Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
14 days
From
$ 2449
Duration14 days
Spend two weeks discovering a part of the world well off the typical tourist track. Few Central Asia tours offer the cultural flavour this journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan does. Trek through the gorgeous landscapes of Jeti-Oguz, go horseback riding through the breathtaking valley at Chong-Kemin, stay a night in a traditional yurt, and discover the unforgettable warmth of the people in these regions. Visit Central Asia and you'll wonder why you didn't get here sooner.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 14 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive at any time.
Meals: B
Day 2: Bishkek/Chong-Kemin
After breakfast, embark on a morning city tour of Bishkek. Later, depart Bishkek for Chong-Kemin. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Continue along the scenic valley before reaching Chong-Kemin. Stay in a unique guest house that employs the local villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village.
Enjoy a morning city tour of Bishkek before departing for Chong-Kemin. Stop at the Burana Tower before arriving at the community guest house. Explore the village and then eat a home cooked traditional dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Chong-Kemin/Song Kul
In the morning, embark on an optional hike to the nearby mountains with stunning views. After lunch, take a scenic drive to Song Kul and be immersed in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life, opting to hike the landscape or explore the scenery via horseback. Enjoy delicious traditional cuisine for dinner. In the evening, get cozy in the yurt around the stove.
Continue on to Song Kul and spend the night in a traditional yurt. Opt to spend the day hiking or go for a horseback ride.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Ozero Sonkël’/Bokonbayevo
Upon arrival in Kochkor, learn about the importance of felt-making to the Kyrgyz culture and local artisans. Learn to craft with locals during an intimate workshop and then head to Bokonbayevo village. Experience a traditional Kyrgyz meal and then spend the night at a local homestay getting to know the local community members.
After breakfast, depart for Kochkor and stop at a Kyrgyz felt-making workshop. After lunch drive to Bokonbayevo Village and spend the night at a homestay, indulging in a traditional local meal.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Bokonbayevo/Jety-Oguz
Take a morning departure to Barskoon Village for a visit to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre. Observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. Continue to Jety-Oguz Gorge & and overnight in a traditional yurt.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Jety-Oguz/Karakol
Continue to Karakol and stop at the Prejevalskiy Museum followed by a walking tour of the city. See the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.
Say goodbye to the beautiful valley of Jeti-Oguz and transfer to Karakol. Visit the Prejevalskiy Museum and enjoy a walking tour of the city followed by free time to explore.
Meals: B
Day 7: Karakol/Saty Village
Cross the border into Kazakhstan embarking for Saty Village. Begin by hiking Kolsay Lake National Park. Known for Kaindy Lake, soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Feel fully immersed in nature. Tonight, stay at a local guest house and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals - a truly Kazakh experience.
Drive to the border and cross into Kazakhstan. Continue driving until arriving in Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. Embark on a two hour hike exploring Kaindy Lake, known as the sunken forest. Spend the night in a guest house sampling traditional Kazakh meals.
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Saty Village/Almaty
Boasting stunning shades of red, orange and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. Take in the stunning views before continuing on to the former Kazakh capital, Almaty. Take a city tour visiting sights such as the Monument of Independence, Zekoy Cathedral, and historical centre. In the afternoon, use free time to continue exploring this modern city. Opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafes.
Depart for Almaty early this morning, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Arrive in Almaty, taking in a city tour highlighting sights like the historical centre and Zenkov Cathedral. Have a free afternoon to explore the capital city.
Meals: B
Day 9: Almaty/Dushanbe
There may be more travellers joining the group here. Opt to attend an evening welcome meeting to get to know them.
In the morning, transfer to Almaty airport and board a flight to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Enjoy an evening in the city.
Meals: B
Day 10: Dushanbe/Kŭli Iskandarkŭl
Enjoy a free morning visiting some sights in the capital city of Dushanbe like monuments and the main mosque. After lunch, drive through the valleys and mountains for an overnight at a local home in the stunning Iskandarkul area. Meet the locals and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.
Meals: B, D
Day 11: Kŭli Iskandarkŭl
Spend a full day exploring. Hike in the mountains to an impressive waterfall. After a picnic lunch, return to Sarytag village.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Kŭli Iskandarkŭl/Khŭjand
Continue on to Istaravshan and visit an ancient settlement in Ura-Tube. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before driving to Khujand. Explore the city in the afternoon, visiting the museum and a mausoleum.
Meals: B
Day 13: Khŭjand/Tashkent
Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan.
Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.
Meals: B
Day 14: Tashkent
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Ozero Sonkël’ Your Local Living Moment: Bokonbayevo Village Homestay, Bokonbayevo Your Local Living Moment: Community Homestay, Kŭli Iskandarkŭl
- Half-day city tour (Bishkek)
- Burana Tower visit
- Community-based tourism (CBT) stay
- Felt-making workshop visit
- Yurt building presentation (Kizil Tuu)
- Karakol city tour (half-day)
- Saty Village stay
- Charyn Canyon stop
- City tour (Almaty)
- Dushanbe city tour
- Hikes and picnic lunch
- Mug Teppe settlement visit (Ura-Tube)
- City tour (Khujand)
- Khujand market visit
- City tour (Tashkent)
- Internal flight
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private vehicle, Plane, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (7 nts), Community homes (4 nts), Yurt (2 nts)