This trip will lead you in just over two weeks through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. During the first week, you will discover Kyrgyzstan’s highlights, from the rural lake shore of Issyk Kul, to the sublime alpine pastures of Song Kul, and Kyrgyzstan’s green capital, Bishkek. You will be immersed in the ancient nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz, including their equestrian traditions.
On a short one-hour flight you will then move on, from Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek to the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. Uzbekistan has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its age-old cities: Bukhara, Khiva, 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.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Most flights arrive very early in the morning. You will transfer to the hotel and check-in at the hotel with time to rest after your long flight, take a shower, and have breakfast.
Bishkek, the charming capital of Kyrgyzstan, is relatively young. It started as a Russian garrison named “Pishpek” in the late 19th century, and it was only during the Soviet period that it grew into a city. It is a very green place, with tree-lined boulevards and many parks.
In the afternoon, we will set out on an orientation tour of Bishkek. We will start at the National Historical Museum on the main square Ala Too, to get an introduction to the country’s history and nomadic culture. We will also explore main sights such as the Ala-Too Square, White House, Old Square, and Victory Square. Welcome dinner will be in a tasty local restaurant.
B-Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we depart from Bishkek. Our first stop is Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok, 60km east of Bishkek. 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.
We will then continue driving further into the mountains to a guesthouse in the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Upon arrival, we will have lunch, and in the afternoon you can walk in the village, observe the life of the local people, or opt for a short horse riding tour into the surrounding hills. Before dinner, we will watch a performance of traditional Kyrgyz horse games in the local stadium. Dinner will be at the guesthouse, where we will spend the night.
Kemin Guesthouse
Before breakfast, we will learn how boorsok is made (traditional Kyrgyz fried bread). You can then taste it for breakfast. This morning we will transfer to Karakol, the largest town and administrative center of the Issyk Kul region. Located at an altitude of 1,600m, Issyk-Kul is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains. We will drive the entire length of the lake’s northern shore but make a stop halfway, near Cholpon Ata, to visit an open-air site with many ancient petroglyphs (artworks carved into the rock). We will have lunch in Cholpon Ata.
By late afternoon we will reach Karakol, where we check in at the hotel. Dinner in Uighur Family.
Hotel 78 or similar
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 museum of Russian explorer Przhevalsk and the town’s local market.
Meet with a representative of the “One Village One Product” cooperative, learning to produce one of their products. Optionally, visit Aksu-Kench hot springs in the evening. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel 78 or similar
Breakfast. Transfer along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, we will first visit the gorge of Jety Oguz, which is a lush valley with some striking red sandstone rock formations (the “seven Bulls” from which the valley takes its name). Easy hike in the gorge. Next, we visit Barksoon Gorge. You can see a nice mixture of fir trees and different colored bushes of barberry, mountain ash, sea-buckthorn, currant, raspberry, dog rose, and honeysuckle. In addition, you will enjoy a wonderful view of Issyk-Kul lake as well as different peaks. There are two interesting monuments along the road – a bust of Yuri Gagarin, who holidayed on the South shore of Issyk Kul after his historic first manned space flight. From Barskoon – if the weather is nice – we will drive further up toward Kumtor Gold mine, to the beautiful Arabel plateau at almost 4000m altitudes. After, we drive back down to the main road and continue to Tamga, where we spend the night in a yurt camp near the shore of Issyk Kul lake. Those who like can go swimming at the beach nearby. Before dinner, together with the chef of the yurt camp, you will cook a local dish called «Manty». During dinner, we will watch a folklore show with traditional Kyrgyz music.
Overnight in yurt camp – facilities are outside (Western toilet and shower)
After breakfast, we drive further along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to the village of Kochkor. Our first stop after just about half an hour is at Skazka Canyon. Skazka means “fairytale” and it’s a reference to the bizarre rocky landscape, which has been formed by wind and rain into fabulous sculptures and formations. We will go for a short hike here. Not far from Skazka we will also meet an eagle hunter, who will his eagle and make a demonstration for us. Later, we stop in the village of Kyzyl Tuu, where we will meet a yurt maker and learn more about this traditional nomadic dwelling. Many people in this village are involved in yurt making business. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse in Kochkor.
Hotel Nomad Lodge or similar
After breakfast, we will visit a workshop where local women produce traditional shyrdak carpets from felt. The workshop is a women’s cooperative. Today we will depart from Kochkor towards another mountain lake, Song Kul. The lake is not too far from Kochkor, but due to the bad road conditions, it will still be quite a long and bumpy ascent. Song Kul is at an altitude of 3,016m above sea level. The nomads pass their summer on the jailoo (summer pasture) with their animals. You will see herds of horses and sheep grazing on meadows full of Edelweiss. If you like, you can go for a short horse ride. Accommodation and dinner will be in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. You can taste kymyz (mare’s milk) and watch the shepherd’s wife preparing bread and cheese. It is possible to go hiking or optionally horse riding. Lunch and Dinner in the Yurt camp.
Overnight in yurt –facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water)
After leisurely breakfast, we must return to Bishkek. We will arrive in the late afternoon. Check in at the hotel. Kyrgyz farewell dinner.
B-Hotel or similar
Free time in Bishkek. Check out from the hotel by noon.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to catch the one-hour flight to Tashkent on Uzbekistan Airways. Upon arrival at Tashkent Airport, meet your Uzbek guide and driver and transfer to the hotel. Independent dinner.
Hotel Inspira-S 4* or similar
Meet your Uzbek guide in the late morning for a welcome briefing.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will set out on an orientation tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and the largest city in Central Asia with a population of around 3 million people. Tashkent is not only the biggest city in Central Asia but also one of the oldest. Unfortunately, most of its historic buildings were destroyed in a catastrophic earthquake in 1966, after which Tashkent was rebuilt as a model Soviet city.
We will then visit Independence Square, a symbol of freedom for the Uzbek people since they declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Next, we take a stroll on Tashkent’s artists’ corner, locally known as Broadway. At Amir Timur Square, we will then encounter Uzbekistan’s national hero, Emperor Timur (Tamerlane). At the end of the day, we will enjoy our welcome dinner, celebrating the start of what promises to be a captivating adventure through Uzbekistan.
Hotel Inspira-S 4* or similar
After breakfast, we visit the Old City area of Tashkent where you will find the Khast Imom Complex which contains the ancient holy Quran of Caliph Osman. We will then experience the bustling crowds of traders at Chor-Su Bazaar, the city’s main market. We will also have the opportunity to experience a ride on the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro. We complete the city tour of Tashkent with a visit to the Applied Arts Museum.
Dinner at a local restaurant and chat about the next day’s trip to Nukus.
Hotel Inspira-S 4* or similar
We will start the day early to catch our domestic flight to Nukus, the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, within the territory of Uzbekistan. Due to its remote location near the Aral Sea, Nukus was a ‘closed city’ throughout the Soviet era, as the Red Army researched and developed chemical warfare weapons here. We will visit the famous Savitsky Museum, officially known as the State Art Museum of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The museum showcases the life’s work of Russian painter and collector Igor Savitsky, whose legacy includes thousands of archeological and ethnographic treasures, along with the world’s second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art. Many avant-garde artists were purged by Stalin, but Savitsky acquired their artworks and kept them hidden from the vigilant eyes of the KGB in this isolated desert location. After lunch, we drive around half an hour to the Mizdakhan necropolis, which is one of the most respected holy sites of Karakalpakstan. We will explore the famous Mazlymkhan suluu mausoleum that dates back to the time of Mongol rule in the region and discover other centuries-old monuments.
This evening we will organize a folklore show with traditional Karakalpak music and dance.
Hotel Tashkent or similar
Our destination for today is Khiva. On the way, we will visit the ruins of Ayaz Kala, an ancient fortress in the Kyzylkum (Red Desert). We will drive about two hours to Ayaz Kala. According to archeological excavations, the oldest parts of the Ayaz Kala fortress date from the 2nd century BC. It was one of a chain of border fortresses that stretched from east to west and defended the Khiva oasis from attack. At Ayaz Kala we will have a lunch prepared by locals inside a traditionally built yurt.
After lunch, we will drive for another 40 minutes to Toprak-kala, an impressive archaeological site that once served as the capital of the ancient Khorezmian kingdom. We will be able to go up to the top of its fortress for a view of the ruins of its palatial rooms, temples, and other structures.
After yet another couple of hours, we reach Khiva. Upon arrival, we will check in at the hotel and meet up again for dinner.
Hotel Bankir 3* or similar
A jewel of desert architecture, Khiva is one of the most important centers of ancient Khorezm. Locals believe that Shem, son of Noah, founded the city when he discovered a freshwater spring in the middle of this vast desert. Archeologists believe the city was founded some 2,500 years ago. Today, Khiva is the most architecturally intact and tightly packed of Central Asia’s Silk Road cities. Its intense blue-and-green tile work ranks as some of the most ornate in Uzbekistan, and the entirety of the Ichan-Kala – the inner city – is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has the feel of a movie set or an open-air museum. Khiva is full of incredible architecture, and today we will get the chance to see it all. The focus of our tour is the walled Ichan-Kala, within which are preserved more than 60 historic monuments and hundreds of centuries-old houses. Dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel Bankir 3* or similar
Early morning flight to Bukhara. From Bukhara Airport it’s just a 10 minutes’ ride to the old town.
Bukhara is the second of our UNESCO World Heritage Site stops. The city’s very name -Bukhara – conjures up images of the exotic Orient. For centuries, it was an important trading post and center of scholarship. The Old City has been well preserved and is crammed full of minarets, mosques, and madrassas. Its once notorious canals and pools, the source of many an epidemic, have now been drained, but the most famous, Lyabi-Hauz, is still there. Today it’s an oasis shaded by mulberry trees in the heart of the city. Your guide will show you Bukhara’s unmissable sights, and you can soak up the atmosphere wandering through the labyrinthine alleyways. Key sites on today’s tour itinerary include the historic trading domes, Lyabi-Hauz complex, Magokiatori mosque, Kosh madrasah, and the Poi kalon complex. In the evening we will meet a local woman, who will tell us more about life in Bukhara, and talk about some local rituals. Dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel Alexia Suite 3* or similar
Today morning we 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”. On the way back to the old town we will stop to see Chor Minor madrassah. In the afternoon we continue sightseeing in the old town of Bukhara. We will visit the Ark Fortress, the 10th-century Samanid Mausoleum and Bolo Hauz Mosque. Free time in the evening and independent dinner.
Hotel Alexia Suite 3* or similar
Today we will drive to a village near Bukhara to explore the rural life of Uzbekistan. On the way, we will also visit the famous pottery workshop of Gijduvan. Upon arrival in the village of Vobkent, we will meet the family of Mr. Rustam. He will introduce us to his home, and village. We will have a walk in the village, meet locals and see cotton fields. We will prepare and have lunch together. In the afternoon we take the high-speed train Afrosiob from Bukhara to Samarkand (3:45 pm – 5:30 pm). Upon arrival in Samarkand, transfer to the hotel for check-in and dinner in the city. After dinner, on the way to the hotel, stop at Registan Square for an evening view of the magnificent madrasahs.
Hotel Kosh Hovuz 3* or similar
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 Bazaar.
After lunch, we 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. We will complete today’s city tour with a visit to 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.
Hotel Kosh Hovuz 3* or similar
After breakfast, we will continue to explore the fairytale city of Samarkand. We go first to the Shah-i Zinda, a magnificent tiled necropolis; and then visit Ulgubek’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. At Afrasiyab Museum you will get a chance to learn about the ancient city of Samarkand – then known as Afrasiyab – which was destroyed by the Mongols in the early 13th century. Free time before dinner to do some shopping and packing. Farewell dinner.
Please note: If you prefer to fly out of Tashkent instead of Samarkand, we can arrange transport back to Tashkent in the evening (2h train ride) and transfer to the airport.
Hotel Kosh Hovuz 3* or similar
Check-out at the hotel is any time before noon. You will have free time until your transfer to Samarkand International Airport for your flight home.
All sightseeing and cultural activities as per the itinerary.
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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 possible in most shops and restaurants.
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 developed 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. 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.
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.
