Backpacking in Central Asia - Explore Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan for two months!

Hosted by

Omar

01 Jun 24 → 31 Jul 24

Guided trip

61 days

13 stops

2 - 5 Mates

Asia

I'm looking to form a group of like-minded travellers for an awesome adventure through Central Asia! My upcoming project is to travel from my hometown (Cairo, Egypt) around January 2024 all the way to Australia, without flying, visiting as much as possible on the way. Along the path are 'The Stans', countries with names ending in '-stan'. This is one of the regions I'm most excited about, and I invite you to join me in this incredible region with its raw beauty.

About me: I'm an adventurer who aims to live life to the fullest. Because I travel with spontaneity and flexibility, there are always crazy stories to tell with every trip, often friends tell me I should write a book :D My travels are all about living new experiences, positivity, connecting with the surrounding environment and making new friends :) I've been travelling full-time for over 2 years now around Europe, US & Latin America, and I'm inviting you to this next massive chapter :) If you're the adventurous type who likes being spontaneous, this might be the perfect trip for that ;) but if you like to plan everything in advance and you're uncomfortable with changing circumstances, unfortunately this trip might not be best suited for you. Although there's a general direction and high-level plan for the trip, we shouldn't deny ourselves the freedom to spontaneously discover new things on the way ;) so all the exact destinations and duration of stays listed here are only approximate and will definitely vary on the trip.

Accommodation: We'll be backpacking so mostly staying at hostels, guesthouses, Airbnb, yurts, camping, etc. which will fit our budget. It's highly unlikely that we stay in hotels (at least in the traditional sense that you know it). That means that most of the time we'll be staying in shared accommodations. It's preferred that you'd have already tried that and used to it. If you're as intrigued and excited as I am, or have any questions, feel free to reach out after reserving your spot or ask your question in the Q&A. I'd be happy to get in touch and find common ground. It is best to travel when you know your TripMates so of course we'll connect beforehand :) Also, let me know if you'd be interested to join other parts of the journey and I will create another trip option for you. The way I look at it is that it’s more of a team trip than a guided trip :) I’m generally happy to take the lead, but it’s normal to have many instances where we’ll agree on stuff as a team.

What's included?

Accommodation (shared)

Transportation

Food

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Asia - Khiva - Backpacking in Central Asia - Explore Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan for two months!

Asia - Aral Sea - Backpacking in Central Asia - Explore Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan for two months!

Asia - Bukhara - Backpacking in Central Asia - Explore Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan for two months! - 1

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Omar

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Just a guy who wants to make the most of his time in this life

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Khiva

Day 1-3

Khiva is one of those places that grabs your imagination and doesn’t let go. It’s a 14th century heritage site, amazingly well-preserved twist of alleyways, cobbled streets and a sprawling array of mosques, mausoleums and minarets.

Aral Sea

Day 3-5

Experience one of the worst environmental disasters in Central Asia, driving across a dried lake bed with its graveyards of ships, and wonder if the once vast lake can ever be restored. Visit Moynak, its once important port town, on what was the world’s fourth-largest saline lake.

Bukhara

Day 5-7

One of the best kept examples of a medieval city in Central Asia, Bukhara is truly a living museum, but one that bustles with life too. The old city is packed full of ancient Islamic architecture, lending a dusty old-world feel.

Kyzyl Kum Safari Yurt Camp

Day 7-9

Uzbekistan’s desert expanse is a mesmerising stretch of sand that ripples its way towards the horizon as far as the eye can see. Here, we can overnight in yurts, living as the nomadic locals do; visit Lake Aydarkul to fish for your campfire-cooked dinner; learn to play traditional music; sing under the stars; and ride in a caravan of camels.

Samarkand

Day 9-11

There is no city more synonymous with the Silk Road’s former majesty than oh-so-grand Samarkand. Former historic quarters have now made way for modern, Soviet-style avenues, while the enormous ‘Registan’ central square glints with polished architecture in gleaming gold, emerald and turquoise.

Tashkent

Day 11-13

We head out to explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which has been on this site for over 2000 years. This is the kind of stop where we can also have a rest day or 2. Nearby is also a beautiful day hike in Gulkam Canyon.

Ala Archa National Park

Day 13-18

If hiking’s your thing, you will enter this national park and never want to leave. Watched over by the 4,000m+ peaks, it is a captivating expanse of rugged rise and fall alongside huge glacial canyons.

Lake Issyk

Day 18-23

We'll make a stop in Almaty, which is Kazakhstan's previous capital. Then we explore this stunning turquoise lake, surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, on day trips from Almaty or en route to the neighbouring national park.

Altyn Emel National Park

Day 23-25

This national park is known for its “singing dunes” which whistle when the wind blows. It has been compared to the Grand Canyon thanks to its dramatic and colourful rock formations, including the impressive “Valley of Castles.”

Karakol

Day 25-37

Our first stop in Kyrgyzstan is this city, where you can Alpine trek, climb mountains and ski throughout the year. There's a lot of beautiful nature around such as: 7 Bulls Rock, Issyk Kul, Aksay Canyon, sleeping in yurts on Kol'ukok or Song-Kul.

Kashgar Prefecture

Day 37-39

We briefly make our way into China, as I just recently found out there are Muslim communities and cities there. I never thought there would be in China. This is more of a cultural stop on our trip, nestled in between "nature stops".

Pamir Mountains

Day 39-47

The Pamir Mountains are one of those mind-blowing places designed for the true adventure seekers. The secluded mountain range is the highest region of Tajikistan and offers amazing trekking routes at altitudes above 4000 meters.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Day 47-61

We head south into northern Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan is a high-mountains area and its natural environment is usually described with superlatives – the longest glaciers outside of the polar region, home of the world’s second-highest peak (K2) and four more eight-thousanders, you get the picture. So many things to see here like: Hunza Valley, Fairy Meadows, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, Passu suspension bridge, Passu Glacier (anything with Passu in its name basically haha).