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13-Nights Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - Classic from $2,999
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1532729
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Spend two weeks discovering a part of the world well off the typical tourist track. Few Central Asia tours offer the cultural flavour this journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan does. Trek through the gorgeous landscapes of Jeti-Oguz, go horseback riding through the breathtaking valley at Chong-Kemin, stay a night in a traditional yurt, and discover the unforgettable warmth of the people in these regions. Visit Central Asia and you'll wonder why you didn't get here sooner.
Highlights
Stop and marvel at Charyn Canyon, Explore Karakol with guided city tour, Settle into a Chong-Kemin homestay, Visit the Mug Teppe settlement
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), community homestay (1 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people per yurt).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 14.
Meals Included
13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Song Köl
Your Local Living Moment: Tamga Village Stay, Tamga
Your Local Living Moment: Community Homestay, Kuli Iskandarkul. Half-day city tour (Bishkek). Burana Tower visit. Community-based tourism (CBT) stay. Felt-making workshop visit. Yurt building presentation (Kizil Tuu). Karakol city tour (half-day). Saty Village stay. Charyn Canyon stop. City tour (Almaty). Dushanbe city tour. Hikes and picnic lunch. Mug Teppe settlement visit (Ura-Tube). City tour (Khujand). Khujand market visit. City tour (Tashkent). Internal flight. Transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
13 nights from $2,999 per person
G Adventures: Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive at any time.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's artsy capital and cultural hub, situated at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore!
Day 2: Bishkek/Chong-Kemin
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a cozy guest house run by Ashuu villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.
Day 3: Chong-Kemin/Song Kul
In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.
Day 4: Song Kul/Tamga
Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to learn the importance of felt-making to Kyrgyz culture and local artisans. Learn the craft during a hands-on workshop creating a small version of the traditional carpet known as ala-kiyiz, and enjoy lunch together. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol’ Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.
Tamga village was once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights. The complex still exists in its original, untouched 1930's glory, with an atmosphere that would seem to bring you back in time.
Day 5: Tamga/Karakol
Enjoy a free morning getting to know this isolated village. Transfer to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. After Lunch at Ak Orgoo, drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol. Stop for a visit at the Prejevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, followed by a city tour. See the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.
Day 6: Karakol
After breakfast take a short drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, located in the footsteps of Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, and visit famous unique red rock formations called “Broken Heart and “Seven Bulls”. Then, hike to the valley of wildflowers and reach a stunning view point overlooking the flower-filled valley. Return to Karakol and have a free afternoon to explore. In the evening enjoy dinner with local family
Day 7: Karakol/Saty Village
Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a Russian 4x4 for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.
Day 8: Saty Village/Almaty
Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrive in Almaty, take a city tour visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Time permitting, opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.
Day 9: Almaty/Dushanbe
In the morning, transfer to Almaty airport and board a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on the Varzob River. Upon arrival enjoy a tour of Dushanbe, visiting the main monuments, museum, and mosque.
There may be more travellers joining the group here. Opt to attend an evening welcome meeting to get to know them.
Day 10: Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul/ Gazza Village
Enjoy a morning drive through the valleys and mountains to Kuli Iskandarkul. Pass along Alexander the Great's lake and go on a short hike to Iskander Darya waterfall. After lunch continue the drive to our overnight stay at a Community Guest house in Gazza Village. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival to Gazza village the group will set out on a walk followed by dinner at local family's home.
Day 11: Gazza Village
After breakfast, embark on a hike alongside Voru River to visit Voru village (one of the old Villages of Fan Mountains). After the village exploration, head back to to Community guest house. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to join a hike to picturesque Khushtarita valley. Have dinner in a community guest house with the group.
Day 12: Gazza Village to Khujand
Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque and Mug Teppe, an ancient citadel fortress stormed by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before continuing the drive to Khujand. Wander the city in the afternoon, visiting the Historical Museum of Sughd, resembling a castle, and the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin.
Day 13: Khujand/Tashkent
Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.
Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan.
Day 14: Tashkent
Depart at any time.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Mimosa Travels
(951) 587-5505