Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Discovery Tour — 13 days / 12 nights

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your exploration of Tashkent with a guided tour of the Old City. The tour includes a visit to the Khast Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of the capital, home to the historic Barak-Khan Madrasah and the Mausoleum of Kaffal al-Shashi, some of the city's oldest architectural landmarks. You will also visit the Center of Islamic Civilization, an important cultural institution that bridges the legacy of the Islamic Golden Age with modern Uzbekistan.

Lunch will be served at the renowned Central Asian Plov Center “Besh Qozon”, where up to 10 tons of Uzbekistan’s national dish are prepared daily in giant traditional cauldrons.

After lunch, transfer to Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a true jewel of the Great Silk Road. Rich in history and legendary heritage, Samarkand captivates visitors with its magnificent madrasahs, turquoise domes, and the enduring legacy of Amir Timur (Tamerlane).

A walk through the city’s historic streets offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the past while discovering one of the most beautiful and culturally significant destinations in Central Asia.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, discover the timeless beauty of Samarkand, one of the most magnificent cities along the Great Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour begins at the iconic Registan Square, widely regarded as the most famous architectural ensemble in Central Asia. Surrounded by the three magnificent madrasahs of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kari, the square has long been the cultural and educational heart of Samarkand.

Continue to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants. This remarkable monument is considered one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture and served as an inspiration for later landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world, renowned for its monumental scale and striking beauty.

Explore the vibrant Siab Bazaar, the largest market in Samarkand, where locals gather to trade fresh produce, spices, traditional sweets, and handicrafts.

Continue to the spectacular Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a unique architectural complex composed of eleven beautifully decorated medieval mausoleums and considered one of the most sacred sites in Uzbekistan.

The tour concludes at the Ulugh Beg Observatory Museum, dedicated to one of the greatest astronomers of the medieval world. Here, visitors can see the remains of the giant sextant that once enabled remarkably accurate astronomical observations centuries ahead of its time.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Gijduvan, a town renowned for its centuries-old ceramic traditions. Visit the Narzullaev family, hereditary master potters and custodians of the famous Gijduvan ceramic school.

During the visit, you will gain insight into the traditional pottery-making process, including clay shaping, firing techniques, and the intricate art of hand painting. Lunch will be served at the potters’ family home, accompanied by a tasting of the region’s famous Gijduvan kebabs.

Continue to Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan and a major crossroads of the Great Silk Road. Throughout the Middle Ages, Bukhara was an important political, cultural, and religious center of Central Asia. Today, the city preserves more than 140 architectural monuments, including magnificent madrasahs, historic mosques, the iconic Kalyan Minaret, the Ark Fortress, medieval bathhouses, and traditional trading domes. The historic center of Bukhara is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

En route, visit the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, followed by the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Uzbekistan.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, check in at the hotel.

Begin your exploration of the city with a visit to the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the most famous square in Bukhara, centered around a picturesque pond and surrounded by the Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, a historic khanaka, the statue of Khoja Nasreddin, and numerous charming cafés.

Continue with a walk through the historic covered trading domes of the 16th century, where local artisans continue the traditions of silk weaving, embroidery, metalwork, and other traditional crafts.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Continue exploring the timeless city of Bukhara, one of the most important cultural and spiritual centers along the Great Silk Road.

The tour begins with a visit to the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the finest masterpieces of early Islamic architecture in Central Asia and the dynastic tomb of the Samanid rulers. Continue to Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, an unusual monument associated with the biblical legend of the Prophet Job, renowned for its distinctive elongated dome.

Next, visit the Bolo-Hauz Complex, one of Bukhara’s most elegant architectural ensembles, featuring a picturesque pond, a historic mosque, and a beautifully decorated wooden-columned iwan supported by twenty intricately carved pillars.

Continue to the Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel of Bukhara, often referred to as a "city within a city." For centuries, it served as the residence of the rulers of Bukhara and the political center of the emirate.

The tour proceeds to the magnificent Poi-Kalyan Complex, the architectural symbol of Bukhara. This impressive ensemble includes the iconic Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, forming one of the most remarkable landmarks in Central Asia.

The final stops include the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, famous for its rich decorative details, and the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, one of the oldest surviving educational institutions in the region and a testament to the scientific and cultural achievements of the Timurid era.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Khiva, traveling across the vast Kyzylkum Desert, one of the largest deserts in Central Asia. The journey follows part of the ancient Silk Road route, offering a unique opportunity to experience the dramatic landscapes that once connected the great trading cities of the region.

Along the way, several stops will be made to enjoy the desert scenery and take a walk among the picturesque sand dunes, providing excellent opportunities for photography and a closer look at the natural beauty of the Kyzylkum Desert.

Continue the drive to Khiva, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, discover Khiva, one of the most authentic and best-preserved ancient cities of Uzbekistan and a true jewel of the Great Silk Road. Often described as an open-air museum, Khiva offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a medieval Silk Road city.

The sightseeing tour takes place within the historic walled city of Ichan-Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of old Khiva.

The tour includes a visit to the Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, one of the city's most revered pilgrimage sites, followed by the Kunya-Ark Fortress, the former residence of Khiva's rulers and a remarkable "city within a city."

Continue to the Islam Khoja Complex, featuring the city's tallest minaret (56.6 meters) and a beautifully decorated madrasah. From the top of the minaret, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the ancient city and its distinctive skyline.

Further highlights include the magnificent Tash-Hauli Palace, the former royal residence of the Khivan khans, and the unique Juma Mosque, famous for its 213 intricately carved wooden columns, creating one of the most atmospheric interiors in Central Asia.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and its iconic minaret, one of the largest and most impressive educational complexes in the region.

After the city tour, transfer to Urgench Airport for the evening flight to Tashkent.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport approximately 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight.

Flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, meet your guide and driver and transfer to the hotel. Early check-in (subject to flight arrival time and availability) and time to rest after the journey.

At 13:00, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, begin your Bishkek city tour, including visits to Ala-Too Square, the State Historical Museum, Oak Park, the Kurmanjan Datka Monument, and the Fine Arts Gallery.

Continue to the famous Osh Bazaar, one of the largest and most colorful markets in Kyrgyzstan, where visitors can experience local life and shop for souvenirs, honey, dried fruits, spices, and traditional products.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Bishkek.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for the scenic Chong-Kemin Valley, surrounded by the majestic Tien Shan Mountains. On the way, stop at a local market to purchase snacks for a picnic in nature.

Continue to “Apamdyn Kattamasy,” a traditional family-run venue where you will discover Kyrgyz culinary traditions and taste the famous layered flatbreads served with fresh sour cream and aromatic milk tea.

Later, visit one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular natural attractions — Konorchek Canyon. Enjoy a hike through a picturesque gorge leading to impressive red rock formations and dramatic sandstone landscapes shaped by centuries of erosion.

After the excursion, continue to Chong-Kemin Valley and check in at the Ular Guesthouse, beautifully located among green meadows and mountain scenery.

Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner and free time to relax, take a walk around the area, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Overnight in Chong-Kemin Valley.

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

After breakfast, enjoy an exciting horseback riding experience through the picturesque landscapes of Chong-Kemin National Park. During this ride, discover alpine meadows, mountain trails, and the breathtaking scenery of the Kyrgyz highlands.

Later, continue to the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, renowned throughout Kyrgyzstan as a center of traditional yurt-making. Upon arrival, witness a spectacular eagle hunting demonstration, where experienced berkutchi showcase the ancient nomadic tradition of hunting with trained birds of prey.

Enjoy lunch at the local guesthouse “U Rustama,” featuring traditional Kyrgyz cuisine.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Kyrgyz cultural heritage through a Yurt Show, Chiy Show, and Shyrdak Show. Learn about the construction of traditional nomadic dwellings, the weaving of chiy mats, and the craftsmanship behind Kyrgyz felt carpets, one of the country’s most famous handicrafts.

Dinner and free time to relax and experience the warm hospitality of a traditional Kyrgyz village.

Overnight in Kyzyl-Tuu / Issyk-Kul region.

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

After breakfast, depart for Karakol along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoying spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountain landscapes.

The first stop is the famous Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka Canyon), renowned for its extraordinary red and orange rock formations sculpted by wind and erosion into shapes resembling castles, towers, and mythical creatures.

Continue to Barskoon Gorge, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tien Shan Mountains. Take a short walk to the picturesque “Tears of the Leopard” Waterfall, hidden among pine forests and mountain slopes.

Next, visit Jeti-Ögüz Gorge, famous for its striking red sandstone formations known as the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart.” Enjoy lunch at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the mountains and the lush valley below.

Upon arrival in Karakol, enjoy a city tour including the unique Dungan Mosque, built entirely without nails, and the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the renowned Russian explorer who devoted much of his life to researching Central Asia.

Accommodation at the guesthouse and dinner.

In the evening, relax in open-air hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after an active day and enjoy the atmosphere of this mountain resort region.

Overnight in Karakol.

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

After breakfast, depart for Bishkek along the scenic northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

En route, visit Semenovka Gorge and Grigoryevka Gorge, two of the most beautiful natural areas in Kyrgyzstan, known for their alpine landscapes, pine forests, crystal-clear mountain rivers, and breathtaking views of the Tien Shan Mountains.

Continue to the cultural complex of Rukh Ordo, located on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. This unique open-air complex combines history, spirituality, and the cultural traditions of different civilizations while offering magnificent panoramic views of the lake.

Next, visit the ancient petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata, an open-air archaeological site featuring rock carvings created by ancient nomadic tribes centuries ago.

Proceed to the legendary Burana Tower, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important historical landmarks. Dating from the 9th–11th centuries, the minaret is the last surviving structure of the ancient city of Balasagun, once a major center of the Karakhanid Empire.

Enjoy lunch at the Hawaii Recreation Center.

Arrival in Bishkek in the late afternoon. Free time for relaxation, independent exploration of the city, or preparation for departure.

Overnight in Bishkek.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time at leisure before transfer to Manas International Airport.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

End of the tour.