The Silk Road & 3 Stans
24 January - 6 February 2025 (Full)
21 March - 3 April 2025 (Full)
2 - 15 May 2025
23 May - 5 June 2025 (Full)
6 - 19 June 2025 (Females-only)
1 - 14 August 2025 (Full)
8 - 21 August 2025
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Description:
Embark on a captivating journey through the historical Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Bukhara & Samarqand. Marvel at the sights of pristine and azure Issy Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan, and experience authentic village life with a homestay in a traditional Kyrgyz village nestled in the Chong Kemin Valley.
Wander the Soviet-built capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, where Soviet emblems and buildings still stand, and statues of Lenin and Marx still have a pride of place. Spend a night in the cozy comfort of a traditional nomadic yurt (tent) erected in Kyrgyzstan's lush and tranquil Ferghana Valley.
Conclude the trip exploring Kazakhstan's world-renown geographical formations, from camping in the depths of Charyn Canyon to hiking along the turquoise waters of Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes.
Countries: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
Trip length: 14 days, 13 nights
Cost: USD1940 (Approximately SGD2580, MYR9000, EUR1785)
Start city: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
End city: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Max. Capacity: 6 travelers
What's included in the price:
Accommodation (Twin sharing)
Transportation (Trains, Private-hire vans, Intra-city transport)
Domestic flight (Osh to Bishkek)
Guide Fee
Camping Gear Rental (Tent, All-weather sleeping bag)
Tickets to places of interest (Historical sites, national parks)
Camping and Homestay experience
Breakfast at guesthouses
What's not included in the price:
Travel insurance
Meals (Lunch & Dinner on most days)
Visa (If applicable)
Flight tickets to and from home country
Zioedy Wong (Singapore)
My experience with The Untold Direction has been nothing short of amazing. As it was my first time in Central Asia, I didn't know what to expect, but this has to be hands down my favorite travel memory to date... The camping experience at Kazakhstan was also very interesting and I will forever miss the taste of campfire laksa.
Suan Yean Ong (KL, Malaysia)
Took the 14 day tour to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and it was truly one of the best travelling experiences I’ve had... The itinerary was planned out really well with a good balance between culture and nature. Two weeks flew by far too quickly! I would recommend TUD to anyone in a heartbeat.
Day 1: Explore Tashkent, the Uzbek Capital
Walk the streets and take in the sights of Tashkent's unique cityscape, where centuries-old Silk Road buildings stand juxtaposed to their more modern Soviet counterparts. Ride the Tashkent Metro - home to some of the world's most beautifully decorated subway stations - and see the Samarkand Kufic Quran - one of the world's oldest copies of the Quran - on display!
Learn how this young nation is blazing its own path after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Days 2-4: Explore Silk Road Cities
Take a stroll down the timeless back alleyways of the Silk Road cities of Samarqand & Bukhara. These cities were major towns along the Silk Road, and centuries-old markets, mosques, schools and buildings dating back to that era are preserved in pristine condition.
4th night: Travel like a local
After exploring Bukhara for the day, spend the night on board a sleeper train that will whisk you across the country’s vast farmlands and deserts. Travelling on platskart class (6 bunk beds a compartment) is an experience in itself, where you get to be up close with citizens from all walks of life, such as cross-country traders, farmers visiting a neighbouring village for a wedding ceremony, students returning home for the semester, and hawkers peddling their goods on board.
During our trips, we take other forms of public transportations too (metro, marshrutkas, trolley buses, public buses) to experience how locals travel.
Day 5: Soviet Funfair & Hello Kyrgyzstan!
Disembark from the train in Andijan, an eastern city in Uzbekistan. Head to the Bogishamol Theme Park, a nostalgic fairground featuring Soviet-era rides and attractions.
After enjoying the park, cross the Dostuk Border into Kyrgyzstan, enjoying scenic views of the lush Ferghana Valley along the way.
Arrive in Osh, where you can settle in for the night.
Day 6: Explore Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Capital
It's often said that wandering the streets of Bishkek is a throwback to Soviet times. The city is flanked by numerous monumental brutalist-style buildings built by the Soviets and many of them still have Soviet emblems affixed on their facades. Lenin, Karl & Engels still stand atop pedestals in many of Bishkek's parks.
During our time in the city, we will travel using the city's extensive trolley bus network, which is one of the world's largest.
Days 7: Ala Archa National Park
Arrive at Ala Archa National Park, a stunning mountain retreat perched in the mountains outside Bishkek.
Hike through lush valleys and along glacial streams, and, if you're lucky, chance upon local wildlife like ibex and snow leopards
Days 7-10: Bazaars, Hot Springs, Kok Boru Matches, Canyons & Lakes
The Usenov family warmly welcomes you to stay at their home for a few days in the Kyrgyz countryside. Experience living in their village Shabdan and get a taste of life and customs in the rural, peaceful and picturesque valley.
During your stay, visit the nearby famed Issyk Kul Lake and the Kok Moinok and Aksoy Canyons.
Immerse yourself into local life with visits to local schools, bazaars, villages, and, if you're lucky, local events and games!
Night 10: Cup of Tea, the Valley, the Milky Way
Spend the night in the cosy comfort of a traditional nomadic yurt erected by the turquoise waters of Lake Issy Kul.
At night, sit out for a while, with a cup of hot tea in hand, and share stories with your travel mates. Or look up and marvel at the beauty of the sky filled with bright stars and, possibly, the Milky Way.
Get up just in time for sunrise to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Days 11: Salem Kazakhstan!
Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city. Recently, it has experienced a building boom, and many swanky new skyscrapers have sprouted in the city.
Take a gondola up Kok Tobe hill, and enjoy panoramic views of the city surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Day & night 12: Hike Down & Pitch a Tent in the Charyn Canyon
Trek down and camp in the Charyn Canyon, a magnificent geographic formation often compared to the Grand Canyon. This canyon was carved into the otherwise flat steppe over the course of millions of years by the swift rapids of the Charyn river.
Learn how to pitch a tent, start a fire, and cook on an open fire.
Subject to weather conditions. The hike is of moderate intensity (1.5 hours long each way). You may also take a 4-by-4 vehicle to traverse the canyon to reach the camping site.
Day & night 13: Hike along Pristine Turquoise Lakes
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes, nestled in Kazakhstan's Tian Shan Mountains. Hike through stunning landscapes, and at night, unwind in the cozy comfort of a nearby lodge.
Subject to weather conditions.
Day 14: Return home as a story teller
We'll return to Almaty in the morning of the last day. We'll visit some of the sights of this beautiful city -- such as its Green Bazaar, the Uyghur neighbourhood, and the Zenkov Cathedral
In the evening, we'll watch a performance at the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Named after Abay. (Subject to show schedule)
Return home a storyteller, and share the wonders of your amazing Central Asian experience to any with those eager to listen!
