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 wet the appetite 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 having a drink at the local pub and feasting at the Kok Tobe for a nice dinner.

Day 3 – Charyn Canyon:

We’ll end the day with a homestay at Saty Village with included home cooked traditional Kazak dinner amidst the Valley of the Castles in this most stunning of canyons. Over dinner, 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. After the Kolsai lakes, we’ll spend the afternoon doing an unmissable exploration around Kaindy Lake region. Then overnight homestay continues on Day 4 with opts for dinner.

Day 5 – Karakol:

Bid farewell to Kazakhstan with a final glance over the lakeside idyll before we head into Kyrgyzstan. After arriving at the hostel in Karakol, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the Dungan Mosque, Orthodox Church and walk around the bazaar. Mark your evening with an evening of a traditional Dungan meal.

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 illuminating the hike. We’ll zigzag along the river to the wonderful- Valley of the Flowers. After the hike, we will embark on a hike to Oguz Bashy Peak for remarkable views, at the height of 5100m. Then we will have free time to visit a waterfall. Our evening will be be yurt camping in the great out doors.

Day 7 – Lake Issyk Kul:

Journey to the lakes via the striking Barskoon Waterfall where we’ll have lunch. We will be visiting the Fairy Tale Canyon and explore the canyon on foot. Then enjoy the sunset on the lake with a beautiful boat ride after swimming or relaxing by the shore-side. We will head over to a guesthouse for our overnight stay.

Day 8 – Lake Issyk Kul:

We will begin the day meeting one of the world’s last remaining golden hunters, listen to their stories of this traditional practice hat has been passed down from generations, and watch their demonstration. At noon, we visit and walk around the Aksai Canyon, also known as the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers to the locals. In the afternoon, we move on to the Shatyly viewpoint to see the second largest alpine lake in the world.

Day 9 –Bishkek:

 In the morning you will be driven to Kzyly-Tuu village. This is the only village in Kyrgyzstan where people make yurts and sell it all over the world. You will see how yurts are made first hand. 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 Night Out 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:

As we take the morning train to one of the jewels of the Silk Road: Bukhara. This ancient city is steeped in tradition and packed with historical interest. We’ll step into the past with a tour of the major monuments, such as Ark of Bukhara, Chor Minor, Kalyan Mosque. Revitalise at a local teahouse or you can enjoy an afternoon where you will be free in further exploring the old town independently.

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 Hammann. 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!