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Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

15 days, Tashkent to Bishkek

Map of the route for Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: Arrive at any time.
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 18:00 on Day 15

Itinerary

Day 1Tashkent

Arrive at any time. In the evening, meet your CEO and new crew that you'll be traveling with in a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner together. Then hit the town for your First Night Out, the chance to get to know your new travel buds!

This trip returns to Uzbekistan on day 10. Please be advised that you may need a double entry visa.

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.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Day 2Tashkent/Khiva

Start today with some breakfast and an orientation walk of Tashkent. Check out the neighborhood alongside your CEO, then head out to explore the city how you'd like! Opt to join a Tashkent city tour or take a day trip to see the impressive Institute of Sun. This evening, climb aboard the overnight train en route to Khiva.

Tashkent Orientation Walk
Tashkent

Join your CEO for a orientation walk through Tashkent. Get to know the area around your hotel better explore some of this awesome city.

Free Time
Tashkent

Spend the day free to explore Tashkent however you'd like!

Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Tashkent – Khiva15h742km

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Tashkent Guided City Tour
Tashkent

Visit the city's highlights with a local guide. Ride the Russian-esque metro and visit the religious centre of the city and Museum of Applied Arts. Wander the neighbourhood streets and learn about daily life and history of the city and the Uzbek people.

Institute of Sun Visit
Tashkent

Visit the famous Institute of Sun and see its incredible architecture. The coolest part is seeing the blue sky and the mountains in the reflection of the giant mirrors covering the Solar Furnace. Don't forget your camera!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Khiva

After a full nights sleep aboard the train, choose to have some breakfast in the dining car or enjoy the views as you chug along. Pull into Khiva around noon, drop your bags, then head out on an orientation walk. Spend the afternoon free to explore the city of Khiva however you want. Perhaps visit one of Khiva's most important landmarks, the Islam Khadija Minaret or take a tour of the City Wall.

Khiva Orientation Walk
Khiva

Explore a bit of Khiva alongside your CEO on an orientation walk.

Free Time
Khiva

Spend the afternoon free to explore Khiva.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Khiva Ancient City Exploration
Khiva

Khiva feels like a museum city, with well-preserved city walls and ancient monuments. Wander the city on a guided tour, learn about life here and its important place in history.

Islam Khoja Minaret
Khiva

Visit Islam Khoja Minaret, Uzbekistan's tallest minaret. Built in 1910, this structure is the often called the symbol of Khiva.

Day 4Khiva/Bukhara

Today you are free to explore this incredible ancient city. In the evening, head to the train station to travel to Bukhara. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival.

Free Time
Khiva

Enjoy the morning free in Khiva.

Train
Khiva – Bukhara6h30m391km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Bukhara

Get a feel for your adventure in Bukhara by starting the day with an orientation walk of the area. Then today is yours to explore the city! Visit some of the incredible Hammams (traditional public baths), or join a guided tour of Bukhara.

Free Time
Bukhara Full Day

A full day to explore Bukhara is on the docket for today!

Bukhara Orientation Walk
Bukhara

Explore the neighborhood of Bukhara alongside your CEO to get a lay of the land.

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Bukhara Hammam Visit
Bukhara
35USD per person

There are a few hammam choices in the city and they are often gender specific - Hammam Kunjak for ladies and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. Depending on the day of the week and when you want to go, your CEO can advise you on some options.

Bukhara City Guided Tour
Bukhara

Join a local guide to visit the the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel, and the Poi-i-Kalon complex. Wander around beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets that make up the Old City.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Bukhara/Samarkand

Bukhara, a historic and important stop along the Silk Road, is today a beautiful piece of living history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Bukhara, with its stone alleyways and colorful tiles, will have you feeling transported to an ancient time. Enjoy another day free to explore this beautiful place before taking a train to Samarkand in the evening.

Free Time
Bukhara Full Day

Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Train
Bukhara – Samarkand2h30m250km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Bukhara Old Town visit
Bukhara

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bukhara Old Town. This historic medieval city is full of ancient mosques, mausoleums and monuments. Once a pivotal stop along the Silk Road, this town is now a cultural wonder. Wander through the stone alleyways and through the incredible architecture to get a feel of historic Bukhara.

Uzbek Cooking Class
Bukhara

Get to know Uzbek cuisine better at a local cooking class. Make delicious local dishes like Uzbek Shakarob Salad & colored Dumpling, using natural vegetable juice to give the food color.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Samarkand

The great city of Samarkand was once a rich trading and intellectual center of the Silk Road. Now known for its melting pot of culture and grand architecture, today is yours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Free Time
Samarkand Full Day

Spend today at leisure to explore Samarkand.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel Visit
Samarkand
3USD per person

Enjoy a visit to the Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions. A legend says that his body grows by half an inch every year!

Konigil Village and Silk Paper Making Workshop
Samarkand

Visit the Village of Konigil, on the banks of the ancient Siab Canal. Here you can learn about and witness some of the historic traditions of Uzbekistan. Pay a visit to the old Silk Paper Workshop and learn for yourself how to make paper in this ancient method.

Samarkand City Tour
Samarkand

Visit the important sights of the city with a local guide. See the Shaki Zinda complex, Samarkand bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Samarkand/Marguzor

This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan. Shortly after crossing the border, stop at Panjakent Bazaar and wander through the stalls of food, clothes and unique finds. Head out and continue the drive to Padrud Village for the night. On the way, we'll visit four of the breathtaking Seven Lakes in the Fan Mountains. These lakes shine with different colors of blues, greens, purples and turquoises. Grab your camera and take in the incredible views.

Private Vehicle
Samarkand – Jartepa Border Crossing1h55km

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

Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Tajikistan)
Jartepa Border Crossing – Panjakent Border Crossing

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

Private Vehicle
Panjakent Border Crossing – Marguzor3h60km

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

Panjakent Bazaar
Panjakent

Visit the colorful Panjakent Bazzar. Walk through the fragrant stalls, delicious local food stands and locally made home goods being sold.

Marguzor Lakes
Marguzor

Visit 4 of the 7 lakes of Marguzor and admire the stunning natural beauty of Tajikistan.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 9Marguzor

After breakfast at the guesthouse, hike from Lake 6 to the incredible Lake 7. This remote lake is only accessibly by hiking and is well worth the trek. After arriving, enjoy a scenic picnic next to the lake before hiking back to the village. This evening, chow down on a well deserved Tajikistani barbecue.

Hike Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7
Marguzor3h 6km

Start at Lake 6 and hike to the majestic lake 7 of the 7 Marguzor Lakes. Lake 7, arguably the most beautiful is reached only on foot. With nothing but rocky mountains and crystal blue water in sight, admire the incredible scenery of Tajikistan.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Marguzor/Samarkand

Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand.

Private Vehicle
Marguzor – Panjakent Border Crossing2h30m60km

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

Border Crossing (Tajikistan to Uzbekistan)
Panjakent Border Crossing – Jartepa Border Crossing

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

Private Vehicle
Jartepa Border Crossing – Samarkand1h55km

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

Free Time
Samarkand

Enjoy a free evening to chill in Samarkand.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Samarkand/Tashkent

Take a morning train to Tashkent, where it all began! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital city of Uzbekistan. This evening, join your group for a Big Night Out in the city!

Train
Samarkand – Tashkent4h-4h9m332km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Free Time
Tashkent

Spend the rest of the day free to adventure through or relax in Tashkent.

Your Big Night Out Moment: in Tashkent

Hit the local bars out on the town tonight during your Big Night Out!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Tashkent/Shymkent

Hop in the van for a trip across the border to Kazakhstan. Drive to Shymkent and join your CEO on an orientation walk of the city before enjoying the afternoon to explore.

Private Vehicle
Tashkent – Gisht Kuprik1h25km

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

Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan)
Gisht Kuprik – Granitsa Kazakhstana

Cross the border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Have your passports handy.

Private Vehicle
Granitsa Kazakhstana – Shymkent1h30m105km

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

Shymkent Orientation Walk
Shymkent

Join your CEO on an orientation walk to get to know Shymkent, known as the "Green City." With it's rich history and interesting culture, we'll see the lively markets and other must-see spots.

Free Time
Shymkent

Spend the afternoon free to explore the historic Silk Road city, Shymkent.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Shymkent

Drive to the totally instagramable Ugam Chatkal National Park. Join a fun 16km hike to Sayram Su Lake for a cute lakeside picnic with the crew. Hike Back to Shymkent to relax this afternoon.

Private Vehicle
Shymkent – Ugam Chatkal National Park1h30m60km

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

Sayram Su Lake Hike
Sayram 16km

Hike to the beautiful Sayramsu Lake. We'll be hiking to the Lower Nizhniy Sayram Su Lake. It's 8 km one way and the elevation gain is 650 m. Even as a longer hike, this trek is rated as easy to moderate hike, with few steep sections. At the top we will be greeted with beautiful views of Sayram Ugam National Park and the Sayram River Valley.

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 14Shymkent/Taraz

Drive to Taraz today. This city is not visited by many tourists now but was once a major rest stop along the Ancient Silk Road. Take an orientation walk around the town then opt to visit the Taraz Museum to see the remains of this historic place.

Private Vehicle
Shymkent – Taraz3h184km

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

Taraz Orientation Walk
Shymkent – Taraz

Alongside your CEO, take a tour of Taraz, one of the oldest and smallest cities in Kazakstan. What this town lacks in size, you'll quickly learn how it makes up for it with its fascinating history.

Free Time
Taraz

Enjoy some free time in historic Taraz.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum
Taraz

Visit the Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum to learn about the magic that traders and merchants once witnessed in this historic Silk Road town.

Day 15Taraz/Bishkek

Cross the border into the next Stan - Kyrgyzstan, and drive to Bishkek. Your trip ends upon arrival. If you opt to attend the farewell dinner with the group, please do not book onward travel prior to 10 pm. Otherwise, we suggest booking onward travel after 6 pm.

Private Vehicle
Taraz – Sypatai Batyr3h185km

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

Border Crossing (Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan)
Sypatai Batyr – Sypatay Batyr

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

Private Vehicle
Sypatay Batyr – Bishkek1h45m90km

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

| 15 days - Tashkent to Bishkek - from $2149 USD