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
A varied trip providing an excellent taster to Kyrgyzstan. Aisuluu our tour guide was passionate about their country and was keen to showcase the culture and scenery, all with a wonderful sense of humour.
The yurt camp experience was excellent and well worth bumping along the roads to get there. Food and beer were great too. A wonderful country that is worth a visit.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
My quibbles with this trip are very minor and I've told explore (update the itinerary please!) but fundamentally I loved this trip. Met lovely people. Saw amazing places and scenery. Food a bit meh but that's not why you go to either Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. I loved the differences between the countries. Kyrgyzstan was unbelievably beautiful and Uzbekistan had amazing buildings.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Hut, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Os
Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Osh, Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Yangikasgan, Karakol, Samarkand, Kochkor, Song Kul Lake, Suusamyr Valley, Toktogul Resevoir, Djalal-Abad
We enjoyed our trip to Kyrgyzstan, it was very relaxing and the scenery was amazing. The highlight was the night in the yurt camp which was lovely, very remote and we even had snow overnight. The homestays and meals in local houses were very good too.
DIY picnics by the river were a nice touch.
On the down side, this trip involves a lot of travelling, sometimes on poor roads, which could be broken up better. We arrived early afternoon in some places and because most of the accommodation was on the outskirts of a town, there wasn't really anything to see or do once we arrived. One of our group thought the hotel at Toktogul Reservoir was like the one in 'The Shining'! The swimming pools had been closed for years and everything was just a little dated.
Some of the walks were not that interesting and seemed to be there to fill the time and there was also a lot of litter in many areas which wasn't pleasant.
There were descriptions in the itinerary about various places we didn't actually visit, for example Osh sounded lovely but we didn't even stop there.
Having said all that, we did enjoy the holiday, but there just were not enough highlights to maximise each day.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The trek in the Fann Mountains was a stand out. I would do it again despite it pushing me to my limits at times. It was like stepping into a fantasy novel- the colours, the remoteness and to my eyes the strangeness as well as the mountainous glories. The guides, cooks, porters were very supportive and I felt safe at all times. The food was excellent- even though everyone managed to get sour stomachs- it was maybe the strangeness factor. Cultural visits also well curated.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Dushanbe, Samarkand, B
Tashkent, Dushanbe, Samarkand, Bukhara, Kulikalon Lakes, Alauddin Lake, Zimut, Penjikent
A fantastic trip with an opportunity to see the best of both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Our guide in Uzbekistan, Dilshod, was wonderful and really made our trip. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and really wanted us to see as much as possible. We had fabulous meals and stayed in some great hotels. We can't wait to go back and see more.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
For cyclists seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure, "Uzbekistan by Bike" is a 15-day bicycle tour that starts and ends in Tashkent, offering a unique, up-close exploration of Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Ride through destinations like Maydansay, Lake Tuzkan, and Aktash Village, as well as the legendary cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.
This challenging cycling trip is ideal for experienced travelers who relish active exploration and cultural immersion. Pedal across deserts, ascend into the Nurata Mountains, and traverse dramatic gorges and valleys, staying in a mix of yurts, hotels, and traditional guesthouses for a truly authentic experience.
The USP of this tour package is the chance to connect deeply with local life—discover traditional crafts, savor regional cuisine, and interact with welcoming communities, all while enjoying the support of quality bikes and a backup vehicle for extra peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a cycling tour that combines adventure, history, and genuine local encounters, Uzbekistan by Bike is your ticket to a memorable journey through Central Asia’s hidden gems.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, La
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Lake Tuzkan, Ortacheku Rocks, Hayat Village, Sob Gorge, Aktash Village, Chuya, Maydansay, Chinaz