INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

• 14 nights superior (3 - 5 star) hotel accommodation
• 1 night yurt camp stay
• 15 breakfasts
• 5 lunches
• 9 dinners 

SIGHTSEEING & GUIDES

• English-speaking locally based tour leaders (2)
• English-speaking locally based guides 

TRAVEL & OTHER SERVICES

• Arrival transfer, airport to group hotel, Tashkent (for 1 nominated flight) *
• Departure transfer, group hotel to airport, Almaty (for 1 nominated flight) *
• One way fast train Tashkent to Samarkand
• One way fast train Samarkand to Bukhara
• One way fast train Bukhara to Tashkent
• One way flight economy class Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
• Porterage for arrival to hotels included where available
• Small group, not more than 12 travellers 

Tipping Fund USD80 due on day 1 of tour
* Refer to Getting There page for more details
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining this tour and is in addition to the package price. 

Not included: 

• Tipping Fund
• Tips for tour leaders
• International arrival and departure airfare (unless requested)
• Departure transfer (if not for nominated flight)
• Travel insurance
• Excess baggage
• Visa fees if applicable
• Porterage at train station and airports
• Some hotels may not offer porter service
• Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
• Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications 

Itinerary

ACCOMMODATION

This tour offers a mix of accommodation styles, reflecting the diverse landscapes and experiences of Central Asia. Over the 16-day journey, you will spend 14 nights in hotels and guesthouses, and 1 night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.

• City Stays: In major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Bishkek, and Almaty, you’ll enjoy the comfort of of 4-star and 5-star hotels, offering modern amenities and a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration. These hotels are carefully selected to enhance your stay with excellent service and central locations.
  
  
• Regional Areas: During your time in more remote or regional areas, such as Chon-Kemin Gorge and Issyk-Kul Lake, accommodations reflect the best available in the region, typically 3-star standard. These stays provide a glimpse into the local way of life while maintaining comfort.
  
  
• Yurt Camp Experience: A unique experience is an overnight stay in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt near Issyk-Kul Lake. This allows you to immerse yourself in the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. While facilities are shared, the charm and authenticity of this stay offer an unforgettable memory.

Hotels may be subject to change. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided.
All or most hotels will provide wi-fi complimentary or otherwise in some cases a fee may apply.

Holiday Inn Tashkent City, Tashkent

Kemin Guest House, Chon-Kemin

Mövenpick Hotel, Samarkand

Dostyk Hotel, Almaty

Novotel Bishkek City Centre

Dostyk Hotel, Almaty

GETTING THERE

First Day Information
The tour kicks off at lunchtime on Day 1, with sightseeing in the afternoon. To avoid travel stress and make the most of the experience, we strongly recommend arriving the day before the tour commencement. Flight schedules may make a pre-tour stay necessary.  

Final Day Information
There are no tour excursions on the final day. Departure from the hotel is by hotel check out.  

Hotel Check In/Out Times
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. If you arrive prior to the check in time, the hotel will store your luggage until the check in time and can also store your luggage until you are ready to depart for your onward journey.  

Hotel check in:  most hotels have check in from 2PM or 3PM
Hotel check out: most hotels require check out by 11AM 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Arrival – Tashkent
We provide arrival transfers to meet the nominated Emirates flight from Dubai, arriving into Tashkent at 4:05PM, either one day or two days prior to the tour start. 
Transfers can be booked for a service fee for other flight arrival times.

Tashkent International Airport is conveniently located and within easy reach of the city centre.

Departure – Almaty
Departure transfers are provided to meet the nominated Emirates flight from Almaty to Dubai, departing at 3:45AM on either the final day of the tour or one day post tour.  
Transfers can be booked for a service fee for other flight departure times.

Almaty International Airport is approximately a 40 minute drive from the city centre, outside of peak traffic hours.

Transfer Conditions

• Transfers are only included when pre or post tour accommodation is booked through us at the designated group hotel.
• If you’ve arranged your own accommodation, airport transfers are not included and will be your own responsibility.
• If you are booking your own flights (and not through us), we require your complete flight itinerary at least 45 days prior to departure, even if you are not booking a transfer with us.
• Where transfers are included in your arrangements, failure to provide your flight details within the required timeframe may result in forfeiture of the transfer or incur additional charges.

DETAILS

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience 

FELLOW TRAVELLERS 
You will enjoy this group experience with a maximum of 12 travellers. This is a Solos Only tour (couple free). You are welcome to join with a friend, but couples do not join this tour.

THE PACE  [3 OUT OF 5]
Travellers of 70 years or over will be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. 

Train Journeys
There are 3 train journeys and you must be able to manage you own luggage boarding and alighting from the train. There are ladder steps to access the train carriage from the platform.

More Information > Visit Travel Fitness  

ABOUT THE MEALS   
When travelling through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, meals are a significant part of the cultural experience. The local cuisine is rich in tradition and reflects the history of nomadic and settled cultures. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to dining in these countries.

Red Meat Is a Staple: Beef, and horse meat are dominant in Central Asian cuisine. Popular dishes often include pilaf (plov), kebabs, and dumplings, all of which prominently feature red meat. While these dishes are delicious and offer an authentic taste of the region, they may pose limitations for those who do not eat red meat. 

Vegetarian Options Are Limited: Vegetarianism is not common in Central Asia, and while some vegetable-based dishes like salads, soups, or bread (such as non or lepyoshka) are available, they are typically considered sides rather than main meals. If you are vegetarian or have specific dietary restrictions, it’s important to plan ahead and be flexible with your choices. 

Local Experiences May Have Limited Substitutes: For meals that are part of local cultural experiences, such as dining with a family or enjoying traditional dishes like plov or beshbarmak, it may not always be possible to provide a comparable substitute. These meals are often integral to the cultural immersion and reflect the local way of life. 

Where your dietary preferences or requirements are not a fit with the above information it’s important to pack snacks: Bringing along some snacks or protein-rich alternatives can be helpful for days when options are limited. 

Enjoy the Bread and Tea Culture: Central Asia is famous for its delicious bread and tea, which are staples of every meal and can often be enjoyed regardless of dietary restrictions. The coffee culture is newer in Central Asia but in cities growing quickly in popularity.

We aim to make your journey as enjoyable and comfortable as possible while also providing an authentic travel experience. Let us know if you have any concerns, and we can offer futher advice.

GROUP TOUR LEADERS
This is a private small group tour with dedicated tour leaders and drivers.

You'll be accompanied by a tour leader (who also acts as your guide) in Uzbekistan, and another tour leader/guide across Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

The role of your Group Tour Leader is to manage the day-to-day logistics, guide you through the journey, and ensure everything runs smoothly — so you can relax and enjoy the experience. The role of your Group Tour Leader is to manage the day-to-day logistics, guide you through the journey, and ensure everything runs smoothly — so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Where local guides or other on-the-ground support are involved, they’ll also coordinate with them, as well as with your drivers along the way.

Of course, travel can come with a few surprises — from traffic delays to unexpected weather that might call for a change of plans. When these situations pop up, your tour leader will do their utmost to find the best solution. We ask for your patience and flexibility, and to trust in their experience to handle any curveballs with care.

TIPPING
Tipping Fund Tipping is not included in your tour package.

A Tipping Fund USD80 is payable on day 1 of the tour.

Tipping may not be your custom, or the custom of your home country, however it is significant in many parts of the world for roles in tourism. It’s customary to tip tour service personnel including your group tour leader, driver, local guides, restaurant staff, and hotel porters. It’s also appreciated to leave small tips for room attendants and restaurant wait staff. We appreciate that for many travellers tipping is awkward, and they are unsure about how and what amount to tip. For this reason, we collect a tipping fund payment from each traveller.

The Tipping Fund
At the beginning of your tour, the tipping fund is payable to your tour leader. The fund does not cover tips for your group tour leaders. It covers tips for drivers and any local guides.

Your Tour Leader
It’s customary to tip tour leaders at the completion of your tour. Your tour leader is away from home for the duration of your visit and tipping is a part of recognising this dedication.

Tour Leaders Tip
Suggested tipping range USD5-6 per day or equivalent in local currency. It’s customary for satisfactory service and levels of above.

NEED TO KNOW

What to Wear

Keep it casual and modest throughout. Modest attire is in keeping with customs. Think light layers you can add or peel off as the day changes.

• Daywear: Loose, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees are ideal.
• Evenings: It can cool down quickly, especially in the mountains — bring a warmer layout/jacket.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Dinners: Casual to smart-casual is perfect — no need to dress up, just neat and relaxed.
• If you’d like to try a Hamam (Turkish-style bathhouse), pack a swimsuit.
  👟 Non-slip flip-flops or waterproof sandals are also a good idea — floors can be wet and slippery.

🧣 Bonus tips:

A scarf or light wrap can come in handy for sun, wind, or visiting religious sites.

Small Coins for Comfort Stops
Have small coins for bathroom stops along the way/on the road. Most are paid entries and the amounts are nominal.

Bathrooms
In more remote parts of the itinerary you can expect squat toilets may be the only option as western toilet facilities are not standard in remote and regional areas. Also, ‘bush stops’ or otherwise known as a ‘comfort stop in nature’ may be the only option  

Places of Worship
Head coverings for women and modest attire for everyone is required. We recommend bringing a scarf with you.

Yurt Camp Stay
The bathrooms are shared facilities. Heating may not be available or otherwise a small wood stove. Meals are home cooked and served in a communal dining space. Power may be limited. A Yurt camp stay is basic.

Border Crossings
There is one land border crossing from Kyrgyzstan into Kazakhstan. Passengers will need to get off the group vehicle and walk a short distance between the borders. Queues and unexpected delays can occur, so patience may be required.

TRANSPORT

This tour has a maximum of 12 places and where touring by road a Mercedes Sprinter or similar 18/19 seater is used.  Should the group fall below 6 persons the vehicle may be smaller.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION & RESTRICTIONS

Please note that the maximum luggage weight for touring may be less than the airline maximum limit.

Checked Luggage Maximum Weight: 23KG, 1 piece
Hand Luggage Maximum Weight/Information: 8KG, 1 piece and a small shoulder bag

There is an internal flight included as part of the tour package and these limits are within these luggage allowances above.

For airline luggage restrictions for your flight to join the tour, refer to your international ticket details.

MORE INFORMATION

• Visa Info >
• Airports >
• Disclaimer >
• Customs Regulations >
• Insights - Is This Trip Right For You? >

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'I would highly recommend a holiday with Encounter Travel. My trip was well organised and the co-ordinator was fun and helpful and full of energy. I met some great people of all walks of life. There is a good mix of organised activities and free time. I had a blast.'

Linda, Victoria

'Thank you for your organisation of a great holiday. As a first time traveller with Encounter, I didn't know what to expect. The Red Centre is indescribably beautiful and should be on every Australians' bucket list. We saw every sensational attraction in just the right order - each new experience was more incredible than the last. Thank you for recruiting such a great group of people for my travelling companions. The hotels were clean and very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be transported across such an amazing landscape so comfortably. I learnt so much about our wonderful country and wished I had done such a trip years earlier.'

Sarah, 52 years, Sydney, Australia

'Did a Red Centre solo 7 day tour absolutely fantastic, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon, Palm Valley you have to see it and experience it. The coach drivers were professional, excellent knowledge and with a great sense of humor.'

David, Eschol Park, Sydne, New South Wales

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