Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan – Architecture & Culture

Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan – Architecture & Culture

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15 Days From

$7521

$7284

Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan – Architecture & Culture

15 Days Starting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Visiting: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Kemin Valley, Karakol, Issyk-Kul Lake, Kochkor, Son-Kul, Bishkek

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

13601

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $7521 $7284 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$237

NB: Prices correct on 09-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview


  • Wander through ancient Silk Road cities with a focus on their rich history, including Persian, Timurid, and Soviet influences.

  • Hikes in remote valleys and gorges

  • Experience a traditional stay in a yurt and horse riding

  • Trek or drive to this high-altitude lake

  • Embrace traditional cooking and handicraft experiences with locals

  • Witness eagle hunting

  • Mingle with nomads and shepherds

  • Explore ancient Islamic sites, and local bazaars, and enjoy a ceramics master class.


Ancient architecture, Silk Road fables, stories of merchants, and traders, and life on the road entwined with remote mountain lakes, valleys of wildflowers, hikes through remote cobbled villages dotted with shepherds and their flocks - a journey through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is the perfect introduction to Central Asia.

Dusted in eye-popping cobalt, cyans, and sapphires, Uzbekistan has an incredible tangle of history to unravel and hidden sites to uncover. From its former Persian rule and key location along the famed Silk Road, to which it owes much of its grand architecture and culture, to a short period under Soviet rule, this jumble of traditions is a treasure trove waiting to be cracked open. We veer you through Uzbekistan's great sites, mingle with their nomads, and cross into Kyrgyzstan – a land defined by its natural beauty. Soak in joyously unspoilt mountainscapes, stark craggy ridges, and rolling jailoos (summer pastures) which are brought to life by semi-nomadic, yurt-dwelling shepherds.

Highlights

  • Wander through ancient Silk Road cities.

  • Explore alpine lakes, gorges, and mountain villages.

  • Experience a traditional stay in a yurt.

  • Hiking through virgin landscapes.

  • Embrace traditional cooking and handicraft experiences with locals.

  • Witness eagle hunting.

  • Mingle with nomads and shepherds.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 – Arrival Tashkent

Location: Tashkent

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Inspira S or similar

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Airport Transfers

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon arrival at Tashkent airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding infusion of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply intertwined with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road.


Tashkent City Tour

Leave your luggage at your hotel and set off on your city tour. Visit the wonderful complex Khast Imam, located in the old part of the city. Continuing on, you will also visit Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical monuments of Tashkent. You will also have the opportunity to explore a local bazaar, Chorsu. This bazaar is one of the largest and most popular in the capital. Covered by seven domes tiled with coloured ceramic designs, mingle amongst the locals as they bargain and barter amongst themselves. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products of their own production. Let your senses take over as you inhale the aromas of different Eastern spices, vegetables, and fruits. Enjoy a BBQ lunch here, hot off the open flames as you sit amongst the locals.


Ceramics Master Class

Enjoy meeting a ceramist from Rishtan. Become acquainted with the full cycle of ceramic production – from the preparation of the clay to the manufacture of finished products and take part in our masterclass and get your hands dirty, as you learn from the locals.


Evening Walking Tour

This evening, enjoy a walking city tour as you visit Amir Temur Square, Sayilgoh Street, Romanov’s Palace (outside), Navoi Theatre Square, and Independence Square. Return to your hotel.


 


Meals

Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight Hotel Manor or similar


Services

Airport Transfers

Tashkent City Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide

Ceramics master class

Evening walking tour with an English-speaking guide


Day 2 - Tashkent – Khiva Via Urgench

Location: Khiva

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Paradise Plaza or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a morning flight from Tashkent to Urgench. You’ll be transferred to Khiva upon arrival for a comprehensive city tour. Explore the rich history and architecture of this ancient city


Khiva City Tour

Begin with Ata Darvaza, one of the four gates of Ichan Kala, dating back to 1842. You’ll then visit Madrasah Allakuli Khan, built in the mid-19th century, and known for its intricate decoration. Continue to Madrasah Muhammad Amin Khan, constructed between 1851 to 1854 by the order of Khiva’s ruler. Then Kalta Minar, which translates to “short,” was originally intended to be the tallest minaret in the East but remains incomplete. The tour also includes a visit to Kunya Ark, the “Old Fortress,” which served as the residence and inner citadel for Khiva’s rulers, founded in the 17th century.


Explore Muhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, erected in 1876 by Seyid Muhammad-Rahim II, also known as the poet Feruzshah. The 16th-century Juma Mosque, with its 213 elmwood pillars spanning different epochs, offers a glimpse into the city’s religious heritage. Tosh Hovli Palace, meaning “stone courtyard,” was built between 1830-1838 to replace Kunya Ark. The Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah ensemble, dating to the early 20th century, was funded by Prime Minister Isfandiar Khan.


Finally, visit the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, the final resting place of a renowned 14th-century poet and wrestler.


After the city tour, you will stay overnight at your hotel in Khiva.


Meals include a breakfast box, lunch at a local restaurant, and dinner on the terrace of another local restaurant.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Khiva-Orient Star / Feruzkhan / Muso Tora / New Star or similar


Services

Airport transfer

Domestic flight to Urgench

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Flight Tashkent to Urgench: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Urgench airport to Khiva city: 35 km | 51 minutes


Day 3 – Khiva To Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a journey from Khiva to Bukhara by road, or you may choose to fly. The drive takes you through the vast expanse of the Kyzylkum Desert, offering a unique glimpse of the arid landscapes that characterise this region. Upon arrival in Bukhara, you will transfer to your hotel for check-in. Meals include breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a local restaurant, and dinner at the hotel.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Paradise Plaza / Malika / Minorai Kalon / Omar Khayyam or similar


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Khiva to Bukhara: 470 km | 8-9 hours


 


Day 4 - Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arka Boutique or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Full-Day Bukhara City Tour

After breakfast, you’ll set off for a full-day city tour, starting at the Labi Hauz complex, a beautiful spot featuring the Kukeldash Madrasah, Khanaka, and Nodir Divan-Begi, all centred around a picturesque reservoir that’s the heart of old Bukhara. From there, you’ll visit the Jewish Synagogue, a place of worship that’s been in use since the 16th century and is protected by the government.


Next, you’ll explore the Magoki Attori Mosque, which sits on the site of an ancient pre-Islamic temple. Stroll through the Trade Domes, where you can imagine the bustling activity of medieval merchants who once traded goods from across Central Asia and beyond. Discover the Bozori Kord Khammam, a historic sauna dating back to the 14th century, and the Abdullakhan Tim, a grand shopping passage built in the 16th century.


Your journey continues to the Ulugbeg Madrasah, the only surviving Timurid-era building in Bukhara, paired with the Abdulazizkhan Madrasah as part of a stunning architectural ensemble. You’ll also visit the Poi Kalyan complex, which includes the towering Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, and the Miri Arab Madrasah.


Explore the Ark Fortress, the oldest surviving structure in Bukhara, and the Bolo Hauz Mosque, which dates back to 1712. The Chashmai Ayub, linked to the biblical figure Job-Ayub, and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Central Asia’s oldest surviving Islamic tomb, provide further historical context.


Finish your tour at Chor Minor, a unique building with four minarets, constructed in 1807. Finally, Take a relaxing break at Retro Saloon Timur to enjoy some delicious herbal teas.


In the evening, you’ll have the chance to join in on preparing plov, a traditional Uzbek dish made with long-grain rice, tender lamb, onions, and carrots. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll learn the secrets behind this beloved dish, also known as “pilaf” or “palov.”


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner at a local family’s home


Accommodation

Overnight in Paradise Plaza / Malika / Minorai Kalon / Omar Khayyam or similar


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Day 5 – Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand

Location: Samarkand

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Plaza Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vabkent Minaret

After breakfast, depart for Samarkand, with a stop in Gijduvan. Your journey begins with a drive to Gijduvan, passing through Vabkent. Here, you’ll visit the Vabkent Minaret, a stunning example of local architecture dating back to 1196-1197. The minaret features a Kufic inscription on its lower decorative belt.


Gijduvan

Continue your drive to Gijduvan, a small town located 46 km northeast of Bukhara. In Gijduvan, you’ll find remnants of historical architecture, including the Ulugbek Madrasah from the 15th century, although only the front part remains.


You will also explore the Abd-al-Khalyk Gijduvani Mazar and learn about Gijduvan’s renowned ceramics and embroidery. The Narzullaev family, famous for their traditional silk embroidery on cotton fabric, continues this local craft.


Ceramic workshop and the Museum

Visit the ceramic workshop and the Museum of Ceramics established by the Narzullaev family to see some of the finest examples of local craftsmanship.


Rabat Malika Caravan Saray

Finally, you’ll head to the ruins of Rabat Malika Caravan Saray, a former fortress for travellers on the Great Silk Road.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant, and Dinner at another local restaurant 


Accommodation

Overnight in Arka Boutique / Rabat Boutique / Wellfort or similar


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Bukhara to Gijduvan: 47 km | 1 hour

Gijduvan to Samarkland: 230 km | 4 hours


Day 6 – Samarkland

Location: Samarkand

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Kemin Guesthouse or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the main attractions in Samarkand, starting with the Registan, a stunning plaza surrounded by three ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries. At Sherdor Madrassah, enjoy a mini-concert and a lecture about traditional national musical instruments.


Next, visit Gur Emir, the grand tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), the founder of the Timurid Empire. Continue your tour with the Shakhi Zinda necropolis, located in the northeastern part of Samarkand, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the most significant monuments in the city.


In the Koni Ghil Village, explore a handicraft centre where you’ll learn about the ancient techniques of paper production, pottery, carpentry, and oil making, all following traditional methods. Finish your day with visits to the Afrosiyob Museum and Ulugbek Observatory to gain further insights into the region’s history and astronomical achievements.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Arka Boutique / Rabat Boutique / Wellfort or similar


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Tours and sightseeing: 35 km | 4 hours duration


Day 7 – Samarkland – Tashkent - Bishkek

Location: Tashkent

Accommodation Name: Local farmstay or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, you will transfer to the train station to catch the Afrosiyob train (06:11-08:21) to Tashkent. 


Akbar Rahimov’s workshop

Upon arrival, visit Akbar Rahimov’s workshop, where this master ceramist, from a long line of potters, revitalises ancient styles with modern designs. Enjoy a tea break with traditional oriental sweets.


In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bishkek. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, located 40 km away, which takes about an hour. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at the hotel, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight at Plaza Hotel or similar


Services

Train transfer

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide

Airport transfer

Economy flight from Tashkent to Bishkek


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Train ride: 2 hours

Flight from Tashkent to Bishkek: 1.5 hours


Day 8 – Bishkek To Kemin Valley

Location: Kemin Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Green Yard Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with breakfast before embarking on a city tour of Bishkek, including a visit to the vibrant Osh Bazaar. Enjoy lunch in Bishkek before transferring to the scenic Kemin Valley. En route, you’ll stop to explore the historic Burana Tower, remnants of an ancient city dating back to the 11th century.


Upon arrival in Kemin, settle into your accommodation at a cosy guesthouse. If time allows, take a hike to the panorama point (approximately 2 hours one way, moderate difficulty) for a stunning view of the Chon-Kemin Valley. Horse riding is also available as an optional activity. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the guesthouse


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Kemin guest house or similar 


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide 


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Bishkek to Kemin Valley: 180 km | 3-4 hours


Day 9 – Kemin Valley – Tepke

Location: Karakol

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Lunch will be provided en route. Along the way, you’ll visit the Museum of Nomad’s Civilizations and an open-air museum featuring ancient petroglyphs. You can also opt for a one-hour boat excursion on Issyk-Kul Lake.


Transfer to Karakol

After lunch, continue the journey. Upon arrival in Karakol, enjoy a tour of a local farm, focusing on the horse breeding section, followed by a relaxing walk around the area. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the farmhouse.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Green Yard Hotel or similar


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Kemin Valley – Tepke: 250 km | 4-5 hours


Day 10 – Tepke To Karakol

Location: Karakol

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Green Yard Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with an early morning trip to Karakol, where you’ll visit the bustling animal market. Afterwards, treat yourself to a traditional Dungan breakfast at a local ash-lyanfu eatery. The day continues with a city tour of Karakol, which includes a 1.5-hour stroll through the streets, taking in the Russian Orthodox Church, the Dungan-style Muslim Mosque, and the Museum of Prjevalski, honouring the famous traveller and Central Asia explorer. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before spending the evening immersed in the local culture with a traditional dinner hosted by a local family. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at a hotel in Karakol.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Green Yard Hotel or similar 


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Tepke to Karakol: 60 km | 1 hour


Day 11 – Karakol – Jetty Oguz – Svetlaya Polyana - Tamga

Location: Issyk-Kul Lake

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Jety-Oguz Gorge, which will take around 2 hours. From here, you have the option to start a moderate-level hike to Svetlaya Polyana Gorge, lasting approximately 3-4 hours. Enjoy a packed lunch at the top of a small pass. After the hike, meet the car and transfer to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The day concludes with dinner and accommodation in a yurt camp in Tamga


 


Meals

Breakfast box, Lunch box 


Accommodation

Issyk-Kul – Yurt camp 


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide 


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Karakol – Jetty Oguz – Svetlaya Polyana – Tamga: 110 km | 4-5 hours


Day 12 - Tamga – Kochkor

Location: Kochkor

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Plaza Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with breakfast before continuing your journey along the southern shore. En route, you’ll visit the village of Kyzyl-Tuu to observe traditional yurt production, witness an eagle hunting demonstration, and explore the striking “Fairy Tale” Canyon. Upon arrival in Kochkor, you’ll visit a felt workshop run by the local women’s community, “Altyn Kol,” where they craft beautiful felt products. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Kochkor.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight Nomad Lodge Hotel


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Tamga to Kochkor: 200 km | 4-5 hours


Day 13 – Kochkor To Son-Kul

Location: Son-Kul

Accommodation Name: Overnight in Son-Kul – Yurt camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Son-Kul Lake, located at an altitude of 3,016 metres above sea level, renowned for its picturesque pastures. During the summer, local families bring their cattle here to graze. There are two options for the day:


Option 1: Early morning transfer to Kilemche, the starting point of a soft trek to Son-Kul Lake (approximately 4-5 hours of trekking).


Option 2: For those who prefer travelling by car, transfer to Son-Kul Lake in the morning, followed by an afternoon hike around the lake.


End the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Son-Kul – Yurt camp


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Kochkor to Son-Kul: 120 km | 2-3 hours


Day 14 – Son-Kul To Bishkek

Location: Bishkek

Accommodation Name: Overnight in Plaza Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Bishkek with a lunch stop in Kochkor. Upon arrival in Bishkek, take some time to rest and refresh before dinner. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, with the option to include a Kyrgyz folklore program during the meal. Overnight accommodation will be provided at a hotel in Bishkek.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Plaza Hotel or similar


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance (Approximate)

Son-Kul to Bishkek: 320 km | 6-7 hours


Day 15 – Bishkek - Departure

Location: Bishkek

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you have free time until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Services

Airport transfer


What's Included

  • Return airport transfers

  • 12 nights’ accommodation

  • Meals as per the itinerary

  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • Services of an English-speaking local guide

  • Train tickets Tashkent-Bukhara and Samarkand-Tashkent in business class

  • Taste aromatic herbal teas in "Timur” Retro Saloon in Bukhara

  • Visit ceramist Rakhimov’s workshop with traditional tea-tasting

  • Visit Koni Ghil Village in Samarkand

  • Visit to yurt production workshop in Kyzyl-Tuu

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Visas

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tipping

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals and beverages not specified above

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes private transportation, domestic flights, and train transfers. Notably, there is a business class train journey from Tashkent to Bukhara and Samarkand to Tashkent.

  • What types of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour offers a variety of accommodations, including stays in hotels such as Inspira S, Paradise Plaza, and Arka Boutique. Additionally, there are unique experiences in yurt camps and local guesthouses, providing a blend of comfort and cultural immersion.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary. This typically includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days.

  • Will there be any cultural experiences during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several cultural experiences such as a ceramics master class, a traditional stay in a yurt, a visit to a felt workshop, and an eagle hunting demonstration. You will also have the opportunity to prepare plov, a traditional Uzbek dish, with a local family.

  • Is there an opportunity to interact with local artisans during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to local artisans such as a ceramist's workshop in Tashkent and a felt workshop in Kochkor. You will also visit a yurt production workshop in Kyzyl-Tuu.

  • What kind of activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as city tours, hiking, a ceramics master class, a visit to a local bazaar, and a traditional cooking experience. There are also opportunities for horse riding and a boat excursion on Issyk-Kul Lake.

  • Are there any unique experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour offers unique experiences such as staying in a yurt camp, witnessing eagle hunting, and visiting the Museum of Nomad’s Civilizations. You will also have the chance to enjoy a traditional Dungan breakfast and participate in a Kyrgyz folklore program during a farewell dinner.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

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Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

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Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon!

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May 25, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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