From CAD $5,510
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
For centuries, merchant caravans voyaged through deserts, across steppes and over mountains, creating trade routes between the Mediterranean and Asia. Art and religion spread east and west, while monumental architecture sprouted alongside nomadic eagle hunter communities. Now uncover the best of the Silk Road for yourself: the minarets and domes of Uzbekistan, the beautiful Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and traditional culture throughout, including a night in a Kyrgyz yurt.
Profile
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (12 hotel, 1 guesthouse), 2 Simple nights (1 yurt, 1 sleeper train) — Travel by minibus and comfortable trains — Experience Silk Road cities, culture and nature — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leaders. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (12 hotel, 1 guesthouse), 2 Simple nights (1 yurt, 1 sleeper train) — Travel by minibus and comfortable trains — Experience Silk Road cities, culture and nature — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leaders. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This is a fast-paced trip with long days and early starts to make the most of the areas we visit within two weeks.
There are some walks, especially in Kyrgyzstan, including in Ala Archa National Park, Chon-Kemin and Djety Oguz. You should be comfortable sightseeing on foot for a few hours at a time.
The roads are generally paved but there are dirt sections. There are long drives on a few days, including the journey from Karakol to Almaty, which is about six hours excluding stops. We also use a long overnight train from Almaty to Shymkent or Tashkent. Most accommodation is modest but clean, mostly with private facilities. At the yurt camp, facilities are shared. At the guesthouse in Chon-Kemin, private facilities are not guaranteed.
Tourist services and facilities can be patchy and erratic; tolerance and flexibility are required, but the rewards are an insight into local life and a discovery of a beautiful, fascinating part of the world. Group meals can take longer than normal as often there are no English menus and the restaurant staff may not speak English – you leader will translate and help order for the group.
Temperatures can vary from very hot to cold depending on the time of year, day and location.
Group Description
The group is generally between four and 16 people. We use two leaders on this trip. One for the Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and another for the Uzbekistan section.
Eating Drinking
There are 13 breakfasts and three dinners included.
Common dishes in the region include shish kebabs and plov, which you’ll probably see plenty of. The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish (variants elsewhere are known as pilaf or pilau rice). Another main food is bread, especially in Uzbekistan where it is baked and sold everywhere. There are normally a couple of opportunities to try home-cooked meals.
Tea is also plentiful, both black and green, and drunk with most meals and throughout the day. Please note, vegetarian food choices may be rather limited. If you are strictly vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.
Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers – please bring a reusable bottle with you.
Transportation
In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, we generally use minibuses, sometimes we may use more than one vehicle for the group. We travel from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan by sleeper train. In Uzbekistan, we have two high-speed train journeys, one from Tashkent to Samarkand and another from Samarkand to Bukhara.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: In the morning (or previous day) to make the afternoon tour on Day 1
Airport: Bishkek Airport (FRU)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45-70 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, speak to your sales representative about organising a private transfer. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
You can check-in at the hotel from around 10am on Day 1.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Urgench Airport (UGC). These transfers are for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
These areas of Central Asia have long, extremely hot summers, but the winters are very cold. The July and August departures may be rather hot in the lowlands with afternoon temperatures often reaching 35C-40C (95F-104F) or more, which can make sightseeing tiring. Other trips are planned for spring and autumn, when the temperature should not be below 5C (41F) at night and may be up to 25C-30C (77F-86F) during the day. In the Kyrgyzstan highlands, temperatures are generally cooler. Sunny weather with clear blue skies should be experienced but there can be some rain in spring and autumn. Occasionally, there are periods of unexpectedly hot or cold weather.
Spending Money
The amount of spending money required can vary depending on how much you spend on drinks and souvenirs. As an indication, we recommend you bring at least US$300 for meals not included, souvenirs, drinks and other incidentals. Photo fees are payable at nearly all the sites in Uzbekistan – they vary from 5,000 to 10,000 som. Meal prices in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are usually a little more than in Uzbekistan.
Optional excursions
There are several optional activities, which your leader can help arrange. They are subject to schedules, weather and availability; your leader will let you know what is available and the local costs. Payment should be made locally in US dollars. Below is an indication of the optional activities and their approximate costs but these may vary throughout the season or depending on the number of participants and are given in good faith as a guideline only.
Djety Oguz
— Golden eagle hunting demonstration: US$120-US$150 per group
SIM card availability:
— You have the option to purchase a SIM card for Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan either before your trip or upon arrival. — If you prefer purchasing a SIM card upon arrival in Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan, you'll find several options available, including at airports, convenience stores, and local network provider outlets
Tipping
Tipping has become customary in these countries, especially for tour leaders and drivers, though this is at your discretion.
For the tour leaders, we suggest around US$5 per day from each group member as a reasonable amount.
Your tour leader can suggest appropriate amounts to tip drivers if asked and you may wish to do this together as a group. You could budget in the region of US$3-US$4 per day.
If a hotel porter takes your bags to your room, a tip equivalent to approximately US$1 is about right.
Many restaurants add a service charge to your bill and a tip would not be expected on top of this.
Highlights
— Follow the legendary Silk Road through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — Experience the nomad life with a night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt — Marvel at the Islamic architecture of Samarkand and Bukhara — Discover the picturesque mountains and lakes of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Trip Details
Product Code: 4267
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bukhara.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AXF
Starts: Bishkek, Kazakhstan
Finishes: Bishkek, Kazakhstan
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
— 13 breakfasts and three dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Hotel, yurt and sleeper trainThis trip includes 10 nights in hotels, one night in a guesthouse, one night in a yurt and one night on a sleeper train. Throughout most of the trip, we stay in two- or three-star hotels. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Djety Oguz: Yurt camp (night 4) Yurts are traditional housing for nomadic communities across Central Asia and are generally quite cosy. We spend one night in a traditional yurt camp in the Djety Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan. The camp has six sleeping yurts, each normally shared between four and five people and there are three toilets and one shower. Sleeper train: (night 8) The railway has long been a popular way of travelling around the ex-Soviet Union and this is a great experience and insight into Kazakh life. On the train from Tashkent to Almaty, we use second-class carriages with four-berth cabins. Bukhara: Kavsar Boutique Hotel (nights 12-13) Taking over an old mansion, this small boutique hotel is one of the standout accommodations on this itinerary. It’s embellished with intricate design features and plenty of antiques, while an atmospheric central courtyard provides a wonderful place to gather as a group. Worth knowing Single supplements don’t apply to the night on the sleeper train or the night in the yurt camp, and depending on the make up of the group may be mixed gender.April and October departures: We stay in Almaluu Yurt Camp close to Lake Issyk Kul instead of the yurt camp in Djety Oguz.In some places on this trip we use several different hotels. We will inform you before departure if your start hotel in Bishkek differs from what is mentioned in the Trip Notes.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5510 (CAD $344 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins in Bishkek. We have a city tour this afternoon, spending a couple of hours visiting the main city sites, including Ala Too Square, Parliament House, the White House, the Lenin Statue and the Manas Monument. You can check in to the hotel from 10am. Accommodation: Hotel Garden, Hotel Bridges or Hotel Plaza (or similar)
On the way to Chon-Kemin Gorge, we stop at an 11th-century Karakhanid minaret – Burana Tower, a Unesco World Heritage site and the first minaret of its kind in Central Asia. You can climb to the top of the tower. Take care, it’s quite dark inside and the stairs are steep and narrow. Nowadays, it is a complex that includes the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, collection of balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples), petroglyphs (stone carvings) and a small museum. We will also visit Ak Beshim ruins, the remnants of an ancient city. We’ll see the remains of Chumysh Fortress, a Nestorian monastery, a complex of Christian churches and two Buddhist temples. There are also rock paintings and burial mounds. Following our visit, we continue to Chon-Kemin National Park, a quiet valley with several small villages and farmed lands surrounded by magnificent mountains and fir forest. It is a wonderful place to be, to sit on the doorstep with a pot of tea. Total drive time: 2hr 30min Accommodation: Guesthouse Kemin (or similar)
We continue our journey through the Tien Shan mountains along the southern side of Issyk Kul Lake. The second largest salt lake in the world, it measures 43mi by 112mi (70km by 180km) and reaches almost 2,300ft (700m) deep. The name translates to Hot Lake, as it never freezes over, even in the depths of winter. It’s surrounded by a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of mountains and glaciers. Optional excursion (approximately US$120 per group): Stop at Bokonbaev village to observe a traditional form of falconry found throughout Central Asia – hunting with eagles. Eagle hunting plays a key role in the nomadic lifestyle here and can also be seen during national competitions. Next, we visit Barskaun Gorge and take a short hike to a waterfall, then drive to Djety Oguz. Tonight we stay in a yurt camp, made of six sleeping yurts (each accommodating four to five people) and one communal/dining yurt. There is a shower and three Western-style flush toilets but hot water for washing must be requested specifically. There is also a generator for electricity for three hours in the evening. Spending a night in a yurt camp is a fantastic experience and a small insight into the centuries-old way of life for many nomadic people in Central Asia. Accommodation: Yurt Camp, Djety Oguz (or similar) Total drive time: six to seven hours April and October departures: we will stay in Almaluu Yurt Camp close to Lake Issyk Kul, rather than a camp in Djety Oguz. We will still visit Djety Oguz, but due to the different location of the yurt camp, the order of activities today and tomorrow will differ slightly in these months. Almaluu is better suited than Djety Oguz for these cooler months.
This morning we walk in Djety Oguz, which translates to the Valley of Seven Bulls, named after the distinct seven red-coloured rocks in the gorge. We can learn about the local legends behind the name as we walk out of the beautiful gorge (approximately two hours) through fir forest, yurt settlements and grazing lands. If you’re feeling energetic, there is also the option to hike to a waterfall. The trail can be slippery, so this is not advisable in wet weather. We continue to the town of Karakol, where we enjoy a sightseeing tour taking in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church, a wooden Dungan mosque, and Karakol bazaar. Tonight, we enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local Uygur or Dungan family home. Total drive time: one hour Accommodation: Amir Hotel, Green Yard Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)
Today we cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and, after border procedures (which may take one to two hours), travel along the picturesque Karkara valley, where mountain flowers attract many beekeepers. We head towards Charyn River, where the dramatic erosion caused by the river has created an impressive landscape. We have some time to observe the beginning of Charyn and Moon Canyons from different viewpoints. After a short walk and some time for photographs, we continue towards the Black Canyon. There is time for a picnic lunch in the canyon (you can buy your picnic from a supermarket earlier in the day). After our visit we continue to Almaty with an expected arrival time of around 5pm. Total drive time: eight hours Accommodation: Plaza Hotel or Kazzhol Hotel (or similar)
Today we head out of Almaty to stretch our legs and explore the countryside. We begin by heading to Esik. We visit Esik Burial Mounds and the Esik State Historical and Cultural Museum. The mounds are one of the largest archaeological sites of the Scythian-Saka period. The site dates to the fourth century BCE. The museum is on the site of one of Kazakhstan’s most impressive archaeological finds – the tomb of the Golden Man – where a Saka prince was found in an intact tomb. We continue to Issyk Lake (or Esik Lake), not to be confused with Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, which we visit earlier in the trip. Amid thick forests and wildflower pastures, this alpine lake is 5,775ft (1,760m) above sea level within the Issyk Gorge. We walk down the concrete staircase to explore the southern shore of the lake. Finally, we return to Almaty for the night. Total drive time: three hours Accommodation: Plaza Hotel or Kazzhol Hotel (or similar)
Almaty is a beautiful city backed by the Tien Shan mountains and we have the whole day to explore it. With leafy streets and a cafe culture, the former Kazakh capital has a distinctly European feel. After breakfast, we visit several sites, including Zhenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), made entirely of wood and without the use of nails; Panfilov Park; the Monument of Panfilovs 28 Guardsmen; the Great Patriotic and Civil War monuments and eternal flame; and the Museum of National Instruments. After the tour, we drive to the train station. Here we say goodbye to our tour leader who has been with us throughout Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and meet our Uzbekistan leader who’ll be with us for the remainder of the trip. We travel overnight from Almaty to Tashkent. We leave Almaty in the evening and depending on train timetables, we’ll either travel by sleeper train all the way to Tashkent, a journey of about 16 hours, or we’ll travel as far as Shymkent by sleeper train, a journey of about 11 hours, then continue by road for two hours to the Kazakh-Uzbek border, then following the border crossing which typically takes 1-2 hours (the border crossing is a little chaotic and does not feature polite queuing!), we then continue for another 40 minutes by road to Tashkent. Travelling on trains through this region is a great way to cover large distances (almost 620mi/1,000km in this case), see the changing landscape, and mingle with local people. We use four-berth compartments on this sleeper train, which is reasonably comfortable but not luxurious. Accommodation: Sleeper train (four-berth compartment)
We usually arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan between mid morning and early afternoon. We’ll have a short tour of the city. Over the course of today and tomorrow we’ll visit sites including: Independence Square, which is flanked by public buildings and water fountains, and the Old City with its mausoleums (Hast Imam complex) and bazaar. Tashkent was largely destroyed by earthquakes in the 1960s and was rebuilt in true Soviet style with pleasant leafy boulevards and lots of fountains to keep the heat down in summer. Accommodation: Gabrielle International hotel, Medina Hotel (or similar)
We continue our exploration of Tashkent today an usually include a ride on the impressive metro system. In the evening, we catch a fast train to Samarkand. The city is steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by figures such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, the latter made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century. A central position on the Silk Road meant it was an important stop on the route from Istanbul to Peking (now Beijing). At its heart is Registan Square, which is flanked by the three grand madrasahs (Islamic colleges) of Ulughbeg (15th century), Sherdor and Tilya Qori (both 17th century). Accommodation: Ideal Hotel (or similar)
Over the next day and a half, we visit key sights in and around Samarkand, including: the Registan Square, Gur Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane, his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda – the Living King necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating to the 14th and 15th centuries. Siab Bazaar to try fruits, nuts and other local produce. We also visit the Necropolis and Ulugbek’s Observatory and a paper factory where traditional methods are used. Accommodation: Ideal Hotel (or similar)
We continue our exploration of Samarkand. In the evening, we take a fast train to Bukhara. The best-preserved medieval city in Central Asia, this Unesco World Heritage site dates back more than 2,000 years. Accommodation: Kavsar Hotel or Grand Nodirbek (or similar)
A late night/very early morning start sees us head to Bukhara station where we catch our train to Urgench. This train is slower and older than the ones we’ve taken earlier in our time in Uzbekistan, but we have compartments with beds. The journey takes about six hours, and sees us across the Kyzylkum desert, arriving mid morning. From Urgench, we drive for about an hour and a half to the 2,000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak-Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais mountains as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BCE under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. Three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel remain, but the parchments and paintings found there are now in St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings, and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress from the sixth century. We later drive to Khiva to spend the night. Accommodation: Malika Khiva (or similar)
We have a walking tour of Khiva today, we’ll visit the living museum that is the perfectly restored old city. See the khan’s old residence, the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress, the tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (which was originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara) and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva’s patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard. Also visit the Juma mosque – supported by 218 wooden carved columns. Accommodation: Malika Khiva (or similar)
Our adventure ends in Khiva this morning. Land only travellers may join our group transfer to Urgench airport which is timed to fit with the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, or you may remain in Khiva.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Vivien Newrick - Traveled, April 2024
Scenery, madrassas and monuments This was a fast paced tour covering many miles. Wonderful scenery, snow capped mountains and desert plains. Lovely walks to mountain waterfalls some still frozen. Glad to see Exodus are including Khiva in the tour now as this was a highlight with its impressive city walls. We enjoyed every part of the trip including the sleeper trains (perhaps not the 3am start.) The Eagle hunter was a highlight. We were in Bukhara for the silk and spice festival and enjoyed the colourful bustle and music. Lots of souvenirs to buy there. Everywhere wonderful decoration and architecture. The cities themselves were surprisingly modern and showed evidence of their Soviet past. Most Inspirational Moment At Almaluu yurt camp in the middle of nowhere I had the unbelievable experience of meeting the Kyrgyz lady who actually made the 2 felt rugs I have at home. How amazing is that?! She recognised her designs from my photos. She gave the group an evening workshop on rug making and that was my very special moment. Thoughts on Group Leader Vitaly and Dilshod both excellent and informative leaders. Dilshod dealt with a lost passport, lost phone and forgotten rucksack with calm efficiency. And quickly found taxis for the group in torrential rain after the light show in Samarkand. Advice for Potential Travellers Have good strong wheels on your suitcase because much walking with your luggage crossing borders and train tracks. Watch the Kyrgyz film 'The Queen of The Mountains' on you tube before you go for some epic history (and you visit her statue.) Felt very safe in all the Stans visited. Raincoat essential. Eating out inexpensive. Suggestions Loved the felt and embroidery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2024
Ann Curry - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing Experience1 An amazing experience travelling through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan which delivered on every level. Most Inspirational Moment The Islamic art & architecture was absolutely stunning, enhanced by the pure scale. It was full of wonder, beauty & awe as the history of the buildings were told. It would be wrong to select one place which was more outstanding than the others as they all had their individual characteristics, history and beauty. Kyrgyzstan was the most memorable and fascinating to visit as it was probably the most unknown. The Russian influence is intertwined in the daily lives of the people together with the diversity of the people & their culture. It is very traditional, hard for many as it follows an ‘old’ pattern of life. The country is very rural with beautiful snow capped mountains and plains. It was refreshing and a privilege to experience different aspects including sleeping and eating in a yurt, and hunting with eagles. Thoughts on Group Leader Our two leaders Vitaliy, for the first week and Dilshod for the second week were both excellent. They had a very in-depth knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the countries visited. Their delivery was excellent as they shared the love they have for their countries and people. They both had the same message of wanting to share their beautiful countries and their cultures with us. They were both aware of different needs within the group making the whole experience accessible to all. Their timings and planning were impeccable delivering a wide range of activities and sights. Advice for Potential Travellers The trip is full on with little time for resting which we expected. The food is quite different with a lot of meat, and dishes, courses served at different times. It was a real local experience and good fun exploring cuisines with many cultural influences. English is not widely spoken but with help from the leaders it was fine. There was very little internet as we travelled but the coaches did have wi fi. Charging points on the coaches would have been useful as phones soon ran out of charge taking so many photos. The temperature range was wide high from 31c+ down to 5c at night in the mountains so come with layers but not too many as travelling on the lighter size is more manageable. It was easy to change currency as you moved between the countries and both guides made sure you had opportunities to change money. We took dollars plus a credit card as a reserve. Credit cards were generally accepted in the towns/cities visited. Suggestions We had a very good group of 14 which was a perfect size.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Louise Masson - Traveled, June 2023
Exceeded all my expectations This is an incredible trip visiting 3 Stans. The scenery and hiking in Kyrgyzstan was spectacular and the Eagle hunter experience was a real highlight. All of the countries were fascinating and our guides Vitaliy and Dilshod were very knowledgable and gave us an interesting insight and history of each country. Visiting Samarkand and Bukhara was one of the reasons I went on this trip and the architecture is spectacular. Be prepared for hot days especially in Uzbekistan. Most Inspirational Moment The Eagle hunter and Samarkand Thoughts on Group Leader Very good guide with good knowledge and language Advice for Potential Travellers Be aware of altitude in Kyrgyzstan It is very hot in Uzbekistan
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Heidi Kelly - Traveled, April 2023
Mountains and madrasahs A great mix of countryside and culture. Loved the walking in the mountains and the spectacular architecture in Samarakand and Bukhara. Most Inspirational Moment Sleeping in a yurt, walking in the mountains and the eagle hunter display. Thoughts on Group Leader Vitaly and Dilshod are both excellent guides, very informative and knowledgeable about the countries visited. They are both friendly and well organised. Advice for Potential Travellers ATM are widely available and credit cards can be used in many restaurants and some shops so no need to carry huge amounts of cash. Clothes are more western than I thought and you only need to cover shoulders knees and head (women) when visiting religious sites. Temperatures in the cities in July and August are over 40 deg c in the shade and makes sightseeing very tiring, on the plus side it meant temperatures in the mountains were very comfortable. We didn’t need extra layers for the yurt which was lovely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023
Keith Ginnaw - Traveled, July 2023
Silk Road July 2023 A really good experience to three very different countries. The scenery in Kyrgyzstan on the hikes was outstanding. Comfortable for reasonably fit people although altitude will take your breath on occasions. Golden Eagle hunting experience was one of highlights of the trip. Only a brief time in Kazakhstan although Charon Canyon was outstanding. The Registan in Samarkand and other monuments throughout Uzbekistan were absolutely stunning. Both our guides Vitaliy and Dilshod were incredibly knowledgeable and did everything to ensure everyone had a good trip . The weather was challenging at this theme of year with temperatures often reaching 40 degrees but with ‘siestas’ built in where appropriate it was still manageable for sightseeing. Food quality for me was a pleasant surprise and excellent throughout. ATMs readily available in big cities as is money exchange. Credit cards also taken in many places. Overall a very good trip and highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Angela Salt - Traveled, June 2023
VG A great trip. 3 different countries; well paced. Most Inspirational Moment Kyrgyzstan - majestic scenery, eagle visit. Uzbekistan - history, culture, insight into life there now. Thoughts on Group Leader 3 - all good, some better than others. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the notes. No need to overpack. Sheet sleeping bag handy for the yurt. Suggestions It’s amazing. Read the books set there when you’re there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Jonathan Stephenson - Traveled, April 2024
Beautiful Landscapes and incredible historical sites A full on trip on the Silk Road , visiting three countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan).Former Soviet countries enjoying their independence, but not quite shaking off the influence of this former ruler. The clash of Soviet and Persian culture is fascinating. Travelled through enormous unspoilt landscapes, sometimes mountainous and sometimes vast plains , once a dried up sea 200 million years ago. The iconic Persian buildings of Samarkand and Bukhara were breathtakingly beautiful . There was also great group dynamics . Loved it. Most Inspirational Moment There were many . Waking up in the mountains in a Yurt and seeing the sun rise. The stunning tomb of Amir Timor in Samarkand. The floodlit Madrassas and Mausoleums in Samarkand. The ancient bath house in Bukhara. Thoughts on Group Leader We had two. Both were extremely knowledgeable, Vitaly in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and Dilshod in Uzbekistan. A good leader helps the trip go well and is so important. No complaints at all with these two excellent leaders Advice for Potential Travellers This journey is exciting and well coordinated but is full on so very much an adventure rather than a holiday to rest . Bring a power pack for your phone for the night in the Yurt and also overnight on the train. Bring warm weather and cold weather gear and good walking shoes. debit cards are widely accepted and US Dollars for changing to local currency . Suggestions Generally the accommodation and food was good. The train journeys (three including one overnight) were better than expected . Very modern comfortable trains. A good mixed group who got on very well together enhanced the trip .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
John Webb - Traveled, June 2022
John Webb Reviewed July 2022 An interesting insight into the Silk Road in medieval times This gave me an interesting insight into the Silk Road, particularly in post-Islamic times; very little that was built beforehand has survived. Our group of ten worked well as a team and with the two guides and the hotel accommodation exceeded my expectations, as did the bus, which was very comfortable to travel in. The highlights of the first week were Bukhara and Samarkand, which Dilshod presented with style and of the second week, were watching the eagle hunter and staying in the yurt camp, up in the mountains. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the ruins of Ulugh Beg’s observatory, completed in the 1420s. The museum next to it was fascinating and it made it clear that 600 years ago, he and his team were calculating the movement of the stars across the sky and also calculating the length of a year to within a minute of that calculated by computerised means today. Europeans didn’t get to this stage until at least 300 years later! Incidentally, I do think that school children wishing for a diverse curriculum, should be taught about this sort of ground breaking non - European scholarship. Thoughts on Group Leader First week: Dilshod was very much in control and presented a wonderful picture of his country, Uzbekistan. He is clearly very experienced, respected and well known to people wherever we went. I appreciated the clarity he brought to bear in outlining the day ahead and the kindness and consideration for each of us that he showed at all times. I have nothing but good to say about him. Second week: Valentina was a very good guide and had the language skills for both countries and of course, Russian. She too was knowledgeable and forceful, when required. My concern with Valentina occurred when we went to a Uyghur home for dinner. For me this was spoilt by her asking me whether I could see the Chinese Government’s perspective on wanting to prevent the Uyghur from creating their own independence. I diplomatically explained that it was natural for peoples around the world whose culture and connections (possibly nomadic) were severed by artificial national boundaries, to want a degree of autonomy and to express their opinions on the subject. She argued with me, which was particularly insensitive in a Uyghur household. I said this was not a conversation that should be continued. A few minutes later however, she pressed me on the same matter. I had to again say that we should talk about something else. This spoilt the last two days of the holiday. Advice for Potential Travellers This is a great trip which I would recommend highly. Even in mid summer, it is cold in the mountains, so an extra layer of fleece or merino is needed. Read up about the history of Central Asia before you go, as each site is well explained but without pre-reading and a good knowledge of timelines, it can be hard to place each site in its historical perspective. As the guide books say, avoid restaurants near Samarkand's Registan Square; we ate there one evening and most of us were poorly for a few days afterwards. Otherwise the food was good and very inexpensive. Suggestions The trip organisation by Exodus was great and I again felt very comfortable travelling with them. Everybody I spoke to was helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and phone call are taken very quickly. What would really help, in identifying fellow travellers at the airports on the outbound journey, would be either an Exodus Pin or luggage label for the cabin bag, for each traveller. This is really important because arriving alone and tired in an unfamiliar country, in the early hours of the morning possibly, is the point of greatest risk for travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2022
Ron Hunt - Traveled, May 2022
The Silk Road Great trip. All countries very different. Certainly non stop. Most Inspirational Moment Stunning architechture + eagle hunter + Uygur meal Thoughts on Group Leader Both were excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for very hot weather, and a tiring trip. Suggestions It would have been nice to have a bit more free time. The bazaars were all the same, so maybe only one. Long first day in Tashkent after night flight and only 5 hours sleep. Maybe a more gentle start.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2022
RICHARD COLERIDGE - Traveled, May 2022
A wonderful trip We had wanted to do this trip for several years, but Covid intevened. The wait was worth it! Exodus have devised a varied, fast-moving trip that combines the magnificent sights of Uzbekistan and the wonderful scenery of Kyrgyzstan, all explained by knowledgeable and personable guides. Most Inspirational Moment No need to identify any particular moment; the whole 2 weeks was packed with amazing sights. Thoughts on Group Leader There were two guides, Nazim and Valentina. Each was immensely knowledgeable, able to share their enthusiasm and personal stories in near-perfect English. Their connection with the drivers, local agents, hoteliers and restaurateurs was faultless. Advice for Potential Travellers Join the trip! Suggestions We are already looking at the Exodus brochures for another trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2022
Lucinda Smith-Lenander - Traveled, May 2022
Excellent Trip Amazing trip and beautiful countries, Uzbekistan was just stunning and I felt so small between the big statues and buildings. We were lucky to be in Bukhara during the Silk and Jewelry festival and seeing everyone dancing and all the beautiful costumes they were wearing was a highlight, I definitely fell in love with the place, the architecture and for sure the friendly people. The Eagle Hunting demonstration was another highlight of the trip and not to be missed in Kyrgyzstan. Although it rained most part of Kyrgyzstan we did get to see some of the mountains and although could not do the walk in the gorge at the yurt camp it was still amazing to be surrounded by such beautiful landscapes, scenery and nature. Most Inspirational Moment Registan Square in Samarkand blew my mind away, it was just so big and beautiful and made me feel so small. The eagle hunting demonstration was for me very emotional as they truly look after the eagles and set them free back into the wild after a few years, which is amazing. Also the friendly people in Uzbekistan was incredible, don't think I have ever seen such friendly people anywhere else and I travel a lot. Thoughts on Group Leader We had two leaders: Dilshod in Uzbekistan - The man had so many stories to tell and had so much knowledge about his county. He helped wherever he could and made us all feel so welcome. Emrek was our guide for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and he got us out of a broken bus situation very quickly and he was great. Also had a smile. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for a few long drives but they are all worth it as the views are beautiful. Suggestions Book the trip and enjoy it as much as I did. These countries are still very much undiscovered and that is what made it so special. Not many tourist and surrounded by locals at all times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2022
Julia Larsson - Traveled, September 2019
A varied tour of beautiful buildings and scenery. A very busy, varied tour. Most of the hotels were of a good standard with one or two not so good. The Hotel Asia Mountains 1 has been mentioned in a review already – take ear plugs so that you drown out the trains. Most Inspirational Moment The beautiful mosques and madrassas in Uzbekistan and the stunning scenery in Kyrgyzstan, the golden eagle demonstration, Issyk Kul lake and the boat ride. The two 'family' meals were absolutely outstanding with delicious food and LOTS of it. Thoughts on Group Leader Both leaders were excellent in different ways. Takhir Sadullaev in Uzbekistan has many years experience as a tour guide and was very informative with a sense of humour. He was most conscientious about 'guarding' our belongings on the sleeper train when we went to the restaurant car. Aziz Umetaliev who joined us in Kazakhstan and guided us in Kyrgyzstan was also knowledgeable (with one or two gaps in his knowledge) but made up for it with his very likeable personality. Aziz and Uri (not the right spelling) our driver decorated the bus with balloons for the first travellers birthday and left them up for my birthday a few days later. Uri was a very careful, helpful and friendly driver even though he had very limited English. Advice for Potential Travellers Be patient in restaurants as the service can be slow and erratic with (for example) rice to accompany a meal coming out a long time before the main dish and wine being served when some people had already eaten their meal. Meals tend to come in dribs and drabs again with some people having finished as others were just being served. As this was the last trip this year places had run down their stocks and often we couldn't get the wine or drinks that we wanted. Take a torch for the yurt and something warm to wear as it was cold in the morning. I found the trip notes a bit confusing about which currency to take, you only need to take US dollars. Both guides advised how much to change as we arrived in a new country which was very helpful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2019
John Chapman - Traveled, July 2019
A couple of tips Previous reviews have covered most things and are worth reading. Most Inspirational Moment See above. Thoughts on Group Leader See above. Advice for Potential Travellers If you are buying drinks for the yurt take the opportunity to buy them for the homestay meal at the same time, alternatively turn right on leaving the Green Yard hotel and in 300yds there is a small shop. I would also advise buying drinks at the supermarket to take to the lakeside resort. Show less
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2019
Peter Stocker - Traveled, August 2019
Marvellous Islamic architecture. The visits to Samarkand and Bukhara were the principal things I wanted to see apart from Khiva which I did on my own before the main trip. Exodus booked the flights for me and I booked the hotel in Khiva myself. Most Inspirational Moment I would have to say Khiva although it was not part of the standard trip. I also particularly enjoyed Samarkand, Bukhara and the overnight stay in the yurt camp amidst beautiful Alpine scenery. Thoughts on Group Leader We had two leaders, the one for Uzbekistan was very experienced and everything was very efficient. The guide for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan was less experienced but coped well. Advice for Potential Travellers Unless Exodus decide to include it, spend a couple of nights in Khiva first, it's very compact and traffic free and there is a lot to see. You don't need a guide just a guide book. Suggestions I think it would be far better to omit Kazakhstan altogether as there is very little to see that is worth travelling so far to see. The time saved could better be spent going to Khiva. So I would say go to Uzbekistan for the architectural interest and Kyrgyzstan for the scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2019
Rouna Ali - Traveled, June 2019
Rouna's Silk Road This is a truly spectacular once in a lifetime trip which I will never forget. I would never have been able to travel to such and so many places in the time available if it weren’t for Exodus. The contrast between the three ‘Stans’ Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is infinitely fascinating. The hot deserts, magnificent Muslim architecture, Madrashahs, Mausoleums, Markets and magnanimous hearts of the people of Uzbekistan to the epic mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and awesome pride and grace of the people of Kyrgyzstan (especially the Eagle Hunters which is only one of many highlights on this trip). Most Inspirational Moment 1. Registan Square in Samarkand in my view is more beautiful and epic than the Taj Mahal. 2. During the Eagle hunting demonstration in Kyrgyzstan I almost cried as the eagle flew above and swooped down in front of me to catch the coyote skin! Thoughts on Group Leader Both group leaders (one for Uzbekistan) and (one for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) did their very best for us and Ali bent over backwards to help me in Bukhara when I had a bout of 'Bukhara belly' :0 Advice for Potential Travellers You might laugh but I regret not taking small bottles of salt and pepper and chilli sauce with me because the food will cause you problems. Take plenty of Immodium and Dioralyte. In Uzbekistan especially they try to put on the menu what Westerners will like and I did not like it at all. Sometimes the food ingredients were really old, not cooked properly or under hygienic conditions and tasted extremely bland. It can take forever to sort out the bill if you eat in a large group. Before you travel I would look at the trip notes and where the hotels are then do your own pre-trip research using google maps and trip advisor to see where all the good restaurants are near to these hotels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2019
John Atherton - Traveled, June 2019
Silk Road cities and sublime scenery Cities tend not to be high on my list of places to visit but I was surprised by the many parks and green spaces offsetting the large buildings and wide roads in all the cities visited. Of course the amazing architecture of the mosques, madrassas, minarets, mausoleums, museums and markets were impressive and interesting – with a wealth of information from both our tour leaders and local guides, all of whom spoke excellent English. The train journeys and the brief ride on the Metro in Tashkent made pleasant changes to the coach travel. Good to see family groups enjoying the warm evenings in pedestrianised streets and squares, parks, local cafes and bars, etc. No litter, no noisy groups of youths, just a nice atmosphere. Though the planned overnight train ride to Kazakhstan didn’t happen owing to international cancellation at little notice, the replacement coach was large and comfortable. In the morning traffic to Almaty many more upmarket cars were on the roads, after very few in Uzbekistan. The short drive out of Almaty with the walk up to the waterfall was a welcome change from the city streets. Then the long drive into the Kyrgyzstan countryside was literally a breath of fresh air; with the vast lake, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, flower-strewn meadows and leisurely walks. Not forgetting the impressive golden eagle demonstration. I would have preferred more than one night at the Yurt shores of Lake Camp. A couple of days later, an afternoon swim at the “seaside” on the Issyk Kul Lake was refreshing. Inevitable long road journeys were offset by ever changing views, excellent driving, mainly good roads and frequent stops. Most Inspirational Moment The Kyrgyzstan countryside and the happy atmosphere in the city pedestrian areas throughout. Thoughts on Group Leader Both Dillshod and Ermek were excellent, knowledgeable and considerate. Different personalities, Dillshod the more experienced. Advice for Potential Travellers Drink the local draught beer - it's good and inexpensive. Lots of religious buildings so long trousers/skirt and covered shoulders often expected. Most public conveniences incur a small cost for women and for men, be aware of your currency note value! Suggestions All hotels were clean and comfortable (with good quality loo paper)!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2019
Sabina Latif - Traveled, June 2019
Minarets, mosques, mausoleums to mountains This was a fantastic trip with a real mix of architecture, landscapes and cultures. Lovely tour guides and drivers to help and support. I was astonished by the sheer scale and intricacies of the buildings in Uzbekistan which contrasted with the beautiful snow capped mountains in Kyrgyzstan. My personal highlights were the overnight train and yurt camp experience! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the sheer scale and stamina of the mosques, mausoleums and madrassahs in Uzbekistan including Registan Square. Thoughts on Group Leader We had 2 group leaders, one for Uzbekistan (Dilshod) and another for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (Ermeg). Both were great but in different ways. Dilshod was warm and kind and made us laugh, he was very knowledgeable. He did however give us too much information and it would be better if he slowed down and gave bite size chunks. Ermeg was so open and honest with us and shared his knowledge with us at a really good pace with the right amount of info. Advice for Potential Travellers It is very hot in certain towns in June and July!... there are two hotels with pools so pack your swimming costume... you will need a torch for the yurt camp... take Tupperware or food bags as we have a lot of picnic lunches and most of the hotel breakfasts were really good buffets!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2018
Helen Faulls - Traveled, June 2018
The Silk Road How special it was to be in the heart of Asia; a world we hear so little of but which is so steeped in history and the cross roads for so many different nationalities. The home of such legendary figure as Timur and Ginghis Khan. The trip explores the wealth of mosques, madrassas, mausoleums, minarets in Uzbekistan and after a brief visit to Kazakhstan (during a curfew due to demonstrations after elections) we journeyed to Kyrgyzstan. Although a poor country it is endowed with the most stunning mountain ranges and the world’s second biggest alpine lake. The elegance of Uzbeki women and the imposing use of space around all the official buildings in the major towns, as well as the spring flowers in the meadows, the bedding roses at Issy Kol and the vastness of the landscape are abiding memories. The brief stroll In the mountains was another rushed lost opportunity. I question the night in the yurt. It was just uncomfortable camping and again no interaction with the hosts. I did laugh at a few hip replacements, pacemakers, westerners’ long legs sprawled across the floor trying to eat. A full day’s walking in the mountains would have been more rewarding. Also scrambling in to a rather apologetic waterfall was also a waste of time. The itinerary was far too tight. Long days were spent in the coach and on a train. We would leave early and not arrive in the next hotel until early evening. Most of the hotels were in the suburbs and combined with the lack of time we had no opportunity to interact with a local people. The area has a wealth of talent in embroidery, weaving, silk work, felt work, and other handicrafts which we had no opportunity to explore in a leisurely manner. This was a huge disappointment both for our own shopping and also the lack of opportunity to support the women who do most of this work. My head is still out there and my reading about the area will continue. I will be back. Most Inspirational Moment Just being in Samarkand and Bukhara. Thoughts on Group Leader We had two guides. One for Uzbekistan, one for the rest of the trip. Very different but both brilliant, knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful. Ermek from Kyrgyzstan is a very exceptional young man. I would also like to give a mention to Maxime our driver for the second half of the trip He was kind, thoughtful, mucked in as part of the team and certainly knew how to drive with the utmost consideration for both his passengers and the bus on some appalling roads. In spite of no English. Advice for Potential Travellers Yes! We arrived at 3 am and left at 3 am. This is no way to begin and end hard travel. Book your own flights and allow at least an extra day at the start to acclimatise. Take a fold up nylon shopping bag to avoid endless plastic when buying lunches etc. I was horrified to see plastic bags dumped by Morrison’s had turned up in a Bishkek store. Suggestions Exodus needs to work more closely with its subcontractors to develop a better itinerary. Less driving, more time to explore and interact with locals. More picnics, lunches too long and heavy. More time to explore crafts. People do not need to take plastic bottles from the hotels all the time! Water is provided
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2018
H B - Traveled, May 2018
Excellent and varied whistle-stop tour of Central Asia Great two weeks in Central Asia. The first week was in Uzbekistan and more focused on the history of the Silk Road and the gorgeous architecture in the three cities of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara whilst during the second half in Almaty and Kyrgyzstan we learnt more about traditional & modern culture, history from different eras and got a taste of the alpine climates in the gorges and beautiful Issyk-Kol lake Most Inspirational Moment Hard to say given that we saw so much and there was so much variety! Watching a golden eagle train for the hunting season was pretty spectacular. Also we were in Bukhara during the annual Silk and Spice Festival so the city was heaving with Uzbek people and tourists alike experiencing national music, fashion, dance and goods sold all over the streets - it was an incredibly fortuitous addition to an already fascinating place Thoughts on Group Leader Two great group leaders in Dilshod and Ermek; as other people have commented they are quite different personalities but they both made me feel relaxed and well supported throughout the trip with their welcoming and helpful attitudes, conscientiousness and knowledge. Ermek's thoughtful reflections about Kyrgyz culture and Dilshod's tales of growing up in Uzbekistan as a former Soviet state were both very engaging. I don't know how they keep up the energy to help us have such a good time for weeks on end! Advice for Potential Travellers Most of the hotels didn't have lifts; the hotel staff and tour guides were very happy to help with carrying luggage but we also needed to load the trains with our suitcases ourselves so it would be worth making sure you're able to lift your luggage without too much difficulty. Furthermore most of the souvenir opportunities were in Uzbekistan so this means anything you buy (that you haven't shipped home) you'll need to carry for the remainder of your trip. Don't think you need to bother with bringing a whole loo roll as the toilet paper at its worst felt like bandage wrap but certainly wasn't rough! Tissues may be more worthwhile as not all public loos had toilet paper. Also be aware that almost all the public toilets had only squat loos, and these weren't always in good condition. You will need clothes for both warm and cold weather as well as rain - I brought something for all these weathers and ended up wearing everything in my suitcase! Suggestions A few suggestions: 1 - given that people might want to do souvenir shopping, and that there are more opportunities for this in Uzbekistan (with the trip being more focused on Silk Road centre points during this part of the tour) maybe it might be worth doing Uzbekistan second rather than 1st to save the carrying the gifts around for the remaining two weeks? 2 - a free day during the trip might be nice if possible to allow people to choose their own activities to do or rest; perhaps this could be in Almaty or Cholpon-Ata? While the hike to Bear Waterfall and Issyk Lake were enjoyable activities I think this is the day I would replace with a free day 3 - the trip notes were slightly outdated; I know our guide has submitted an updated version so think it will be helpful for prospective travellers once this has been filtered down to the website to guide people's expectations further 4 - in both parts of the trip the lunches were sit-down meals; apart from the fact these were normally proper meals (which didn't really feel like we needed) they did take up at least 1.5 hours from the afternoon. I wonder whether it would be better to do more packed lunches and then a group meal in the evening? As per a lot of the other reviews I would say you aren't doing this holiday for Kazakhstan; but I did like Almaty and certainly enjoyed the overnight sleeper train to get there from Tashkent All in all though I had an absolutely fantastic time and I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting a taste of the Silk Road and/or an introduction to Central Asia
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2018
Nicola Peers - Traveled, August 2018
a trip along the silk road This was a busy trip through three very contrasting countries. Almost a surfeit of historical monuments in Uzbekistan, just a glimpse of Kazakhstan and then the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Some long bus drives but with plenty of “photo stops” and the drives are a great way to appreciate the scenery and see a little of local life along the way. The food was fine, and it was fairly easy to avoid meat, with plenty of delicious salads and pumpkin manti (a type of dumpling) usually available. Also some lovely soups, but often with unexpected chunks of lamb or beef. I did also enjoy the plov and the kebabs, as well as the fresh bread. The people were mostly friendly, welcoming and curious – we encountered no problems. Most Inspirational Moment Kyrgyzstan - especially the yurt stay and the walk, but also the sheep, cattle and horses with their herders on horseback, coming down from their summer pastures. Thoughts on Group Leader For me, both Dilshod and Ermek were great leaders, despite their very different pesonalities. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a small towel for the yurt stay, and reasonable walking shoes. Do your shopping in Bukhara as there aren't many other opportunities. Learn a few words of Russian - it is spoken in all three countries and English isn't widely understood. Be able to carry your luggage a short distance - some of the hotel rooms are upstairs (no lifts) and also you have to carry it across the Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan border. Suggestions It was a privilege to visit these countries at this time - go before the tourist industry develops too much!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2018
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