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Tours starting on Thursdays will now follow the updated itinerary below due to the cancellation of Almaty to Dushanbe flights on Fridays (Day 9), with no alternative options. As a result, travellers starting their tour on Thursday will now enter Tajikistan on Day 8, one day earlier than originally planned. If you require an e-Visa for Tajikistan, please apply using your Letter of Invitation (LOI) here: - link Note for UK passport holders: An e-Visa is required. Ensure your application reflects the Day 8 entry date as stated in your LOI. If you're unsure about visa requirements, check your nationality-specific entry info here: - link

Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

14 days, Bishkek to Tashkent

We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
Map of the route for Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
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Itinerary

Day 1Bishkek

Arrive at any time.

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's artsy capital and cultural hub, situated at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore!

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Grand Hotel Bishkek (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Bishkek/Chon Kemin

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a cozy guest house run by Karal Dobo Villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.

City Tour
Bishkek

Check out some of the main highlights of this Soviet-esque capital city. Learn about the history of the city and daily life.

Burana Tower Visit
Burana

Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large miniaret about 80km from Bishkek, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remains of the 9th century city of Balasagun.

Private Vehicle
Bishkek – Chon Kemin1h30m90km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Chon Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Chong-Kemin/Song Kul

In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.

Weather related conditions may limit access to the Song Kol mountain pass in May and June. If the pass is closed, the group will instead overnight at a yurt stay near Issyk Kol Lake.

Private Vehicle
Chon Kemin – Song-Köl5h230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt

Enjoy overnighting in a traditional felt yurt. Get comfortable in this multi-share round tent that fit up to 4 people and cozy up by the stove. Experience daily life of the nomads and sample some of their delicious cuisine.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Hiking in Song Kül
Song-Köl
Free

Explore the scenic mountain views and pastures on foot, getting up close and personal with breathtaking nature.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4Song Kul/Tamga

Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to enjoy lunch together with a local family. After lunch, head to the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon. Walk through the striking rock formations and take some beautiful photos. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol’ Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.

Tamga village was once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights.

Private Vehicle
Song-Köl – Tamga6h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Stop halfway in Kochkor village for a Kyrgyz felt-making workshop.

Lunch with Local Family in Kochkor
Kochkor

Enjoy an intimate lunch with local family in Kochkor Village.

Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon
Issyk Kul

On the Southern Shore of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. It's nickname speaks for itself, with natural rock formations that tower like princess castles in faraway lands.

Your Local Living Moment: Tamga Village Stay

Spend the night at a guesthouse in Tamga Village situated along Issyk Kul Lake. Surrounded by mountains and often used as a base for trekking, this village offers a touching glimpse into local Kyrgyz life.

Accommodation

Anyutaika Guesthouse (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Tamga/Karakol

This morning we head to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre, a G for Good supported organization, to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. Continue the drive to Jety Oguz, where we stop to visit the beautiful Seven Bulls rock formations, enjoy a picnic lunch with a stunning view and hike to the Jety Oguz viewpoint. Finish the drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol and enjoy a city tour upon arrival, visiting notable sites like the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.

Karakol City Tour
Karakol

Jump on a mini-bus and see what Karakol has to offer. Stop by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral to admire the unique architecture. This beautiful wooden church was built in 1895, after the old structure was destroyed by an earthquake, and is still used for services on Sundays. Next, visit the colourful Dungan Mosque originally built in 1910 that almost resembles a Buddhist temple. This is the only mosque in the area and definitely worth checking out.

Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration

Visit the Ak-Orgo workshop, a G Adventures-supported project working to preserve Kyrgyz traditions and create employment opportunities in Barskoon. Observe how traditional yurts are built.

Jety Oguz & the Seven Bulls
Jety-Oguz

Visit the stunning Seven Bulls in the Jety Oguz mountain area. Watch as the bright red sandstone seemingly changes color hues as the sun reflects off the unique rock formations. We'll have a picturesque picnic lunch in the valley that is blanketed in colorful flowers in the spring. Then hike to the Jety Oguz view point on a 1.5 hour roundtrip moderate hike.

Private Vehicle
Tamga – Karakol1h30m-2h100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Stop first in Barskoon village before continuing on to Karakol.

Accommodation

Caravan Hotel Karakol (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Karakol/Saty Village

Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a 4x4 vehicle for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.

Private Vehicle
Karakol – Saty Village4h30m230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan)
Kegen

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Saty Village Stay
Saty Village

Be immersed in Kazakh culture during a homestay near the Kolsay Lakes National Park. Eat a traditional dinner and marvel at the mountain range and forests surrounding the village.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Hiking in Kolsay Lakes National Park
Kolsay Lakes National Park
Free

Explore the many lakes throughout the National Park. Unique views of the Tian Shan mountain range, Kolsay River, and the famous Kaindy Lake will not disappoint.

Accommodation

Saty Village Guesthouse (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7Saty Village/Almaty

Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrival in Almaty, join your CEO for an orientation walk around your hotel.

Private Vehicle
Saty Village – Charyn Canyon National Park2h30m140km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Charyn Canyon National Park – Almaty4h230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Charyn Canyon Visit
Charyn Canyon National Park

Enjoy the views of the beautiful Charyn Canyon. Breathe the fresh air and snap a few photos of this stunning landscape.

Accommodation

Otrar Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Almaty/Dushanbe

Explore the amazing city of Almaty on a city tour, visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue the adventure through Almaty. Opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés. This evening, transfer to Almaty airport and board a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on the Varzob River.

Free Time
Almaty

Enjoy the afternoon free to explore Almaty.

Plane
Almaty – Dushanbe1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Almaty City Tour
Almaty3h

Get to know Almaty on a city tour, visiting the most stunning sights. Stop by the colourful Ascension Cathedral, constructed entirely of wood without the use of any nails. It survived an earthquake in 1911 and continues to stand today. Walk through Panfilov's Park and the historical part of the city. Visit the new part of Almaty known as Independence Square, and stop by the WWII Memorial.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Zelyony Bazaar
Almaty

Also known as the "Green Bazaar," this was once a key trading centre in the city. Explore this traditional outdoor Kazakh market and roam around the varied stalls. Find anything from local spices and meats to souvenirs or furniture. Stay for a meal or opt to sip on tea while watching the hustle and bustle of the market unfold.

Accommodation

Otrar Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Dushanbe

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a tour of Dushanbe, visiting the main monuments, museum, and mosque. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day free to explore the cultural hub of Tajikistan.

City Tour
Dushanbe

Visit the highlights of the capital city on a guided tour, seeing the Central Mosque and square, Ismail-i-Somoni Monument, the State Flag Pole, and Tajikistan Antiquities Museum.

Free Time
Dushanbe

Spend the afternoon free in Dushanbe to explore this cultural and historic city.

Accommodation

Vatan Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul/ Ghazza Village

Enjoy a morning drive through the valleys and mountains to Kuli Iskandarkul. Pass along Alexander the Great's lake and go on a short hike to Iskander Darya waterfall. After lunch continue the drive to our overnight stay at a Community Guest house in Ghazza Village. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival to Ghazza village the group will set out on a walk followed by dinner at local family's home.

Private Vehicle
Dushanbe – Kuli Iskandarkul3h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Iskander Darya Waterfall
Kuli Iskandarkul

Take a short hike through the peaceful Fan Mountains to Iskander Darya waterfall, or Fan Niagra. The Iskander Darya river flows from the famous Iskandarkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great for his love of place. This massive, majestic waterfall falls from a height of 38 meters.

Private Vehicle
Kuli Iskandarkul – Ghazza3h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Local Living Moment: Community Guesthouse

Enjoy an overnight stay in local guesthouse in this stunningly beautiful area. Meet the locals and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.

Accommodation

Ghazza Village Guesthouse (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 11Ghazza

After breakfast, embark on a hike alongside Voru River to visit Voru village (one of the oldest Villages of the Fann Mountains). Visit the local blacksmith's workshop. We'll learn about the different products they make, like knives and horseshoes. After the village exploration, head back to to Community guest house. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to enjoy the roof top terrace at the guest house. Have dinner in a community guest house with the group in the evening.

Voru Village Hike and Blacksmith
Ghazza

Hike to the Voru Village in the midst of the Fann Mountians. Explore the village and pay a visit to the local Blacksmith. Enjoy the chance to see they amazing things they make by hand, like knives and horseshoes. Have a cup of tea in the village before heading back to the guest house.

Free Time
Ghazza

Enjoy a free evening in Ghazza Village.

Accommodation

Ghazza Village Guesthouse (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12Ghazza/Khujand

Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque the largest bust of Lenin. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before continuing the drive to Khujand. Wander the city in the afternoon, visiting the Historical Museum of Sughd, resembling a castle, and the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin.

Lenin Monument
Istaravshan

Visit the largest monument of Vladimir Lenin in the world, located in Istaravshan. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the majority of Lenin statues were taken down, especially around Tajikistan. This os one of the only ones remaining.

City Tour
Khujand

Explore the city, visiting the museum and a mausoleum.

Private Vehicle
Ghazza – Khujand3h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Sugdiyon Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Khujand/Tashkent

Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.

Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan.

Market Visit
Khujand

Visit the market in Khujand. It's the largest in Tajikistan and a great example of a typical Central Asian market. Enjoy browsing what's for sale and opt to sample a few of the local delicacies.

Private Vehicle
Khujand – Tashkent3h178km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Tajikistan - Uzbekistan)

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Harris Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Tashkent

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

| 14 days - Bishkek to Tashkent - from $3099 USD