2-Week Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Kyrgyzstan And Uzbekistan itineraries

Compiled by

NinaKyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Almaty and Samarkand

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Almaty, Kazakhstan

    Begin your journey in Kazakhstan's largest city. The wooden Zenkov Cathedral is best visited early morning before the crowds arrive. Take the cable car to Medeo to see the world's largest speed skating rink. Pack a light jacket since it's usually 15°C cooler at 1,691m elevation. One traveler shared: "The morning views of the snow-capped mountains from Medeo are incredible - definitely worth the early start."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Bishkek & Issyk Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

    Start with a morning drive to Big Almaty Lake at 2,510m. The water stays cold even in summer, rarely going above 10°C. Drive 4 hours to Bishkek. The next day, visit Issyk Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. You can go hiking in the Grigorevka gorge's alpine meadows. The petroglyphs near Cholpon Ata are worth seeing, with artwork dating from 2000 BC to medieval times.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Tashkent, Uzbekistan

    Take an evening flight to Tashkent to avoid heavy traffic. This is Central Asia's largest city with 3 million residents. Go to Chorsu Bazaar early morning for the freshest produce. The Hasti Imam complex houses the world's oldest Quran from the 8th century. Bring small bills for the bazaar since vendors usually can't break large notes.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Samarkand

    The high-speed train gets you to Samarkand in 2 hours. Wait until sunset to photograph the Registan square when the madrasas take on a golden glow. Stop by the Silk Paper Workshop to watch traditional paper-making from mulberry trees. A recent visitor noted: "The craftsmen at the paper workshop let you try the traditional techniques yourself - it gives you a real appreciation for this ancient art."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Bukhara

    Another train ride takes you to Bukhara, the religious center of Central Asia. You can walk around most historical sites. Visit Kalyan Minaret in the early hours to beat the crowds. The Mir Arab madrasah still operates as it has since the 17th century. You can book traditional hammams for authentic scrub and massage treatments.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Khiva

    The journey through the Kyzylkum desert to Khiva takes 6-7 hours by road. The old city (Ichan Kala) works as an open-air museum. Get panoramic views from the city walls at sunset. Visit local workshops to see traditional wood carving and carpet making. A high-speed train service should start operating in 2025.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Return to Tashkent

    Book a morning flight back to Tashkent since afternoon flights often get delayed. You can take a day trip to the Chimgan mountains and Charvak lake, located 80km from the city. This makes a great break from Tashkent's summer heat. One traveler noted: "End your trip with a visit to Charvak Lake - the cool mountain air and crystal clear waters are refreshing after two weeks of city exploring."

    

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• 12 Days in Central Asia, incl. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

  An artfully planned itinerary weaves through Uzbekistan's grand Silk Road cities before heading to Kyrgyzstan's cultural sites and mountain vistas. The route balances historic landmarks with authentic local encounters.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Turkmenistan

    Start in Ashgabat and board the Golden Eagle luxury train after exploring the city's modern architecture. Visit the National Museum with its collection of 500,000 artifacts. Day 2 takes you to the UNESCO site of Old Nissa before an evening at the Darvaza gas crater. Get to the crater before sunset to watch the "Door to Hell" come alive in the darkness. The desert gets cold at night so pack warm clothes.

    
  • Days 3-6

    Uzbekistan's Silk Road Cities

    You'll visit three historic cities in Uzbekistan. Get to Khiva early on Day 3 to beat the crowds in the walled old town. Spend Days 4-5 in Bukhara and Samarkand, two iconic Silk Road destinations. Try the evening platform barbecue in Bukhara - it's a Golden Eagle specialty. If you want the best view of the Samarkand light show at Registan Square, get there 30 minutes early.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Kazakhstan

    Tour Soviet-style Tashkent and see the world's oldest Koran before taking an overnight train to Almaty. The city tour includes the wooden Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park. Wear sturdy shoes for the Medeo Gorge visit - the altitude and rough terrain can be tough.

    
  • Days 8-12

    Kyrgyzstan Extension

    Trade the luxury train for a more local experience in Kyrgyzstan. The drive to Chon-Kemin Valley takes 3-4 hours through mountain scenery. When you visit the yurt makers in Kyzyl-Tuu, show respect for local customs and ask before taking photos. Pack for unpredictable weather at Issyk-Kul Lake - conditions can change quickly.

    

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• 12 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Almaty and Tashkent

  Eight vibrant days divide time between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, offering a perfect mix of city life and natural beauty. Comprehensive city tours pair with cultural visits and smooth transfers between locations.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Almaty & Charyn Canyon

    Begin your journey in Almaty Kazakhstan's largest city. After settling in on arrival day get ready for an early morning trip to Charyn Canyon. The drive east takes about 3 hours so leave early to have enough time to explore. Wear sturdy shoes for the Valley of Castles area which has loose rocks and can get slippery. If possible plan your visit between late March and May when temperatures are perfect for hiking.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Kyrgyzstan Exploration

    The morning drive from Almaty to Bishkek takes 4-5 hours including border formalities. Keep some USD cash on hand for any unexpected border fees. After reaching Bishkek you can visit the historic Burana Tower on your way to Boom Canyon. Your next stop is Lake Issyk-Kul the largest lake in Central Asia. Pack some warm layers since evenings by the lake can get quite cool.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Tashkent Discovery

    A short 1-hour flight takes you from Bishkek to Tashkent. The city's metro system is excellent for getting around so buy several tokens at once to save time. Visit Chorsu Bazaar in the morning before it gets too hot. When the afternoon heat kicks in head to the air-conditioned Applied Arts Museum.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Samarkand's Wonders

    Take the 2-hour high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand. Book your tickets a few days ahead since they sell out quickly. Visit Registan Square early in the morning before the crowds arrive. As one traveler shared: "The best photos of the blue-tiled madrasas are taken just before sunset when the light is magical and most tourists have left."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Bukhara's Historic Center

    The train ride to Bukhara takes about 2.5 hours from Samarkand. The old town is easy to explore on foot but summer temperatures often go above 95°F/35°C. Plan indoor visits like the Ark Fortress during the hottest parts of the day. In the evening relax around Lyabi-Hauz pond where you can enjoy dinner and watch local life unfold.

    
  • Day 12

    Return to Tashkent

    Catch the morning train back to Tashkent for your departure. Get to the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight since security checks are thorough.

    

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