From the deserts of Uzbekistan via the bustling Kashgar bazaar and through the lush mountain scenery of Kyrgyzstan – this is a trip for the truly adventurous! We begin our journey in Tashkent, arguably the most beautiful city in Central Asia, and then head off to explore the remarkable architecture offered by the cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. We travel through the Fergana Valley and across to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, a city steeped in history. In rugged vehicles we cross the remote and rarely tackled Irkeshtam Pass to China and descend to Kashgar, with its frenetic Sunday market still thriving after centuries of trade. We return to Kyrgyzstan via the Torugart Pass and spend leisurely days weaving through the mountains and camping with nomads by stunning turquoise lakes. Our journey is completed as we arrive back into Tashkent – the secrets of Central Asia now revealed!
Itinerary
| Days 1-2 |
(Thu) Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to hotel. Visit the Museum of History, Barak Khan Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and Chorsu Bazaar. Overnight train to Khiva. |
| Day 3 |
Arrive Khiva. Explore Djuma Mosque, Kunya Ark and Toza Bog Palace. |
| Day 4 |
Drive to Ayaz Kala, our base for visiting the Toprak Qala, Qavat Qala and Ayaz Qala fortress complexes. Overnight in yurts. |
| Days 5-7 |
Drive across the Kyzyl Kum desert to Bukhara. Ark Fortress, Poikalon Ensemble and Samanid Mausoleum. |
| Days 8-9 |
Continue via Alexander the Great's fortress to Nurata mountains and Sentab village. Overnight in homestay, optional walks in local area. |
| Day 10 |
Full day tour in Samarkand. Visit Registan Square, Shah-I-Zinda Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory and local bazaar. |
| Days 11-12 |
Return to Tashkent. Cross the Kamchik Pass (2267m) to the Fergana Valley. |
| Day 13 |
Visit regional towns known for handmade ceramics and silk textiles. |
| Day 14 |
Cross into Kyrgyzstan and explore bazaar at Osh. Climb Solomon's Throne. |
| Days 15-16 |
Travel to high peaks at Sary-Tash. Cross the Irkeshtam Pass (2841m) to Kashgar. |
| Day 17 |
Explore Kashgar – old town, Abakh Hoja’s Tomb and Id Kah Mosque. |
| Day 18 |
Explore Sunday markets. |
| Days 19-20 |
Cross the Torugart Pass (3752m) to Tash-Rabat Caravansarai. Light walking in local area.
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| Days 21-22 |
Drive to nomadic settlement at Son-Kul Lake. Stay in yurts near local herders. |
| Day 23 |
Drive to Kochkorka village. Overnight in village homestay. |
| Day 24 |
Visit Barskoön Gorge. Stay at Tamga village on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. |
| Days 25-26 |
Drive lake shoreline via Jeti-Öghüz Gorge to Karakol and Cholpon-Ata. |
| Day 27 |
Journey from Cholpon-Ata to Bishkek, stopping en route at Burana Tower. |
| Day 28 |
Day trip to Ala-Archa Canyon. City tour in Bishkek. |
| Day 29 |
Fly to Tashkent. |
| Day 30 |
Trip ends in Tashkent this morning (Fri). |