Overview
Central Asia Road Trip: Backroads & Bazaars
Asia
15 days
14 nights
12 people
Moderate
History & Culture
Join us on an epic, two-week, four-country road trip as we wind through Kazakh bazaars, wade in Kyrgyzstan’s glassy Issyk-kul lake, discover Soviet relics in Tajikistan, and wander through Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road cities. As you make your overland journey, you’ll cover over 2,000 miles, enjoying a dazzling diversity of art, music, and architecture; and over two millennia of history.
Highlights
- Spend a night under the stars in a yurt next to a pristine alpine lake surrounded by mountains.
- Explore the colorful and fragrant stalls of Central Asia's most famous bazaars.
- Discover Samarkand’s spectacular ancient history, from mosques to mausoleums.
- Learn how to prepare some of the best Uzbek delicacies during a hands-on cooking class.
- Explore the ancient ruins, fortresses, cathedrals, mausoleums, memorials & mosaics that dot the Silk Road.
A 2-Week, 4-Country Odyssey.
Day 1
Almaty Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Arrive at Almaty International Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel near the city center. Take some time to settle in before we meet for introductions and walk to dinner, where you’ll take your first bites of Kazakh cuisine and discuss the adventure ahead of us.
Almaty Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Arrive at Almaty International Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel near the city center. Take some time to settle in before we meet for introductions and walk to dinner, where you’ll take your first bites of Kazakh cuisine and discuss the adventure ahead of us.
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Resident City Hotel or similar, Almaty
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Welcome Dinner
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Resident City Hotel or similar, Almaty
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Almaty, City of Apple Trees
Today, you’ll explore Almaty, the former capital of Soviet Kazakhstan. Nowadays, it’s both a bustling cultural center and a leafy oasis—its name translates loosely to ‘city of apple trees.’ Almaty is filled with treasures from the U.S.S.R. as well as a diverse mix of inhabitants from all around the region. It also happens to be home to the highest ice skating rink in the world. You'll dive head first into the history of the region wandering through the city’s colorful markets, such as the Zelionyj Bazaar, traditional cathedrals, sprawling parks, and lively cafes, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains. Later, enjoy an exclusive private performance of traditional Kazakh musical instruments and nomadic chants. If you’ve still got the energy, join us for a nighttime walking tour, your final hurrah in the great city of Almaty.
Almaty, City of Apple Trees
Today, you’ll explore Almaty, the former capital of Soviet Kazakhstan. Nowadays, it’s both a bustling cultural center and a leafy oasis—its name translates loosely to ‘city of apple trees.’ Almaty is filled with treasures from the U.S.S.R. as well as a diverse mix of inhabitants from all around the region. It also happens to be home to the highest ice skating rink in the world. You'll dive head first into the history of the region wandering through the city’s colorful markets, such as the Zelionyj Bazaar, traditional cathedrals, sprawling parks, and lively cafes, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains. Later, enjoy an exclusive private performance of traditional Kazakh musical instruments and nomadic chants. If you’ve still got the energy, join us for a nighttime walking tour, your final hurrah in the great city of Almaty.
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Resident City Hotel or similar, Almaty
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Resident City Hotel or similar, Almaty
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Kyrgyzstan by the Backdoor
Embark on an adventurous journey along the Kazakh side of the Tian Shan, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Central Asia. Your first stop will be the wondrous Charyn Canyon (Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon), whose sedimentary red sandstone has been shaped by millions of years of erosion. After lunch, continue on to the border town of Karkara traveling across an idyllic landscape of green pastures and remote settlements. Later, you'll enter the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and head straight for the traditional market town of Karakol. Weave through a series of unique bazaars offering goods ranging from Soviet memorabilia to spices and dried fruit. Take some time to wander on your own before dinner, when we’ll track down some delicious Muslim-Chinese fare, such as cold and spicy ashlan fu.
Kyrgyzstan by the Backdoor
Embark on an adventurous journey along the Kazakh side of the Tian Shan, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Central Asia. Your first stop will be the wondrous Charyn Canyon (Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon), whose sedimentary red sandstone has been shaped by millions of years of erosion. After lunch, continue on to the border town of Karkara traveling across an idyllic landscape of green pastures and remote settlements. Later, you'll enter the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and head straight for the traditional market town of Karakol. Weave through a series of unique bazaars offering goods ranging from Soviet memorabilia to spices and dried fruit. Take some time to wander on your own before dinner, when we’ll track down some delicious Muslim-Chinese fare, such as cold and spicy ashlan fu.
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Muras Hotel or similar, Karakol
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Muras Hotel or similar, Karakol
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Cosmonaut Rocks and Roadside Ruins
Today you’ll travel west along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Dip your feet into the water while taking in breathtaking views of the shimmering lake and snow-capped peaks looming in the distance. En route to Barksoon, we’ll take in natural wonders such as the unusual rock formations of Jeti-Ögüz (which, legend has it, gets its bright red color from a very bloody history…) and the snow-capped Terskey Alatau mountains. You'll explore Barksoon and its valley, where the face of Yuri Gagarin, the first man to reach space, has been carved into the side of a massive boulder. Then you’ll visit the ruins of Aalam Ordo, an unfinished complex once intended to be a center for culture, spirituality, and science. You’ll finish in the picturesque town of Bokonobaevo where you’ll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.
Cosmonaut Rocks and Roadside Ruins
Today you’ll travel west along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Dip your feet into the water while taking in breathtaking views of the shimmering lake and snow-capped peaks looming in the distance. En route to Barksoon, we’ll take in natural wonders such as the unusual rock formations of Jeti-Ögüz (which, legend has it, gets its bright red color from a very bloody history…) and the snow-capped Terskey Alatau mountains. You'll explore Barksoon and its valley, where the face of Yuri Gagarin, the first man to reach space, has been carved into the side of a massive boulder. Then you’ll visit the ruins of Aalam Ordo, an unfinished complex once intended to be a center for culture, spirituality, and science. You’ll finish in the picturesque town of Bokonobaevo where you’ll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.
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Guest House, Bokonbaevo
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Guest House, Bokonbaevo
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Lakes, Highlands and Yurts
Today you’ll continue your journey west along the salty shores of the Issyk-Kul. After a few more photo stops at the various Soviet-era remnants slowly fading away into oblivion, we’ll reach the charming bazaar town of Kochkor, where we'll stock up on food before heading up to Song Kol, an alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Tonight we'll spend the night close to its shores in comfortable shared yurts.
Lakes, Highlands and Yurts
Today you’ll continue your journey west along the salty shores of the Issyk-Kul. After a few more photo stops at the various Soviet-era remnants slowly fading away into oblivion, we’ll reach the charming bazaar town of Kochkor, where we'll stock up on food before heading up to Song Kol, an alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Tonight we'll spend the night close to its shores in comfortable shared yurts.
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Yurt Camp, Song Kol Lake
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
The shared yurt overnight at Song Kol is subject to weather conditions. These are prone to change erratically. The safety and well-being of our guests is our absolute priority, we’ll assess on-site whether an overnight stay in the mountains is feasible. If rough weather conditions are forecasted, we’ll descend instead to the nearby village of Kyzyl-Oi (see following day’s itinerary) for the night and reach Osh a day earlier. There is also a low risk of altitude sickness associated with an overnight stay in Song-Kol. An emergency car will be available to those guests wishing to descend for the night.
PLEASE NOTE: A single supplement is subject to availability and not guaranteed when staying in the Yurt Camp at Song Kol Lake.
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Yurt Camp, Song Kol Lake
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
Day 6
Flaming Mountains and Lost Hamlets
Today, enjoy a leisurely morning on Song Kol. Stroll along its shores, meet with local nomadic herders, or, for the courageous among us, try plunging into its icy waters. After an early lunch you’ll then descend towards Chaek, a village in a scenic narrow mountain valley. We’ll check out the Arab mausoleums this village is renowned for, before moving on to the dreamlike hamlet of Kyzyl-Oi, a traditional Central Asian village tucked away in an isolated gorge of flaming red mountains and whitewater streams.
Flaming Mountains and Lost Hamlets
Today, enjoy a leisurely morning on Song Kol. Stroll along its shores, meet with local nomadic herders, or, for the courageous among us, try plunging into its icy waters. After an early lunch you’ll then descend towards Chaek, a village in a scenic narrow mountain valley. We’ll check out the Arab mausoleums this village is renowned for, before moving on to the dreamlike hamlet of Kyzyl-Oi, a traditional Central Asian village tucked away in an isolated gorge of flaming red mountains and whitewater streams.
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Guest House, Kyzyl-Oi
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Guest House, Kyzyl-Oi
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Legendary Giants and a Flyover
Prepare for an early wakeup this morning, as today you’ll be setting out on the longest leg of our journey, driving for six to seven hours towards Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek. As we travel through the valleys of southern Kyrgyzstan, enjoy spectacular views of rolling foothills and vast, arid landscapes. We'll take frequent stops to soak up the scenery and admire Soviet-era bus stops, memorials, mosaics, and heirlooms from the heyday of the Silk Road. In the early afternoon arrive in Bishkek. After a quick USSR-heritage-themed visit, you’ll head for the airport for your evening flight to Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan.
Legendary Giants and a Flyover
Prepare for an early wakeup this morning, as today you’ll be setting out on the longest leg of our journey, driving for six to seven hours towards Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek. As we travel through the valleys of southern Kyrgyzstan, enjoy spectacular views of rolling foothills and vast, arid landscapes. We'll take frequent stops to soak up the scenery and admire Soviet-era bus stops, memorials, mosaics, and heirlooms from the heyday of the Silk Road. In the early afternoon arrive in Bishkek. After a quick USSR-heritage-themed visit, you’ll head for the airport for your evening flight to Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan.
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Hotel Tashkent, or similar, Tashkent
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotel Tashkent, or similar, Tashkent
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Tajikistan
Explore the treasures of Tashkent today, on a guided walk taking in its Soviet-era grandeur, imposing monuments, and the intricate designs of its richly decorated metro stations. Explore meandering street markets brimming with local treasures and flavors. Following an early lunch, you’ll set out for northern Tajikistan. Arrive in Khujand this afternoon and take some time to relax and explore the city solo. Follow your nose to Panjshanbe Bazaar for dinner, where you can pick up, amongst other things; plov, skewered meats, fried bread, lamb-stuffed manti, and kurut: pungent, cheese-like balls made of dried yogurt.
Tajikistan
Explore the treasures of Tashkent today, on a guided walk taking in its Soviet-era grandeur, imposing monuments, and the intricate designs of its richly decorated metro stations. Explore meandering street markets brimming with local treasures and flavors. Following an early lunch, you’ll set out for northern Tajikistan. Arrive in Khujand this afternoon and take some time to relax and explore the city solo. Follow your nose to Panjshanbe Bazaar for dinner, where you can pick up, amongst other things; plov, skewered meats, fried bread, lamb-stuffed manti, and kurut: pungent, cheese-like balls made of dried yogurt.
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Hotel Khujand, or similar, Khujand
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotel Khujand, or similar, Khujand
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Khujand
Khujand, for a time known as Leninabad, has a rich, documented history that dates back thousands of years before Lenin came into the picture. You’ll trace the city’s many lives through its architecture, glimpsing 20th century bas-reliefs and mosaics alongside ancient mausoleums, mosques, and fortresses.
Khujand
Khujand, for a time known as Leninabad, has a rich, documented history that dates back thousands of years before Lenin came into the picture. You’ll trace the city’s many lives through its architecture, glimpsing 20th century bas-reliefs and mosaics alongside ancient mausoleums, mosques, and fortresses.
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Grand Hotel, or similar, Khujand
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Grand Hotel, or similar, Khujand
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Ancient Frescoes & Lingering Lenins
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Istaravshan, where a larger-than-life Lenin statue has found a new home gazing out across a municipal reservoir. We’ll stop along the route at a former Soviet military base, before reaching our final destination for the day, Penjikent—once a thriving settlement of the ancient Sogdiana Empire. Take a wander around this compact city, experience the local street life, and gaze upon ancient frescoes, and religious relics from the pre-Islamic, Zoroastrian civilization that once flourished here.
Ancient Frescoes & Lingering Lenins
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Istaravshan, where a larger-than-life Lenin statue has found a new home gazing out across a municipal reservoir. We’ll stop along the route at a former Soviet military base, before reaching our final destination for the day, Penjikent—once a thriving settlement of the ancient Sogdiana Empire. Take a wander around this compact city, experience the local street life, and gaze upon ancient frescoes, and religious relics from the pre-Islamic, Zoroastrian civilization that once flourished here.
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Hotel Penjikent, or similar, Penjikent
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotel Penjikent, or similar, Penjikent
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Lakes of Many Hues
This morning, you’ll venture deep into the Fann Mountains for a glimpse of the majestic Seven Lakes. Surrounded by gargantuan, jagged peaks, the glittering glacial lakes you’ll encounter are known for their unusual—and breathtaking—hues, ranging from bright turquoise to black. As we walk through the valley, we’ll stop to visit a local village in the midst of the mountains. The region is particularly conducive to growing apricots, so keep your eyes peeled for orchards as we travel. In the afternoon, we’ll cross into Uzbekistan and head straight to Samarkand, the ancient Silk Road hub that has for centuries captured the imaginations of travelers and storytellers across the globe.
Lakes of Many Hues
This morning, you’ll venture deep into the Fann Mountains for a glimpse of the majestic Seven Lakes. Surrounded by gargantuan, jagged peaks, the glittering glacial lakes you’ll encounter are known for their unusual—and breathtaking—hues, ranging from bright turquoise to black. As we walk through the valley, we’ll stop to visit a local village in the midst of the mountains. The region is particularly conducive to growing apricots, so keep your eyes peeled for orchards as we travel. In the afternoon, we’ll cross into Uzbekistan and head straight to Samarkand, the ancient Silk Road hub that has for centuries captured the imaginations of travelers and storytellers across the globe.
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Platan Hotel, or similar, Samarkand
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Platan Hotel, or similar, Samarkand
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12
Uzbekistan / Samarkand
Believed to be over 2,700 years old, Samarkand was once a diverse trading center along the Silk Road connecting the East to the West, drawing merchants all the way from East Asia to Europe. At the epicenter of it all was the Registan, or ‘Sandy Place’ in Tajik. Composed of arching, beige madrasas covered in bright blue mosaics, sparkling golden mosques, and sprawling courtyards, the Registan is believed to have been the pulsing heart of the commercial Silk Road city throughout the Medieval Era. You’ll spend the day tracing Samarkand’s spectacular ancient history and architecture, from mosques to mausoleums, alongside its more modern parks and stark Soviet buildings, and tasting some local sweets and specialties.
Uzbekistan / Samarkand
Believed to be over 2,700 years old, Samarkand was once a diverse trading center along the Silk Road connecting the East to the West, drawing merchants all the way from East Asia to Europe. At the epicenter of it all was the Registan, or ‘Sandy Place’ in Tajik. Composed of arching, beige madrasas covered in bright blue mosaics, sparkling golden mosques, and sprawling courtyards, the Registan is believed to have been the pulsing heart of the commercial Silk Road city throughout the Medieval Era. You’ll spend the day tracing Samarkand’s spectacular ancient history and architecture, from mosques to mausoleums, alongside its more modern parks and stark Soviet buildings, and tasting some local sweets and specialties.
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Plantan Hotel, or similar, Samarkand
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Plantan Hotel, or similar, Samarkand
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13
Citadels and Iron Towers
Depart Samarkand this morning and head west, reaching Bukhara around midday. Bukhara is another spectacular ancient Silk Road city with buildings dating back thousands of years. You’ll wander through the old city center, exploring ancient mosques and the ornate, brick mausoleum of Ismail Samani, who founded the powerful tenth and eleventh century Samanid dynasty. Later, after a long and leisurely lunch, you’ll visit a massive, Soviet-era wrought iron water tower looming high above the city before taking some time for independent exploration.
Citadels and Iron Towers
Depart Samarkand this morning and head west, reaching Bukhara around midday. Bukhara is another spectacular ancient Silk Road city with buildings dating back thousands of years. You’ll wander through the old city center, exploring ancient mosques and the ornate, brick mausoleum of Ismail Samani, who founded the powerful tenth and eleventh century Samanid dynasty. Later, after a long and leisurely lunch, you’ll visit a massive, Soviet-era wrought iron water tower looming high above the city before taking some time for independent exploration.
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Zargaron Plaza, or similar, Bukhara
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Zargaron Plaza, or similar, Bukhara
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14
Jewish Heritage and Uzbek Delicacies
You’ll spend the last full day of your central Asian odyssey exploring the offbeat and unusual sights of marvelous Bukhara, including an all-too-often overlooked stone cemetery that tells the story of a rather obscure Jewish community: the Bukharan are, indeed, an ethno-religious Jewish sub-group of Central Asia that historically spoke Bukharian, a Judeo-Tajik dialect of the Persian language. In the late afternoon you’ll then indulge in a light (and fun) cooking workshop to learn how to prepare some of the best Uzbek delicacies, on which you will then feast during a grand final dinner to celebrate the conclusion of our journey.
Jewish Heritage and Uzbek Delicacies
You’ll spend the last full day of your central Asian odyssey exploring the offbeat and unusual sights of marvelous Bukhara, including an all-too-often overlooked stone cemetery that tells the story of a rather obscure Jewish community: the Bukharan are, indeed, an ethno-religious Jewish sub-group of Central Asia that historically spoke Bukharian, a Judeo-Tajik dialect of the Persian language. In the late afternoon you’ll then indulge in a light (and fun) cooking workshop to learn how to prepare some of the best Uzbek delicacies, on which you will then feast during a grand final dinner to celebrate the conclusion of our journey.
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Zargaron Plaza, or similar, Bukhara
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Zargaron Plaza, or similar, Bukhara
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15
Uzbekistan Departure
After two adventurous weeks packed with new sights, smells, and sounds, it’s time to say our goodbyes as we head to Bukhara Airport for flights home. Until our next adventure!
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $750 USD per person
2025 departures: $725 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Please note that a single supplement is subject to availability and not guaranteed on Day 5 when staying in the Yurt Camp at Song Kol Lake.
Traveling solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $750 USD per person
2025 departures: $725 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Please note that a single supplement is subject to availability and not guaranteed on Day 5 when staying in the Yurt Camp at Song Kol Lake.
Activity Level
Travelers should be comfortable staying on their feet for long stretches at a time and walking up to several miles over the course of a day. This is a road trip so be prepared to be in the car for long stretches each day ranging from a few hours to 8 hours (with plenty of breaks along the way).
Activity Level
Travelers should be comfortable staying on their feet for long stretches at a time and walking up to several miles over the course of a day. This is a road trip so be prepared to be in the car for long stretches each day ranging from a few hours to 8 hours (with plenty of breaks along the way).
Accommodations
In smaller towns we’ll be in traditional guest houses. In Song Kol, we'll spend one night in comfortable, clean yurts close to the lake.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 12 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 14. Almaty International Airport (ALA) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia and Europe. The best flight connections to Almaty are offered by Turkish Airlines and KLM Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 12 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 14. Almaty International Airport (ALA) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia and Europe. The best flight connections to Almaty are offered by Turkish Airlines and KLM Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Visa Information
For visa information, please refer to the Essential Trip Information. If you do require a visa for Uzbekistan, please obtain a double entry visa.
Visa Information
For visa information, please refer to the Essential Trip Information. If you do require a visa for Uzbekistan, please obtain a double entry visa.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Have a question for us about Central Asia Road Trip: Backroads & Bazaars? We're here to help!
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Check out our FAQ
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