11-Days Highlights of Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

After breakfast at the hotel, board a morning train bound for Bukhara (580 km, approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the Old City, a historic area that seems straight out of the pages of Arabian Nights.

• - Begin your walking tour of Bukhara with a visit to the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, home to the largest artificial reservoir in medieval Bukhara. The ensemble includes some of the city’s largest madrassahs: Khanaka Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah, and Nadir Divan Beghi Madrassah, all of which date back to the 16th century.
• - Discover the Magoki-Attori Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bukhara (12th century), and explore the Four Trade Domes (15th-16th centuries), where you can still find local handicrafts for sale. Continue your journey through time at the Poi Kalyan Ensemble (12th-16th centuries), which includes the imposing Kalyan Minaret, the grand Kalyan Mosque, the Amir-Alimkhan Madrasah, and the Miri-Arab Madrasah.
• - Visit the Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century) and the Abdulazizkhan Madrasah (17th century), two beautifully preserved examples of religious education. Explore the Ark Fortress, a symbol of Bukharan statehood dating back to the 4th century, and the Bolo-Khauz Complex, which includes an intricately decorated mosque, a minaret, and reservoirs that once provided water for the entire city.
• - End your tour with a visit to the Samanids Mausoleum (9th-10th centuries), the oldest brick structure in Central Asia, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore on your own until noon. Check out from the hotel and continue your tour of the Bukhara region, starting with a visit to Chor Minor (Four Minarets), an intriguing madrassah built in the 18th century by Niyazkul, where the four minarets are believed to symbolize the four major world religions of the time.

• - Next, head to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the emir’s summer residence dating from the 19th century, which showcases a fascinating mix of Oriental and Russian architectural styles. Then, explore the Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum, a spiritual site dedicated to the founder of the Sufi Naqshbandia Order, which includes a mausoleum, mosque, pond, and museum.
• - Visit the Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum, a replica of a 19th-century Bukharan home that honors the life and contributions of the influential leader, Fayzulla Khodjaev.

In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to catch the bullet train to Samarkand (280 km, approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Samarkand, the former capital of Tamerlane's empire, transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Samarkand, beginning with a visit to the Gur Emir complex, the majestic burial site of Tamerlane and his grandson, Mirzo Ulugbek.

• - Next, explore Registan Square, the historic heart of Samarkand and one of the most iconic sites in the city. This grand square is surrounded by three stunning madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century), Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th century), and Tilla-Kori Madrasah (17th century). Wander through the bustling square, lined with workshops, souvenir stores, and ice cream stands.
• - Visit the Bibi Khanum Mosque, a monumental structure built by Tamerlane in honor of his beloved wife. Then, head to Siab Bazaar, a vibrant multi-level market where you can shop for local souvenirs and sample traditional sweets, fruits, and the famous Samarkand bread.
• - Explore the Shakhi-Zinda, a mesmerizing burial complex dating from the 9th to 14th centuries. Climb the blue-domed alley, which is lined with over 20 small mausoleums.
• - Finally, visit the Ulugbek Observatory, where you can see the remnants of a 14th-15th century sextant and explore the accompanying museum dedicated to the great astronomer Ulugbek.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, continue your exploration of Samarkand with visits to some lesser-known yet culturally significant sites. Start with the Afrosiab Excavation Site and Museum, where you can learn about the ancient city of Afrosiab, a key historical site dating back over 2,500 years.

• - Next, visit the Khodja Daniyar Mausoleum, believed to be the burial place of the biblical prophet Daniel, whose remains were brought to Samarkand by Tamerlane.
• - Take a short drive to Konigil Village, where you can witness the traditional process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry leaves, a craft passed down through generations.
• - Conclude your day with an excursion to the Oriental Silk Carpet Factory, where you can watch skilled artisans create exquisite carpets and even try your hand at the art of carpet-weaving.

Afterward, transfer to the railway station to catch the afternoon train to Tashkent (330 km, approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, transfer to Tashkent International Airport for a flight to Bishkek (472 km, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes). Upon arrival in Bishkek, you’ll be greeted by your driver and taken to your hotel.

• - Your sightseeing tour of Bishkek begins with a visit to Ala Too Square, the city’s grand central square, which retains a strong Soviet influence. Here, you can witness the hourly changing of the guards, take a selfie under the towering Kyrgyzstan flag, and pay tribute to a Kyrgyz hero at the Manas Monument.
• - Next, head to Old Square, home to the impressive Parliament House, a 20th-century architectural marvel supported by 16 grand columns, and the Lenin Statue, which was relocated after the statue of Manas was erected in Ala Too Square.
• - Explore the Philharmonic Hall, a key cultural landmark in Bishkek, where local students and youth gather in the popular courtyard. Visit Oak Park, which features the picturesque Erkindik Boulevard lined with trees, leading you to the statue of Kurmanjan Datka, a 19th-century Kyrgyz leader fondly known as the "Queen of the Mountains."
• - Discover the Opera and Ballet House, an elegant venue for the performing arts, and finish your tour at Victory Square, where the Eternal Flame burns in memory of those who perished in World War II, housed beneath a large granite half-yurt.

After your day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your Bishkek hotel and head toward Kochkor (200 km, approximately 3 hours). After driving for 1.5 hours (80 km), stop in the town of Tokmok for an excursion to the Burana Tower and Museum Complex:

• - Burana Tower (11th century): This 25-meter-high minaret is the last remaining structure of the ancient city of Balasagun. Climb its dark, winding stairwell for breathtaking views from the top.
• - Balbals (6th century): These round stone figures served as grave markers and memorial stones for the deceased.
• - A Museum displaying artifacts from Balasagun, including jewelry, pottery, and religious objects.
• - Explore Petroglyphs (2nd century) and mausoleums (9th century) from ancient times.
• - After the visit, continue your drive to Kochkor, a traditional Kyrgyz village known for its distinctive Shyrdak felt rugs, embroidery, and other handmade crafts. Experience the village's vibrant culture through the following:
• - Enjoy lunch in the home of a local family, where you can savor authentic Kyrgyz cuisine.
• - Visit the Kochkor Regional Museum, which showcases local arts, historical exhibitions, and a collection of traditional yurts.
• - Head to the Altyn Kol Workshop, where you can watch a demonstration of Shyrdak rug-making, try your hand at creating your own piece, and purchase handmade souvenirs from the village artisans.
• - Afterwards, take some free time to wander around the village, observe local life, and capture photos of the beautiful surroundings.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a cozy guesthouse in Kochkor, immersed in the tranquil village atmosphere.

After breakfast, begin your journey to Son-Kul Lake (110 km, approximately 2 hours), located at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest lake in Kyrgyzstan.

Spend the day living like a true nomad and immerse yourself in the culture of the mountain Kyrgyz people. Enjoy the warm hospitality of local families, tasting traditional ayran (yogurt) and kumis (fermented horse milk). Experience horseback riding through the picturesque landscape and take memorable photos with the camels, yaks, and eagles tended by the local herders. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, spend some time by the lake, breathing in the fresh mountain air and reflecting on the stunning scenery.

After a traditional dinner, enjoy some free time to hike around the area or take a leisurely walk through the yurt camp.

Wake up early to witness a beautiful sunrise over the lake and enjoy a simple camp-style breakfast. Afterward, depart Son-Kul and drive to Issyk-Kul Lake (250 km, approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, you’ll reach Cholpon-Ata, a charming town located on the northern shores of this vast mountain lake.

• - Explore the Museum of Petroglyphs, an expansive open-air museum dating from approximately 500 BC to 100 AD, home to ancient grave markers and fascinating stone drawings. Wander through the museum’s "stone garden," where you can discover the balbals (stone figures) and intricate sketches that tell stories from Kyrgyzstan’s distant past.
• - After the museum visit, transfer to your hotel in Cholpon-Ata and enjoy the evening at leisure, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time at Lake Issyk-Kul to take in the scenery or relax by the shores before departing for Bishkek in the afternoon (260 km, approximately 4 hours).

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to unwind or explore the capital at your leisure. Take a stroll around Bishkek’s peaceful streets, enjoy the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel after the journey.

On your final day, you’ll have free time in the morning to pack or do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Bishkek. When the time comes, you’ll be transferred to Manas International Airport for your flight to your next destination.

End of 11-Day Highlights of Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan Tour.