Experience with Kyrgyz Vibes Kyrgyzstan
April, May, September, October
14 days
High
Private
Central Asia
Experience the magic of Central Asia on this 14-day journey through Kazakhstan’s dramatic landscapes, Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking mountains, and Uzbekistan’s legendary Silk Road cities. Wander through ancient bazaars, marvel at stunning canyons and alpine lakes, and immerse yourself in nomadic traditions. From the futuristic streets of Almaty to the timeless beauty of Samarkand and Bukhara, this adventure blends history, nature, and culture for an unforgettable travel experience.
Upon arrival at Almaty International Airport, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, to have dinner and review the tour program. Overnight stay in Almaty. Meals are not included for this day.
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, depart for Medeo, the highest ice-skating rink in the world, located at an altitude of 1,691 meters above sea level. From there, take a cable car ride to Shymbulak Ski Resort, where you can enjoy panoramic mountain views at an elevation of 2,500 meters.
Lunch at a local café. Return to Almaty in the afternoon and explore key landmarks, including Republic Square and the Central State Museum. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel at 08:00 AM, then depart for the Tamgaly-Tas Gorge on the Ili River. Tamgaly-Tas is a remarkable historical site featuring ancient Buddhist rock carvings and inscriptions in Tibetan, Kalmyk, and other languages. These fascinating petroglyphs, shrouded in mystery, are believed to hold prayerful significance. Upon arrival, your guide will share the history and legends of this extraordinary place. You’ll also spot medieval-style film set structures on the opposite bank, built for the movie “Nomad.”
After the visit, transfer to Basshi village for lunch at a guesthouse. In the afternoon, continue to Altyn Emel National Park to explore the Singing Dune, a 120-meter-high sand dune that "sings" in the wind, producing sounds like a musical organ or a drum. Climb the dune for panoramic views of the Ili River and surrounding landscapes. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Basshi. Meals include lunch and dinner.
In the morning, depart for Charyn Canyon, known for its dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations in the Valley of Castles. After exploring the canyon, visit Black Canyon, a quieter yet equally stunning area. Continue the journey to Kolsay Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by forests and meadows. Overnight in a guesthouse in Saty Village. Meals include lunch and dinner.
Visit Kaindy Lake, famed for its submerged spruce forest, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Cross the Kegen border into Kyrgyzstan and proceed to Karakol. Accommodation in a guesthouse. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Depart from Karakol after breakfast, heading towards Turgen Gorge. Enjoy multiple stops along the way to capture the stunning scenery of the Tien Shan Mountains as well as the panoramic view of Chong-Ashuu pass. Have picnic along the river Turgen. You will have the opportunity to try Chinese-Muslim cuisine prepared by a local ethnic group known as the "Dungans" and learn more about their history, culture, and daily life.
Overnight: a hotel. Meals: breakfast, picnic & dinner.
Start the day by exploring Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red rock formations, including the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart.” Continue to Barskoon Gorge, known for its picturesque waterfalls and the Yuri Gagarin Monument, commemorating the cosmonaut’s visit to this region. After lunch, visit Skazka Canyon, where the unique rock formations resemble fairy-tale creatures and castles. Overnight in a guesthouse. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After breakfast, visit a local eagle hunter to learn about Kyrgyz traditional hunting practices. Participate in a yurt-building masterclass before enjoying a home-cooked lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Bishkek with an optional stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret from the Karakhanid era. Dinner in Bishkek.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
-In the morning, take a short excursion to Ala-Archa National Park (1,500m–2,200m above sea level), a picturesque mountain reserve offering hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
-Return to Bishkek for lunch before transferring to the airport for an evening flight to Tashkent (18:50–19:10). Dinner at a local cafe in Tashkent.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After breakfast, explore Tashkent’s historical and cultural sites, including:
- Khast Imom Complex, a significant Islamic site with 16th-century mosques and madrasas.
- Chorsu Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace filled with spices, textiles, and local delicacies.
- Tashkent Metro, known for its beautifully decorated Soviet-era stations.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Take a high-speed train to Samarkand (2 hours).
Full day exploring the historical landmarks of Samarkand:
- Registan Square, the heart of the city and a masterpiece of Timurid architecture.
- Bibi-Khanum Mosque, once the largest mosque in Central Asia, built by Timur.
- Siab Bazaar, a lively market offering traditional sweets, dried fruits, and souvenirs.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
-Upon arrival, visit Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Islamic pilgrimage site.
-Paper mill “Meros” to participate in a workshop of producing the ancient Samarkand paper
-Free time in the evening.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Bukhara (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, start a walking tour of Bukhara’s ancient city center, including:
- Ark Fortress, the former residence of Bukhara’s rulers.
- Poikalon Complex, home to the famous Kalon Minaret and Miri-Arab Madrasa.
- Labi-Hauz Complex, a traditional gathering place surrounded by historic buildings.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Take a high-speed train back to Tashkent (4 hours). In the afternoon, visit the Makam Imam Bukhari, the burial site of the renowned Islamic scholar.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. End of the tour.
Since it is quite cold in the evenings since it is high altitude, please take warm clothes with you.
Kyrgyz cuisine includes mostly beef with variety type of noodles. We love black tea and drink 3 times a day ( guesthouses will offer black tea). If you want coffee, just ask and the host makes you cups of coffee.
Roads are in a bad condition, especially in mountainous areas, so please ready for a lot of it.
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