Astana to Tashkent

Salemetsiz be! Welcome to Kazakhstan. Your adventure begins in Astana with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. Astana was purpose-built to become the capital city of Kazakhstan in 1997 and is home to meticulously planned city streets and architecture. This modern metropolis was designed by leading Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who won first prize in a competition against other world-renowned architects. If you arrive early, maybe stroll along the Astana waterfront or go shopping in the world’s largest tent at the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. Tonight, join your leader and group for dinner in town for your first authentic Kazakh food experience.

This morning, join your leader for a city tour to see some of Astana’s most impressive architecture. Visit the Bayterek Monument, then stroll down Nurzhol Boulevard to Khan Shatyr – another city landmark in the shape of a giant transparent tent. Visit Nur Astana Mosque – with a capacity of 5000 worshippers inside and an additional 2000 outside, this is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then, you'll stop at the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation – a pyramid-shaped conference hall built as a symbol of unity between cultures. This afternoon, why not find some horse meat dishes or plov (a popular rice dish with lamb, onions and carrots) for lunch. Later, you’ll meet back up with your group and visit a renowned local jeweller's workshop to learn about his craft.

This morning, take a flight to the historic heart of Kazakhstan – Turkistan, home to more relics and cultural sites than any other place in the country. When you arrive, visit the Caravanserai complex, built to model an ancient Silk Road trade centre, giving you a taste of what life was once like here. You have some free time in the late afternoon to keep exploring at your own pace – ask your leader if you need some suggestions.

Head out on a city tour this morning, starting with a visit to the Yasaui Mausoleum – Kazakhstan’s most iconic building. Built by Tamerlane, it’s said that three visits to the mausoleum are equal to one pilgrimage to Mecca. As it’s a religious site, it’s recommended that women wear a headscarf when entering. On the grounds, you'll find a rose garden, monuments, an archaeological museum and a mosque. Next, take a private transfer to Shymkent, stopping at the ancient settlement of Otrar on the way. First excavated in 1969, its history dates back to the first century AD. Remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses can still be seen today. This is also where Genghis Khan's army is said to have fought when the Mongols first invaded Central Asia. This evening, board your overnight train to Almaty.

Pulling into Almaty this morning, hop off the train and head out to find some breakfast. Today, you’ll be going on a day trip to Lake Issyk and Turgen Gorge. Stop at the Issyk Museum – an archaeological reserve dedicated to Kazakh history and Scythian culture (an ancient nomadic people who were particularly skilled in horseback warfare). Continue to Ile-Alatau National Park, where peaceful Lake Issyk sits in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Relax on the lakeshore before heading to Turgen Gorge, where you’ll go on a short hike to a waterfall. On the way back to Almaty, stop by a farm to meet your hospitable host who will show you around and teach you about their traditions, then share some Kazakh tea and snacks together before heading to Almaty.

Today, you’ll take a city tour of Almaty with a local guide. This former capital of Kazakhstan has a completely different atmosphere to the modern capital of Astana, with its wide tree-lined streets, numerous parks and views of snow-capped mountains. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against German tanks in WWII. Check out the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, which features a great collection of ancient relics. Finally, visit Zelyony Bazaar and experience the vibrant market scene before returning to the hotel to rest and recharge.

This morning, drive to the village of Saty, stopping at the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. This richly coloured canyon carves a path through the surrounding landscape, with vivid tones of orange and brown shifting and changing as the sun travels across the sky. Enjoy some time here to marvel at the natural wonder and grab some photos before continuing to Saty, where you’ll check into your homestay and experience a taste of local life in the Tien Shan Mountain Range.

This morning, visit Kolsai Lakes, also known as ‘the blue necklace’, for views of clear blue waters framed by mountains. If there’s time, you’ll take a hike to the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. The lake was formed by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide, creating a natural dam in the forest. As time went on, the dam filled with water and the trees were covered, leaving just their trunks standing in the centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head over the border to Kyrgyzstan, where you’ll continue your journey to Karakol.

This morning you’ll head out on a city tour of Karakol – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling Soviet state, this town is full of history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail. Instead, the structure was built using special techniques that utilise cuts and grooves. You’ll also explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market. Then, head out of the city to see the Jeti Oguz, also known as Seven Bulls Rock, where your leader will take you on a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views. Return to Karakol for the evening.

Today you’ll have a full day's drive to Bishkek, which sits along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul – the second largest alpine lake in the world. The views of the landscape during the drive are not to be missed, especially your first glimpse of Issyk-Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you'll stop at Cholpon-Ata to visit an open-air petroglyphs museum. Then, take a short boat ride out onto the huge alpine lake to really soak up the beauty of these shimmering waters. In Bishkek, you have a free night, where you might want to head out for a final dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure.

Today is a free day in Bishkek until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. In your free time, maybe walk through one of the local gardens or head out in search of some samsa (flaky pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables). After the meeting, why not grab dinner with your new group and get to know each other.

This morning, join your local leader on a guided city tour that showcases the various stages of Bishkek’s history. Visit the Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, and learn about the towering statue depicting folkloric hero Manas. Then, continue to Dubovy Park. Here, you’ll wander the open-air galleries, then explore the century-old oaks along Freedom Avenue. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your own pace – maybe visit the Osh Market and wander through the stalls selling spices, fruits, clothes and carpets.

This morning, watch the landscape transform as you drive to Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at Burana Tower – a minaret that’s the most visible remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun. Then, continue to Don-Aryk, where you’ll meet a local Kyrgyz family and sit down for a home-cooked lunch. After, continue to Issyk-Kul Lake. At 170 km long and 70 m wide, this is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Your yurt camp for tonight is set up along the south shore of the lake, where you'll get a fantastic view of snow-capped mountains. Made of felt and tarpaulins on a round frame, yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz people, and this will be your home for the next two nights.

After breakfast, you’ll head out to Kyzyl-Tuu – a village known for yurt making. Almost every family here is a yurt maker, and the village is known far beyond Kyrgyzstan. Visit an artisan family who’ll teach you about their traditional yurts. During a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been built and how they play an important role in the community here. The rest of the afternoon is then free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe relax at your yurt camp, jump into the lake or set off on a short hike.

Travel to Song-Kol Lake this morning. This alpine lake is considered sacred to many Kyrgyz people and is one of the best summer pastures for nomadic herders. On the way, stop at Kochkor to visit the local market and a women's felt co-op. The landscape today will change depending on the season, but it 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. When you arrive later today, spend some time exploring the surroundings at your own pace. Tonight, fall asleep in yurts set up along the shore.

Travel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi after breakfast. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. On the way, pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River, which feeds into the Syr Darya. Then, stop for a picnic lunch on the banks of the river and continue to the village, maybe using your free time to start exploring when you arrive. Tonight, join the locals for a cooking demonstration where you’ll learn how to prepare their favourite snack of boorsok (deep-fried dough).

Get ready for a full day of driving though beautiful landscapes. As you cross the Suusamyr Valley (a high steppe plateau situated at around 2200 m above sea level), take in the mountainous surroundings, dotted with yurts. Then, travel along the Chychkan River that cuts through the Tien Shan Mountain Range. Stop here for a while and soak up the scenery before continuing to Toktogul – a city in the Jalal-Abad region, named after a popular poet and musician from the region, Toktogul Satylganov. Later, you’ll arrive at tonight’s accommodation, which is part of the local community-based tourism network.

After breakfast, travel to Osh – the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan. 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. Along the way, stop at Uzgen – an ancient trading town and handicrafts hub along the Silk Road. Although much of the ancient city has been destroyed, the three surviving mosques remain important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. When you arrive in Osh this afternoon, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Rise early this morning for a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain. For centuries, Silk Road travellers have sought out the mountain's caves and petroglyphs, believing they’d be blessed with longevity and healthy children. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time in Osh. Maybe visit the Jayma Bazaar, where you might pick up an interesting souvenir or two.

This morning, cross the border to Margilan in Uzbekistan – a city along the Silk Road that’s been at the centre of Uzbekistan’s silk production since the 11th century. When you arrive, visit a silk weaving workshop and the ikat silk weavers of Margilan. Wander through the markets and workshops and learn about every step of the silk production process. Then, meet a potter at one of Rishton’s ceramics workshops. According to legend, ceramic production originated in Rishton in the 9th century when the city became a transit point on the Silk Road. Sit down to lunch at the potter’s home and learn about this ancient craft before travelling to Kokand. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.

In the cool of the morning, discover the Palace of Khudayar Khan – the former residence of the last Khan of the khanate of Kokand. The palace, constructed in the late 19th century, is known for its blue, green and yellow tiles on the facade of the building and its ornate interiors. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Kokand at your own pace. Maybe see the Jami Mosque, wander through the bustling bazaars or visit the Royal Cemetery. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers.

Cross the border into Tajikistan this morning. Then, continue to Khujand. Known as Alexandria Eschate (Alexandria ‘the furthest’) and believed to be founded by Alexander the Great, Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe wander around the evening bazaar and barter a good price on fruits and other local produce. Across from the market is the 16th-century Jami Mosque. If time allows, maybe visit the Khujand Historical Museum or Khujand Fortress.

This morning, start your journey to Panjakent – once the capital of the ancient Sogdiana country on the Silk Road. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got your favourite playlists or a good book queued up. On the way, visit Marguzor Lakes – a chain of alpine lakes and local villages. Have lunch with a local Tajik family in the village before continuing to Panjakent. When you arrive this afternoon, explore the ancient city walls and ruins. Archaeologists working on the site have discovered more than fifty rooms here. Visit the tiny museum and wander through the foothills of the city walls, then you’ll have a free night to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, take the bus across the border back into Uzbekistan. When you arrive, take a bus to Samarkand. This city is located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. Later today, follow your leader on a short city orientation walk and see the historic mosques and bustling bazaars. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – your local leader will have the best recommendations for where to eat!

This morning, visit Registan Square, where you’ll see mosques and mausoleums that are true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Then, continue to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where the Uzbek conqueror Tamerlane is buried, and then the enormous Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Visit Shah-i-Zinda – a necropolis that features a series of blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th to 19th centuries, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty. Tonight, you’ll learn how to make plov (a hearty lamb and rice dish) during a cooking demonstration with a local family.

This morning, take the train back to Tashkent. As the largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent blends Russian and Uzbek style, with grand mosques that sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. You’ll have a free afternoon – maybe visit the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan or wander through the Art Gallery of Uzbekistan. Tonight, why not celebrate this great adventure with an optional farewell dinner.

As there are no further activities planned today, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.