Welcome to Tashkent! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in, available from noon. Begin your journey with a guided tour of Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, the largest city in Central Asia. Explore the Old City, home to the Khast-Imam Complex, where the legendary Quran of Caliph Uthman is preserved. Admire landmarks like the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, and the Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, alongside the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Stroll through the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, followed by a memorable metro ride to the city center. Visit the Applied Arts Museum, Navoi Theater, and conclude at Amir Timur Square. Overnight stay in Tashkent.
Duration of sightseeing: 5-6 hours
This morning, transfer to Tashkent train station to catch the high-speed Afrosiyob train departing for Bukhara at 07:30. The train journey will take approximately 4 hours, arriving in Bukhara at 11:17. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel, where you can leave your luggage before check-in at noon. Afterward, begin a walking tour of Bukhara’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Lyabi-Khauz Complex, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, bustling trade domes, Kalyan Mosque, and the majestic Kalyan Minaret. Admire the Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek Madrasah, Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the Samani Mausoleum. Overnight in Bukhara.
Duration of sightseeing: 6-7 hours
Begin with visits to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, followed by the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and Chor-Bakr Necropolis, an ancient burial site. After the morning’s visits, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Bukhara at your own pace or relax. Overnight in Bukhara.
Duration of sightseeing: 3-4 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Samarkand, a journey of approximately 280 km, which will take around 4 hours. Along the way, stop at the Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai, a historic stop for Silk Road travelers. Upon arrival in Samarkand, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city on your own. Overnight in Samarkand.
Today, enjoy a full day exploring the majestic city of Samarkand. Start with a visit to the Registan Square, the ruins of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and the bustling Siab Bazaar. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and the impressive Gur-Emir Mausoleum, resting place of Amir Timur. End the day with a leisurely stroll through Samarkand’s charming streets. Overnight in Samarkand.
Duration of sightseeing: 6-7 hours
Check out from your hotel by noon and continue your exploration of Samarkand. Visit the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a collection of beautiful mausoleums, as well as the Ulugbek Observatory, once one of the most advanced in the world. Also, visit the Tomb of Saint Daniel, a revered religious site. Next, travel to Konigil village to see the traditional process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. After the tour, enjoy some free time before transferring to the train station for the high-speed Afrosiyob train back to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, a driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel for check-in.
Duration of sightseeing: 4-5 hours.
Transfer from your hotel to Tashkent International Airport for your flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arrival in Bishkek, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Afterward, embark on a sightseeing tour of Bishkek, starting with Oak Park, the picturesque Ala-Too Square, and the Statue of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz hero. Visit the Philharmonic Hall and the Victory Monument, two iconic Soviet-era landmarks. Overnight in Bishkek.
Duration of sightseeing: 3-4 hours.
This morning, begin the drive to the stunning Son-Kul Lake, located 3,016 meters above sea level. The journey will take around 6-7 hours, with a stop at Kochkor village to visit a felt carpet workshop. Here, you will have the opportunity to participate in crafting traditional felt souvenirs and purchase them. Enjoy lunch at a local Kyrgyz family house before continuing your drive to Son-Kul Lake. Arrive and settle into traditional yurts for the night. Dinner will be served, giving you a taste of local Kyrgyz cuisine.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Enjoy a free day at Son-Kul Lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. The area is famous for its edelweiss carpets and the peaceful serenity of the lake. Explore the beautiful nature, visit a shepherd’s family, and try the traditional Kyrgyz drink “kumis,” made from fermented mare’s milk. You can also enjoy horseback riding or hiking in the area. Overnight in yurts.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
After breakfast, depart Son-Kul and drive towards Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest saltwater lake in the world. En route, visit Cholpon-Ata, where you can view ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks, and stop by the Ethnographical Museum to learn more about the region’s culture. Upon arrival at Issyk-Kul, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time on the beach, relaxing by the lake or swimming in its warm waters. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Issyk-Kul.
Meals: breakfast, dinner.
After breakfast, head to Grigorievskoe Gorge, known for its stunning natural beauty. Take a short hike in this picturesque area before continuing your journey back to Bishkek. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to relax and enjoy the city. Overnight in Bishkek.
Meals: breakfast.
Check out from your hotel and enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Bishkek. Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 12-day Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan tour.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $4500 | $2700 | $2400 | $2100 | $1900 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $5000 | $3000 | $2650 | $2350 | $1150 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour programme with local guides Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Economy class ticket for flight Tashkent-Bishkek Tickets for trains Tashkent-Bukhara and Samarkand-Tashkent English speaking escort guide in Kyrgyzstan (except last day) Visit to felt carpet workshop in Kochkor
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa and associated expenses Full board (lunches and dinners) Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour International flight tickets before and after the tour Horses in Son Kul Registration in Kyrgyzstan (20$)
I recently took the 12-day Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan tour organized by Shahina Travel, and it was an unforgettable experience. The blend of Uzbekistan’s rich history and Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking landscapes was phenomenal. Walking through the Registan Square in Samarkand felt like stepping back in time, while the serenity of Son-Kul Lake was pure bliss. The guided tours were well-organized, and every detail—from train tickets to accommodations—was managed seamlessly. I particularly enjoyed visiting shepherd families near Son-Kul, where we tasted traditional “kumis.” Shahina Travel ensured we experienced both cultural immersion and natural beauty, making this tour a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore Central Asia’s wonders.
This tour exceeded all my expectations! Shahina Travel did an excellent job of planning, from the ancient cities of Uzbekistan to the scenic mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Exploring Bukhara’s historic mosques and the iconic Khast-Imam Complex in Tashkent was a highlight. The transition to Kyrgyzstan brought a whole new experience—riding horses at Son-Kul Lake and hiking Grigorievskoe Gorge were thrilling! The yurts were surprisingly comfortable, and local food was delicious. Special thanks to the guides, who were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. I’m grateful to Shahina Travel for making this trip so enjoyable. This is a must-do tour for anyone craving culture and nature combined!