Welcome to Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan!

Kirchoff Fitness Adventures provides a once in a lifetime experience in global travel which will not only challenge your body but will open your mind and soul to other cultures. Our commitment to getting you physically prepared along with giving back to the local communities around the world guarantee that when you travel with Kirchoff Fitness Adventures you will have a truly unique experience whether you are trekking in Nepal, or Cycling in Vietnam, hiking in Peru, kayaking in Croatia, doing yoga on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey, or climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Experience the heart of the Silk Road with this 14-day, 13-night adventure through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. From the glittering blue domes of Samarkand to the alpine pastures of the Tien Shan mountains, this journey offers a rare blend of culture, history, and hiking. Explore UNESCO World Heritage cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, then cross into the nomadic lands of Kyrgyzstan for multi-day treks, yurt stays, and stunning alpine lakes. This expedition is perfect for the curious, fit, and adventurous traveler!

Highlights Include:

  • Explore the historic, UNESCO-honored cities of Bukhara, and Samarkand
  • Discover the spectacular architecture of the Timurid dynasty
  • Experience the 4,000-year-old art of Golden Eagle hunting at Lake Issyk-Kul
  • Encounter the rich nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan, with opportunities to interact with local people and experience their traditions.
  • Hike in diverse landscapes, including gorges, valleys, alpine meadows (jailoos), and stunning lakes.

Activity Level Requirements:

  • THIS IS AN ACTIVE ADVENTURE.
  • Hike 4-8 hours daily through mountain terrain, sometimes over 10,000 feet elevation.
  • Carry a 20L daypack with essentials.
  • Sleep in tents and yurts on multiple nights.
  • Be prepared for variable weather and high-altitude conditions.

Length: 13 nights/14 days

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DAY DATE LOCATION / ACTIVITY
Day 00 Sat, Sep 12, 2026 USA Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Day 01 Sun, Sep 13, 2026 Arrival to Tashkent
Welcome Dinner
Day 02 Mon, Sep 14, 2026 Tashkent Samarkand
Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Day 03 Tue, Sep 15, 2026 Samarkand Bukhara
Guided walk through Bukara, Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque
Day 04 Wed, Sep 16, 2026 Bukhara Tashkent
Ancient Ark Citadel, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum
Day 05 Thu, Sep 17, 2026 Tashkent Bishkek
Flight to Bishkek
Day 06 Fri, Sep 18, 2026 Ala Archa National Park
Hiking
Day 07 Sat, Sep 19, 2026 Bishkek Burana Tower Chon Kemin
Drive to Burana Tower, Explore Burana Tower and walk Tar Suu Village
Day 08 Sun, Sep 20, 2026 Con Kemin Kalmak Ashuu
Hiking
Day 09 Mon, Sep 21, 2026 Kalmak Ashuu Balykchy Bokonbaev
Hiking
Day 10 Tue, Sep 22, 2026 Bokonbaevo Jazu Kechu Pasture
Hiking
Day 11 Wed, Sep 23, 2026 Jazou Kechuu Bokonbaev
Hiking
Day 12 Thu, Sep 24, 2026 Bokonbaev Son Koul
Eagle Hunter, Drive to Son Kul - local crafts
Day 13 Fri, Sep 25, 2026 Son Koul Bishkek
Drive to Bishkek, Souvenir shopping, Farewell Dinner
Day 14 Sat, Sep 26, 2026 Departure to USA

Tour Summary: Itinerary in Brief

DAY 00 | SAT, SEP 12, 2026

USA TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN

Travel from USA to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

DAY 01 | SUN, SEP 13, 2026

Dinner

Hotel Art Deluxe or similar

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

ARRIVAL IN TASHKENT

Upon arrival in Uzbekistan’s capital city, Tashkent, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, you may wish to explore your surroundings or simply relax. Tashkent, a city where Soviet-era architecture coexists with ancient Islamic heritage, offers wide boulevards, tree-lined avenues, and bustling markets. In the evening, we gather for a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy your first taste of Uzbekistan’s rich culinary traditions, including plov, shashlik, and fresh Uzbek bread.

DAY 02 | MON, SEP 14, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Jahongir Premium or similar

Registan Square

TASHKENT SAMARKAND

After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board a high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours through the fertile plains of the Zarafshan River valley. Upon arrival in Samarkand, one of the most illustrious cities of the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, begin your exploration with Registan Square, framed by the grand madrasahs of Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori, adorned with blue-tiled facades and intricate mosaics. Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where Timur (Tamerlane) lies in a richly decorated chamber. Continue to the sprawling Siyab Bazaar to observe daily life and shop for local spices, nuts, and silk goods. Conclude the afternoon at the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.

DAY 03 | TUE, SEP 15, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Mercure Bukhara Old Town or similar

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

SAMARKAND BUKHARA

After breakfast, depart for Bukhara by private vehicle. The scenic drive covers approximately 270 kilometers and takes about 4.5 hours, offering glimpses of small rural towns and expansive desert landscapes. Upon arrival in Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its preserved medieval architecture, enjoy lunch at a local teahouse. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the heart of the old city. Stroll around the tranquil Lyabi-Hauz pond surrounded by centuries-old madrassahs, and explore the historic Trading Domes where silk, carpets, and jewelry have been exchanged for centuries. Visit the towering Kalon Minaret and the adjacent Kalon Mosque, as well as the twin madrassahs of Abdul Aziz Khan and Ulugbek. In the evening, enjoy dinner with traditional Bukharan music or at a family-run guest restaurant.

DAY 04 | WED, SEP 16, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Art Deluxe or similar

Ancient Ark Citadel

BUKHARA TASHKENT

Begin the day with a visit to the ancient Ark Citadel, the former royal residence of Bukhara’s emirs, and continue to the nearby Bolo Hauz Mosque, known for its elegant wooden columns reflected in the tranquil waters of the adjacent pool. Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a 10th-century architectural gem built from intricately baked bricks, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, linked to local legends of healing waters. If time allows, visit the Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the Emir’s summer palace, which showcases a fusion of Russian and Central Asian design. Enjoy lunch before boarding the afternoon high-speed train back to Tashkent (approximately 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a final Uzbek dinner celebrating the cultural depth of the Silk Road.

DAY 05 | THU, SEP 17, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4-Star Hotel (Solutel Hotel
or similar)

Tashkent

TASHKENT FLIGHT TO BISHKEK

Spend the morning at your leisure—stroll through a nearby park, visit a local tea house, or shop for last-minute souvenirs. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival at Manas Airport in Bishkek, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the capital.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at one of Bishkek’s finest restaurants, where you’ll enjoy an authentic taste of Kyrgyz cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.

DAY 06 | FRI, SEP 18, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4-Star Hotel (Solutel Hotel
or similar)

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK BISHKEK

After breakfast at your hotel in Bishkek, embark on a scenic drive to Ala Archa National Park, located just 30 kilometers from the city. Nestled in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range of the Tien Shan mountains, this national park offers a dramatic alpine landscape with over 50 mountain peaks, gorges, and glacier-fed rivers. Enjoy a 5–6 hour round-trip hike through pine forests and wildflower meadows, culminating in a waterfall viewpoint surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Return to Bishkek in the afternoon for a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 07 | SAT, SEP 19, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kemin Guesthouse or similar

Burana Tower

BISHKEK BURANA TOWER CHON KEMIN

Depart Bishkek after breakfast and head east toward the Chuy Valley. En route, visit the 11th-century Burana Tower, the remnants of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun, featuring an impressive minaret, stone sculptures (balbals), and an open-air museum. Continue to the lush Chon Kemin Valley, a region renowned for its biodiversity, alpine forests, and traditional Kyrgyz farming communities. After lunch, explore the village of Tar Suu on foot and learn about rural life in the valley. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Chon Kemin.

DAY 08 | SUN, SEP 20, 2026

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight in tents

Chon-Kemin Valley

CHON KEMIN KALMAK ASHUU CAMP

Begin your mountain adventure with a full day of trekking. Depart the guesthouse and hike through open pastures and coniferous woodlands toward the high alpine meadows of Akkytay. Stop for a scenic picnic lunch overlooking the Chon Kemin Valley. In the afternoon, continue ascending to your campsite at 2,700 meters (8858 ft), just below the Kalmak Ashuu Pass-3,500 meters (11,483 ft ). Settle into your tent and share stories around the campfire over a hearty dinner prepared by your trekking team.

Hiking duration: 7–8 hours

DAY 09 | MON, SEP 21, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Emily Guesthouse or similar

Issyk Kul Lake

KALMAK ASHUU BALYKCHY BOKONBAEV

Wake up to crisp mountain air and break camp after breakfast. Begin
your descent toward the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, taking in sweeping views of the vast alpine basin. Pause along the way for a lakeside picnic. In the Balykchy region, meet your driver and transfer to the village of Bokonbaev, known for its eagle hunting traditions and artisan culture. Relax at your guesthouse, followed by dinner served in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt.

Hiking duration: 6–7 hours

DAY 10 | TUE, SEP 22, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shepherds Yurt

Kyrgyzstan Grasslands

BOKONBAEV JAZU KECHUU PASTURE

After breakfast, drive to Kara Tumshuk village where your guide awaits. Begin your 15-kilometer trek -580 meters elevation gain (1903 ft), 4–5 hours) toward the serene jailoo (high pasture) of Jazu Kechuu. Enjoy a picnic surrounded by expansive grasslands and mountain panoramas. Reach your destination by late afternoon and spend the night in a shepherd’s yurt under star-filled skies. This is a chance to experience the rhythms of nomadic life in its most authentic form.

Hiking Duration: 4–5 hours

DAY 11 | WED, SEP 23, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Emily Guesthouse or similar

Issyk Kul Lake

JAZU KECHUU TASH-TAR ATA BOKONBAEV

Today’s trek (10 kilometers) takes you to the summit of Mount Tash-Tar Ata at approximately 3,600 meters (11,811 ft). Ascend through winding trails and grassy ridges before reaching the pass, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over Issyk Kul Lake and the distant Tian Shan peaks. Descend to the Boz-Salkyn pasture, an open expanse where you’ll meet herders grazing livestock. After a relaxing lunch in nature, rendezvous with your driver and return to Bokonbaev for the evening.

Elevation Gain: 390 meters (1,280 ft)

Descent: 915 meters (3,002 ft)

DAY 12 | THU, SEP 24, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Baiysh Yurt Camp or similar

Son-Kul

BOKONBAEV SON KUL LAKE

(250km, 4-5hr drive)
This morning, meet a skilled eagle hunter and learn about this ancient Central Asian tradition of training golden eagles for hunting. Then travel to Kochkor village, a hub for Kyrgyz handicrafts. Share lunch with a local family and watch artisans demonstrate felt making, a cornerstone of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. In the afternoon, drive to the stunning Song Kul Lake, located at 3,016 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, enjoy optional horseback riding or a short hike in the hills surrounding the lake. Spend the night in a yurt camp, with dinner prepared in traditional nomadic style.

DAY 13 | FRI, SEP 25, 2026

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Solutel Hotel or similar

SON KUL BISHKEK

(250km, 4-5hr drive)
After breakfast, depart Song Kul and retrace your journey through the Kalmak Ashuu Pass. Stop for a relaxed lunch in Boom Gorge, then continue to Bishkek. Upon arrival in the capital, enjoy time for shopping at local markets before joining your group for a festive farewell dinner. Reflect on your unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia.

DAY 14 | SAT, SEP 26, 2026

Breakfast

DEPARTURE FROM BISHKEK

After breakfast, transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight. Breakfast included.

Trip Inclusions & Exclusions

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

  • Private English-speaking guide
  • Kirchoff Fitness Tour Leader(s)
  • Group meetings and light hikes before
  • Accommodations as noted, based on double occupancy
  • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting to departure
  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All activities as indicated on itinerary
  • Applicable taxes

TOUR COST EXCLUDES:

  • International and Internal Flights
  • Additional hotel nights outside the trips
  • Gratuities for guides
  • Trip insurance
  • Other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
  • Any meals not specified after each itinerary day
  • Optional activities, airport departure taxes
  • Additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any)
  • Passports and visas

Arrival & Departure

ARRIVAL & MEETING PLACE

  • Meeting Place: Hotel Lobby. There will be a welcome dinner in the evening on Day 1
  • Date: September 13, 2026
  • Suggested Arrival Airport: Tashkent
    International Airport (TAS)
  • Many flights arrive in Tashkent in the early morning hours, so you may need to get an extra night hotel.

DEPARTURE

  • City: Bishkek
  • Date: September 26, 2026
  • Airport: Manas International Airport (FRU)
  • Suggested Date & Time: Day 14 anytime
  • Please note that check-out time on Day 14 is 12:00 pm.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from the trip.

There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 970-818-8459 in the US or Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito’s website at www.exitotravel.com.

Depending on your routing, it will be necessary for you to depart from the US one or two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. We recommend you arrive at least one night early so that you have a full day to recover from jet lag. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.

Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please forward a copy of your email flight confirmation from the airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.

Trip Cost & Payment Insurance

TRIP COST

  • $6,795 (12-15 members)
  • $7,145 (9-11 members)
  • $7,495 (6-8 members)

To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, please note additional costs will apply.

Single supplement: $700
Single supplement is only offered in hotels & guest houses

Internal Flights: Kirchoff Fitness will book your Flights (Day 5) You will receive an e-ticket for these flight prior to departure.

Airfare from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan: $200-$400
Subject to change

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

At time of reservation: $1,000 non-refundable down payment
90 days prior to departure: Balance Due

  • $5,795 (12-15 members)
  • $6,145 (9-11 members)
  • $6,495 (6-8 members)

CANCELLATION & TRANSFER FEE SCHEDULE

Minimum fee: $1,000 per person
91-150 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
90 days or less to departure: 100% of trip cost

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

Because the prices published for our program are set so far in advance of the trip dates, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases and/or currency fluctuations that affect the actual cost of running the trip. In most years, no price changes are necessary. However, we do reserve the right to raise or lower the trip price if there is a significant change in costs or exchange rates. If this is the case, your final invoice will reflect the difference in trip cost.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

MANDATORY EMERGENCY EVACUATION INSURANCE

Please note: Insurance for emergency medical evacuation is required for this trip. You can go through World Nomads or Travelex. You’ll need a policy that includes medical evacuation that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 per person. You can compare various options at www.insuremytrip.com.