Dushanbe To Bishkek (22 Days) Central Stans (Cadb22)
Dushanbe To Bishkek (22 Days) Central Stans (Cadb22)
$1918
Dushanbe To Bishkek (22 Days) Central Stans (Cadb22)
22 Days Starting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Visiting: Dushanbe, Termez, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Almaty, Issyk Kul, Altyn-Arashan, Jeti Oguz, Bishkek
Tour operator:
Tour code:
481
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:
From:
$1918
$1832 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$86
NB: Prices correct on 17-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 4 : Dushanbe To Bukhara
Location: Dushanbe, Termez, Bukhara
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 5 - 8 : Bukhara To Tashkent
Location: Bukhara, Samarkand, 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
Location: Tashkent, 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
Location: Almaty, Issyk Kul, Altyn-Arashan, Jeti Oguz
Accommodation: Camp
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
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Camp
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
-
Accommodation - approx. 50% camping & 50% in hostels/hotels
-
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
-
Meals - approx. 50%
-
All Transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
-
Camping and Cooking equipment
-
Services of Oasis Crew
What's Not Included
-
Visas
-
Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
-
Flights
-
Airport Taxes & Transfers
-
Travel Insurance
-
Meals - approx. 50%
-
Drinks
-
Tips
-
Local payment from US$850
Local Payment (LP) is in the addition to the Trip Price and is paid to your Tour Leader at the start of your Trip.
It covers some of the trip's day to day expenses such as food and accommodation which your tour leader pays direct to local people.
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
-
Where does the trip start?
The trip starts from the Green House Hostel at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip. Located 5 km from the city centre, the Green House hostel is a modern hostel with a leafy outdoor garden area to enjoy. All rooms are air-conditioned with flat screen TV's, free Wi-Fi is also available. There are plenty of room types to choose from with shared or en-suite facilities, there is also a fully equipped communal kitchen for guests to use. Trip Joining Point: Green House Hostel - Dushanbe Start Time Day 1: 08:00 Address: Khusravi Dehlavi 98a, Dushanbe, 734024 Tajikistan Telephone: +992 880 08 2725 Email: greenhousedushanbe@gmail.com
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are flights included in this tour?
Starting in Istanbul - If you plan to collect your Iranian visa in Istanbul, we recommend that you arrive at least five working days before your trip departure date and take in to account any days the embassy/consulate may be closed (holidays, weekends etc). Starting in Tbilisi, Bishkek or Dushanbe - Please note that our trip leaves the city on Day 1 - we recommend arriving a day or two earlier if you wish to make the most of the sights and attractions of the relevant city and surrounding areas. Starting in Ashgabat - Because of restrictions on tourism in Turkmenistan, we advise arriving no earlier than the day before the trip begins. Please note that pre-trip accommodation in Ashgabat must be booked and paid to Oasis Overland before travelling. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end, but flexible tickets are best in case of unforeseen delays. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your departure cities. One way ticket - If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry. Departure Taxes - Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
-
Can there be changes in the itinerary?
Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.
-
What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
-
What to expect at meal times?
When 'on the road' with the expedition vehicle or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour Leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times: Breakfasts - Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast. Lunch - Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad. Dinner - Cooks come into their own in the evening and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations. Meals whilst staying in Hotels/Hostels/Pensions are not included in the local payment price.
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Transfer Costs: Approximately $10 USD If you would like to arrange an airport transfer, please contact Green House Hostel directly. If you have chosen not to book a transfer with the Green House Hostel, there are taxis available from outside the airport as you exit after arrivals. Not all taxi drivers will speak English, so it is advised to have the hostel address written down to advise them. We recommend to change some currency into Tajikistan Somoni in the airport at a bureau de change. The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
-
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.
-
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
Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
Sunday - Sunday
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
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.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."