Central Asia Explorer
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
KFSR
Start City:
Bishkek
End City:
Tashkent
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
Budget
Tour Length:
17 days
Age Requirement:
15+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
12
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | Thursday, Jun 06, 2024 | $3,528 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jun 01, 2024 | Monday, Jun 17, 2024 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 | Thursday, Jun 27, 2024 | $4,040 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jun 14, 2024 | Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 | $4,030 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jun 21, 2024 | Sunday, Jul 07, 2024 | $4,110 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Jul 30, 2024 | Thursday, Aug 15, 2024 | $3,845 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Aug 09, 2024 | Sunday, Aug 25, 2024 | $3,805 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 10, 2024 | Monday, Aug 26, 2024 | $3,735 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Aug 13, 2024 | Thursday, Aug 29, 2024 | $3,735 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024 | Thursday, Sep 26, 2024 | $4,350 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024 | Thursday, Oct 10, 2024 | $4,150 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Sep 27, 2024 | Sunday, Oct 13, 2024 | $4,070 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Oct 04, 2024 | Sunday, Oct 20, 2024 | $3,885 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Oct 11, 2024 | Sunday, Oct 27, 2024 | $3,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Apr 04, 2025 | Sunday, Apr 20, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Apr 18, 2025 | Sunday, May 04, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Apr 25, 2025 | Sunday, May 11, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, May 02, 2025 | Sunday, May 18, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, May 09, 2025 | Sunday, May 25, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, May 16, 2025 | Sunday, Jun 01, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, May 23, 2025 | Sunday, Jun 08, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, May 30, 2025 | Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jun 06, 2025 | Sunday, Jun 22, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025 | Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jun 13, 2025 | Sunday, Jun 29, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jun 20, 2025 | Sunday, Jul 06, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jun 27, 2025 | Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jul 04, 2025 | Sunday, Jul 20, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jul 25, 2025 | Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Aug 01, 2025 | Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Aug 08, 2025 | Sunday, Aug 24, 2025 | $3,920 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 | Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Aug 15, 2025 | Sunday, Aug 31, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Aug 22, 2025 | Sunday, Sep 07, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Aug 29, 2025 | Sunday, Sep 14, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Sep 02, 2025 | Thursday, Sep 18, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Sep 05, 2025 | Sunday, Sep 21, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Sep 09, 2025 | Thursday, Sep 25, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Sep 12, 2025 | Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Sep 19, 2025 | Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 | Thursday, Oct 09, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Sep 26, 2025 | Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 | Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 | $4,230 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Oct 03, 2025 | Sunday, Oct 19, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Oct 10, 2025 | Sunday, Oct 26, 2025 | $4,075 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Be entranced by the beauty of Kyrgyzstan and historical wonders of Uzbekistan on this 17-day tour. Traverse landscapes of alpine lakes and mountains interrupted only by dots of yurts, feel the divine artistic power of the detailed mosaics and towering minarets of ancient cities, and be welcomed into homes and family-run businesses by locals. A mix of ancient nomadic cultures, various iterations of both conservative and progressive Islam, Soviet influence and post-independence nationalism mean Central Asia is home to unique traditions. Travels here will leave you raving about the region for years to come and planning your next trip back as soon as you get home.
Countries Visited
-
Day 1
BishkekWelcome to Bishkek! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Tomorrow you’ll take a tour of the city, so don’t stress too much if you don’t have time to see much today. Bishkek is tree-lined town of parks and gardens, handsome houses and wide streets perfect for strolling. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables).
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
BishkekEmbark on city tour that showcases the various stages of Bishkek’s history. Visit the severe Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, and learn about the towering statue depicting folkloric hero Manas. Continue to Dubovy Park, and wander among the open-air cafes before strolling between the century-old oaks along Freedom Avenue. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek. Quite the contrast to the relaxed quiet streets, square and parks in the city centre, Osh Market is noisy, crowded, and a perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here, from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Issyk-Kul LakeThis morning, up and on the road through the beautiful landscaps of Kyrgyzstan. You'll be travelling with our vehicle for the next few days so get ready for a road trip through some pretty stunning mountains and lakes. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visibleremnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then continue to Tokmak and meet a local Kyrgyz family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Then onto the destination of today - Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. At 170 - kilometres-long and 70-kilometres-wide, her beauty is a real sight to behold. Your yurt camp for tonight is set up along the south shore of the lake where you'll get a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountains setting behind the lake. Made of felt and tarpaulins on a round frame, yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz people and this will be your 'settlement' for today and tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 4
Issyk-Kul LakeWith relaxed plans for today, we’ll wander the beautiful alpine area and head out to meet a local eagle trainer (or Berkutchi) and discover the ancient principles of training these beautiful creatures to follow commands, catch prey and return back to their masters and then visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening, relax in your authentic yurt camp, jump into the lake, ride a bike or sit back with a cold homemade vodka – created by your yurt camp owners, just for you.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
Song-Kol Lake (3016 metres)Back on the road and travel to Song-Kol Lake, another alpine stunner that is considered a sacred place to many Kyrgyz people, as well as one of the best summer pastures for nomadic herders. The landscape will change depending on the season but is sure to be beautiful no matter when you travel. In the summer you might see nomadic herdsmen and their families watching over goats, sheep, and horses. Enjoy exploring your surroundings for the rest of the day, maybe hiking one of the many trails. Tonight, fall asleep in yurts set up along the shore. Tomorrow, those daring enough for an invigorating morning splash can use the lake to wash off the sleep.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
Kyzyl-OiTravel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi, which is squeezed between mountains. On the way, pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River, which feeds into the Syr Darya. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river in the shade of the trees and use your free time to explore the village on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Suusamyr Valley/Chychkan River/KarakulGet ready for a full-day of driving though big, beautiful landscapes. As the roads in Kyrgyzstan see little regular maintenance, even short distances on a map can take hours. The road crosses the Suusamyr Valley – a high steppe plateau situated at around 2200 metres above sea level. The mountainous surroundings are often dotted with yurts. Continue along the Chychkan River that cuts through the Tien Shan mountain range. Stop here for a while and soak up the amazing scenery. Arrive at tonight's accommodation in Karakul sometime in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 8
OshAfter breakfast, get ready for another all-day journey to Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgystan. Stop en route at Uzgen, an ancient trading town and handicrafts centre along the Silk Road. Although much of the ancient city has been destroyed, a minaret and three mosques that have survived remain important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. Continue to Osh. Located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country, Osh is often referred to as the 'Capital of the South' and is the oldest city in the country.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
OshRise and shine for a visit to the only World Heritage site in Kyrgystan, the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, also known as Solomon's Throne. For centuries Silk Road travellers have sought out the mountain's caves and their petroglyphs in the belief that they would be blessed with longevity or healthy children. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Osh. Perhaps visit the Jayma Bazaar, where you might pick up an interesting souvenir or two. Or maybe take a self-guided tour of the remnants of Osh's soviet past with a walk to the giant Lenin statue in the city square.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
Border Crossing/Andijan/TashkentThis morning, drive to Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, which is just outside of the city. Transfer to Andijan and board a local train to Tashkent (approximately 5.5 hours). The train is a great place to meet locals, so don’t be surprised if people want to chat to the chet ellik (foreigner). Arrive in the evening and check into the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
TashkentBegin your introduction to Uzbekistan by exploring the capital today. Follow your leader on a city walking tour - explore Amir Timur square at the city center, then hop on the metro and lose yourself in the exciting Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments, and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon and maybe go and visit the Khast Imom complex, a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century, or simply relax and enjoy some well deserved downtime after a busy journey in Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 12
BukharaTravel to Bukhara by train this morning. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was an important regional and world hub for many, many years and has a long, fascinating history featuring invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. Explore this fascinating city with your tour leader on an orientation walk after arrival and head to the Lyabi-Haus area, a busy 17th-century plaza with hundreds-years-old trees and there is time to wander the small craft studios tucked into the nearby madrasas and trading domes.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
BukharaEnjoy a day of sightseeing in beautiful Bukhara. First visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa, once the summer residence of the last Emir. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings by local artisans. In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress and Kalon Mosque, the symbol of Bukhara. Continue to one of Central Asia's oldest and most exquisite structures, the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the superb decorative brickwork of which has survived 1000 years of rugged history.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 14
SamarkandHave a free morning to yourself for some further exploration of Bukhara. In the late afternoon,transfer to the station for the high-speed train to fabled Samarkand (approximately 2 hours). This city is located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. Arrival early evening and follow your leader on a short city orientation walk and maybe an optional dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 15
SamarkandEnjoy a tour of Samarkand. First up is the central square called the Registan, which features mosques and mausoleums that are true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Continue to Guri-Amir, where Tamerlane is buried, and then the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Visit Shak-i-Zinda, a necropolis that features a series of gleaming blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th–19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. It is photo worthy at every turn, just remember to be respectful as pilgrims visit the complex. In the evening, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 16
TashkentThis morning, take the train back to Tashkent. Enjoy a free afternoon and why not celebrate this great adventure with an optional farewell dinner tonight?
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 17
TashkentThere are no activities planned today and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after check out.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
- Bishkek - City Tour
- Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
- Tokmak - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Eagle Hunter Visit
- Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex
- Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain
- Osh - National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
- Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
- Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Kalon Mosque
- Bukhara - Ark Fortress
- Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk
- Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Samarkand - Registan
- Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
- Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
Meals
16 Breakfast(s) Included
5 Lunch(es) Included
7 Dinner(s) Included
Style: Original
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Guesthouse/Homestay (2 night), Hotel (11 nights), Tourist Yurt Camps (3 night)
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.
Overall Rating
4
Accommodations
3.6
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
4.4
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
3.7
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
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