Combined tour Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan
Discover the best of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, two Central Asian gems where ancient history meets breathtaking natural landscapes. This combined cultural and adventure tour takes you through the magnificent Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan and the stunning mountains and nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan.
Itinerary
Bishkek – Chon Kemin Valley – Karakol – Jety Oguz – Kochkor – Son Kul Lake – Bishkek – Osh – Ferghana – Marghilan – Rishtan – Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Urgench – Istanbul
Day 1
BISHKEK – CHON KEMIN VALLEY
Arrival in Bishkek. Our English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel, where you can have breakfast.
Short sightseeing tour of Bishkek: stroll through Ala-Too Square, visit the Kurmanjan Datka Monument, see the main government buildings, the Old Square with the Parliament, the Lenin Monument, and Victory Square, dedicated to World War II.
Transfer to Chon Kemin Valley (170 km).
Overnight in Chon Kemin.
Day 2
CHON KEMIN VALLEY – KARAKOL (300 km)
After breakfast, transfer to Issyk Kul Lake via the Boom Gorge and the northern shore of the lake.
Arrival in Cholpon-Ata, where you will have the opportunity to visit unique and fascinating sites:
- Open-air petroglyph site, an ancient collection of rock carvings dating back to the Scythian and Turkic eras.
- Local History Museum or Rukh Ordo Cultural Complex, a place showcasing the rich heritage, traditions, and spirituality of Kyrgyzstan.
After the visit, transfer to a resort hotel by Issyk Kul Lake, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.
Transfer to Karakol.
Upon arrival, explore Karakol’s rich cultural heritage:
- Dungan Mosque, a unique Chinese-style wooden mosque, still in use today.
- Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, a wooden Russian Orthodox church built in the 19th century.
Overnight in a hotel in Karakol.
Breakfast included.
Day 3
KARAKOL – JETY OGUZ – KOCHKOR (290 km)
In the morning, begin your journey from Karakol to Kochkor, following the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.
A short drive will take you to the stunning Jety Oguz Gorge.
In Kyrgyz, Jety Oguz means “Seven Bulls”, named after its striking red sandstone rock formations, which are covered with Tien Shan spruce forests.
Continue the journey to Kochkor village. Upon arrival, transfer to accommodation.
Overnight in Kochkor.
Day 4
KOCHKOR – SON KUL LAKE (150 km)
After breakfast, depart for Son Kul Lake.
Upon arrival, the yurt camp hosts will welcome you with a tasting of koumis, the traditional fermented mare’s milk of the Kyrgyz people.
Spend the afternoon exploring the breathtaking Son Kul region. The lake’s shallow shores are dotted with reeds and wetlands, creating a habitat for various bird species. Fed by glacial waters, the lake eventually drains into the Son Kul River, which flows into the Naryn River. The lake remains frozen from late September to late May.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon walk along the lake.
Overnight in a yurt at Son Kul.
Day 5
SON KUL – BISHKEK (370 km)
After breakfast, depart for the Burana Historical and Archaeological Complex.
The Burana Tower stands on the site of Balasagun, an ancient city that thrived until the 14th-15th centuries, when it lost its former significance.
You can take a leisurely walk around the site, which features stone grave markers (balbals), ancient millstones, and other artifacts of daily life. Alternatively, climb the Burana Tower for stunning panoramic views. The landscape is particularly breathtaking in spring, when red poppies bloom against the backdrop of the snow-capped Kyrgyz mountains.
Continue the journey to Bishkek.
Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 6
BISHKEK – OSH – FERGHANA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight (TEZ105) to Osh (40-minute flight).
Upon arrival, start the city tour of Osh at the central square, where you will see the City Hall and the largest Lenin statue in the region. Other stops include the Chernobyl Memorial, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, the Mothers’ Tears Monument dedicated to the victims of the 2010 events, and the World War II Memorial.
Next, visit the Suleiman Mountain, one of the most sacred sites in Central Asia. You will have the chance to hike up the mountain to the Cave Museum, exit on the other side, and climb the staircase to the peak. At the top, visit the ancient Babur Mosque, built by the founder of the Mughal Empire, Emperor Babur.
Enjoy a panoramic view of Osh from the summit before transferring to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border.
Overnight in Ferghana.
Day 7
FERGHANA – RISHTAN – MARGHILAN – TASHKENT
After breakfast, departure for Marghilan, home to the world-famous Yodgorlik Silk Factory. This factory is renowned for its handwoven khan-atlas silk, a craft passed down through generations for nearly 2,000 years. You will witness the entire silk-making process, from cocoon preparation to the final fabric.
Continue to Rishtan, the ceramics capital of Uzbekistan, known for its exquisite handmade pottery. With over 100 master potters (usto), Rishtan has preserved traditional ceramic-making techniques for centuries. Visit the ceramic workshop of Rustam Usmanov, where you will observe the unique production process of Rishtan ceramics.
After the visit, drive to Tashkent via the scenic Kamchik Pass.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 8
TASHKENT
The architectural landscape of Tashkent blends national heritage with modern designs, where ultra-modern buildings stand alongside medieval structures.
Sightseeing Tour of Tashkent:
- Hast-Imam Complex – The largest religious center of Tashkent, home to the Barak-Khan Madrasah, the Abu Bakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the Telasheyikh Mosque. The highlight of this complex is its library, which houses some of the oldest manuscripts, including the famous 7th-century Quran of Caliph Uthman.
- Chorsu Bazaar – The oldest and largest market in Tashkent, offering an authentic experience of Uzbek daily life.
- Independence Square – One of Central Asia’s largest squares, a symbol of Uzbekistan’s sovereignty.
- Amir Temur Square – The heart of New Tashkent, founded in the late 19th century. Historically, this square was a major site for military parades.
- Tashkent Metro – A must-see attraction, famous for its ornate stations, each showcasing unique Uzbek craftsmanship and Soviet-era design.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 9
TASHKENT – SAMARKAND
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for departure to Samarkand via the high-speed Afrosiyob train (07:28 – 09:42). Arrival in Samarkand and start of the sightseeing tour.
Samarkand is a magnificent city that has been praised by philosophers and poets throughout history. Often called the Mirror of the World, the Garden of the Soul, the Pearl of the Orient, and the Face of the Earth, its beauty and richness are beyond description—you must see it for yourself.
Sightseeing in Samarkand:
- Registan Square – One of the most beautiful squares in the world, featuring three stunning madrasahs.
- Gur-Emir Mausoleum – The final resting place of Tamerlane (Amir Timur) and his descendants.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque – A gigantic architectural masterpiece built under Tamerlane’s orders after his Indian campaign, symbolizing his power and greatness.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 10
SAMARKAND
Continuation of excursions in Samarkand:
- Konigil Village – Visit the famous Samarkand paper workshop, where artisans produce paper using an ancient recipe.
- Shahi-Zinda Mausoleum (“The Living King”) – A majestic complex built on the hillside of ancient Samarkand. This 14th-15th century architectural masterpiece is unique in its varied Islamic decorative techniques.
- Ulugbek Observatory (15th century) – The first observatory in the East, built by the famous astronomer Ulugbek. It housed a 30-meter sextant, used to precisely measure the trajectories and positions of stars. Today, visitors can see the remains of this legendary curved trench.
- Mausoleum of Khodja Doniyor (Prophet Daniel) – A sacred pilgrimage site for three monotheistic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The site is surrounded by numerous legends.
- Khudjum Carpet Factory – A traditional silk carpet workshop, where all carpets are handwoven using 100% natural silk threads.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 11
SAMARKAND – BUKHARA
Morning: Transfer to the railway station, departure for Bukhara by high-speed train Afrosiab (09:50 – 11:19).
City tour highlights:
- Lyabi Hauz Complex – A scenic pond surrounded by historic madrasahs.
- Trading Domes – 16th-century bazaars for jewelers, cap-makers, and money exchangers.
- Magoki Attari Mosque (937) – One of Bukhara’s oldest mosques.
- Poi Kalyan Complex – Includes Kalyan Minaret (46m), Kalyan Mosque, and Mir-Arab Madrasah.
- Ark Citadel – A vast fortress, former residence of Bukhara’s emirs.
- Bolo Hauz Mosque – Known for its wooden pillars and reservoir.
- Samanid Mausoleum – A 9th-century architectural masterpiece.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 12
BUKHARA – KHIVA
Departure for Khiva, crossing the Kyzylkum Desert. Stop for lunch en route.
Arrival in Khiva, check-in at the hotel.
Overnight in Khiva.
Day 13
KHIVA
Breakfast.
Guided tour of Itchan-Kala, the walled old city, a living museum of 19th-century Central Asia. Highlights include:
- Ota Darvoza Gate
- Kunya Ark Palace
- Kalon Minaret
- Mohammed Aminkhan & Mohammed Rakhimkhan II Madrasas
- Juma Mosque
- Tash Khauli Palace
- Islam Khodja Madrasa & Minaret
In the evening, climb the Ak-Sheikh Tower for a panoramic view of Khiva.
Overnight in Khiva.
Day 14
KHIVA – URGENCH – DEPARTURE
Breakfast.
Transfer to Urgench International Airport for your return flight.
End of our services.
Notes
Price Includes
Accommodation in double rooms at hotels
Early check-in on the first day
All tourist taxes and VAT
Meal plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast)
3 dinners in Kyrgyzstan (Days 1, 3, 4)
Transport services throughout the tour
High-speed train tickets: Tashkent – Samarkand (economy class) Samarkand – Bukhara (economy class)
Professional English-French-Spanish-speaking guide throughout the tour
English-speaking guide in Kyrgyzstan
Excursions + entrance tickets to monuments and attractions
Bottled water during the trip
Price Excludes
International flights
Domestic flight: Bishkek – Osh
Travel insurance
Single room supplement
Drinks during meals
Camera tickets for historical monuments
Tips for the guide and driver (recommended)