Classic Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

These neighbours lie at the geographic and cultural heart of Central Asia, spanning a wealth of landscapes, peoples and traditions. Home to the Turkic tribes of old, their cities and mountains, even to this day, are pervaded with the magic and romance of the ancient Silk Road.

The adventure starts in Tashkent, where you will get a taste for the mixture of Islamic and Soviet influences that is characteristic of the region. From here, you’ll head begin to head back in time, starting ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

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Day 1 ARRIVE TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN): CITY TOUR

Day 1 ARRIVE TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN): CITY TOUR

Upon arrival into the capital your guide will be waiting to meet you and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, this afternoon may be spent visiting Tashkent’s main sights with your guide including the central square (Amir Timur or Tamerlane's Square), the Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre, the Chorsu Bazaar and the old town's mosques and madrassahs.

Navruz Hotel
Breakfast

Day 2 TASHKENT - URGENCH - KHIVA

Day 2 TASHKENT - URGENCH - KHIVA

Fly to Urgench this morning where you will be met on arrival and transferred to the city of Khiva close by. Go on a walking tour of the walled, oasis town preserved in its entirety since medieval times with your local guide, wandering through the maze of twisting alleyways dotted with mosques and minarets. The city is also home to the emir's residence and harem, and the magnificent Juma Mosque with its 200 individually carved wooden pillars.

Malika Kheivak Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 KHIVA - BUKHARA

Day 3 KHIVA - BUKHARA

This morning you will be transferred to the train station to board your train to Bukhara (approximately five hours). The journey evokes a moment of reflection on the journeys of the past as you pass through the vast Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sand, Desert to the magical city of Bukhara. Your guide will be waiting at the train station to take you on a tour through the narrow streets of the ‘old town’ and the city’s impressive architectural masterpieces including the Ark Citadel, former residence of the Emirs of Bukhara; Bolo-Khauz Mosque; and Kalyan Square with its great minaret.

Minzifa Hotel
Breakfast

Day 4 BUKHARA: LAST EMIR'S SUMMER PALACE EXCURSION

Day 4 BUKHARA: LAST EMIR'S SUMMER PALACE EXCURSION

This morning, visit the last Emir's Summer Palace, an eclectic mix of European and Oriental design containing a good collection of suzanes (traditional Uzbek embroidery) and Chinese porcelain brought to Bukhara by camel caravan in the 19th century. The afternoon is free to wander the old town’s cafes and trading domes. Later this evening, you will be taken to a local Bukharan’s home for a plov cooking demonstration where you will learn how this iconic dish is made before tucking into it for dinner.

Minzifa Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 BUKHARA - SAMARKAND

Day 5 BUKHARA - SAMARKAND

Some time at leisure this morning before being transferred to the train station this afternoon to take the train to Samarkand. The journey takes just under 2 hours and 30 mins passing through countryside before approaching the suburbs of Samarkand. You’ll be met at the station and transferred to your guesthouse to settle in. You may want a sneak peek of the famous Registan Square lit up in the evening in all its glory before a thorough tour of the area tomorrow.

Rabat Boutique Hotel
Breakfast

Day 6 SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR

Day 6 SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR

Enjoy a full day guided tour of Samarkand including, one of the absolute highlights of the trip, Registan Square; surrounded on three sides by blue tiled madrassahs, it is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and no picture can justly convey its magnificence. Other focusses of the morning’s tour are Tamerlaine's tomb; the Bibikhanum Mosque, built in honour of Tamerlaine’s wife; and buzzing local market. After lunch the interactive history lesson continues with a visit to the Shah-i-Zinada necropolis before driving out to Ulugbek's observatory to conclude the tour.

Rabat Boutique Hotel
Breakfast

Day 7 SAMARKAND - TASHKENT

Day 7 SAMARKAND - TASHKENT

After a leisurely morning, the rest of the day is left free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Then, this evening you will be taken to board the train to Tashkent which takes just over two hours. Arriving in evening you will be taken directly to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Navruz Hotel
Breakfast

Day 8 TASHKENT - BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN): CITY TOUR

Day 8 TASHKENT - BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN): CITY TOUR

This morning head back to the airport for your flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, splendidly set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city including the main square and the State National History museum. Lastly, stroll around Bishkek's Osh Bazaar whilst the fragrance of freshly baked Kyrgyz bread fills the air and the colourful handicrafts catch your eye from all directions.

Asia Mountains 1
Breakfast

Day 9 BISHKEK: ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK

Day 9 BISHKEK: ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK

Escape the city and enjoy a full day excursion to Ala Archa Canyon, part of the Ala Archa National Park. Here, you can walk one of the various routes into the mountains for amazing views over the pine and juniper-covered park. The national park is a favourite getaway of the citizens of Bishkek and you can follow their lead by hiking through its unspoilt nature and a stopping for a rest by a waterfall. There is the option to pre arrange bikes for those who prefer to spend the day cycling.

Asia Mountains 1
Breakfast

Day 10 BISHKEK - LAKE ISSYK KUL (SOUTH SHORE) - KARAKOL

Day 10 BISHKEK - LAKE ISSYK KUL (SOUTH SHORE) - KARAKOL

Today, you begin east along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul or “warm lake”, the second largest mountain lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. Measuring 182km long by 58km wide, the lake is heated from below by volcanic activity and never freezes even in the depths of winter. There will be time to stop for a walk and some lunch at a scenic spot of the lake before continuing to Karakol, a sleepy provincial town with Russian flavour, sandwiched between the lake and the imposing Tien Shan Mountains.

Green Yard
Breakfast

Day 11 KARAKOL: JETY OGUZ EXCURSION

Day 11 KARAKOL: JETY OGUZ EXCURSION

Today you’ll drive one hour along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul into the Jety Oguz Valley. One of five beautiful valleys located in this eastern province, Jety Oguz is named after the ‘Seven Bulls’ rock formation which you will stop to see at a nearby viewpoint. There are various walking opportunities, as well as horses to rent, to explore the peaceful landscape dotted with mountain pastures and grazing flock. Your guide can advise on the best route for you before you set off past ice-cold charging rivers and slopes shrouded with forests of Tien Shan spruce, walnut trees and wildflowers. After a stop to enjoy a picnic with a view, you will begin heading back towards the car and return to Karakol for the evening.

Green Yard
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 KARAKOL - LAKE ISSYK KUL (NORTH SHORE) - CHON KEMIN VALLEY

Day 12 KARAKOL - LAKE ISSYK KUL (NORTH SHORE) - CHON KEMIN VALLEY

Before departing Karakol, there will be time to tour its quaint, soviet-style streets with your guide. In addition to its Russian cottages and Holy Trinity Cathedral, built completely of wood, another point of historical interest is the brightly coloured Chinese Dungan Mosque, whose design mixes Buddhist influences into its Islamic protocol. After the tour, head back along the northern shore of the lake to the village of Ashu.

Ashu Guesthouse
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 CHON KEMIN VALLEY: HIKE OR HORSE RIDE

Day 13 CHON KEMIN VALLEY: HIKE OR HORSE RIDE

As well as homely guesthouses, Ashu village provides an ideal location to venture into the Chon Kemin Valley either by foot or horseback. You have the day to explore the picturesque landscapes and fresh mountain waters of the valley being led by your guide. There is also the option to mix this with a bit of leisure time back at the guesthouse.

Ashu Guesthouse
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 CHON KEMIN VALLEY - BISHKEK: DEPART

Day 14 CHON KEMIN VALLEY - BISHKEK: DEPART

After breakfast, depart for Bishkek’s international airport, around two-and-a-half hours away, in time for your flight back home where your tour comes to a close.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED

14 days from £3,790

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 6518 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Natalie

Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

Kyrgyzstan is truly the breathtaking and ‘wild’ Stan, perfect for landscape and activity lovers. Each day brings new spectacular vistas; from lakes and valleys to mountains and canyons.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN KYRGYZSTAN