Journey through Central Asia

Journey through Central Asia

1,093 Views
27 Days From

$9123

Journey through Central Asia

27 Days Starting and ending in UK

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

1738

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level4

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $9123

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Travel from Bishkek to Ashgabat on this 27 day 'Five Stan' cultural experience. This in depth tour will see you visiting the Silk Road gems of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the quirky Turkmenistan, colourful markets, fascinating villages and Swiss Alps type scenery. Retrace the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great on this unforgettable Central Asian journey.

Highlights

  • Uncover the Silk Road's history

  • Relax on Lake Issyk Kul

  • Witness fascinating Eagle Hunting

  • Browse the colourful bazaars

  • Explore the exotic Khiva

  • Discover ancient Samarkand

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Bishkek

Meals Included: Dinner

Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the morning is yours to relax before dinner.

Day 3: Ala Archa National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Ala Archa National Park for a leisurely hike through its picturesque scenery of rugged peaks and dramatic gorges. Return to Bishkek for a city tour, where you will visit Manas Monument before enjoying a walking tour around Ala Too Square to watch the changing of the Guard of Honor ceremony. You will also visit the Independence Monument, Old Square and more.

Day 4: Bishkek - Chon Kemin National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, depart for the peaceful village of Chon-Kemin, enjoying breathtaking views of the 12th Century Burana Tower along the way. Chon Kemin is a quiet valley with small villages surrounded by magnificent mountains and a fir forest. Take in daily village life as you wander along the foothills and enjoy the views.

Day 5: Chon-Kemin - Bokonbayevo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we drive to Kochkor village , the centre of Kyrgyz national felt handicrafts. Here you will be able to see how the traditional Kygyz wool carpets, called ‘shyrdak’, are made. Continue further to Bokonbayevo Village, passing the Southern shore of Issyk Kul Lak, the second largest mountain lake in the world, along the way.

Day 6: Golden Eagle Hunting - Karakol

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Skazka Canyon, before going on to meet with a “Berkutchi”, a Golden Eagle hunter and watch a hunting demonstration, gaining insight into this millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition. Continue on to Barskoon Gorge to see the waterfall named ‘Tears of Leopard’. The gorge is considered one of the most beautiful in the Issyk Kul area. Continue to Karakol.

Day 7: Jety-Orguz Gorge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, which was completed in 1895 and tour a Chinese mosque. In the afternoon, travel to the Valley of the Flowers and Jety-Orguz where you can enjoy a light hike through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone. Go on to enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Dungan family, learning the fascinating story of why this Muslim Chinese group immigrated to the region 140 years ago.

Day 8: Karakol - Almaty

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early and travel to the outskirts of town for the unforgettable Karakol Sunday Animal Market. Drive through breath-taking scenery to, visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, named due to the pillars and rock formations forming imposing structures. Travel on to Almaty where you will overnight.

Day 9: Almaty

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, discover the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, dedicated to the Panfilov heroes of an Alma-Ata Infantry as well as the Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church made entirely of wood. In the afternoon, explore the Ili Alatau mountains and Medeu, an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink, located at the height of 1,690 metres. Go on to visit Shymbulak, a mountain resort located 2,260 metres above sea level. Continue to Kok Tobe, before taking a ride on a cable car for magnificent panoramic views of the city.



You will return to your hotel afterwards, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 10: Almaty - Dushanbe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning in Almaty is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan arriving in the early afternoon

Day 11: Dushanbe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, visit the famous Museum of National Antiquities. Walk through the botanical gardens, Rudaki Park and stop at the Ismoili Somoni Monument. After lunch, visit the historical Fortresses of Hissor, the Medrassah Kuhna and the Museum of Tajik Way of Life.

Day 12: Lake Iskander Kul

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the breathtaking Lake Iskander Kul on the way to Khujand.

Day 13: Khujand - Tashkent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a tour of Khujand, visiting Pushkin Square, Timur Malik's Fortress and the atmospheric Panjshanbe Bazaar. Travel to Tashkent this afternoon.

Day 14: Tashkent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

See the highlights of Tashkent today, including Barak Khan and Kukeidash Madrassahs, Chorsu Bazaar and the opulently-decorated stations of Tashkent's metro system.

Day 15: Tashkent - Samarkand

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Samarkand, where after checking into your hotel you will visit the iconic Registan Square, the heartbeat of Samarkand Admire the three beautiful madrassahs on the square's perimeter.

Day 16: Samarkand

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a full day's tour of Samarkand, starting with Gur Emir, the mausoleum to Tamerlane. Next, continue to Bibi Khanum Mosque before visiting Ulugbek's observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab.

Day 17: Samarkand - Bukhara

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head out of Samarkand to the town of Shakhrisabz where you will explore the remains of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat Cemetery and KokGumbas Mosque. Continue your journey this afternoon as you make your way to Bukhara.

Day 18: Bukhara Sightseeing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You have a city tour of one of the most famous spots on the Silk Road. Visit sites including Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Ark of Bukhara.

Day 19: Bukhara Sightseeing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head out of Bukhara to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former Emir of Bukhara. Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy some downtime this afternoon.

Day 20: Bukhara - Khiva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel across the famous Kyzyl Kum Desert today. Watch in awe as the scenery changes from saksaul trees to the Amudarya riverbank.

Day 21: Khiva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Khiva's most famous sights, finishing at the Friday Mosque and the 19th century Tash Hauli Palace.

Day 22: Khiva - Ashgabat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer overland to Kunya-Urgench, the once-glorious capital of the Khorezmshah Empire and a now UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, transfer to Dashoguz for your evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Day 23: Ashgabat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ashgabat in your own time. Afterwards, head to Arkadash stud farm and learn about the “winged” Akhal Tekkes horses. En route back to Ashgabat stop at the Kipchak Complex where the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the country’s first president is located.

Day 24: The Ancient City Of Merv

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for your flight to Mary. From the airport you will transfer overland to the ancient city of Merv; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Return to Mary affter to visit the local History Museum.

Day 25: Darvaza Flaming Crater

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly back to Ashgabat and enjoy a morning tour of the city. In the afternoon you will head to Darvaza to witness its famous Flaming Crater. Enjoy a walk around the perimeter and tuck into a delicious nomadic-style camp-side dinner under the starts. Following dinner, you will return to Ashgabat.

Day 26: Ashgabat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the Old Nisa Fortress; the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch you will continue the fun at the colourful Russian Bazaar. Later, continue to the National Carpet Museum that exhibits an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects.

Day 27: Fly Ashgabat To Uk

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day.

What's Included

  • All meals

  • Domestic transportation

  • 3* plus – 4* accommodation, tents and yurts

  • Touring with guides and entrance fees

  • Visa fees for UK passport holders

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Drinks with Meals

Experiences

Watch Golden Eagle Hunting

One of Central Asia's most iconic experiences, witness the skill and majesty of golden eagle hunting – an age-old Kyrgyz tradition – in the spectacular setting of Kyrgyzstan's highlands.


Ceramics Workshop

Visit the workshop of a famous family known for their ceramics – Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov. You will learn about the history of ceramics and get to see the unique collection of their exclusive works.


Visit a Akhal Tekes farm

Visit a stud farm to learn about the Akhal Tekes, a native horse breed with a distinctive metallic sheen. These majestic animals have played an essential role in Turkmenistan’s history and are the emblem of the country.


Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the level of development like?

    Journey Through Central Asia is one of our unique and adventurous group tours, tracing the ancient Silk Road, including the fabled city of Samarkand. We wish for you to embark on your journey through Central Asia with a level of tolerance and understanding. This region is remote and conditions are not as developed as they are at home. It is essential that all customers recognise the demands o

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.

  • Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?

    Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

  • What is 'Happy to Share'?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.

  • Do you allow children on your tours?

    We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control..

Excellent

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Operator discount: -$324

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$12195 $11871

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

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$9512

Sunday - Friday

Sep 14, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$10743 $10419

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 14, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$10964

Sunday - Friday

Sep 14, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$12195 $11871

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$9512

Sunday - Friday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$10743 $10419

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$10964

Sunday - Friday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$12195 $11871

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

May 17, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026
$10030

Sunday - Friday

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$11262 $10938

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

May 17, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026
$11637

Sunday - Friday

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$12869 $12545

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 06, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
$9901

Sunday - Friday

Sep 06, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
$11521 $11197

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 06, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
$11508

Sunday - Friday

Sep 06, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
$13128 $12804

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 13, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$10030

Sunday - Friday

Sep 13, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$11262 $10938

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 13, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$11637

Sunday - Friday

Sep 13, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$12869 $12545

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
$10030

Sunday - Friday

Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
$11262 $10938

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
$11637

Sunday - Friday

Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
$12869 $12545

Operator discount: -$324

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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