27 Days | 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.
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
- 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 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.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
26 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train
Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (5 nights), Yurt (3 nights)
- 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
- Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150
- Osh - Bazaar - Free
- Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000
- 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, 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..
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