Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan: Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan: Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan: Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road
16 Days Starting in BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN) and ending in TASHKENT
Visiting: Bishkek, Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat, Kazarman, Osh, Kokand, Tashkent, Khiva Hostel, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WMF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan may be Central Asian neighbours, but they couldn’t be more different. For while Kyrgyzstan is a land of epic mountain scenery and semi-nomadic shepherds, Uzbekistan is home to the atmospheric towns of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, probably Central Asia’s most revered Silk Road trading centres.
Starting in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, we’ll spend much of our time in traditional yurts and will be introduced to the ways of mountain life on the Old Silk Road, before driving on to the ancient city of Osh. From here, we will cross the border into Uzbekistan and travel on to see the fabled cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand where merchants still ply their wares in the shadow of some of the world’s greatest architectural achievements.
If you wish to experience the contrasts and variety that this fascinating region has to offer, this is the trip for you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour will begin early afternoon at our hotel in Bishkek, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals. After a spot of lunch, we will make a short walking tour to see the main sights and watch the spectacle that is the Changing of the Guards. This evening, we will enjoy a local dinner - soaking up the city by night.
Day 2: Bishkek - Son Kul (3,016M)
Location: Bishkek, Song-Kul
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we will head out of Bishkek and visit the restored 11th century Burana Tower before lunch in a family home in Tokmok. Our final destination of the day will be Son Kul, the spectacular 3000m mountain lake used as summer pastures for many local shepherds. There, we will be welcomed by our hosts and enjoy a traditional dinner, and maybe the odd vodka toast! Driving distance 360km, 6-7 hours approx.
Day 3: In & Around Son Kul
Location: Song-Kul
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will walk or ride (optional and payable locally) up into the hills looking for petroglyphs and enjoy the mind-blowing views over the lake. Those wishing to relax can hang out at the camp and enjoy some down time. Or you might like to visit the local shepherds and try a taste of kumis (fermented mare’s milk). We may also get the chance to see some traditional Kyrgyz horse games today.
Day 4: Son Kul - Tash Rabat (2,900-3,100M)
Location: Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we’ll take a beautiful drive on to Tash Rabat, where we will spend the next two nights. We’ll stop on the way in Naryn to visit the town and enjoy a local lunch. Having settled into our yurt camp later this afternoon, we’ll have a chance to look around the famous ancient Silk Road caravanserai. Driving distance 230-250km, 5-6 hours approx.
Day 5: In & Around Tash Rabat
Location: Tash-Rabat
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is free to explore the stunning mountain surroundings. The walking in this area is wonderful and those wishing to ride (optional and payable locally) can also do so. We might head up towards the 3,500m Tash Rabat Pass or follow another beautiful circular route, or you could just do your own thing. This valley, just 35km as the crow flies from the Chinese border, is lush and green - home to horses, yaks, sheep and, of course, nomads. This evening we’ll have another traditional dinner at our camp.
Day 6: Tash Rabat - Kazarman
Location: Tash-Rabat, Kazarman
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Karzarman Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a long drive but through some really stunning mountain scenery. We’ll stop en route for a picnic lunch and the odd photo opportunity. Arriving in the small village of Kazarman this evening, we’ll stay with a local family and enjoy some of their home-cooking. Driving distance 330km, 8-9 hours approx.
Day 7: Kazarman - Osh
Location: Osh, Kazarman
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Imanjan's Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive over Kaldama Ashuu pass, which at 3062m offers some amazing views. We'll stop in Jalal-Abad for lunch with a local family and then continue on to the ancient city of Osh, where we’ll visit Solomon’s Throne – Suleiman Too – the rock that looms over the city and is an important Muslim pilgrimage site protected by UNESCO. Tonight we’ll stay in the wonderful home of our friend Imanjan, enjoying traditional cuisine and hospitality. Driving distance 260km, 8-9 hours approx.
Day 8: Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Location: Kokand, Osh
Accommodation: Silk Road Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Silk Road Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we make the short drive to the Duslik border, say farewell to our Kyrgyz team and go through formalities to enter Uzbekistan. Here we will be met and driven through the Fergana Valley, an incredibly fertile region that was the breadbasket of the Central Asian USSR and is still one of the wealthiest parts of the whole region. Our first stop today will be in the town of Margilon, centre of the still thriving silk trade in the area, where we’ll see the entire silk-weaving process from cocoon to end product. We will also visit nearby Rishton, renowned for its blue and green ceramics, before reaching Kokand where we spend the night. Driving
distance 190km, 3-4 hours approx.
Day 9: Kokand - Tashkent - Nukus/ Urgench - Khiva
Location: Tashkent, Khiva Hostel, Kokand
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After a chance to visit the 19th century Palace of Khudayar Khan this morning, we will drive in cars through the mountains to reach Tashkent. From here, we’ll take a short flight to Nukus or Urgench before continuing to Khiva. Situated in the heart of this UNESCO protected old town, we will check into our hotel for the next two nights. Driving distance 270km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 10: In Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There’ll be ample time to soak up the atmosphere of Khiva today, wandering around the quiet streets of this wonderfully preserved Silk Road city. We’ll visit some of the most colourful and sumptuous sites, including the Kukhna Arc, Mohammed Khan Madrassa and Kalta Minor Minaret. In addition, there'll be opportunity to explore the Jama Majid Mosque with its amazing wooden pillars and the Alloquli Khan Madrassa, bazaar and caravanserai. There will be some free time later this afternoon and evening to be able to explore further at leisure.
Day 11: Khiva - Bukhara
Location: Bukhara, Khiva
Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will take a slow train to Bukhara if schedules allow, which is considered to be the most complete medieval city in Central Asia. Steeped in history at more than 2,000 years old, we will take a first wander around the old town - soaking up the atmosphere of Labi Hauz, the 17th Century pool and eating area before dinner.
Day 12: In Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we have all day for sightseeing. We will start at the Ismaili Samani Mausoleum, and continue via the Jama Majid (or the mosque of forty pillars) to the Arc where Connolly and Stoddard – two luckless British officers – met their deaths while playing the Great Game. From here, we will visit the historically important Zindan, followed by the Kolan Minaret and beautiful mosques and madrassas that lie beneath it. Lunch will form part of a cooking demo with a local family. We will then have the remainder of the day free for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns.
Day 13: Bukhara - Samarkand
Location: Bukhara, Samarkand
Accommodation: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Registon Saroy Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll drive along the Royal Road to the famous Silk Road city of Samarkand, stopping along the way to view the remains of an old caravanserai. After checking into our hotel, we will make our visit to the Registan, the public square that is the heart of historic Samarkand and a particularly beautiful sight at sunset. There will be plenty of time to explore the three madrassas that make up the ensemble and to take plenty of memorable photographs. Driving distance 300km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 14: In Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Registon Saroy Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We’ll enjoy a morning wandering through this incredible city taking in sights such as the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis and the 15th century Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once considered one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. After a wine-tasting at Khovrenko Winery, we’ll have the rest of the day free to continue exploring at our own pace.Â
Day 15: Samarkand - Tashkent
Location: Tashkent, Samarkand
Accommodation: City Palace Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tashkent or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will head back to Tashkent where there’ll be time for some sightseeing in this city that once played a pivotal role during the Great Game between the expanding 19th century British and Russian Empires. We plan to visit Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and Barak Khan Mosque on Khasty. Tonight we’ll have our final dinner together and reflect on our journey.
Day 16: Tour Ends In Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast today, although those on the suggested group flights will depart in the early hours of the morning before breakfast.
What's Included
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MEALS
15 x Breakfasts15 x Lunches12 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses in Kyrgyzstan and coaster buses and cars in Uzbekistan, as well as a domestic flight and train
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
2 nights x Premium
7 nights x Superior
6 nights x Simple -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.comÂ
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. Your passport is simply stamped on arrival.Â
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.Â
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
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Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the walks and rides are optional.
There are some long drives involved in this tour due to the distances we need to cover, but the changing scenery throughout make these an interesting aspect of the trip.
It should be noted that whilst in Kyrgyzstan you will be dining and staying in yurts and homestays for much of the time, so you should be prepared for communal living and sleeping arrangements, limited shower access and long-drop toilet facilities for parts of the trip. But don’t panic too much – this is genuine adventure travel and your overall experience will easily make up for the lack of modern conveniences, plus accommodation in Uzbekistan is considerably more comfortable!
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited.
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Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.Â
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except while staying in the yurts and homestays in Kyrgyzstan, where it is often necessary to share with others.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
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Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. Your passport is simply stamped on arrival.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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