Dushanbe To Bishkek (22 Days) Central Stans (Cadb22)
Dushanbe To Bishkek (22 Days) Central Stans (Cadb22)
Dushanbe To Bishkek (22 Days) Central Stans (Cadb22)
22 Days Starting in 38.566330,68.777285 and ending in 42.873331,74.578470
Visiting: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
481
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 22-day adventure from Dushanbe to Bishkek, traversing the heart of Central Asia's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This tour takes you through the historic Silk Road city of Bukhara, the architectural marvels of Samarkand, and the vibrant streets of Almaty. Experience the breathtaking mountain scenery and alpine lakes of Kyrgyzstan, including a swim in Lake Issyk-Kul, the world's second-largest alpine lake. Hike through the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Jeti-Oguz and explore the Altyn-Arashan Valley by foot or horseback. With a mix of camping and simple accommodations, this journey offers a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
We leave Dushanbe behind and depending on the border crossing timing we may camp en-route to Termez. Situated on the border with Afghanistan, is the ancient town of Termez and we have a full day to explore its many historical sites. Genghis Khan’s troops destroyed the city in 1220, but many mosques, monasteries and fortresses still stand testament to this regions resilience.
Bukhara, our next stop, is situated on a sacred hill, and was founded in the 13th century BC and it is home to over 350 mosques and some 100 Islamic colleges. The city is intrinsically linked to the history of the Silk Road and later the ‘Great Game’ that played out in the nineteenth century between Russia and Great Britain. One of the most famous individuals involved in this historical period, the Englishman Alexander Burnes, was known as ‘Burnes of Bukhara’ and the books he authored based on his adventures in this part of Asia gave him celebrity status in Victorian England.
Bukhara today is an attractive city with narrow streets, green parks and gardens, and is a pleasure to wander around and there will be the opportunity for a bout of good humoured haggling in the bazaar.
DAY 4-8: BUKHARA TO TASHKENT
The Kyzylkum Desert is about 300,000 sq km and lies between the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya rivers. This is a vast arid plain with a number of isolated bare mountains rising to 900 metres and we journey across it on our way to Samarkand. Scheduled permitting, we may opt to take the local train and rejoin the truck on arrival.
Samarkand itself is the second largest city in Uzbekistan. It dates back 2,500 years, making it as old as Babylon or Rome. Here we have a couple of days to explore the splendid architecture such as the 15th century Bibi-Khanum Mosque which when it was built was considered to have the largest dome in the Muslim world. Today it stands next a noisy and colourful Oriental market. No trip here is complete without a wander around the three edifices of the Registan, once Medieval Samarkand's commercial plaza and today quite possibly the most awesome sight in Central Asia.
From here we drive northwards to Tashkent, the present capital of Uzbekistan. This modern, cosmopolitan city hosts a mixture of Islamic, Soviet and twenty-first century buildings, and is a pleasant place to spend a couple of nights. Riding the city’s metro is an experience in itself, with many of the stations ornately decorated, much like the more famous underground in Moscow, and there is also some lively nightlife to check out.
DAY 9-14: TASHKENT TO ALMATY
We drive north away from the city to the border with Kazakhstan. Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is our main stopping point and we spend some time to take in the stunning scenery of green valleys, rushing rivers and snow capped peaks. Here we stand a chance of spotting bears, ibex and golden eagles. There are hiking and horse riding options around the reserve.
Following the Kyrgyz border, we head East to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis and capital until 1997. Almaty is the largest and most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Kazakhstan. Set in the foothills of the Trans Lli Alatau mountains, the area has a ski resort (Shymbulak) at an elevation of 2,200 mtrs and enjoys a great amount of snow from November through to May.
The city has many sights and attractions, including Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park; Abay Opera House; Golden Warrior Monument in the Republic Square and the giant Almaty Tower. Or for adrenaline lovers, why not ride the ‘Fast Coaster’ roller coaster, that is located on the side of a mountain and reaches speeds of 45 km per hour.
DAY 15-20: ALMATY TO LAKE ISSY-KUL
We cross the border and enter Kyrgyzstan at the Eastern end of Lake Issy-Kul, which was used for testing Submarine Torpedoes in Soviet times!
The area of Altyn Arashan and its surrounds offer the outdoor lover many hiking and horse riding opportunities and we spend a few days here to take in the amazing scenery.
We visit the vast red stone cliffs in Jeti-Oguz and visit the town of Karakol with its attractive houses and tree-lined streets. Behind it are the Terskay Ala-Too Mountains, an unspoilt wilderness populated only by nomadic shepherds.
As we travel around Kyrgyzstan we camp, but we also may have the opportunity to use some family homestays, where we are welcomed into a local home for the night. These are subject to availability, but if we can arrange them they offer a fantastic experience, allowing us to feel part of the family for a night and make some new friends!
DAY 21-22: LAKE ISSY-KUL TO BISHKEK
We take a leisurely drive along the south side of Lake Issy-Kul, camping under the stars for one final night, before arriving in Bishkek, the Capital.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping, with approximately 50% camping and 50% in hostels/hotels.
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Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Entry and exploration of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve are included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are included during the trip.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided for the duration of the trip.
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Services of Oasis Crew
The services of the Oasis Crew are included throughout the trip.
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Expedition Truck
The Oasis expedition truck is equipped with all necessary equipment, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water and fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts, and more.
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Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts for your safety and security.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Local Payment
Local payments as specified in the tour notes and options are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are not included and must be purchased separately.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.
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Tips
Tips are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.
More Info
Discover the stunning scenery of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with a trip that takes you off the beaten track and into the heart of the wilderness. From the border with Afghanistan we travel through the highlights of the Silk Road visiting Samarkand and Tashkent, before getting out in to the wilderness in Kazakhstan. We visit the ex capital city of Almaty and then enter the wilds of Kyrgyzstan, taking an epic journey around Lake Issy-Kul before ending our journey in Bishkek.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use a purpose built truck which has been converted especially for this expedition, which passes through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Most of our overland trucks also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential!
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transport will be used during the tour?
The tour will use the Oasis expedition truck, which is a purpose-built vehicle designed to handle various terrains such as soft sand, mud, rock, and potholed roads. The truck is equipped with essential equipment, including a professionally compiled expedition medical kit, large water and fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts, and camping and cooking equipment.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is split between simple hotels, hostels, and camping. Approximately 50% of the nights will be spent camping, and the other 50% in hostels or hotels. The camping experience includes bush camps with no facilities, yurts, and simple village pensions. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents for two people, which are specially made to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Approximately 50% of meals are included during the trip. The remaining meals will need to be purchased separately.
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What activities are included in the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve?
Entry and exploration of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve are included. The reserve offers stunning scenery of green valleys, rushing rivers, and snow-capped peaks, with opportunities for hiking and horse riding.
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What should I bring for camping?
You should bring your own sleeping bag, a roll mat, and personal gear. It is also recommended to bring a freestanding mosquito net for the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include discovering Bukhara, appreciating the beauty of the Registan in Samarkand, wandering the streets of Almaty, enjoying the mountain scenery and alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan, swimming in Lake Issyk-Kul, hiking through the sandstone cliff formations in Jeti-Oguz, and venturing into the Altyn-Arashan Valley and hot springs.
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What is the recommended safety measure while traveling in the Oasis expedition truck?
For your own safety and security, it is recommended that travelers wear seatbelts at all times while the vehicle is moving. All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts.
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What kind of facilities can I expect at bush camps?
At bush camps, you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities. You will need to dig your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available as listed in the Pre-Departure Information. These are not included in the tour package and must be arranged separately.
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Will there be any opportunities to interact with local families?
Yes, while traveling around Kyrgyzstan, there may be opportunities to use family homestays, where you are welcomed into a local home for the night. These are subject to availability but offer a fantastic experience to feel part of the family and make new friends.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.