Cadabra Lite: Secrets of Central Asia

Departure from Manila.

Upon arrival at Manas Airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to the capital city. Early check-in at the hotel is included.

After breakfast, we drive 40 km to the picturesque Ala Archa National Park, one of the most beautiful areas near Bishkek, known for its fresh mountain air, dense coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed rivers. Enjoy a scenic cable car rid through the forest, and at the viewpoint, take in the peaceful mountain atmosphere and the scent of juniper and fir trees.

We then return to Bishkek for lunch at a restaurant, followed by a visit to the city's centra Ala Too Square. Dinner will be at a restaurant, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full day of adventure toward Issyk-Kul Lake, the largest lake in Kyrgzstan and the second-largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca, located at 1,600 meters and surrounded by majestic mountains. Along the way, we stop at Burana Tower to explore its archaeological complex and enjoy panoramic views of the Chuy Valley, followed by lunch at a local guesthouse or cafe.

We then visit Kyzyl Tuu, known for its traditional yurt craftsmanship, where we learn about the construction and cultural significance of yurts in nomadic life. The day ends with dinner, a folk show, and an overnight stay at a Yurt Camp on the south shore of the lake.

After breakfast at the Yurt Camp, we meet a local eagle hunter and witness this ancient Kyrgyz tradition through a live demonstration, learning about the deep bond between hunter and bird of prey. We then continue to Jety Oguz Gorge, whose name means "Seven Bulls", and hike to a panoramic viewpoint for scenic canyon views.

After lunch at a cozy guesthouse, we proceed to Karakol to visit the Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional dinner with a local Dungan family, experience their rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality.

After breakfast, we transfer to Tepke, for an immersive visit to Reina Kench, where a member of this remarkable farming family guides us through their estate, sharing their vision and projects.

Lunch is served in a beautifully converted barn restaurant, featuring organic specialties from their farm. In the afternoon, we experience a live demonstration of Kok Boru, showcasing impressive horsemanship and cultural heritage.

We then return to Karakol for some free time at the hotel, followed by dinner at a restaurant and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we head toward the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border at Kegen and continue to Kolsay Lakes, where we enjoy a peaceful walk around the first lake surrounded by pine forests and scenic mountain landscapes. We then travel by Russian SUV to Kaindy Lake, known for its striking turquoise waters and submerged forest, taking time ti explore and admire the unique views.

In the late afternoon, we drive to Saty, check in at a local hotel, and enjoy dinner with an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we head to Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan's most remarkable natural wonders, often called the "Grand Canyon's little brother." In the Valley of Castles, we explore striking red rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion, walking 2 km down to the river and back. We then continue our journey to Almaty for dinner at a restaurant and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After a morning transfer to Almaty International Airport, we fly to Tashkent, where we are met by out guide upon arrival. We begin exploring the city's historic heart with visits to the Khast-Imam Complex and Independence Square, followed by the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, known for its spices, textiles, handicrafts, and local delicacies.

The tour also include a visit the beautifully designed Tashkent Metro, famous for its artistic station, before returning to the hotel. Meal include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After breakfast, we transfer to the train statin and take a morning train to Samarkand, arriving mi-morning. The tour begins with a visit to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur, followed by the iconic Registan Square, featuring the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tillo-Kori madrasan. We continue to the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once the largest in Central Asia, and explore the vibrant Siyob Bazaar. Then, we return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to the train station and board the train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for lunch, followed by free time to explore or relax at your leisure. Int the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for your departure flight back to Manila.

Arrival in Manila.