Central Asia Explorer
Experience Overview
Be entranced by the beauty of Kyrgyzstan and historical wonders of Uzbekistan on this 17-day tour. Traverse landscapes of alpine lakes and mountains interrupted only by dots of yurts, feel the divine artistic power of the detailed mosaics and towering minarets of ancient cities, and be welcomed into homes and family-run businesses by locals. A mix of ancient nomadic cultures, various iterations of both conservative and progressive Islam, Soviet influence and post-independence nationalism mean Central Asia is home to unique traditions. Travels here will leave you raving about the region for years to come and planning your next trip back as soon as you get home.
Highlights
- Get to know the locals as you learn how to build a yurt in a local workshop, test your taste buds with a dinner of home-cooked plov (Uzbekistan's signature dish) and rub shoulders with the locals in the bustling bazaars.
- Travel along the Chychkan River beneath the towering peaks of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan range, mountains even more spectacular for emptiness of the valleys below them.
- Enjoy authentic experiences like sleeping in traditional yurts on the banks of Lake Issy-kul, staying in local villages and making yourself at home in a boutique hotel that used to be an old Jewish house in Bukhara.
- Wander through the grand square Registan in Samarkand, admiring the imposing architecture from afar and the detailed craftmanship on the tiling up close.
- Spend time in World Heritage-listed Bukhara, a 6th-century-BC city that's drenched in history and home to the formidable Ark of Bukhara.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2224
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus, Metro, Train
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: KFSR
Starts: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Finishes: Tashkent, Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (16), Lunch (5), Dinner (7)Accommodation: Guesthouse/Homestay (2 night), Hotel (11 nights), Tourist Yurt Camps (3 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5025 ($296 /day)
Itinerary
Salamatsyzby! Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Bishkek. Tomorrow you’ll take a guided tour of the city, so don’t stress if you don’t have time to see much today. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the State Museum of Fine Arts or head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables). After your meeting, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, join your local leader on a guided city tour that showcases the various stages of Bishkek’s history. Visit the Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, and learn about the towering statue depicting folkloric hero Manas. Then, continue to Dubovy Park. Here, you’ll wander the open-air galleries, then explore the century-old oaks along Freedom Avenue. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your own pace – maybe visit the Osh Market and wander through the stalls selling spices, fruits, clothes and carpets.
Included Activities:
- Bishkek - City walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Bishkek - State Historical Museum (150 KGS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, watch the beautiful landscape change as you drive to Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at Burana Tower – a minaret that’s the most visible remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun. Then, continue to Don Aryk, where you’ll meet a local Kyrgyz family and sit down for a home-cooked lunch. After, continue to today’s destination – Issyk-Kul Lake. At 170 km long and 70 m wide, the Issyk-Kul Lake is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. 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.
Included Activities:
- Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
- Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
Accommodation:
- Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you’ll head out to Kyzyl Tuu – known for yurt making. Almost every family here is a yurt maker, and the village is known far beyond Kyrgyzstan. Visit an artisan family who’ll teach you 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. The rest of the afternoon is then free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe relax at your yurt camp, jump into the lake or set off on a short hike.
Included Activities:
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
Accommodation:
- Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Song-Kol Lake this morning. This alpine is considered sacred to many Kyrgyz people and 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 it 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. When you arrive later today, spend some time exploring the surroundings at your own pace. Tonight, fall asleep in yurts set up along the shore.
Included Activities:
- Kochkor - Market
- Kochkor - Women's Felt Co-op
Accommodation:
- Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi after breakfast. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. On the way, pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River, which feeds into the Syr Darya. Then, stop for a picnic lunch on the banks of the river and maybe use your free time to explore the village when you arrive. Tonight, learn how the locals cook their favourite snack of boorsok.
Included Activities:
- Kyzyl-Oi - Boorsok Cooking Demonstration
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse/Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Get ready for a full day of driving though beautiful landscapes. As you cross the Suusamyr Valley (a high steppe plateau situated at around 2200 m above sea level) take in the mountainous surroundings, often dotted with yurts. Then, travel along the Chychkan River that cuts through the Tien Shan Mountain Range. Stop here for a while and soak up the beautiful scenery before continuing to Toktogul – a city in Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan, named after a popular poet and musician from the region, Toktogul Satilganov. Later, you’ll arrive at tonight’s accommodation, which is part of the local community-based tourism network in Toktogul.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse/Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel to Osh – the second-largest city in Kyrgystan. 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. Along the way, stop at Uzgen – an ancient trading town and handicrafts centre along the Silk Road. Although much of the ancient city has been destroyed, the three surviving mosques remain important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. When you arrive in Osh this afternoon, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine early for a visit to the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyrgyzstan – the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain. For centuries, Silk Road travellers have sought out the mountain's caves and petroglyphs, believing they’d be blessed with longevity and healthy children. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Osh. Maybe 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.
Included Activities:
- Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain
- Osh - National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex
Optional Activities:
- Osh - Bazaar - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, cross the border to Margilan in Uzbekistan – a city along the Silk Road that’s been at the centre of Uzbekistan’s silk production since the 11th century. When you arrive, visit a silk weaving factory and the ikat-silk weavers of Margilan. Here, you can wander through the markets and workshops and learn about every step of the silk production process. Then, meet a potter at one of Rishton’s ceramics workshops. According to legend, ceramic production originated in Rishton in the 9th century when the city became a transit point on the Silk Road. Sit down to lunch at the potter’s home and learn about this ancient craft before travelling to Kokand. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Kokand - home cooked lunch
- Kokand - Rishton ceramics workshop visit
- Margilan - Itak silk Factory visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the cool of the morning, discover the Khudayar Khan Palace Museum – the palace of the last Khan of Kokand Khanate. The palace, constructed in the late 19th century, is known for its blue, green and yellow tiles on the facade of the building and ornate interiors. Then, enjoy an afternoon free to explore Kokand at your own pace. Maybe see the Friday Mosque, wander through the bustling bazaars or visit the Royal Cemetery. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
- Kokand - Khudoyar Khan Palace Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Cross the border into Tajikistan this morning. Then, continue to Khujand. Known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the Furthest) and believed to be founded by Alexander the Great, Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe wander around the evening bazaar and barter a good price on fruits and other local produce. Across the market is Jami Mosque from 16th century. If time allows, maybe visit the History Museum or Khujand Fortification.
Included Activities:
- Khujand - Jami Mosque
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, start your journey to Panjakent – once the capital of ancient Sogdiana country on the Silk Road. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. On the way, visit Marquzor Lakes – a chain of alpine lakes and local villages. Have lunch with a local Tajik family in the village before continuing to Penjikent. When you arrive this afternoon, explore the ancient city walls and ruins. Archaeologists working on the site have recently discovered more than fifty rooms here! Visit the tiny museum and wander through the foothills of the city walls before enjoying a free night to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Panjakent - Ancient city wall & museum
- Lake Marquzor - Tajik family visit with lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take the bus across the border back into Uzbekistan. When you arrive, take a bus to Samarkand. This city is located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road – a vast network of land and sea trade routes, which facilitated the exchange of goods like silk and spices from the second century to the mid-15th century. Later today, follow your leader on a short city orientation walk and see the historic mosques and bustling bazaars. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – your local leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat!
Included Activities:
- Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit central square called the Registan, which features mosques and mausoleums that are true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Then, 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 blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th to 19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. Tonight, you’ll learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration with a local family.
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 (60000 UZS)
- Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory (50000 UZS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take the train back to Tashkent. As the largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent blends Russian and Uzbek style, with grand mosques that sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. Enjoy a free afternoon – maybe visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan or wander through the Art Gallery of Uzbekistan. Tonight, why not celebrate this great adventure with an optional farewell dinner!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
As there are no further activities planned today, your adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Gareth - Traveled, October 2023
What an incredible trip this was. A perfect blend of stunning natural beauty with the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the Silk Road old towns of Bukhara and Samarkand with their stupendous mosques and madrassas. Everywhere we went, the local people were so welcoming and the homestays in Kyrgyzstan were a small window into a different world we were privileged to see. All this was enhanced by a fantastic group of like-minded travellers and a lot of laughs (and singing) along the way. Prince Ali was a firm favourite! The last word has to go to our tour leader, Anastasia, who was quite simply the best - thank you so much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Jakob - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend. The variety and contrast of the dramatic mountains and lakes of Kyrgyzstan compared with the fascinating historical cities and monuments in Uzbekistan was very memorable. The itinerary was well-planned and our guide Erkaim could not have been better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Audrey - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was an excellent introduction to Central Asia. Kyrgystan and Uzbekistan offer two different types of experiences -- the former is all about the spectacular scenery and mountains, and Uzbekistan is more of a cultural, artistic experience. I found the mix very satisfactory, and the trip inspired me to learn more about the region when I returned home. Our guide Sergei had excellent knowledge about the area, and graciously accommodated our requests (coffee stops every morning!) every time. I highly recommend this trip to anyone curious about this part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Matt - Traveled, September 2023
A really incredible itinerary! Drawn to Central Asia from reading about Uzbekistan but the Kyrgyz side of the trip was stunning and Anastasia was a fantastic and knowledgeable guide as well. The eagle hunting display will stay with me forever, some great food, yurt stays in surreal settings and the sites in Uzbekistan are jaw dropping. Travelled in late September which was ideal weather in both (a little chilly in Kyrgyz mountains) and 25-30° in Uzbekistan. Small tour size which made everything feel just that bit more tailored. Prepare to take a lot of photos, these two countries are stunning and for very different reasons! Would thoroughly recommend (and have already told so many friends to do this trip)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Alison - Traveled, September 2023
This was a wonderful trip. Kyrgyzstan has so much natural beauty, and Uzbekistan is full of interesting historical sites. My favorite aspect of this itinerary was the inclusion of interactions with local families, it was so cool getting to see how people in this region really live and get greater insight into their culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Ronelle - Traveled, April 2024
Meerbek introduced us to an unknown world with so much natural beauty and foreign customs! I am so grateful for this life changing experience. I will absolutely encourage my friends to do this tour! AND i hope Meerbek is their guide too!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Benjamin - Traveled, October 2023
This trip exceeded every expectation I had and then some! Such a unique, beautiful, welcoming and interesting part of the world. Kyrgyzstan in particular feels so far off the tourist trail the experiences you have are so authentic and genuine. Highly recommend going now before words gets out about these two countries. It’s like booking two trips for the price of one as both countries are so different! Please book, you won’t regret it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Ciaran - Traveled, October 2023
Couldn't recommend this trip more! Great tour leader (Anastasia), great countries, great accommodation, amazing locals, great scenery, and a lot less tourists than I thought. Our tour group was the absolute best and I was very sad to say goodbye to them!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Hannah - Traveled, October 2023
I booked this last minute after other travel plans fell through and wasn't sure what to expect but the entire itinerary blew me away. I absolutely fell in love with this part of the world thanks in huge part to our incredible guide, Anastasia. This trip really feels like a 2-for-1 since Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are so different. We got a great mix of nature and history/city. Not to mention all the incredible food- this is a great options for foodies as well! Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Harriet - Traveled, May 2023
I could not recommend this trip highly enough. Fascinating destination with very rich and diverse cultural heritage, and we felt safer than most places I’ve traveled before. The warmth and hospitality of people we met was incredible. Beautiful scenery in the mountains and amazing architecture in the cities of Uzbekistan. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys an authentic off-the-beaten track experience. Erkaim our guide was fantastic and went above and beyond. Her patience, warmth, good humour and knowledge made this a truly unforgettable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
David - Traveled, May 2023
The Central Asian tour is a must. It is like two separate tours. Experience the mountain landscapes and adventure of Kyrgystan. Then be immersed in the living museums of Bukhara, khiva, and Samarkand in Uzbekistan. Traveling in this region will surprise and overwhelm you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2023
Brenda - Traveled, May 2023
This was an amazing trip. Our guide Sergei was incredibly friendly and very knowledgeable about both Kyrgystan and Uzbekistan. The contrast between the stunning landscapes of Kyrgystan and the famous Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan was quite awe-inspiring. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting a taste of this beautiful part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2023
Christine - Traveled, August 2023
Central Asia Explorer was a trip of a lifetime! What an adventure! Our leader, Echo, was wonderful! She added in a lot of extra stops so we could get to know the locals - an eagle hunter, a yurt builder, herders selling mare's milk! Etc.... Her enthusiasm for Central Asia and Kyrgystan, in particular, was amazing! Don't put off this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Hildred - Traveled, August 2023
If you are looking for an adventure, a bit off the beaten track, this is good trip to pick. The culture is changing quickly. Our guide was amazing, and very passionate about her country and her people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Stephen - Traveled, August 2023
An excellent varied trip of two halves. Kyrgyzstan was my favourite because we explored out of the way places set in marvellous rugged mountain landscapes. Train travel in Uzbekistan was fun and we got to see fantastic Islamic sights. Our guide Erkaim and driver Sergai were superb in every respect throughout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Julia - Traveled, August 2023
This trip has been one of the most interesting trips. It was a great mix of mountains, nature, cities, culture, history and people, the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan just amazed me. And the cities in Uzbekistan are mind-blowing. Our enthusiastic, knowledgeable and most wonderful tour leader Sergej made everything work smoothly, he was fantastic and probably the best tour leader I have had so far. Also thanks to our driver Vitali who did a great job, also giving us a lot of fun. There is a lot of driving included but it doesn't feel exhausting because of all the beautiful stops in between (picnic lunch in the mountains was the best!) and ever-changing scenery. Highly recommended, this trip exceeded my expectations, will definitely return!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2024
Sally - Traveled, August 2023
Having umed and ahed about whether to book this trip for a while I am so glad I did. It is certainly one of the best (if not the best) trips I have ever done (and I have done a few!). With each country offering a very different perspective of life in Central Asia it has something to offer most travellers regardless of what one is interested in. Whilst some of the travelling days are definitely long, the scenery is spectacular and ever changing which makes it never boring. The people are very friendly, the history interesting and the cultures in each country quite distinct. This all contributed to making it feel longer than 17 days. A truely memorable experience made even more special by our exceptional guide Nastia. I wish I could go back and do it all again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Sarah - Traveled, August 2023
I knew how travelers could be amazed at Ouzbekistan, now I also can say that I already miss the exceptional nature I discovered in Kirghizistan! Thanks to our tour leader Nastasia, we have known a lot about the culture, history social and political situation of this small country mainly occupied by mountains! The combination of nature and history in the programme is perfect for the curious minds and earths’ lovers!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2023
Natasha - Traveled, June 2023
A unique opportunity to see a fairly inaccessible and awe-inspiring part of the world. There was an incredible contrast between the epic landscapes and nomadic yurt camps of Kyrgyzstan and the mystical minarets and mosques of Uzbekistan. Our guide, Sergei, took very good care of us and really made the fun dynamic of our group as we travelled thousands of miles by road and train!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2023
Great trip to Central Asia. It has so much to offer not only the beautiful and majestic scenery but also a rich history and stunning architecture. So much to see and experience. Great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
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