If you love hiking, learning about new cultures, and experiencing pristine and diverse landscapes, this G Adventures trip would be right up your ally. Everything was carefully organized so that we had time each day to hike, to explore, to travel, and to rest. I am a vegetarian and there were non-meat options at every meal, and our guide, Dina, was intentional about finding restaurant options that catered to everyone's dietary restrictions. I've done 4 G Adventures trips, and this is by far my favorite.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bishkek, Almaty, Chong Kemin, So
Bishkek, Almaty, Chong Kemin, Song Köl Lake, Tamga Village, Jety-Oguz, Karakol, Saty
From the gleaming towers of Astana to the tranquil alleyways of Bishkek, the Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure offers an unforgettable 11-day tour for those eager to explore Central Asia’s contrasts. This small group journey takes in the futuristic architecture of Kazakhstan’s capital, then sweeps south to the ancient Silk Road ruins of Otrar and the grand Yasaui Mausoleum, immersing you in centuries-old history and culture.
The adventure continues as you trace a dramatic transition in landscapes—from endless steppe to winding mountain passes. In Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural soul, you’ll soak up urban energy before heading into nature’s embrace. An invigorating hike around the breathtaking Kolsai Lakes reveals sunken forests and dramatic canyons, while a scenic boat trip across Issyk-Kul Lake showcases alpine vistas that seem almost untouched by time.
With city sightseeing as the core activity, this moderately active tour is ideal for travelers looking for a blend of urban exploration and outdoor adventure. Local guides enrich the experience with their insight, and the thoughtfully planned route ensures a balance of comfort, discovery, and activity.
Unique to this tour is its ability to seamlessly blend the ancient and the modern, the cosmopolitan and the wild—making it perfect for those who crave both cultural highlights and natural wonders in one comprehensive trip package.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Venture into the crossroads of history and natural beauty on the 'Central Asia Explorer,' a 17-day city sightseeing tour starting in Bishkek and concluding in Tashkent. This moderate-activity itinerary is crafted for experienced travelers seeking both adventure and cultural depth, as you traverse the alpine lakes and soaring mountains of Kyrgyzstan before delving into the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. Highlights include warm welcomes from local families and the chance to experience a fascinating blend of traditions shaped by nomadic roots, Soviet influences, and Islamic heritage. What sets this trip apart is its immersive approach—offering genuine local encounters and insight into a region rarely explored by mainstream travelers. Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance are all included in this unforgettable tour package.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bishkek, Kokand, Khuja
Tashkent, Bishkek, Kokand, Khujand, Panjakent, Samarkand, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Oi, Kok-Bel, Osh
Overall, this was an excellent trip and one of the best I have done with Explore over very many years. It was certainly helped by having a good, small group and two superb leaders (one in each country), who were extremely knowledgeable and very personable. The local guides were also outstanding. The sights were extraordinary (the Islamic architecture is simply breath-taking), the people were lovely and I did not mind the long drives (on spacious air conditioned coaches) or the 9.5 hour train journey. to Samarkand As expected, the trip’s pace was full-on. As a group we took advantage of the optional extras offered and I would recommend that others seriously consider those too, especially the spectacular Uzbek music and dance show at the Grand Hall in Samarkand. Hotel accommodation was better than I had expected and generally pretty good. If I have a criticism it is that the trip should perhaps be a day longer. It would have been nice to have spent more time in Khiva and the last day in Tashkent was too long, tiring and rushed. Thankfully, I had booked an extra day in the city, although others had early morning flights. While Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are very different, I much preferred the time we spent in the latter.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Central Asia’s ancient wonders and stark beauty await on the "Bishkek to Ashgabat" tour—a 27-day overland city sightseeing journey weaving through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Traverse tranquil Son-Kol Lake, spot wildlife near Chychkan Gorge, and summit Sulumain-too Mountain in Osh, immersing yourself in landscapes as diverse as they are awe-inspiring.
Explore the blue-tiled mosques and historic streets of Samarkand, then journey into Turkmenistan for otherworldly moments at the ‘Gates of Hell’ and futuristic Ashgabat. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover relics of the Silk Road, marvel at ancient cities, and meet welcoming communities that make the region unforgettable.
The defining feature of this trip is its rare, comprehensive access to a region few travelers know—uniting history, culture, and natural splendor over nearly a month. For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour package opens the door to Central Asia’s most intriguing treasures.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tas
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Darvaza, Nohur, Mary, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Oi, Toktogul, Osh
Step into a living museum as you explore the wonders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on this relaxed-paced, 15-day sightseeing tour tailored for experienced travelers. Roam Tashkent’s historic mosques and lively bazaars, marvel at Samarkand’s Registan Square, and be captivated by Bukhara’s desert fortresses. Cross into Turkmenistan to discover the haunting ruins of Merv and the futuristic cityscape of Ashgabat, home to the world’s tallest enclosed Ferris wheel. The trip’s standout feature is its seamless blend of ancient Silk Road treasures and modern marvels, creating a richly textured journey through Central Asia’s past and present.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Journey into the heart of Central Asia with "Nomadic Traditions," a tour that circles Kyrgyzstan’s stunning Issyk Kul Lake from Bishkek. This trip is perfect for travelers eager to experience raw natural beauty alongside living traditions.
Marvel at the dramatic Ala Archa Gorge, then travel to the world’s second-largest alpine lake, whose waters never freeze. The highlight of this package is its unique cultural immersion: meet yurt makers and eagle hunters, and try your hand at traditional carpet-making, connecting you directly to the craftsmanship and spirit of Kyrgyz nomads.
For those seeking an authentic exploration of Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes and heritage, this tour delivers an unforgettable blend of adventure and cultural discovery.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, russian
Destinations
Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Ala Archa Na
Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Ala Archa National Park, Karakol, Kochkor
