Embark on a transformative 18-day journey that seamlessly weaves through the cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan and the untamed beauty of Kyrgyzstan. This combined tour promises an immersive experience, where the ancient cities of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand blend harmoniously with the breathtaking landscapes of Bishkek, Issyk Kul, and the nomadic expanses of Kyrgyzstan.
Why Choose this Unique Expedition?
This combined tour is a testament to the diversity that Central Asia offers. From the Silk Road gems of Uzbekistan to the pristine natural wonders of Kyrgyzstan, each day unfolds a new chapter in this epic journey. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant cultures, and awe-inspiring landscapes that define this corner of the world.
A Tapestry of Cultures and Landscapes:
This 18-day expedition is not just a journey; it’s an odyssey through time and nature. From the grandeur of Samarkand’s Registan Square to the nomadic serenity of Son Kul, each day unfolds as a chapter in a compelling narrative.
Note: This tour involves border crossings; participants should ensure compliance with travel regulations.
Book Now and Unveil the Secrets of Central Asia:
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where the ancient and the wild converge. Book your seat on the Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan Expedition—a journey that transcends boundaries, both cultural and geographical, and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.
| Number of pax | Price per person |
| 1 person | $ 5200 |
| 2 persons | $ 3100 |
| 3 persons | $ 2800 |
| 4 persons | $ 2400 |
| Single supplement | $ 450 |
Guided sightseeing tour Hotel & yurt accommodation (shared double/twin room) Air & train tickets Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights All transportation throughout the tour Aydar Yurt Camp and homestay (Full board)
Any Private Expenses Lunches, Dinners
Silk Road Marvels: Explore the ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, where the echoes of Silk Road traders still resonate through intricately adorned madrasas, mosques, and bustling bazaars.
Regal Tashkent: Begin your journey in the capital city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. Delve into the blend of modernity and tradition, from the historic Old Town to the contemporary charms of the city.
Nomadic Kyrgyzstan: Venture into the wild landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, where nomadic traditions come to life. Visit traditional yurt camps, witness eagle hunting, and experience the warm hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.
Jewel of the Fergana Valley: Explore the hidden gems of the Fergana Valley, including the vibrant cities of Kokand and Margilan, where traditional craftsmanship and bustling markets await.
Lake Issyk Kul: Discover the allure of Lake Issyk Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Immerse yourself in its azure waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and explore the charming town of Karakol.
Nomad’s Paradise – Son Kul: Ascend to the pristine shores of Son Kul, a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by vast meadows. Experience nomadic life, witness herds of horses, and gaze at the star-studded night sky.
Dramatic Beauty of Jeti Oguz: Marvel at the iconic red sandstone cliffs of Jeti Oguz, known as the Seven Bulls, creating a dramatic backdrop against the greenery of the Kyrgyz countryside.
Historical Tash Rabat: Step back in time at Tash Rabat, a 15th-century stone caravanserai nestled in the Tien Shan Mountains. Discover the mysteries of this ancient Silk Road stopover.
Scenic Barskaun Gorge: Traverse the stunning Barskaun Gorge, where lush landscapes, mountain streams, and nomadic yurt camps create a picturesque setting.
Traditional Arts in Kochkor: Immerse yourself in the traditional arts of Kyrgyzstan in Kochkor. Participate in a felt-making workshop and witness the creation of intricate Kyrgyz carpets.
Arrive in Tashkent, welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Tashkent: Abdul Kasim Madrassah, Khast Imam Complex – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan Madrasah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century. Explore traditional Chor-Su Bazaar.
Visiting modern part of Tashkent by metro: Amir Timur Square, Applied Art Museum, Earthquake Memorial, Independence Square. Overnight in Tashkent.
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Urgench. Arrive Urgench, transfer to Khiva. Starting city tour – inner town of Ichan Kala (XIV-XX CC) with Muhamad Amin Khan Madrassah, Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark, Muhamad Rahim Khan Madrassah, Juma Mosque and Minaret, Tash Hauli Palace, Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrassah, Shirgazi Khan Madrassah, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. Overnight in Khiva.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive outside Khiva to visit the archaeological monuments of Ancient Khorezm.
In written sources of the Arab conquest period, Khorezm is called a country of “tens of thousands of fortresses”. This region is a real gem for archaeologists. In fact, today in the Khorezm region archaeologists have found dozens of ancient cities, ruins of former powerful castles and royal palaces.
The most famous of them are Toprak Kala, Kyzyl Kala, Ayaz Kala (“Kala” is translated as a fortress.) Even today, the colossal sizes of the ruins impress with its magnificence and power.
Drive back to Khiva. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bukhara through Kyzylkum Desert (7-8 hours). Stop at Amudarya River bank. Lunch in a local café. Arrive in Bukhara, free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing in Bukhara – one of the most important stops on the Silk Road. City tour with visits to the Ark Fortress (I-XX CC), Bolo Hauz Mosque (XVIII C), Samanids Mausoleum (IX-X CC), Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum (XII-XVI CC). PM tour on foot along the old town of Bukhara from Poi-Kalyan complex with Kalyan Minaret (XII C) through orient bazaars with three trade domes of Toki Zargaron (XV C), Toki Sarrafon (XVI C), Toki Telpak Furushon (XVI C), Ulugbek Madrassah (XV C), Abdulazizkhan Madrassah (XVII C), Lyabi Hauz complex (XVI -XVII CC), surrounded by ancient mulberry trees, restaurants and cafes. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we drive outside Bukhara for sightseeing:Sitorai Mokhi Khosa – summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Baghautdin Nakhshbandi Mausoleum – a center of Sufism.
Drive to Samarkand. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. We will start sightseeing from Registan Square (which means “desert” in Persian) and three madrassahs (religious study centers) surrounding the square: Ulughbek Madrassah, Sher-Dor Madrassah, and Tillya-Kari Madrassah – covered with gold. Visit to Gur Emir Mausoleum (tomb of Tamerlane), Shakhi Zinda Necropolis, Ulugbek Observatory.
Continue sightseeing with Bibi Khanym Mosque – built by Amir Timur (Tamerlane) in XV century and Siyab Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out hotel. Continue sightseeing in Samarkand: Excavation of an ancient city and museum of Afrosiab, and Tombstone of Saint Daniyar. The prophet Daniyar (Daniel) is revered by three world religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and mausoleum is still a pilgrimage place for the followers of all three Abrahamic religions. Visit to the Silk Carpets factory ‘Khujum’, where you can observe the whole process of weaving silk carpets based on hand made technology.
Transfer to the railway station for “Afrosiyob” train. Arrive in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at 12:00. Transfer to the airport for flight Tashkent-Bishkek. Meeting in Bishkek airport, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Issyk Kul Lake, surrounded by the celestial mountains. It’s the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m. above sea level). The lake is called “the pearl of Central Asia”. Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. On route to the lake you will visit Burana Tower (XI century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Karakol city. On the way, we will take a short break to give you the opportunity to visit ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.). These petroglyphs were made more than 2 000 years ago by shamans. Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol. You will visit Dungan mosque, built in a Chinese style without using a single metal nail. The mosque will be followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. Overnight at the guesthouse.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rock formations that are called the Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. You will see Broken Heart Mountain also. There are yurts in the gorge and people can offer you Kumis to drink. It is a national drink made from fermented mare’s milk, and it is mildly alcoholic. Overnight in nomadic felt dwellings, yurts.
Breakfast. Today we will drive to Kochkor village along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. This is a great chance to see the whole lake from all sights. On the way, we will stop at Barskaun gorge and have a walk to a mountain waterfall. Then we will have a break in Bokonbaeva village, where we meet a local eagle-hunter. He hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles (traditional way of nomads hunting). At the Kochkor village you will meet a family that will show you the way of how national woolen felt carpets are produced. You even can create your own carpet together with them. Overnight in a homestay.
After breakfast, we will drive along high mountains to Tash Rabat Caravanserai through beautiful Kichi Naryn gorge. The high mountains, picturesque passes, and nomadic way of life make Kyrgyzstan an irresistible travel destination. Views of this mountain road are breathtaking. You will drive over mountain pass named Jalpak Bel at an elevation of more than 3000 meters. Tash Rabat is located at the very heart of Tian Shan Mountains, on the Great Silk Road (Stone Castle from the XIV century). The building is unique, built of stone blocks inside a mountain at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level. In total there are 31 rooms in the mountain. The walls are 1m thick. There are also underground prison cells formerly used to incarcerate thieves in ancient times. Overnight in yurts.
After breakfast we start our drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level. Kyrgyz nomads started to come to this wonderful area with their families for rest and relaxation. Herders of the Naryn region come to the lake to use it as a pastureland. After our arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings. Dinner and overnight is in nomadic collapsible dwellings – yurts.
After breakfast, you will have free time at Son Kul Lake, to explore nature on your own. You can ride along the lake on a horse, or just relax and soak in the calm atmosphere of the lake side wilderness. Also you will have time to communicate with nomads and have a glimpse into their way of life. Then we will drive to the village of Kyzyl Oi located in the gorge. The drive to Kyzyl Oi traverses over one of the most beautiful passes, along the top of a mountain. This is a very remote village. Overnight in a homestay.
After meeting with locals, we will drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. The road to the city goes through the southern part of Kyrgyzstan. During your transfer be prepared for amazing views of impressive mountains and gorges. Today you will see panoramic views of Tue Ashuu pass, which is more than 3000 meters high! This road is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Kyrgyzstan. Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to airport. End of the tour.
This tour beautifully curated the best of both worlds. Uzbekistan’s cultural riches and Kyrgyzstan’s natural wonders were seamlessly connected. The guides were knowledgeable, and the local experiences added authenticity. From historical marvels to nomadic traditions, it’s an adventure that caters to diverse interests. Truly a journey to remember!
Embarking on this tour felt like time-travel. From the Silk Road cities with their storied past to the vast mountain meadows of Kyrgyzstan, each destination had its unique charm. The well-planned itinerary ensured a smooth transition between cultures and landscapes. An enriching experience that broadened our perspectives.
This tour is a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty. The intricate designs of Bukhara’s old city, the simplicity of nomadic life at Son Kul, and the majestic beauty of Tien Shan Mountains—all seamlessly connected. It’s a journey that appeals to the soul and satisfies the wanderlust for both history and nature
As a photographer, this tour was a dream come true. The vibrant markets of Bukhara, the architectural marvels of Samarkand, and the stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan offered endless opportunities. Jeti Oguz and Son Kul were particular favorites. The diversity of subjects made every click a visual delight.
The Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan are architectural masterpieces, and the journey through Kyrgyzstan added a whole new dimension. The serene beauty of Lake Issyk Kul, the nomadic lifestyle at Son Kul, and the historical richness of Tash Rabat created a perfect balance. This tour is a must for those seeking diversity in travel experiences.