Central Asia Adventure – Almaty to Tashkent
14 days
from Almaty to Tashkent
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 Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 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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Starts in: AlmatyPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: TashkentAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty
Start place: Almaty
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
End place: Almaty
Day 2: Almaty
Start place: Almaty
Take a city tour of Almaty including the historical centre, the Zenkov Cathedral and the Monument of Independence. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to climb green hill for a panoramic view or visit the local market.
End place: Almaty
Meals: B
Day 3: Almaty/Karakol
Start place: Almaty
Drive via scenic Charyn Canyon to take in more of the Kazakh landscape. Reach the border and cross into Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy an evening in Karakol.
End place: Karakol
Meals: B
Day 4: Karakol/Kochkor
Start place: Karakol
Visit the Prejevalskiy Museum then drive to Kizil Tuu. Stop en route for a swim in the lake. In Kizil Tuu learn how to built a yurt before continuing on to Kochkor.
End place: Kochkor
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Kochkor/Song Kul
Start place: Kochkor
Visit a felt-making workshop to learn more about this typical Kyrgyz craft. Opt to pick up a carpet or two. Continue on to the scenic Song Kul area and stay overnight in a traditional yurt for a true cultural experience.
End place: Ozero Sonkel'
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Song Kul
Start place: Ozero Sonkel'
Spend a full day soaking in this beautiful area. Opt to head out for some hiking or horseback riding. Enjoy another night in a yurt.
End place: Ozero Sonkel'
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Song Kul/Chong-Kemin
Start place: Ozero Sonkel'
Continue on into the scenic valley of Chong-Kemin. Stay in the local CBT (community based tourism) houses and explore the village. Soak in the stunning scenery.
End place: Chong-Kemin
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Chong-Kemin/Almaty
Start place: Chong-Kemin
Depart Chong-Kemin and stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower. Learn more about the ancient structure (rare in a nomadic culture) before continuing on to the capital city of Bishkek for an afternoon city tour. Board an evening flight to Almaty.
End place: Almaty
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Almaty/Dushanbe
Start place: Almaty
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.
End place: Dushanbe
Meals: B
Day 10: Dushanbe/Kŭli Iskandarkŭl
Start place: Dushanbe
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.
End place: Tashkent
Meals: B
Day 14: Tashkent
Start place: Tashkent
Depart at any time.
End place: Tashkent
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Ozero Sonkël’ Your Local Living Moment: Community Homestay, Kŭli Iskandarkŭl
- City tour (Almaty)
- Charyn Canyon stop
- Karakol city tour (half-day)
- Yurt building presentation (Kizil Tuu)
- Felt-making workshop visit
- Community-based tourism (CBT) stay
- Burana Tower visit
- Half-day city tour (Bishkek)
- 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 (8 nts), Community houses (3 nts), Yurt (2 nts)