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,High Speed Train,local train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: KFSR
Starts: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Finishes: Tashkent, Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 17 days
Departures: 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 $3,980 ($234 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Bishkek! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Tomorrow you’ll take a tour of the city, so don’t stress too much if you don’t have time to see much today. Bishkek is tree-lined town of parks and gardens, handsome houses and wide streets perfect for strolling. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Bishkek - City walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Bishkek - State Historical Museum (150 KGS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
- Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
Accommodation:
- Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
Accommodation:
- Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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, 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.
Included Activities:
- Kyzyl-Oi - Boorsok Cooking Demonstration
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse/Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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, 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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
- Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Ark Fortress
Optional Activities:
- Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque (6000 UZS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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 (30000 UZS)
- Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory (30000 UZS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned today and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after check out.
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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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