Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Tours and Trips

There were 2 leaders the one in Kyrgistan was very good and the one in Uzbekistan was poor

A short introduction to the highlights of a country with diverse, stunning scenery - lakes, mountains, wide valleys - hospitable locals, great food. The walks were moderate with some short scrabbling over rocks in places but not difficult. Accommodation was always clean. Tour leader Aisuluu was efficient, informative and spoke English very well. There were some long days on the bus - plenty of stops but worth noting. There are signs of tourist development around Issyk kul lake so visit sooner rather than later.

Both tour leaders were very helpful and very knowledgeable. The accommodation booked was very comfortable. The tour events were varied enough to keep everyone interested and the pace of travel fine.

Too hot in June, too much travel between cities in uninteresting landscapes. Would do Uzbekistan again, but perhaps with another ‘stan in place of one of the cities..

The trip notes section on money desperately needs updating. Otherwise an excellent trip, made exceptional by an excellent local leader, Aisuulu.

An excellent and high paced tour covering the country from Tashkent, via Nukus, Khiva and Bukhara to finish in Samarkand. A lot of miles are covered comfortably and efficiently by plane, bus and high-speed train. All the hotels were of a high standard with the Latifa Begim Hotel in the centre of Bukhara being my favourite for its comfort, old style (although only 3 years old) and its proximity to all the historic sites of the town. You were never more than a short walk away from historical sites, shops in the 1569 built shopping arcade and numerous restaurants. Tulkin. our guide. Was very knowledgeable regarding the long and complex history of Uzbekistan, and its peoples. Sometimes it would have been nice to have had less of an historical sweep in the hot sun and some finer detail of artefacts that we saw on the walk around. Uzbekistan is not a country known for culinary finesse. Menus were sometimes very repetitive and bland, although salads were always fresh and varied and well prepared. Dill is a favourite flavouring. In April 2026 the Government decreed that alcohol (and tobacco) could no longer be purchased with cash. This altered the financial dynamics of the monies held. Some hotels/restaurants ignored this ruling but others adhered to it strictly. Cards became far more accepted. The financial section of the trip notes needs reviewing and amending. It was a wonderful and memorable experience and one that I would recommend to anyone wanting to travel away from the traditional hotspots. It has sparked my interest in the other “Stans”.