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14-Day Overland Adventure Across Central Asia: Almaty, Bishkek, Dushanbe, and Tashkent

Viewed by 600 travelers

Day 1: Explore Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Central

Begin your trip with a traditional Kazakh breakfast at this popular spot known for fresh pastries and strong coffee. It's open from 8am.
KZT1500, 1h

9:45am

Visit Zenkov Cathedral and Panfilov Park

Marvel at the colourful wooden cathedral in the heart of Panfilov Park, a symbol of Almaty’s architecture and history. Open all day and free entry.
KZT0, 1h30m

11:30am

Kok Tobe Hill

Take the cable car to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and mountains. Open 10am–10pm, cable car ticket costs around KZT3500.
KZT3500, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Gakku Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kazakh cuisine such as beshbarmak at this well-reviewed restaurant open 12pm–3pm.
KZT2500, 1h

3:00pm

Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments

Explore Kazakhstan’s rich musical heritage through unique exhibits. Open 9am–6pm, closed Monday.
KZT1000, 1h

4:30pm

Walk along Arbat Street

Experience local art, crafts, and street performances on this lively pedestrian street.
KZT0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew

Relax with hearty steak and traditional drinks in this charming brewery and restaurant, open until 11pm.
KZT3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Travel to Bishkek

Almaty to Bishkek, Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a light breakfast to prepare for the border crossing and travel day.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Bus/Minibus to Bishkek

Take a direct minibus or shared taxi from Almaty to Bishkek; the journey takes approximately 4 hours including border crossing.
KZT2500, 4h

12:30pm

Arrival and check-in in Bishkek hotel

Settle into your accommodation before heading out to explore the city centre.
Varies, 1h

2:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Faiza

Try Kyrgyz traditional dishes like lagman noodles or manty dumplings. Open 10am–10pm.
KGS300, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ala-Too Square and State History Museum

Explore Kyrgyzstan’s history and politics in the central square and adjacent museum, open 10am–6pm except Monday.
KGS200, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk in Oak Park

Relax with a stroll in one of the city’s leafy parks, free and open all day.
KGS0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Arzu

Dine on local Central Asian specialties in a family-run restaurant open until 10pm.
KGS400, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bishkek Culture & Nature

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Storia Coffee

Enjoy excellent coffee and freshly baked goods in this popular café open from 8am.
KGS250, 1h

9:45am

Day trip to Ala Archa National Park

Drive 40km south of Bishkek to this scenic national park for hiking and nature viewing. Park is open sunrise to sunset, entry approx KGS200.
KGS200 plus transport ~KGS1500, 5h

3:00pm

Return to Bishkek & rest

After the nature trip, take some time to relax at the hotel or explore nearby markets.
KGS0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Plov Lounge

Sample regional plov (pilaf) and other Uzbek-Kyrgyz fusion dishes open till 11pm.
KGS500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Dushanbe

Bishkek to Dushanbe, Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and packing

Prepare for the longer journey south towards Dushanbe crossing mountainous terrain and international borders.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Minibus/Shared taxi to Dushanbe

This overland trip may take 10-12 hours including border formalities; expect a full travel day with stunning scenery en route.
KGS3500 + TJS border fees (minimal), 12h

8:00pm

Check-in and light dinner

Upon arrival, settle in and have a light meal at the hotel or nearby café to rest from the long journey.
TJS50, 1h
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Day 5: Dushanbe Highlights

Dushanbe, Tajikistan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dushanbe Coffee

Start your day with excellent coffee and local pastries in a trendy café, open from 7:30am.
TJS20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rudaki Park and National Museum of Tajikistan

Relax in Dushanbe’s large central park and explore Tajik history and culture in the nearby museum, open 9am–5pm except weekends.
TJS15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tandoor Restaurant

Sample traditional Tajik cuisine, especially shurbo soup and qurutob. Open 11am–3pm.
TJS40, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Haji Yakoub Mausoleum and Somonids Complex

Tour one of Tajikistan’s most significant historic sites with classic Islamic architecture. Open daylight hours, free entry.
TJS0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Green Bazaar

Immerse yourself in local market life with fresh produce, carpets, and handicrafts, open until 7pm.
TJS0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rokhat Restaurant

Enjoy a lively atmosphere and traditional dishes with possible live music. Open until 11pm.
TJS60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Dushanbe to Tashkent

Dushanbe to Tashkent, Tajikistan to Uzbekistan on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and prepare for travel

Fuel up early with breakfast and check your documents for border crossing as you head to Uzbekistan.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Bus or shared taxi to Tashkent

Journey is approximately 8-10 hours overland through mountainous border, so prepare for scenic but lengthy travel.
TJS200 + UZS border fees approx, 10h

6:00pm

Check-in and dinner

Arrive in Tashkent, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel or nearby restaurant.
UZS80000, 1h
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Day 7: Explore Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at B&B Cafe

Start with a hearty breakfast offering international and Uzbek fare; open from 7:30am.
UZS50000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Khast Imam Complex

Explore this religious complex, home to the famous Uthman Qur’an. Open 8am–6pm, free entry.
UZS0, 1h30m

11:15am

Chorsu Bazaar

Dive into the vibrant local market atmosphere to see spices, textiles, and fresh produce. Open 7am–7pm.
UZS0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Plov Center

Taste Uzbekistan’s signature dish plov at this popular local spot open daily.
UZS60000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Amir Timur Museum and Independence Square

See impressive monuments dedicated to historic figures and Uzbek independence, open 9am–6pm.
UZS15000, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll in Alisher Navoi National Park

Relax with a gentle walk in this green city park, perfect for unwinding before dinner.
UZS0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Caravan

Enjoy traditional Uzbek cuisine in a beautiful setting featuring live music, open until 10pm.
UZS80000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Tashkent and surroundings

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Bean

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries to start your day, open 7am onwards.
UZS40000, 45m

9:00am

Day trip to Chimgan Mountains

Travel approx 80km to the Chimgan mountain resort for hiking, nature, and stunning views. Open all day; transport around UZS150000 round trip.
UZS150000, 6h

3:30pm

Return to Tashkent & relax

Rest after the excursion before evening plans.
UZS0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Central Asia

Dine on modern Uzbek dishes in a stylish atmosphere, open until 11pm.
UZS70000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Almaty

Tashkent to Almaty, Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and prepare for travel

Final breakfast and packing before heading back north to Almaty by overland route.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Bus or shared taxi back to Almaty

This northbound journey will take roughly 10 hours with border crossing, so pack snacks and water.
UZS120000 + KZT border fees approx, 10h

6:00pm

Check-in and rest

Arrive back into Almaty, check into your hotel and relax after the long trip.
Varies, Rest of day
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Day 10: Almaty Museums & Bazaar

Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Home

Start with fresh coffee and a selection of pastries in this well-rated café open from 8am.
KZT1500, 1h

9:45am

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Discover Kazakhstan’s history and culture in this vast museum, open 10am–6pm, closed Monday.
KZT600, 2h

12:00pm

Green Bazaar

Buy local produce, spices, and souvenirs in the bustling covered market, open till 6pm.
KZT0, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Zheti Kazyna

Enjoy traditional Kazakh dishes in a cosy setting, open 12pm–4pm.
KZT3000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Almaty Tower

See panoramic city views from the observation deck; tower open 10am–8pm. Entry fee around KZT2000.
KZT2000, 1h

5:00pm

Relax in Kok Tobe Park

Visit one more time for a relaxed evening stroll or coffee as you reflect on your trip.
KZT0, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Navat

Savour Uzbek-Kazakh fusion dishes and enjoy traditional music in this popular restaurant, open till 11pm.
KZT4000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Almaty

Day 11: Day trip to Big Almaty Lake

Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a hotel breakfast before heading out for nature.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Excursion to Big Almaty Lake

Take a short drive 25km south to this stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for hiking and photography. Open daylight hours, entry approx KZT500.
KZT500 + transport approx KZT3000, 5h

3:00pm

Return to Almaty & rest

Return to the city for a relaxing afternoon.
KZT0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bar 12

Unwind with international cuisine and drinks at this atmospheric venue, open till midnight.
KZT4500, 1h30m
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Day 12: Optional Rest or Shopping Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 4, 2025

9:00am

Relaxed breakfast at hotel

Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast included with your accommodation.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Visit Esentai Mall

Shop or browse luxury brands and local boutiques in this modern mall open 10am–10pm.
Varies, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Caruso Café

Try European-inspired dishes in a relaxed atmosphere open till 3pm for lunch service.
KZT3000, 1h

3:00pm

Optional spa or rest

Treat yourself to a spa session or take time to rest before your journey ends.
Varies, 3h

7:00pm

Casual dinner at Line Brew Pub

Enjoy your last night in Almaty with a relaxed dinner and local beer.
KZT4000, 1h30m
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Day 13: Departure Day

Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy one final breakfast locally before packing up.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Pack and check-out

Prepare your belongings and check out for your onward journey.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Transport to train/bus station or airport

Depending on your departure plan, travel to your next destination.
Varies, Variable
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