Few Central Asia tours offer the cultural flavour this journey through Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan does. Travel through the gorgeous landscapes of Tajikistan, stroll the colorful bazaars, and discover the unforgettable warmth of the people in these regions. Visit Central Asia and you'll wonder why you didn't get here sooner.

Itinerary

3 Stans-A Journey to Central Asia (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan)

Day 1: Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

As you arrive Taskent International Airport our Flo Tours Representative will be waiting for you to meet and transfer you to our tour hotel

Day 2: Tashkent [B, L, D]

Tashkent is a city steeped in history and culture, with many historic monuments that are a testament to its rich past. Your explorations begin at Independence Square, the largest city quadrangle in the former Soviet Union. Its most prominent feature is a globe with a map of Uzbekistan that replaces a 30-meter-tall statue of Lenin, a poetic expression of the birth of the nation.

Next, proceed to Navoi Theatre Square, where the opera house was built by the same architect who designed Lenin’s Tomb in Moscow. The square is named after Alisher Navoi, a 15th-century poet and statesman who is considered the father of Uzbek literature.

Then, you can see the Crafts Center, where traders have plied their goods for centuries. Here, you can find a wide range of traditional Uzbek handicrafts, including ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. Also included in our itinerary a visit the Abdul Kassim Madrassah, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 19th century. The madrassah is named after Abdul Kassim, a noted intellectual of his time.

Finally, we will end your tour at one of the most remarkable medieval architectural monuments, the Barak Khan Madrasah. This beautiful building is richly decorated with engravings, gilt, and glazed mosaic, and is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 3: Tashkent - (Oybek Border) Khujand - Dushanbe (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan) [B, L, D]

Leave Tashkent for Tajikistan and on to border city of Tajikistan, Khujand, the site of another ancient Persian city, dating back about 2,500 years. It was conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century CE and was besieged and then destroyed by the army of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Located on the Great Silk Road, and connecting Samarkand with the Fergana Valley, Khujand enjoyed a favorable geopolitical location and significant transport importance.

Here, you can visit the Historical Museum of Sughd, which is located next to a restored portion of the Khujand Fortress. The museum features a wide range of artifacts and displays related to the history of the Sughd Region, including rare Tajiki handwoven rugs, Tajiki embroidery, and costumes. You can also visit the Muslihiddin Medressa, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 16th century. Dinner and overnight at Dushanbe.

Day 4: Dushanbe [B, L, D]

Dushanbe, which means “Monday” in Tajik, developed on the site of a Monday marketplace village. Today, it is a rapidly developing metropolis. Your tour of the city this morning includes the Tajikistan National Museum, which is home to a wide range of exhibits related to the history and culture of Tajikistan. You can also visit the Museum of Ethnography, which features a wide range of artifacts and displays related to the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

You can also explore the Shah Mansur Bazaar, which is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the city. Here, you can find a wide range of goods, including textiles, spices, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, you will travel outside the city to see Hissar Fortress, the remains of an 18th-century fort that was occupied until 1924. The fortress is located on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and offers stunning views of the area. Dinner and overnight in Dushanbe.

Day 5: Dushanbe - Almaty (Tajikistan/Kazakhstan) [B, L, D]

We will take a morning flight from Dushanbe to Almaty. Upon arrival in Almaty, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Almaty.

Day 6: Almaty [B, L, D]

Full day of sightseeing in Almaty. First visit Panfilov Park named after the 28 Panfilov Heroes who died defending Moscow during World War II. The park is home to the Ascension Cathedral, which is one of the few surviving tsarist-era buildings in the city. Then comes the National Musical Instruments Museum dedicated to the traditional musical instruments of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Here, you can see a wide range of instruments, including the dombra, kobyz, and saz. Next, Central State Museum: This museum is one of the largest museums in Central Asia and features exhibits related to the history and culture of Kazakhstan. Almaty Green Bazaar is one of the largest and most vibrant in the city. Here, you can find a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. We will take a cable car to Kok Tobe which offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for tourists. You can take a cable car to the top of the hill and enjoy the views from the observation deck. Zenkov Cathedral, a beautiful wooden cathedral, is one of the most famous landmarks in Almaty. It was built in 1907 and is one of the few surviving wooden buildings in the city. Finally pay a visit to St. Nicholas Cathedral: located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Overnight in Almaty.

Day 7: Almaty - Bishkek (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan) [B, L, D]

We will start the day with a scenic drive, depart from Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway. Along the way, you can enjoy the natural landscapes of the region.

In the afternoon, you can visit the following places in Bishkek first we will Central Museum dedicated to the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan and features a wide range of exhibits related to the country’s past. Then walk to the nearby Independence Square: known as one of the most important landmarks in the city and is home to several important government buildings. From there we will have a short walk to Philharmonic Square that has been home to the Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Orchestra for decades and is a popular spot for concerts and other cultural events. Also included in our tour today is the University Boulevard which is lined with trees and is a popular spot for walking and relaxing and TSUM shopping center known as one of the largest in the city housing to a wide range of stores and restaurants. Overnight in Bishkek.

Day 8: Bishkek - Issyk Kul - Karakol [B, L, D]

Drive to Karakol, a town situated in the east of the lake area, at the foot of the most picturesque mountains of Tian Shan. The way passes along the south shore of Issyk Kul. Follow the way along the shore of Issyk Kul until the town of Karakol.

On the way, you can stop in Kyzyl Tuu, a yurt maker’s village, and visit a yurt master’s home. You can also visit the Djety Oguz canyon on the way. Djety Oguz in Kyrgyz means “Seven Bulls”. This picturesque gorge is named so because of the rocky red sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan Spruces. Overnight in Karakol.

Day 9: Karakol - Cholpon Ata - Bishkek [B, L, D]

Today we will start our city tour in Karakol. A short drive will take us to nearby Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral from our hotel. This beautiful wooden cathedral was completed in 1895 and used as an officers’ club during Soviet Times. It is now restored and in use again as a church. Then another short drive and arrive in where Wooden Mosque: This mosque was built entirely without nails by Chinese artisans between 1907 and 1910 for the local Dungans (Muslims of Chinese origin who fled China during the aftermath of the XIX Century Hui Minorities’ War). Our next destination will be the Museum of Nikolay M. Przhevalsky. This museum is dedicated to the outstanding Russian explorer of the Asian continent. Here, you can learn about his life and work and see a wide range of exhibits related to his travels.

After your visit to Karakol, you will drive to the city of Cholpon Ata, situated on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Upon arrival, you can visit the Petroglyphs site, which is a temple in the open air of Scythians and Hungsuns civilizations from the VIII to IX Century B.C. until the III to IV Century A.D. You will then drive to Bishkek for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Departure From Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) [B]

Have your breakfast at the hotel restaurant and check out of your hotel. This marks the end of our services for this trip. We look forward to serving you again on another off-the-beaten-path adventure in the future.

Note: All Central Asia tour prices will be updated on January 15, 2025.

Due to the high demand for this region, both hotel prices and transportation costs have been rising significantly. Central Asia tours are currently receiving strong interest from both the U.S. and Canada, leading to continuous price increases.

• Airport transfers upon arrival
• Hotel accommodation at very comfortable centrally located 5 star or best available hotels (double room sharing)
• All meals as specified at the day by day itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• All internal flights
  • Dushanbe - Almaty
• Bottled water (1 liter per person per day)
• All entrance fees for sites and museums
• English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
• Flo Tours document packet including; name and luggage tags and more.

• Airport transfers upon departure
• International Flights to Tashkent and from Bishkek
• Visas and Visa Fees
• Tips at the hotels, tour guides and drivers
• Any extra expenses at the hotels
• Video and photo camera charges at the museums or sites
• Travel Insurance

CENTRAL ASIA VISA INFORMATION :

Turkmenistan’s visa process, from which no traveler is exempt, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in Central Asia. That said, Flo Tours will guide you through the entire process, and the majority of our clients who apply for a tourist visa do successfully receive approval. While the procedure requires patience, the extra effort is part of what makes visiting Turkmenistan such a unique and rewarding experience.

Flo Tours will assist with all required documentation, including the Letter of Invitation issued by the Turkmenistan government, which is mandatory for visa processing.

For detailed visa requirements and step-by-step support, please contact Flo Tours directly.

Visas for all other Central Asia countries can be applied for online through their official embassy websites using the e-visa system.

Turkmenistan Visa Application Process

All travelers, regardless of nationality, are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkmenistan. While the process is often considered one of the most complex in Central Asia, Flo Tours will guide you through every step, making it as smooth and clear as possible.

The most reliable way to obtain a Turkmenistan visa is by booking a guided tour with a tour operator that works directly with licensed local partners in Turkmenistan, as required by the government. Flo Tours cooperates with trusted and officially licensed partners inside Turkmenistan to handle this process on your behalf.

We strongly recommend planning your visit well in advance, ideally at least one month before your intended arrival, though earlier is always better.

Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.)

The first and most important step in the visa process is applying for a Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.), which is issued by the Turkmenistan government.

Once your L.O.I. is approved, you may:

• Obtain the visa sticker from the Turkmenistan Embassy in your country, or
• If no embassy is available, receive the visa upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport or approved land borders.

There is no need to mail your passport during this process.

The approval of the L.O.I. typically takes 90 days, though processing times may vary. Once approved, the L.O.I. will be forwarded to the designated embassy or border point, and Flo Tours will notify you immediately.

Please note that, in rare cases and for reasons not disclosed to tour operators, the Turkmenistan authorities may reject an L.O.I. or visa application. Entry may also be denied if local laws or regulations are violated.

Timing & Planning Recommendations

Although the minimum recommended lead time is one month, Turkmenistan law allows applications for an L.O.I. up to three months in advance. We strongly encourage applying as early as possible.

We also recommend purchasing airline tickets only after your L.O.I. is approved, or choosing fully refundable tickets to avoid any inconvenience.

Flo Tours Visa Support

Flo Tours provides full visa support for all tours that include Turkmenistan. This includes:

• Coordinating the L.O.I. application
• Working directly with licensed local partners
• Providing guidance through every stage of the process

Required Documents for L.O.I. Application

To apply for the Letter of Invitation, please submit the following documents to Flo Tours by email:

1. Color copy of a valid international passport
   • Full page showing photo, personal details, signature, and barcode
   • Format: PDF or JPEG
2. One recent passport-size color photo
   • White background
   • JPEG or PNG format
   • File size up to 250 KB
3. Completed application information, including:
   • Any previous names used
   • Marital status
   • Intended travel dates and number of entries
   • Entry and exit points in Turkmenistan
   • Spouse’s full name and date of birth (if applicable)
   • Children’s full names and dates of birth (if applicable)
   • Permanent home address
   • Educational background (highest diploma, city, and country)
   • Field of study
   • Current occupation and employer details
   • Preferred place of visa issuance (embassy or border/airport)
   • Previous visits to Turkmenistan (if any)

Flo Tours will provide the required form and assist you with completion if needed.

Important Conditions for Visa Approval

Unlike many countries where hotel bookings and flight tickets are sufficient, Turkmenistan requires travelers to meet additional conditions, all of which are arranged through a licensed tour operator:

• Government-issued Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.)
• Entry travel pass
• Immigration registration
• Border or airport meeting by a local representative
• Confirmed hotel accommodation
• Transportation during the tour
• Licensed guide accompaniment

These requirements cannot be fulfilled independently. Even solo travelers must work with a licensed Turkmenistan travel agency, which Flo Tours arranges on your behalf.

• TASHKENT: Miran Hotel or similar
• DUSHANBE: Hilton Hotel or similar
• ALMATY: Rixos Hotel or similar
• BISHKEK: Hyatt Regency Hotel or similar
• KARAKOL: Green Yard Hotel or similar