The entire three countries of Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in a single trip!
- Combining the three most beautiful countries in Central Asia with millennial ethnicities and cultures
- Enjoy a formula oriented towards nature and encounters coated with a touch of culture
- Approach the most mythical lakes of Central Asia, Song Koul, Issyk Koul and Iskanderkoul
- Vary the pleasures by meeting different ethnic groups
- Stroll through the colorful bazaars to immerse yourself more in the local atmosphere
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A patchwork of steppes, historical sites, cultures and encounters, the only trip bringing it all together!
Pro tip!
In the saddle, reins in hand and foot in the stirrup Priscilla Telmon and Sylvain Tesson had collected a bouquet of emotions, memories and reflections which they offer us in this travel diary “Steppe notebooks / on horseback through Central Asia” which I recommend visiting. Ed. Pocket
Your adventure
Embark on a superb itinerary that will take us from the foothills of the Great Pamirs in Tajikistan, to the legendary cities of Uzbekistan, to the land of the upper Tian Shan of Kyrgyzstan. We will climb the mountains and passes of Tajikistan to marvel at the power of a singular nature. We will continue towards Uzbekistan to explore and wander the streets with a thousand and one colors of the essential stages of the Silk Road. Finally, we will end our journey by crossing the magnificent steppe and pasture landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. A unique experience at the heart of nomadic life.
Day 1
Flight to Tajikistan.
Flight towards Dushanbe. Meals and overnight on board.
Day 2
Exploring Dushanbe.
On arrival, welcome by our guide. Transfer to the hotel for breakfast (depending on our arrival time). Surprising and endearing, Dushanbe is matched in Central Asia only by the generous golden smile of its inhabitants. With its shaded acacia avenues and neoclassical-inspired pastel buildings adorned with rose bushes, the Tajik capital offers a gentle first glimpse. We will begin our visit in Azadi Square in front of the statue of Ismail Samani, national hero and founder of the Samanid dynasty. We will continue towards the National Museum of Antiquities. On 3 floors, the museum houses collections tracing the history of the country from prehistory to independence. Lunch. We will go up Rudaki Avenue to Mekhrgon Market. Located near the north of the city, this colorful bazaar is full of fruits and vegetables from the region. We will stroll through the aisles to smell the scents. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 3
Discovering the archaeological complex of Hissar.
Breakfast. We will start our day with a visit to the central park dominated by its new museum and a small curiosity, the tallest flag in the world. Hoisted 165 m high, this flag celebrates the country’s 20 years of independence. We will head 30km east to explore the impressive archaeological site of Hissar. Its creation dates back between the 4th and 3rd millennium BC, reaching its peak at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. This sublime architectural complex is home to two madrasas, a dozen mosques and a central market. Lunch then visit the madrasah, an ancient bazaar and the citadel, which once covered an area of 100 hectares, surrounded by ramparts and four majestic entrances. We will resume our return route to Dushanbe. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Transport time by road: approx. 1h30 / approx. 65km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 4
From the Pamir & Fansky mountains to Lake Iskanderkoul.
Breakfast. Departure due north, towards the sublime Iskanderkoul lake, crossing the Pamir and Fansky mountains. We will take the Varzobe road to cross the Anzobe pass culminating at almost 2900 m above sea level, to finally reach the largest lake in Pamir-Alay and the most beautiful in Tajikistan, Lake Iskanderkoul. Stuck at the foot of Mount Fansky, its beauty is no myth and locals even call it “the emerald surrounded by gray-haired peaks”. Legend has it that Alexander the Great diverted the Saritag river to create this lake and thus drown the village of a tribe of rebels. Today, the river has its source there, forming majestic 38 m waterfalls, called the “Niagara Fan Falls”. Lunch at the edge of this splendid setting. We will explore the shore to admire its beauty. At the end of the day, we will leave our bags for the night in a picturesque Guesthouse. Dinner and night in our guesthouse.
Transport time by road: approx. 5h / approx. 170 km
GOOD TO KNOW: Comfort is simple with our guests. Not always single rooms available, we will therefore share rooms and bathrooms.
In guest house
Discovery (4 hours)
Day 5
Exploration of the wild landscapes of Lake Iskenderkoul.
Breakfast. Departure for a day around the coastal shore of the lake. The magic of wild landscapes will never cease to captivate us with a palette of colors. We will cross a few villages to meet the local populations. Lunch in a guest house, “tchaikhana”. During our hike, we will be able to admire superb alpine panoramas and turquoise blue waters and will even come across eagles and marmots. Dinner and night in a guesthouse.
Maximum altitude: 2,250 m
In guest house
Hiking (5 hours / 10 km)
Day 6
Crossing villages to Pendjikent.
Breakfast. We will head for Pendjikent, the ancient “Sogdiana”, walking through the typical villages of the Zeravshan River region. On our arrival, we would discover the remains of this ancient city, proud today of its small museum, certain rooms of which exhibit interesting testimonies from all periods of occupation of the place and paying homage to Rudaki, the great court poet of the Samanids. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Transport time by road: approx. 3h / approx. 150km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 7
Departure for legendary Samarkand.
Breakfast. This morning, we will stroll through the alleys of the city’s bazaar, a very pleasant moment of life and we will appreciate the entire archaeological site of Bunjikath which has revealed most of the ancient city, particularly prosperous in the 5th century. century, then vassal of Samarkand. Excavations reveal the foundations of temples and palaces, as well as places of worship which attest to the incredible ecumenism of the time: Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism coexisted without difficulty. Lunch in a local restaurant on the banks of the Zeravshan River. In the afternoon, we will head towards the Uzbek border not far from Penjikent. Passage formalities then transfer to the hotel in Samarkand before devoting the next two days to discovering this legendary city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Transport time by road: approx. 2h30 / approx. 130km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 8
The mythical Registan Square of Samarkand.
Breakfast. We will discover one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia. Halfway between China and the Orient, Samarkand was one of the most important stops for caravans on the Silk Road. We will start with one of the must-see attractions of this city, the sublime Registan Square with its three legendary mosques of a thousand and one colors: Ulug-Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari. We will continue our immersion in the history of Uzbekistan by discovering the ruins of the Bibi-Khanym mosque, which according to legend, was built on the orders of one of Tamerlane’s wives in order to impress him. Lunch. Opposite the Bibi Khanym complex, on more than 220 hectares, the Afrosiyob complex houses an archaeological site and a museum bringing together the remains of the creation of Samarkand originally named Afrasiab. On the two levels of the museum, we will discover a collection of more than 20,000 pieces to better understand the history of one of the greatest stages of the Silk Road. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 9
The jewels of Samarkand.
Breakfast. A short tour of the bazaar, a place of meetings and exchanges, will allow us to wander between the stalls of Turkmen carpets, stalls and jewelry. We will also enjoy smelling the delicate scent of pomegranates, watermelons, melons, apricots, nuts, grapes and other dried fruits. Our eye will also be attracted by the generous bread of Samarkand. Uzbeks flock from all four corners of the country to consume this unmissable pancake-shaped specialty, the flavor of which many legends praise. We will continue towards the tomb of Saint-Daniel, resting place of one of the great prophets of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible. Legend has it that it was Tamerlane who brought back a relic from Persia. We will be surprised by the surprising size of this singular tomb, more than 18 m long. This time we head towards one of the curiosities of Samarkand, the astronomical observatory, unique for its time, built in 1430 by the astronomer-prince Ulugh-Beg. It once housed the largest sextant in the world. Today, we will discover the underground part of the giant sextant. Lunch. This afternoon, we will admire one of the jewels of Samarkand, the Chaki-Zinda sanctuary, a sublime collection of mausoleums, mosques and tombs whose domes and minarets stand out for their dazzling blue. We will be enchanted by this majestic site considered to be the most beautiful architectural ensemble of Islamic art in Uzbekistan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 10
The magnificent Ark Citadel of Bukhara.
Transfer to Samarkand station and departure by train to Bukhara. On our arrival, we will begin the visit of this Central Asian city which was built by the best artists and craftsmen of the Mongol empire, the neighboring kingdoms of Persia, Iraq and even India. One of the finest examples of this magnificent oasis in the Kizylkum Desert is the fascinating Ark Citadel, which served as the residence of the emirs until 1920. Legend has it that the foundation of the fortress contains seven pillars placed in the order of the constellation Ursa Major. Today, behind its massive walls and high towers, we can admire the throne room, the mosque, the entrance portal and the history and ethnology museum. Opposite the Ark citadel is the Bolo Khaouz Mosque, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Built in 1712, it will captivate us with its porch decorated with 20 sculpted pillars and sumptuously decorated and tinted in warm colors. Lunch. Bukhara has preserved its beauty and its rich architectural heritage still continues to captivate visitors. We will continue towards Liab i Khaouz, this mecca of conviviality in the heart of the old town. This pool is one of the rare ones to have stood the test of time. Around it, we can also admire one of the masterpieces of Bukhara, the Medersa Nadir Divan-Begi. Our gaze will be captivated by the 2 splendid semourgues, these 2 birds with blue and green plumage, which adorn the gate and which fly towards the sun. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Train travel time: approx. 1h29 / approx. 200 km / time: 9:44 a.m. – 11:17 a.m.
Times given for information only, may be modified.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 11
Exploring Bukhara.
Second day dedicated to Bukhara which is also known to be one of the centers of Uzbek craftsmanship whose know-how is passed down from generation to generation. We will discover the majestic Poï-Kalon ensemble, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. There we can admire the Minaret of the same name dating from the 11th century. Culminating at 48 m, it served as a lighthouse for caravans heading towards the city. But also, the Kalan mosque, with architecture from the Timurid era, with its imposing interior courtyard decorated with vaulted galleries with 288 domes supported by 208 columns. We will also be captivated by the beauty of the mosaics of the Medersa Mi Arab, located opposite the mosque. Lunch in a local restaurant to discover the gastronomy of the region. Free afternoon for a more personal exploration of this city. Dinner in town before transfer to Kogon station, 25 km from Bukhara. We will settle into our sleeping car for the night bound for Khiva.
Train travel time: approx. 8:30 a.m. / approx. 450km / timetable: 00:40 a.m. – 07:50 a.m.
Times given for information only, may be modified.
On board
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 12
Discovery of the museum city of Khiva.
On our arrival, we will have breakfast before starting our visit to this museum city, surrounded by high ramparts and which extends over nearly 25 hectares. We will discover the main mosque of Khiva, the Djuma mosque with its 218 carved wooden columns. We will be surprised by its singularity which is distinguished by its atypical architecture without entrance arches, portals, or even domes. Behind the mosque rises the most emblematic architectural building of Khiva, the mausoleum of Pakhlavan-Makhmoud, popular poet and essential figure in the history of the city. Lunch. We will continue towards Kounya-Ark, a fortified palace which served as the main residence of the Khans of the time. It houses the chancellery, the throne room, several mosques with sublime blue and white ceramics and a mint. Finally, we will end this day with the Islam-Khodja madrasa and its 44.5 m high minaret, the tallest minaret in Khiva. Dinner and night in a guesthouse.
In guest house
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 13
From Khiva to Tashkent.
Breakfast. This ancient city of Turkestan, capital of the khanate since the 17th century, is located in the middle of the ancient region of Khorezm. It was one of the largest markets in Central Asia and its prosperity lasted until the beginning of the century. Today we begin our visit to Khiva, starting with the Tach-Kaouli Palace, with its harem, its reception rooms and its court of justice. The complex, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, is a veritable labyrinth where the sovereign “Allakouli Khan” and his court lived. Then we will head towards the madrassah of Khan Moukhammed-Amin, the largest in Khiva, where the surprising Kalta-minor minaret stands. Built by Moukhammed-Amin, it was intended to be the tallest minaret in the Muslim East, but following a defeat, he never set foot in Khiva again, and its construction remained unfinished. Finally, we will visit the mausoleum of Sayid Alaoudin, erected in 1303 in memory of the sheikh of the same name. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, it is above all the oldest in Khiva still in remarkable condition. Lunch. Free time for more personal exploration. Dinner before our transfer to Urgench airport and flight to Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for the night.
Transport time by road: approx. 1 hour / approx. 35 km
Flight transport time: approx. 1h20 / approx. 965 km / timetable: 8:05 p.m. – 9:25 p.m.
Times given for information only, may be modified.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 14
Bazaar and Madrasa of Tashkent.
Breakfast. Tashkent is home to many picturesque and lively bazaars, the most famous and most visited of which are Oloy, Chorsu and Farhod. We will take the time to stroll through the alleys and mazes of Chorsu for an immersion in the daily life of the inhabitants of Tashkent. In the heart of the old city, there is also the Khasti Imam complex, made up on one side of the Barak Khan Medersa, the mausoleum of the saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Chachi, and the Islamic institute of Imam al Boukhari. On the other side, we will admire the Tilla Cheik mosque, famous for its library, rich in oriental manuscripts, including the mythical Koran of Khalif Osman from the 7th century, the oldest written version existing to date. Lunch. We will take the metro to go to the museum dedicated to the builder Amir Timur, more commonly called Tamerlane, and to his historical legacy. We will continue towards the Museum of Applied Arts. Exhibited in the sumptuous residence of a former Tsar diplomat, we will admire unique pieces of Uzbek craftsmanship, delicate silk suzanis, Gijduvan ceramics and traditional musical instruments. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 15
Flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyz capital.
Breakfast. This morning, city tour of Tashkent before transfer to the airport. Picnic lunch. Flight to Bishkek. On our arrival, we will begin our visit to this green city. We offer you a tour of the city to understand its contours. We will discover the monument of Manas, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. We will continue towards the main square, Ala Too and end up strolling on the old main square of the city surrounded by the Parliament buildings. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Flight transport time: approx. 1h10 / approx. 650 km / timetable: 1:30 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Times given for information only, may be modified.
In the hotel
Discovery (4 hours)
Day 16
Taste the hospitality of the village of Kyzyl Oï.
Breakfast. This morning, we will discover the Bishkek History Museum which traces the history of this Central Asian destination from the Bronze Age to the Soviet past. Then, head towards the village of Kyzyl Oï. Our route will then take us towards a track which rushes into a canyon where a splendid river with turquoise water flows with a backdrop of magnificent green and ocher colored cliffs. Now is the time to immortalize this extraordinary nature, photo enthusiasts will be won over. When we arrive, we will be won over by the hospitality of the villagers of Kyzyl Oï. They will open their doors to us for the night. For those who wish to stretch their legs, the village is an excellent starting point for a short hike upstream from the village to enjoy a lovely panorama of the valley, the village and the river. Dinner and night at a local’s home.
Transport time by road: approx. 4h / approx. 190km
GOOD TO KNOW: Comfort is simple with our guests. Not always single rooms available, so we will share rooms and bathrooms.
Homestay
Immersion (4 hours)
Day 17
Meeting with the nomadic shepherds of Lake Son Koul.
Breakfast. Departure by road to reach the heart of Kyrgyzstan, Son Koul Lake. The track is sometimes difficult, but after a few passes, we will reach a true haven of peace perched at an altitude of more than 3000 m in the heart of the Tian Shan massif. On arrival, we will settle into our lakeside yurt camp. The nomads live there for a few months in spring and summer with their herds of yaks and horses. A great opportunity to meet local shepherds and their families in the heart of breathtaking landscapes. The always friendly Kyrgyz families will invite us to taste regional products, Airan (yogurt) and Kumis (national fermented drink made from mare’s milk). We will have the opportunity to go for long walks on the dominant ridges or for those who wish to ride horses (at your expense and under your responsibility). It is in this bucolic setting that we will have dinner and spend the night in the summer pastures under the warm yurts.
Transport time by road: approx. 4h30 / approx. 160km
Maximum altitude: 3,016 m
GOOD TO KNOW: No individual yurts available, we will therefore share yurts and bathrooms.
Under yurt
Immersion (4 hours)
Day 18
Immersion among the nomads of Lake Son Koul.
Breakfast at the camp. Today, we will live to the rhythm of the nomads in order to enjoy a unique immersive experience at the heart of their unique culture. We will accompany them in their daily tasks to unlock all their secrets. We will participate in milking mares or even making carpets. Lunch. For those who wish, you can explore the mountain pastures by hiking or horseback riding. A day full of discovery in perspective! Dinner and night in the yurt.
Optional: For those who wish, you can either:
1-Go on a hike to the petroglyphs (10km round trip, 2-3h + 200 m – 200 m), From the petroglyph site you have a beautiful view of the lake.
2-Explore the mountain pastures on a horseback ride (To be reserved and paid on site)
Under yurt
Immersion (4 hours)
Day 19
Meeting Kyrgyz artisans.
Breakfast. Departure by road for the village of Kochkor via the “32 parrots” pass. On our arrival we will sit with a local family to share lunch and at the same time discover the secrets of traditional wool carpet manufacturing. We will continue our route until reaching the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul located at an altitude of 1660m. Fed by 88 neighboring rivers, it is the second largest “alpine” lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America with its 182km long and 58km wide. Result of volcanic activity, it is heated by thermal activity and never freezes, even in the heart of winter. In summer, the water temperature can reach 23-24° (warmer than the air) and we can even swim there, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. Along the way, we will stop in one of the workshops in the village of Kyzyl Tuu to discover the techniques of building a yurt. Finally, our last stop of the day will be to small town of Bokonbaevo on the south bank. Dinner and night at a local’s home.
Transfer time by road: approx. 5h / 270km
Homestay
Discovery (4 hours)
Day 20
The Ak Say canyon and its “valley of forgotten rivers”.
Breakfast at the camp. This morning, we will enjoy a moment of relaxation at the edge of Lake Issyk Koul. At certain times of the year the waters of the lake can reach 24 degrees, perfect for cooling off. Then, we will board our vehicles to reach the starting point for our hike. We will take the hiking trails in this superb canyon to reach the highest point and admire the superb 360° panorama. This surprising canyon is often called here the “valley of forgotten rivers”, because at the entrance we can observe the traces of dry rivers which flowed many years ago in this place. Picnic lunch. Descending through winding paths, we will eventually find the southern shore of the beautiful Issyk Kul Lake. We will eventually find our yurt camp. At the end of the afternoon, our hosts will reveal all the secrets of eagle hunting. Dinner and night in the yurt.
Transport time by road: approx. 2h / approx. 100km
GOOD TO KNOW: No individual yurts available, we will therefore share yurts and bathrooms.
Under yurt
Hiking (1.5 hours / 6 km)
220m
Day 21
From the Burana Tower to Bishkek.
Breakfast. This morning, direction Bishkek. On the way, we will stop there to admire the famous Burana Tower. Legend has it that a king built it to sequester his daughter following a bad omen from a witch who predicted that she would die when she turned 18. Despite all her precautions, the young girl was bitten by a venomous spider, hidden among her food, and therefore lost her life at the age of eighteen. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 24m high tower allows you to enjoy a superb panorama of the Shamsy valley at its top. At lunchtime, we will stop in the village of Iskra to share lunch and the hospitality of the villagers of the Dungan ethnic group. Scattered throughout Central Asia since their migration from China in the 19th century, this minority has managed to preserve its unique cultural identity, a blend of several influences: Chinese, Russian and Arab. It is an immersion in their tasty gastronomy renowned throughout Central Asia that we offer you during this simple lunch. We will taste some of their signature dishes, including the famous Lagman. After a moment of conviviality, we will continue our journey, with Bishkek as our final stop. Free time. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Transfer time by road: approx. 4h / 250km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 22
Flight to France.
According to our flight schedules, transfer to Bishkek airport. Return flight to Paris.
N.B.:
Your guide may be required to modify the itinerary due to organizational constraints (transport and accommodation in particular), weather conditions, the level of the participants, or any other cause relating to the safety of the group.
