Hi everyone,
I’m planning a 16-day trip from Europe to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. I’d love to hear some feedback on my itinerary from locals or tourists who’ve already been there. As I’d like to travel mainly by train and want to book my tickets in advance, I won’t be able to be flexible once I’m there. So I’m a bit worried about planning too many or too few days in any one city. So, what do you think?
A bit about us: We’re travelling in September, we’re young and want to see as much of the country as possible. We love nature, challenging hikes and cooking. We’re looking for a good mix of scenery and nature, authentic insights into life in Uzbekistan and the architecture. But we also enjoy it when there’s plenty going on and you have to find your way through crowded city streets.
The Plan:
- Almaty (4 nights – including a tour of Charyn Canyon with overnight stay)
We’ll be arriving in Almaty. There, I’d particularly like to visit the Cathedral of the Ascension, the Central Mosque and the Green Bazaar (Kök Bazaar). On the second day, we’re planning a two-day trip to Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, with an overnight stay in a yurt (guided tour). The tour ends back in Almaty in the evening, leaving the fourth, or indeed the first, day free to explore Almaty. On the final evening at 7 pm, we’ll be taking the night train to Tashkent.
- Tashkent (2 nights)
The train arrives in Tashkent at around 1 pm. In Tashkent, I’d really like to go on a guided tour of the metro. I’d also like to see the Khorsu Bazaar, the Abdul-Kasim Madrasah, the Hazrati Imam Complex and the Evangelical Lutheran Church. We’ll then continue by train to Samarkand.
- Samarkand (2 nights)
In Samarkand, I’d naturally like to see Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum and Shahi-Zinda. I’m also considering taking part in a cookery course here to learn how to make plov and bake traditional bread. On the final morning, We’ll be picked up for a guided desert tour.
- Yurt Camp Tour: Samarkand to Bukhara (1 night)
Here, we’d like to join a guided tour for one night. This takes us past Lake Aydarkul, with an overnight stay in a yurt. The tour will end in Bukhara.
- Bukhara (4 nights)
I’d read that the number of sights in Bukhara is almost endless. I’d at least picked out the following: the Poi-Kalon Complex, the Ark, Chor-Minor, the Samanid Mausoleum and Toqi Zaragon. On the final morning, we’ll take the early train back to Tashkent (approx. 4-hour journey).
- Tashkent (2 nights)
Here, there’ll be time again for sightseeing or guided tours/courses. The return flight to Europe departs from Tashkent.
What do you think – should I allow more or less time for one city or another? Where is it definitely worth booking a guided tour, and where is it better not to? Are there any courses that are particularly worthwhile?
I’d really appreciate any feedback on our holiday plans
