Journeys: Through the Heart of the Stans

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. Park Hotel Bishkek

Get to know the capital of Kyrgyzstan better on a guided tour. See the highlights of the city like Ala-Too Square, the Paramount Kyrgyz Republic Flag, the Manas Statue of the hero of Kyrgyzstan and the Eternal Flame in Victory Square. Explore the Kyrgyz National History Museum alongside a local guide. As one of the most important museums in Central Asia, experience the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people with artifacts and sculptures that date back to 1st century. Opt to hike to the Broken Heart Stone in Ala Archa National Park. Indulge in a 3 course meal alongside the friendly Kyrgyz hosts at a family dinner to connect with and learn about Kyrgyz culture, lifestyles, and cuisine. Park Hotel Bishkek

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Enjoy an intimate and delicious local lunch in the family home of a local Dungan family, of Chinese-Hui Muslim minority group. Learn about the history of their migration, their tradition, and then try a traditional Dungan Chinese meal. Du besuchst die historische Stätte von Burana und steigst die Treppe hinauf, um die Aussicht oben vom Turm zu genießen. Von der einstigen Stadt Balasagun des 9. Jahrhunderts, rund 80 km von Bischkek entfernt, verbleiben heute nur noch ein großes Minarett, einige Grabsteine sowie Überreste einer Burg und eines Mausoleums. Join a lecture by a local professor from the National University of Kyrgyzstan for an incredible introduction to the Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs. These rock carvings, found on stones scattered across a 42-hectare site, represent Kyrgyzstan's rich history. The site is thought to have been a sacred area for ancient peoples, including the Saka-Usun tribes, who performed rituals and sacrifices to the sun god. Altyn Bulak Lakeside Resort

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Visit the family-run Reina Kench Horse Farm to learn about the importance of horses in nomadic Kyrgyz culture. Learn about life on the farm, the history of this special horse breed and their role on the farm today. Besuche ein faszinierendes Museum, das dem russischen Entdecker Nikolai Przhevalsky gewidmet ist. Das Museum bietet Einblicke in sein Leben und seine Reisen und zeigt einige der Flora- und Faunaarten, die in diesem Gebiet endemisch sind. Jump on a mini-bus and see what Karakol has to offer. Stop by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral to admire the unique architecture. This beautiful wooden church was built in 1895, after the old structure was destroyed by an earthquake, and is still used for services on Sundays. Next, visit the colourful Dungan Mosque originally built in 1910 that almost resembles a Buddhist temple. This is the only mosque in the area and definitely worth checking out. Hotel Oimo Karakol

Besuche die Ak-Orgo Werkstatt, ein von G Adventures unterstütztes Projekt, das sich für die Erhaltung der kirgisischen Traditionen und die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen in Barskoon einsetzt. Sieh zu, wie traditionelle Jurten gebaut werden und genieße ein ortstypisches Mittagessen mit der Gemeinde. Visit the stunning Seven Bulls in the Jety Oguz mountain area. Watch as the bright red sandstone seemingly changes color hues as the sun reflects off the unique rock formations. Visit the Broken Heart and learn the legend of the Stone. Have dinner with a local Cossack family and learn about their cuisine and ancestry to understand one of Central Asia’s lesser-known cultural groups. Hotel Oimo Karakol

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Hotel Kolsay Prestige

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Genieße den Anblick des wunderschönen Scharyn Canyon, tanke Frischluft und vergiss nicht, ein paar Fotos von dieser umwerfend schönen Landschaft zu machen. Renion Park Hotel

Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Almaty. Nimm an einer Stadtrundfahrt durch Almaty teil und besuche die schönsten Sehenswürdigkeiten, darunter die farbenfrohe Zenkov-Kathedrale, die ganz aus Holz ohne Nägel gebaut wurde, ein Erdbeben im Jahr 1911 überlebte und bis heute steht. Spaziere durch den Panfilov-Park und den historischen Teil der Stadt. Besuche den neuen Teil von Almaty, der als Unabhängigkeitsplatz bekannt ist, und mache einen Zwischenstopp am WWII Memorial. Renion Park Hotel

Schau! Da am Himmel! Ist es ein Vogel? Ist es ein Flugzeug? Es ist... ein Flugzeug! Was sonst? Take an orientation walk of Dushanbe to get the lay of the land. The Rumi Hotel

Visit the highlights of the capital city of Tajikistan on a guided tour, seeing the Somoniy Square, Navruz Palace and the main Mosque of Dushanbe. On the outskirts of Dushanbe lives one of the best preserved historical sites in the country: The Hisor Fortress. Built around 2500 years ago and strategically built on a hilltop, learn about its incredible history with a visit to Hisor Fortress. The Rumi Hotel

Connect with Tajikistan's unique history at the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan. Join a local archeologist and learn about Buddhism in Central Asia. Take a tour of the beautiful Tajik Almosi village to learn about the local customs and traditions. Head to the home of a local family for lunch. Together alongside our family hosts, we'll learn to make homemade bread from scratch. The Rumi Hotel

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually. Visit the city's highlights with a local guide. Ride the Russian-esque metro, visit the religious centre of the city and the famous Soviet Monuments. Wander the neighbourhood streets, learn about daily life, the Uzbek people and history of the city. Mir Luxe Plaza Hotel

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.