Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

G Adventures · 14 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
14 Days
From AUD $4299
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(23 reviews)

Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

G Adventures · 14 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Includes

Activities

  • 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 Guesthouse, Ghazza
  • Bishkek City Tour
  • Burana Tower
  • Home-cooked traditional dinner
  • Overnight in a Yurt
  • Free time in Chong-Kemin
  • Song Kul Lake
  • Lunch with Local Family in Kochkor
  • Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon
  • Tamga Village Stay
  • Yurt Building Demonstration
  • Jety Oguz & the Seven Bulls
  • Karakol City Tour
  • Russian Orthodox Cathedral
  • Dungan mosque
  • Saty Village Stay
  • 4x4 ride to Kaindy Lake
  • Charyn Canyon
  • Almaty City Tour
  • Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park
  • WWII memorial
  • Free time in Almaty
  • Dushanbe City tour
  • Alexander the Great's lake
  • Hike to Iskander Darya waterfall
  • Fann Mountains
  • Voru Village Hike and Blacksmith
  • Free time in Ghazza Village
  • Istaravshan Mosque and Lenin Bust visit
  • Khujand City Tour
  • Museum of Sughd
  • Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin
  • Khujand market

Accommodation

  • Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), community home-stay (1 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people)
  • 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle, plane, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

  • Stop and marvel at Charyn Canyon
  • Explore Karakol with guided city tour
  • Settle into a Chong-Kemin homestay
  • Visit the Mug Teppe settlement
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, plane, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Finishes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

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!


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Grand Hotel Bishkek
2

Day 2: Bishkek/Chon 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 Karal Dobo Villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Check out some of the main highlights of this Soviet-esque capital city. Learn about the history of the city and daily life.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large minaret, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remain of the 9th century city of Balasagun.Accommodation - Chon Kemin Guesthouse
3

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. In the afternoon, 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy overnighting in a traditional felt yurt. Get comfortable in this multi-share round tent that fit up to 4 people and cozy up by the stove. Experience daily life of the nomads and sample some of their delicious cuisine.
4

Day 4: Song Kul/Tamga

Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to enjoy lunch together with a local family. After lunch, head to the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon. Walk through the striking rock formations and take some beautiful photos. 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Stop halfway in Kochkor village for a Kyrgyz felt-making workshop.Activity - Enjoy an intimate lunch with local family in Kochkor Village.Activity - On the Southern Shore of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. It's nickname speaks for itself, with natural rock formations that tower like princess castles in faraway lands.Activity - Spend the night at a guesthouse in Tamga Village situated along Issyk Kul Lake. Surrounded by mountains and often used as a base for trekking, this village offers a touching glimpse into local Kyrgyz life.Accommodation - Anyutaika Guesthouse
5

Day 5: Tamga/Karakol

This morning we head to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre, a G for Good supported organization, to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. Continue the drive to Jety Oguz, where we stop to visit the beautiful Seven Bulls rock formations, enjoy a picnic lunch with a stunning view and hike to the Jety Oguz viewpoint. Finish the drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol and enjoy a city tour upon arrival, visiting notable sites like the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Ak-Orgo workshop, a G Adventures-supported project working to preserve Kyrgyz traditions and create employment opportunities in Barskoon. Observe how traditional yurts are built.Activity - Visit the stunning Seven Bulls in the Jety Oguz mountain area. Watch as the bright red sandstone seemingly changes color hues as the sun reflects off the unique rock formations. We'll have a picturesque picnic lunch in the valley that is blanketed in colorful flowers in the spring. Then hike to the Jety Oguz view point on a 1.5 hour roundtrip moderate hike.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Stop first in Barskoon village before continuing on to Karakol.Activity - Jump on a mini-bus and see what Karakol has to offer. Stop by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral to admire the unique architecture. This beautiful wooden church was built in 1895, after the old structure was destroyed by an earthquake, and is still used for services on Sundays. Next, visit the colourful Dungan Mosque originally built in 1910 that almost resembles a Buddhist temple. This is the only mosque in the area and definitely worth checking out.Accommodation - Caravan Hotel Karakol
6

Day 6: 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 4x4 vehicle 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Activity - Be immersed in Kazakh culture during a homestay near the Kolsay Lakes National Park. Eat a traditional dinner and marvel at the mountain range and forests surrounding the village.Accommodation - Saty Village Guesthouse
7

Day 7: 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 arrival in Almaty, join your CEO for an orientation walk around your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy the views of the beautiful Charyn Canyon. Breathe the fresh air and snap a few photos of this stunning landscape.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Otrar Hotel
8

Day 8: Almaty

Explore the amazing city of Almaty on a city tour, visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue the adventure through Almaty. Opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy the afternoon free to explore Almaty.Activity - Get to know Almaty on a city tour, visiting the most stunning sights. Stop by the colourful Ascension Cathedral, constructed entirely of wood without the use of any nails. It survived an earthquake in 1911 and continues to stand today. Walk through Panfilov's Park and the historical part of the city. Visit the new part of Almaty known as Independence Square, and stop by the WWII Memorial.Accommodation - Otrar Hotel
9

Day 9: Almaty/Dushanbe

Today, we'll 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the highlights of the capital city on a guided tour, seeing the Central Mosque and square, Ismail-i-Somoni Monument, the State Flag Pole, and Tajikistan Antiquities Museum.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Vatan Hotel
10

Day 10: Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul/ Ghazza 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 Ghazza Village. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival to Ghazza village the group will set out on a walk followed by dinner at local family's home.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a short hike through the peaceful Fan Mountains to Iskander Darya waterfall, or Fan Niagra. The Iskander Darya river flows from the famous Iskandarkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great for his love of place. This massive, majestic waterfall falls from a height of 38 meters.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy an overnight stay in local guesthouse in this stunningly beautiful area. Meet the locals and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.Accommodation - Ghazza Village Guesthouse
11

Day 11: Ghazza

After breakfast, embark on a hike alongside Voru River to visit Voru village (one of the oldest Villages of the Fann Mountains). Visit the local blacksmith's workshop. We'll learn about the different products they make, like knives and horseshoes. After the village exploration, head back to to Community guest house. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to enjoy the roof top terrace at the guest house. Have dinner in a community guest house with the group in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hike to the Voru Village in the midst of the Fann Mountians. Explore the village and pay a visit to the local Blacksmith. Enjoy the chance to see they amazing things they make by hand, like knives and horseshoes. Have a cup of tea in the village before heading back to the guest house.Free_time - Enjoy a free evening in Ghazza Village.Accommodation - Ghazza Village Guesthouse
12

Day 12: Ghazza/Khujand

Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque the largest bust of Lenin. 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the largest monument of Vladimir Lenin in the world, located in Istaravshan. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the majority of Lenin statues were taken down, especially around Tajikistan. This os one of the only ones remaining.Activity - Explore the city, visiting the museum and a mausoleum.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Sugdiyon Hotel
13

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the market in Khujand. It's the largest in Tajikistan and a great example of a typical Central Asian market. Enjoy browsing what's for sale and opt to sample a few of the local delicacies.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Accommodation - Harris Hotel
14

Day 14: Tashkent

Depart at any time.



Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,299
(Tour only)
Per Person Standard

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 May 2027

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Jihong J.,
Traveled, October 2023

12/19/2023

professional service, travel style, itinerary

4.5
Brittany W.,
Traveled, October 2023

12/22/2023

This was an amazing trip - a really beautiful mix of culture, nature, food, history and great people! Most importantly, our guide Leila was phenomenal - the best guide I've ever had and anyone would be lucky to get her as their guide!

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990