Classic Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan
Suggested Itinerary
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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 ...
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 with a flight to the medieval city of Khiva and then through the barren Kyzylkum Desert to the Silk Road centres of Bukhara and Samarkand. Enjoy the Islamic majesty of both cities, whilst being guided through the mosques and mausoleums of Bukhara and Samarkand’s stunning Registan Square before flying on to the Kyrgyzstan capital, Bishkek.
Tours of the capital and the soviet-style town of Karakol will provide insight into the everyday lives of the locals and the impact of their history on them, but the real draw to Kyrgyzstan is arguably its natural elements. The second half of the itinerary allows you to make the most of Kyrgyzstan’s wild landscapes, with full days spent hiking to Ala Archa National Park’s waterfalls, swimming in the warm waters of Lake Issy Kul, exploring the mountains of Jety Oguz Canyon and horse-riding into Chon Kemin Valley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara
The Minzifa is a small, stylish guesthouse located in the old town. Built in traditional Uzbek style around a central courtyard, this friendly charming hotel features the most refined Bukharan. When entering the hotel, one notices the ancient wooden gates adorned by openwork carving. Throughout the building you’ll see the old decorative method of ganch carving by famous craftsmen dynasties of Uzbekistan. All twelve rooms are individually decorated and have modern private bathrooms and air-conditioning. The hotel offers personal service, and a delicious breakfast is served each morning. A recommended choice when staying in Bukhara.
Malika Kheivak Hotel, Khiva
The Malika Kheivak, formerly known as the Lolita Hotel, was bought and fully renovated in 2008 by the reputable Malika Hotel Chain. Enjoying a faultless location within the walls of Ichan Qala, the medieval citadel in the heart of Khiva, and next to the Islam Khoja Minaret, the hotel is only a short walk from the city's mosques, madrassas, palaces and hammams. Built in traditional local style, the hotel features 22 ensuite rooms simply decorated but well-equipped with satellite TV, fridge and air conditioning. The restaurant and bar offer Uzbek meals and good local wine.
Asia Mountains 1, Bishkek
This charming guesthouse has been built in the style of a Swiss chalet with twelve comfortable en suite bedrooms and spacious communal areas. Just off a leafy boulevard in bustling Bishkek, the peaceful garden provides an ideal spot for resting after a busy day exploring, especially when the flowers are in bloom between late April and late autumn. The welcoming reception area is open 24 hours a day and in the back of the hotel is an outdoor pool with an accompanying sauna. The hotel’s Swiss-style bar and restaurant serves a choice of delicious breakfasts. Although the facilities are simple, we like the quieter location of this property.
Ashu Guesthouse, Chon Kemin Valley
Lying in a village in the Chon Kemin Valley is the delightful Ashu Guesthouse, established by a local family who wish to share their beautiful surroundings and traditional rural lifestyle. All rooms, though compact, have en suite facilities and are furnished and decorated with locally made items and handicrafts including plenty of colourful embroideries and hand carved wood. Guests can relax on day beds in the large shady gardens after a long day hiking or horse-riding. The rest of the village is on your doorstep to explore and the fertile valley is a great provider for home cooked, locally-sourced meals on the terrace.
Green Yard, Karakol
In the centre of Karakol, this small family-owned hotel offers nicely decorated rooms with modern facilities including flat screen televisions and en suite bathrooms. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is felt throughout the property, including its 28 rooms which are spread across the pretty gardens. There are communal sitting rooms and a nice outside terrace in which to relax, as well as a dining room where a good home cooked breakfast is served each morning. We recommend the Luxe rooms for their views over the garden.
Navruz Hotel, Tashkent
The three-star Navruz Hotel, located within a 20-minute drive of the city's main sites, opened in 2018. Great value for money, this property offers quality service and clean, 38 spacious rooms with all the necessary amenities. Every room is air-conditioned with a seating area, private bathroom and mod cons such as a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and a kettle. Rooms are light and airy with pretty, cosy decor and come with orthopaedic mattresses and walk-in showers, apart from some suites. This is a simple yet comfortable base from which to explore the capital. In addition to breakfast at the property, there are a number of restaurants around the area for dinner and lunch. During the summer months guests can also make use of the rooftop terrace.
Rabat Boutique Hotel, Samarkand
The Rabat Boutique Hotel has a historic yet homely atmosphere with traditional Uzbek décor and welcoming hosts. The hotel is set around an inner courtyard of a building originally built in 1906, hidden away in the heart of the old town. The air-conditioned, ensuite guest rooms open up onto the shared balcony overlooking the small garden. A continental breakfast in the morning is served in the morning in the historic dining room, adorned with beautiful Uzbek tiling. Wi-Fi is available in the guest rooms, but it is temperamental.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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WILD MILES
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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.
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Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258