Wendy Wu Journey Through Central Asia

Darvaza Gas Crater
Watch the fiery glow from the crater as the sun dips below the horizon

Iskanderkul Lake
Stand on the shoreline to admire the blue waters and surrounding mountains.

Samarkand
Admire the incredible architecture of the city

Barskoon Gorge
Discover the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s Barskoon Gorge

Days 1-2: Fly to Bishkek
Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the morning is yours to relax.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Ala Archa National Park
Travel to Ala Archa National Park to take a leisurely hike. Return to the city for a tour, visiting the Manas Monument, Old Square and Parliament House plus much more.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Chon Kemin
Today, venture into the scenic Chon Kemin valley.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Kochkor Village
Today, drive to Kochkor village, the centre of Kyrgyz national felt handicrafts. Then, make your way to Tamga, where you’ll spend the night with local shepherds, sleeping in a traditional yurt.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Golden Eagle Hunting
Today, meet a berkutchi, a golden eagle hunter who will demonstrate this millennia old tradition. Afterwards, travel to Karakol, stopping at Barskoon Gorge on the way to see the ‘Tears of the Leopard’ waterfall.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Jeti-Orguz Gorge
Visit the Przhevalsky Museum and see the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Later, travel to the Jeti-Orguz where you can walk through the red sandstone canyon before joining a local Dungan or Uygur family for dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Charyn Canyon & Almaty
Rise early and travel to the outskirts of town for the unforgettable Karakol Sunday Animal Market. Drive through breath-taking scenery to visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles before crossing into Kazakhstan, arriving in Almaty later in the day.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Explore Almaty
This morning, visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and the Ascension Cathedral. In the afternoon, explore the Ili Alatua mountains and Medeu, an outdoor skating rink. Then, visit Shymbulak before continuing to Kok Tobe, before taking a cable car for views of the city.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Almaty – Dushanbe
This morning in Almaty is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Dushanbe
Take a full day tour of the city, during which you’ll take a walk through the botanical gardens, as well as visiting the Ismoili Somoni monument and the Kohi Navruz palace. After lunch, visit the Fortress of Hissor.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Lake Iskanderkul
Visit the breathtaking Lake Iskanderkul on the way to Khujand.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Khujand – Tashkent
This morning, take a stroll through the Panjshanbe Bazaar, admire the 10th century citadel and relax in Pushkin Square. Travel to Tashkent this afternoon.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Tashkent
Explore Tashkent’s old town, including Barak Khan Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and Tila Shaikh Mosque, home to rare Korans. Browse Chorsu Bazaar, visit the Rakhimov ceramic workshop, and finish with a ride on the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Registan Square
Drive to Samarkand, where after checking into your hotel you will visit the iconic Registan Square.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Samarkand
Enjoy a full day’s tour of Samarkand, starting with Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. Next, wander through a local market and see Shah-I-Zinda and Bibi Khanum Mosque before visiting Ulugh Beg, a 15th century observatory.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Shakhrisabz
Head out of Samarkand to the town of Shakhrisabz where you will explore the remains of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat Cemetery and KokGumbas Mosque. Continue your journey this afternoon as you make your way to Bukhara.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 18: Historic Bukhara
Spend the day exploring the city, with visits to Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, as well as the Ark of Bukhara.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 19: More Bukhara
Head out of Bukhara to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former Emir of Bukhara. Visit Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy some downtime this afternoon.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 20: Journey to Khiva
Travel across the famous Kyzyl Kum Desert to Khiba. Along the way. stop on the banks of the Amudarya River.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 21: Itchan Kala
Discover the sights of the inner-walled city of Itchan Kala today, including the Kunha Ark and the Islom-Khodja.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 22: Explore Konye-Urgench
Transfer overland to Kunya-Urgench, the once-glorious capital of the Khorezmshah Empire and a now UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its mausoleums, the Kutlug Timur minaret and Mamun’s Academy of Sciences. In the evening, take a flight to Ashgabat.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 23: Ashgabat & the Akhal Tekes
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ashgabat in your own time. Afterwards, head to a stud farm and learn about the “winged” Akhal Tekes horses. Visit the Kipchak complex, the largest mosque in Turkmenistan before learning about the country’s history at the National Museum of History and Ethnography.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 24: The ancient city of Merv
Rise early for your flight to Mary. From the airport you will transfer overland to the ancient city of Merv; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Return to Mary after to visit the local History Museum.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 25: Darvaza Flaming Crater
Fly back to Ashgabat and enjoy a morning tour of the city. In the afternoon you will head to Darvaza to witness its famous Flaming Crater. Enjoy a walk around the perimeter and tuck into a delicious nomadic-style camp-side dinner under the stars. Following dinner, you will return to Ashgabat.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 26: Ashgabat
Learn about the country’s cotton and gas industries before visiting the Old Nisa Fortress, historically a stronghold of the Parthian Empire. After lunch, continue to the colourful Russian Bazaar and the National Carpet Museum.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 27: Fly Ashgabat to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day.
(Breakfast)

Meet the Akhal Tekes
Visit a stud farm to learn about this native horse breed that has played a key role in Turkmenistan’s history.

Lose yourself in vibrant bazaars
Wander through the bustling bazaars of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and admire the handwoven carpets, intricate ceramics and local delicacies

Witness Kyrgyz eagle hunting
Witness this age-old Kyrgyz tradition in the spectacular setting of the highlands

• Return flights & transfers
• 25nts in 3/4* accommodation
• All meals: 25 breakfasts, 24 lunches and 25 dinners.
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Visa fees for UK passport holders

Go Beyond
Go Beyond are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. They aim to include as much variety as possible so that no two days on your holiday will be alike. You’ll gain a deep understanding of your destination and experience more, whilst still getting to see all the major sights

The maximum number of people per group for this tour is 18

This tour has a Level 4 fitness rating. A high level of fitness and a strong spirit of adventure are required. These tours are full of activity and often visit remote areas with basic infrastructure. Expect to be on your feet and active for much of the day, with some long travelling days.

What’s included in the price?
International flights, all transportation, accommodation, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and all meals are included.

What is the group size?
This is a small group tour, typically capped at around 18 travellers.

How physically demanding is the tour?
This is a more challenging itinerary with a higher fitness level required, including extended walking and travel in remote areas.

What type of accommodation is used?
A mix of 3–4★ hotels, along with more traditional stays such as guesthouses or yurts in scenic locations.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.