Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan Combo

Arrive in Almaty, surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains, and enjoy a relaxed start to your journey.
Discover Almaty’s highlights, from Zhenkov’s Cathedral to bustling bazaars and panoramic views from Kok Tobe.
Explore ancient Tamgaly’s UNESCO-listed petroglyphs before boarding an overnight train to historic Taraz.
Visit Taraz’s Silk Road landmarks and experience the natural beauty of Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve.
Cross into Uzbekistan to uncover Tashkent’s cultural treasures and Samarkand’s majestic Registan Square.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,224 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,224 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Almaty

DAY

Exploring Almaty

DAY

Almaty to Tamgaly & Taraz by Overnight Train

DAY

Taraz to the Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve

DAY

Aksu to Zhabagly & Shymkent

DAY

Shymkent to Samarkand

DAY

Excursion to Tashkent

DAY

Exploring Samarkhand

DAY

Depart from Samarkhand

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Almaty

Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Meet on arrival and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Almaty

Your Accommodation

Rahat Palace Hotel

Rahat Palace Hotel is conveniently located near the city center with stunning views of the Tien Shan mountains. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, an indoor pool, a fitness center and multiple dining options.

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DAY

Exploring Almaty

Enjoy a full day tour of Almaty, a city with some interesting Russian architectural buildings surrounded by the Tienshan Mountains. Visit Panfilov Park, Zhenkov's Holy Ascension Cathedral, the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, the State Museum of Kazakhstan, the Central Mosque of Almaty and either Zeelyoni Bazaar or the Green Bazaar. In the evening drive to Kok Tyube to take a gondola ride to a panoramic view point of the city.

Multi Day Tour

Almaty

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Rahat Palace Hotel

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DAY

Almaty to Tamgaly & Taraz by Overnight Train

Embark on a day excursion to Tamgaly, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a vast hill, featuring numerous rock engravings dating from the 2nd millennium BC to the 20th century. The most remarkable are the Bronze and Iron Age petroglyphs, including solar symbols like the sun disc, depictions of animals such as ibexes, horses, and unicorns, as well as human figures engaged in ritual dances and tribal symbols from the Scythian period. A guided tour of this unique and significant site will provide insights into its historical importance. (approx. drive is 2.5 hours in each direction) In the afternoon, we return to Almaty for our overnight train journey to Taraz. Overnight: Train

Multi Day Tour

Almaty to Tamgaly to Taraz

Meal

Breakfast

DAY

Taraz to the Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve

Arrive in Taraz in the morning and transfer to a hotel restaurant for breakfast and to refresh. Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan and it was a major trade centre along the Silk Road. Take a short city tour of Taraz visiting the Museum of Taraz and Aisha Bibi mausoleum. Then travel to Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve, where you will overnight (approx. 2 hour drive).

Multi Day Tour

Taraz to Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Aksu-Zhabagly Guest House

In the village of Zhabagly the house is designed to receive 11 people. The house in the mountains is designed to receive 10 tourists. There is a Kazakh national yurt. On the territory there is a place for camping. Installation of a tent in the territory of 1500 tenge + 1500 tenge per night per person. The campsite has a kitchen for tourists, 2 showers and 2 bathrooms.

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DAY

Aksu to Zhabagly & Shymkent

Morning walking tour of Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve, the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. The reserve is home to over a 1000 species of plants and over 50 species of mammals, including the rare snow leopard, and the Tien-Shan bear. Afterwards, travel to Shymkent city, once a soviet industrial town (approx. 2 hour drive).

Multi Day Tour

Aksu-Zhabagly to Shymkent

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Aidana Plaza Hotel

Aidana Plaza Hotel features stylish rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, conference facilities, and a spa, ensuring a comfortable stay.

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DAY

Shymkent to Samarkand

Take a full day excursion. Visit the ancient settlement of Otrar where you can see remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses. The site was first excavated in 1969 with a history dating back to the first century AD. It is also where Genghis Khan's army is said to have fought heroically (though unsuccessfully) when the Mongols first invaded Central Asia. Then proceed to Turkestan to visit the Mausoleum of Khawaja Ahmed Yasawi, Kazakhstan's most iconic building. Built by Tamerlane, it is said that three visits here are equal to one visit to Mecca. Return to your hotel in Shymkent. Approx. driving time Shymkent to Otrar (2 hrs), Otrar to Turkestan (1.5 hrs), and Turkestan to Shymkent (2.5 hrs).

Multi Day Tour

Shymkent (Otrar and Turkestan)

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Aidana Plaza Hotel

Aidana Plaza Hotel features stylish rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, conference facilities, and a spa, ensuring a comfortable stay.

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DAY

Excursion to Tashkent

Cross the border into Uzbekistan and then transfer to the capital city of Tashkent (approx. 2 hr drive). Tashkent is one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Take a sightseeing tour around the city to visit the old town, Khast Imom Complex, Kukeldash Madrassah, Friendship Square, Independent Square and Museum of Applied Arts. After the tour take the train to Samarkand together with your guide (train time is approx. 3 hrs). Arrive at in Samarkand in the late evening and transfer to your hotel.

Multi Day Tour

Shymkent to Tashkent to Samarkand

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Grand Samarkand

Set in the heart of Samarkand, our hotels offers Uzbek and European cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Old Town district and Registan Square are within a 10-minute drive. Grand Samarkand Restaurants is decorated with traditional Uzbek rugs and serves Uzbek and European cuisine. A wide range of wines and fine drinks is offered at the bar. Both Samarkand Airport and Samarkand Train Station are an 8-minute drive from Hotels Grand Samarkand Superior. A shuttle service is available for an extra fee, and free on-site parking is also offered.

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DAY

Exploring Samarkhand

Take a full day city tour of Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road cities. Samarkand was greatly admired for its gardens and vegetation and was a flourishing city during the Silk Road period. The city has a very interesting history having been invaded by Macedonians under Alexander the Great, and by the Mongols and was also visited by Marco Polo. Visit the Shakh-i-Zinda mausoleum including monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries and architecture from the Timurid dynasty. Also visit Registan Square, the great central square of Samarkand, the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Afrosiab Museum, Ulugbek's Observatory and the Silk Road bazaar. Drive to Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane to watch the sunset over the blue dome (weather permitting). In the evening return to Registan Square to see the illuminated madrassahs.

Multi Day Tour

Samarkand

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Grand Samarkand

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DAY

Depart from Samarkhand

Day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Multi Day Tour

Samarkand Departure

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Almaty, set against the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, offers Cental Asia's best selection of shops, markets and restaurants

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tamgaly, Kazakhstan

The ancient city of Otrar was among the most celebrated cities along the Silk Road

Otrar on the Silk Road

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

SamarkandMostly Sunny

40°C / 104°F

0mm / 0.0"

AlmatyMostly Sunny

38°C / 100°F

7mm / 0.3"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,224 Reviews

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Our Agent Katie Stephenson is what made this trip amazing...!! I mean the trip was great in itself...!! Katie worked with me planning a getaway to Australia for my wife's 60th b-day... After going through a few dates and activities...I realized Our passports were going to be expired a few days before...!! Katie helped us get them expedited...She changed dates and activities to fit out 2 weeks I planned...I moved the dates a few times & Katie adjusted... Katies availability and response time we great. Whether it was via email, phone she was available.... even with time difference she would get back at a good time... So, my wife and I had an amazing time..Melbourne then on to Cairns and lastly Sydney...!! Katie planned morning excursions...1/2 day trips and full day trips...we had a blast..!! I am grateful to Katie for working with me and making this trip an amazing experience. Katie & GoWay Travel reps. were available even while we were in Australia.. Great time, great experience and Katie was a huge part in making it happen...Thank you for an amazing time Katie/GoWay Travel..RSE- Development Corp

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I was looking at a month holiday in New Zealand and Australia and Natasa Jaric who is located in the Toronto area helped to make it happened by combining 2 already designed holidays in Oceania. From the beginning to the end, Natasa was "hands on" by explaining and providing everything I needed for our trip. During our trip, there were few bumps on the road that had nothing to do with Goway Travel as it was the airline company that cancelled our scheduled flight and created chaos. And the other problems (they were light) was because of the way hotels described their rooms. It should definitely be better worded! Db to me means double bed ... what does it mean to you? ;-) Anyhow, we ended up having two beds but with some arguments at one hotel only. The others accommodated us at no extra cost. I should also add that NZ and Aus. know how to treat tourists. I was particularly impressed with the transfers services offered by different companies both in NZ and Aus. Wow! No waiting at the airports, hotels or terminals. They were there ready to pick us up and drive us where ever we needed to be! Well done!!! It's the kind of service that I will have a hard time not to use again as it comes with a $ sign but definitely worth spending it! :-). I received a very good response from the "Help office" when the flight was cancelled and other inquiries I had made. Very good service once again. I live quite a few experiences during that month and all thanks need to go to Natasa and her team. So Natasa: Thank you very very much for a very well organized travel! Carole Ouellet

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My Wife and I finally had an opportunity to go on one of our Bucket list trips Goway Travel, Egypt Odyssey 9 days including the Nile river .The booking process was seamless,the Goway rep Harpreet answered all of questions, in a professional, and timely manner, the trip it self was incredible, the meet and greet at the airport was incredibly quick,the rep Mohammed Koda,had our luggage and visas in no time we were at the Sheraton Cairo, an amazing hotel in the heart of Cairo, a wonderful facility, 3 amazing restaurants ,a large pool, a bank, and a Starbucks .The Pyramids and Museum tour where incredible WOW, we still talk about it, the guide Marco was amazing, professional and personable gentleman an excellent combination. The shuttle to airport for the Nile river Luxor to Aswan was also very smooth, when arriving in Luxor another rep was waiting for us,we were quickly ,taken to the docks, the Sonesta boat was amazing ,the cabin was clean a good size, and the food very good, with excellent deserts and plenty of fresh fruits, pool with plenty of shade .Our daily trips to the tombs and sites were amazing, our guide Mr Honey is an incredible book of knowledge we are both very grateful for his skills and knowledge .The Nile river trip will stay in our minds for years, we returned back to Cairo to finish our Egypt Odyssey trip with a tour of the original Museum ,such incredible history, and an incredible trip ,thank you so much Goway Travel for making this dream trip happen for us Tony and Rose Ferreira sharkman Tony

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This was my first time planning a tour wth Goway Travel. I am truly delighted with the professionalism and personal relationship I had with the Goway Travel consultant Christine. She gave attention to every details I requested to curate my tour to Hong Kong and Bali. She addressed all my needs, answered thoroughly my questions and concerns. She is a touch of class in every respect. I will definitely recommend Goway Travel group. Excellent Hotels. Perfect guides in both countries. LE Asia Tour

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Ingrid did a phenomenal job creating a 22 day trip beginning in with 3 days in Turkey, that included a Turkish Bath and a private tour of the mosques, we then took a 10 day cruise through the Mediterranean, Greece, Croatia, plus a couple of other stops. We got off the cruise in Ravenna Italy our transportation was spot on picking us up (I would have to stay all of our transportation was impressive, always there, on time, very helpful) we traveled from Ravenna to Venice where we stayed for two nights. Venice is the only place we had a hiccup, we weren't sure if someone was meeting us at our Hotel to take us to the water taxi to get to the train station, we figured it out, made the train and all was good. Traveled to Florence, had the best time there with one of our most favorite excusions, stayed in Florence for two nights and then completed our trip with three nights in Rome. Rome is BUSY, I was not prepared for that but should of expected it. This is our second big trip planning through Goway Travel, I can not recommend enough, they are so detailed and take care of everything you need and everything you didn't know you needed. Paula Hall-Keefe

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The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison H

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Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

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Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

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A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

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I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri