Another excellent breakfast at the Golden Hotel, Bishkek.
Day 12 (29 May 2026) Bishkek Manas Airport @14:15 → Tashkent Islam Karimov Airport @14:35 (1h: 20m)
Our 12th day marked the end of our memorable journey through Kyrgyzstan and the beginning of the next chapter of our Silk Road adventure in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
After enjoying another excellent breakfast at the Golden Hotel, we packed our luggage and prepared for our Centrum Air flight back to Tashkent. Our trusted driver, Mr Yuriz, was waiting outside the hotel, having safely accompanied us throughout our nine-day journey around Kyrgyzstan.
Over those 9 days, he had become much more than just a driver. His excellent driving skills, especially on the winding mountain roads and rugged off-road tracks, gave us complete confidence throughout the journey. He was always courteous, accommodating, and willing to stop whenever we wished to admire a scenic view, take photographs, or explore an unexpected point of interest. Along the way, he shared valuable local knowledge about Kyrgyzstan's history, culture, and people, making our journey even more meaningful.
As we arrived at Bishkek Manas International Airport, it was time to say goodbye. We appreciate his outstanding service and for ensuring our safety throughout the adventure. Each member of our group contributed US$10 as a gratuity. He was genuinely touched by our gesture and told us how much he had enjoyed travelling with our group. After exchanging warm handshakes, smiles, and photographs, we bid him farewell, ending a wonderful partnership that had lasted nine unforgettable days.
This time, we were delighted that our Centrum Air flight departed exactly as scheduled. It was quite a contrast to our outbound journey on 19 May, when we had endured a six-hour delay while travelling from Tashkent to Bishkek. With time to spare before boarding, some of us relaxed over a final beer at the airport while reminiscing about the many memorable experiences we had shared across Kyrgyzstan.
Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m. After clearing immigration, we took taxis to the Welcome Inn Hotel and checked into our rooms.
Following a quick dinner, we headed out for an evening walk through one of Tashkent's most popular public spaces. The beautifully landscaped park and surrounding square were filled with families, visitors, and locals enjoying the pleasant evening weather. Illuminated fountains, colourful flower displays, and wide tree-lined avenues created a lively yet relaxing atmosphere, offering a pleasant reintroduction to Uzbekistan.
Back at the Welcome Inn Hotel, we gathered on the rooftop terrace to enjoy a few cold beers while admiring Tashkent's panoramic night view. Under the city lights, we reflected on our wonderful experiences in Kyrgyzstan and looked forward with excitement to the adventures that awaited us in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan over the coming days.
12th night accommodation: Welcome Inn Hotel, Tashkent, +998 88 800 58 58
Another excellent breakfast at the Golden Hotel, Bishkek.
Another excellent breakfast at the Golden Hotel, Bishkek.
Another excellent breakfast at the Golden Hotel, Bishkek.
After enjoying another excellent breakfast at the Golden Hotel, we packed our luggage and prepared for our flight back to Tashkent. Our trusted driver, Mr Yuriz, was waiting outside the hotel, having safely accompanied us throughout our 9-day journey around Kyrgyzstan.
Waiting outside the hotel was our trusted driver, Mr Yuriz, who had safely accompanied us throughout our 9-day journey around Kyrgyzstan.
On the road to Bishkek Manas Airport.
On the road to Bishkek Manas Airport.
Over those 9 days, our trusted driver, Mr Yuriz, had become much more than just a driver. His excellent driving skills, especially on the winding mountain roads and rugged off-road tracks, gave us complete confidence throughout the journey. He was always courteous, accommodating, and willing to stop whenever we wished to admire a scenic view, take photographs, or explore an unexpected point of interest. Along the way, he shared valuable local knowledge about Kyrgyzstan's history, culture, and people, making our journey even more meaningful. 
As we arrived at Manas International Airport, it was time to say goodbye to our driver, Mr Yuriz. We appreciate his outstanding service and for ensuring our safety throughout the adventure. Each member of our group contributed US$10 as a gratuity. He was genuinely touched by our gesture and told us how much he had enjoyed travelling with our group. After exchanging warm handshakes, smiles, and photographs, we bid him farewell, ending a wonderful partnership that had lasted nine unforgettable days. 
As we arrived at Manas International Airport, it was time to say goodbye to our driver, Mr Yuriz. 
We arrived at Bishkek Manas International Airport.
We arrived at Bishkek Manas International Airport.
We arrived at Bishkek Manas International Airport.
Bishkek Manas International Airport.
Bishkek Manas International Airport.
This time, we were delighted that our Centrum Air flight departed exactly as scheduled. It was quite a contrast to our outbound journey on 19 May, when we had endured a six-hour delay while travelling from Tashkent to Bishkek. With time to spare before boarding, some of us relaxed over a final beer at the airport while reminiscing about the many memorable experiences we had shared across Kyrgyzstan. 
Bishkek Manas International Airport.
We had some beers at the airport. Corona Extra, a Mexican lager beer with a distinctive gold crown and camel logo on its label. Brewed under license from Cervecería Modelo, the 4.5% alcohol beverage has been produced since 1925 and is sold in various international markets.
Jameson Ginger & Lime, a ready-to-drink cocktail made with Irish whiskey and citrus flavors.
Jameson Ginger & Lime, a ready-to-drink cocktail made with Irish whiskey and citrus flavors. The 250ml can features a green and orange design with a ship illustration, reflecting the brand’s signature branding.
This time, we were delighted that our Centrum Air flight departed exactly as scheduled.
Manas
International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with its name prominently
displayed above the terminal. The airport is the busiest in the country
and serves as a key gateway for both domestic and international
flights.
Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m. After clearing immigration, we took taxis to the Welcome Inn Hotel and checked into our rooms. 
Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Landing at Tashkent Islam Karimov Airport, the Uzbek capital, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Landing at Tashkent Islam Karimov Airport, the Uzbek capital, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Tashkent
Islam Karimov Airport: a Magma Aviation Boeing 747 parked on the tarmac
under a clear blue sky. The Icelandic cargo airline operates freight
services using its 747 fleet, with its distinctive orange-and-red livery
visible on the aircraft.
At Tashkent Islam Karimov Airport, 2 Qanot Sharq Airlines aircraft were parked at a gate, with ground crew and passengers preparing for boarding. The Uzbek airline operates flights across Central Asia and Europe, serving destinations such as Tashkent, Baku, and Moscow.
At Tashkent Islam Karimov Airport, travelers arrive at an airport terminal in Uzbekistan, with the national flag and name displayed prominently on the wall. The scene shows a busy check-in area as passengers prepare for arrival.
The time difference is 2 hours compared to Malaysian time. Our flight to Tashkent was smooth, and we arrived in the Uzbek capital at approximately 4:00 p.m. After clearing immigration, we took taxis to the Welcome Inn Hotel and checked into our rooms.
12th night accommodation: Welcome Inn Hotel, Tashkent, +998 88 800 58 58
12th night accommodation: Welcome Inn Hotel, Tashkent, +998 88 800 58 58
A street food vendor is preparing freshly baked pastries on a large griddle.
Dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Tashkent.
Following a quick dinner, we headed out for an evening walk through one of Tashkent's most popular public spaces. The beautifully landscaped park and surrounding square were filled with families, visitors, and locals enjoying the pleasant evening weather. Illuminated fountains, colourful flower displays, and wide tree-lined avenues created a lively yet relaxing atmosphere, offering a pleasant reintroduction to Uzbekistan.
A modern apartment complex illuminated at night, with its balconies stacked in a stepped design.
Completed in 1985, the Piramit tower stands at a height of 375m, making it one of the tallest structures in Central Asia and the 12th tallest tower in the world according to Wikipedia's list of tallest towers.
Piramit Tower is a new high-tech apartment building in Tashkent and is 3.5 km from Tashkent city centre.
A large Haval billboard featuring a dramatic 3D animation of a car flipping down.
Another modern apartment complex building in Tashkent.
Another modern apartment complex building in Tashkent.
Back at the Welcome Inn Hotel, we gathered on the rooftop terrace to enjoy a few cold beers while admiring Tashkent's panoramic night view. Under the city lights, we reflected on our wonderful experiences in Kyrgyzstan and looked forward with excitement to the adventures that awaited us in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan over the coming days.
2026 Central Asia (Silk Road 2) Adventure
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan (18 May – 6 June 2026)
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