The Kyrgyz Republic is a vast land of sweeping plains, sparkling turquoise lakes, glaciers, deserts, lush forested hills and 7,000m peaks – for an outdoor-loving family, heaven. In fact, the Tian Shan range translates as the ‘Mountains of Heaven’. Hike over rocky high passes and through verdant jailoo (summer pastures) to the famed Song Kul Lake on an exciting two-day trek. The ultimate wilderness experience in Kyrgyzstan with kids.

Uzbek food is seriously underrated. An amazing mix of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine, it is hearty and delicious. Whilst Plov (pilaf) is the national dish, you should also try shashlik (meat kebab) – we know a great open-air kofta restaurant where you are surrounded by songbirds! Or sample a street vendor’s delicious samsas – lamb or spinach samosas – the perfect pick me up as you wander the sites. Drop into a local bakery for some lepeshka, and parents, grab a coffee, but a warning for caffeine addicts – Uzbek coffee is strong!

Bazaars are the soul of Uzbekistan. So get bartering, kids! Explore Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent for spices, textiles and local food (including fat-bottomed sheep), or the Siab Bazaar in Samarkand for dried fruits, nuts, and souvenirs. Khiva is well known for carpets, silks and handmade crafts, whilst Bukhara’s Central Market was a key point on the Silk Road, so you can find virtually everything here. Top tip – visit early as it gets very busy.

Experience Uzbekistan’s centuries-old ceramic traditions firsthand – and walk away with the ultimate souvenir! In Tashkent, you can visit local artisan studios where you can learn how to paint pottery from a three-generation family workshop. They will fire the plates for you overnight and bring them to your hotel the next day. Just make sure you wrap it well for the flight home.

Quite simply, Bukhara is the most perfectly preserved Silk Road city. Like stepping into a fairytale. Spot camels at the Old Ark Fortress, learn how minarets were used as beacons or lighthouses for guiding camels across the desert, and relax at a poolside café at the delightful Lyabi-Hauz Plaza, with its picturesque markets and narrow alleys. Kids will love the handmade puppet shows as well as trying on the traditional Karakul fur hats.

Who doesn’t want to overnight in a cosy yurt, the traditional tents nomads have used for centuries? This is less ‘glamping’ and more ‘rustic’, ‘traditional’ or perhaps just ‘simple’! However, what the yurts may lack in creature comforts, their locations more than make up for. We can think of no better spot to wake up than Issyk-Kul Lake, known as the ‘Pearl of Kyrgyzstan’, and one of the highest mountain lakes in the world. For the brave, an early morning dip is a must!

Traveling around Uzbekistan is easy and enjoyable thanks to its well-developed train and metro systems. The camel caravans are no more; rather, the country’s modern Afrosiyob high-speed train connects major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara quickly and comfortably! Ideal for families, it takes exploration of the Silk Road to a whole new level. And in the heart of Tashkent lies the jewel in the crown of Uzbekistan’s transport system – the metro. Both fun and practical, its beautifully decorated stations link to a different aspect of Uzbek traditions, making any journey a mini cultural adventure!

Khiva’s walled inner city is full of minarets, madrassahs (religious schools) and photogenic alleyways – kids will feel like ants beside its huge fortified walls. Enjoy a bread-making cookery class or explore this family-friendly city on two wheels with a guided bike tour. Or escape the city and head into the desert to visit ancient fortresses and enjoy a traditional lunch in a yurt camp.

Immerse yourself in the freedom of the great Kyrgyzstan plains by exploring on horseback. You will meet local shepherds along the way and get a real taste of nomadic life. Feeling brave? Try the Kyrgyz traditional drink ‘kymyz’… (fermented mare’s milk). Passing through rural villages, you’ll also see the centuries-old tradition of hunting with eagles. A true step (or gallop) back in time.

If you are looking for something a little different for your next family holiday, away from the popular hot spots, we’d love to talk with you about Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Easter, Summer, and both May and October half terms are all good times to visit. Ring us on 01728 752751 during office hours or get in touch using our website contact form.

I’d love to hear about your family holiday experiences in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and see your photos, so do get in touch.
Liddy Pleasants, MD Stubborn Mule Travel