Classic: Central Asia Multi-Stan Adventure (AZKU)
Countries Visited: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, avg 12.
Meals Included: 21 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Learn about the diverse cultures of Central Asia, soak in scenic beauty of mountains and deserts, connect with the locals during community village and yurt stays, marvel at colourful mosaic buildings
Description
With their reputation for welcoming visitors and their unique cultural footprint, the countries of Central Asia will remind you why you travel. This comprehensive 23-day tour will take you through all the Stans we visit, offering a fascinating glimpse at a beautiful part of the world most travellers miss. Stay at unique homestays, sleep in traditional yurts, discover the breathtaking mountain and desert scenery, enjoy free time in the Uzbek city of Tashkent, and roam gorgeous buildings built centuries ago. See Central Asia with a group of like-minded adventurers and an expert Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and cross off an entire and unexpected region of the world from your must-see list.
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, avg 12.
Meals Included: 21 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Learn about the diverse cultures of Central Asia, soak in scenic beauty of mountains and deserts, connect with the locals during community village and yurt stays, marvel at colourful mosaic buildings
Description
With their reputation for welcoming visitors and their unique cultural footprint, the countries of Central Asia will remind you why you travel. This comprehensive 23-day tour will take you through all the Stans we visit, offering a fascinating glimpse at a beautiful part of the world most travellers miss. Stay at unique homestays, sleep in traditional yurts, discover the breathtaking mountain and desert scenery, enjoy free time in the Uzbek city of Tashkent, and roam gorgeous buildings built centuries ago. See Central Asia with a group of like-minded adventurers and an expert Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and cross off an entire and unexpected region of the world from your must-see list.
Call (858) 999-3025 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13005102
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 23 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Almaty | Day 1 Almaty There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting |
| Day 2 | Almaty | Day 2 Almaty (1B) 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. Included Activities: City Tour |
| Day 3 | Karakol | Day 3 Almaty/Karakol (1B) 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. Included Activities: Charyn Canyon Visit Border Crossing (Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan) Transport: Private Vehicle (7.00 hour(s), 420km) |
| Day 4 | Kochkor | Day 4 Karakol/Kochkor (1B, 1L, 1D) 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. Included Activities: Przhevalsky Museum Visit Yurt Building Demonstration Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s), 315km) |
| Day 5 | Song Kul | Day 5 Kochkor/Song Kul (1B, 1L, 1D) 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. Included Activities: Felt Workshop Visit Overnight in a Yurt Transport: Private Vehicle (2.50 hour(s), 130km) |
| Day 6 | Song Kul | Day 6 Song Kul (1B, 1L, 1D) 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. Included Activities: Overnight in a Yurt |
| Day 7 | Chong-Kemin | Day 7 Song Kul/Chong-Kemin (1B, 1D) 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. Included Activities: CBT Homestay Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s), 230km) |
| Day 8 | Almaty | Day 8 Chong-Kemin/Almaty (1B, 1L) Depart Chong-Kemin and stop at one of Kyrgyzstans 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. Included Activities: City Tour Burana Tower Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (1.50-2.00 hours, 160km) Plane (1.50-2.00 hours) |
| Day 9 | Dushanbe | Day 9 Almaty/Dushanbe (1B) There may be more travellers joining the group here. Opt to attend an evening welcome meeting to get to know them. Transport: Plane (1.50 hour(s)) |
| Day 10 | Kuli Iskandarkul | Day 10 Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul (1B, 1D) Visit some sights in the capital city of Dushanbe, including museums, monuments and the main mosque. After lunch, drive through the valleys and mountains of the area for an overnight in local homes in the stunningly beautiful Iskanderkul area. Meet the locals and explore this gorgeous landscape in the Fann Mountains. Included Activities: City Tour Community Homestay Transport: Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s), 135km) |
| Day 11 | Kuli Iskandarkul | Day 11 Kuli Iskandarkul (1B, 1L, 1D) Spend a full day exploring. Hike in the mountains to an impressive waterfall. After a picnic lunch, return to Sarytag village. Included Activities: Waterfall Hike Community Homestay |
| Day 12 | Khujand | Day 12 Kuli Iskandarkul/Khujand (1B) 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. Included Activities: City Tour Mug Tepe Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (1.25 hour(s), 80km) Private Vehicle (2.25 hour(s), 145km) |
| Day 13 | Tashkent | Day 13 Khujand/Tashkent (1B) Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan. Included Activities: Market Visit Border Crossing (Tajikistan - Uzbekistan) Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 178km) |
| Day 14 | Tashkent | Day 14 Tashkent (1B) Enjoy a free day to explore. |
| Day 15 | Samarkand | Day 15 Tashkent/Samarkand (1B) Travel on to Samarkand. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle (4.50 hour(s), 310km) |
| Day 16 | Samarkand | Day 16 Samarkand (1B) With free time, enjoy the Samarkand sights, have a cup of tea in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Included Activities: Samarkand City Tour |
| Day 17 | Aydar Kul Camp | Day 17 Samarkand/Aydar Kul Camp (1B, 1D) Travel out into the desert to visit the Nurata Shrine and remains of the Alexander the Great fortress. Continue on for an evening in a local yurt camp. Opt to ride a camel or enjoy an evening Kazakh singing show. Included Activities: Chashma Complex and Holy Spring Visit Fortress of Alexander the Great Visit Overnight in a Yurt Transport: Private Vehicle (4.50 hour(s), 280km) |
| Day 18 | Bukhara | Day 18 Aydar Kul Camp/Bukhara (1B) Travel to Bukhara, one of the most charming cities in the country. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, have dinner with a local family, or visit a traditional hammam (bathhouse). Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s)) |
| Day 19 | Bukhara | Day 19 Bukhara (1B) There is plenty of time to explore the artisan shops and wander the narrow twisting streets and alleyways. A centre for pottery, cloth, and Turkmen carpets, the Old City is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees, where you can sit at cafE tables and let the evening drift by. There is also the option to take in a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai or indulge in a Turkish bath. Included Activities: Bukhara City Tour |
| Day 20 | Khiva | Day 20 Bukhara/Khiva (1B) Enjoy a full days travel through the desert to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva. Get to know the place on a late afternoon walking tour. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00-7.00 hours, 450km) |
| Day 21 | Tashkent | Day 21 Khiva/Tashkent (1B) Explore the old town surrounded by city walls, bargain with locals on the market, and wander through the madrassas, climb up minarets, and explore the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Wander through the inner walls of the Ichon-Qala and enjoy spectacular sunset views of the sand-coloured mosques and madrassas. Included Activities: Khiva Ancient City Tour Transport: Basic overnight train (beds) (19.00 hour(s)) |
| Day 22 | Tashkent | Day 22 Tashkent Arrive back in Tashkent and enjoy a city tour or explore on your own with some free time. Included Activities: Tashkent Guided City Tour |
| Day 23 | Tashkent | Day 23 Tashkent (1B) Depart at any time. Included Activities: Departure Day |
- Disclaimer
Local Flights: Please be aware that flight delays between Bishkek and Dushanbe can occur. Your CEO may need to make adjustments to your itinerary in case of flight schedule changes.
Dossier Disclaimer:Information Not Available
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
