7-Day Central Asia Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Central Asia tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Asia travel expert at TourRadar
- Day 1
Osh to Edelweiss Meadow Base Camp
Leave Osh early to make the most of daylight. The 6-hour drive on the Pamir Highway goes over Taldyk Pass at 3,615m. Pack motion sickness pills if you need them. Get your water bottles filled in Osh since the altitude increases dehydration. At Edelweiss Meadow Base Camp (3,600m) you can stay in traditional yurts or camping tents. Take it easy with a 2-hour walk to Lukovaya Meadow for initial acclimatization.
- Day 2
Acclimatization Day
This is a key day for adjusting to the altitude. Head out before 8 AM for a 3-4 hour hike up to 4,100m when weather conditions are best. You'll see great views of Lenin Peak and the Alay Valley. Remember to pace yourself and follow the basic rule: climb high sleep low. Get back to base camp early to rest and drink plenty of water. Get your gear ready for tomorrow's move up.
- Day 3
Ascent to Camp 1 "Solnechniy"
The climb to Camp 1 at 4,400m takes 6-7 hours and it's demanding. Go over Puteshestvennikov Pass (4,150m) early because the Lenin Glacier gets tougher in afternoon sun. Bring microspikes for the icy morning glacier crossing. You might get headaches at this altitude. Paracetamol can help but watch for serious altitude sickness signs.
- Day 4
Summit Day - Yukhin Peak
Start at 4 AM for summit day. The path to Yukhin Peak (5,130m) includes steep snow slopes up to 30 degrees. You'll definitely need trekking poles. Watch your step on the final ridge. Most groups take 6-7 hours up and 3-4 down. Start heading back by 1 PM no matter what because weather often gets worse later.
- Day 5
Descent to Base Camp
It's a 5-hour walk down to Edelweiss Meadow with great views of Achik-Tash Valley. Be careful on the loose rocks in the moraine. Use those trekking poles to protect your knees. A hot shower at base camp will feel amazing after all that climbing.
- Days 6-7
Return to Osh and Departure
The drive back to Osh takes about 5 hours. Use your last afternoon to climb Suleiman-Too Mountain in central Osh. A quick 30-minute hike gives you perfect sunset city views. Visit Osh Bazaar early on your final morning before flying out for better prices and smaller crowds.
- Day 1
Uzbekistan Border to Osh
Cross the border from Uzbekistan early (from Tashkent, Ferghana, or Andijan). The crossing can take 1-2 hours so pack water and snacks. In Osh visit the sacred Suleyman Mountain. You'll need good shoes for the steep steps. Head to the historic Osh Bazaar later in the day when it's cooler. The bazaar is most vibrant on weekends.
- Day 2
Osh to Bishkek
Book the earliest flight to Bishkek (about 1 hour) since later flights often face delays. Spend your day exploring Oak Park and Central Square. Make sure to visit the State History Museum before 3 PM to get the full experience. Remember to bring small bills in som for entry fees.
- Day 3
Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake
Start early for the 260km drive to Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit the Burana Tower on the way before 11 AM to avoid crowds. Skip the tower climb if you have mobility concerns as the stairs are quite narrow. Next stop is Issyk-Kul, the second-largest saline lake in the world. A recent visitor noted: "Our driver stopped frequently so we could view the beautiful sights. A tiny criticism is that tinted windows made it difficult to fully enjoy the scenery."
- Day 4
Cholpon-Ata
Visit the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs in the morning light for the best photos. The site is about an hour from most lake accommodations. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven ground at the petroglyph site. Stop by the Ethnographical Museum to learn about local traditions. Take the 3-4 hour drive back to Bishkek in the afternoon.
- Day 5
Departure from Bishkek
Plan to leave for Manas International Airport early. The morning traffic means you need at least 90 minutes to get there. Book afternoon flights if you're heading to other Central Asian destinations because morning fog can cause delays.
5 Day Tajikistan's Fann Mountains Itinerary, incl. Samarkand and Kulikalon Lakes
This concentrated 5-day route showcases Central Asian diversity. Moving from Uzbek civilization into Tajik wilderness, riders encounter dramatic altitude shifts and striking terrain changes daily.
- Day 1
Samarkand to Artuch Base Camp
Take an early morning drive from Samarkand to the Uzbek-Tajik border at Jartepa (about 1 hour). Border crossings can take a while so pack water and snacks. Once in Tajikistan your guide will meet you in Penjikent where you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Sarazm settlement and Rudaki Museum. In the afternoon drive 3-4 hours to Artuch Base Camp at 2,200m. Take a short acclimatization hike to Lake Chukurak. This is a good opportunity to test your gear and make sure your boots are comfortable before the more challenging days ahead.
- Day 2
Kulikalon Lakes Trek
Start early to beat the heat on the steep climb to Chukurak Pass (3,180m). The morning hike through juniper forests takes about 3 hours. At the top you'll get your first view of the bright turquoise Kulikalon Lakes with massive Chimtarga Peak (5,480m) as a backdrop. Set up camp at Lake Bibijannat (2,750m). Pack plenty of warm clothing since nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing even in summer months.
- Day 3
Alauddin Pass and Lakes
Today brings the trek's most dramatic mountain views on the challenging climb to Alauddin Pass. The trail climbs almost 1,000m with some exposed sections that require careful footing. The path down to the Alauddin Lakes is steep but well-marked. As one hiker shared: "The lakes are an otherworldly blue, but the last hour to camp is tough on the knees – trekking poles were essential here."
- Day 4
Chapdara Pass Circuit
This demanding day takes you over Chapdara Pass (3,430m) with incredible views of Marie (4,680m) and Mirali peaks. The route through Sangui Safed Gorge is rocky and needs careful navigation. After 5-6 hours of hiking you'll reach a riverside campsite. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms which are typical in this area.
- Day 5
Ganza Glacier to Samarkand
The final day offers a more relaxed pace exploring Imat Gorge and Ganza Glacier before descending. Morning walking takes you past shepherd settlements. Plan to start the 4-hour drive back to Samarkand early to cross the border before it closes.
