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Best things to do in Turkestan

Unearth the soulful allure of Turkestan, an ancient oasis on the vast Kazakh steppe. Esteemed as the spiritual and cultural cradle of Kazakhstan, this city beckons with the timeless Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With our bespoke journeys, trace the footsteps of pilgrims, scholars, and Silk Road merchants who once graced its streets. Engage with mystic Sufi traditions, admire intricate Islamic artistry, and revel in local festivities that resonate with age-old rhythms. Turkestan invites you to delve into a realm where spirituality intertwines with history, offering profound connections amidst an ever-changing world.

EXPERIENCES

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.

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

At the heart of Turkestan lies the magnificent Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 12th-century architectural masterpiece is a testament to the Timurid dynasty's prowess. Wander its chambers, marvel at the azure tiles, and immerse in the spiritual ambiance that resonates within its walls. The mausoleum stands not just as a burial site, but as a beacon of Islamic renaissance in Central Asia.

Ancient Underground Mosque

Delve into the subterranean wonders of the underground mosque of Hilovata. Descend its stairways to discover chambers dedicated to ancient holy men, each with its own tale. The cool underground corridors, illuminated by occasional shafts of light, evoke a sense of mystery and reverence, offering a unique spiritual experience.

Azret-Sultan Historical and Cultural Reserve

Spanning the heart of Turkestan, this reserve is a trove of historical sites, from ancient bathhouses to medieval mausoleums. Wander through this open-air museum, touching the stones that have witnessed centuries of pilgrims, traders, and scholars. Each monument, artifact, and ruin narrates tales of Turkestan's illustrious past.

Appak Kuar Festival

Time your visit to coincide with the Appak Kuar festival, a vibrant celebration of winter's end and the onset of spring. Revel in traditional music, dance, and games. Witness the age-old tradition of horse-riding competitions, showcasing the unparalleled equestrian skills of local riders. It's a cultural extravaganza that reflects the region's deep-rooted traditions.

Arystan Bab Mausoleum

Just outside Turkestan lies the serene mausoleum of Arystan Bab, a spiritual mentor to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. This sacred site is believed to possess healing powers, drawing pilgrims and seekers from afar. Engage in quiet reflection, light candles, and partake in the rituals that have been practiced for generations.

Local Eateries

Embark on a culinary journey in Turkestan's bustling bazaars and local eateries. Relish authentic dishes such as shashlik (grilled meat skewers), kurt (salty cheese balls), and manti (steamed dumplings). As you savour each bite, interact with locals, understanding the nuances of their recipes and the stories that accompany each dish.

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CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on this expertly guided 17-day Central Asia group tour. Follow the Silk Road through legendary cities, mountain valleys and desert landscapes, with opportunities for hiking and trekking in spectacular natural settings. Discover ancient monuments and UNESCO-listed landmarks, enjoy yurt stays and family hospitality, and experience bazaars and traditional crafts. A richly immersive Central Asia expedition blending culture, history and nature.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Guided Group

17 days

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

KYRGYZSTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORER
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

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.

Interest

People & Culture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,340

Tailor-made

13 days from

£9,340

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,340

SILK ROAD LEGACY
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

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.

Interest

Festivals, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,500

Tailor-made

13 days from

£9,500

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,500

THE GRAND KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORATION
Kazakhstan

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.

Interest

Heritage, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,730

Tailor-made

11 days from

£6,730

Without Flights
Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,730

UZBEKISTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Join a small group adventure from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan along the Silk Road on this 17-day guided journey through Central Asia. Explore historic cities, Silk Road cities and Islamic monuments, from Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara to vibrant bazaars and artisan towns. Travel through scenic valleys, mountain landscapes and alpine lakes, combining culture, nature and shared experiences. Stay in comfortable hotels, basic accommodation and traditional guest houses, with expert leadership throughout.

Interest

Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Guided Group

17 days

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Grid View

List View

CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on this expertly guided 17-day Central Asia group tour. Follow the Silk Road through legendary cities, mountain valleys and desert landscapes, with opportunities for hiking and trekking in spectacular natural settings. Discover ancient monuments and UNESCO-listed landmarks, enjoy yurt stays and family hospitality, and experience bazaars and traditional crafts. A richly immersive Central Asia expedition blending culture, history and nature.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Guided Group

17 days

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

KYRGYZSTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORER
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

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.

Interest

People & Culture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,340

Tailor-made

13 days from

£9,340

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,340

SILK ROAD LEGACY
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

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.

Interest

Festivals, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,500

Tailor-made

13 days from

£9,500

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,500

UZBEKISTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Join a small group adventure from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan along the Silk Road on this 17-day guided journey through Central Asia. Explore historic cities, Silk Road cities and Islamic monuments, from Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara to vibrant bazaars and artisan towns. Travel through scenic valleys, mountain landscapes and alpine lakes, combining culture, nature and shared experiences. Stay in comfortable hotels, basic accommodation and traditional guest houses, with expert leadership throughout.

Interest

Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Guided Group

17 days

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Grid View

List View

KYRGYZSTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORER
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

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.

Interest

People & Culture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,340

Tailor-made

13 days from

£9,340

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,340

SILK ROAD LEGACY
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

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.

Interest

Festivals, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,500

Tailor-made

13 days from

£9,500

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £9,500

THE GRAND KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORATION
Kazakhstan

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.

Interest

Heritage, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,730

Tailor-made

11 days from

£6,730

Without Flights
Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,730

Grid View

List View

CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on this expertly guided 17-day Central Asia group tour. Follow the Silk Road through legendary cities, mountain valleys and desert landscapes, with opportunities for hiking and trekking in spectacular natural settings. Discover ancient monuments and UNESCO-listed landmarks, enjoy yurt stays and family hospitality, and experience bazaars and traditional crafts. A richly immersive Central Asia expedition blending culture, history and nature.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Guided Group

17 days

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

UZBEKISTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Join a small group adventure from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan along the Silk Road on this 17-day guided journey through Central Asia. Explore historic cities, Silk Road cities and Islamic monuments, from Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara to vibrant bazaars and artisan towns. Travel through scenic valleys, mountain landscapes and alpine lakes, combining culture, nature and shared experiences. Stay in comfortable hotels, basic accommodation and traditional guest houses, with expert leadership throughout.

Interest

Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Guided Group

17 days

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

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What Others Say

Real reviews from travellers who explored Asia with us.

what other says

A COUPLE FROM BUXTON

"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."

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
what other says

TWO COUPLES FROM HERTFORDSHIRE

"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."

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
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