Original
Explorer
Astana to Tashkent
26 Days | Enjoy a unique exploration of Central Asia, across the vast nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
5
Excellent
5 reviews
26 days
Start
Astana, Kazakhstan
Finish
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Trip Code
KFSKC
Min Age
16
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
25 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train, 4X4 Jeep
Accommodation
Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (4 nights), Yurt (3 nights)
From £5,264(26 days)
Trip Informations
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.
Why you’ll love this trip
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
Is this trip right for you?
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
Inclusions
Meals
25 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train, 4X4 Jeep
Accommodation
Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (4 nights), Yurt (3 nights)
Activities
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 walkint 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
Add on activities
Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150
Osh - Bazaar - Free
Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum - UZS30000
Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory - UZS30000
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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.
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