Central Asia Adventure 2027

Welcome to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the starting point of our Central Asian adventure! Surrounded by the towering Tian Shan mountains, this city is our gateway to a country known for its nomadic traditions, incredible mountain landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, recover from your travels, and get ready for the adventures ahead!

Most people head for Ala-Too Square, wander through Osh Bazaar, or just find a cafe on Chuy Avenue and shake off the flight. Tonight we all meet up for our welcome dinner, say hello properly and get to know everyone you’ll be travelling with.

Included: Airport transfer, Welcome Dinner

Overnight in Hotel – Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

Our adventure officially begins today as we leave Bishkek and head toward beautiful Lake Issyk Kul!

Our first stop is Burana Tower, an ancient minaret and one of the few remaining landmarks of the once-thriving Silk Road city of Balasagun. We’ll explore the archaeological site, including its fascinating collection of ancient stone carvings.

Next, we’ll visit a Dungan family in Iskra village for a traditional lunch. The Dungan people are a Chinese-speaking Muslim community whose ancestors migrated to Central Asia, and this is a wonderful opportunity to experience their unique food and culture.

We’ll continue toward Lake Issyk Kul, one of the world’s largest and deepest alpine lakes, surrounded by spectacular mountains. Before settling into our lakeside resort, we’ll visit an open-air petroglyph museum featuring ancient rock carvings dating back thousands of years.

We finish the day at our hotel right on the lake shore.

Included: All meals, Burana Tower, Lunch with a Dungan family, Petroglyph museum, Transport & guide

Overnight in Cholpon Ata Hotel

Today is a mountain day. We drive up into the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges, two of the prettiest valleys on the north shore of Issyk Kul, with rivers running through alpine meadow and peaks on every side. There is time to walk, take photos and sit in it for a while, and we stop for a picnic lunch out in the valley.

In the afternoon we continue to Karakol, the old Russian garrison town at the far end of the lake. We visit the wooden Holy Trinity cathedral, built without a single nail, and the Dungan mosque, which looks far more like a Chinese temple than anything you would expect.

Included: All meals, Grigoriev & Semenov gorges, Karakol sightseeing, Transport & guide

Overnight in Karakol

A big day today. We start at Jeti Oguz, which means seven bulls in Kyrgyz and is named after a row of enormous red rock formations that really do look like a heart standing shoulder to shoulder. We take the short hike up to the viewpoint for the best light of the morning.

Next is Barskoon gorge, where there is an optional short walk up to the waterfall known as the Bowl of Manas, and then Skazka canyon. Skazka means fairytale in Russian and the name fits. The rock has eroded into castles, dragons and animals depending on where you stand, and you can scramble around as much as you like.

We end the day in Bokonbaevo with a local eagle hunter. Falconry here is passed down through the family, and you will watch a hunting demonstration and see how the hunter and his bird work together. It is one of those things you can hardly believe you are watching.

Tonight we stay with a local family at their guesthouse.

Included: All meals, Jeti Oguz, Barskoon gorge, Skazka canyon, Eagle hunting demonstration, Guesthouse stay, Transport & guide

Overnight in Bokonbaevo

Today we’re heading into the mountains to experience one of Kyrgyzstan’s most treasured traditions: nomadic life!

Our first stop is Kyzyl Tuu village, famous for its generations-old tradition of making traditional Kyrgyz yurts. We’ll meet a local artisan family and learn how these portable homes are built and why they’ve played such an important role in Central Asian culture for centuries.

After lunch in Kochkor, we’ll make our way through the mountains toward Song Kul Lake, crossing the scenic Kalmak Ashuu Pass at approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.

Located at over 3,000 meters, Song Kul is a spectacular alpine lake surrounded by vast grasslands where nomadic families bring their livestock during the summer months.

Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a two-hour horseback riding experience through the surrounding meadows, with opportunities to see grazing horses and sheep.

And tonight? We’re sleeping in traditional yurts!

We’ll enjoy dinner at our yurt camp and spend the night surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of rural Kyrgyzstan.

Included: All meals, Yurt making visit in Kyzyl Tuu, Horseback ride, Yurt camp stay, Transport & guide

Overnight in a yurt at Son Kul

After breakfast at our yurt camp, we’ll say goodbye to beautiful Song Kul Lake and travel toward the Chon Kemin Valley.

We’ll stop for lunch in Kochkor before continuing to Tar-Suu, a small village surrounded by mountains and beautiful countryside.

This afternoon is an opportunity to slow down and experience a quieter side of Kyrgyzstan. We’ll have time to walk through the village, enjoy the scenery, and get a glimpse of everyday life in this rural community.

Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner at our guesthouse before gathering outside around a campfire for an evening of conversation and stories beneath the stars.

It’s a chance to relax and appreciate the slower pace of life before we cross into our second country tomorrow!

Included: All meals, Guesthouse stay, Transport & guide

Overnight in Chon Kemin Guesthouse

After breakfast, we’ll leave the mountains and villages of Kyrgyzstan behind and head toward the border with Kazakhstan. The crossing is straightforward and our guides will walk you through the paperwork side of it.

Country number two of our five-Stans adventure!

Once we’ve completed our border crossing, we’ll continue to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and former capital. It’s a completely different atmosphere from the rural landscapes we’ve spent the past several days exploring!

We’ll discover some of the city’s highlights, including Independence Square, Panfilov Park, the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, and the World War II memorial.

This evening, we’ll head to Kok Tobe, a hill overlooking Almaty, where we’ll ride a cable car and enjoy panoramic views of the city with the mountains rising in the background.Included: All meals, Border crossing assistance, Almaty city tour, Kok Tobe cable car, Transport & guide

Overnight in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Today we’re heading out of Almaty to explore one of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular natural wonders!

Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, thanks to its dramatic cliffs, colorful rock formations, and incredible landscapes carved by the Charyn River over millions of years.

We’ll explore the famous Valley of Castles, where towering sandstone formations create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

We’ll have the opportunity to hike approximately two kilometers down into the canyon, surrounded by massive rock walls and some truly incredible scenery.

After our canyon adventure, we’ll return to Almaty for our final night in Kazakhstan.

Included: All meals, Charyn Canyon national park entrance, Private transport & local guide

Overnight in Almaty Kazakhstan

Today is the day the two halves of the trip change over.

For those joining us for the full five-Stans adventure, we’re heading to country number three: Uzbekistan!

Today we’ll fly from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and one of Central Asia’s largest cities.

For travelers finishing the two-Stans adventure, today marks the end of your journey, with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

If you booked Part 2, welcome! You will be met at Tashkent airport and brought into the city, and hotel check-in opens at 2:00 PM.

Once we arrive, we’ll begin exploring this fascinating capital in the afternoon, where ancient Islamic traditions meet Soviet-era architecture and modern city life.

We’ll visit the Khast Imam Complex, an important religious and historical center, before continuing to Independence Square and Chorsu Bazaar, one of the city’s busiest traditional markets.

We’ll also experience Tashkent’s metro system, famous for its beautifully decorated underground stations. Some of these stations feel more like art galleries than public transportation!

Tonight we’ll settle into our hotel in Tashkent, ready to cross into another country tomorrow.

Included: Guided sightseeing in Tashkent, Airport Transfers, Metro Ride, All meals, and accommodation.

*Flight from Almaty to Tashkent is not included.

Overnight in Tashkent Uzbekistan

Another country, another adventure!

Today we’ll leave Uzbekistan behind and cross the border into Tajikistan, country number four of our five-Stans journey. But don’t worry we will be back for more Uzbekistan later in the week.

Our destination is Khujand, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and the second-largest city in Tajikistan. Located along the Syr Darya River, Khujand has been an important trading center for thousands of years.

The city has a fascinating history, including connections to Alexander the Great and the ancient Silk Road. We’ll explore the city center, visit the Khujand Fortress and historical museum, and discover the impressive monuments honoring the city’s past.

We’ll also visit Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of the largest traditional markets in Tajikistan, where locals shop for everything from fresh produce and spices to clothing and household goods.

Other highlights include the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Mausoleum and the distinctive Arbob Palace of Culture, located just outside the city.

Included: All meals, Border crossing assistance, Khujand sightseeing, Transport & guide

Overnight in Khujand, Tajikistan

Today we’re exploring more of Tajikistan as we make our way from Khujand to the capital city of Dushanbe.

Our journey takes us through dramatic mountain landscapes, winding valleys, and the Anzob and Shakhristan mountain routes. It is a long one at around seven hours, but the road is the whole point. We go through the Shakhristan and Anzob tunnels and down the Varzob gorge with mountains the entire way, and we stop for photos whenever it is worth it, which is often.

About 80km out of Khujand we stop in Istaravshan, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia at more than 2,500 years old. We walk the old town, see the Kok Gumbaz madrasa under its blue dome, climb Mug Teppa fortress hill for the view over the rooftops, and visit the bazaar where blacksmiths still hammer out knives and daggers by hand.

Included: All meals, Istaravshan sightseeing, Transport & guide

Overnight in Dushanbe, Tajikistan Hotel

A full day in Dushanbe, which is far younger than anywhere else we visit. It only became a city in 1925, grown out of a village whose name literally means Monday, because Monday was market day.

We visit the National Museum of Tajikistan, Dusti Square in the centre, the Palace of Nations and Navruz Palace, and the Ismail Somoni monument. The flagpole here was the tallest in the world when it went up, at 165 metres.

In the afternoon we drive 30km out to Hissar Fortress, a restored hilltop fort with madrasas either side of the gate and a small museum inside, and finish back in town at the central bazaar.

Included: All meals, National Museum, Hissar Fortress, Transport & guide

Overnight in Dushanbe Hotel

Today we’re leaving Tajikistan and returning to Uzbekistan, but not before exploring some incredible ancient history!

Our journey takes us through the scenic Zarafshan Valley toward Penjikent, a historic city near the Uzbekistan border.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes and opportunities to stop for photographs.

We’ll visit the Museum of Ancient Penjikent and explore the archaeological site of Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back thousands of years.

Sarazm was one of the earliest known settlements in Central Asia, offering a fascinating look at the civilizations that existed here long before the famous Silk Road trading cities. After our sightseeing, we’ll cross the border back into Uzbekistan and continue to Samarkand, one of the most legendary cities along the ancient Silk Road.

Tonight we’ll settle into our hotel in Samarkand, ready for a full day of exploring tomorrow!

Included: All meals, Penjikent museum, Sarazm, Border crossing assistance, Transport & guide

Overnight in Samarkand Uzbekistan Hotel

Today we’re exploring one of the most spectacular cities in Central Asia! Samarkand is the city everybody pictures when they think of the Silk Road, and today is the day.

Samarkand was once one of the most important trading centers along the ancient Silk Road, connecting merchants, cultures, and civilizations between East and West. And the architecture here is absolutely incredible!

We’ll begin at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary conqueror Amir Timur. Next, we’ll visit the famous Registan Square, surrounded by three magnificent madrasas covered in intricate blue tiles, mosaics, and towering arches. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Central Asia.

We’ll continue to the enormous Bibi-Khanym Mosque and explore Siab Bazaar, where locals shop for traditional breads, dried fruits, spices, and other regional specialties.

Our final major stop is Shah-i-Zinda, an extraordinary complex of beautifully decorated mausoleums with some of the most impressive tilework in Uzbekistan.

Included: All meals, Gur-e-Amir, Registan Square, Bibi Khanym, Siab Bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda, All entrance fees, Transport & guide

Overnight in Samarkand Hotel

Today we’re trading our vehicle for a train as we continue along the ancient Silk Road route to Bukhara!

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the railway station and board our train for the journey from Samarkand to Bukhara. Once we arrive, we’ll begin exploring another of Uzbekistan’s most historic cities.

Bukhara was an important center of Islamic learning, trade, and culture for centuries, and much of its historic architecture has been beautifully preserved.

We’ll visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, and the impressive Ark Fortress, once home to the rulers of Bukhara. We’ll also explore the Bolo Hauz Mosque, the magnificent Poi Kalyan Complex, the Magoki-Attori Mosque, and the lively Lyabi Hauz Complex.

Tonight we’ll stay in Bukhara, surrounded by centuries of Silk Road history.

Included: All meals, Train ticket from Samarkand, Bukhara sightseeing, All entrance fees, Transport & guide

Overnight in Bukhara Hotel

Today we’re heading across the vast landscapes of Uzbekistan’s Kyzylkum Desert!

After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey from Bukhara to Khiva, following part of the ancient Silk Road trading route.

The Kyzylkum Desert, whose name means “Red Sands,” stretches across a huge area of Central Asia and was once crossed by caravans transporting goods between distant cities.

Along the way, we’ll experience the wide-open desert landscapes, scattered vegetation, and endless horizons that make this region so different from the mountain scenery we explored earlier in the trip. We’ll arrive in Khiva in the afternoon and check into our hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy a walk through this fascinating historic city.

Included: All meals, Transportation to hotel & Local. guide

Overnight in Khiva Uzbekistan

A full day inside the walls. We start at 9:00 and work our way through Ichan Kala, a UNESCO site and the best preserved old city in Central Asia.

We see the Kuhna Ark, the khan’s own fortress and mint, the Muhammad Rahimkhan and Muhammad Aminkhan madrasas, and the Kalta Minor minaret, the fat turquoise tower that was meant to be the tallest in the Islamic world until the khan died and work stopped at a third of the height. Then the Juma mosque and its forest of more than 200 carved wooden columns, the Tash Khovli palace, the Pakhlavan Mahmud mausoleum and the Islam Khoja minaret, which you can climb if you do not mind the stairs.

Included: All meals, Ichan Kala entrance, All site entrance fees, Transport & guide

Overnight in Khiva Hotel

Today we say goodbye to Uzbekistan and cross the border into Turkmenistan, our fifth and final country!

After meeting our local guide, we’ll journey into the vast Karakum Desert toward one of Central Asia’s most unusual sights, the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously nicknamed the Door to Hell.

As darkness falls, we’ll experience the desert atmosphere and spend the night in a traditional yurt camp, enjoying a barbecue dinner beneath the stars.

Included: All meals, Border crossing assistance, Darvaza Gas Crater Visit, Yurt camp stay, Barbecue dinner, Transport & guide

Overnight in a yurt at Darvaza

After breakfast in the desert, we’ll make our way to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s extraordinary capital.

Known for its striking white marble architecture, enormous monuments, and grand boulevards, Ashgabat feels unlike almost anywhere else in the world.

We’ll explore the city’s remarkable landmarks, including the Arch of Neutrality, Independence Monument, and Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque, before settling into our hotel.

Included: All meals, Ashgabat city tour, Transport & guide

Overnight in Ashgabat Hotel

Our last morning together. We transfer you to Ashgabat airport for your flight home.

Twenty days, five countries and a few thousand kilometres later, you have seen a part of the world most travellers never get to. Thank you for coming, we would love to have you on the next one.

Included: Breakfast, Airport transfer