15 days Almaty to Bukhara
15-Day Central Asia Adventure Tour
Experience the very best of Central Asia on this journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Visit Silk Road cities, natural wonder and nomadic idylls. This expertly-designed tour is packed full of inclusions and offers curious travellers a chance to gain an insight into this incredible region.
Journey into the heart of this fascinating region on this Central Asia tour taking you through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Discover nomadic culture, ancient cities and spectacular scenery on this adventure into the heart of this magical destination. Our adventure leaders will unlock the culture of these off the beaten path gems. From camping under the stars in a canyon, hiking amidst the verdant valleys to yurt-stays on the lake-side- this adventure tour offers the ultimate Central Asian adventure.


What's included
Accommodation
Including hostels and 1 night camping in Charyn Canyon.
Adventure Leader
Local, bilingual Adventure Leaders throughout the trip
Local transport
All transport within Central Asia provided.
Meals & Activities
All unmissable activities included.
Itinerary & map
Day 1-2: Almaty
Welcome to Kazakhstan! We'll start our journey into this fascinating region with a drink overlooking the leafy city of Almaty. Your adventure leader will give a pre-departure briefing about the canyons, lakes, yurts, nomadic games and stunning hikes to come.
Day 3-4: Charyn Canyon
This sparse, striking and stunning canyon is our host as we whitewater raft, hike and relax amidst this striking spot. We'll spend the night, under the stars, before waking up to witness a surreal sunrise.
Day 4-5: Kolsai Lakes
Trek amidst the verdant valleys, alluring lakes and natural splendour of this beautiful natural park. A traditional Kazakh meal awaits after the day's hike.
Day 5-7: Karakol
Discover the range of Kyrgyz cuisine on our foodie tour and test your billiards skills. Delve into the amazing countryside with a walk through the Valley of the Flowers - insta-worthy views are a constant backdrop.
Day 7-9: Lake Issyk Kul
Step back in time and discover the fascinating nomadic culture. Hear from a traditional eagle hunter and view their majestic beauty, marvel at the skills of the horse-polo players and learn how to build your own yurt. Take in the lake-filled vistas on a horse and on our gorgeous sunset cruise.
Day 9-10: Bishkek
Bishkek is the Kyrgyz capital and offers a whole range of attractions. Hone your cooking skills with our expert chefs, haggle for goods at the infamous Osh Bazaar and check out the city's emerging bar scene.
Day 11-12: Tashkent
Learn the art of kurash (wrestling) from our wrestling coach in the Uzbek capital. Scale the heights of the TV Tower for sweeping city views and sample the famous Plov.
Day 12-14: Samarkand
This Silk Road city is packed full of historical interest, architectural splendour and cultural fascination. Unlock the secrets with our adventure leader and follow the footsteps of explorers through the ancient streets.
Day 14-15: Bukhara
Our final stop is a Silk Road city filled with marvellous monuments. Wander amidst the impressively preserved city and relax with a trip to the Hamann and learn the skills of Uzbek dancing.
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!
Photos
Transport
All transport during the Central Asia adventure tour is provided.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in dorm rooms on our Central Asia adventure tours. Upgrade options (to single, twin, or double rooms) are available, please contact us for more information.
Check out our Central Asia adventure tour included activities below:
- Kok Tobe Cable Car and welcome drink (Almaty)
- Arasan Baths (Almaty)
- Micro-brew tour (Almaty)
- Camping in Charyn Canyon (Charyn Canyon)
- Whitewater rafting in Charyn Canyon (Charyn Canyon)
- Entrance fee to Kolsai Lakes (Saty)
- Karakol foodie tour (Karakol)
- Billiards tournament (Karakol)
- Valley of the Flowers hike (Jeti Oguz)
- Karkya Banya- 2 hours (Karakol)
- Dungan Family meal (Karakol)
- Barskoon Waterfall (Issyk Kul)
- Yurt-making class (Issyk Kul)
- Sunset boat ride (Issyk Kul)
- Nomadic games experience (Issyk Kul)
- Eagle experience (Issyk Kul)
- Bishkek bar crawl (Bishkek)
- Cooking class (Bishkek)
- Amusement park entrance (Bishkek)
- Wrestling lesson (Tashkent)
- TV Tower (Tashkent)
- Entrance into 4 Samarkand monuments (Samarkand)
- Entrance into 3 Bukhara monuments (Bukhara)
- Teahouse (Bukhara)
- Hammann (Bukhara)
Activities that are optional:
- Horse riding and mountain biking in Lake Issyk Kul
- Food in the Central Asian Plov centre in Tashkent
- Massages in the saunas
A deposit is required to make a reservation on our Central Asia tours, with the balance due 70 days prior to departure (unless booking with one of our promotions, for which specific balance due dates may apply).
The deposit is 10% of the group tour price (unless stated otherwise). If you book on to our Central Asia tours less than 70 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.
Bookings within 40 days are available only on a request basis.
Room Upgrades
If you’d like to upgrade to a private room the prices are listed below. The upgrade fee is for the room, not per person.
Single room – £245 (One person to a room)
Double room – £295 (Two people sharing one room)
A room upgrade is not available for the night spent camping
Additional Services
Once you get to Central Asia on a group tour, you may not want to leave. We can book additional nights accommodation at the beginning and end of your trip to allow for some time to relax as our tours are very fast-paced.
We can also arrange for transfers to pick you up and drop you off at the airport.
Visas
For the majority of nations- there’s visa free travel to all of these locations. We will discuss with you whether you need to do anything in advance but for all EU, UK and U.S travellers the visa situation is very straightforward. Americans do need an e-visa for Uzbekistan. For the other places- the majority of countries can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
Visit our FAQs page. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Drones
The use of Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is prohibited during activities organized by The Dragon Trip. If you are in possession of a drone when entering the country it is your responsibility to be informed of and follow all local laws. This may include registering your drone with authorities. If you violate this policy or operate a drone illegally you are subject to removal from the tour as per our terms & conditions.