-i-Kalyan complex, Lyab-i-Hauz Complex, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Explore local artisan shops. Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Day 5: Bukhara to Khiva, Drive to Khiva (approximately 7-8 hours). Explore the old town of Khiva: Ichan Kala (walled city), Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark, Overnight stay in Khiva.

Day 6: Khiva to Tashkent and on to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, return to Tashkent and catch a flight to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Check-in at your Dushanbe hotel and rest.

Day 7: Dushanbe, Explore Dushanbe: Rudaki Park, National Museum of Tajikistan, Hike or drive to nearby Hissor Fortress. Overnight stay in Dushanbe.

Day 8: Dushanbe to Khujand, Drive to Khujand (approximately 4-5 hours). Explore Khujand: Panjshanbe Bazaar, Khujand Fortress, Cultural and historical sites. evernight stay in Khujand.

Day 9: Khujand to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, Cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and drive to Osh (around 4-5 hours). Explore Osh: Suleiman Too Sacred Mountain, Osh Bazaar, Overnight stay in Osh.

p>Day 10: Osh to Bishkek, Drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan (approximately 6-7 hours). Explore Bishkek: Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, Enjoy Kyrgyz cuisine for dinner.

Overnight stay in Bishkek.

Day 11: Bishkek, Full day of sightseeing in Bishkek: National Historical Museum, Victory Square, Ala Archa National Park (day trip if time allows). Overnight stay in Bishkek.

Day 12: Bishkek to Almaty, Kazakhstan, Drive to Almaty, Kazakhstan (approximately 4-5 hours). Explore Almaty: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Enjoy Kazakh cuisine. Overnight stay in Almaty.

Day 13: Almaty, Continue exploring Almaty: Kok Tobe Hill, Medeu Skating Rink, Almaty Central Mosque. Enjoy your last dinner in Central Asia. Overnight stay in Almaty.

Day 14: Departure from Almaty, Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploration. Depart from Almaty to your next destination.

14 Days/2 Weeks Uzbekistan Turkmenish and Tajikistan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Check into your hotel and relax after your journey. Explore some of the city's sights if you have the energy, like Independence Square or Chorsu Bazaar. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 2: Tashkent, Spend a full day exploring Tashkent's attractions. Visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, Amir Timur Square, and Tashkent Metro (known for its artistic stations). Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 3: Samarkand, Travel to Samarkand by train or car (about 2-3 hours). Visit the Registan Square, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 4: Samarkand, Continue exploring Samarkand. Visit Shah-i-Zinda, Ulugh Beg Observatory, and the Afrosiyab Museum. Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 5: Bukhara, Travel to Bukhara (about 4-5 hours by car or train). Explore the historic city of Bukhara, including the Ark Fortress, Samanid Mausoleum, and the Kalyan Minaret. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 6: Bukhara, Spend a full day in Bukhara. Visit Chor Minor, Lyabi-Hauz Complex, and the trading domes. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 7: Khiva, Travel to Khiva (about 6-7 hours by car). Explore the ancient city of Khiva, including the Ichan Kala (inner walled city) and its many historical sites. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 8: Khiva, Continue exploring Khiva. Visit the Tash Hauli Palace and the Allakuli Khan Madrasah. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 9: Turkmenistan - Ashgabat, Cross the border into Turkmenistan. Travel to Ashgabat (about 5-6 hours by car). Visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and Independence Park. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 10: Turkmenistan - Darvaza Gas Crater, Travel to the Darvaza Gas Crater (about 3-4 hours by car). Spend the night at a yurt camp near the crater and witness the natural gas fire at night. Overnight at the yurt camp.

Day 11: Turkmenistan - Ashgabat, Return to Ashgabat from the Darvaza Gas Crater. Visit other sites in Ashgabat like the Arch of Neutrality and the National Museum. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 12: Tajikistan - Dushanbe, Travel to Dushanbe, Tajikistan (about 7-8 hours by car). Explore Dushanbe, visiting the National Museum, Rudaki Park, and the Ismaili Centre. Overnight in Dushanbe.

Day 13: Tajikistan - Hike in Fann Mountains, Take a day trip to the Fann Mountains (about 4-5 hours by car). Enjoy a hike in this beautiful natural area and explore the Seven Lakes. Overnight in Dushanbe.

Day 14: Departure, Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore Dushanbe further or do some last-minute shopping. Depart from Dushanbe for your home country.