Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Private
14 days from £7,600
Private Tour
Almaty to Tashkent – 14 Days
Travel through the heart of Central Asia on this cultural journey from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan. Begin in Almaty, Kazakhstan, a major cultural and geographic hub, with city views and mountain scenery, then dive into the world of space exploration at Baikonur, where rocket launches still mark the sky. Continue to the spiritual city of Turkestan before crossing into Uzbekistan to explore ancient Silk Road capitals, desert landscapes, and sacred Islamic architecture along the Silk Road, reflecting Central Asia's rich heritage as a crossroads of civilizations.
In Uzbekistan, visit the well-preserved old towns of Khiva and Bukhara, wander the magnificent squares of Samarkand, and see architectural masterpieces shaped by Timur’s empire. Along the way, you’ll explore museums, meet local artisans, and discover the legacy of both Soviet and Silk Road history. With comfortable overland journeys, expert guides, and time to soak in each destination, this itinerary brings you close to the stories and people of Central Asia — a region rich in history, beauty, and cultural exchange, making for an epic trip and an unforgettable journey.
CULTURAL CROSSROADS FROM ALMATY TO TASHKENT: This multi-country journey connects vibrant Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, with historic Tashkent. Experience Kazakhstan’s modern energy and Soviet legacy before crossing into Uzbekistan’s cultural heart. Along the way, explore markets, meet locals, and witness how Central Asia’s diverse heritage blends across borders, from steppe to city. Don’t miss Charyn Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia, for its stunning rock formations and natural beauty.
SPACE HISTORY AT BAIKONUR COSMODROME: Stand where space exploration began at Baikonur Cosmodrome. Visit historic launch pads, museums, and memorials dedicated to Gagarin and Korolev. Witness a live Soyuz rocket launch — a rare and powerful experience that connects Kazakhstan’s Soviet past with the future of space travel.
SILK ROAD ARCHITECTURE IN SAMARKAND: Explore the grand ancient monuments of Samarkand, once a thriving Silk Road capital and a world heritage site. Admire the blue domes of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the grandeur of Registan Square, and Tamerlane’s mausoleum. This UNESCO-listed city captures the artistic and architectural brilliance of Central Asia’s golden age.
OLD TOWN DISCOVERY IN BUKHARA & KHIVA: Step into history in Bukhara and Khiva, two of Uzbekistan’s most atmospheric ancient cities. Walk through fortress walls, ancient madrasahs, and traditional courtyards. These UNESCO sites offer a glimpse into Central Asia’s Islamic heritage, with centuries-old craftsmanship, ancient monuments, and spiritual traditions still alive today.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Explore Central Asia’s cultural heart on a journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, key countries along the Silk Road. Discover space history at Baikonur, spiritual landmarks in Turkestan, and Silk Road treasures in Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, the region’s oldest cities along the ancient Silk Road. This expertly guided tour blends architecture, heritage, and history across two fascinating countries shaped by empire, faith, and exploration.
Arrive in Almaty and start exploring Kazakhstan’s lively city. Walk through Panfilov Park and admire the colourful wooden Zenkov Cathedral. You may also visit the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments to discover the region's rich musical heritage. Visit the peaceful Central Mosque before heading to the mountains for lunch with views of Medeo, the world’s highest skating rink, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Tien Shan range. The area is renowned for its pristine alpine lakes, which add to the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, take a cable car to Kok-Tobe for sweeping views over the city and the dramatic Tien Shan mountains in the distance. It’s a great introduction to the region’s natural beauty and urban life. Return to the Ritz-Carlton for a restful night and get ready for the journey ahead.
Take a morning flight to Kzyl Orda, then drive to Baikonur, the centre of Kazakhstan's space history. Visit the Museum of Baikonur Cosmodrome History, filled with fascinating displays on space travel, rockets, and artefacts linked to space pioneers like Yuri Gagarin and Sergei Korolev. Learn how science fiction became reality in this important Soviet-era launch centre. This evening, rest at your hotel and prepare for tomorrow's special event—a live rocket launch.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience the powerful moment of a real "Soyuz" rocket launch. Watch as it lifts off, filling the sky with sound and energy. Afterwards, visit the famous Gagarin's Start and Zenith launch pads to learn more about past missions. Step inside the memorial houses of Gagarin and Korolev and see where these space legends once stayed. This unique day blends science, emotion, and history, bringing Kazakhstan's role in space exploration to life.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a scenic train journey across the Kazakh steppe to Turkestan, an ancient city renowned for its ancient monuments. Enjoy the changing landscapes and lunch onboard. When you arrive, visit the impressive mausoleum of Hodzha Ahmed Yassavi, a UNESCO world heritage site and key figure in Central Asian spirituality. Explore medieval bathhouses that reveal daily life in ancient times. Rich in Islamic heritage and architectural beauty, Turkestan offers a peaceful and meaningful close to the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel by road to Uzbekistan, stopping at Shaulder to visit the local museum and the ruins of Otrar—an ancient capital and the birthplace of the scholar al-Farabi. Cross the border and continue to Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, where you’ll settle in at Hotel Mercure and enjoy a walking tour or a full day city tour of the city's highlights. This capital city blends Soviet design, Central Asian history, and Islamic tradition, offering a first taste of Uzbekistan’s culture and charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave early for a flight to Urgench, then drive 40 miles to Khiva, an ancient city and walled city full of Islamic architecture and history. Embark on a walking tour through Khiva's historic streets, where you can explore its ancient monuments, including the Djuma Mosque, known for its 212 wooden pillars. Visit the old Kunya-Ark fortress and Tash Hauli Palace, each rich in intricate design. Walking through Khiva feels like stepping back in time, with narrow lanes and grand buildings telling centuries-old stories.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel across the Kyzyl-Kum desert to Bukhara, passing the Amu Darya river. Pause for a picnic lunch and meet Karakul sheep herders to learn about their trade. After a long journey, arrive in Bukhara—an ancient city renowned for its historic role in Islamic learning and its impressive ancient monuments. Check in to your hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s deep dive into its old streets, religious sites, and opportunities to interact with local families.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start at Lyabi Hauz, a peaceful square surrounded by madrasahs and cafes, and begin your walking tour of Bukhara's historic center. Continue to the Poi-Kalyan complex, home to the grand Kalyan minaret and mosque, and explore some of the city's most impressive ancient monuments. Visit the Ismail Samani mausoleum, one of Central Asia’s oldest Islamic buildings. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a folk show at the Nodir Divan Begui madrasah. Today offers a mix of culture, history, and warm Uzbek hospitality.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today explores Bukhara’s royal and spiritual past, including some of its most remarkable ancient monuments. Visit the elegant Royal Mosque of Bolo Khauz, and the Emirs’ summer palace—Sitorai Mokhi Khosa—known for its Russian and Persian style. Later, visit the Bahauddin Naqshband complex, a sacred site with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful tilework. This day adds depth to your understanding of Bukhara’s religious significance and architectural richness.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Bukhara and drive to Samarkand, Uzbekistan via Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Visit Ak-Saray Palace, once his grand summer residence, and explore other historic buildings. After lunch in Shakhrisabz, continue on to Samarkand. This ancient city, recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, is renowned for its ancient monuments and will be your base for the next two nights, ready to reveal more of Uzbekistan’s cultural wonders.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Samarkand’s famous ancient monuments on a walking tour of the city's historic core. Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, with its vast dome and delicate mosaics, part of the UNESCO world heritage site. Walk through Registan Square, surrounded by three stunning madrasahs. End at the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, where Tamerlane is buried under a jade tombstone. Each site tells a story of the city’s powerful past as a centre of empire, trade, and religion.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin at Shakhi-Zinda, a row of beautiful tombs decorated with blue tiles, one of Samarkand's remarkable ancient monuments. Continue to the Ulugbek Observatory, a 15th-century scientific marvel. End the day at a traditional paper-making workshop, where you’ll see ancient techniques still used today. These visits offer a glimpse into Samarkand’s deep blend of science, craft, and spirituality.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive back to Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, stopping in Bakhmal village to try cotton honey and meet local producers. Once in the city, enjoy a full day city tour featuring a walking tour of Tashkent’s highlights, including its squares, metro stations, and bazaars. In the evening, gather at Hotel Mercure for a farewell dinner and celebrate the many discoveries and memories from your journey across Central Asia.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport. Your journey through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan ends here. You leave with unforgettable memories of ancient cities, stunning architecture, warm hospitality, and a deeper understanding of Central Asia’s past and present—an epic trip and truly unforgettable journey through this remarkable region.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driven by the mystique of Central Asia’s hidden narratives, this epic trip along the Silk Road weaves together the storied past of ancient cities and the pioneering spirit of Baikonur’s space missions. It is tailored for the intrepid soul fascinated by history’s depth, cultural richness, and the exhilaration of space exploration.
Offering exclusive insights into the region’s scenic landscapes, historical monuments, and enduring customs, it’s an invitation to venture beyond the known, engaging deeply with the essence of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
From the architectural grandeur of Samarkand to the modern spectacle of a “Soyuz” launch, this unforgettable journey melds the ancient with the contemporary in an exploration you’ll never forget.
Our expedition’s flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families. During the journey, you will also have opportunities to interact with local families, providing authentic cultural experiences and insights into everyday life in the region.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. For those seeking a unique and immersive experience, there is also the option to stay in a yurt camp or yurt camps, offering traditional accommodations in scenic locations. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in British pounds (GBP) and are subject to change. Please refer to the terms and conditions of this trip for further details.
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
