Gems of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan & Tajikistan
Gems of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan & Tajikistan
15 Days Starting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and ending in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Visiting: Tashkent, Nukus, Khiva, Bukhara, Kyzyl Kum Desert, Aydarkul Lake, Samarkand, Khujand, Iskanderkul, Fann Mountains, Dushanbe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8585
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
- Visit the autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic
- Stay in a yurt camp in the Kyzyl Kum desert
- Opportunity to swim in Aydarkul desert lake, a turquoise, crystal clear lake and one of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan
- Mingle with traditional communities in remote mountain villages
- Hike through Devil Valley
- Enjoy a homestay in the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan
Dusted in eye-popping cobalts, cyans and sapphires, Uzbekistan has an incredible tangle of history to unravel and hidden sites to uncover.
From its former Persian rule and key location along the famed Silk Road, to which is owes much of its grand architecture and culture, to a short period under Soviet rule, this jumble of traditions is a treasure trove waiting to be cracked open. We veer you through Uzbekistan's great sites, mingle with their nomads and cross into the autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic - a lesser known region often over shadowed by the other 'stans'. Karakalpakstan was once a rich delta feeding from the Aral Sea, part of the Silk Road and also a place of great Islamic learning. Now it barely survives. Almost completely deserted, the small republic provides a fascinating experience to the well healed traveller showcasing how regions can go from prosperous to destructed.
Wind back through Uzbekistan as you stay in hidden villages, live with locals and embrace the stunning scenery. Spend an evening under the stars in a yurt, deep in the Kyzyl Kum desert where the night sky will be one of the clearest and most spectacular star gazing experiences you may ever have.
Travel by land over the border to Tajikistan, the land of mountains, dotted with sapphire lakes and snow capped peaks. Stone villages scatter through the valleys, urging you to explore this landscape of sheer beauty. Travelling through Tajikistan is not easy. Roads are poor, hot water is a rarity and the locals are only just starting to warm to travellers. A destination that offers a true glimpse to a rare and remote way of life, Tajikistan's serene beauty will not disappoint.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Inspira S Hotel or similar
Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon arrival in Tashkent airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding infusion of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply intertwined with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road.
Meals
N/A
Accommodation
Inspira-S or Similar
Services
Airport Transfer
Day 2 - Tashkent - Nukus
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jipek Joli or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for sightseeing in Tashkent.
Tashkent City Tour
Visit the wonderful complex Khast Imam, located in the old part of the city which has been the biggest centre of Islamic culture in Uzbekistan for thousands of years. Continuing on, you will also visit Kukeldash madrasah, the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical monuments of Tashkent. You will also have the opportunity to explore a local bazaar, Chorsu. This bazaar is one of the largest and most popular in the capital. Covered by seven domes tiled with coloured ceramic designs, mingle amongst the longest as they bargain and barter amongst themselves. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products of their own production. Let your senses take over as you inhale the aromas of different Eastern spices, vegetables and fruits.
Fly to Nukus
Later this afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nukus. Nukus is the sixth-largest city in Uzbekistan, and the capital of the autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Jipek Joli or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Economy flight to Nukus
Sightseeing: Khast Imam, Kukeldash madrasah, Chorsu Bazaar
Travel Time and Distance:
Khast Imam Complex Sightseeing: approx. 0.5 km /1.5 hours
Kukeldash Madrasah to Chorsu Bazaar: approx. 2km/ 1 hour
Day 3 - Nukus – Muynak – Mizdakhan – Gyaur-Kala – Nukus
Location: Nukus
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jipek Joli or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Muynak – Cemetery of Ships
After breakfast, drive to Muynak where you will have a look at the former port now home to abandoned ships wedged into their final destination – the sand. This area is also known as the ‘Cemetery of Ships’.
Today’s lunch is with a local family. Enjoy learning about their local way of life as you share lunch with them, and in turn, tell them about your lifestyle. This is sure to be an eye-opening experience as your two worlds come together.
Mizdakhan – Gyaur-Kala – Nukus
On your way back to Nukus, stop at Mizdakhan, a complex of historical monuments located on three hills and a plane between them. The flat top of the west hill is crowned with the ruins of Gyaur-Kala Fortress, built in the 4th century BC which you will also visit.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant
Accommodation
Hotel Jipek Joli or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Muynak ‘Cemetery of Ships’, Mizdakhan, Gyaur-Kala Fortress
Travel Time and Distance:
Nukus to Muynak: Approx. 170 km / 3 hours
Muynak to Mizdakhan and Gyaur-Kala: Approx 130 km/ 1 hour drive
Day 4 - Nukus To Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Asia Khiva Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kal
Depart early this morning as you drive towards Khiva. On the way visit Ayaz Kala, an archaeological site housing the mud brick walls of three fortresses, and Toprak Kala, an ancient settlement of an outstanding monument of the culture of Khoresm from the 1-6th centuries A.D.
Arrive Khiva
Khiva is a city of approximately 50,000 people located in the Xorazm Region of Uzbekistan. According to archaeological data, the city was established at the beginning of the Christian era. It is the former capital of Khwarezmia and the Khanate of Khiva.
Ichan Qala complex
Explore the main sights and attractions of Khiva. Visit the Ichan Qala complex, an old town retaining more than 50 historic monuments and 250 old houses, dating primarily from the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. The most spectacular features of the Ichan Qala complex are its crenellated brick walls and four gates, one on each side of the rectangular fortress. This has recently become a UNESCO heritage site.
Pakhlavan Mahmud
Another highlight of your city tour includes visiting the Pakhlavan Mahmud, which is the holiest site in Khiva. It is the shrine of Khiva’s patron saint, Pakhlavan Mahmud, who was a fur hat maker and a famous poet of Khiva, and the dynastic burial complex of the Khiva Khans. Pakhlavan Mahmud was also a superb wrestler, winning every single of his wrestling matches as well as the hearts of the Khiva citizens who built a modest mausoleum for him on the site of his furrier workshop.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Asia Khiva or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kal, Ichan Qala complex, Pakhlavan Mahmud,
Travel Time and Distances:
Nukus to Khiva: approx. 200km / 3 to 3.5 hours drive
Ayaz Kala to Toprak Kala to Khiva: approx. 2km/ 3 to 4 hrs tour duration
Day 5 – Khiva To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Paradise Plaza or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flight to Bukhara
This morning you will transfer to the airport in Urgench for your flight to Bukhara.
This morning, you will be transferred from Khiva to Bukhara. Enjoy the scenic journey as you travel through the captivating landscapes of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival in Bukhara, you will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and historic sites of this ancient city.
Bukhara City Tour
Explore the historical wonders of Bukhara, starting with the Chashmai-Ayub Mausoleum, renowned for its striking architectural beauty. Continue to the Poyi-Kalon Complex, where you’ll be awed by one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia. Visit the Miri-Arab Madrasah, an active Islamic educational institution of great prominence. Wander through the lively Lyabi-Hauz Complex, a vibrant area centred around a tranquil pool and surrounded by ancient buildings. Discover the Samanids Mausoleum, one of the most elegant monuments of the early Islamic period, and visit the Nadir Devonbegi Madrasah, a significant part of Bukhara’s architectural heritage. Admire the unique Chor-Minor Minarets, a distinctive building featuring four minarets, before concluding your tour at the Ark Citadel, the ancient heart of Bukhara.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Minorai Kalon Hotel or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Chashmai-Ayub mausoleum, the Poyi-Kalon complex, the Miri-Arab madrasah, the Lyabi-Hauz complex, the Samanids Mausoleum, Nadir Devonbegi madrasah, Chor-Minor minarets, Ark Citadel
Travel Time and Distance:
Khiva to Bukhara City Tour: 470 Km, 8 hours duration
Day 6 – Bukhara - Gijduvan - Nurata - Yurts
Location: Kyzyl Kum Desert
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Gijduvan’s Ceramic Heritage
This morning you will transfer to Gijduvan, where one of the most popular ceramic schools is located. Here you will visit the Museum of Ceramics and learn about the importance of this tradition in local life.
Nurata and the Kyzyl Kum Desert
Continue to Nurata town to visit the local mosque, Chashma, which has a spring water with holy water.
Continue driving out through the stunning rolling landscape towards your yurt camp in the Kyzyl Kum desert, which is the 16th largest desert in the world. Its name means Red Sand in Turkic languages. Once you have checked into your yurt, it is time to head off for an afternoon camel ride before enjoying some free time. Once the sun has set, enjoy dinner around the campfire with your local hosts serenading you with traditional folk songs beneath the stars.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Oxus Adventure Yurt Camp or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Gijduvan, Nurata Town, Kyzyl Kum Desert
Travel Time and Distance
Transfer to Gijduvan: approx. 60 km / 1 hour
Gijduvan to Nurata Town: approx. 100 km/ 1.5 hours
Nurata Town to Yurt Camp in Kyzyl Kum Desert: 80 km/ 1.5 hours
Day 7 – Yurts To Asraf Village
Location: Aydarkul Lake
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aydarkul Lake and Village Life in Asraf
After breakfast, visit Aydarkul desert lake, a turquoise, crystal clear lake and one of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan. If the weather permits, you may like to take a swim! Enjoy a picnic on the shore of the lake taking in the tranquil setting before you transfer to the village of Asraf, where you will become fully immersed in the life of the locals. Local people build themselves houses of small stones, rocks, and clay. They plant and collect fruits and vegetables to cook for their meals which are all cooked in the open-fire oven. Each family has a few head of livestock and poultry, which provide eggs, milk, meat and wool. Whilst with your host family, enjoy a masterclass to learn how to bake Uzbek bread.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Yahshigul Guesthouse or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Aydarkul Desert Lake, Village of Asraf, Uzbek Bread Baking Masterclass
Travel Time and Distance
Aydarkul Lake to Village Life in Asraf: approx. 90 km/ 1.5 hours
Day 8 - Asraf Village To Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arka Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Awake to embrace the lifestyle of the local villagers once more and embrace the purity of the neighbourhood. After lunch, you will transfer to Samarkand.
Samarkand City Tour
Samarkand is a fascinating city in Uzbekistan known for its mosques and mausoleums. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, explore the main attractions in Samarkand including the Registan, which is a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating to the 15th and 17th centuries. You also have the chance to explore Gur Emir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire. Other points of interest include visiting the Shakhizinda, which is a necropolis in the northeastern part of Samarkand and the Bibikhanum Mosque which is one of the most important monuments of Samarkand.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Arka Boutique Hotel or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Samarkand, Registan, Gur Emir, Shakhizinda,Bibikhanum Mosque
Travel Time and Distance:
Local Village to Samarkand: approx. 200 km / 3 hours
Sightseeing in Samarkand: approx. 2 km/ 4 hours duration
Day 9 – Samarkand - Tersak Village - Takhta Karacha Pass - Shakhrisabs
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Inspira S Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Village of Tersak
This morning, you will drive to the village of Tersak (approx 45 km). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a local family who will join you for tea and oriental dried fruits. Walk through this quaint village and discover the beautiful mountain landscapes of the region. This is a great chance to observe the everyday life of the people and witness their time-frozen traditions.
Tachta Karacha Pass
Continue your journey to the Takhta Karacha mountain pass, about 25 km away. From this vantage point, admire panoramic views of the snow-covered Pamir Altay chain. Explore the ‘Devil Valley,’ known for its unusual rock formations and mythical tales of sorcerers and witches. The locals believe the area has unique ground energy that enhances the quality of the milk from passing cows.
Return to Samarkand
After your hike, return to Samarkand. Transfer to the railway station for your train ride back to Tashkent. Enjoy dinner upon arrival.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel Jipek Joli or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Train tickets for high-speed train Shakhrisabs – Tashkent in economy classSightseeing: Village of Tersak, Tachta Karacha Pass, Shakhrisabz
Travel Time and Distance:
Samarkand to Tersak Village: approx. 45 km/ 30 mins drive
Tersak Village to Takhta Karacha Pass: approx. 25 km/ 30 mins
Samarkand to Tashkent (by train): typically around 2-3 hours
Day 10 – Tashkent - Transfer To Khudjand
Location: Khujand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Khujand Deluxe Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Oybek Border Point and Khudjand
Today you will travel to the Oybek border point (140km, approx. 2 hours) and then on to Khudjand. This will take approximately 4-6 hours depending on how long it takes to cross the border.
Explore Historic Khudjand
Khudjand formerly known as Khodjend or Khodzhent until 1936 and Leninabad until 1991, is the second largest city of Tajikistan and the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Khudjand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back about 2,500 years. It is situated on the Syr Darya at the mouth of the Fergana Valley and was a major city along the ancient Silk Road. Today, you will visit the biggest bazaar- Panjshanbe, the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, the complex of Kamoli Khujandi, and the Tajik Sea. Lunch today is in a local restaurant.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Khujand Deluxe Hotel or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Oybek border point, Khudjand, Panjshanbe Bazaar, Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin,
Complex of Kamoli Khujandi, Tajik Sea (Sughd Plaza)
Travel Time and Distance
Tashkent to Oybek Border Point: approx. 140 km/ 2 hours
Oybek Border Point to Khudjand: approx. 4-6 hours (including border crossing time)
Day 11 - Transfer To Iskanderkul
Location: Iskanderkul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iskanderkul, Niagara Fanns and Zmeinoe Lake
Travel today from Khudjand to Iskanderkul which will take approximately 4 hours. Iskanderkul is a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province. It lies at an altitude of 2,195 metres on
the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains. Today you will also see Niagara Fanns – a waterfall from which water falls from 35m. Zmeinoe Lake is beautiful as well and you will also spend time here.
This evening, enjoy a homestay in Saratog village. Take an evening walking tour through the village.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Sarytag Homestay or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Iskanderkul, Niagara Fanns, Zmeinoe Lake, Saratog Village
Travel time and Distance:
Khudjand to Iskanderkul: appox 220 km/ 4 hours
Day 12 - Iskanderkul
Location: Fann Mountains
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Alexander the Great Mountain in the Fann Mountains
Spend the day exploring and walking through the breathtaking Fann Mountains. The Fann Mountains are part of the western Pamir-Alay Mountain system and are primarily located in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province between the Zarafshan Range to the north and the Gissary Range to the south. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will not forget! Today you will hike Alexander the Great Mountain.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Sarytag Homestay or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Fann Mountains in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province, Alexander the Great Mountain, Zarafshan Range, Gissary Range
Day 13 - Transfer To Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gostinitsa “Meridian” or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer from Iskanderkul Lake to Dushanbe which will take approximately 3 hours. Dushanbe, on the Varzob River, is the capital of Tajikistan. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Atlas B&B Guesthouse Or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Travel time and Distance
Iskanderkul Lake to Dushanbe : approx. 133km/2-3 hour drive
Day 14 - Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gostinitsa “Meridian” or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning Visit to Hissar Complex and Old Medressa
In the morning, visit the Hissar Fortress, which is part of the Hissar complex, one of the main Tajikistan highlights. What remains today is a portion of the wall and the gate towers, which are representative of the 18th and 19th-century style. The area has been inhabited since antiquity and features an 8th-century mosque, but it was the emirs who inhabited the fortress and the Silk Route traders that made Gissar a centre of commerce and learning. You will also have an opportunity today to visit Old Medressa (Madrasai Kuhna) (16-17 century), Madrasai Nav (17-18 century) and the Caravan Saray as well.
Museum of National Antiquities and Ismoili Somoni Monument
Later on, you will have the opportunity to visit the Museum of National Antiquities which exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilizations: the Greek, Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian periods. The most notable piece in the museum is the largest, fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue. Later, enjoy strolling around the big Ismoili Somoni Monument – the forefather of Tajik nation, founded in the Main Square and Rudaki Park in the centre of the city as well. Try the taste of Tajik tea and hot bread in public teahouses – called Choikhona – most of which are decorated in traditional, colourful Tajik style. Lunch today is in a traditional Indian restaurant and
Oriental Bazaar and Craft Workshops Exploration
following lunch, the toy will explore the ancient oriental bazaar and some craft workshops. Dinner this evening is at a restaurant named ‘Kishmish’ with ethnic music and performances.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Atlas B&B Guesthouse Hotel or Similar
Services
Private vehicle with English Speaking guide
Sightseeing: Hissar Fortress, Old Medressa, Madrasai Nav, Caravan Saray, Museum of National Antiquities, Ismoili Somoni Monument and Rudaki Park, Choikhona Teahouses, Oriental Bazaar and Craft Workshops
Travel time and Distance:
Hissar to Dushanbe: approx. 26.8 km/ 1 hour
Day 15 - Departure
Location: Dushanbe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today following breakfast, the day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Airport Transfer
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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14 nights accommodation
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Meals as per the itinerary
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Services of an English-speaking local guide in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
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Domestic flight from Tashkent to Nukus in economy class
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1L of bottled water per day
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Train tickets for high-speed train Shakhrisabs – Tashkent in economy class
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Private transportation
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Visas
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Items of a personal nature
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Tipping
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Travel insurance
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Meals and beverages not specified above
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, airport transfers, domestic flights, and high-speed train tickets, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will experience a variety of accommodations, including hotels, a yurt camp in the Kyzyl Kum desert, and a homestay in the Fann Mountains, offering both comfort and local charm.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are provided as per the itinerary, including breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners, particularly during special experiences like the yurt camp stay and homestays.
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Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes opportunities to mingle with traditional communities in remote mountain villages, enjoy a homestay experience, and participate in a masterclass to learn how to bake Uzbek bread.
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What are some of the unique experiences included in this tour?
Unique experiences include staying in a yurt camp in the Kyzyl Kum desert, swimming in Aydarkul desert lake, hiking through Devil Valley, and enjoying a homestay in the Fann Mountains.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the services of an English-speaking local guide in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to ensure an informative travel experience.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.