- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
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Two incredible countries, one unforgettable journey! This express private tour of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is designed for those who’s looking for a perfect balance of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and adventure—all packed into 8 days. See the best highlights of both lands: Tashkent – Bishkek, Samarkand – Issyk Kul lake, Bukhara – Karakol, and tens of other sites! Perfect for your wonderful vacation time!
Tour details
Start time: 8 AM or coordinated
Availability: all year round
Duration: 8 days / 8 nights
Level of difficulty: easy
This is a private tour – only your group will participate
What we suggest to have with you: Summer clothes, warm clothes, baseball cap/panama, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, umbrella, camera
Prices
1 person (solo private tour) – 3130 USD (see what’s included in “Trip Includes” section)
2 people – 1990 USD p/person
3 people and up – 1745 USD p/person
for larger groups please make an inquiry
Limited availability. Book today on our website!
Explore other tours of Uzbekistan: 6 day tour; 4 day tour; 5 Stans; 4 Stans
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2026, 2027, 2028
Tour start in the morning (Tashkent)
Itinerary
1 Day
Tashkent
Our city excursion begins with a visit to the enchanting Old Tashkent:
1 Step back in time as you admire architectural gems like Barak-Khan Madrasah and Tillya Sheikh Mosque in Hast Imam Square
2 The Library of Eastern Manuscripts - home to centuries-old texts. Witness the oldest Qoran which was written in the VII century
3 No visit to Tashkent would be complete without experiencing the vibrant bustle of Chorsu Bazaar. Lunch in a national restaurant
4 Our next stop is the Monument of Courage, a towering tribute to the resilience and courage of the Uzbek people
5 From there, we'll proceed to Independence Square, a sprawling plaza adorned with fountains, statues, and the iconic Arch of Good Will
6 Next site is the residence of Romanov, the exiled grandson of the Russian Emperor Nikolai I
7 Following that, we’re visiting the Opera and Ballet theater
8 Concluding our city excursion at Amir Timur Square, named after the legendary conqueror
Check-in to a hotel (Manor or similar). Personal free time. We'll see you tomorrow!
2 Day
Tashkent - Samarkand
In the morning, after breakfast, we’re embarking on a modern high-speed train ride and heading to Samarkand (2h). Upon arrival, we're diving into Samarkand’s heritage straight away:
With over 2500 years of rich history, Samarkand is known as the “precious pearl” and “face of the earth” in the East, sharing its legacy with cities like Athens, Rome, and Babylon. Here are the places we’ll visit today:
1 Majestic Gur-Emir mausoleum and tombs of Timurid dynasty (the mausoleum's shape resembles a closed turquoise tulip)
2 Registan Square - the heart of Samarkand. It originated long before the Mongol invasion (13th century), as a gathering point of urban craftsmen and merchants. The word Registan means “a place on the sand”. Lunch in a national restaurant.
3 Siyab bazaar (traditional open air market)
4 Bibi-Khanym Palace (15th century)
5 Ulugbek Observatory - famous astronomer and grandson of Tamerlane
6 The Shahi – Zinda architectural complex
Check-in to a hotel after the excursion (Minor; Continental; or similar). Personal free time in the evening.
3 Day
Samarkand - Bukhara
In the morning, after breakfast, we’re continuing our voyage by the already-known high-speed train to Bukhara (2 hours). Next, it’s time for an introduction to Bukhara:
1 Visiting Kalyan minaret (also known as the Tower of Death) - one of the most iconic landmarks in Bukhara.
2 Chor Minor (meaning "Four Minarets" in Farsi language) is an architecturally unique and historic monument. This structure stands out for its distinctive design and is one of Bukhara's most renowned and photographed sites.
3 Lyabi Hauz area - a quintessential example of Central Asian urban planning and architecture, centered around a tranquil pond (hauz) that dates back to the 17th century. Lunch.
4 Ark citadel is a massive fortress which has stood as a symbol of power and a focal point of the city's development for centuries. Its origins date back to the 5th century AD, though the structure has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout its history.
5 Continuing our lovely city tour and visiting the trading domes of Bukhara. Here, we will have an opportunity to purchase various souvenirs and authentic presents.
Check-in to a hotel (Devonbegi; Safia; or similar). Personal free time in the evening.
4 Day
Bukhara - Tashkent - Bishkek
In the morning, we’re taking the high speed train back to Tashkent (4 hours). Lunch upon arrival. Transfer to the airport to catch our 1 hour flight to the capital city of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek.
Upon landing in Bishkek, you'll be transported to the city center. Check-in to a hotel (Ambassador; Solutel; City Stay; or similar). Some little time for rest.
Next, we're jumping into an introduction of Bishkek: lovely evening city excursion. Dinner in a restaurant and personal free time.
5 Day
Bishkek - Burana - Kok Moinok canyon - Cholpon Ata
In the morning, we’re heading towards the legendary Issyk Kul lake (230km). On the way, we're stopping at the famous Burana Tower (11th century). Spending about 30 minutes here: climb onto top of the tower and walk around the territory to have a look at "balbals" (ancient stones with depictions).
Resuming our way to Issyk Kul. On the way, we're visiting the picturesque Kok Moinok canyon for a light but awesome hike (1 hour both ways). Moving on and having lunch in a restaurant.
Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s north coast), we’re heading to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on the lake. After roaming 4km away, the ship will stop at the depth of 120 meters. In the hot season (May-September), you may dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim at sunset (life jackets provided). In the other seasons, you will have no less a beautiful time on the ship, enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around.
Check-in to a hotel (Olimp or similar). Personal free time and dinner.
6 Day
Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov gorge - Karakol
In the morning, we’re visiting the open air cultural center Rukh Ordo. Afterwards, we’re starting to move along the north coast towards Karakol town.
On the way, we’re visiting the two scenic gorges - Grigoriev and Semyonov, for exploring and enjoying their landscapes. A wonderful hike to the hidden green alpine lake Suttuu Bulak (2,5 hours both ways). Resuming the road and having lunch in a village restaurant.
Arrival in Karakol (a town between the north and south coasts). Check-in to a hotel (78 Hotel; Green Yard; or similar). After a quick rest, we’re driving shortly (20 minutes) to the nearby village Ak Suu. Here, we're gonna have a blissful relax time at hot springs (pools with natural hot water near a forest). Return to Karakol and dinner in a restaurant. Rest time.
7 Day
Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp
Today, we’re exploring the beauties around Karakol and transitioning onto the south coast of Issyk Kul lake. In the morning, we're doing a brief town excursion of Karakol: Dungan Mosque 1910; Orthodox Church 1895; handmade souvenir shop (if you're interested).
Next, we’re driving shortly (40 minutes) to the picturesque Jeti Oguz gorge (“Seven Bulls” rocks). Here, we're gonna be exploring some vast scenic pastures and riding horses up to a hidden waterfall (hiking available as well). On the way back from the gorge, we'll stop at the "Seven Bulls" panoramic viewpoint.
Resuming the road and having lunch in a village restaurant. Moving on and visiting the famous Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but stunning hike. Next, we’re heading to Bel Tam yurt camp that’s located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. Check-in to yurts and free time for enjoying the place at sunset: swimming, walking around and relaxing. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Free time outside for chilling: let's make a bonfire! Overnight in yurts.
8 Day
Bel Tam - Ak Sai canyons - Bishkek
In the morning, after spending some more beautiful time at the yurt camp, we’re resuming the road.
Visiting the nearby Ak Sai canyons to witness a breathtaking Kyrgyz Eagle hunting process, along with archery: everyone will participate in this activity. Next, we’re driving deeper into the charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers to observe some great views and do a light but magnificent walk up to the canyon's panorama. Afterwards, we're indulging in a delicious picnic on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake: eating, swimming and sunbathing.
Now it’s time to be returning back to Bishkek (230km). Check-in to a hotel upon arrival (Ambassador; Solutel; City Stay; or similar). Personal free time in the evening.
Thank you so much for sharing this sumptuous journey with us! We hope to see you again! Bye!
End of the tour.
Transportation in each country during the whole tour: comfortable air conditioned vehicles
English-speaking guides in each country
Accommodation for 8 nights – hotels according to the program, yurt camp
Meals: 8 breakfasts; lunch on day 8; dinner on day 7
Flight between countries: Tashkent – Bishkek
High speed trains from Tashkent to Samarkand; from Samarkand to Bukhara; from Bukhara to Tashkent
All activities according to the program
Bottled drinking water: 2L per person daily
All entrance fees during the whole tour
International flight tickets
Travel and health insurance
Meals at restaurants
Other personal expenses (alcohol, souvenirs, etc.)
