Grand Tour of Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan – 12 days

What’s included

Itinerary

1. 01
   Day 1Arrival in Bishkek – City Tour, KYRGYZSTAN

   Arrival at Manas International Airport, meeting with your driver and transfer to the hotel.

   Begin exploring Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, known for its wide boulevards, green parks, and Soviet-era architecture. Visit Ala-Too Square, the city’s main square and an important symbol of Kyrgyz independence. Continue to Oak Park, Victory Square, and the city center.

   Discover the vibrant Osh Bazaar, where you can experience local life and find traditional Kyrgyz products, spices, dried fruits, textiles, and handicrafts.

   Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant.

   Overnight in Bishkek.

2. 02
   Day 2Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park – Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN

   After breakfast, depart for Ala Archa National Park, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful natural attractions, located in the picturesque Tien Shan Mountains.

   Enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountain peaks, alpine valleys, forests, and crystal-clear rivers. Explore the national park with a scenic walk along its mountain trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful natural landscape.

   Take memorable photographs of the surrounding mountains before returning to Bishkek.

   The rest of the day is free for relaxation or independent exploration of the city.

   Overnight in Bishkek.

3. 03
   Day 3Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul Lake – Bokonbaevo, KYRGYZSTAN

   After breakfast, depart Bishkek and travel toward the beautiful Issyk-Kul region.

   En route, visit Burana Tower, an ancient minaret dating back to the Karakhanid period and one of the important historical monuments of the Silk Road. Explore the archaeological complex and see the collection of ancient stone balbal sculptures.

   Continue through the picturesque Kyrgyz countryside toward Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Enjoy magnificent views of the turquoise waters surrounded by the impressive Tien Shan Mountains.

   Continue along the southern shore to Bokonbaevo, a traditional village famous for its nomadic heritage and eagle-hunting traditions.

   Upon arrival, check in at your guesthouse or traditional yurt camp and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the region.

   Overnight in Bokonbaevo.

4. 04
   Day 4Bokonbaevo – Fairy Tale Canyon – Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN

   After breakfast, discover the natural and cultural treasures of the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

   Visit Skazka, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon, famous for its unusual red sandstone formations shaped by wind and erosion. Explore the colorful landscape and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

   Continue with a cultural encounter with a local eagle hunter (berkutchi), who will introduce you to the ancient Kyrgyz tradition of hunting with trained golden eagles. Learn about the importance of this tradition in nomadic life.

   Enjoy the beautiful scenery along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore before returning to Bishkek.

   Overnight in Bishkek.

5. 05
   Day 5Bishkek – Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

   After breakfast, transfer to Manas International Airport for your flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

   Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel.

   Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory city tour. Discover Amir Timur Square, one of the city’s main landmarks, and Independence Square, an important symbol of modern Uzbekistan.

   Enjoy your first introduction to Uzbek culture, architecture, and cuisine.

   Overnight in Tashkent.

6. 06
   Day 6Tashkent City Tour, UZBEKISTAN

   After breakfast, begin exploring the fascinating capital of Uzbekistan.

   Visit the Hazrati Imam Complex, the spiritual center of Tashkent’s Old Town, featuring beautiful mosques, madrasahs, and traditional Islamic architecture.

   Continue to Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s most famous traditional markets, where you can discover colorful stalls selling spices, dried fruits, nuts, ceramics, textiles, and local delicacies.

   Visit the historic Kukeldash Madrasah area and explore the city’s distinctive metro stations, famous for their decorative interiors and architectural designs.

   Enjoy the contrast between historic neighborhoods and modern Tashkent.

   Overnight in Tashkent.

7. 07
   Day 7Tashkent – Samarkand, UZBEKISTAN

   After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and travel by high-speed train to Samarkand, one of the most legendary cities of the ancient Silk Road.

   Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin discovering this magnificent historic city.

   Visit the world-famous Registan Square, the architectural heart of Samarkand, surrounded by three magnificent madrasahs decorated with intricate mosaics, turquoise domes, and impressive Islamic ornamentation.

   Continue to Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the burial place of Amir Timur and members of the Timurid dynasty.

   Explore the historic center and discover the extraordinary architectural heritage that made Samarkand one of the most important cultural and trading centers of Central Asia.

   Overnight in Samarkand.

8. 08
   Day 8Samarkand City Tour, UZBEKISTAN

   After breakfast, continue exploring the fascinating monuments of Samarkand.

   Visit Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, one of the city’s most impressive architectural ensembles, famous for its beautifully decorated mausoleums and extraordinary blue-tiled façades.

   Continue to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques of the Timurid period.

   Discover Siab Bazaar, a traditional market where you can experience the local atmosphere and taste famous Samarkand bread, dried fruits, nuts, and regional specialties.

   Continue to Ulugh Beg Observatory, an important historical scientific center associated with the famous astronomer and ruler Ulugh Beg.

   Depending on availability and interest, visit the Afrosiab Museum or a traditional craft workshop.

   Overnight in Samarkand.

9. 09
   Day 9Samarkand – Bukhara, UZBEKISTAN

   After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and travel by train to Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric and historically significant cities of the Silk Road.

   Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.

   Begin exploring Bukhara’s charming Old Town, known for its narrow streets, historic monuments, traditional houses, and ancient trading domes.

   Visit Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, a beautiful historic square centered around a traditional water reservoir and surrounded by historic madrasahs and traditional teahouses.

   Enjoy a walk through the old streets, discovering local handicraft shops, traditional architecture, and the authentic atmosphere of this remarkable city.

   Overnight in Bukhara.

10. 10
    Day 10Bukhara City Tour, UZBEKISTAN

    After breakfast, enjoy a full-day exploration of Bukhara’s remarkable historical heritage.

    Visit the impressive Poi Kalyan Complex, one of the city’s most iconic architectural ensembles, featuring the famous Kalyan Minaret, mosque, and madrasah.

    Continue to Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel that served as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers for centuries.

    Discover Bolo-Hauz Mosque, famous for its elegant wooden columns and beautiful reflecting pool.

    Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, considered one of the finest examples of early Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

    Continue to Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum and explore the historic trading domes, where merchants once traded silk, jewelry, spices, and textiles.

    Enjoy free time to discover local crafts, traditional souvenirs, and the charming atmosphere of Bukhara’s historic center.

    Overnight in Bukhara.

11. 11
    Day 11Bukhara – Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

    After breakfast, enjoy your final discoveries in Bukhara.

    Visit Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara, famous for its fascinating combination of traditional Central Asian and European architectural styles.

    Explore the palace’s beautifully decorated interiors, courtyards, and gardens, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the last emirs of Bukhara.

    Return to the old town for some free time, shopping, or a final walk through its historic streets.

    Later, transfer to the railway station and travel by train to Tashkent.

    Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

    Overnight in Tashkent.

12. 12
    Day 12Tashkent – Departure, UZBEKISTAN

    Day 12: Tashkent – Departure

    After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule.

    Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your departure flight.

    End of the tour and unforgettable memories of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan!

Tour highlights

• Explore Bishkek, the lively capital of Kyrgyzstan, and discover its squares, parks, and traditional bazaars.

• Admire the spectacular mountain scenery of Ala Archa National Park.

• Visit the historic Burana Tower, a remarkable remnant of the ancient Silk Road.

• Discover the natural beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake and the traditional village of Bokonbaevo.

• Experience Kyrgyz nomadic culture and learn about the ancient tradition of eagle hunting.

• Explore Tashkent’s historic Old Town, Khast Imam Complex, and colorful Chorsu Bazaar.

• Discover the magnificent Registan Square and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum in Samarkand.

• Visit Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the historic Siab Bazaar.

• Wander through Bukhara’s atmospheric Old Town, with its ancient trading domes and traditional craft workshops.

• Admire the impressive Poi Kalyan Complex and explore the historic Ark Fortress.

• Experience the diverse cultures, traditions, architecture, and cuisine of two fascinating Central Asian countries.

Tour Map

About the tour