Travel Expert
Bhutan 
Nepal 
Georgia 
Kazakhstan 
Kyrgyzstan 
Uzbekistan Having spent a decade myself working as a guide all around the world, I understand just how important it is to link you with the right people on the ground. With my background, any tailor made itinerary is guaranteed to deliver on local insight and authentic experiences.
My journey into travel began on a cruise ship, where I spent my early career behind the lens as a photographer. The pursuit of the perfect photograph has driven me ever since, with all the imagery used on this page (bar Georgia) coming from my own adventures. I know just where to go to capture the essence of a place on camera and love making such recommendations to my clients for their trip.
Perfect for first time visitors, or if you’re looking for a well-rounded trip, this classic itinerary through Central Asia spans Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Begin with a few days in Kyrgyzstan. Tour the vibrant capital city of Bishkek, before driving west to explore the sweeping landscapes surrounding Lake Issyk Kul. After enjoying local Dungan hospitality, head into Kazakhstan to marvel at the second largest canyon in the world, Charyn Canyon. Take a full day to immerse yourself in Almaty, a bustling metropolis best viewed from above thanks to its cable car tours. A short flight to Uzbekistan then brings you to the final week of your trip. Embrace the rich heritage of Silk Road cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, as well as the region’s cultural traditions through a private cookery class and a metal engraving workshop. Finish with a day trip to the Zoroastrian desert fortresses standing sentinel in the arid steppe beyond Khiva.
If you’re looking for deeper immersion or if this is your second time in the region, this itinerary embraces the art of slow travel – by rail and road – to reveal a different side to Central Asia.
Start in Astana with a sleeper train to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. From there, take a slow and scenic drive through the alpine landscapes of Kyrgyzstan: the enchanting Song Kul lake, the world’s largest walnut forest at Arslanbob, as well as the verdant Fergana Valley. Cross into Tajikistan, where the rugged Fann Mountains and bright turquoise waters of the Seven Lakes await you. Finish your trip with a dash of historic Silk Road city culture by visiting Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in Uzbekistan.
I have a deep love for mountains, having hiked and cycled through some of the world’s most breathtaking ranges. A friend recently waxed lyrical about the Georgian highlands, pushing the Caucasus Mountains to the top of my travel list.
I’m keen to take the historic Georgian Military Highway from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) and explore the surrounding mountains and valleys. After that, I’d head east to the famed wine region of Kakheti to learn more about the traditional Qvevri winemaking method, which is recognised with UNESCO Heritage status. Georgia truly has it all – adventure, culture, food, nature – which is why I can’t wait to get out there.
I arrived in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, with no real sense of what time zone I was in. But after some strong coffee and a bit of breakfast, I felt ready to see what the country had to offer.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Asia Team
Our Asia team includes a Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for the region.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
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