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Astana to Tashkent

27 days • 5

Excellent

6 reviews

27 days

Start

Astana, Kazakhstan

Finish

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Trip Code

KFSKC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

26 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (5 nights), Yurt (3 nights)

From £5,264(27 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

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.

Is this trip right for you?

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

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.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Astana
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. The modern metropolis was designed by leading Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who won first prize in a competition against other world-renowned architects. Now, it’s one of the youngest cities in Central Asia. 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Astana
This morning, join your leader for a city tour around some of the most impressive designs of the new city. Visit Bayterek tower, then stroll down Nur Boulevard to Khan Shatyr – another city landmark in the shape of a giant transparent tent. Visit Nur-Astana Mosque – with its capacity of 5000 worshippers inside and an additional 2000 outside, it’s one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then, you'll stop at the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation – a pyramid-shaped conference hall considered Astana's symbolic centre. This afternoon, why not find some horse meat dishes or plov (a popular rice dish with chunks of lamb, onions and carrots) for lunch. After, you’ll met back up with your group and visit a renowned local jeweller and his workshop to learn about his craft.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Astana - City tour
Astana - Local Jewler Visit
DAY 3
Day 3 • Turkistan
This morning, take a flight to the historic centre of Kazakhstan, Turkistan – home to more relics and cultural sites than any other place in the country. When you arrive, visit the new Caravan Serai – a complex recently built to model ancient Silk Road trade centres, giving visitors a taste of what life was once like here. With your free time in the late afternoon, you can see the Yasawi Mausoleum, illuminated with vivid colours and patterned exteriors.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
The flight schedule to Turkistan changes regularly, so your flight time may change. This may change the free time you have in either Astana or Turkistan.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Turkistan/ Overnight Train
Head out on a city tour this morning, starting with a visit to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum – Kazakhstan’s most iconic building. Built by Tamerlane, it’s said that three visits here are equal to one visit 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. Leaving the mausoleum, jump in your private transport 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, with remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses that 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. Board your overnight train in the evening.
Accommodation
Overnight Train (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Otrar - Ancient settlement
Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours and your time on the overnight train will be approximately 11 hours.
You’ll travel in kupe class, which is 4 berths per compartment with a lockable door. There are toilets and hot water for drinks at the end of each carriage. While the aim is to group travellers together, please be aware that compartments are not segregated by gender, and you may be sharing with other non-Tuuur travellers.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Almaty
Pulling into Alamaty this morning, hop off the train and head out to find some breakfast. Today, you’ll be going on a daytrip 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 and refresh on the lakeshore of this stunning spot before carrying on to Turgen Gorge, where a short hike will bring you to a waterfall. On the way back to Almaty, stop by a winery, where you’ll meet with a local craft winemaker and sample some raw wine, craft cheese and tuck into a hearty lunch.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
Almaty – Turgen Gorge
Almaty – Lake Issyk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Please note that Lake Issyk may be out of reach in early spring before May. In this case, you'll skip it and carry on to Turgen Gorge directly.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Almaty
Today, you’ll take a city tour of Almaty with a local guide. This former capital of Kazakhstan now has a completely different vibrancy to Astana, with its wide tree-lined streets, numerous parks and the view of the snow-capped mountains. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against German tanks in WWII. Check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, which features a great collection of ancient relics. Finally, visit Zelenyi Bazaar and experience the vibrant market scene before returning to the hotel to rest and recharge.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
Almaty - Panfilov Park
Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
Almaty - Zelenyi Bazaar
DAY 7
Day 7 • Kolsay Lakes National Park
This morning, drive to Saty Village, stopping at the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. The richly coloured canyon carves a path through the surrounding landscape, with vivid tones of oranges and browns 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 Village, where you’ll check into your homestay and experience a taste of local life in the Tien Shan Mountain Range.
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Charyn Canyon - National Park
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your accommodation tonight is a homestay in the village. The group may be split between different houses depending on the group composition. While the rooms are multi-share and the facilities will be basic, but your host’s hospitality will certainly be unforgettable.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Kolsay Lakes/Border Crossing/Karakol
This morning, visit Kolsay Lakes, also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the clear blue waters framed by the 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. Amazingly, the lake was created 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.
Accommodation
Guest House (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, but may stretch to 6 hours in summer, if the border crossing is slow.
For the keen spirited ones, you may hike a little near the lake, for about 1 hour. For those who prefer not to hike, you may stay back and enjoy the view.
DAY 9
Day 9 • 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 bursting with 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 cutting and groove techniques. You’ll also explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market. Then, head out of the city to see the Jety Oguz, also known as Seven Bull Valley, where your leader will take you on a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views. Return to Karakol for another restful night.
Accommodation
Guest House (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Karakol - Dungan Mosque
Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your hiking time will be approximately 2 hours.
Your hike at Jeti Oguz will be about 1 hour.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Bishkek
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 after Lake Titicaca in South America. The views of the landscape are not to be missed, especially your first glimpse of Issyk Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you'll stop at Cholpan Ata to visit a petroglyph's site. 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 to a final dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Cholpon Ata - Petroglyphs
Lake Issyk-Kul - Boat tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Bishkek
Today is a free day in Bishkek until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet the new travellers joining you. Maybe take a walk through one of the parks and gardens or head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables). After the meeting, why not grab dinner with your new group and get to know each other.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Bishkek
Embark on city tour that showcases the various stages of Bishkek’s history. Visit the severe Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, and learn about the towering statue depicting folkloric hero Manas. Continue to Dubovy Park, and wander among the open-air galleries before strolling between the century-old oaks along Freedom Avenue. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek. Quite the contrast to the relaxed quiet streets, square and parks in the city centre, Osh Market is noisy, crowded, and a perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here, from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Bishkek - City walking tour
Optional activities
Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150
DAY 13
Day 13 • Issyk-Kul Lake
This morning, up and on the road through the beautiful landscaps of Kyrgyzstan. You'll be travelling with our vehicle for the next few days so get ready for a road trip through some pretty stunning mountains and lakes. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then continue to Don Aryk and meet a local Kyrgyz family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Then onto the destination of today - Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. At 170 - kilometres-long and 70-kilometres-wide, her beauty is a real sight to behold. Your yurt camp for tonight is set up along the south shore of the lake where you'll get a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountains setting behind the lake. Made of felt and tarpaulins on a round frame, yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz people and this will be your 'settlement' for today and tomorrow.
Accommodation
Tourist yurt camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
Special information
Today's travel time is about 4- 5 hours.
Sleeping arrangements tonight are on a multi-share basis with mattresses on the floor, potentially mixed gender sharing depending on the group composition. There will be up to 4 people in one yurt. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there's a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. Bathroom facilities are located separately from the yurts and are shared on the camp. The conditions here are basic but the stunning view and the unique experience of staying in a yurt is certainly rewarding.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Issyk-Kul Lake
With relaxed plans for today, you'll head out to Kyzyl Tuu - known for yurt making. Almost every family here is a yurt making and the village is known far beyond Kyrgyzstan. You'll visit an artisan family who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening, relax in your yurt camp, jump into the lake, take a hike or sit back and watch the world goes by.
Accommodation
Tourist yurt camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
DAY 15
Day 15 • Song-Kol Lake (3016 metres)
Back on the road and travel to Song-Kol Lake, another alpine stunner that is considered a sacred place to many Kyrgyz people, as well as 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 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. Enjoy exploring your surroundings for the rest of the day, maybe hiking one of the many trails. Tonight, fall asleep in yurts set up along the shore. Tomorrow, those daring enough for an invigorating morning splash can use the lake to wash off the sleep.
Accommodation
Tourist yurt camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Kochkor - Market
Kochkor - Women's Felt Co-op
Special information
Today's travel time is approximately 6 hours.
Sleeping arrangements tonight are on a multi-share basis with mattresses on the floor, potentially mixed gender sharing depending on the group composition. There will be up to 4 people in one yurt. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there's a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. Bathroom facilities are located separately from the yurts and are shared on the camp.
The pass to Song-Kol Lake is open from mid June to mid September. When the road is open, you'll stay at Song-kol Lake tonight. When the road is impassable an alternative destination will be arranged for this day of the trip. In September and October – depending on the temperature – we may only make a daytrip to Song-Kol Lake and return to Kochkor for the night.
DAY 16
Day 16 • Kyzyl-Oi
Travel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi, which is squeezed between mountains. On the way, pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River, which feeds into the Syr Darya. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river in the shade of the trees and use your free time to explore the village on arrival. In the evening, learn how the locals cook their favourite snack - Boorsok.
Accommodation
Guesthouse/Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Kyzyl-Oi - Boorsok Cooking Demonstration
Special information
Today's travel time is about 6-7 hours
After heavy rains the road near Kara Keche may be washed out and impassable. When this occurs, you will return to Kochkor from Song-Kul Lake and then drive from there to Kyzyl-Oi. The driving time today will increase for a couple of hours if not taking the original planned route.
We work with a local CBT organization to arrange the homestay tonight. The sleeping arrangement will be multi-share and the the group may be split into different houses of local families.
DAY 17
Day 17 • Suusamyr Valley/Chychkan River/Toktogul
Get ready for a full-day of driving though big, beautiful landscapes. As the roads in Kyrgyzstan see little regular maintenance, even short distances on a map can take hours. The road crosses the Suusamyr Valley – a high steppe plateau situated at around 2200 metres above sea level. The mountainous surroundings are often dotted with yurts. Continue along the Chychkan River that cuts through the Tien Shan mountain range. Stop here for a while and soak up the amazing scenery. Arrive at tonight's accommodation which is part of the local community based tourism network in Toktogul sometime in the early evening.
Accommodation
Guesthouse/Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Today's travel time is about 7 hours.
DAY 18
Day 18 • Osh
After breakfast, get ready for another all-day journey to Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgystan. Stop en route at Uzgen, an ancient trading town and handicrafts centre along the Silk Road. Although much of the ancient city has been destroyed, a minaret and three mosques that have survived remain important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. Continue to Osh. 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex
Special information
Today's travel time is about 6-7 hours
DAY 19
Day 19 • Osh
Rise and shine for a visit to the only World Heritage site in Kyrgystan, the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, also known as Solomon's Throne. For centuries Silk Road travellers have sought out the mountain's caves and their petroglyphs in the belief that they would be blessed with longevity or healthy children. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Osh. Perhaps visit the Jayma Bazaar, where you might pick up an interesting souvenir or two. Or maybe take a self-guided tour of the remnants of Osh's soviet past with a walk to the giant Lenin statue in the city square.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain
Osh - National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex
Optional activities
Osh - Bazaar - Free
DAY 20
Day 20 • Border Crossing/Andijan/Tashkent
This morning, drive to Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, which is just outside of the city. Transfer to Andijan and board a local train to Tashkent (approximately 5.5 hours). The train is a great place to meet locals, so don’t be surprised if people want to chat to the chet ellik (foreigner). Arrive in the evening and check into the hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Today's travel time is about 6-7 hours. The border crossing can be long and slow.
DAY 21
Day 21 • Tashkent
Begin your introduction to Uzbekistan by exploring the capital today. Follow your leader on a city walking tour - explore Amir Timur square at the city center, then hop on the metro and lose yourself in the exciting Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments, and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon and maybe go and visit the Khast Imom complex, a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century, or simply relax and enjoy some well deserved downtime after a busy journey in Kyrgyzstan.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
Special information
Please note that in the hot summer months in July and August, your leader may adjust the order of activities in each destination in Uzbekistan to avoid too much time spent in the heat.
DAY 22
Day 22 • Bukhara
Travel to Bukhara by train this morning. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was an important regional and world hub for many, many years and has a long, fascinating history featuring invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. Explore this fascinating city with your tour leader on an orientation walk after arrival and head to the Lyabi-Haus area, a busy 17th-century plaza with hundreds-years-old trees and there is time to wander the small craft studios tucked into the nearby madrasas and trading domes.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Today's travel time is approximately 6 hours. The included sites visit in Bukhara and Samarkand maybe adjusted in order by the leader depending on the group's preference and time of visits.
DAY 23
Day 23 • Bukhara
Enjoy a day of sightseeing in beautiful Bukhara. First visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa, once the summer residence of the last Emir. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings by local artisans, then visit the Ark Fortress, the symbol of Bukhara before getting to one of Central Asia's oldest and most exquisite structures, the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the superb decorative brickwork of which has survived 1000 years of rugged history. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this ancient Silk Road town. Maybe visit Bolo Haus Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, or Ulukbek Madrassah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
Bukhara - Ark Fortress
Optional activities
Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000
DAY 24
Day 24 • Samarkand
Have a free morning to yourself for some further exploration of Bukhara. In the late afternoon,transfer to the station for train to fabled Samarkand. This city is located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. Arrival early evening and follow your leader on a short city orientation walk and maybe an optional dinner together.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
Today's travel time is approximately 4 hours.
DAY 25
Day 25 • Samarkand
Enjoy a tour of Samarkand. First up is the central square called the Registan, which features mosques and mausoleums that are true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Continue to Guri-Amir, where Tamerlane is buried, and then the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Visit Shak-i-Zinda, a necropolis that features a series of gleaming blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th–19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. It is photo worthy at every turn, just remember to be respectful as pilgrims visit the complex. In the evening, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration in the evening.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Samarkand - Registan Square
Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
Optional activities
Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum - UZS60000
Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory - UZS50000
DAY 26
Day 26 • Tashkent
This morning, take the train back to Tashkent. Enjoy a free afternoon and why not celebrate this great adventure with an optional farewell dinner tonight?
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Today's travel time is about 3 hours.
DAY 27
Day 27 • Tashkent
There are no activities planned today and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after check out.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

26 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Train, High Speed Train, Local Train, Metro, Overnight Sleeper Train

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay/Guesthouse (5 nights), Yurt (3 nights)

Included activities

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

Optional activities

Bishkek - State Historical Museum - KGS150

Osh - Bazaar - Free

Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000

Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum - UZS60000

Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory - UZS50000

Dates and availability

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Prices From

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£5,759

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025

Sunday Sep 21, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£5,632

Tuesday Sep 02, 2025

Sunday Sep 28, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Saturday Sep 20, 2025

Thursday Oct 16, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£5,929

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025

Sunday Oct 26, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£6,270

Tuesday Apr 07, 2026

Sunday May 03, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£5,528

Tuesday Apr 21, 2026

Sunday May 17, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£5,528

Tuesday May 05, 2026

Sunday May 31, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£5,748

Saturday May 16, 2026

Thursday Jun 11, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£5,528

Tuesday Jun 02, 2026

Sunday Jun 28, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,528

Tuesday Aug 18, 2026

Sunday Sep 13, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£5,748

Tuesday Aug 25, 2026

Sunday Sep 20, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,748

Tuesday Sep 01, 2026

Sunday Sep 27, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,968

Tuesday Sep 08, 2026

Sunday Oct 04, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,528

Saturday Sep 19, 2026

Thursday Oct 15, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£5,968

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..

Reviews (6)

5 stars

Karen

Aug 31, 2024

Astana to Amity, what a great trip. So lucky the local market was on the day we were in Turkstan. The locals were so inviting. Nazira, our guide spoke perfect English and her local knowledge is very impressive and her bubbly personality was infectious. The city we visited were very clean and surprisingly modern. Definitely a must do trip

Nikita

May 27, 2024

This trip surpassed my expectations - from the diversity in locations, to the guides and the tour group mates, I can't recommend it enough.

Jai

May 22, 2024

Great first experience of Central Asia. Covered a lot of varied terrains and histories. Came back with a lot more knowledge of its fascinating people and history. A fantastic place to visit. The tour leaders were very knowledgeable and made the whole experience of travelling in Central Asia that more memorable.

Paul

Jul 27, 2023

A fantastic trip. The geography, history and culture of Central Asia was an unforgettable experience. The itinerary was busy but well worth it to experience so much. We now have many memories to enjoy. We have traveled a lot in the past decade, and this trip exceeded our expectations.

Kate

Jul 16, 2023

If you want to experience a completely different culture and terrain, consider this trip. The whole journey was a scintillating assault on our senses. We were welcomed in all three countries by local people wherever we were, astonished that we were from England, and how old we were! It is not a trip for anybody who does not enjoy being transported away from their normal life and being absorbed into another .

steve

Jul 06, 2023

This trip was my second choice after the 5 Stans trip was cancelled. However I found it thrilling, full of opportunities to experience a vastly different culture, landscape, food, languages. From driving 500 miles off road in two days and camping by a salt lake under the full moon, to sleeping in comfortable beds in heated yurts at 10k feet by a lake with snow on the mountains. From the temp in the 40's (105+) in cities to a bit chilli ( not freezing) in the mountains but all good. Trains, planes, automobiles, metros and vans. The experiences you will have to process one by one for some time after. Packed days of activities or driving but nothing extreme. I was able to use my credit card most of the time for food etc but carried some pocket cash where I could not. We had 3 guides in total for the full month, having two would've been a bit nicer but it is what it is. Highly recommend. It is a good value for what the on sale cost was.

DAY 26
Day 26 • Tashkent
This morning, take the train back to Tashkent. Enjoy a free afternoon and why not celebrate this great adventure with an optional farewell dinner tonight?
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DAY 27
Day 27 • Tashkent
There are no activities planned today and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after check out.
Meals
Breakfast