Spend two weeks discovering a part of the world well off the typical tourist track. Few Central Asia tours offer the cultural flavour this journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan does. Trek through the gorgeous landscapes of Jeti-Oguz, go horseback riding through the breathtaking valley at Chong-Kemin, stay a night in a traditional yurt and discover the unforgettable warmth of the people in these regions. Visit Central Asia and you'll wonder why you didn't get here sooner.
SUMMARY
14 Day(s)
Day 1 Almaty
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Almaty (1B)
Take a city tour of Almaty including the historical centre, the Zenkov Cathedral and the Monument of Independence. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to climb green hill for a panoramic view or visit the local market.
Day 3 Almaty/Karakol (1B)
Drive via scenic Charyn Canyon to take in more of the Kazakh landscape. Reach the border and cross into Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy an evening in Karakol.
Day 4 Karakol/Kochkor (1B, 1L, 1D)
Visit the Prejevalskiy Museum then drive to Kizil Tuu. Stop en route for a swim in the lake. In Kizil Tuu learn how to built a yurt before continuing on to Kochkor.
Day 5 Kochkor/Song Kul (1B, 1L, 1D)
Visit a felt-making workshop to learn more about this typical Kyrgyz craft. Opt to pick up a carpet or two. Continue on to the scenic Song Kul area and stay overnight in a traditional yurt for a true cultural experience.
Day 6 Song Kul (1B, 1L, 1D)
Spend a full day soaking in this beautiful area. Opt to head out for some hiking or horseback riding. Enjoy another night in a yurt.
Day 7 Song Kul/Chong-Kemin (1B, 1D)
Continue on into the scenic valley of Chong-Kemin. Stay in the local CBT (community based tourism) houses and explore the village. Soak in the stunning scenery.
Day 8 Chong-Kemin/Almaty (1B, 1L)
Depart Chong-Kemin and stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower. Learn more about the ancient structure (rare in a nomadic culture) before continuing on to the capital city of Bishkek for an afternoon city tour. Board an evening flight to Almaty.
Day 9 Almaty/Dushanbe (1B)
In the morning, transfer to Almaty airport and board a flight to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Enjoy an evening in the city.
Day 10 Dushanbe/Kŭli Iskandarkŭl (1B, 1D)
Enjoy a free morning visiting some sights in the capital city of Dushanbe like monuments and the main mosque. After lunch, drive through the valleys and mountains for an overnight at a local home in the stunning Iskandarkul area. Meet the locals and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.
Day 11 Kŭli Iskandarkŭl (1B, 1L, 1D)
Spend a full day exploring. Hike in the mountains to an impressive waterfall. After a picnic lunch, return to Sarytag village.
Day 12 Kŭli Iskandarkŭl/Khŭjand (1B)
Continue on to Istaravshan and visit an ancient settlement in Ura-Tube. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before driving to Khujand. Explore the city in the afternoon, visiting the museum and a mausoleum.
Day 13 Khŭjand/Tashkent (1B)
Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.
Day 14 Tashkent (1B)
Depart at any time.
DETAILED
14 Day(s)
Day 1 Almaty
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Included Activities:
Meet Your CEO and Group
Day 2 Almaty (1B)
Take a city tour of Almaty including the historical centre, the Zenkov Cathedral and the Monument of Independence. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to climb green hill for a panoramic view or visit the local market.
Included Activities:
City Tour
Day 3 Almaty/Karakol (1B)
Drive via scenic Charyn Canyon to take in more of the Kazakh landscape. Reach the border and cross into Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy an evening in Karakol.
Included Activities:
Charyn Canyon Visit
Border Crossing (Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan)
Transport:
Private Vehicle (7.00 hour(s), 420km)
Day 4 Karakol/Kochkor (1B, 1L, 1D)
Visit the Prejevalskiy Museum then drive to Kizil Tuu. Stop en route for a swim in the lake. In Kizil Tuu learn how to built a yurt before continuing on to Kochkor.
Included Activities:
Yurt Building Demonstration
Przhevalsky Museum Visit
Transport:
Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s), 315km)
Day 5 Kochkor/Song Kul (1B, 1L, 1D)
Visit a felt-making workshop to learn more about this typical Kyrgyz craft. Opt to pick up a carpet or two. Continue on to the scenic Song Kul area and stay overnight in a traditional yurt for a true cultural experience.
Included Activities:
Felt Workshop Visit
Overnight in a Yurt
Transport:
Private Vehicle (2.50 hour(s), 130km)
Day 6 Song Kul (1B, 1L, 1D)
Spend a full day soaking in this beautiful area. Opt to head out for some hiking or horseback riding. Enjoy another night in a yurt.
Included Activities:
Overnight in a Yurt
Day 7 Song Kul/Chong-Kemin (1B, 1D)
Continue on into the scenic valley of Chong-Kemin. Stay in the local CBT (community based tourism) houses and explore the village. Soak in the stunning scenery.
Included Activities:
CBT Homestay
Transport:
Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s), 230km)
Day 8 Chong-Kemin/Almaty (1B, 1L)
Depart Chong-Kemin and stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower. Learn more about the ancient structure (rare in a nomadic culture) before continuing on to the capital city of Bishkek for an afternoon city tour. Board an evening flight to Almaty.
Included Activities:
Burana Tower Visit
City Tour
Transport:
Plane (1.50-2.00 hours)
Private Vehicle (1.50-2.00 hours, 160km)
Day 9 Almaty/Dushanbe (1B)
There may be more travellers joining the group here. Opt to attend an evening welcome meeting to get to know them.
Transport:
Plane (1.50 hour(s))
Day 10 Dushanbe/Kŭli Iskandarkŭl (1B, 1D)
Enjoy a free morning visiting some sights in the capital city of Dushanbe like monuments and the main mosque. After lunch, drive through the valleys and mountains for an overnight at a local home in the stunning Iskandarkul area. Meet the locals and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.
Included Activities:
Community Homestay
City Tour
Transport:
Private Vehicle
Day 11 Kŭli Iskandarkŭl (1B, 1L, 1D)
Spend a full day exploring. Hike in the mountains to an impressive waterfall. After a picnic lunch, return to Sarytag village.
Included Activities:
Community Homestay
Waterfall Hike
Day 12 Kŭli Iskandarkŭl/Khŭjand (1B)
Continue on to Istaravshan and visit an ancient settlement in Ura-Tube. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before driving to Khujand. Explore the city in the afternoon, visiting the museum and a mausoleum.
Included Activities:
Mug Tepe Visit
City Tour
Transport:
Private Vehicle (2.25 hour(s), 145km)
Private Vehicle (1.25 hour(s), 80km)
Day 13 Khŭjand/Tashkent (1B)
Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan.
Included Activities:
Market Visit
Border Crossing (Tajikistan - Uzbekistan)
Orientation Walk
Transport:
Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 178km)
Day 14 Tashkent (1B)
Depart at any time.
Included Activities:
Departure Day
