10-Day Central Asia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Central Asia tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCentral Asia travel expert at TourRadar

• 9 Days in Central Asia, incl. Almaty and Bishkek

  This nine-day Central Asian tour showcases Almaty's cultural sites, Bishkek's Soviet heritage, and Karakol's ethnic diversity. The trip features traditional yurt camping at Lake Issky-Kul, visits to local craftsmen in Kyzyk Tuu, and dramatic canyons across two countries.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Almaty, Kazakhstan

    Start your Central Asia adventure in Kazakhstan's biggest city. Visit Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkoff Cathedral before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Bring a light jacket since mountain breezes can be cool in any season. The Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments is best visited in the afternoon for better photos. On your second day take a trip to a family winery outside the city. Plan extra time for the 45-minute drive through Almaty's heavy traffic.

    
  • Day 3

    Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

    Travel to Kyrgyzstan and stop at Tamgaly Tas to check out Bronze Age petroglyphs. The border crossing might take 1-3 hours so pack water and snacks. You'll need 3-4 hours to drive to Bishkek on roads of varying quality. Once there take a walk around the main boulevards near Ala-Too Square to get your bearings.

    
  • Day 4

    Bishkek

    Spend the day exploring the capital. Oak Park is the country's oldest and perfect for watching local life unfold. Visit the Russian Orthodox church in the morning before tour groups arrive. The textile workshops are most interesting in the afternoon when local artisans are working.

    
  • Day 5

    Lake Issyk Kul

    The 4-5 hour drive to Lake Issyk Kul takes you to one of the world's biggest alpine lakes. Visit the 11th-century Burana Tower minaret on your way. Pack warm clothes for the yurt camp since nights get cold even in summer. The shared bathrooms are basic and located outside.

    
  • Day 6

    Karakol

    Start with Skazka Canyon in the morning light for great photos. Take a 2-hour hike in Jety Oguz Valley but wear good shoes since the trails can be unstable. You'll reach Karakol in time to watch the sun set behind the Tian Shan mountains.

    
  • Day 7

    Karakol

    Discover this former Russian military post starting with the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral. Visit the bazaar before noon when it's busiest. In the evening learn to cook with a Dungan family and experience this Chinese Muslim community's food traditions.

    
  • Day 8

    Return to Almaty

    Prepare for a long day of travel (8+ hours) including the border crossing back to Kazakhstan. Take a break at Charyn Canyon for about 2 hours. Bring tissues for bathroom stops along the way.

    
  • Day 9

    Almaty

    Your last morning in Central Asia. Book afternoon flights to skip Almaty's morning traffic to the airport.

    

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• 10 Days in Central Asia, incl. Tashkent and Samarkand

  Journey through Central Asia's cultural heartland over 10 days, from Tashkent's spiritual Hazrati Imom Complex to Bukhara's historic trading domes. Explore Samarkand's Registan Square before crossing into Tajikistan for Penjikent's ancient ruins and Dushanbe's modern attractions.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tashkent

    Start your Central Asia adventure in Uzbekistan's capital. Arrive in the afternoon to avoid the heavy morning traffic. On day two, visit the Hazrati Imom Complex at 9 AM to experience the city's spiritual center. Shop at Chorsu Bazaar in the morning before it gets too hot. Small bills in local currency make bargaining easier. The Applied Arts Museum offers a cool retreat for the afternoon.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Bukhara

    Take the 8 AM high-speed train from Tashkent. The journey takes 4 hours. Book first class for reliable air conditioning. Visit the 10th-century Samanid Mausoleum and explore the Poi Kalon complex. Start your second day at Labi Hauz when locals gather and the morning light is perfect for photos. Make time for Chor Minor with its four unique minarets.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Samarkand

    Catch the 16:24 train for a two-hour ride to Samarkand. Visit the Registan at 8 AM opening time to avoid crowds and get clear photos. Use your second day to explore Ulugbek Observatory and the traditional paper factory in Konigil. Remember to dress modestly as many sites are active religious centers.

    
  • Day 7

    Crossing to Tajikistan

    The Jartepo-Sarazm border crossing takes time. Keep your documents ready. Visit the Ancient Penjikent site, which dates from the 12th-16th centuries. Wear good walking shoes for the uneven ground. Stop at the archaeology museum before it closes at 5 PM.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Dushanbe

    The drive from Penjikent includes Lake Iskanderkul. Pack a warm layer for mountain temperatures. Visit the National Museum and Hissar Fortress (30km from the city - arrange transport ahead). Visit the central bazaar early for the freshest produce.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Schedule an afternoon flight for last-minute bazaar shopping.

    

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• 9 Days in Central Asia, incl. Bishkek and Almaty

  This 9-day Central Asian adventure spans 7 destinations across Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The route winds from Bishkek through Chong-Kemin Valley, featuring nomadic life at Song Kul Lake, Karakol's unique architecture, and Charyn Canyon before concluding in Almaty. Traditional accommodations and cultural workshops complete the experience.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bishkek and Chong-Kemin Valley

    Begin in Bishkek, where Soviet architecture meets bustling bazaars. Spend your morning exploring the Kyrgyz capital. The next day takes you on a 90-minute drive to the ancient Burana Tower, one of the country's oldest monuments. Continue to Chong-Kemin Valley to experience rural Central Asian life. A recent visitor shared: "The contrast between bustling Bishkek and peaceful Chong-Kemin Valley is striking - bring a camera for the stunning mountain landscapes."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Song Kul Lake and Tamga

    Take a 4-hour drive to Song Kul Lake for an authentic yurt stay at 3,016 meters. Pack plenty of warm clothes since the weather changes quickly at this altitude. You might experience all four seasons in one day. If you visit in May or June, snow might block mountain passes, so plan to stay at Issyk Kol Lake instead. The next day takes you to Kochkor's traditional felt-making workshop before heading to Tamga village. You'll stay in a local guesthouse near an interesting Soviet-era cosmonaut sanatorium.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Karakol and Jety-Oguz

    Karakol serves as your base for both city and nature exploration. Visit the Chinese-style Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox church. Take time to see Jety-Oguz Gorge with its "Seven Bulls" red rock formations and beautiful wildflower meadows. If you're there on Sunday morning, check out the local animal market for an authentic look at daily life.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Kazakhstan Border Crossing and Almaty

    After crossing into Kazakhstan take a Russian 4x4 to Saty Village in Kolsay Lakes National Park to see Kaindy Lake's underwater forest. Leave extra time for border procedures. The next day brings a 4-hour drive to Almaty via Charyn Canyon. One visitor noted: "The canyon's red rock formations rival America's Southwest, but without the crowds." In Almaty explore the mix of Soviet architecture and modern cafes. If time allows climb Green Hill for city views.

    
  • Day 9

    Almaty

    Use your final morning to visit the central bazaar which opens early perfect for picking up local snacks and souvenirs. Book an afternoon flight to give yourself time for last-minute exploring. The city's public transport makes it easy to get around on your own.

    

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