Best of Central Asia

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Booking Type Instant booking
  • duration 30 days
  • tour type Small group
  • age requirement 15-99 yrs
  • max group size 12
  • guiding method Fully guided
  • Tour Code BM-5503
  • Footprint Carbonneutral CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
  • Operated in English
map
  • Starts Astana, Kazakhstan
  • Ends Tashkent, Uzbekistan
HIGHLIGHTS Download trip notes
  • Discover the history and architecture of the Silk Road, visiting ancient mausoleums and mosques on guided tours in the cities of Turkistan, Sayram and Otrar.
  • Travel alongside locals and admire wild, sweeping vistas on train rides across the Kazakh steppe, then experience the hospitality of Central Asia with five nights spent across Tajikistan's excellent homestay network.
  • Immerse yourself with the surreal landscapes of the 'wild west' of Kazakhstan in Boszhira Valley, the picturesque alpine Lake Issyk and visit Grand Canyon's 'little brother', Charyn Canyon.
  • Soaring along the iconic Pamir Highway is an unforgettable experience, especially in fine weather when the mighty peak of Muztag Ata rears its head.
  • Witness the much-photographed Registan in Samarkand – one of the true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Be wowed by the grandeur and beauty of the monuments to iconic figures such as Tamerlane
The Best of Central Asia tour starts in Astana and ends in Tashkent. The Best of Central Asia is a sightseeing tour that takes 30 days taking you from Astana to Tashkent and through other destinations in Asia.

Take a journey across the vast expanses of Central Asia on an expedition through the rugged and remote regions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. From the glossy modernity of Nur-Sultan with its futuristic cityscapes, to the spellbinding ancient architecture of Samarkand’s mosques and mausoleums: visit unique cities and distant villages as you cross hundreds of kilometres of epic mountain passes and surreal landscapes – incomparable to anywhere else on earth. While political and military forces have battled over these regions for centuries, life in these isolated areas has changed very little – adding to the allure of this expansive cultural landscape. This is a trip designed for the true adventurer, for those craving escapism, outstanding beauty, unrivalled hospitality and the feeling of complete remoteness.

Important Notice: The border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is not open at the moment. We will review the status of trip operation about 3 months before departure and inform our customers accordingly.
ITINERARY Expand All
  • Day 1: Nur-Sultan (Astana)
  • Day 2: Nur-Sultan (Astana)
  • Day 3: Jana Ozon
  • Day 4: Boszhira Valley
  • Day 5: Ak Tau
  • Day 6: Turkistan
  • Day 7: Shymkent/Overnight train
  • Day 8: Almaty
  • Day 9: Almaty
  • Day 10: Almaty – KAZ/KGZ Border Crossing – Karakol
  • Day 11: Karakol
  • Day 12: Bishkek
  • Day 13: Bishkek
  • Day 14: Bishkek
  • Day 15: Chychkan/Toktogul/Kok Bel
  • Day 16: Osh
  • Day 17: Sary Tash
  • Day 18: Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan Border Crossing – Murgab
  • Day 19: Langar
  • Day 20: Ptup
  • Day 21: Khorog
  • Day 22: Khorog
  • Day 23: Kala-i Khum
  • Day 24: Dushanbe
  • Day 25: Dushanbe
  • Day 26: Penjikent
  • Day 27: Tajikistan/Uzbekistan Border Crossing – Samarkand
  • Day 28: Samarkand
  • Day 29: Tashkent
  • Day 30: Tashkent
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse/Hote with private facilities (20 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse/Homestay multishare (7 nights), Tourist Yurt Camp Multishare (1 night)
Meals
  • 29 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
Transport
  • Private vehicle , Plane , Train , Overnight Sleeper Train , 4X4 Jeep
Guide
  • An expert tour leader
Included Activities
  • Nur-Sultan - City tour
  • Ak Tau - city tour
  • Boszhira Valley - Jeep safari
  • Boszhira Valley – Chalky canyon
  • Boszhira Valley – Ustyurt Plateau salty lake
  • Ak Tau - Sherkala mountain
  • Ak Tau - Airakty Shumanai Valley
  • Ak Tau – Valley of Orbs
  • Ak Tau – Shakpak Ata
  • Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
  • Otrar - Ancient settlement
  • Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
  • Almaty - Panfilov Park
  • Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
  • Almaty - Kok Tobe Hill
  • Almaty - Central State Museum
  • Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
  • Almaty – Lake Issyk
  • Almaty – Turgen Gorge
  • Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
  • Charyn Canyon - National Park
  • Karakol - Dungan Mosque
  • Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
  • Karakol - Przhevalskiy Museum
  • Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
  • Cholpan Ata - Petroglyphs
  • Bishkek - City Tour
  • Osh - Suleiman's Mountain
  • Osh - Bazaar
  • Tajikistan - Karakul Lake
  • Langar - Petroglyphs
  • Vrang - Buddist Stupa
  • Ptup - Yamchun Fort
  • Khorog - Regional Museum
  • Khorog - Pamir Botanical Gardens
  • Khorog – Bazaar
  • Dushanbe - City Tour
  • Dushanbe – Hissor Fort
  • Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan
  • Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
  • Samarkand - Registan
  • Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
  • Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • Samarkand - Paper making workshop & home cooked lunch
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
  • Any international flights to Astana and from Tashkent are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
  • Travel insurance is not included in this Best of Central Asia tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a Premier This travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.5 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 187 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6 rating.
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GOOD TO KNOW Download trip notes
CANCELLATION

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Best of Central Asia tour. You can cancel the tour up to 58 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 57 days of departure.

Payment

For any tour departures within 24 May 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 24 May 2024, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 57 days before trip departure.

Travel Insurance

Best of Central Asia tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

Visa

For this Best of Central Asia tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

Is this trip right for you
  • This trip takes you way off the tourist trail to explore just some of the vastness that is Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. If you want to be far, far away from everywhere – and from anything you've experienced before – this trip is for you.
  • Be prepared to experience the full legacy of the Soviet era – not just in the sights and history, but also in the standards of accommodation and service! In other words, while you’ll be comfortable, don’t expect luxury.
  • In true adventure style, the trip involves some long travel days by private vehicle and trains. While tiring, this is a great opportunity to sit back, unwind and let the sweeping views roll by.
  • Temperatures in the desert and out on the steppe are variable. The days can be very hot, while at night, the mercury plummets. Make sure you bring warm, comfortable layers, drink plenty of water and take care to protect yourself from the sun. For women, we recommend bringing a scarf to cover your head and shoulders while on visits to mosques and mausoleums.
  • This trip visits places as high as 5000 metres above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on travelling at altitude and ensure you are familiar with signs of AMS.
  • The varied terrain of Tajikistan also makes for extremely varied weather. Temperatures can range from below freezing to over 40ºC so check the weather forecast online before you visit and pack accordingly.
  • Medical facilities can be as far away as 2-3 days' drive at times, as some locations are very remote. During this journey the group will spend time in remote areas without home comforts or easy access to medical facilities. You will need to have excellent physical health to join this trip and consult with your doctor before travelling if you have any ongoing illnesses or injuries.
  • In the Pamirs you'll stay in local homestays, with the whole group often sleeping in one large room on mattresses on the floor. Bathroom facilities are outdoors, and it won't be possible to take a shower every night of the trip.
  • Drives range from 3 to 10 hours in duration. Depending on traveller numbers, the transfer can get compact when the group is full. Though the longer travel days and single night overnight stays can be tiring, you'll be in a private vehicle, and much of the scenery in this part of the world is simply stunning.
COVID VACCINATION POLICY
  • Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer mandatory on departures after 1st January 2023. Nonetheless, all travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated as a safety measure to protect themselves and others on the tour. This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination are required.
  • Also, proof of vaccination may still be required at specific entry points or by the airlines. Therefore, please make sure to check all the travel requirements carefully before travelling.
COVID-19 Safety Measures

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

  • This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
  • Hygiene and safety guidelines will be followed to ensure your well being is looked after during travels.
NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOUR?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
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