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Mt Kailash Manasarovar Expedition — 14 days
Nepal
Tibet
August 22 - September 04, 2026
Shymkent is one of Kazakhstan’s principal cities and an appealing gateway to the country’s south. With Silk Road roots stretching back centuries, it has a warmer, more lived-in feel than the capital, with busy bazaars, leafy parks and a distinctly Central Asian character. Today it serves as an important cultural and transport hub, linking travellers with nearby highlights such as Turkistan, Sayram and the wider mountains and steppe of the region. For visitors, Shymkent works best as a practical but atmospheric stop: less polished than Almaty, yet richer in everyday local life, regional flavour and access to southern Kazakhstan’s heritage.
A range of thrilling experiences handpicked by our experts. Don’t see one that’s just right for you? No problem. Our local insiders will create precisely what you want.
Stroll Shymkent’s pedestrian centre for cafés, street life and an easy introduction to the city’s modern character. It is especially pleasant in the evening, when locals gather, lights come on and the atmosphere becomes more animated. This is less about monuments and more about absorbing the rhythm of daily urban life in southern Kazakhstan.
Abay Park is one of Shymkent’s best-known green spaces and a good place for a relaxed walk between sightseeing stops. Shaded paths, open lawns and local families give it an easy, everyday feel. It offers a simple but enjoyable glimpse of city life and works well for travellers wanting a quieter pause from museums and traffic.
The dendrological park is one of the city’s most appealing outdoor spaces, especially in warmer months. With tree-lined paths, greenery and a calmer pace, it is ideal for an unhurried stroll. For visitors, it provides a pleasant contrast to Shymkent’s busy streets and a chance to enjoy a softer, greener side of the city.
A day trip to Turkistan is one of the region’s most rewarding excursions. The city is known for the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of Kazakhstan’s most important historic monuments. Combined with the wider heritage complex, it adds real cultural depth and is the best choice for travellers wanting a strong Silk Road dimension.
Just outside Shymkent, Sayram offers an older, more local historic atmosphere and worthwhile Silk Road context. It is quieter and less monumental than Turkistan, but rewarding for travellers interested in regional history and a more everyday sense of place. It works particularly well as a short cultural outing without the scale of a full-day expedition.
Shymkent is a useful base for heading into nearby mountain landscapes such as Aksu-Zhabagly or Sayram-Ugam. These areas are well suited to light hiking, birdwatching, spring wildflowers and scenic drives. For travellers combining city and nature, they provide an appealing contrast and show a very different side of southern Kazakhstan beyond its urban centres.
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A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
Explore Central Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures from Kyrgyzstan’s alpine valleys to Kazakhstan’s dynamic cities. This 13-day tour blends natural beauty, Silk Road history, and nomadic traditions in one unforgettable journey with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.
People & Culture, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£7,945
Without Flights
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.
Heritage, AONB
Kazakhstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
Explore Central Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures from Kyrgyzstan’s alpine valleys to Kazakhstan’s dynamic cities. This 13-day tour blends natural beauty, Silk Road history, and nomadic traditions in one unforgettable journey with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.
People & Culture, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£7,945
Without Flights
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
Explore Central Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures from Kyrgyzstan’s alpine valleys to Kazakhstan’s dynamic cities. This 13-day tour blends natural beauty, Silk Road history, and nomadic traditions in one unforgettable journey with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.
People & Culture, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£7,945
Without Flights
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.
Heritage, AONB
Kazakhstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsNo records found
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"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."
"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."
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