Cultural Discovery from Bishkek to Samarkand across Central Asia

Bishkek

Arrive in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital. Begin your day with a city tour of Bishkek, visiting key landmarks and cultural sites. Explore the city centre, where you’ll find the White House, a Soviet-style government building, and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Then walk through the bustling Osh Bazaar, where you can buy felt hats, handmade carpets and local crafts. This lively market is full of local life and gives you a great introduction to Kyrgyz culture. Wander through its alleys, try local snacks and experience Central Asia’s warm hospitality before settling in for the night in this lovely city.

Karkara

Drive east to Karkara, enjoying views of Issyk-Kul Lake along its scenic southern shores. The area is renowned for its stunning alpine lakes and breathtaking mountain vistas. Stop at the Issyk-Kul Historical State Museum to see ancient petroglyphs carved into large rocks – remnants of early civilisations displayed in an open-air stone garden. Later visit a local beekeeping farm to learn about traditional Kyrgyz beekeeping. This rural region is known for its fresh air, quiet landscapes and deep connection to nature. The journey itself has beautiful photo stops and a glimpse of daily life in Kyrgyzstan’s countryside before arriving at your peaceful stay in the Karkara Valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karkara

Full day in the Karkara Valley. Stay in a yurt camp, a unique and culturally immersive accommodation option in the valley. The sleeping arrangements in the yurt camps are communal, offering a rustic and adventurous experience with limited amenities such as shared shower access and long-drop toilets. Experience rural life as you hike across gentle trails and open meadows or horseback ride with local guides through grassy hills and forests. Listen to birdsong, breathe in the mountain air and enjoy meals by the fire. This is a chance to connect with nature and learn about the nomadic lifestyle that still exists in Kyrgyzstan’s remote areas. A peaceful and scenic break from modern life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Travel to Karakol, a town at the foot of the mountains known for its cultural mix and beautiful setting. Visit the colourful Dungan Mosque, built entirely of wood without nails, and the charming Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, a notable example of a former summer residence used by local aristocracy and now recognized as a significant cultural landmark. Learn about the town’s history from your local guide. Later enjoy a traditional meal with a local Dungan family and try ashlan fu, a spicy cold noodle soup. This day brings you close to the traditions, flavours and hospitality of Karakol, blending history and culture in a quiet but lively town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Kochkor

Drive to Kochkor, a village in central Kyrgyzstan, with a stop at the Jeti-Oguz rock formations – famous for their red colour and the “Seven Bulls” legend. On arrival in Kochkor visit a women’s co-op to learn the craft of felt-making, a tradition passed through generations. See how wool is turned into colourful mats, slippers and decorations. Later see a golden eagle demonstration and learn how these birds are trained for hunting. A day full of traditional skills, stunning scenery and local stories that bring the nomadic culture to life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bishkek

Return to Bishkek with a stop at the Burana Tower, an 11th century minaret. Entrance fees collected at the Burana Tower and the nearby field of ancient stone statues known as balbals help preserve these historic sites and support the local community. Continue to Ala Archa National Park for short scenic hikes in the mountains. End the day with a dinner hosted by a German-speaking Mennonite family. Learn about their unique community and history in Kyrgyzstan. A day of learning, reflection and the natural beauty of this peaceful Central Asian country.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent

Fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Begin your day with a city tour and a sightseeing tour of Tashkent’s cultural and historical highlights. Explore the city centre, where you can visit the Hazrati Imam complex, home to one of the world’s oldest Qur’ans, and walk through Chorsu Bazaar, filled with spices, fruits, bread and textiles. Marvel at Soviet-era architecture and wide green boulevards which reflect a mix of Islamic heritage and Russian influence. This vibrant city blends old and new in unexpected ways. Lunch at a local restaurant and visit open-air parks or modern galleries depending on your interest. Tashkent is a great place to start to understand Uzbekistan’s deep culture and recent changes.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent

Khiva

Fly to Khiva, a city that seems frozen in time. Inside the old city walls, step into Ichan Kala, a UNESCO world heritage site recognized for its outstanding cultural and historical significance. Visit the Tash Khauli Palace, the stunning Juma Mosque with 200 carved wooden columns and the peaceful Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. As you walk the cobblestone streets you’ll see tiled archways, fortress walls and quiet courtyards. Khiva is a true glimpse into the Silk Road era where history is present in every building and legend. The city’s quiet charm will linger.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khiva

Spend a second day exploring more of Khiva’s ancient wonders. Climb the Kunya Ark fortress for views over the city’s blue domes and tall minarets. Visit the Islam Khodja complex where the minaret towers above the city. Discover hidden alleys, old madrasas and small workshops making local crafts. Have tea at a traditional chaikhana (tea house) or try freshly baked bread from a clay oven. You will also have some free time to wander Khiva’s alleys, browse local markets, or relax at a tea house at your own pace. The peaceful atmosphere and well-preserved buildings will make you feel like you’re travelling back in time. Every corner of Khiva has a story from centuries ago.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

Fly to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most beloved ancient cities with over 2,000 years of history. Once a major Silk Road hub, Bukhara is full of mosques, markets and ancient monuments. Visit the Ark Fortress, the city’s royal citadel for centuries. See the Kalyan Minaret which once guided caravans across the desert. Walk through covered bazaars selling handmade carpets, silk scarves and spices—many purchases here are payable locally, supporting local vendors. The city’s warm earth tones and friendly atmosphere invite slow exploration. Bukhara will give you a deep connection to the past.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

Bukhara

Start at the peaceful Lyabi-Khauz square where people relax under mulberry trees beside a large pond. Around the square visit madrassas and mosques that have been places of learning for centuries. Travel to Gijduvan to visit a family-run pottery workshop famous for bold colours and intricate designs. Return to Bukhara for a local cooking class where you’ll make plov and samsa. This day combines craft, food and historic beauty giving you a full picture of Uzbek culture and daily life in this lovely city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Samarkand

Arrive in Samarkand, a city of legend. Begin at Registan Square, a grand plaza surrounded by three madrassas with blue tiles and calligraphy. Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once the largest in the Islamic world and walk through the nearby market with nuts, fruits and sweets. Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum where Timur is buried under a stunning jade headstone. Samarkand’s grandeur and daily life brings the Silk Road story to life in a vibrant way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Samarkand

Start the day at the Shah-i-Zinda complex, a line of beautifully tiled tombs up a sacred hill. Then visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory where astronomy flourished in medieval times. Later walk through Siab Bazaar to try local fruits, breads and sweets. Take time to relax at a teahouse or speak with local artisans. You will also have some free time to explore the city at your own pace or simply unwind. Samarkand is not just about monuments – it’s a living city with warmth, colour and daily rhythm. This day gives you time to pause and take it all in.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Samarkand

Samarkand

Take a day trip to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s birthplace. Explore the remains of his grand Ak Saray Palace with its huge entrance and mosaic tiles. Visit the Dorus Saodat complex, a peaceful place of burial for Timur’s family. This small town surrounded by green hills gives insight into the power and legacy of one of Central Asia’s most famous rulers. Return to Samarkand in the evening and reflect on how empires rose and fell on these very lands.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent

Return to Tashkent by high-speed train or private transfer. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You might visit Independence Square, Museum of Applied Arts or shop for souvenirs at local markets. Relax in one of Tashkent’s parks or enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant serving modern Uzbek cuisine. A gentle end to a big and varied journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent - Departure

Your journey through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan is over. After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As you leave take with you the memories of Silk Road cities, mountain scenery, warm people and centuries of history.

Meals Included: Breakfast