Trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

Upon arrival in Tashkent, you are welcomed by your local guide. After breakfast, you begin a panoramic discovery of the capital, between wide avenues, modern districts and historical spaces. You then head to the old city, the traditional heart of Tashkent. The visit includes Khasti Imam Square, the Barak-Khan madrasa, the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum and the Tilla Shaykh mosque, witnesses to the spiritual and architectural heritage of the city. Your tour continues at the Chor Sou market, where you observe daily activity, colorful stalls and exchanges typical of a large Uzbek bazaar.

Hotel breakfast followed by a day dedicated to visiting the open-air museum city.

You explore Ichan-Kala, the old fortified city, by passing through the Ota Darvosa gate. The visit includes the Mohammed-Amin Khan madrasa and the Kalta Minor minaret (19th century), then the Kunya Ark (17th century), former residence of the khans.

Your discovery continues at the Pakhlavan Mahmoud complex (14th-19th century), at the Islam Khodja madrasa and its minaret (1908). You then visit the Djouma mosque (10th-18th century), renowned for its sculpted wooden columns.

In the afternoon, you visit the Tach Haoulie palace and the harem of Allah Kouli-Khan (19th century).

Lunch during the tour, followed by dinner on a terrace offering panoramic views of the fortified city.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by continued visits in Khiva. Discovery of the mausoleum of Said Allouddin (14th century) and the caravanserai of Allah Kouli-Khan. Free time for personal exploration of the city. Lunch is on your own.

In the afternoon, you take the train heading to Bukhara. The journey crosses villages in the Khorezm region before reaching the Kizil Koum desert, called "Red Sands". This desert landscape evokes the ancient caravan routes once traveled by camel. A picnic dinner is served on board the train.

Arrival in Bukhara around 11:00 PM, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Night on site. The program can be adjusted according to train schedules.

Breakfast at the hotel before starting the discovery of Bukhara, a historic city whose ancient markets once animated caravan life. Your itinerary includes the Ismaïl Samani mausoleum (9th-10th centuries), the Tchachma Ayoub mausoleum (12th-14th centuries), the Bola Khaouz complex (18th century) as well as the Ark Citadel (1st-16th centuries), symbol of the authority of the ancient emirates.

Lunch in the city, followed by a visit to the Poï-Kalian complex (12th-16th centuries), comprising the Kalon Mosque, the Kalon minaret and the Miri Arab madrasa. You then continue with the madrasas of Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan (15th-17th centuries), before heading to the Liab-i-Khaouz district, a central basin surrounded by madrasas, caravanserais and living areas.

In the evening, you attend a folk concert with traditional dances and a fashion show in the courtyard of a former madrasa. Dinner on the terrace of a restaurant, followed by the night at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Samarkand. Lunch in town, followed by check-in at the hotel.

Start of visits with the famous Registan square, where three magnificent madrasas stand: Ulugbek (15th century), Cheredor and Tilla Kori (17th century). Continue discovering the Bibi Khanoum mosque, before immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Siyab bazaar (closed on Mondays), renowned for its flatbreads and fruits.

Dinner in town and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then continue visiting Samarkand. You begin with the Afrasiyab Museum, which houses the famous fresco from the Varkhuman Palace, a precious testimony to the region's history. The visit continues at Ulugbeg's Observatory, considered one of the most important observatories of the Middle Ages, illustrating Samarkand's major scientific role. Your exploration is extended with the exploration of the Chakhi Zinda necropolis, often called the "living king," a set of mausoleums remarkable for their architectural harmony and decorations.

After lunch, you visit the Gur-Amir Mausoleum, where Timur and several members of his lineage rest. Free time before your transfer to the station, an ideal moment to make your last purchases or stroll one last time through the shopping streets.

You then take the high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, dinner in a restaurant, then check-in at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by transfer to the train station to take the train to Kokand. Arrival around 1:00 PM and lunch in the city.

Beginning of visits with the palace of the last khan of Khoudayarkhan, before continuing with the Friday Mosque, remarkable for its 98 sculpted wooden columns, as well as the mausoleums Dakhmai Chakhon and Modarikhan.

Departure for Richtan to visit a potter's house and discover local craftsmanship.

Continuation of the journey towards Ferghana. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Marghilan to visit a silk factory and observe traditional weaving techniques, a craft heritage still very much present in the region. You then take the road towards the Kyrgyz border, with lunch during the journey. Arrival at the Dustlik border post around 2:00 PM.

Visit to the sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too, also nicknamed "Throne of Solomon", a Muslim pilgrimage site for several centuries. This emblematic site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2009. You continue with a visit to the History Museum, located nearby, to deepen your cultural and spiritual knowledge related to this mountain.

Departure towards the village of Kazarman, located at 1,310 meters altitude. The road, sometimes winding and demanding, can prove long depending on weather conditions. As you gain elevation, you cross the Kaldama pass, where snow can still be seen even in June. The duration of the journey may vary depending on the terrain conditions.

Arrival on the shores of Son-Koul Lake, considered the second natural wonder of Kirghizistan. This immense alpine lake, located at 3,016 meters above sea level, is one of the country's main freshwater reserves. Nestled in the heart of the Celestial Mountains, it has always fascinated travelers with its preserved environment. Its crystalline water, of great purity, changes hues throughout the day, shifting from deep blue to emerald green, with sometimes orange reflections depending on the light.

Free day to relax and discover the traditional lifestyle of your host family. You can attend the preparation of Kumis, an emblematic fermented beverage, observe the gathering of herds or even cow milking, all authentic moments of nomadic daily life.

After lunch, a departure is planned for a short horseback riding trek, ideal for exploring the grandiose landscapes around Son-Kul Lake.

Departure along the main road towards the village of Kochkor, known for its local development initiatives. Visit to the women's cooperative, where felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, a traditional Kyrgyz craft passed down from generation to generation.

In the evening, immersion in local culture with a traditional Kyrgyz folk show. On the program: a Manas storyteller, recounting the exploits of legendary heroes, accompanied by traditional music and songs that celebrate the country's cultural heritage.

Arrival at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, renowned for the traditional manufacture of Kyrgyz yurts. A local family presents their expertise and explains the different stages of yurt construction. For an even more authentic immersion, it is possible to participate in this activity alongside the craftsmen.

Continuing the journey towards the Ak-Sai canyons, nicknamed by the inhabitants "the valley of forgotten rivers". Meeting with a Kyrgyz eagle hunter who, on horseback and accompanied by his eagle, offers you a falconry demonstration. This practice illustrates the ancestral art of hunting small prey, such as rabbits, passed down from generation to generation.

Arrival at Boz Salkyn, one of the most beautiful pastures in the region, made famous by a Kyrgyz film. This site offers a remarkable panorama of Lake Issyk-Kul, a true natural jewel of Kyrgyzstan.

Visit to Skaska canyon, whose name means "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. These multicolored rock formations, resulting from ancient volcanic eruptions, overlook Lake Issyk-Kul and offer a fascinating landscape reminiscent of legendary settings.

Continuation of the journey with a stop at the ruins of Burana Minaret, a remnant of an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during Tatar invasions. You climb to the top of the minaret to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, before visiting the associated museum.

Last day on the road before reaching Bishkek, capital of Kirghizistan. The crossing of the verdant mountains marks the end of a journey filled with encounters, hospitality and traditions, punctuated by the discovery of a warm people deeply attached to their way of life.