Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - All Other Departures (Non-Thursday Start Days)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Depart at any time.

Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), community home-stay (1 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people)

Private vehicle, plane, walking.