Central Asia Tour in Two Weeks

Arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel. Hotel check-in is available from noon.

Meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby to begin a guided city tour of Almaty. Stroll through the leafy paths of Panfilov Park and visit the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece built entirely of wood without a single metal nail and one of the city’s oldest landmarks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Green Bazaar, where colorful stalls, aromatic spices, and local delicacies offer an authentic taste of Kazakh daily life. Continue to Republic Square, a key public space reflecting the modern identity of the country. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, home to extensive collections showcasing Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and traditions. Overnight in Almaty.

Meals: none.

After breakfast depart for a full-day excursion to Charyn Canyon (220km, 3h). As you travel through the open steppe and mountain landscapes, your guide will share stories and insights about the region and its natural history. Upon arrival, descend into the canyon to reach the banks of the Charyn River. Take time to rest and enjoy the dramatic scenery while learning about the unique ecosystem surrounding you. Continue walking through the spectacular Valley of Castles, where towering rock formations rise up to 200 meters and stretch for more than two kilometers.

In the afternoon, leave the canyon and drive from the steppe into the mountains toward the Kolsay Lakes area (90km). Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore of the alpine lake, surrounded by forested slopes and fresh mountain air. Overnight at a hotel in Kolsay National Park.

Meals: breakfast.

After breakfast, depart for the mysterious Kaindy Lake (35km), situated at an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level. From the trailhead, enjoy a short trek to this unique natural wonder, famous for its sunken forest, where the skeletal trunks of fir trees rise eerily from the crystal-clear turquoise water. The lake’s icy temperatures preserve the submerged branches and needles, visible beneath the surface.

After exploring the area, continue your scenic drive through the mountain landscapes toward Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival and completion of border formalities, proceed to Karakol, where you will check in to your hotel. End of the third day of your Central Asia Tour in Two Weeks. Overnight in Karakol.

Meals: breakfast.

Begin the day with a guided city tour of Karakol, a charming town known for its blend of Russian and Central Asian heritage. Visit the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, an elegant wooden church built in 1895 and still in use today. Continue to the Dungan Mosque, constructed in 1910 without a single nail – its colorful design reflects strong Buddhist and Chinese architectural influences.

After the city tour, drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge (30min), a scenic canyon surrounded by pine forests and dramatic red sandstone cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour round-trip hike to the famous rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart”, named for their distinctive shapes.

Continue onward to Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon, 90km), where wind and time have sculpted vivid red sandstone into imaginative shapes resembling castles and animals. After exploring the canyon, drive to a yurt camp on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Overnight in a yurt camp at Issyk-Kul Lake.

Meals: breakfast, dinner.

After breakfast, depart toward the scenic Chon-Kemin Valley, traveling along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul and passing through the villages of Bokonbayevo and Kyzyl-Tuu.

In Bokonbayevo, a village renowned for preserving the ancient tradition of falconry, you will meet a local hunter and see a golden eagle or hawk up close while learning about this UNESCO-listed nomadic heritage.

Continue to Kyzyl-Tuu, famous for its skilled craftsmen who build traditional Kyrgyz yurts. Here, enjoy a hands-on experience as you take part in assembling a yurt, followed by a home-style lunch with the yurt-maker’s family, offering a genuine insight into local life.

In the afternoon, continue driving into the Chon-Kemin Valley, a beautiful mountain region known for its alpine scenery and fresh air. Upon arrival, check in to a local guesthouse and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Spend the morning in the picturesque Chon-Kemin Valley, with the option to hike or ride horseback to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley’s alpine landscapes. Enjoy lunch at your guesthouse before departing for Bishkek. En route, stop at the Burana Tower (150km), a 13th-century minaret and the only remaining structure of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the surrounding open-air museum of balbals, mysterious stone figures used as memorial markers by ancient civilizations. Continue your drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and check in to your hotel for the evening. Overnight in Bishkek.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Spend the morning exploring the highlights of Bishkek, the vibrant capital of Kyrgyzstan. Visit Ala-Too Square, the city’s central square with a distinctly Soviet atmosphere, and take photos beneath the towering Kyrgyzstan flag. Stop at the Manas Monument to pay tribute to the country’s legendary hero. Explore Old Square, home to the Parliament House and Victory Square, then stroll through Oak Park and the tree-lined Erkindik Boulevard. Complete your city tour with a visit to the Opera and Ballet House, a stylish cultural venue and key center for performing arts.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.

Meals: breakfast.

Breakfast and enjoy a guided city tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Begin with a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, showcasing exquisite national handicrafts inside a beautifully decorated historic villa. Take a ride on the Tashkent Metro, famous for its artistically designed stations, each featuring unique murals and tilework. Continue with a walk-through Amir Timur Square and Independence Square, important landmarks of modern Uzbekistan. Explore the Old City, including the Hast-Imam Complex (15th century). Walking through the Islamic Civilization Center and Zarqaynar street. Conclude your tour at Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s oldest markets, where you can shop for fresh produce, traditional sweets, and local souvenirs. Overnight at a hotel in Tashkent.

Meals: breakfast.

In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the railway station for a scenic train journey to Bukhara. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin your guided walking tour of the Old City, rich in history and architectural treasures. Highlights of your private tour include: Start visit from Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, a charming square with historic architecture and a tranquil pond. Continue to Magoki-Attori Mosque and the Trade Domes (15th–16th centuries), now bustling with souvenir stalls. Next Poi Kalyan Ensemble, featuring the impressive Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs, showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture. Wander the narrow alleyways and artisan shops of the Old City. Tour of Ark Fortress and Museum, the former royal citadel of Bukhara. Bolo-Hauz Mosque, overlooking a serene pond. Finish with the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, one of Central Asia’s most iconic monuments. End the day enjoying the timeless atmosphere of Bukhara, a city that feels like an open-air museum. Overnight in Bukhara.

Meals: breakfast.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the morning with a city tour. Your private tour will include the Chor Minor (Four Minarets), an unusual madrasa built by Niyazkul in the 18th century. Continue your excursion to Emir's Summer Residence, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century), a unique site boasting of a blend of Oriental and Russian architecture. Discover the Bakhautdin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, an ensemble dedicated to the founder of the Sufi Order "Naqshbandia"; the site includes a mausoleum, mosque, pond, and museum. Last site is the Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum, a museum and replica of the architecture and décor of a 19th century Bukharan home. Overnight in Bukhara.

Meals: breakfast.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Bukhara, followed by hotel check-out. Depart for Samarkand (280km), traveling along a classic Silk Road route via Gijduvan. En route, stop in Gijduvan, a small town famous for its traditional ceramics, renowned across Central Asia for their vibrant colors and distinctive patterns. Visit a ceramic museum and workshop to observe local artisans at work and learn about this centuries-old craft. Continue the journey with visits to the atmospheric ruins of Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai and a nearby Sardoba, an impressive domed reservoir once used by Silk Road caravans. Arrive in Samarkand and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore independently, soaking in the timeless atmosphere of this legendary Silk Road city. Overnight in Samarkand.

Meals: breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel and you will have Samarkand city tour, visit Gur Emir, burial site of Tamerlane and Mirzo Ulugbek, 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. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Samarkand.

Meals: breakfast.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and continue your guided sightseeing tour of Samarkand, one of the most celebrated cities of the Silk Road. Begin with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, where you will see the remains of a remarkable 14th–15th century sextant and explore the accompanying museum dedicated to medieval astronomy. Continue to the Afrosiab excavation site and museum, revealing the ancient origins of Samarkand. Next, visit the Mausoleum of Khodja Daniyar, traditionally believed to be the burial place of the and an important pilgrimage site. Drive to Konigil Village to observe the traditional process of producing Samarkand paper from mulberry bark, preserved using ancient techniques. Continue with a visit to the Oriental Silk Carpet Factory, where you will see how high-quality handmade carpets are created using traditional methods.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station for your train journey to Tashkent (310 km). Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.

Meals: breakfast.

Depart at any time. Departure transfer is included. End of The Central Asia Tour in Two Weeks.

Meals: breakfast.