• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes

Two incredible countries, one unforgettable journey. This express tour 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 limited vacation time! 

Details

Start time: 8 AM or coordinated

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 – $3130

2 – $1990 p/person

3 and up – $1745 p/person

for larger groups please make an inquiry

 

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We're starting the tour by exploring Tashkent. Let’s go!

Itinerary

1 Day

Tashkent

Our city excursion begins with a visit to the enchanting Old Tashkent. Step back in time as you admire architectural gems like Barak-Khan Madrasah and Tillya Sheikh Mosque in Hast Imam Square. The Library of Eastern Manuscripts - home to centuries-old texts. Witness the oldest Qoran which was written in the VII century. No visit to Tashkent would be complete without experiencing the vibrant bustle of Chorsu Bazaar. Lunch in a national restaurant. Our next stop is the Monument of Courage, a towering tribute to the resilience and courage of the Uzbek people. From there, we'll proceed to Independence Square, a sprawling plaza adorned with fountains, statues, and the iconic Arch of Good Will. Next destination is the residence of Romanov, the exiled grandson of the Russian Emperor Nikolai I. Following that, we’re visiting the Opera and Ballet theater. Concluding our city excursion at Amir Timur Square, named after the legendary conqueror. Check into a hotel (Manor or similar). Personal time. We'll see you tomorrow!

2 Day

Tashkent - Samarkand

In the morning, after breakfast we’re embarking on a modern high speed train and heading to Samarkand (2h). Check in to a hotel upon arrival (Continental 3* or similar). Dropping off our stuff and immersing ourselves 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: Majestic Gur-Emir mausoleum and tombs of Timurid dynasty that resemble a closed turquoise tulip. 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. Siyab bazaar (open air market). Bibi-Khanym Palace (15th century). Ulugbek Observatory - famous astronomer and grandson of Tamerlane. The Shahi – Zinda architectural complex. Return to the hotel. Personal time and rest.

3 Day

Samarkand - Bukhara

In the morning, after breakfast we’re continuing down the road by the already-known high speed train to Bukhara (2 hours). Check in to a hotel upon arrival (Wyndham 4* or similar). Now it’s time for the introduction to Bukhara: Visiting Kalyan minaret (also known as the Tower of Death) - one of the most iconic landmarks in Bukhara. 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. Lunch in a restaurant. Lyabi Hauz area is a quintessential example of Central Asian urban planning and architecture, centered around a tranquil pond (hauz) that dates back to the 17th century. 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. Continuing our lovely city tour and visiting the trading domes of Bukhara. Here, we will have the opportunity to purchase various souvenirs and presents. Return to the hotel. 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 arrival, transfer to the city center and hotel check-in (Ambassador, Solutel or similar). Free time for rest. Introduction of Bishkek and a lovely evening city excursion. Dinner. Overnight.

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, stop at the famous 11th century Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here: climb on top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Resuming our way to Issyk Kul. Visiting the picturesque Kok Moinok canyon for a light but awesome hike. Moving on. Lunch in a restaurant. Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s north coast) we're checking-in to a hotel (Olimp or similar). Now we’re driving to a 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 (life jackets provided). In the other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the ship enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around. Free time. Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight.

6 Day

Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov gorge - Karakol

In the morning we’re visiting an open air cultural center Rukh Ordo. Afterwards, we’re starting to move along the north coast towards Karakol town. Lunch in a restaurant. On the way, we’re visiting the two amazing gorges - Grigoriev and Semyonov for exploring and enjoying their landscapes. Resuming the road. Arrival in Karakol (central 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 to the nearby village Ak Suu to have a blissful relax time at the hot springs (pools with hot natural water near the forest). Return to Karakol. Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight.

7 Day

Karakol - Ski base - 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 to discover its wonders.
In the morning we’re heading to the best and biggest Ski resort of Kyrgyzstan. The chair lift will take us to the height of 3040m above sea level. Here we’re gonna be contemplating some incredible views of the whole lake and snowy mountains on the background. Now we’re driving close by to visit the picturesque Jeti Oguz gorge (“Seven Bulls” rocks). Exploring the scenic vast pasture and riding horses up to a waterfall. Resuming the road. Lunch in a restaurant. Moving on and visiting the famous Skazka canyon (Fairy Tale) for an easy but stunning hike. Now we’re heading to our final point of today - Bel Tam yurt camp that’s located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake, with mountains all around. Dinner. Free time outside around bonfire. Overnight in yurts.

8 Day

Bel Tam - Ak Sai canyons - Bishkek

In the morning after spending some more time at the yurt camp we’re resuming our road. Visiting the nearby Ak Sai canyons to witness a breathtaking Eagle hunting process and archery . Everyone will participate in this activity. Now we’re driving deeper into the charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers to observe some great views. Picnic on the wild beach. Now it’s time to be returning back to Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the city you’ll be checked in to a hotel (Ambassador, Solutel or similar).
End of the tour, thank you so much for sharing this sumptuous journey with us! We hope to see you again!

 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 entrance fees during the whole tour

  All activities due to the program

  Airport transfers (pick up / drop off)

  Visa support for Uzbekistan (Letter of invitation)

  International flight tickets

  Other meals not mentioned in the “inclusions” section

  Health insurance

  Other personal expenses

  Visa stickers and e-visa applications (cost varies depending on citizenship)