Journeys: Through the Heart of the Stans

Journeys: Through the Heart of the Stans

• Trip code: 4M2X005
• Dauer: 13
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Trace the ancient Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia, where sweeping landscapes and centuries-old traditions collide in breathtaking fashion. Journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, discovering a region where nomadic heritage still shapes everyday life. Share home-cooked meals with Kyrgyz and Cossack families, explore surreal wonders like the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and the towering cliffs of Charyn Canyon, and connect with locals whose stories bring the past vividly to life. With National Geographic Journeys, you’ll experience this remote crossroads of cultures through immersive encounters, expert insight and unforgettable moments that reveal the true spirit of the Silk Road.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (12 nts)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Size Notes

16

Highlights

Share a home-cooked meal and heartfelt stories with a welcoming Kyrgyz family in Bishkek, Marvel at the surreal beauty of Kaindy Lake where a forest was submerged by an earthquake and now rises eerily from the water, Discover how the Silk Road still shapes daily life with guided tours through the cultural hubs of Almaty and Dushanbe

Introduction

Trace the ancient Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia, where sweeping landscapes and centuries-old traditions collide in breathtaking fashion. Journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, discovering a region where nomadic heritage still shapes everyday life. Share home-cooked meals with Kyrgyz and Cossack families, explore surreal wonders like the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and the towering cliffs of Charyn Canyon, and connect with locals whose stories bring the past vividly to life. With National Geographic Journeys, you’ll experience this remote crossroads of cultures through immersive encounters, expert insight and unforgettable moments that reveal the true spirit of the Silk Road

Meals Included

12 Frühstück, 8 Mittagessen, 7 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD315-410 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Ala Archa Gorge
- Ala-Archa-Nationalpark

Almaty
- Zelyony-Basar
- Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Start / Finish

Bishkek nach Tashkent

Transport

Private Vehicle, Plane, Metro, Walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs with Local Historian and Professor, Cholpon-Ata
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Reina Kench Horse Farm, Karakol
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Tajik Almosi Village Visit and Bread Making, Dushanbe
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Jurtenbau, Barskoon
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Arrival Transfer. Bishkek City Tour. National History Museum Guided Tour. Free time in Bishkek. Kyrgyz Family Meal. Burana Tower Visit. Iskra Village Dungan Family Lunch. Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs. Kyrgyz Horse Farm. Karakol City Tour. Przhevalsky Museum. Yurt Building Workshop. Jety Oguz and the Broken Heart. Cossak Family Dinner. Charyn Canyon Visit. Almaty City Tour. Free time in Almaty. Dushanbe Orientation Walk. Guided City Tour of Dushanbe. Hisor Fortress. National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan. Tajik Almosi Village Visit and Bread Making. Tajik Almosi Village Visit and Bread Making. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 BISHKEK

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included

Day 2 BISHKEK

After breakfast, explore Kyrgyzstan’s lively capital on a guided walking tour through Bishkek’s wide boulevards, leafy parks and Soviet-era architecture. Then dive deeper into the region’s past with a visit to the National History Museum, where exhibits trace the country’s nomadic roots and complex political evolution. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Bishkek on your own. Opt to venture into the nearby Ala Archa National Park for a scenic hike to the striking Broken Heart Stone, surrounded by alpine meadows and rugged mountain views. This evening, experience Kyrgyz hospitality firsthand over a traditional dinner hosted by a local family, –an opportunity to connect, share stories and learn more about daily life

Day 3 BISHKEK/ ISSYK KUL

Feel transported back in time with a visit to the Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagan, where you'll explore the on-site museum to learn about the region’s early civilization. Continue to Iskra Village for a special lunch with a local Dungan Family-descendants of Chinese Muslims who settled in Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century. Hear their stories and see their traditions through dress while sharing a home-cooked meal. This afternoon, journey along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to the Cholpan Ata Petroglyphs, where a local historian– professor will guide you through the site’s ancient rock carvings and explain the rich symbolism behind them. As observed by National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek in his “Out of Eden Walk” project, we'll be looking at Turkic-era petroglyphs dating back over 3,500 years ago. See images of mostly animals such as ibex and deer, but also depictions of archers and chariots

Day 4 ISSYK KUL/ KARAKOL

Today starts at Reina Kench Farm, a family run place dedicated to preserving Kyrgyzstan's nomadic traditions and the ancient practice of Central Asian horse breeding. Learn how the family’s deep connection to the land and animals has influenced their way of life for generations. Afterwards, journey to Karakol where you’ll join a guided tour to discover the city’s unique blend of architecture and heritage, from the colourful Dungan Mosque, the ornate Russian Orthodox Church to the Przhevalsky Museum

Day 5 KARAKOL

This morning, visit the G Adventures-supported organization, Ak Orgoo, to learn the traditional practice of yurt building from locals working to preserve and share their nomadic heritage. Enjoy a homemade lunch before continuing to the striking red rock formations of Jety-Oguz for a scenic hike to the Broken Heart, a site steeped in legend and framed by dramatic alpine landscapes. This evening, gather around the table with a Cossack family who will welcome you for dinner and a conversation about their ancestry, customs and resilience, giving you a deeper understanding of one of Central Asia’s lesser-known cultural groups

Day 6 KARAKOL/ SATY

After breakfast, cross the border into Kazakhstan’s wide open steppe and rugged mountain landscape. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch at Black Canyon. After arriving at Saty Village, climb into a 4x4 for an excursion to the surreal waters of Kaindy Lake. Here, a forest of submerged spruce trees rises eerily from the surface-an unforgettable and perfect place for a hike. This evening, connect with Kazakhstan’s rural life with dinner at a local family’s home. Share stories and a warm meal in this peaceful mountain community

Day 7 SATY/ ALMATY

Head out for a visit to Charyn Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia.. Walk through its towering red rock formations, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water. This natural wonder shows off Kazakhstan’s powerful geological forces. As mentioned in the National Geographic article by Jessica Vincent “Hiking Kazakhstan: a day in Charyn Canyon National Park,” you’ll feel as though you're standing on the moon while equally feeling as though you are walking beneath giant skyscrapers of red rock. The afternoon will bring you to Almaty, which was the capital of Kazakhstan until 1997. Head out on an orientation walk then enjoy the rest of the day

Day 8 ALMATY

Set out on a city tour of Almaty strolling through Republic Square, once the heart of Soviet power, then wander the tree-lined paths of Panfilov Park to visit the beautiful, all-wooden Ascension Cathedral. Then immerse yourself in the rhythm of daily life at the bustling Zeleny Bazaar, where vibrant stalls overflow with fragrant spices, bright produce and local delicacies. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore on your own. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a show at a local restaurant

Day 9 ALMATY/ DUSHANBE

A flight today brings you to Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s green capital where grand boulevards, colorful markets and Soviet-Era monuments reflect a complex and fascinating history. The city of Dushanbe was shaped by centuries of Silk Road exchange and rich Persian influence. See the area around your hotel to get your footing in the city, then enjoy a traditional folklore show over dinner

Day 10 DUSHANBE

Dive into the history and culture of Tajikistan on a guided tour of Dushanbe. Begin at Somoni Square, a proud symbol of national identity, then marvel at the intricate design and craftsmanship of Navruz Palace. Visit the city’s largest mosque which reveals the country’s spiritual traditions. Savour a hearty lunch of plov, the national dish often prepared for guests and celebrations. This afternoon, venture beyond the city to Hisor Fortress with its ancient gates and centuries-old stone walls, which were a resting place for Silk Road travellers

Day 11 DUSHANBE

Begin the day at the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, home to a remarkable collection of artifacts that trace the region’s ancient civilization. Join a local archaeologist for a special guided visit, delving into the history of Buddhism in Central Asia and its influence along the Silk Road. Later, feel welcomed in a local Tajik home for a hands-on bread-making experience of “non,” the famous Tajik round, golden flatbread

Day 12 DUSHANBE/ TASHKENT

Fly to Uzbekistan with time to uncover Tashkent’s Soviet legacy on a guided tour in the afternoon. Explore Tashkent’s underground metro, said to be the most beautiful in the world as it doubles as an art gallery. Visit Kosmonaut Square, a tribute to the Soviet space program, and see other architectural wonders like the Uzbekistan Hotel and Zhemchug Resident Complex. Finish at the Monument of Courage, a tribute to the rebuilding of the city after a devastating earthquake. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner

Day 13 TASHKENT

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 BISHKEK

This evening, gather for a group welcome meet-up before a delicious dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Day 2 BISHKEK

Day 3 BISHKEK/ ISSYK KUL

Day 4 ISSYK KUL/ KARAKOL

Day 5 KARAKOL

Day 6 KARAKOL/ SATY

Day 7 SATY/ ALMATY

Day 8 ALMATY

Day 9 ALMATY/ DUSHANBE

Day 10 DUSHANBE

Day 11 DUSHANBE

Day 12 DUSHANBE/ TASHKENT

Day 13 TASHKENT