Central Asia Adventure Tour

Day 1 – Almaty:

Our Central Asia Adventure Tour begins with a drink atop Almaty’s Kok Tobe viewpoint. Our adventure leader will deliver the pre-departure briefing whilst gazing out across the city, at sunset, with the snowcapped mountains as a backdrop. Whilst up there, we’ll grab a drink or even whet the appeitite for an exciting journey ahead with a ride on the rollercoaster.

Day 2 – Almaty:

Bazaars, parks, cathedrals, chocolates, Soviet baths and micro-brews- this day really brings to life one of the pearls of Central Asia. We’ll guide you through the city’s leafy districts with fascinating stop offs along the way. After a day’s walking- what better way to treat yourself then a traditional sauna and baths before discovering the city’s emerging craft-brewery scene.

Day 3 – Charyn Canyon:

We’ll end the day stargazing from our camp amidst the Valley of the Castles in this most stunning of canyons. Over camp we’ll reflect on rafting down the Charyn Canyon’s rapids, swimming amidst the ravines and hiking across some of the most dramatic scenery you could imagine.

Day 4 – Kolsai Lakes:

Lush greenery, turquoise lakes and awe-inspiring panaromas are the order of the day as we venture deeper into the heart of the Kazakh countryside. Hiking amidst the Kolsai Lakes will feel a world away from the canyons of our sunrise walk but no less beautiful. That evening, we’ll sample the delights of a local Kazakh dinner.

Day 5 – Karakol:

Bid farewell to Kazakhstan with a final glance over the lakeside idyll before we head into Kyrgyzstan. Our first stop is Karakol where we’ll do a foodie tour sampling a whole range of ethnic cuisines across the town’s eating spots. That evening, it’s the Dragon Trip billiards tournament at the Green Club.

Day 6 – Karakol/Jeti Oguz:

The Kyrgyz countryside is a true delight- amble amidst pine forests, verdant meadows and red-rock faces with the constantly gorgeous Alpine backdrop illumianting the hike. We’ll zigzag along the river to the wonderful- Valley of the Flowers. After our hike- we’ll reward ourselves with a trip to the local Banya (bathhouse) before dining with a Dungan family and learning about this fascinating culture descending from Arabic warriors.

Day 7 – Lake Issyk Kul:

Journey to the lakes via the striking Barskoon Waterfall where we’ll have lunch. We’ll then arrive at our yurt camp and learn how to put these together with our artisan teachers. Spend sunset on the lake with a beautiful boat ride after swimming or relaxing by the shore-side.

Day 8 – Lake Issyk Kul:

Today we’ll truly immerse ourselves in the wonder of the nomadic culture. We’ll watch the traditional sport of kobbari- a kind of horse polo that provides a real window into traditional nomadic life. Plus- we’ll see a range of others nomadic sports including horseback wrestling! That afternoon, you can also hop on a bike or a horse to experience the mountainous majesty of the surroundings. A Kyrgyz, nomadic meal awaits back at our yurts ensconsed in the middle of the peaceful valley. The only drawback? We do have to leave the next day.

Day 9 –Bishkek:

We’ll meet a traditional eagle hunter and hear about his work and how to raise these impressive birds of prey. Bid farewell to this slice of nomadic life and dive back into an urban experience in the capital: Bishkek. That evening- it’s time for the Dragon Trip’s Bishkek Bar Crawl kicking off at the hipster spot: Hole in the Wall. We’ll hop through the city’s burgeoning bar scene before singing our hearts out at Kyrgyz karaoke.

Day 10 – Bishkek:

Dust yourself off with a trip to Osh Bazaar before mastering the art of Kyrgyz cuisine with a class from a local chef. Walk off your delicious meal with an afternoon stroll through the city’s parks and monuments before boarding our overnight bus to Tashkent.

Day 11 – Tashkent:

Wake up in Uzbekistan with a fresh coffee before sampling the Uzbek national treasure: Plov at the aptly named Central Asian Plov Centre! You’ll need the sustenance as that afternoon we’ll learn the art of kurash- wrestling. This sport is very popular across the country and our “o’qituvchi” will teach us some of the basics. We’ll end the day gazing out across the city from the TV Tower and reminscing over Tim Henman’s back to back victories in the Tashkent tennis tournament in the late 90s.

Day 12 – Samarkand:

A Silk Road stunner awaits in our next destination: Samarkand. Famous for architectural beauty and cultural intrigue- this city has enchanted visitors for centuries. Stroll through the Registan and gaze at the myriad of ornate and impressive buildings. Your adventure leader will unlock the secrets of their history and we’ll also visit the “noblest square in the world” in the evening to ogle at the lit-up loveliness.

Day 13 – Samarkand:

A free morning to wander the streets of Samarkand before discovering the art of carpet-making. We’ll then head onto one of the jewels of the Silk Road: Bukhara. This anicent city is steeped in tradition and packed with historical interest. We’ll step into the past with a tour of the major monuments. Revitalise at a local teahouse before donning your dancing shoes and discovering the traditional Uzbek steps.

Day 14 – Bukhara:

There’s an abundance of majestic buildings and cultural wonder in this ornate city and you’ll have a free day to explore. After a day’s wandering and an eyeful of architecutural splendour- we’ll relax with a trip to the Hamann. Wash your worries away before a farewell dinner.

Day 15 – Bukhara:

Sadly it’s the end of your Central Asia adventure tour. Either extend your stay in Uzbekistan or take the train back to Tashkent International Airport or grab a flight from Bukhara International Airport- our pre-trip support team can help you out!