14D13N CENTRAL ASIA KAZAKHSTAN KYRGYZSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN (3-STANS)

14D13N Central Asia Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (3-STANS)

Upon arrival in Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan, transfer to Almaty, the economic and cultural hub of, and also the largest city in, Kazakhstan.  

Day 02 – ALMATY   [B]

Located at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains and surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, Almaty offers endless opportunities for hiking and taking in stunning scenery outside of winter and skiing in winter. Today, head out to Medeo Gorge, a stunning natural wonder located just outside of Almaty renowned for its mountain scenery and the world’s largest high-altitude skating rink at an altitude of 1,691m. Other attractions for the rest of the day include (1) the Zenkov Cathedral, designed in the form of a typical Russian Orthodox church and ranks among the tallest wooden structures in the world, and, (2) Kok Tobe, a popular hilltop park in Almaty offering panoramic views of the city below.

Day 03 – ALMATY – CHARYN CANYON – SATY  [B]

Today, head out to the Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon” and a stunning natural wonder characterized by towering red rock formations with canyon walls reaching heights of up to 300m. One of the most famous sections of the Charyn Canyon is the Valley of Castles, so named for its towering rock formations that resemble medieval fortifications. Spend some time at the Valley of Castles before heading on to the Kolsay Lakes, a group of alpine lakes renowned for their crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks. End the day in an area near the lakes or Saty Village, a small picturesque village at the foothills of the Alatau Mountains, that was recognized by The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the Best Tourism Village 2023.

Day 04 – SATY – KARAKOL  [B]

In the morning, cross into Kyrgyzstan and to the city of Karakol, a city located on the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the world’s second largest high-altitude lake in the midst of the Tian Shan Mountains, that is rich in history and also serving as a popular base for outdoor adventures – be it hiking, horseback riding or skiing – in the Tian Shan Mountains. (Alternatively, and offered as a paid optional, head to Lake Kaindy (2,000m altitude), a beautiful natural wonder resulting from an earthquake that caused a landslide to form a natural dam on the Kaindy River thereby creating a lake with submerged trees that have become petrified due to the cold water from alpine springs and snowmelts from surrounding peaks. The petrified trunks of the submerged forest of spruce trees that rise from the lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters is quite a sight to behold!)

At Karakol, enjoy visiting some key attractions of the city like the Dungan Mosque that was built by the Dungan community employing traditional Chinese architecture and the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church renowned for its wooden construct and vibrant blue domes.

Day 05 – KARAKOL  [B/L]

The morning will be spent at Tepke Village, a local farm. (A farm lunch is included.) Alternatively, head to the nearby Karakol Gorge, a stunning 40km long gorge with breathtaking scenery of alpine meadows, lush forests, crystal-clear mountain streams and towering peaks dominated by Peak Karakol with an elevation of about 5,200m. Rest of the day will be in the city of Karakol.

Day 06 – KARAKOL – BOKONBAEVO VILLAGE   [B/D]

Today, visit some key attractions along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul: (1) Jety-Oguz Gorge, renowned for its stunning red sandstone formations and picturesque landscapes. Jety-Oguz is “Seven Bulls” in Kyrgyz and the gorge is so named after a cluster of 7 red-rock formations that resemble 7 bulls lying down; (2) Barskoon Gorge, renowned for its natural beauty of dense spruce forests, alpine meadows, stunning mountain views and cascading waterfalls the most famous of which is the Barskoon Waterfall (time and road condition permitting); (3) Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon), renowned for its rather surreal landscape of brightly coloured “fantastical” sandstone formations evoking images of fairy tale landscapes and hence its other “Fairy Tale Canyon” name; (4) Bokonbaevo Village, renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and traditional Kyrgyz culture and way of life. Overnight in yurt camp (with ensuite toilet and bathroom).
(Overnight in hotel if yurt accommodation is not available).

Day 07 – BOKONBAEVO VILLAGE – CHON KEMIN   [B]

Start the day with a visit to another two attractions along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul: (1) Ak-Say Canyon, nicknamed “Grand Canyon of Kyrgyzstan”, is renowned for its stunning scenery featuring red sandstone cliffs, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls along the gorge where a climb to a viewpoint will be rewarded with panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding mountains; (2) Kyzyl Tuu Village, a small charming village offering a glimpse into the traditional Kyrgyz nomadic way of life and in that connection it is renowned for its yurts – the traditional nomadic dwellings of the Kyrgyz people – and yurt-making craftsmanship. The final destination for the day is Tar Suu Village, located in the Chon-Kemin Valley and renowned for its beautiful landscapes. Apart from its scenic settings, a walk through Tar Suu Village is a great way to appreciate traditional Kyrgyz culture and way of life.

Day 08 – CHON KEMIN – BURANA – BISHKEK   [B]

Today, head to the Burana Tower, one of the oldest architectural constructs of Central Asia that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower – actually a minaret – is believed to be a part of a larger complex that included a mosque, a madrasa and a settlement and the area is like an open-air museum providing a glimpse into the ancient city of Balasagun that was once a cultural, academic and spiritual centre and also an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. From there, continue on to Bishkek, the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan. Key attractions in Bishkek are (1) Ala-too Square, the central square of Bishkek featuring the White House (presidential office building), the State History Museum and a statue of Manas, a legendary Kyrgyz hero; (2) Oak Park, a popular green haven with tree-lined pathways and sculptures; (3) Osh Bazaar, a huge marketplace selling everything from traditional Kyrgyz crafts to textiles, spices, fresh produce and local delicacies (Osh Bazaar may have to be visited the following day due to time constraint). Enjoy a tour of the city.

Day 09 – BISHKEK – TASHKENT   [B]

In the morning, head to the Ala Archa National Park, a stunning natural reserve located in the Tian Shan Mountains, just south of Bishkek. Covering about 200 sq km, it is known for its breathtaking landscapes of rugged mountains, deep gorges and alpine meadows and also its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Enjoy a walk in the park. Back in Bishkek, spend some time enjoying all that Osh Bazaar has to offer!

In the evening, board a flight to Tashkent. (Flight can be in the morning the next day depending on flight schedule)

Day 10 – TASHKENT   [B]

Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan and a bustling metropolis that was once an important commercial and cultural hub along the ancient Silk Road. Its rich history and the influence of various civilizations are reflected in its diverse architecture, cuisines and traditions. Top attractions in the city include: (1) Hazrat Imam Complex, a beautiful religious complex that houses, apart from religious sites and historical monuments, the world’s oldest Quran; (2) Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in Central Asia offering a wide variety of goods including handicrafts, textiles, fresh produce and spices; (3) Tashkent Metro, the oldest subway in Central Asia that boasts stunning
subway stations with beautiful artwork adorning each station rendering the subway system an underground art gallery! Enjoy a tour of the city.

Day 11 – TASHKENT – BUKHARA   [B]

Today, board a high-speed train to Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved medieval Old Town (“Medina”) and rich cultural heritage that includes being once an important hub on the ancient Silk Road. Wandering through the narrow labyrinthine streets of the Old Town lined with ancient monuments, traditional houses, workshops and shops and soaking up the charming atmosphere of the Old Town is like a walk through history. Top attractions in the city to be visited today include: (1) Po-i-Kalyan Complex, a beautiful architectural ensemble featuring the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah; (2) Lyabi-Hauz, a picturesque plaza built around a pond with an ensemble of architectural gems; (3) Ark of Bukhara, an ancient fortress dating back to the 5th century that once
served as the seat of power.

Day 12 – BUKHARA – SAMARKAND   [B]

The morning will be spent enjoying more attractions in Bukhara including: (1) Chor Minor, a historic architectural site featuring a structure with 4 distinctive minarets, each topped with a dome, that was once a part of a larger complex; (2) Naqshbandi Complex, an important historical and spiritual (Sufi) site with beautifully-designed structures; (3) Chor-Bakr Complex, an ancient burial site renowned for its history and architectural beauty; (4) Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the summer residence of Bukhara’s Emir.

In the afternoon, board a train for Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once an important hub along the ancient Silk Road. Like Bukhara, Samarkand has a rich history and is replete with architectural and cultural gems.

Day 13 – SAMARKAND   [B]

Enjoy Samarkand with guided tours to key attractions. The city’s, and also probably the country’s, most famous site is the Registan Square, an Islamic architectural masterpiece featuring a massive square surrounded by three grand and ornately decorated medieval madrasahs. Other key attractions in the city include: (1) Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of the legendary conqueror Timur that is renowned for its intricate tilework and majestic dome; (2) Bibi-Khanum Mosque, an immense mosque built by Timur (for his favourite wife) that is renowned for its sheer scale and ornate decorations; (3) Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a fascinating complex of mausoleums adorned with intricate tiles, mosaics and calligraphy, each dedicated to members of Timur’s lineage. There is also the Siab Bazaar, a bustling traditional marketplace.

Day 14 – SAMARKAND – TASHKENT AIRPORT   [B]

Continue to enjoy Samarkand until your train to Tashkent in the evening. Other key attractions in Samarkand to be visited include: (1) Ulugbek Observatory, a 15th-century astronomical observatory that was one of the most advanced observatories of its time and one of Samarkand’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites; (2) Mausoleum of Hodja Daniyar, a.k.a. Mausoleum of Daniel, is a significant historical and religious site attracting both pilgrims and tourists; (3) Afrasiab Museum, a museum dedicated to the ancient history and archaeology of the region with rich insights into the region’s historical significance along the Silk Road and Central Asia; (4) Konigil’s ancient paper factory, a historical site showcasing the traditional process of paper production and the region’s rich heritage in papermaking dating back to the 8th century.

In the evening, board a train to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your departure flight.

Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.