This 14-day tour combines the cultural highlights and natural beauty of three Central Asian countries in one epic journey.
Starting in the vibrant city of Almaty, you will discover the highlights of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan during the first week of your trip. From the Kazakh Steppes with the impressive Charyn Canyon, you will move on to visit the beautiful mountain lakes of Kolsay and Issyk Kul. Along the way, you will be immersed in the ancient nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz and Kazakh, including their equestrian traditions. The first part of the trip is done entirely on road and finishes in Kyrgyzstan’s green capital, Bishkek.
On a short one-hour flight you will then move from Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek to the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. Uzbekistan has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its age-old cities such as Bukhara, and Samarkand, arguably the jewel in the country’s dazzling crown. In one week in Uzbekistan you will experience the best of the Silk Road cities. Central Asian mosques, madrassas, fortresses, and bazaars combine to create a timeless atmosphere. Between the Uzbek cities we will be traveling on comfortable bullet trains.
Welcome to Central Asia! You may arrive to Almaty International Airport early in the morning today. If you would like to arrive a day early, please let us know and we will book an extra night at the hotel for you. Transfer to the hotel, with time to rest after your long flight, and have breakfast.
At 11:00 am, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers for the welcome briefing.
Almaty is the largest city in Central Asia’s richest country, Kazakhstan. For 70 years – up until 1997 Almaty was the country’s capital and it remains today the country’s business and educational center. Roads are wide and tree-lined and there are good views of the Zailisky Ala-Too Mountains that form a backdrop to the city. The name Almaty means “the place with apples” and it is believed that this is where apples originated from. We will visit Panfilov Park to see the most famous sight of Almaty, Zenkov Cathedral. In the same Park is the impressive Soviet Glory Memorial, a tribute to 28 men who, as the narrative goes, repulsed 50 German tanks from the outskirts of Moscow during World War Two. We will also visit Green Bazaar, the city’s bustling central market.
Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Park 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Check-out from the hotel and depart for Charyn Canyon, following the new Silk Road of our days – the Khorgos-Almaty highway. During our road trip, you will observe the striking diversity of landscapes: from green agricultural fields of nearby villages sown with fruits and vegetables suddenly being swapped for the endless ascetic steppes stretching to the edge of the horizon with a rare bunch of sheep led by a lonely herder. We will visit one of the country’s most famous natural sights – Charyn Canyon. We will descend at the Valley of Castles and picnic at the shore of the Charyn River that carved the canyon 12 million years ago (4km in total both ways, taxi is also available). In the afternooon, we will depart from the canyon and drive from the steppes into the mountains, to the Kolsay Lakes. Have a walk at the shore of the mountain lake. Overnight in a hotel located in the nature Park Kolsay, around 15 minutes driving distance from the lake.
Accommodation: Hotel Prestige 3* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner
After breakfast, we depart to another mountain lake nearby. Unusual and mysterious Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. Kaindy Lake was formed as the result of a huge landslide after a powerful earthquake in 1911. The landslide blocked the river and the water flooded the valley. That is how the lake appeared with Tien Shan Fir tries in the middle. The water of the lake is very cold, which is why the needles of the flooded trees are well preserved and visible through the transparent surface of the water. Dry stems of fir trees overlook the water’s surface. We continue driving through the mountains into Kyrgyzstan. Arrival in Karakol and dinner in an Uighur family, where we can taste a traditional Uigur meal – Lagman.
Accommodation: Hotel 78 3* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner
Karakol was founded as a Russian military outpost in 1869. It grew in the 19th century after explorers came to map the peaks and valleys separating Kyrgyzstan from China. In the 1880s Karakol’s population surged with an influx of Dungans, Chinese Muslims fleeing warfare in China. After breakfast, we will tour the town’s most interesting sights. The tour includes the Dungan Mosque, built in 1904; and the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, which has been standing since 1869. We will also visit the town’s local market, where you can buy some snacks for the road.
We will then drive along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul.
We will make a couple of detours to two beautiful gorges – Jety Oguz, and Barskoon.
Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp overlooking lake Issyk Kul. Before dinner, we can enjoy a folklore concert by a family of local musicians.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp “Royal Gate” (private bathroom in each yurt)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner
Today we will drive to the mountain valley of Chon Kemin – located half-way between lake Issyk Kul and Bishkek. Our first stop is near the village of Bokonbayevo, where we will meet an eagle hunter, who will show us his eagle and tell us more about his passion. Our next stop is in the village of Kyzyl Tuu, where we will meet a yurt maker and learn more about this traditional nomadic dwelling. We will be able to set up a yurt together. Lunch with the yurt maker and his family. We will then continue driving to the mountain valley of Chon Kemin. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable guesthouse on the foothills of the mountains.
Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will spend the morning in Chon Kemin Valley. We will watch a performance of traditional Kyrgyz horse games. There is also an optional hike on foot or horseback to a panoramic viewpoint. We will then depart to Bishkek with a stop en route at Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok. Burana’s 11th-century minaret is the only remaining building from the ancient city of Balasagun, once the capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire. You can walk up the winding staircase and enjoy a wide view of the scenic Chuy Valley. There is also a small open-air museum of balbals, carved stone figures often found around ancient burial mounds.
From Burana, we will drive another one and a half hours to Bishkek (possibly a bit longer, depending on traffic). Check-in at the hotel and independent dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Bishkek is a city of wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings combined with numerous Soviet-style apartment blocks surrounding interior courtyards. There are also thousands of smaller privately built houses, mostly outside the city center. Streets follow a grid pattern, with most flanked on both sides by narrow irrigation channels, watering innumerable trees to provide shade in the hot summers. We will visit Ala-To Square and the newly renovated History Museum. Walk along Oak Park to the open art gallery of sculptures. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to catch the one-hour flight to Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a population of over 3 million people, Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia. Its history dates back to the first century BC when an urban settlement grew up around a major caravan crossroad on the Silk Road. Much of what you see today, however, dates from the late 20th or 21st centuries, as a devastating earthquake in 1966 destroyed much of the older city. Rebuilding Tashkent was a major Soviet infrastructure project, with laborers coming to work here from across the Soviet Union. We will start the day’s sightseeing at the Monument of Courage, which remembers the victims of the earthquake. We will then walk to Independence Square, a symbol of freedom for Uzbekistan’s citizens, who declared their independence when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. At Amir Timur Square you will see the statue of the great conqueror. Next, we drive to Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s green-domed market, with its acres of spices, fresh produce, and traditional crafts. We will also visit the Old City to find the Khast Imom complex, which houses the historic holy Quran of Caliph Osman. Today’s city tour will end with the Museum of Applied Arts, an ornate, rainbow-colored building that was previously the official residence of the Russian Ambassador.
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will transfer to the train station to catch the high-speed train to Bukhara (8:00 am – 12:10 pm) and then drive into Bukhara’s old Town to check into the hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of Bukhara, one of the most important trading hubs on the Silk Road, as well as a respected center of theology and scholarship. The Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has been well preserved and is crammed full of minarets, mosques, and madrassas. Your guide will show you Bukhara’s unmissable sights, including the Poi Kalon complex, the bazaars inside Bukhara’s unique trading domes, and the Lyabi Hauz area. As you wander the labyrinthine streets you will soak up the city’s atmosphere. Independent dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Amelia 3* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we have a full day in Bukhara and will complete our city tour in the morning with visits to Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ayub Mausoleum and spring. Free time with optional activities in the afternoon. You may visit masters of local handicrafts.
Accommodation: Hotel Amelia 3* or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today morning we will visit a couple more sights near Bukhara. First, we visit the Mausoleum of Naqshbandi, 15 km outside the city center. There are many orders in Sufism, all of which have been represented at different times in what is now Uzbekistan. The Naqshbandiyya order has a great and long-lasting influence, and the memorial place is still a popular place of pilgrimage for Sufis. From here, we will visit the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. In Persian it is called Sitorai Mokhi Hossa, “the place where the moon meets the stars”. Return to Bukhara for lunch.
Our high-speed train departs from Bukhara at 3:45 pm and we arrive in Samarkand at 5:30 pm. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and dinner. After dinner, we may walk to Registan Square for an evening view of the magnificent madrasahs.
Accommodation: Hotel Kosh Havuz 3* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sublime Samarkand was the capital of the Timurid Empire; Timur was one of history’s greatest conquerors. His vast empire rivaled any, stretching across the Eurasian steppe. He ruled his kingdom with an iron fist, whilst at the same time patronizing the arts and literature. Much of the architectural heritage from this period has been preserved, allowing us to see how the city might have been at the peak of Timur’s power.
We will start the city tour with a visit to Bibi-Khanum Mosque, a structure that legend says was gifted to Timur by one of his wives. We will also have some time to explore Siyob Bzaar.
We will then visit Registan Square, the most famous landmark in all of Uzbekistan. This square was the focal point of medieval Samarkand and is framed by three beautiful madrassas (religious schools), Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tillya Kori. Our next stop is Gur-e-Amir, the gilded mausoleum where Timur is buried. We will hear stories from his life and how he began the construction of Samarkand.
Accommodation: Hotel Kosh Havuz 3* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we continue to explore the fairytale city of Samarkand. We will first visit Ulugbek’s Observatory, which was once the biggest research center in Central Asia. Ulugbek was decades ahead of the West with his observations of the solar system and the Earth, and we will learn more about his story in this prestigious setting. We will visit Shah-i Zinda, a magnificent tiled necropolis.
Next, we will drive about one hour out of Samarkand to visit an Uzbek village in the foothills of the Hissar mountain range. We will prepare lunch together with a family, and learn about rural life in Uzbekistan. During our farewell lunch, there will be a folklore performance. We will have a walk in the village. Return back to Samarkand.
In the evening, we will take the bullet train to Tashkent (5:00 pm – 7:20 pm). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Please note: If your flight departs at night, you may skip the last hotel night in Tashkent and go directly to the airport.
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Thank you for traveling with Kalpak Travel! We hope this adventure through Central Asia has created beautiful memories to last a lifetime. Please meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport.
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The Kazakh currency is called the Tenge (KZT). The banking system in Kazakhstan is the most developed in Central Asia and in big cities there are many places to exchange money and to withdraw cash from ATMs using a variety of cards. We recommend bringing some cash in new USD bank notes of denominations of at least 20 USD. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is possible in most places. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic country with a long history of tolerance. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as a very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and take only official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kazakh partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of most Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 30 days in Kazakhstan. To be sure whether you need a visa or not you can contact us. Any permits you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide them for you free of charge.
As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kazakhstan.
The climate of Kazakhstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. Summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius and winters are extremely cold with strong winds. In the mountains, however, the weather is quite changeable. If you are planning to visit the mountains the best season is summer. Be aware, however, at high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer. For cultural sightseeing tours, spring and autumn are the best seasons. Autumn is also the time when the country goes to harvest, meaning markets are full of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kazakhstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kazakhstan are basic at best.
The Kyrgyz currency is called the Som (KGS). In the capital Bishkek and larger towns, there are many ATMs that you can find in shopping centers, supermarkets, or on the main streets. All of them accept Visa cards and some, like Kyrgyz Kommerts Bank, Demir Bank and Uni Credit accept other cards such as MasterCard. In the mountains and small villages, you better don't rely on ATMs. We also recommend that you bring some cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible everywhere. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is the most liberal and democratic country in the Central Asian region. The political situation in the country is calm and there is nothing to suggest that this situation might change. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as a very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night, and only use official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kyrgyz partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of all Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. To be sure whether you need a visa or not you can contact us. Any special permits that you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide to you free of charge.
As soon as we receive your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kyrgyzstan.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. In the Ferghana Valley in the south and in the capital Bishkek, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated more than 1500 meters above sea level, where temperatures are in the mid-20s during summer. At high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer, so make sure you bring some warm clothes. The best season to visit for activity or jeep tours would be in summer and winter for skiing tours. Please note, the weather in some mountain areas may change quickly.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kyrgyzstan are basic at best.
The Uzbek currency is called the Som (UZS). There are many ATMs in the cities of Uzbekistan. Most stores and restaurants accept credit cards, but not all. We recommend you bring at least some money in cash, preferably carrying new USD bank notes of different denominations. They will be easy to exchange and you will be able to pay directly with USD for some souvenirs. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during trips to Central Asia.
Uzbekistan is a safe country and most trips are trouble-free. There is a visible police presence and most citizens are law-abiding. In Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand there is also a "tourist police" with English-speaking officers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, steer clear of dark streets at night and avoid taking rides in unofficial taxis alone. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Uzbek partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Uzbekistan for a period of up to 30 days. A notable exception is the United States - US citizens below the age of 55 need to apply for an electronic visa to visit Uzbekistan. You can get the visa yourself through the official government website for 20 USD per person: https://e-visa.gov.uz/. If you book a trip to Uzbekistan with us we will get the visa for you.
The climate of Uzbekistan is continental and dry. The best season to visit is during spring and autumn, from mid-March until early June and then again from September until early November. Autumn is drier than spring, but even in spring chances are high you can enjoy the bluest sky you have ever seen. Autumn is also the time when the country goes to harvest, meaning markets are full of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you don’t mind the dry heat of 40°+ Celsius, summer is the best time to go. There are few tourists and the sky is blue every single day. If you consider visiting Uzbekistan in winter, having the country all to yourself, we recommend going in December, when the day temperature is still around 10° Celsius and the chill wind that characterizes January & February has not yet reared its ugly head.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use it for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for travelers to Uzbekistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Uzbekistan are basic at best.
As soon as we receive your deposit, we will confirm your booking and send you additional pre-departure information.
