Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Bishkek – Kyzyl Oi – Son Kol – Tamga – Chon-Kemin – Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara
100% customisable for you
Your Central Asian adventure begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle in for your eight- to nine-hour flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan (including a short stop in Istanbul).
On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, just five minutes from Ala-Too Square. If you’ve got the energy, head out for a gentle introduction to the city. Bishkek is easy to navigate, with wide boulevards, leafy parks and a laid-back feel. You might wander through Ala-Too Square, browse Osh Bazaar for local crafts (and the traditional white felt hats), or simply grab dinner nearby.
If you’re feeling up to it, we can also arrange a relaxed evening walk with a local guide – a great way to get your bearings and uncover a few spots you’d likely miss otherwise.
Meet your private driver this morning – who'll accompany you for the rest of the trip – and leave the city behind as you head into Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous heartland. The six-hour journey to Kyzyl Oi is all part of the experience, with the scenery shifting from wide plains to winding valleys and rust-coloured hills.
Arriving in Kyzyl Oi feels like stepping off the map. Set deep in the Kokomeren Valley, this small village offers a glimpse into a slower, more traditional way of life. Tonight, you’ll stay with a local family. It’s simple but comfortable, and the hospitality is second to none:. expect a home-cooked meal, a warm welcome and a chance to experience everyday Kyrgyz life – even if just for one night.
Today’s journey takes you higher still, climbing up to Son Kol, a vast alpine lake set at over 9,895ft above sea level. The drive is slow and scenic (taking around four hours), with sweeping views and the occasional herd of livestock crossing your path.
You’ll spend the next two nights in a traditional yurt camp scattered across the grassy plains near the lake. While they may look basic from the outside, inside, they’re warm, comfortable and surprisingly spacious.
Life here is beautifully simple. As the sun sets, temperatures drop and the sky fills with stars – with no light pollution, it’s one of the clearest night skies you’re likely to see.
This morning, it’s time to explore the landscape the local way: on horseback. Horses are central to Kyrgyz life, and riding is still the most natural way to travel around these vast open spaces.
Accompanied by a local guide, ride along the shores of the lake and across rolling pastures dotted with grazing herds. Keep an eye out for wildlife too, from marmots darting through the grass to birds of prey circling above.
Back at camp, the rest of the day is yours. Perhaps take a walk, chat with local herders or simply sit back and enjoy the quiet.
Leave Son Kol behind this morning and head towards Issyk Kul, one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world.
En route, stop in Bokonbaevo for a traditional eagle hunting demonstration. This centuries-old practice nearly disappeared but is now being revived; watching a trained golden eagle in action is seriously impressive.
Continue on to Skazka Canyon (meaning fairytale), where wind and erosion have shaped the red rock into surreal formations that are well worth wandering.
Arrive in Tamga on the lake’s quieter southern shore and settle into your yurt for the next two nights. By now, you’ll probably be feeling well adjusted to yurt life.
Today is all about slowing things down. The southern shore of Issyk Kul feels more remote and less developed than the north, with a mix of open grasslands and small villages set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Head out for a walk to the Barskoon Falls, following a trail that winds up through the valley alongside rushing water. The climb is gentle but rewarding, with expansive views back over the lake from higher up.
Back down at ground level, the rest of the day is yours. You might explore the lakeshore, dip your toes in the water or simply relax and take in the scenery.
This morning, set off for Chon-Kemin National Park, a lush valley framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains (the journey takes around six hours).
On arrival, check into your lodge – a comfortable base surrounded by nature. The setting is peaceful, with plenty of space to stretch your legs after the drive.
The afternoon is free to explore as you wish. You could take a gentle walk through the valley, hire bikes, or simply sit out on the terrace and take in the spellbinding views.
It’s a quieter day, giving you time to pause before the next stage of the journey.
This morning, return to Bishkek (around a four-hour drive), where you’ll say goodbye to your driver and catch an onward flight to Tashkent. The contrast is immediate – from open landscapes to a modern Central Asian capital.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. After the past few days in the mountains, the comfort of a city base will feel like a treat.
If you have time, head out for a short wander. Tashkent is a mix of Soviet-era architecture, leafy parks and modern developments, with plenty to discover at your own pace. Otherwise, take it easy and enjoy a relaxed evening ahead of tomorrow’s journey.
Head to the station this morning and board the Afrosiab high-speed train to Samarkand (around two hours). It’s a smooth, comfortable journey a far cry away from the caravans that once crossed this route.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the old town and take a moment to settle in. Then, it’s straight into the history. With your private guide, begin exploring Samarkand’s origins at the Afrasiab Museum, where ancient murals and artefacts tell the story of the city’s early days.
Continue to Shah-i-Zinda, a striking avenue of mausoleums covered in intricate blue tilework, before finishing at Ulugh Beg’s observatory – a reminder that Samarkand was once a centre of scientific discovery as well as trade.
Today, dive deeper into Samarkand with a private guided tour of its most iconic sites.
Start at the Registan, the city’s showstopper square, framed by three grand madrasas whose intricate facades are instantly recognisable. From here, continue to the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, before heading to the vast Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
There’s a story behind almost everything here – your guide will bring it all to life, from legends to lesser-known details.
End the day at the nearby bazaar, where stalls are piled high with bread, spices and dried fruit. It’s lively, colourful and a great place to soak up the atmosphere (as well as pick up a few snacks for later).
Head back to the station this morning for your two-hour train to Bukhara.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the heart of the old town. After checking in, head straight out with your guide (and driver) to explore beyond the city.
Drive to Gijduvon, known for its ceramics, where you’ll visit a family-run workshop to see traditional techniques still in use today. Then continue to the Vobkent Minaret, a striking 12th-century tower rising out of the surrounding landscape. Return to Bukhara in the evening, ready to explore more of this historic city tomorrow.
Today is all about Bukhara, one of the best-preserved cities on the Silk Road.
With your private guide, explore its key landmarks, starting with the Ark Citadel, once the seat of power. Continue to the Bolo Hauz Mosque, with its elegant wooden columns, and the Po-i-Kalyan complex, home to the city’s famous minaret.
Between the major sights, wander through the covered trading domes where merchants still sell everything from textiles to spices – a tradition that hasn’t changed much in centuries.
Pause for tea in a traditional choyxona (teahouse), and take your time soaking up the atmosphere before heading back to your hotel.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight home via Istanbul.
As you head back, there’s plenty to reflect on – from Kyrgyzstan’s vast mountain landscapes and nights under canvas to the intricate architecture and bustling bazaars of Uzbekistan.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
