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Map of Nur-Sultan (Astana) to Tashkent including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

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

Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Nur-Sultan (until recently, Astana), join us on this exploration from mighty Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan and history packed Uzbekistan. From the remote moonscape of Boszhira Vallley to 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 get your fill of mosques and museums in Samarkand and Bukhara. Abounding with ancient culture, divine natural beauty and intriguing relics this is a journey that will leave you eager to discover more of Central Asia.

Start
Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan
Finish
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Destinations
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
KFSKC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 16
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Central Asia is a fascinating and unique mix of ancient Silk Road culture, Soviet influence and striving to redefine nations post independence. Geographically and for a time historically, it is the real centre of Asia

  • The much-photographed Registan in Samarkand is one of the true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. You'll be wowed by the scale, grandeur and beauty of the monuments to iconic figures such as Tamerlane and the Persian influenced madressas, mosques and mausoleums.

  • Kyrgyzstan's mountains are its monuments and its majesty. The landscapes here will stay with you long after the journey is over.

  • Surround yourself with the surreal landscapes of the 'wild west' of Kazkhstan at Boszhira Valley, and visit Grand Canyon's "little brother", Charyn Canyon.

  • Marvel at the beautiful Song Kol Lake & Issyk-kul Lake, where in mid-summer you may see flocks of sheep, goats and herds of horses watched over by nomadic herdsmen and their families. Stay in a yurt camp at the shore and live like the locals have for centuries in these portable, felt lined traditional tents.

  • Experience for yourself the legend that is 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 marvelling at the sights alongside locals

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip takes you way off the tourist trail to explore just some of the vastness that is Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. If you want to be far, far away from everywhere – and from anything you've experienced before – this trip is for you.

  • 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.

  • In true adventure style, the trip involves some long travel days by private vehicle and trains. While tiring, this is a great opportunity to sit back, unwind and let the sweeping views roll by.

  • We’ll experience varying temperatures in the desert and out on the steppe. The days can be very hot, while at night, the mercury plummets. Make sure you bring warm, comfortable layers, drink plenty of water and take care to protect yourself from the sun. For women, we recommend bringing a scarf to cover your head and shoulders while on visits to mosques and mausoleums.

  • Accommodation may on occassion be more basic than what you are used to in homestays, guesthouses and yurt stay. Shower and toilet facilities will be limited in some places and non existant 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 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.

  • What Kyrgyzstan lacks in "sights" compared to the Silk Road monuments and old towns of Uzbekistan, it makes up for in alpine landscapes, opportunities for interaction with local families and plenty of time spent on the road or outdoors exploring natural surroundings.

Intrepid Travel kazakhstan charyn-canyon
Kazakhstan-ustyurt-plateu-akkergeshen-sunset
Kazakhstan-Turkistan-mausoleum
Kazakhstan-Almaty-almaty-city-mountains
Experience Bukhara Uzbekistan with Intrepid Travel
uzbekistan samarkand registan square complex
uzbekistan samarkand shah I zinda mausoleum traveller

Itinerary
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Welcome to Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in the hotel lobby. Recently renamed Nur-Sultan in honour of the long serving first president, the city was purpose built to become th capital city of Kazakhstan in 1997. Similar to Washington D.C. in the United States or Canberra in Australia, Nur-Sultan is a planned city with the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa as its master mind. Now, Nur-Sultan is one of the most vibrant cities in Central Asia. If you arrive early, take the time explore and admire the futuristic city skyline. Join your leader in the evening for an included local dinner tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, head off on a city tour with your leader and see some of the most impressive designs of this ambitious new city. Visit Nur-Astana Mosque, built in 2005 – with its capacity of 5000 worshippers inside and an additional 2000 outside it is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then you'll stop at Palace of Peace & Reconciliation, a pyramid shaped conference hall that's considered to be Astana's symbolic center. You'll also visit the President's Culture Center which houses an array of exhibits that tell of the past, present and future of Kazakhstan, and of course, as its name suggests, the many achievements of it's President. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nur-Sultan - City tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Get ready for an early morning for a flight to Ak Tau – a city on the Caspian shore. Arrive in the mid-morning and take the chance to get acquainted with the city and do some final shopping before venturing into the ‘outback’ of Kazakhstan. Continue the journey to Jana Ozen (approximately 2.5 hours), crossing Karagie, one of the world’s deepest depressions. Continue to a clifftop top that provides incredible views over the area. Arrive in Jana Ozon, the oil industry center of Kazakhstan, where you’ll be settled for tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ak Tau - city tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Gear up for a full day exploring the Boszhira Valley, a truly otherworldly landscape made up of moon-like terrain. Hop in your jeep and cross oil fields before reaching Kyzyl Suu mazar, a holy grave from the 19th century. Then, drive through waste salt lakes before climbing up the East Karatau range, from where you can see the Chalky Mountains of East Ak Tau far in the distance. You can also see Bakty mountain, as depicted on the 1000 KZT banknote. From here, approach the foothills and take a short hike, admiring panoramic views of the unique snow-white rocky outcrops that fall into the Caspi depression with a 15km long cliff. Enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch on the bottom of the chalky canyon. Continue to the Ustyurt Plateau, a clay desert punctuated with salt marshes and limestone karsts. Finally, continue to your last stop of the day – Kogez Yurt camp.
Accommodation
  • Tourist Yurt Camp (Multishare) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Boszhira Valley - Jeep safari
  • Boszhira Valley – Chalky canyon
  • Boszhira Valley – Ustyurt Plateau salty lake
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Get ready for two days of jeep safari in the backcountry of Kazakhstan. There will be early mornings and long drives, but the scenery and the experience are well worth it! You’ll stay in a tourist yurt camp for tonight. There will be at most 4 people sharing one yurt, occasionally mixed gender. The bathrooms facilities are shared and separate from the yurt. The conditions may be basic, but the experience will be unforgettable.

Start the day with a drive north to Airakty Shumanai Valley, known among locals as the valley of castles. From here, drive on to Mount Sherkala, famed for its fascinating dome shape. Torysh, the Valley of Balls, is your next stop – another natural miracle made up of spherical rock formations. Next up, head to Shakpak Ata, and underground mosque and necropolis from the 10th to the 13th century. Located at the cross-roads of the ancient Silk Road, this rock-hewn mosque is shaped like a cross and features prayer rooms, columns and ancient drawings. Settle into your hotel in Ak Tau in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ak Tau - Sherkala mountain
  • Ak Tau - Airakty Shumanai Valley
  • Ak Tau – Valley of Orbs
  • Ak Tau – Shakpak Ata
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning, board your flight to Shymkent and then continue to Turkistan. Grab some snacks, sit back and relax as the epic landscape rushes by. Located in southern Kazakhstan, the city of Turkistan contains more historical relics and cultural sites than any other place in the country. You will arrive in the late afternoon. You’ll visit the main attraction of the Yasaui Mausoleum tomorrow morning, but you'll have the option to see it illuminated at night today. Tonight, you’ll also visit the new Caravan Serai, a complex recently built to model ancient Silk Road trade centres, giving visitors a taste of what life here was once like.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that as of 1st June 2023, the morning direct flight from Ak tau to Shymkent is cancelled. Therefore, we'll have to take an indirect flight from Ak tau to Shyment, with transit in Almaty or Astana, depending on availability. This will be a day of travelling as the layover time can be a few hours and you'll get to Turkistan in the evening. We'll revert back to the direct flight should it start operating again.

Head out on a city tour this morning, the highlight of which is a visit to the Kozha Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum, Kazakhstan’s most iconic building. The blue and while-tiled Mausoleum is the final resting place of a great Turkic holy man and Sufi. Built by Tamerlane, it is said that three visits here are equal to one visit to Mecca. As it is a religious site, we recommend that women wear a headscarf when entering. In the surrounds you'll find a rose garden, other monuments, an archeological museum and a mosque, which are all included in the entry ticket. Continue the journey to Shymkent (approximately 4 hours) by private vehicle, stopping at the ancient settlement of Otrar on the way. It was first excavated in 1969 and has a history dating back to the first century AD. Remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses can still be seen today. It is also where Genghis Khan's army is said to have fought heroically (though unsuccessfully) when the Mongols first invaded Central Asia. There'll be some time to spend in Shymkent before boarding the overnight train (approximately 11 hours) to Almaty.
Accommodation
  • Overnight train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Otrar - Ancient settlement
  • Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
We travel in kupe class, which is 4 berths per compartment with a lockable door. There are toilets and hot water for drinks at the end of each carriage. While we aim to group our travellers together, please be aware that compartments are not segregated by gender and you may be sharing with other travellers.

Hop off the train early this morning and head straight to your hotel to drop off your luggage and make use of shared rooms to refresh – you’ll be able to check in later in the day. Then embark on a full-day guided city tour of Almaty. The development and wealth you’ll see on display as you walk the streets comes from the country's main export – oil. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations in the world. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against German tanks in WWII. Check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments and the State Historical Museum, which features a great collection of ancient relics. Finally, summit Kok Tobe Hill for great views over the city before returning to the hotel after a long but fulfilling day.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Almaty - Panfilov Park
  • Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
  • Almaty - Kok Tobe Hill
  • Almaty - Central State Museum
  • Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, get out of Almaty and enjoy a day trip to Lake Issyk and Turgen Gorge. Stop at Issyk Museum, dedicated to Scythian culture. Continue to Ile-Alatau National Park, where the peaceful mountain-clad Lake Issyk is situated. After some time here, carry on to Turgen Gorge, where a short hike will bring you to a 20-metre waterfall. Don’t pass up on the chance of having lunch at a trout farm here. Return to Almaty in the afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Almaty – Lake Issyk
  • Almaty – Turgen Gorge
  • Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today before saying goodbye to Kazakhstan, stop at spectacular Charyn Canyon (approximately 4 hours' drive). The colorful formations of different shapes and sizes are no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the United States, (though it's much smaller!). Continue to the border and enter the mountainous nation of Kyrgyzstan. Tonight you'll stay in the peaceful town of Karakol.

Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Charyn Canyon - National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This mainly Russian town was officially founded on 1st of July in 1869 by the military. At this time the town already had a large population of military officers, explorers from the Russian Geographical society, merchants and artisans. The town’s Soviet name was Przhevalsk after the Great Russian explorer of Central Asia and China, Nikolai Przhevalsky. His last expedition ended here and he is buried on the lakeshore near Karakol. Stroll along Karakol's streets spotting Russian-style 'gingerbread' houses. Visit the Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, a local market and the Przhevalsky Museum. After lunch, drive for about 1 hour for a hike (approx. 2 hours) in the picturesque Jety Oguz Valley, aka Seven Bull Valley. Your leader will guide you through the forest to a waterfall (with jaw-dropping panoramic views). Return to Karakol for the night.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Karakol - Dungan Mosque
  • Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
  • Karakol - Przhevalskiy Museum
  • Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a full day's drive to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk Kul – the second largest alpine lake in the world after lake Titicaca in South America. The views are lovely along the way, especially seeing Issyk Kul surrounded by snow capped mountains. On the way, you'll stop at Cholpan Ata, visit a petroglyph's site and take a short boar ride onto the lake to enjoy its sheer size and scale. Arrive in Bishkek in the late afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cholpan Ata - Petroglyphs
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a trip down memory lane today with a city tour showcasing the country's fascinating history. The centre of the city is Ala-too Square, which was known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. A great place  for a wander is Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you'll find a few open-air cafes. The century-old oaks here and all along Freedom Avenue make Bishkek one of the greenest cities in Central Asia. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek. Quite the contrast to the relaxed quiet streets, square and parks in the city center, Osh Market is noisy, crowded, and a perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. Get together with your travel mates and enjoy an optional dinner together tonight to celebrate a great journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bishkek - City Tour
Optional Activities
  • Bishkek - Osh Market - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Bishkek. Perhaps take a leisurely wander through this relaxed city full of wide streets, trees and parklands, and a palpable Soviet past. The State Museum of Fine Arts is the city's premiere museum and TSUM Department Store in the city centre is renowned for having the best range of Kyrgyz souvenirs for shopping. This evening, there will be a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers joining you on the next stage of your adventure. Why not get together after the meeting for an optional group dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting tonight to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. The city tour included tomorrow will be identical to the one included in your first section of the trip. You may choose to join the city tour again or choose to have some free time and relax in this lovely city before going on the road again.

Embark on city tour that showcases the various stages of Bishkek’s history. Visit the severe Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, and learn about the towering statue depicting folkloric hero Manas. Continue to Dubovy Park, and wander among the open-air cafes before strolling between the century-old oaks along Freedom Avenue. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek. Quite the contrast to the relaxed quiet streets, square and parks in the city centre, Osh Market is noisy, crowded, and a perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here, from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bishkek - City Tour
Optional Activities
  • Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's city tour will be the same as Day 13. So feel free to opt out and explore other parts of Bishkek today. Your tour leader can surely give you some wonderful advice.

This morning, up and on the road through the beautiful landscaps of Kyrgyzstan. You'll be travelling with our vehicle for the next few days so get ready for a road trip through some pretty stunning mountains and lakes. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible
remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then continue to Tokmak and meet a local Dungan family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Then onto the destination of today - Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. At 170 - kilometres-long and 70-kilometres-wide, her beauty is a real sight to behold. Your yurt camp for tonight is set up along the south shore of the lake where you'll get a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountains setting behind the lake. Made of felt and tarpaulins on a round frame, yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz people and this will be your 'settlement' for today and tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Tourist yurt camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
  • Tokmak - Dungan family visit and home-cooked lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's travel time is about 4- 5 hours.
Sleeping arrangements tonight are on a multi-share basis with mattresses on the floor, potentially mixed gender sharing depending on the group composition. There will be up to 4 people in one yurt. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there's a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. Bathroom facilities are located separately from the yurts and are shared on the camp. The conditions here are basic but the stunning view and the unique experience of staying in a yurt is certainly rewarding.

With relaxed plans for today, we’ll wander the beautiful alpine area and head out to meet a local eagle trainer (or Berkutchi) and discover the ancient principles of training these beautiful creatures to follow commands, catch prey and return back to their masters and then visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening, relax in your authentic yurt camp, jump into the lake, ride a bike or sit back with a cold homemade vodka – created by your yurt camp owners, just for you.
Accommodation
  • Tourist yurt camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
  • Issyk-Kul Lake - Eagle Hunter Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Back on the road and travel to Song-Kol Lake, another alpine stunner that is considered a sacred place to many Kyrgyz people, as well as one of the best summer pastures for nomadic herders. The landscape will change depending on the season but is sure to be beautiful no matter when you travel. In the summer you might see nomadic herdsmen and their families watching over goats, sheep, and horses. Enjoy exploring your surroundings for the rest of the day, maybe hiking one of the many trails. Tonight, fall asleep in yurts set up along the shore. Tomorrow, those daring enough for an invigorating morning splash can use the lake to wash off the sleep.
Accommodation
  • Tourist yurt camp (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's travel time is approximately 6 hours.
Sleeping arrangements tonight are on a multi-share basis with mattresses on the floor, potentially mixed gender sharing depending on the group composition. There will be up to 4 people in one yurt. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there's a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. Bathroom facilities are located separately from the yurts and are shared on the camp.
The pass to Song-Kol Lake is open from mid June to mid September. When the road is open, you'll stay at Song-kol Lake tonight. When the road is impassable an alternative destination will be arranged for this day of the trip. In September and October – depending on the temperature – we may only make a daytrip to Song-Kol Lake and return to Kochkor for the night.

Travel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi, which is squeezed between mountains. On the way, pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River, which feeds into the Syr Darya. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river in the shade of the trees and use your free time to explore the village on arrival.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse/Homestay (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's travel time is about 6-7 hours
After heavy rains the road near Kara Keche may be washed out and impassable. When this occurs, you will return to Kochkor from Song-Kul Lake and then drive from there to Kyzyl-Oi. The driving time today will increase for a couple of hours if not taking the original planned route.
We work with a local CBT organization to arrange the homestay tonight. The sleeping arrangement will be multi-share and the the group may be split into different houses of local families.

Get ready for a full-day of driving though big, beautiful landscapes. As the roads in Kyrgyzstan see little regular maintenance, even short distances on a map can take hours. The road crosses the Suusamyr Valley – a high steppe plateau situated at around 2200 metres above sea level. The mountainous surroundings are often dotted with yurts. Continue along the Chychkan River that cuts through the Tien Shan mountain range. Stop here for a while and soak up the amazing scenery. Arrive at tonight's accommodation in Karakul sometime in the early evening.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse/Homestay (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's travel time is about 7 hours.

After breakfast, get ready for another all-day journey to Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgystan. Stop en route at Uzgen, an ancient trading town and handicrafts centre along the Silk Road. Although much of the ancient city has been destroyed, a minaret and three mosques that have survived remain important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. Continue to Osh. Located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country, Osh is often referred to as the 'Capital of the South' and is the oldest city in the country.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's travel time is about 6-7 hours

Rise and shine for a visit to the only World Heritage site in Kyrgystan, the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, also known as Solomon's Throne. For centuries Silk Road travellers have sought out the mountain's caves and their petroglyphs in the belief that they would be blessed with longevity or healthy children. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Osh. Perhaps visit the Jayma Bazaar, where you might pick up an interesting souvenir or two. Or maybe take a self-guided tour of the remnants of Osh's soviet past with a walk to the giant Lenin statue in the city square.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain
  • Osh - National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex
Optional Activities
  • Osh - Bazaar - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, drive to Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, which is just outside of the city. After passing through the border control, farewell and thank your Kyrgyz guide and meet your new Uzbek guide. Transfer to Andijan and board a local train to Tashkent (approximately 5.5 hours). The train is a great place to meet locals, so don’t be surprised if people want to chat to the chet ellik (foreigner). Arrive in the evening and check into the hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's travel time is about 6-7 hours

Begin your introduction to Uzbekistan by exploring the capital on a sightseeing tour. Visit the State History Museum, which shows exhibits and collections spanning the countries 5000-year history. Continue to the Abdul Khasim Medrassah, where craftspeople operate in many small ‘cells’, making jewellery and other things. Finally, stop by the Khast Imom complex, a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century. After lunch, lose yourself in the exciting Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments, and the extensive vegetable and spice markets.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
  • Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
  • Tashkent - History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that in the hot summer months in July and August, your leader may adjust the order of activities in each destination in Uzbekistan to avoid too much time spent in the heat.

Transfer to the station for the high-speed train to fabled Samarkand (approximately 2 hours). This city is located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. Arrival around midday and follow your leader on a short city orientation walk. Then enjoy some free time in the city, saving some of the key sights for the tour tomorrow. Maybe inspect the remains of the remarkable medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg, an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Today, only half of the below-ground semicircle track can be seen, but there is a small museum close by that gives some context. Or perhaps visit the Afrosiab Museum of Samarkand, the main attraction of which is a tenth-century mural. After the day at your leisure, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
  • Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory - UZS30000
  • Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum - UZS30000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a tour of Samarkand. First up is the central square called the Registan, which features mosques and mausoleums that are true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Continue to Guri-Amir, where Tamerlane is buried, and then the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Visit Shak-i-Zinda, a necropolis that features a series of gleaming blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th–19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. It is photo worthy at every turn, just remember to be respectful as pilgrims visit the complex.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
  • Samarkand - Registan
  • Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel from Samarkand to Bukhara by train this morning. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was an important regional and world hub for many, many years and has a long, fascinating history featuring invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. Explore this fascinating city with your tour leader on an orientation walk after arrival and head to the Lyabi-Haus area, a busy 17th-century plaza with hundreds-years-old trees and there is time to wander the small craft studios tucked into the nearby madrasas and trading domes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in beautiful Bukhara. First visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa, once the summer residence of the last Emir. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings by local artisans. Continue to the 16th-century Chor-Bakr necropolis, where not many tourists venture. Walk through the madrasa and mosque complex. In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress and Kalon Mosque, the symbol of Bukhara. Continue to one of Central Asia's oldest and most exquisite structures, the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the superb decorative brickwork of which has survived 1000 years of rugged history.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
  • Bukhara - Chor-Bakr Necropolis
  • Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
  • Bukhara - Kalon Mosque
  • Bukhara - Ark Fortress
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy some free time for your own optional sightseeing in Bukhara. In the afternoon, take a fast train back to Tashkent followed by an optional dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's travel time is about 4 hours.

There are no activities planned today and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after check out.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

29 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, 4x4 Jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (20 nights), overnight train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (4 nights), Yurt (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Nur-Sultan - City tour
  • Ak Tau - city tour
  • Boszhira Valley - Jeep safari
  • Boszhira Valley – Chalky canyon
  • Boszhira Valley – Ustyurt Plateau salty lake
  • Ak Tau - Sherkala mountain
  • Ak Tau - Airakty Shumanai Valley
  • Ak Tau – Valley of Orbs
  • Ak Tau – Shakpak Ata
  • Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
  • Otrar - Ancient settlement
  • Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
  • Almaty - Panfilov Park
  • Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
  • Almaty - Kok Tobe Hill
  • Almaty - Central State Museum
  • Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
  • Almaty – Lake Issyk
  • Almaty – Turgen Gorge
  • Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
  • Charyn Canyon - National Park
  • Karakol - Dungan Mosque
  • Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
  • Karakol - Przhevalskiy Museum
  • Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
  • Cholpan Ata - Petroglyphs
  • Bishkek - City Tour
  • Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
  • Tokmak - Dungan family visit and home-cooked lunch
  • Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
  • Issyk-Kul Lake - Eagle Hunter Visit
  • Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex
  • Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain
  • Osh - National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex
  • Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
  • Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
  • Tashkent - History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan
  • Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
  • Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
  • Samarkand - Registan
  • Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
  • Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
  • Bukhara - Chor-Bakr Necropolis
  • Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
  • Bukhara - Kalon Mosque
  • Bukhara - Ark Fortress

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Nur-Sultan (Astana) to Tashkent trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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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 3&16, 17&18(Yurt), Day 7 (overnight train) and Day 19&20 (Guesthouse/Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip visits three Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Please read the visa section in the Essential Trip Information to make sure you have the correct visa information for all countries.
3. 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.
4. This trip is a combination of KFSK & KFSR our most popular itineraries. As such the make up of your group and your leader may change.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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