12 Days Central Asia Tour: Xinjiang To Kyrgyzstan Overland
Route: Urumqi → Turpan → Kashgar → Torugart Pass → Naryn → Issyk-Kul → Bishkek | Duration: 12 Days | Price: From $2,200/person
Tour Overview
This carefully crafted Central Asia tour takes you through the region’s most spectacular sights. From ancient cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, experience the best of Central Asia with expert local guides and seamless logistics.
Route Highlights
Cross-border adventure, Karakoram Highway, yurt stays, Issyk-Kul Lake, Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrive Urumqi — Airport pickup. Afternoon: Xinjiang Regional Museum, Erdaoqiao Bazaar. Welcome dinner with Uyghur polu and lamb skewers. |
| Day 2 | Urumqi → Heavenly Lake — Full-day excursion to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake, 1,980m) at Tianshan Mountains. Hiking trails, boat ride, Kazakh yurt visit. Return to Urumqi. |
| Day 3 | Urumqi → Turpan — Afternoon drive to Turpan oasis. Jiaohe Ancient City (2,000-year-old Silk Road outpost). Karez well system. Grape Valley dinner under vine trellises. |
| Day 4 | Turpan → Kashgar — Morning: Flaming Mountains, Emin Minaret. Fly to Kashgar. Afternoon: Old City walking tour, Id Kah Mosque. Evening at a local Uyghur tea house. |
| Day 5 | Kashgar Sunday Bazaar — Morning: legendary livestock market (sheep, camels, horses). Afternoon: Abakh Khoja Tomb, handicraft street. Uyghur family dinner. |
| Day 6 | Kashgar → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan — Karakoram Highway drive. Karakul Lake at 3,600m — Muztagh Ata reflection. Arrive Tashkurgan (Tajik autonomous county), Stone City ruins. |
| Day 7 | Tashkurgan → Torugart Pass → Naryn — Tajik village morning walk. Cross Torugart Pass (3,752m) into Kyrgyzstan! Descend to Naryn through dramatic Tian Shan landscapes. |
| Day 8 | Naryn → Tash Rabat → Kochkor — Morning: Tash Rabat Caravanserai — a perfectly preserved 15th-century stone inn on the Silk Road. Continue to Kochkor. Afternoon: shyrdak felt carpet workshop. |
| Day 9 | Kochkor → Issyk-Kul Lake → Cholpon-Ata — Drive to Issyk-Kul southern shore. Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka). Afternoon: petroglyphs at Cholpon-Ata. Sunset over the lake. |
| Day 10 | Cholpon-Ata → Bishkek — Morning lakeside. Drive to Bishkek. Afternoon: Ala-Too Square, Osh Bazaar, Victory Square. Evening: farewell dinner with Kyrgyz traditional music. |
| Day 11 | Bishkek → Ala Archa National Park — Morning hike in Ala Archa gorge. Visit Burana Tower (11th-century minaret) and museum of balbals. Afternoon free in Bishkek. |
| Day 12 | Depart Bishkek — Airport transfer. Tour ends with unforgettable Silk Road memories from China to Kyrgyzstan. |
Why This Tour
- Small group experience (max 12-16 travelers)
- English-speaking local guides
- Hand-picked accommodations
- All entrance fees included
- Airport/train station transfers
- 24/7 on-ground support
What’s Included
- All accommodation (3-4 star, twin-sharing)
- English-speaking guide in each country
- Air-conditioned private vehicle
- All entrance fees
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Visa support letters (LOI) where needed
- Yurt camp experience (where applicable)
- Travel insurance
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees (varies by country)
- Single room supplement
- Lunch & dinner
- Tips ($7/day suggested)
- Personal expenses
- PCR tests (if required)
Important: Multi-country visa requirements vary. Uzbekistan e-visa available. Turkmenistan LOI required. Allow 4-6 weeks for all visa processing. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C in lowlands.
Pricing
From From $2,200 USD per person. Seasonal pricing may vary. Contact us for exact dates and availability.
