Tours of Kazakhstan

The Best of Central Asia

Lying at the geographic and cultural heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan stretch from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the western edge of China, spanning a wealth of landscapes, peoples and traditions. Home to the Turkic tribes of old, their cities and mountains, even to this day, are pervaded with the magic and romance of the ancient Silk Road.Tashkent provides the starting point for this incredible odyssey, providing a gateway onto the medieval city of Khiva and then through the barren Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara and Samarkand, where you get a chance to explore the mosques and mausoleums of Bukhara and enjoy the Islamic majesty of the stunning Registan Square in Samarkand before flying on to the Kyrgyzstan capital, Bishkek.A full day in the Ala Archa Canyon and a swim in the warm waters of Lake Issy Kul is then followed by a wander through the fascinating backstreets of Karakol, before heading into the Chon Kemin Valley for an overnight stay in the rural village of Ashu. Journey's end then sees you amongst the mountains and museums of the Kazakh city of Almaty.

Tour includes: 1 internal and 1 regional flight - 13 nights three and four star hotel, 1 night traditional guesthouse - 14 breakfasts and 1 dinner - Private guided sightseeing - Private driver and vehicle - Entrance fees included as per itinerary - Private guided transfers to and from all airports

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan: Mountains and Lakes

Bigger than Western Europe, Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country. Along with Kyrgyzstan, its mountainous neighbour to the south, it encompasses a vast landscape of snow-capped mountains, deserts and steppe that have long been steeped in the history of the Silk Road.Beginning in Almaty, the former Kazakh capital and one of the country's most important cities, you head out into the captivating landscapes of the Valley of the Castles and the Kolsai Lakes National Park, where you'll have two full days trekking amongst the spectacular mountain landscapes, before crossing into Kyrgyzstan and driving into the Chon Kemin Valley.Enjoying the hospitality of village homestays, you'll then explore the villages and farms of the valley on foot and on horseback, before driving on to visit the thermal waters of Issy Kul, the world's second largest mountain lake. After a chance to visit the colourful Sunday market at Karakol, the journey then ends in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's attractive capital, set against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks.

• Explore the former capital city of Almaty
• Trek by the remote and beautiful Kolsai lakes
• Enjoy the warm hospitality in village homestays
• Visit the Sunday market in Karakol
• Wander through traditional Kyrgyz farms in Chon Kemin Valley

Tour includes: 6 nights three and four star hotel accommodation, 6 nights guesthouse - 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners - Private guided sightseeing - Private driver and vehicle - Entrance fees included as per itinerary - Private guided transfers to and from all airports