Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (2022)
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When most people land here, they have no idea what to expect. By the end of their stay, they don’t want to leave. This is the ultimate tour of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Interact with nomadic Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities and learn about their culture
Go straight into nature - incredible canyons, valleys, mountain lakes and more
Spend a night in an Uzbek yurt camp
Wander through unbelievable ancient cities far off the beaten path
Discover local crafts at traditional markets along the Silk Road
Take in some of the world's most dramatic mountain landscapes
Everywhere you look in this region there seems to be the most beautiful snow-covered mountain range or the most mesmerizing lakes, the most dramatic gorges and beckoning deserts. Wandering through ancient cities full of pulsing energy, you’ll soak up the history. Traveling along dirt roads into hidden valleys, you’ll soak up the serene nature. Spending time in small towns and villages, you’ll understand why this region is considered one of the friendliest in the world.
This trip takes you to the heart of the Silk Road, where being welcomed into local homes for tea is as common as could be. There’s the colorful non-touristy markets, traditional crafts, unique regional cuisine and several activities that will leave your heart warm, your smile wide and your days unforgettable.
As we travel through these wonderful lands, you’ll stay in traditional yurts, warm guesthouses and even with local families. And you’ll dine in homes, with nomads and at some of the best eateries around.
In reality, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are two countries that few travelers reach. But for those who do travel here, they quickly become two of their favorite destinations on the planet.
Reserve now!
Choose an option:
- 1Day 1BishkekBishkekArrival dayIncluded: DinnerUpon arrival at the Bishkek International Airport, you'll be picked up by our private driver and taken to our hotel in the city center. Once everyone has arrived we'll have an evening orientation followed by a great local dinner.
- 2Day 2BishkekBishkekHighlights: Walking tour of BishkekIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAfter breakfast we'll embark on a full walking tour of Bishkek, heading through the center of this planned city, with its endless monuments and grand plazas. From colorful markets to the public ping pong parks, into hidden neighborhoods that are home to a mix of the modern and traditional, you'll get an excellent feel for this peaceful city that maintains an appealingly positive vibe. We'll also enjoy lunch at one of Bishkek's most famous local eateries.
- 3Day 3TamgaTamgaHighlights: Lake Issy-Kul, dramatic Ala-Too Mountains, Skazka CanyonIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerOff we go towards the majestic Ala-Too Mountain Range, with a journey that will take us along the second largest mountain lake in the world. Backed by towering snow-covered peaks, Lake Issy-Kul is a gorgeous destination, with scattered villages, towns and nomadic communities near its shores. We'll stop for a walk through the gorgeous Skazka Canyon and will arrive in the little-known town of Tamga in the late afternoon. We'll then check in to our wonderful family-run guesthouse. (Total driving time to Tamga can be 7 hours including all stops, but it’s a gorgeous drive!)
- 4Day 4Tamga / Jety OguzTamga / Jety OguzHighlights: Soviet sanatorium, incredible nature, yurt campIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAfter a home-cooked breakfast from our hosts, we'll explore Tamga with a nature walk that leads straight to Lake Issy-Kul. We'll also pay a visit to the old Soviet sanatorium near town for a 'step back in time' experience like no other! In the afternoon, we'll take the 1 hour drive to Jety-Oguz, a beautiful area of mountains and valleys. After exploring Jety-Oguz, we'll head to our yurt camp where we'll spend the night. *This night includes shared accommodation at the yurt camp. We will have 3 yurts with 4 beds in each and the group will share the yurts.
- 5Day 5Yrdyk / KarakolYrdyk / KarakolHighlights: Jety-Oguz region, incredible nature, yurt campIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerA short drive will take us to the village of Yrdyk, home to Dungan people (Muslim Chinese people of Hui origin). We'll meet our local hosts and have a traditional lunch of Dungan dishes in their home. After lunch, we'll head out with our guide for a walk around this unique village to learn about their culture and gain a deeper understanding of this seldom visited area. In the mid-afternoon, we'll continue to the town of Karakol and check in to our accommodation.
- 6Day 6KarakolKarakolHighlights: Walking tour of KarakolIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerAfter breakfast, we'll head out for a complete walking tour of this friendly, traditional town. With its Orthodox wooden church, picturesque neighborhoods and many local craft markets, we'll explore at a leisurely pace, always flexible to the local experiences that will pop up along the way. We'll also visit local workshops and taste some excellent regional cuisine, while meeting local people who will be excited to interact with foreign visitors.
- 7Day 7Karakol » Chon-Kemin ValleyKarakol » Chon-Kemin ValleyHighlights: Sunday Animal Market, Chon-Kemin Valley, family-run guesthouseIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerWaking up early will be worth it today as we stop by the traditional Sunday morning Animal Market on the outskirts of Karakol. Once we tour this bustling market that is probably unlike any other market you've ever seen, we'll begin our journey around the north side of Lake Issy-kul. Our destination is the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley where we'll visit a local farm village. We'll go for a short hike through the valley, meet local farmers and then enjoy an excellent dinner and overnight at a local family-run guesthouse. (Total driving time to Chon-Kemin can be 5 hours, but it’s another gorgeous drive on a different route!)
- 8Day 8Chon-Kemin Valley » BishkekChon-Kemin Valley » BishkekHighlights: Burana Tower, return to BishkekIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerAfter a leisurely breakfast, we'll leave the valley and head back to Bishkek. Along the way we'll stop at the Burana Tower, an impressive and ancient minaret located in the Chuy Valley. We'll arrive back in Bishkek in the afternoon, and you'll have some free time to relax before one last Kyrgyz dinner experience.
- 9Day 9Tashkent (Uzbekistan)Tashkent (Uzbekistan)Highlights: Flight to Tashkent, orientation tour of the cityIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerWith a short 1.5 hour flight to Tashkent this morning, we'll be in Uzbekistan before you know it! After transferring to our hotel in the city center, we'll head out with our guide for an afternoon wander that takes in the mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture. Once our walk is over, we'll enjoy dinner and evening views over the city from the Tashkent Tower.
- 10Day 10SamarkandSamarkandHighlights: Main bazaar, evening in beautiful SamarkandIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerToday's morning walking tour will take in more of Tashkent's highlights, including the main bazaar (Chorsu market) full of local products, food, crafts and more. After lunch we'll take a 4 hour drive to the city of Samarkand, an ancient site along the Silk Route. We'll take an evening orientation walk to soak up the great atmosphere of this picturesque location before sitting down for a local dinner in the heart of the old city.
- 11Day 11SamarkandSamarkandHighlights: Full tour of Samarkand, hammam experience, free time, local dinnerIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerThe full tour of beautiful Samarkand today will include Registan, the heart of the ancient city and home to some of the most spectacular architecture in the country. We'll visit the Bibi-Khanum mosque, Ulugh Bek observatory and you'll have a chance to visit an ancient hammam/bathhouse for a scrub and massage. You'll also have some free time before we meet up for an evening visit with a local family who will cook us a traditional regional dinner.
- 12Day 12Nurata Yurt CampNurata Yurt CampHighlights: Tour of Nurata, Yurt Camp in the Kyzylkum DesertHighlights: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAfter a 3 hour drive through the Uzbek steppes, we'll reach Nurata, where we'll take a short tour through this historical town before having lunch with a local family. From here we'll continue into the Kyzylkum Desert where we'll arrive at our yurt camp near Aydarkul Lake. This is where we'll spend the day and night, interacting with nomadic families, doing some light hiking, admiring the scenery and hanging out with the camels. At night, we'll settle into our traditional Uzbek yurts for a peaceful sleep experience out in nature. *This night includes shared accommodation at the yurt camp. We will have 3 yurts with multiple beds in each and the group will share the yurts.
- 13Day 13BukharaBukharaHighlights: Travel to historic Bukhara, evening out in townIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerLeaving our yurt camp in the morning, we'll drive to Bukhara, often considered the most beautiful city in Uzbekistan! It's beyond stunning and we'll spend time exploring the ancient mosques, caravanserais, local neighborhoods, monuments and more. Once evening comes around, we'll out into town for a local night time experience in this magical destination!
- 14Day 14BukharaBukharaHighlights: Walking tour of the ancient city, free timeBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerOur walking tour today will take us straight inside the old city walls where you'll be awed by the Kalyan minaret, Bolo Haus mosque, traditional bazaar and the local crafts and jewelry market. That's not to mention the incredibly friendly people who are bound to strike up conversations, invite you for tea and most likely to meet their friends. With free time in the afternoon, you'll be able to wander around to the areas you like best and to really feel as if you are in an ancient land that not many visitors reach.
- 15Day 15TashkentTashkentHighlights: High speed train back to Tashkent, farewell dinnerBreakfast, DinnerAfter a free morning in beautiful Bukhara, we'll board a high speed train to Tashkent in the early afternoon. The trip back to Tashkent takes 3-4 hours. Upon arrival, we'll check in to our hotel. In the evening, the group will meet up for an excellent dinner as you share your favorite experiences from the past 16 days in this fascinating part of the world!
- 16Day 16TashkentTashkentDeparture DayIncluded: BreakfastToday you'll be picked up at the hotel by our private driver and taken to the airport in time to catch your departing flight.
Tour Essentials
Physical Level: Medium
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, walking tours in the cities, being outside in potentially warm temperatures, a couple of long journeys, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
On this trip, accommodation ranges from great guesthouses and mid-range hotels to traditional nomadic yurts! You can always expect comfortable accommodation on this trip. *Yurt Camps will involve sharing a tent with other tour participants and have shared bathrooms. Prices are based on twin-share rooms. There are 4 single rooms available at an extra charge. For twin share, solo travelers of the same sex will be placed together in a room with two beds.
Transport
During the trip, we'll travel in comfort with our private van. Our van offers plenty of space for each guest while giving us access to areas that larger vehicles simply can't go. We'll also have one flight from Bishkek to Tashkent and one high-speed train journey in Uzbekistan.
Meals
Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 12 dinners are included. With included meals, some will be served family style and other times you will be able to order anything you wish from the menu. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
Sustainability
As with all of our trips, we aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. Trash is recycled where possible and we avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities.
Small Groups
This tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you'll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people. That's the kind of trip we love to offer!
What's included
Included
- Wandering Earl Tours leader throughout
- Small group (maximum 12 participants)
- Accommodation (15 nights – 3* hotels, guesthouses and shared tents at yurt camps)
- Transportation within Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (flights, private vans)
- Local guides in each destination
- All mentioned activities, entrance fees and workshops
- Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 12 dinners
- Water throughout the trip
- Gratuities at hotels/included meals
- All airport transfers (Bishkek arrival / Tashkent departure)
Not Included
- Flights to/from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
- Passport/visa fees
- Meals and activities not mentioned
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Other gratuities
What's a Wandering Earl Tour Leader?
A Wandering Earl Tour Leader is more than a guide. They’re a travel fanatic, and this is more than just a job for them. It’s a passion. They’ll be with your group every step of the way, excited to lead you around the next bend and to take care of all the logistics so that you can relax and travel with ease.
They’ll be your ambassador as they introduce you to hyper-local guides who know their part of the world better than anyone else. They’ll work hard every single day to ensure that you have the type of travel experience that brings you the most rewards. With endless connections and the freedom to improvise, our leaders know exactly how to make a trip extraordinary.
And, most importantly, they’ll always be there for you any time you need them.
