Central Asia Explorer

17 Days | Unspool history on the Silk Road, from mountain yurts to minarets

4.9 out of 5 based on 45 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €3,305
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Be entranced by the beauty of Kyrgyzstan and historical wonders of Uzbekistan on this 17-day tour. Traverse landscapes of alpine lakes and mountains interrupted only by dots of yurts, feel the divine artistic power of the detailed mosaics and towering minarets of ancient cities, and be welcomed into homes and family-run businesses by locals. A mix of ancient nomadic cultures, various iterations of both conservative and progressive Islam, Soviet influence and post-independence nationalism mean Central Asia is home to unique traditions. Travels here will leave you raving about the region for years to come and planning your next trip back as soon as you get home.

Trip overview

Map of Central Asia Explorer including Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Start
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Finish
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
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
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
KFSR
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
  • Get to know the locals as you meet a local eagle trainer (or Berkutchi), learn how to build a yurt in a local workshop, test your taste buds with a dinner of home-cooked plov (Uzbekistan's signature dish) and rub shoulders with the locals in the bustling bazaars
  • Travel along the Chychkan River beneath the towering peaks of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan range, mountains even more spectacular for emptiness of the valleys below them.
  • Enjoy authentic experiences like sleeping in traditional yurts on the banks of Lake Issykul, staying in local villages and making yourself at home in a boutique hotel that used to be an old Jewish house in Bukhara
  • Wander through the grand square Registan in Samarkand, admiring the imposing architecture from afar and the detailed craftmanship on the tiling up close.
  • Spend time in World Heritage-listed Bukhara, a 6th-century-BC city that's drenched in history and home to the formidable Ark of Bukhara.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Central Asia is a remote destination, perfect for Intrepid travellers! You will venture well away from cities, right off the beaten track and be able to immerse yourself in local food, life and culture. Accommodation may on occasion be more basic than what you are used to, especially in local homes, guesthouses and at the yurt. 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 is an overland journey, so there will be some very long days of travelling and driving, often over rough terrain. This can be tiring and require patience. The vehicle we use is small enough to access places where the general road condition doesn't allow for buses, but this means it can be a cosy journey when the group is almost full. 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.
  • What Kyrgyzstan lacks in historical sights (compared to the Silk Road monuments and Old Towns of Uzbekistan) it makes up for in incredible natural landscapes and plenty of opportunities for interaction with local families in small villages.
  • This trip spends 1 night at high altitude at Song-kol Lake (over 3000 meters) and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. We recommend not partaking in any strenuous activity until you have time to gauge your reaction to the high altitude. See the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Central Asia Explorer including Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private Bus, Metro, High Speed Train, local train

Accommodation

Guesthouse/Homestay (2 night), Hotel (11 nights), Tourist Yurt Camps (3 night)

Activities
  • Bishkek - City walking tour
  • Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
  • Don Aryk - Kyrgyz 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 - Amir Timur Square
  • Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
  • Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
  • Bukhara - Kalon Mosque
  • 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
Add on activities
  • Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150
  • Osh - Bazaar - Free
  • Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum - UZS30000
  • Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory - UZS30000

Dates and availability

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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 Days 3 to Day 7 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. We'll need your passport details no later than 45 days before departure in order to purchase train tickets on this trip. Delay in providing these details or providing incorrect details may result in extra fee in change or being unable to secure services.

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 45 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.

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GEORGE · Traveled August 2024
An amazing introduction into the local area. It was great to see the mountainous landscape of Kyrgyzstan contrasting with the vibrant culture of Uzbekistan. We had a excellent guide, Svetlana, who was very knowledgeable and was able to answer any question. She made time for everyone depending on the needs of the person and navigated us very well throughout. The local guides we had were also very good and friendly. The local people are super kind and friendly. It was great to visit the homestays to learn about the local culture and food. The weather was warm throughout so would recommend light clothing ( visited August). Please note the mountain roads in Kyrgyzstan are challenging and it has attitude. We felt very safe throughout the trip and would love to go back.
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024

Todd · Traveled August 2024
This was an excellent trip, and our guide was superb. The combination of natural beauty, cultural exposure, and historical importance of the region are hard to overstate. We started the trip knowing very little about the area, but ended with a deep appreciation for Central Asia.
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Zhuyun · Traveled June 2024
A well balanced trip with lots of nature and abundant history of the region with a very knowledgeable guide. A perfect taste test for the two countries to allow you explore further with confidence after the trip or another time. A trip that left with you wanting more of the region.
Review submitted 04 Jul 2024

Angela · Traveled June 2024
Do not travel to Uzbekistan in June It is just too hot to enjoy being there
Review submitted 01 Jul 2024

Jan · Traveled June 2024
Perfect trip. Miko is a perfect guide. Two amazing countries with lovely people. Just go there before it becomes crowdy, Highlight was Song kol lake.
Review submitted 18 Jun 2024
Central Asia Explorer
From
EUR €3,305