Compare Central Asia Explorer by Intrepid Travel vs Highlights of Central Aia: Kyrgystan's mountains and Uzbekistan's architecture by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 17 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 3,362 | $ 6,068 |
| Price Per Day | $ 178 | $ 379 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
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. |
Landlocked Uzbekistan is a hinterland of inhospitable desert, and yet it has produced works of such architectural sumptuousness and skill, they’ve beguiled visitors and itinerants for centuries — and they continue to do so. Whether you visit Uzbekistan as part of a longer journey retracing the Silk Route, or as a standalone destination, our specialists will talk you through the country’s primary points of interest. They’ll weave their knowledge of its backstreets, museums, Soviet relics and Islamic sacred sites into your own tailor-made Uzbekistan itinerary. The triptych of madressehs (Islamic schools) gracing Registan Square in the historical city of Samarkand is likely to form the climax to your holiday in Uzbekistan, and our specialists will help you make the most of your visit here. You can complement this with exploring Khiva’s city walls, Tashkent’s teahouses and Bukhara’s marketplaces. Our specialists can also point you toward half-forgotten, lesser-known places: ruined mud-brick fortresses marooned amid desert sands, and once-powerful port towns. |
Day 1 Bishkek
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).
Day 2 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 cafes 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.
Day 3 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 Tokmak 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.
Day 4 Issyk-Kul Lake
With relaxed plans for today, we’ll wander the beautiful alpine area and head out to meet a local eagle trainer (or Berkutchi) and discover the ancient principles of training these beautiful creatures to follow commands, catch prey and return back to their masters and then visit a few local families 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 authentic yurt camp, jump into the lake, ride a bike or sit back with a cold homemade vodka – created by your yurt camp owners, just for you.
Day 5 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. The landscape 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.
Day 6 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.
Day 7 Suusamyr Valley/Chychkan River/Karakul
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 in Karakul sometime in the early evening.
Day 8 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.
Day 9 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.
Day 10 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.
Day 11 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.
Day 12 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.
Day 13 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. In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress and Kalon Mosque, the symbol of Bukhara. Continue 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.
Day 14 Samarkand
Have a free morning to yourself for some further exploration of Bukhara. In the late afternoon,transfer to the station for the high-speed train to fabled Samarkand (approximately 2 hours). 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.
Day 15 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.
Day 16 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?
Day 17 Tashkent
There are no activities planned today and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after check out.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tashkent.
Day 2 : Tashkent
You will be met at the airport by your driver and guide and driven to your hotel to check in. Once freshened up you'll be collected and taken on a tour of the city. A tour of Tashkent provides an excellent overview of what Uzbekistan and Central Asia have to offer as you take in mosques and markets, as well as the State History Museum.
Day 3 : Khiva
Today you will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your flight to Urgench. Upon arrival you'll be met by your new driver and, along with your guide, travel to Khiva, a journey of around one hour.
Day 4 : Khiva
You have a full day tour of Khiva today. The city feels very much like an open air museum, and the architecture within the city walls is truly stunning including the blue tilled Kalta-Minor Minaret and Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrassah.
Day 5 : Bukhara
Today you'll be collected from your hotel by your driver and guide and driven to Bukhara. It's a long journey through the desert, which will take at least seven hours.
Day 6 : Bukhara
You have a full day tour of Bukhara today. A fabulous, bustling old city and one that feels very much lived in. You'll sense the atmosphere as you wander the winding, dusty streets of the old town.
Day 7 : Bukhara
Today is free to explore this wonderful old city at your own pace. We'd suggest a visit to one of the cities bazaars, merchant buildings or bath houses.
Day 8 : Samarkand
This morning you'll be collected from your hotel for the drive to the station for your train to Bukhara, a journey of around two and a half hours. On arrival you'll be collection from the station for the drive to your hotel.
Day 9 : Samarkand
Today you have a tour of Samarkand including the magnificent Registan square - the highlight of a visit to Samarkand. The city's grand leafy streets give it a distinctly different feel to other Uzbek cities.
Day 10 : Bishkek
You will be driven back to Tashkent today in time for your onward flight to Bishkek. On arrival you'll be met by your new driver and guide and driven to your hotel.
Day 11 : Karakol
Today you will be collected from your hotel and driven along the north shore of Izzyk Kul stopping at Burna tower en route. This is a long journey of around eight hours in total.
Day 12 : Karakol
You will spend today walking through the alpine valleys of Altyn Arashan with your private guide.
Day 13 : Tamga
Today you'll be collected from your hotel and driven to the village of Tamga located on the southern shore of Izzyk kul. En route you'll visit Jeti Oguz canyon around 30 minutes from Karakol.
Day 14 : Song Kol Lake
You will be collectedd from your hotel in Tamga today and driven to your ger on the shore of Song kol. Along the way you'll visit Fairy-tail Canyon and the village of Kockor.
Day 15 : Bishkek
Today you'll be driven from your ger on the shores of Song Kol to Bishkek a drive of around seven hours out of the mountains to the Kyrgyz capital.
Day 16 : International return flight
Today you will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
