Central Asia in two weeks: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

In two weeks you can see three very different countries: the mountain lakes of Kazakhstan, nomadic Kyrgyzstan and the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan. Here is a route that works without unnecessary flights.

Days 1–4: Almaty and Kazakhstan

• Day 1: arrive in Almaty, walk the city, Kok-Tobe hill
• Day 2: Charyn Canyon
• Day 3: Kolsai and Kaindy lakes
• Day 4: Big Almaty Lake and transfer towards the border

Days 5–9: Kyrgyzstan

• Day 5: drive to Karakol along eastern Issyk-Kul
• Day 6: Jeti-Oguz gorge, Skazka canyon, the south shore
• Days 7–8: Kochkor and Song-Kul, a night in a yurt
• Day 9: drive to Bishkek

Days 10–14: Uzbekistan

• Day 10: fly Bishkek — Tashkent, plov for dinner
• Days 11–12: Samarkand — Registan, Shah-i-Zinda
• Days 13–14: Bukhara and flight home

Getting around

Between Almaty and Kyrgyzstan it is easiest to go overland through the border crossings. From Bishkek to Tashkent, fly: it is about an hour in the air and saves a full day. In Uzbekistan, fast trains link the cities.

When to do this route

Mid-June to mid-September is best: yurts are up at Song-Kul and mountain roads are open. In July and August Uzbekistan is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Two weeks: three countries, four languages around you and not a single day the same.

Similar multi-country routes are in our catalogue, and any of them can run as a private tour on your dates.