17-day tour combines Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan into a well - balanced trip covering ancient cities of Uzbekistan and gorgeous natural sights of Kyrgyzstan.
In Uzbekistan, you will explore legendary Silk Road cities such as Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, walking through UNESCO World Heritage sites and admiring world-famous architectural masterpieces like Registan Square and Poi Kalon. Each city reveals centuries of history, oriental traditions, and vibrant local life.
In Kyrgyzstan, the journey takes you to the heart of untouched nature — the majestic Tian Shan mountains, crystal-clear Issyk-Kul Lake, green valleys, and traditional nomadic yurt camps. You will experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality, taste national cuisine, and discover the lifestyle of local shepherds in the high pastures.
This well-balanced 17-day itinerary allows you to combine cultural discovery with active experiences in nature, making it perfect for history lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike. Guided by local experts with years of experience, our tours guarantee high-quality service, safety, and the chance to create unforgettable memories.
Flight to Tashkent.
Afternoon/evening arrival in Tashkent International Airport.
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the staff holding a sign “ANUR TOUR” .
Transfer to the hotel. As Tashkent airport is not far from the city center, the transfer will take about 20 – 40 minutes depending on the hotel location.
Arrival in the hotel. Check-in.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Early breakfast at the hotel.
06:00 Transfer to the local airport.
07:25 Flight to Urgench by HY51.
08:55 Arrival in Urgench Airport.
Come out of the terminal and meet with our driver.
Transfer to Khiva (30 km) hotel to drop off the bags. Standard hotel check-in at 14:00.
Meet the guide and start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”). Ichan-kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia:
- Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark;
- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;
- Madrassah of Muhammed Aminhan;
- Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva;
- Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was;
- Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan;
- Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,
- Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV century.
- Mosque and Jami Minaret.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer Khiva to Bukhara by car (475 km, 7 hrs) via Kyzylkum desert OR transfer by train (depending on train schedule).
07:15 Transfer to the railway station in Khiva.
08:23 Departure for Bukhara by train.
13:35 Arrival in Bukhara.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the afternoon/evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.
Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):
- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);
- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;
- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;
- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);
- There are three trading domes or so called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;
- Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;
- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;
- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.
Optionally can be added by request:
Visit Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Samarkand via Shahrisabz and beautiful Takhta Karacha pass.
Meet the guide in Shahrisabz.
- Ak Saray Palace (“White Palace”), the ruins of the summer palace of Tamerlane. The palace was constructed and decorated by deported from conquered Khorezm skillful builders, masters and artisans. Some parts of the gate tower survived to the present day.
- Mausoleum of Dorus-Saodat ("The Place of Power", XIV century) contains the tomb of Eldest and favourite Tamerlane’s son Jahongir.
- Kok Gumbaz, so-called “House of Meditation.
- Mausoleum Gumbazi-Seyidon of XVI century where the descendants of Ulugbek are buried.
Arrival in Samarkand. Hotel check-in.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start sightseeing program in Samarkand visiting:
- Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants is decorated with gold ornaments and is considered as one of the most significant sights of the world;
- Continue to the famous Registan Square – heart of Samarkand and real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture, the ensemble of grandiose buildings: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor and Madrassa Tilla Kori;
- Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15 Century;
- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of the Muslim saint Abbas ibn- Kussam;
- Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
16:30 Transfer to the train station in Samarkand.
17:28 Departure for Tashkent by high-speed train "Afrosiyob".
19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
09:00 Meet with a guide.
Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:
- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994 after the Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
Around the Square, there is the Museum of History of Timurids, Uzbekistan hotel, Forum Palace, and famous Tashkent striking clock.
- Tashkent striking clock, one of the major symbols of Tashkent.
- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theater of the world performs both classical and national repertoires.
- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present, and future of the country. There are fountains standing for the life energy of Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second World War.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;
- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts pilgrims and visitors all over the world.
- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four waters”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of the old city in the bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in postcards and international magazines and became one of the major sights of interest both for locals and guests – one can see oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delirious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.
- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meet the driver at the hotel in Tashkent.
07:10 Transfer to the railway station in Tashkent.
08:10 Departure for Kokand by train.
12:28 Arrival in Kokand.
Come out of the terminal and meet driver and guide, who will wait for you with a tablet "ANUR TOUR".
Kokand (mentioned as Khavakand or Kokan derived from a tribal name) is an ancient city that due to favorable location was one of the convenient fortified points of caravan routes in the Great Silk Road.
Nowadays, Kokand is a modern town at the crossroads of Tashkent, Fergana valley to Andijan and the other route to Khujand (Tajikistan) and is considered as one of the most important pre-border points.
Start sightseeing tour around Kokand visiting :
- Khudoyar-Khan Palace of 19th century is listed in the world heritage of UNESCO, at present days houses Kokand Regional History Museum that exibits a unique collection of more than 3000 artifacts from ancient, khanate and tsarist periods of the region.
- Norbut-Biy Madrassah, the largest madrassa in Kokand. The madrassa was built in XVIII century by captured architects as well as the famous Bukharian architect Usto Muhammed Salih Kasim, so the design and construction are quite typical to some monuments of XVIII Century in Bukhara.
- Modari Khan Mausoleum (Modari-khan means Mother of Khan”) was built in 1825 by order of the widow of Umarkhan, famous poetess Nodira to honor the tomb of her mother-in-law. Since then the mausoleum became the family mausoleum where most of the female members of the khan family were buried.
- Rishton (50 km west of Fergana) famous all over the world for its pottery that is decorated according to the ancient tradition that is more than 800 years. Masters hand down their trade secrets from father to son. The unique red clay ceramic masterpieces are decorated with naturally made ultramarine, turquoise and azure ornaments known as blue glaze "ishkor",
- Workshop of the famous potter Rustam Umarov where visitors are welcome to observe the finest Rishtan ceramics in wonderful hand made and painted tea sets and lagans and beautifully decorated jugs and vases.
Transfer to Fergana.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight in the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.
Continue sightseeing in Fergana valley:
- Fergana is a relatively young city that was founded as a strategic fortified point in Turkestan in 1876 during tsarist period of the region. The town was initially called as New Margilan, further in soviet period renamed as Fergona in 1924. Nowadays, Fergana is a flourishing beautiful town and despite its young history became the central point of Fergana valley.
- Visit Ahmad Al-Fargoni monumental complex ;
- Continue to Margilan. Margilan (“Marg” from Persian green grass, “lon”- “place“) was inhabited settlement in Fergana valley since IV-III Centuries BC, the town was well known for its crafts and finest silk fabrics from the Great Silk Road period up to now.
- Said-Ahmad Hodji Madrassah where craftsmen produce original silk carpets,
- Silk factory Yodgorlik where visitors are welcome to observe the process of silk manufacture with traditional decoration “ikat”.
Transfer to Andijan to visit
- Bobur Literary museum with unique collection of literary works of Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur, an outstanding ruler and the founder of Mogol Empire,
- Art and Literature Museum,
- Memorial park complex on the Bog-I Shamol named after Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur is one of the most beautiful places in Andijan, popular among the locals and the visitors of the city.
Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to the Uzbek- Kyrgyz border Dostyk (ETA 09:00)
Border crossing formalities (40 min- 1, 5 hrs depending on the customs formalities and tourist flow). Meet the guide and driver.
Transfer to Osh,
Start sightseeing tour in Osh, the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan, visiting
- Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too (Suleiman is the prophet Solomon - Suleyman in Quran, “Too “is “mountain”). The museum is the only UNESCO sight of the whole mountain with many sacred places in caves and paths. It is quite unusual – the museum with rare artifacts is located in the largest cave of the mountain. Besides, there are several caves, rocks and niches each with its name. The locals and pilgrims believe every spot of the mountain is sacred and come here to follow the rituals and pray for better life and good health; couples come pray to be blessed with a child. It is believed that every spot of the mountain is sacred. There is a watching platform with beautiful panoramic views to the city and surroundings.
- Osh Bazaar, a colorful bazaar with more than 2000 years history, plays an important role in the Great Silk Road as a major landmark. Nowadays, along the visitors may take a walk around and enjoy shopping in the shops of national clothes, embroidery, handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Main Square with Lenin statue. Kyrgyz people are very respectful to the history of Soviet period and kept the monument to Lenin in main cities as the country major developments were made during soviet time.
15:30 Transfer to local airport.
16:45 Flight Osh - Bishkek.
17:25 Arrival in Bishkek Airport.
Meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Walking city tour of Bishkek visiting:
- Oak Park - city center. It is known also as Dubovy Park - today it is one of the favorite places among tourists in Bishkek.
- Ala - Too Square is the central square in Bishkek. It serves as a place for state events and celebrations. Philharmonic hall – situated at the top of Rose Alley.
- Statue of Manas (Manas is legendary Kyrgyz hero and the classic centerpiece of Kyrgyz literature).
- Victory Square, where in the centre you can see the Victory monument, a memorial which was completed in 1984. Usually the main festival events are held in Bishkek at eternal flame, on Victory Square, where is posted guard of honor, forces of Kyrgyz garrison and a military band.
- Transfer to Ala Archa Natural park (40 km from Bishkek), which attracts visitors with its beautiful mountain scenery and hiking trails. Easy hike in the park with its rich and diverse fauna and flora. In the Ala - Archa gorge, one can see 1,100 species of plants.
- Transfer to Chon Kemin valley with en-route stop in Burana tower – remains of an ancient town Balasagun.
- Burana Tower was the vertical dominant of the ancient city Balasagun, the north capital of the Turkic lingual state of the Karakhanids and the small nearby museum with its collection of ancient bal - bals, carved stone figures used as monuments.
Arrival in Chon Kemin valley.
Dinner and overnight in Jekshen guesthouse.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
09:00 Transfer to Karakol with sightseeing en-route:
- On the way stop at Cholpon Ata History and Ethnology Museum, visit Petroglyphs site at Issyk Kul Lake. Cholpon - Ata petroglyphs are located between the northern, western and northwestern outskirts of Cholpon - Ata. The drawings theme is varied but the main pictures are the images of animals: deer, bulls, horses, wild rams, goats, wolves and many others.
Start sightseeing in Karakol visiting:
- The wooden Russian-orthodox church;
- Dungan mosque is one of the most famous places in Karakol town. The most interesting thing is that it is built without a single metal nail. More than 100 years ago there was a Chinese master who lived in this town. Dungans are people from China who had Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.
- Museum of N.M. Przhevalski (Russian explorer of Asian continent).
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start a round sightseeing tour to Altyn Arshan valley.
In the morning set off on 4x4 Russian Van for transfer to Altyn Arshan valley, set in a dramatic alpine valley, Altyn Arashan offers therapeutic hot spring baths and scenic hiking trails.
Part of the Arashan State Nature Reserve, the valley is 2,600 m (8, 530 ft) above sea level, framed by rugged peaks that include the 4,260 m (13,976 ft 976 ft) Pick Palatka.
The resort itself is remote and basic, with hot spring water guided into concrete baths within wooden structures. Be prepared for the smell of the sulphur in the baths, which is reputedly very beneficial for visitors’ health.
Transfer back to Karakol.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start sightseeing in Karakol:
- Przhevalski memorial, who was a Great Russian Explorer of 19th century.
- The wooden Russian-orthodox church;
- Dungan mosque is one of the most famous places in Karakol town. The most interesting thing is that it is built without a single metal nail. More than 100 years ago there was a Chinese master who lived in this town. Dungans are people from China who had Muslim religion. The construction was made of bricks and wood and decorated with various ornaments.
- Jeti Oguz gorge is famous for its red rocks formations that have the name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. One can see there the Broken Heart Mountain, one of the most popular places among locals and visitors, the valley is also known as Valley of flowers.
- Issyk-Kyl lake is located in the north-eastern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. Issyk Kul is translated as “hot Lake” and is considered as one of the pearls of Central Asia. Due to the salty water, Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities.
Arrival in yurt camp, where Kyrgyz people still live in traditional simplicity in unity with nature. Enjoy your stay in and real experience of nomadic life in the yurt camp.
Dinner and overnight in national yurt.
Camp- style breakfast.
Transfer to Kyzyl-Tuu village to visit Yurt Master’s house. Master shows unique technology for making Yurt sticks.
Later continue to Kochkor village. Kochkor is very popular for breading cattle and most dominated kind of jobs for women – handicraft.
Visit local Kochkor Woman Co-operative shop of felts and handicrafts.
Continue to Sonkul Lake, where locals still live in traditional simplicity, the visitors may enjoy one day of nomadic life,
Dinner and overnight in Yurt Camp of Batai-Aral.
Camp- style breakfast.
Half-day exploration at Sonkul Lake.
Optional hiking to nearby mountain or lakeside. If you like to experience on horseback you have a great chance to rent a horse to ride there.
Transfer to Bishkek.
Upon arrival in Bishkek and visit to the central bazaar.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Manas International Airport.
Morning departure flight from Bishkek.
End of the tour.
Accommodation:
- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;
- Please note that the tour price does not include seasonal VAT 15 %, VAT can be added to the basic tour price.
- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;
- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;
- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;
- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;
- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).
