Astana to Tashkent

27 days56 reviews
Explorer
From
AUD $8,915

Enjoy a unique exploration of Central Asia across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Astana, take a journey from mighty Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan and historic Uzbekistan. From the ancient city of Turkistan and the Silk Road ruins of Sayram and Otrar, the sights along the way are unlike anywhere else on earth. Take in the tranquil landscape of Son-Kol Lake, see Solomon's Throne in historic Osh and wander mosques and museums in Samarkand and Bukhara. Dive into ancient culture and natural beauty on an adventure that will leave you yearning to discover more of Central Asia.

Map of Astana To Tashkent including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Trip code: KFSKC
Start
Astana, Kazakhstan
End
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Destinations
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Meals
26 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train
Accommodation
Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (5 nights), Yurt (3 nights)
Days
27
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 16
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Discover Central Asia’s fascinating mix of ancient Silk Road culture, Soviet influence and post-independence nations with local leaders to show you the way.

Learn about the Silk Road and its history – see the Registan in Samarkand (one of the pinnacles of Islamic architecture), spend time in UNESCO World Heritage-listed, 6th-century Bukhara and uncover the charm of the legendary Turkistan.

Immerse yourself in the unique natural landscapes of this seldom-travelled part of the world – be surrounded by the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, take a train ride through the vistas of the Kazakh steppe, see the little 'Grand Canyon' at Charyn and discover the sunken forest of Kolsai Lakes.

Be wowed by Song Kol Lake and Issyk-kul Lake, where you may see flocks of sheep, goats and herds of horses with their nomadic herdsmen. Stay in a yurt camp at the shore and live like the locals have for centuries in these traditional tents.

Experience traditional Central Asian hospitality – there's really nothing like being welcomed into a local home or yurt for a meal, chatting with stall holders at bazaars or simply chatting with the locals at the sites.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Astana To Tashkent including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Inclusions and activities

Meals

26 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (5 nights), Yurt (3 nights)

Included activities
  • Astana - City tour
  • Astana - Local Jewler Visit
  • Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
  • Otrar - Ancient settlement
  • Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
  • Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
  • Almaty – Turgen Gorge
  • Almaty – Lake Issyk
  • Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
  • Almaty - Panfilov Park
  • Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
  • Almaty - Zelenyi Bazaar
  • Charyn Canyon - National Park
  • Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
  • Karakol - Dungan Mosque
  • Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
  • Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
  • Cholpon Ata - Petroglyphs
  • Lake Issyk-Kul - Boat tour
  • Bishkek - City walking tour
  • Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
  • Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
  • Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
  • Kochkor - Market
  • Kochkor - Women's Felt Co-op
  • Kyzyl-Oi - Boorsok Cooking Demonstration
  • Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex
  • Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain
  • Osh - National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex
  • Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
  • Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
  • Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
  • Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
  • Bukhara - Ark Fortress
  • Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • Samarkand - Registan Square
  • Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
  • Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
  • Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit

Optional activities
  • Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150
  • Osh - Bazaar - Free
  • Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000
  • Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum - UZS30000
  • Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory - UZS30000

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is an overland journey, so there will be some very long days of travelling and driving, often over rough terrain. This can be tiring at times and will require a great deal of patience at others, especially at border crossings. The vehicle size can be rather compact when the group is almost full. This is to enable us to travel to small villages where the general road condition doesn't allow big buses. We find this is a great way for the group to bond and share an amazing journey together and there will be stops along the way to take photos and stretch your legs too.
  • Be prepared to experience the full legacy of the Soviet era – not just in the sights and history, but also in the standards of accommodation and service! In other words, while you’ll be comfortable, don’t expect luxury.
  • Accommodation may be more basic than what you are used to in homestays, guesthouses and the yurt stay. Shower and toilet facilities will be limited in some places and non-existent in others. While the comfort level won't always be high, the rewards of living in true local style in this far-out part of the world are immeasurable.
  • This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4, Day 7 and Day 13-16 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight and train tickets booking no later than 45 days prior to departure. Fees may apply for amendments or failure to provide the required details within 45 days of departure..

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Karen · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 31 Aug 2024

Jai · Traveled April 2024
Review submitted 22 May 2024

Nikita · Traveled April 2024
Review submitted 27 May 2024

Kate · Traveled June 2023
Review submitted 16 Jul 2023

Paul · Traveled June 2023
Review submitted 27 Jul 2023
Astana to Tashkent
From
AUD $8,915