Nur-Sultan (Astana) to Tashkent

Nur-Sultan (Astana) to Tashkent

Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Nur-Sultan (until recently, Astana), join us on this exploration from mighty Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan and history packed Uzbekistan. From the remote moonscape of Boszhira Vallley to the ancient city of Turkistan and the Silk Road ruins of Sayram and Otrar, the sights along the way are unlike anywhere else on earth. Take in the tranquil landscape of Son-Kol Lake, see Solomon’s Throne in historic Osh, and get your fill of mosques and museums in Samarkand and Bukhara. Abounding with ancient culture, divine natural beauty and intriguing relics this is a journey that will leave you eager to discover more of Central Asia.

Activities

• Nur-Sultan – City tour
• Ak Tau – city tour
• Boszhira Valley – Jeep safari
• Boszhira Valley – Chalky canyon
• Boszhira Valley – Ustyurt Plateau salty lake
• Ak Tau – Sherkala mountain
• Ak Tau – Airakty Shumanai Valley
• Ak Tau – Valley of Orbs
• Ak Tau – Shakpak Ata
• Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
• Otrar – Ancient settlement
• Turkistan – Yasui Mausoleum
• Almaty – Panfilov Park
• Almaty – Zenkov Cathedral
• Almaty – Kok Tobe Hill
• Almaty – Central State Museum
• Almaty – Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
• Almaty – Lake Issyk
• Almaty – Turgen Gorge
• Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
• Charyn Canyon – National Park
• Karakol – Dungan Mosque
• Karakol – Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
• Karakol – Przhevalskiy Museum
• Karakol – Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
• Cholpan Ata – Petroglyphs
• Bishkek – City Tour
• Bishkek – City Tour
• Shamsy Valley – Burana tower
• Tokmak – Dungan family visit and home-cooked lunch
• Issyk-Kul Lake – Yurt workshop
• Issyk-Kul Lake – Eagle Hunter Visit
• Uzgen – Uzgen Minaret & Complex
• Osh – Sulaiman-Too Mountain
• Osh – National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex
• Tashkent – Chorsu Bazaar
• Tashkent – Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
• Tashkent – History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan
• Samarkand – Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
• Samarkand – Leader-led orientation walk
• Samarkand – Bibi-Khanym Mosque
• Samarkand – Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
• Samarkand – Registan
• Samarkand – Shakh-I-Zinda
• Bukhara – Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
• Bukhara – Chor-Bakr Necropolis
• Bukhara – Ismail Samani Mausoleum
• Bukhara – Kalon Mosque
• Bukhara – Ark Fortress

Highlights

• Central Asia is a fascinating and unique mix of ancient Silk Road culture, Soviet influence and striving to redefine nations post independence. Geographically and for a time historically, it is the real centre of Asia
• The much-photographed Registan in Samarkand is one of the true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. You’ll be wowed by the scale, grandeur and beauty of the monuments to iconic figures such as Tamerlane and the Persian influenced madressas, mosques and mausoleums.
• Kyrgyzstan’s mountains are its monuments and its majesty. The landscapes here will stay with you long after the journey is over.
• Surround yourself with the surreal landscapes of the ‘wild west’ of Kazkhstan at Boszhira Valley, and visit Grand Canyon’s “little brother”, Charyn Canyon.
• Marvel at the beautiful Song Kol Lake & Issyk-kul Lake, where in mid-summer you may see flocks of sheep, goats and herds of horses watched over by nomadic herdsmen and their families. Stay in a yurt camp at the shore and live like the locals have for centuries in these portable, felt lined traditional tents.
• Experience for yourself the legend that is Central Asian hospitality – there’s really nothing like being welcomed into a local home or yurt for a meal, chatting with stall holders at bazaars or simply marvelling at the sights alongside locals