16-day Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Group Tour 202516 days | Group | Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Day 1, Th: Bishkek – arrival

 

Arrive in Bishkek. You will be met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at 14:00. Free time. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2, Fr: Bishkek – Naryn (350 km / 8 hours)

 

Meeting in Bishkek. Beginning of the expedition. We start our journey from the city streets, where modernity gradually gives way to endless mountain expanses and peaks. We go with you to the Naryn region, one of the highest and most authentic regions of the land of nomads. And already in 1 hour 30 min we will at the first monument of the Silk Road - Burana Tower. Crossing the Boom Gorge, we will pass through the temporary gates leading to the world of traditions and spiritual heritage. Lunch in the village of Kochkor. We arrive at the yurt camp Naryn, where we get ready for our high-mountain nomadic journey. Here we learn why the Kyrgyz worshipped water and considered it sacred, and how nomadic traditions were born high in the mountains. After a hearty dinner, we will delve into the philosophy of nomadic life, the traditions of birth and growing up, learn about family values and the rituals of seeing a nomad off on his last journey.
Meals: lunch box, dinner

Day 3, Sa: Naryn – Son-Kul (160 km / 3-4 hours)

 

We have breakfast and gain strength to go on a real summer high-mountain nomadic journey. We arrive to the yurt camp on Son-Kul Lake, where a hot nomad's lunch is waiting for us. We go to the construction of a real nomad's dwelling - a yurt. Today we learn the first skills of a nomad. At the nomad's dinner we get the first clue to the phenomenon of nomadic civilization!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4, Su: Son-Kul – Tash Rabat (250 km / 6 hours)

 

Breakfast. After breakfast we set off to master the art of horse riding as for a nomad a horse is everything! The high-mountain lake Son-Kul will reveal to us another secret of nomads. After a ride to the lake on horseback, explorers will have to fulfil an important mission to deliver a valuable cargo, which is a symbol of trust and part of a rite of well-being. We continue our journey in search of the nomad code and head to the legendary caravanserai Tash Rabat. Overcoming beautiful passes, we make a stop for a meal of nomadic food ‘gulazyk’. Dinner, after which we will immerse ourselves in the marvelous world of traditional nomadic games and try to get the next fragment of the secret code.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5, Mo: Tash Rabat – South shore of Issyk-Kul (350 km/ 5 hours)

 

At breakfast, the nomadic camp host will share with us a piece of a valuable cargo that was delivered the night before!
We set off for the ancient refuge of travelers and merchants - the Tash Rabat caravanserai. Once again, we embark on a journey to unravel the secret of the nomadic civilization. Midway, we will stop for a traditional nomadic lunch. Then, we descend from the highland pasture into the valley, heading toward the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Here, we will take part in the Salbuurun tradition: eagle hunting, archery, and an introduction to the Kyrgyz Taigan hunting dog.
Upon arrival at the yurt camp, we will take a walk along the lakeshore, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in the yurt camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6, Tu: South shore of Issyk Kul – Karkyra (215 km / 4 hours)

 

We start our day with breakfast overlooking the lake. The legends of Issyk-Kul take us to the Cranes' Migration – the Karkyra Valley.
In the village of Zhenish, we will uncover the secrets of creating traditional national carpets, shyrdak and ala-kiyiz.
Our journey continues with a lunch stop in Karakol, a city that serves as a bridge between nomadic and sedentary cultures.
After lunch, we will explore the city's fascinating history, visit the Dungan Mosque, and discover how a miraculous icon from Greece found its way to the Holy Trinity Cathedral. On our way to the final nomadic camp, we will visit the Old Mill Museum, which showcases unique exhibits of military armor and the everyday life of nomads dating back to the 5th century BCE.
Our Cranes' Migration will take us to breathtaking heights, where we will learn about the ruler of the skies – Khan Tengri.
Upon arrival at the Karkyra yurt camp, we will enjoy dinner with a tasting of traditional nomadic beverages.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7, We: Karkyra

 

After breakfast, we will set off on a hike to the Char-Kuduk Gorge. Upon our return, lunch will be served, followed by preparations for a grand celebration at the camp - dough will be kneaded for boorsoks, and traditional clothing will be laid out in anticipation of the wedding rituals.
Finally, during the festive dinner, the explorers will gather all the pieces of the "Nomads' Code" and uncover the hidden meanings behind the phenomenon of nomadic civilization.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8, Th: Karkyra – Bishkek (440 km / 7 hours)

 

After breakfast, our journey nears its end. However, on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the village of Ornok, the final symbol of the nomad awaits us. It will be passed on to the explorers by the keepers of the Museum of Nomadic Civilizations.
During our farewell lunch with the museum's keepers, we capture a final photo to remember this incredible expedition.
We return to the world from which our journey of discovery began. But now, each of us takes home not just memories, but a piece of the nomadic soul!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9, Fr: Bishkek – Tashkent (Kyrgyzstan/ Uzbekistan)

 

After breakfast, meet your guide to start sightseeing in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz National Philharmoniс, Statue of Manas, Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, Museum of Fine Arts and Osh market.
Free time. In the afternoon transfer to the airport to get the flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Meals: breakfast

Day 10, Sa: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva

 

After breakfast start guided sightseeing tour in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia. You will start with exploring the Old City. Visit Khast-Imam Complex, where the world famous Quran, holy book that belonged to Caliph Uthman, has been preserved. The complex consists of Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Continue to Chorsu Bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to the city center to visit Applied Arts Museum and walk through Navoi Theater to Amir Timur Square where you will end Tashkent city tour.
Transfer to domestic airport, evening flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min).
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours

Day 11, Su: Khiva – Bukhara

 

After breakfast sightseeing tour in Khiva. Visit Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Ichan-Qala fortress visit Sayeed Alauddin Mausoleum, Arab-Mukhamadkhan Madrasah, Oq-Masjid Mosque, Madrasah of Hodjan Berdi-biya, Shirgazikhan Madrasah, Abdullakhan Madrasah, Juma Mosque, Allakulikhan Madrasah, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Minaret of Islom-Khoja. In the evening, transfer to domestic airport flight* to Bukhara. Arrival in Bukhara, transfer to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
*subject to availability and maybe substituted to transfer by train

Day 12, Mo: Bukhara

 

After breakfast start walking sightseeing tour in Bukhara.
Visit Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Dinner and a National Show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 13, Tu: Bukhara – Samarkand

 

Breakfast. Start the second day with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. In the afternoon depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand (470 km, 4-5 hrs.). Upon arrival at Samarkand check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours

Day 14, We: Samarkand

 

After breakfast, Samarkand sightseeing tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, Gur Emir Mausoleum – the Mausoleum of Amir Timur, remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siab Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory. Free time in the afternoon.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 15, Th: Samarkand – Tashkent

 

Breakfast. Continue sightseeing tour in Samarkand. You will visit Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Farewell lunch in Samarkand.
At 16:30 transfer to the railway station to take the high-speed Afrosiyob train departing at 17:30 (300 km, 2 h 10 m) and arriving in Tashkent at 19:40. Pick-up and transfer to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours

Day 16, Fr: Tashkent – departure

 

Check-out from the hotel till noon. Transfer to the airport. End of Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan group tour.

Price includes:

• Accommodation based on the itinerary;
• Transportation throughout the tour, including airports/train stations pick up and drop offs;
• Sightseeing with an English speaking guides in each country;
• Entrance tickets to the sights as per itinerary;
• Participation in the cooking of traditional Kyrgyz bread - boorsok;
• Meals - according to the itinerary;
• Demonstration of National Horseback riding games, yurt frame making and setting up, eagle hunting (Golden Eagle), shyrdak making;
• Folklore show program at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah
• Economy class ticket for flight Bishkek-Tashkent-Urgench-Bukhara;
• Economy class ticket for train Samarkand-Tashkent;
• Mineral water (1 litre/day/person);
• Tour leader to escort groups of 8 and more travelers in each country.

Price doesn't include:

• Hotel charges for additional services;
• Consular fees for Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan tourist visas;
• Visa support for Kyrgyzstan tourist visa;
• Camera fees, charged separately by museums;
• Travel insurance;
• International flight tickets before and after the tour;
• Full board;
• Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.

100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.

Group size: 1-16 persons

Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.