Budget Central Asia Group Tour 2026-2028
$3,490
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$3,490
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Tour Details
14 days
Spring, summer, autumn
Season
2-8 pax
$3,490 / per person
$520 Single supplement
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Description
Central Asia is a mesmerizing land, with a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, each distinct yet woven together by a common Turkic heritage. The nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are steeped in history and boast breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind experiences. Traveling between these former Soviet states has become much simpler, thanks to relaxed visa regulations.
The Budget Central Asia Group Tour is a truly exceptional adventure, a two-week journey that takes you to each of the four Central Asian countries to experience their best offerings. With our small group tours, you can explore Central Asia with ease and without any hassle. From demonstration of building of the yurts in Kyrgyzstan to marveling at the mountains and canyons of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, visiting the stunning blue-tiled madrassas and vibrant bazaars of Uzbekistan, this all-encompassing tour promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Program
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Upon arrival in Almaty, check into the hotel at noon. After your flight, take some time to rest and recharge for your fourteen-day Central Asia Group Tour. Spend the night at the hotel in Almaty.
Meals: none
Meals: none
Start your second day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Your tour guide and driver will be waiting to meet you at your hotel in Almaty. Leave Almaty and make your way to Charyn Canyon, taking in the breathtaking views of the Altai Mountains and quaint villages enroute (220 km, 3-4 hours). Arrive at Charyn Canyon in time for a scenic picnic lunch. Take a hike through this stunning canyon, characterized by towering mountains reaching up to 300 meters and the picturesque "Valley of Castles" stretching over 2 kilometers. Return to Almaty in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby for a sightseeing tour of Almaty. Visit Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where you’ll learn more about the city’s history and see one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, Zenkov Cathedral. Visit the Memorial of Glory and the Eternal Flame. Continue to Republic Square and Almaty City Museum. Shop for sweets and souvenirs at the famed Green Bazaar.
Depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway enjoying the nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h.). Pass border control and arrive in Bishkek, then transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bishkek.
Meals: breakfast
Depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway enjoying the nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h.). Pass border control and arrive in Bishkek, then transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bishkek.
Meals: breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel on the fourth day of your Central Asia Group Tour. Begin your day with a city tour of Bishkek’s impressive examples of Soviet urban planning and architecture: Oak Park, Ala Too Square, Manas Statue, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Philharmonic Hall, and Victory Monument.
Transfer to Don Aryk village for lunch with local Kyrgyz family at their home. After lunch, local women will demonstrate the construction of a yurt, and you can even take part in it! Then drive to Burana Tower, part of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th centuries) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Bishkek. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Transfer to Don Aryk village for lunch with local Kyrgyz family at their home. After lunch, local women will demonstrate the construction of a yurt, and you can even take part in it! Then drive to Burana Tower, part of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th centuries) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Bishkek. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Your Central Asia group tour continues with a scenic drive to the stunning Ala-Archa National Park. After a delicious breakfast, your guide will meet you and take you to this breathtaking alpine gorge. Hike through the park, admiring the snow-capped peaks as you make your way to Ak-Sai Waterfall and the banks of the Ala-Archa River. After an energizing picnic lunch, return to Bishkek for your late afternoon flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
Meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin Tashkent city tour. Your private tour will include: a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, an informative collection of Uzbekistan's finest handicrafts housed in an ornately decorated villa. Take a ride on the Tashkent Metro. Each station is decorated with ceramic tiles and murals depicting a unique theme. Walk through Amir Timur Square and Independence Square, admiring the paintings for sale on ‘Broadway’ Drive. Excursion to the Old City, including the architectural complex Hast-Imam (15th century). Walking through the Islamic Civilization Center and Zarqaynar street. Visit to Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in Central Asia, where you can sample or buy sweets, fruits and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
On your 7th day the driver will transfer you to the railway station in the morning for a train journey to the stunning city of Samarkand. You will have Samarkand city tour, visit Gur Emir, and the impressive Registan Square, with its three Madrasahs dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries. Take in the beauty of Bibi Khanum Mosque and stroll through the multi-level complex of Siab Bazaar, where you can find souvenirs and sample local sweets, fruits, and the famous Samarkand bread. Explore the impressive Shakhi-Zinda, a 15th-century burial complex, and walk the imposing pathway to see its blue-domed tombs. End the day with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, where you can view the remains of a 14th-15th-century sextant and tour the Ulugbek Museum. After a full day of exploration, rest and relax at your hotel. This is just one of many exciting experiences you'll have on your Central Asia Group Tour.
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border crossing at Jartepa (50km). After passing through customs and passport control, your local Tajik guide and driver will be waiting for you on the Tajikistan side to take you to the breathtaking Seven Lakes (90km). Located in the Fann Mountains, each of the Seven Lakes boasts its own unique color, ranging from turquoise to purple. Take in the natural beauty of this special place and enjoy your lunch at a guest house near the fourth lake. Continue your journey to the charming city of Penjikent, where you'll spend the night at a hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Have breakfast and start a tour to ancient Penjikent, the ruins of a town founded by the Sogdians in the 5th century. In old Penjikent you’ll get to see the foundations of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples, the remains of the city bazaar and other excavated ruins. In the newer part of Penjikent, visit a local bazaar, mosque, and the Rudaki Museum. Drive to the Jartepa border crossing (30 km, 40 min) via Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 4th century BC. After crossing the border, you’ll continue your group tour in Uzbekistan, with your driver meeting you at the border to take you to your hotel in Samarkand. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Meals: breakfast, lunch
After breakfast at hotel, free time. Group tour of Central Asia continues with a drive from Samarkand to Bukhara via Gijduvan ceramic center and pottery master-class, before having lunch.
Drive to Bukhara and on the way visit the Emir's Summer Residence at Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century). This is a unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture (please note that no English-speaking guide provided here). Check-in to the hotel in Bukhara.
In the evening, there is a National show at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa with dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Drive to Bukhara and on the way visit the Emir's Summer Residence at Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century). This is a unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture (please note that no English-speaking guide provided here). Check-in to the hotel in Bukhara.
In the evening, there is a National show at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa with dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Begin the morning with a city walking tour led by your local guide. Your private tour will include the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque and the Trade Domes (15-16th centuries) that serve today as a tourist bazaar. Continue your excursion to Poi Kalyan Ensemble, including the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs. Discover the Ark Fortress and museum in Bukhara. Next site is Bolo-Khauz Mosque with a pond. Last site is the mausoleum of Ismail Samani. Finish your 6-hour walking city tour. Free time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Bukhara.
Optional Activity: Immerse yourself, literally, in centuries-old traditions at the Bozori Kord Hammam, a traditional Turkic bathhouse. Opened in the 14th century, it’s been in operation ever since.
Meals: breakfast
Optional Activity: Immerse yourself, literally, in centuries-old traditions at the Bozori Kord Hammam, a traditional Turkic bathhouse. Opened in the 14th century, it’s been in operation ever since.
Meals: breakfast
Breakfast. In the morning depart Bukhara and drive to Khiva (480 km, 7 h). Today we will have an overland transfer from Bukhara to Khiva through Kyzylkum desert. Caravans on the Great Silk Road carrying porcelain and spices used the same route for hundreds of years. Arrival in Khiva, the "museum under the open sky" late in the afternoon. After check-in, free time to discover Khiva. Overnight in a hotel located inside or near Ichan-Kala, the historical center of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, take a walking tour around Itchan-Kala with a local guide in your Central Asia Group Tour. Start with Kunya-Ark Khan's castle and the inner citadel of Ichan Kala, before continuing to the following sites: Kalta Minor Tower, the tallest minaret in Central Asia; Muhammad Amin-Khan, the biggest medieval madrasah in Khiva and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah; Juma Mosque, with 212 wooden columns and a minaret 32.5 m high; Tash-Hauli with its high battlements, towers and fortified gates; Necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud, the cultic center of Ichan Kala; residence of Islam Khodja, vizier of the last khan.
In the late afternoon you will be transferred to Urgench airport (35 km, 45 min) for a flight to Tashkent (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
In the late afternoon you will be transferred to Urgench airport (35 km, 45 min) for a flight to Tashkent (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Free morning before hotel check-out by noon. Your driver will take you to the airport for your flight home. End of the Budget Central Asia Group Tour.
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, with breakfast, 13 nights;
- All road transfers including airport and train station (2 persons in sedan, 3-8 persons in minivan);
- Local English-speaking escort guide on days 2-5 and 8-9;
- Local English-speaking guide for the city tours in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Yurt construction show in Don Aryk village with lunch on day 4;
- Gijduvan pottery master class and lunch;
- National folklore show and dinner in Bukhara;
- Economy-class tickets for flights from Bishkek to Tashkent and Urgench to Tashkent;
- Economy-class tickets for Tashkent to Samarkand train;
- Meals as designated in the program;
- 1L bottle of water per person per day;
- Tour leader to accompany the group for the whole duration of the tour;
- Meals not indicated in the program;
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- All visas, e-visas and visa support letters to Central Asia countries;
- Tips are not included (driver, guide, porter);
- All other charges and services not mentioned under “Inclusions”.
Download: Explore the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Central Asia with our Central Asia Small Group Tour. To help you plan your trip, we've created a comprehensive PDF brochure that you can download and view at your convenience. Simply click on the link below to download your copy of the Budget Central Asia Group Tour 2026-2028 brochure and start planning your next adventure! Get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Central Asia.
Discount: Discover the beauty of Central Asia with an amazing 5% discount! Book our Central Asia Small Group Tour now and receive this special offer when you invite 2 new travelers to join you on the journey. Explore the rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes of this fascinating region in the company of like-minded travelers and a knowledgeable guide. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save and create unforgettable memories. Book now and start your adventure!
Accommodation:
| Almaty - 2 nights | Kazzhol Park, Ramada, Garden Park Inn or similar |
| Bishkek - 2 night | Ramada, Plaza, Damas, Sofia or similar |
| Penjikent - 1 night | Panjakent Plaza, Rudaki |
| Tashkent - 3 nights | ATECA, Baden-Baden, Al Anvar, Elements, The Tower |
| Samarkand - 2 night | Shahjahon Palace, Welfort, Samaria, East Star |
| Bukhara - 2 nights | Minzifa, Amiran, Mehrob, Marhaba, K.Komil |
| Khiva - 1 night | Malika Kheivak, ANNEX, Erkin Palace, Arslan, New Minor |
Planning to travel to Central Asia is an exciting adventure and it's important to be well-informed before you go. Here are some key things to keep in mind for your Central Asia Small Group Tour:
- Passport and visa requirements: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your trip and check the visa requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.
- Health and safety: Consult with your doctor about any recommended vaccinations and carry a basic first aid kit. It's also important to familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Climate: Central Asia has a diverse range of climates, from the hot and arid deserts to the cold and snowy mountain regions. Pack appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions you'll be facing.
- Currency: Research the currency of each country you'll be visiting and consider exchanging some cash or carrying a credit card for added convenience.
- Local culture: Central Asia is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Familiarize yourself with basic etiquette and cultural norms to ensure a smooth and culturally immersive experience.
By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be well prepared for an unforgettable trip to Central Asia. So pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Joining the Central Asia Small Group Tour requires every participant to have a valid travel insurance policy. To ensure a safe and worry-free experience, it's important to choose a reputable insurance provider that offers comprehensive coverage for the entire duration of the tour. This should include coverage for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation costs, lost luggage, and expenses related to cancellations or trip interruption. We strongly recommend using an insurance company based in your home country to make the claims process easier in case of an emergency.
Dates & Prices
April 2027
4 Apr — 17 Apr
Available
$3,490
11 Apr — 24 Apr
Available
$3,490
18 Apr — 1 May
Available
$3,490
25 Apr — 8 May
Available
$3,490
May 2027
2 May — 15 May
Available
$3,490
9 May — 22 May
Available
$3,490
16 May — 29 May
Available
$3,490
23 May — 5 Jun
Available
$3,490
30 May — 12 Jun
Available
$3,490
June 2027
6 Jun — 19 Jun
Available
$3,490
13 Jun — 26 Jun
Available
$3,490
20 Jun — 3 Jul
Available
$3,490
27 Jun — 10 Jul
Available
$3,490
July 2027
4 Jul — 17 Jul
Available
$3,490
11 Jul — 24 Jul
Available
$3,490
18 Jul — 31 Jul
Available
$3,490
25 Jul — 7 Aug
Available
$3,490
August 2027
1 Aug — 14 Aug
Available
$3,490
8 Aug — 21 Aug
Available
$3,490
15 Aug — 28 Aug
Available
$3,490
22 Aug — 4 Sep
Available
$3,490
29 Aug — 11 Sep
Available
$3,490
September 2027
5 Sep — 18 Sep
Available
$3,490
12 Sep — 25 Sep
Available
$3,490
19 Sep — 2 Oct
Available
$3,490
26 Sep — 9 Oct
Available
$3,490
October 2027
3 Oct — 16 Oct
Available
$3,490
10 Oct — 23 Oct
Available
$3,490
17 Oct — 30 Oct
Available
$3,490
24 Oct — 6 Nov
Available
$3,490
April 2028
2 Apr — 15 Apr
Available
$3,490
9 Apr — 22 Apr
Available
$3,490
16 Apr — 29 Apr
Available
$3,490
23 Apr — 6 May
Available
$3,490
30 Apr — 13 May
Available
$3,490
May 2028
7 May — 20 May
Available
$3,490
14 May — 27 May
Available
$3,490
21 May — 3 Jun
Available
$3,490
28 May — 10 Jun
Available
$3,490
June 2028
4 Jun — 17 Jun
Available
$3,490
11 Jun — 24 Jun
Available
$3,490
18 Jun — 1 Jul
Available
$3,490
25 Jun — 8 Jul
Available
$3,490
July 2028
2 Jul — 15 Jul
Available
$3,490
9 Jul — 22 Jul
Available
$3,490
16 Jul — 29 Jul
Available
$3,490
23 Jul — 5 Aug
Available
$3,490
30 Jul — 12 Aug
Available
$3,490
August 2028
6 Aug — 19 Aug
Available
$3,490
13 Aug — 26 Aug
Available
$3,490
20 Aug — 2 Sep
Available
$3,490
27 Aug — 9 Sep
Available
$3,490
September 2028
3 Sep — 16 Sep
Available
$3,490
10 Sep — 23 Sep
Available
$3,490
17 Sep — 30 Sep
Available
$3,490
24 Sep — 7 Oct
Available
$3,490
October 2028
1 Oct — 14 Oct
Available
$3,490
8 Oct — 21 Oct
Available
$3,490
15 Oct — 28 Oct
Available
$3,490
22 Oct — 4 Nov
Available
$3,490
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Budget Central Asia Group Tour start and end? +
The tour starts in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where you can check into the hotel from noon on day 1. It ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on day 14 with hotel check-out by noon and a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
How big is the group and who travels with us? +
Groups are small, from 2 to 8 travellers. A tour leader accompanies the group for the whole 14 days. Local English-speaking guides lead the city tours in Almaty, Bishkek, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, and the escorted days in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
How physically demanding is this tour? +
The pace is active but suits most reasonably fit travellers. Expect hikes in Charyn Canyon and in Ala-Archa National Park to Ak-Sai Waterfall, a 6-hour walking tour in Bukhara, and a long 7-hour drive across the Kyzylkum desert from Bukhara to Khiva. Other legs are covered by two domestic flights and a train from Tashkent to Samarkand.
Do I need visas and travel insurance for this tour? +
Visas, e-visas and visa support letters are not part of the tour, so please check the requirements of all four countries for your nationality. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your travel date. Valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, repatriation, lost luggage and cancellation is required for every participant.
What is the voltage standard used in the region for charging electronic devices in Central Asia? +
The voltage standard used for charging electronic devices in Central Asia is typically 220-240 volts at a frequency of 50 Hz. Most hotels have European-style sockets with two round pins. It may be useful to bring an adapter if your devices have a different plug type.
Is there a dress code when visiting mosques and holy sites? +
Generally you can dress as you would at home. When visiting active mosques, women are advised to cover their heads with a light scarf, and everyone should wear clothing that covers the knees.
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Reviews
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K
Kiran Oza
Gujarat, India · May 2011
I am back home with sweet memories of my travel. Tour was well arranged. NO problem throughout. All vehicles are in very good condition and comfortable.
Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand arrangements are fine and satisfactory and comfortable. All guides at Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand were very knowledgeable, cooperative and helpful, polite with good understanding. I think in Tashkent you should have given more time instead of only ONE day and that too on arrival day.
Tajikistan was OK because I had few hours, but I am satisfied.
Kyrgyzstan trip was good, but you allocated long stay, it should have been reduced by a day or two.
Almaty was also short stay for just one day, there you should have given 2 or 3 days and many suggested to visit Astana, which was missed.
Driver and Guide in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are extremely helpful, nice, cooperative, and caring. It was nicely arranged travel.
I wish to visit Armenia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in future, if you arrange it.
Thank YOU for all your e-mail replies to my queries, though very busy which I could see personally.