Arrival in Almaty

Almaty - Arrival in Almaty, “the south capital” of Kazakhstan. You’ll be met at the airport and transported to a hotel (Plaza 3* or similar). Free time for rest. Afterwards we’re starting our Central Asian adventure in Kazakhstan. Excited? - So are we! Let’s explore Almaty and see what it has to offer.

Park Named After Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen - The first place to visit will be Panfilov Park, the oldest park in Almaty.

Zeleny Bazar - The next point - Green Bazaar (traditional market) is just a short walk away. Enjoy this vibrant marketplace by tasting Kazakh snacks, trying on national attires and acquiring memorable souvenirs.

Medeo - Republic Square - is a significant city site symbolizing Kazakhstan’s independence. Lunch in a restaurant. Medeo - is one of the world’s largest high-altitude skating rinks and ski resorts. Using a cable car to reach the top plateau where we’re going to have a nice coffee break contemplating the scenery. Return back to the city center.

Kok-Tobe Hill - Kok Tobe (Green Hill from Kazakh language) is the loveliest recreational park located on a hilltop. Riding up to the park in a cable car and spending a beautiful sunset time there. Well, this is the end of our cultural part of Almaty. Enjoy your evening time!

Almaty - Charyn canyon - Kolsay lakes

Charyn Canyon - In the morning after breakfast we’re hitting the road and making our way towards the famous Charyn canyon - often called the Grand Canyon’s little brother (3 hours). Upon arrival we’re having a beautiful time for Charyn’s exploration: hiking and taking pictures. Lunch in a cafe.

Kolsai Lake - Now we’re moving on and heading towards the enchanting Kolsay lakes (2 hours) that are also referred to as the “Pearls of the Tien Shan”. Hidden among the conifer forests and tall peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, these small alpine lakes are located in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, along the border with Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival we’re checking in to a lovely hotel overlooking the first of the three lakes (Kolsay Nomads). Free time for walking around and enjoying the crispy alpine air. Personal time. Dinner at the hotel. Tomorrow we’re diving deep into exploring two lakes of Kolsay and also another hidden gem - Kaindy lake.

Kolsay - Kaindy lake - Almaty

Lake Kaindy - In the morning after breakfast we’re embarking on a one day adventure to inspect the local beauties. Location number 1 will be the first lake of Kolsay. Hiking farther for about 8km through the flat forest terrain we’ll reach the second lake. Free time for contemplating the views and taking some nice photographs. Return to the hotel, lunch time. After that we’re hopping in the bus and driving shortly (12km) till our next destination - the famous turquoise lake Kaindy with spruce trees sticking out of water. This picturesque alpine lake emerged as the result of a massive landslide in the area caused by the devastating “Kemin earthquake” in 1911. Free time for enjoying this magical place. Now we’re driving back to Almaty (300 km).

Almaty - Arrival in Almaty in the evening. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel (Plaza or similar).

Almaty - Bishkek

Almaty - Today is a very exciting day, since we’re switching countries and kicking off our next adventure in Kyrgyzstan. After breakfast we’re driving towards the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (3,5 hours). Passing through the “Kordai” border control.

Bishkek - As soon as we happen on the other side, we’re driving to Bishkek city. Arrival in Bishkek. Hotel check in (Ambassador 4* or similar). Now we’re starting an exciting city tour.

Victory Square - The first place to visit will be the Victory Square: The square is dedicated to the Second World War and showcases some relevant monuments as well as eternal fire. Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet theater - an old and beautiful building that demonstrates the charming Soviet architecture.

Ala-Too Square - Ala Too Square - The main square of the city where the biggest flagpole and the sentinels are located. Explore the charming “Erkindik” or “Freedom” boulevard and the old railway station. Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Hall - another beautiful place to capture a fascinating style of the Mayor’s office, International University and the Philharmony itself.

Osh Bazaar - Osh bazaar - The legendary open air market where you will dive into the culture of traditional shopping of Kyrgyz people. Drop off at your hotel. Free time in the evening.

Bishkek - Burana - Kok Moinok - Cholpon Ata

Burana Tower - In the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km). On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here: climb on top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Lunch. Resuming our way to Issyk Kul.

Konorchek Canyons - On the way, we’re visiting the fabulous Kok Moinok canyon for a light but awesome hike.

Cholpon Ata - Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s northern coast) we’re checking-in to a hotel. Free time for relaxing. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight (Olimp hotel or similar).

Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov gorge - Karakol

Cholpon Ata - In the morning we’re heading to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on the lake. After roaming 4km away the ship will stop at the depth of 120m. In the hot season (May-September) you may dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In the other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the ship enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around.

Grigorievka - After the ship ride we’re moving towards Karakol town that is located on the line between the north and south coasts. Lunch in a restaurant. On the way, we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes. Moving on.

Karakol - Arrival in Karakol. Check in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Now we’re driving to the neighboring village Ak Suu to have a relaxing swim in the hot spring pools near a forest. This will be a great touch after such an active day. Return to Karakol. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight (78 hotel or similar).

Karakol - Ski base - Jeti Oguz - Barskoon - Kaji Say

Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks) - Today we’re exploring Karakol and its surroundings. In the morning after breakfast we’re heading to the best ski resort of Kyrgyzstan. In winter you would have a beautiful skiing experience here but in summer you will enjoy no less stunning views of the whole region. Luscious green meadows, vast conifer forests, snow capped mountain peaks, glaciers and the entire lake in the background - it’s all about this Ski resort. The chair lift will take us up to the height of 3040 meters above sea level. Walking on the plateau and enjoying the views. Lunch in a restaurant. Now we’re heading to Jeti Oguz valley (Seven Bulls), famous for its red rock formations. Tea time in the nature. Resuming our way.

Kaji Say - Ak Say - Bishkek

Bokonbayevo - Resuming our way towards Ak Sai village where we’re gonna witness a spectacular eagle hunting process. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in the archery part. After this experience we’re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore its hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. Otherworldly views are insured! Driving down from the canyon and moving to the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake.

Bishkek - Now it’s time to be returning back to Bishkek (230km). Check in to the hotel (Ambassador 4* or similar). Dinner. Overnight.

Bishkek - Tashkent

Tashkent - In the morning after breakfast we’re heading to the airport to catch our 1 hour flight to the capital city of Uzbekistan - Tashkent. Transfer to the airport and saying good bye to Kyrgyzstan. Arrival at Tashkent’s airport. Transfer to the city center and check in to a hotel (Wyndham 4* or similar). Free time for rest. Today we’re exploring Tashkent. Let’s go! Our adventure begins with a visit to the enchanting Old Tashkent.

Chorsu Bazaar - Step back in time as you admire architectural gems like the Barak-Khan Madrasah and Tillya Sheikh Mosque in Hast Imam Square. The Library of Eastern Manuscripts - home to centuries-old texts. Witness the oldest Qoran which was written in the VII century. No visit to Tashkent would be complete without experiencing the vibrant bustle of Chorsu Bazaar. Afterwards, we’ll hop on the metro for a journey into the modern heart of the city. Our first stop is the Monument of Courage, a towering tribute to the resilience and courage of the Uzbek people. From there, we’ll proceed to Independence Square, a sprawling plaza adorned with fountains, statues, and the iconic Arch of Good Will. Lunch in a restaurant. Next destination is the residence of Romanov, the exiled grandson of the Russian Emperor Nikolai I. Following that, we’re visiting the Opera and Ballet theater.

Amir Temur Square - Concluding our city excursion at Amir Timur Square, named after the legendary conqueror. Return to the hotel. Personal time for chilling in the city.

Tashkent - Samarkand

Samarkand - In the morning after breakfast we’re embarking on a modern high speed train and heading to Samarkand (2h). Check in to a hotel (Continental 3* or similar). Dropping off our stuff and immersing into Samarkand’s heritage straight away. With over 2500 years of rich history, Samarkand is known as the “precious pearl” and “face of the earth” in the East, sharing its legacy with cities like Athens, Rome, and Babylon. Here are the places we’ll visit: Majestic Gur-Emir mausoleum and tombs of Timurid dynasty that resemble a closed turquoise tulip.

Registan - Registan Square - the heart of Samarkand: It originated long before the Mongol invasion (13th century), as a gathering point of urban craftsmen and merchants. The word Registan means “a place on the sand”. Lunch in a national restaurant. Siyab bazaar (open air market).

Bibi Khanym Mosque - Bibi-Khanym Palace (15th century). Ulugbek Observatory - famous astronomer and grandson of Tamerlane. The Shahi – Zinda architectural complex. Return to the hotel. Personal time.

Samarkand - Bukhara

Bukhara - In the morning after breakfast we’re continuing the road by the already-known high speed train to Bukhara (2 hours). Check in to a hotel upon arrival (Wyndham 4* or similar). Now it’s time for the introduction to Bukhara:

Poi Kalyan Mosque - Visiting Kalyan minaret (also known as the Tower of Death) - one of the most iconic landmarks in Bukhara. Chor Minor: meaning “Four Minarets” in Farsi language, is an architecturally unique and historic monument. This structure stands out for its distinctive design and is one of Bukhara’s most renowned and photographed sites. Lunch in a restaurant.

Lyab-i-Hauz - Lyabi Hauz area is a quintessential example of Central Asian urban planning and architecture, centered around a tranquil pond (hauz) that dates back to the 17th century. Ark citadel is a massive fortress which has stood as a symbol of power and a focal point of the city’s development for centuries. Its origins date back to the 5th century AD, though the structure has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout its history. Continuing our lovely city tour and visiting the trading domes of Bukhara. Here, we will have the opportunity to purchase various souvenirs and presents. Return to the hotel. Free time in the evening.

Bukhara - Farap - Mary

Mary - Ashgabat

Ashgabat - A quick flight from Mary to the capital city of Ashgabat. Hotel check-in (Sport 4* or similar). Free time in the evening.

Ashgabat

Ashgabat - Today we’re diving into a complete introduction of Ashgabat. Starting off our city excursion in the morning after breakfast. Independence Park - a vast and beautifully landscaped area that celebrates the country’s independence. Turkmenistan National Museum that’s located right within the park. Learn the most of Turkmenistan’s history and heritage in a matter of minutes. Arch of Neutrality - monument with a golden statue of the country’s first President atop (Saparmurat Niyazov). Lunch at a national restaurant. Wedding Palace - a unique building designed to look like a giant cube with a ball on top. Earthquake Memorial and Museum. Health Path is a popular spot for locals and offers great views of the city and surrounding landscape. Visiting the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. Return to the hotel. Personal time to walk around. Dinner at a restaurant.

Ashgabat - Darvaza

Darvaza - Ashgabat

Ashgabat - n the morning after sunrise we have enough time to enjoy the scenes of Darvaza. Lunch. After noon we’re setting off back for the white city of Ashgabat (3,5 hours). Check in to the hotel upon arrival. Free time for rest and exploring the streets of evening Ashgabat. Farewell dinner in a restaurant.

• Visa voucher and LOI (Letter of invitation) for Turkmenistan
• Domestic flights and flights between countries: Bishkek - Tashkent; Mary - Ashgabat
• Lunch
• Dinner
• All activities due to the program
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• High speed trains from Tashkent to Samarkand and from Samarkand to Bukhara
• Accommodation for 16 nights: twin stay at hotels as per program
• All fees and/or taxes

• International airfare
• Health insurance
• Visa sticker at the border to Turkmenistan (price varies depending on citizenship)
• Personal expenses

Following the successful launch of our 26-day tour in Central Asia, we recognized the need to offer a shorter, express version for those with limited vacation time. Presenting a 16-day adventure in Central Asia, perfect for those seeking a condensed yet thrilling experience.

This unforgettable journey includes a variety of authentic Central Asian activities:

• Trekking in the legendary Tian Shan mountains
• Horseback riding
• Staying in traditional yurts
• Exploring Silk Road cities
• Savoring national cuisines
• Engaging with local artisans who keep centuries-old traditions alive, and much more!

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.