26 Days | Enjoy a unique exploration of Central Asia, across the vast nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Astana, join us on this exploration from mighty Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan and history packed 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 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.
Trip overview
- Start
- Astana, Kazakhstan
- Finish
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
- 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 16
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- KFSKC
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
25 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners
Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train, 4X4 Jeep
Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (4 nights), Yurt (3 nights)
- Astana - City tour
- 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 - Kok Tobe Hill
- Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
- Charyn Canyon - National Park
- Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
- Almaty - Medeu
- 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
- Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150
- Osh - Bazaar - Free
- Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum - UZS30000
- Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory - UZS30000
Dates and availability
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, 7-8, and Day 12 - 16 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 trip. As such the make up of your group and your leader may change on Day 10.
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.
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