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Kamakino Travel - northern lights glowing over Adventdalen, Longyearbyen, Svalbard

CURATED JOURNEYS
TO CENTRAL ASIA AND
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

THROUGH KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, UZBEKISTAN,

TAJIKISTAN, NORWAY, AND SVALBARD.

From the ancient Silk Road to the Arctic wilderness, we craft every itinerary drawing on firsthand knowledge of these lands.

How Your Trip Comes Together

Your group, your trip.

Everything is arranged.

Gather your group of friends, and we design the whole journey around you: your interests, your pace.

Hotels, transport, meals, guides, entrance tickets and experiences are all included. The only thing you book yourself is your international flight.

Planned down to the last detail.

Photos and videos, taken care of.

We plan every itinerary ourselves: the route, the hotels, the food and the timing, drawing on local knowledge you will not find online.

Shoot as much as you like. On top of your own photos, we capture the whole trip on camera, stills and video, including the moments you can't photograph yourself. It's all yours to keep.

The Silk Road Odyssey

Kazakhstan · Kyrgyzstan · Uzbekistan · Tajikistan

Maria, one of our founders, grew up in Central Asia and has drawn on her local knowledge to shape this itinerary. From trusted guides and carefully chosen stays to favourite places and authentic regional flavours, each part of the journey reflects her deep connection to the region and her understanding of what makes travel feel safe, comfortable and rewarding.

Expect magnificent Silk Road cities, emerald lakes beneath snow-capped peaks and peaceful nights in a yurt under a sky full of stars. Explore colourful markets, enjoy warm bread fresh from the oven and share generous meals with local hosts. Thoughtful planning, beautiful landscapes and genuine local encounters come together to create an unforgettable journey through Central Asia.

Kamakino Travel - Group on horseback crossing a river in a mountain valley in Kyrgyzstan
Kamakino Travel - Four travelers posing under an ornate arch in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
  • Horseback riding across the open countryside

  • Kok Boru, the traditional Central Asian equestrian sport played at full gallop

  • Golden eagle demonstrations with traditional berkutchi hunters

  • Traditional archery under the open sky

  • Guided canyon walks, mountain hikes, and visits to pristine alpine lakes

  • Artisan workshops where silk carpets are hand-knotted, Uzbek ceramics are glazed and fired, and felt, embroidery, and beaten metal are crafted by local makers

  • Vibrant bazaars filled with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sweets, where sampling before purchasing is a cherished local custom

  • Iconic Silk Road architecture including madrasas, minarets, mausoleums, fortresses, and covered trading domes

  • A living timeline of Central Asian history, from the nomadic centuries and the Silk Road to the Tsarist and Soviet eras and modern independence

  • And many more curated experiences we will leave for you to discover along the way

Kamakino Travel - Two traditional yurts in a mountain landscape near Issy Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

Included:

  • Accommodation throughout your journey on a twin or double-sharing basis

  • Handpicked hotels with daily breakfast included

  • A night in a boutique yurt lodge with modern amenities

  • Seamless, end-to-end transport from the moment you arrive until your departure

  • Regional flights connecting the different countries

  • Modern, air-conditioned high-speed train journeys

  • Travel in comfort with private, air-conditioned vehicles and professional drivers throughout

  • Personalised airport meet-and-greet, plus all transfers in between

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Savour a curated culinary journey of authentic Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek cuisine. Every meal throughout your travels is taken care of, so you can focus entirely on the experience. All meals are included from your welcome dinner on day one to your final departure, covering daily hotel breakfasts, lunches at local eateries, and dinners at handpicked restaurants. Daily bottled water is also provided throughout your journey to keep you refreshed and hydrated.

Highlights include:


• Traditional Plov, slow-cooked over a wood fire in a classic kazan (cauldron)
• Beshbarmak, the traditional celebratory dish of the steppe. Features hand-cut noodles with tender, slow-cooked meat
• Freshly grilled Shashlik and premium meats straight off the coals
• A diverse selection of hearty, slow-simmered traditional soups
• Authentic handmade local dumplings
• Freshly baked Tandyr bread, served hot from traditional clay ovens
• A variety of local beverages and traditional sweets
• Nostalgic, classic Soviet-era desserts
• Unique local ice cream in flavours you won't find anywhere else
• Seasonal fresh fruits and berries, freshly harvested from local orchards and mountain valleys, purchased directly from the growers
• Artisanal dried fruits from the bazaars, traditionally sun-cured with no shortcuts for a deeper, sweeter flavour than commercial varieties

To suit different travel styles, we design this journey in two lengths. Both options follow the exact same route, taking in the same cities and breathtaking landscapes. The only difference is the pace.

The 12 Day Comprehensive Itinerary: Designed for travellers who prefer an efficient, steady pace. You will typically spend one night in each destination before moving on. This option allows you to experience the full route while keeping the itinerary streamlined and dynamic.

The 15 Day Leisurely Itinerary: This version follows the exact same route at a more relaxed pace. In select destinations, we arrange two night stays instead of one. That extra time provides unhurried mornings, opportunities to revisit a favorite corner of a city, and breathing room for practicalities like doing laundry.

How to Arrange Your Dates: Each date range below represents a 15 day window. Simply choose the window that works for your schedule, let us know whether you prefer the 12 day or 15 day pace, and we will design the itinerary to fit.

Planned Dates for 2027:

10 to 24 Apr 2027 - Available

1 to 15 May 2027 - Reserved

22 May to 5 Jun 2027 - Available

12 to 26 Jun 2027 - Available

4 to 18 Sep 2027 - Available

25 Sep to 9 Oct 2027 - Available

Travel & Admin:

  • Visa fees (if applicable to your nationality)
    Note: Many passport holders (including Singaporeans, Malaysians, and EU citizens) enjoy visa-free entry to the region, but please verify your specific requirements.
     

  • International airfare to and from Almaty (Kazakhstan)

  • Travel insurance

 

Personal & On-the-Ground:

  • Single room supplement (available upon request)

  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

  • Local SIM cards and mobile data

  • Alcoholic beverages and non-included drinks

  • Personal expenses, laundry, and souvenirs

  • Pre- or post-tour extensions and add-on excursions

Journey To The Great North

Northern & Central Norway

Maria and Karim call Norway home for half the year and know the country intimately. They have drawn on this deep local knowledge to craft this itinerary. Every handpicked experience, favourite pristine spot, and amazing regional flavour reflects their deep connection to the region and their understanding of what makes travel feel safe, refined, and rewarding.

Expect to witness Nature at its most spectacular in one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Stand in awe beneath the vibrant Northern Lights, feel the thrill of guiding huskies through pristine snowscapes, and marvel at majestic fjords. Savour amazing Nordic cuisine crafted from regional winter ingredients. Thoughtful planning, breathtaking landscapes, and genuine local encounters come together to create an unforgettable journey through Norway.

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KAMAKINO_TRAVEL_NORTHERN_LIGHTS_ADVENTURE_TOUR_NORWAY_003_1920px.jpg

  • Marvel at the Northern Lights from exclusive vantage points

  • Guide a team of enthusiastic huskies through pristine wilderness

  • Travel along scenic coastal roads through dramatic Arctic landscapes

  • Cruise through majestic fjords

  • Savour authentic Nordic cuisine crafted from local ingredients

  • Enjoy an intimate dinner in an authentic Norwegian home

  • Snowshoe through silent, snow-laden pine forests

  • Toboggan down thrilling snowy slopes

  • Learn cross-country skiing on scenic, world-class trails

  • Try ice fishing on a frozen lake

  • Experience an authentic Norwegian sauna

  • Wander through beautifully preserved historic fishing villages

  • Meet local artisans

  • Sip spiced mulled wine by a cozy Norwegian fireplace

  • Taste traditional Norwegian baked treats

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Your stays reflect the very best of authentic Scandinavian design. We handpick stylish accommodations that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Expect warm interiors featuring natural materials, clean lines, and a genuine sense of place. Each property is chosen for its distinct character and inviting atmosphere, ensuring a refined and welcoming retreat after a day marvelling at Norway's breathtaking landscapes.

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  • Seamless transport from the moment you arrive until your departure

  • Domestic flights

  • Journey in refined style with private vehicles and professional drivers throughout

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Savour a curated culinary journey of amazing Nordic cuisine crafted from regional winter ingredients. 

Highlights include:

• Hearty, slow-simmered traditional Norwegian stews and soups perfect for the winter climate

• Premium local seafood, including iconic Arctic cod

• An intimate dinner featuring authentic homemade meals in the beautiful  home of a local Norwegian family

• Traditional Norwegian baked treats, served warm

• Succulent game meats and premium local cuts, prepared with authentic Scandinavian techniques

• Traditional spiced mulled wine, known as gløgg, enjoyed by the fireplace

• Artisanal Norwegian cheeses, cured using time-honoured techniques

• Authentic Norwegian aquavit tasting, discovering the nuances of traditional botanical infusions

To witness Norway at its most spectacular, we have carefully chosen these winter dates to align with pristine snow conditions and peak Northern Lights viewing. We invite you to join us on one of these unforgettable journeys:

Dec 26 2026 - Jan 5 2027 - Available
9 - 19 Jan 2027- Available
Feb 6-16 2027- Available
Feb 21 - March 3 2027- Available

Travel & Admin:

  • Visa fees (if applicable to your nationality) Note: Many passport holders (including Singaporeans) enjoy visa-free entry to Norway, but please verify your specific requirements.

  • International airfare to and from Oslo, Norway

  • Travel insurance
     

Personal & On-the-Ground:

  • Single room supplement (available upon request)

  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

  • Local SIM cards and mobile data

  • Alcoholic beverages and non-included drinks

  • Personal expenses, laundry, and souvenirs

  • Pre- or post-tour extensions and add-on excursions

Kamakino Travel - Beautiful Norwegian wooden cabins with by a lake on a summer day
  • Hike medieval pilgrim routes through incredible landscapes of mountains and farmlands

  • Discover historic medieval churches tucked away in scenic valleys

  • Wander through beautifully preserved historic villages

  • Cruise on an authentic steamboat

  • Canoe across tranquil a crystal clear lake

  • Savour authentic Nordic cuisine crafted from regional summer ingredients

  • Ride majestic horses through scenic summer trails

  • Taste traditional baked treats fresh from a timber cabin

  • Discover the secrets and marvel at expert Norwegian farming techniques

  • Unearth century-old treasures at modest prices in a captivating antique trove

  • Feast on authentic homemade meals in the homes of local Norwegian families

  • Travel back in time at a world-renowned outdoor museum of Norwegian rural life

  • Meet local artisans

and much much more

Dates:
July 17-31, 2027- Available
Aug 7-21,  2027- Available

​​

DETAILS COMING SOON

HIKING MAJESTIC NORWAY

About Us

Kamakino Travel - Couple taking a selfie with a scenic mountain lake view

We are Maria and Karim. Photographers, Hollywood visual effects and AI specialists. We're also obsessive travellers who, for over twenty years, have planned journeys for friends, and their friends, and then travelled with them. We split our time between Singapore and Norway. Maria grew up in Kazakhstan, so Central Asia is home rather than somewhere she researched. Mountain valleys with clean, cool air and snow on the peaks through summer. Red canyons cut deep into the rock. Nights in a luxurious yurt, warm and comfortable, with a family who look after you as their own, an afternoon on horseback across open pasture, and meals cooked the way they have been for generations. Because she knows the land and the people who live on it, everything is handled long before you arrive. You are well looked after, and free to take it all in. ​Over the years have explored Norway end to end. We know the quiet lakes perfect for a morning canoe, the medieval pilgrim routes that wind through the most beautiful landscapes without wearing you out, and the hidden corners most travellers never find. In the far north, we chase the Northern Lights from the comfort of a proper base, and Svalbard offers an Arctic experience unlike anything else, with comfort and warmth at the centre of it. ​Between trips, we are visual effects artists. We have worked on more than 60 films and television series, and were part of the teams honoured with Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects on Dune: Part Two, Avatar, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and King Kong. The same eye we bring to crafting worlds on screen shapes every itinerary we put together.

What Our Guests Say

Kamakino Travel - Woman holding a golden eagle in a desert landscape in Kyrgyzstan
Kamakino Travel - Travelers at Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Kamakino TRavel - Two travelers smiling above a river canyon valley in Kyrgyzstan

Reenie

Lawrence & Celeste

Michael & Su Lee

"My Central Asia tour was an eye-opening and unforgettable experience - a seamless masterclass in travel that truly spoiled me. It struck the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, made even more memorable by the wonderful company throughout the journey. A heartfelt thank you to Karim and Maria, whose meticulous planning allowed me to immerse myself fully in the region without a single worry. Every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, making the entire trip completely stress-free. I had an absolutely wonderful time and came home with cherished memories that will last a lifetime."

"We’ve had the pleasure of joining Maria and Karim on their Norway and Central Asia trips, and both were absolutely amazing. Every destination was thoughtfully chosen, and the memories and experiences continue to bring us joy.

Maria and Karim are caring, attentive, and dedicated. They go the extra mile to ensure everyone has a wonderful time. We highly recommend travelling with them and would gladly join another of their trips in the future."

"The Central Asia odyssey was so well organized by Karim & Maria. It enlightened me on the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan. Further, the natural beauty of the mountains, canyons and more were breathtaking. Activities organized around the culture of the locations were very enriching and memorable. Oh, the food and the produce of the land were so delicious. Once again, million thanks to Karim & Maria for your excellent service and personalized attention to details for us. I already longed to go back again!"

Kamakino Travel - Person in high-visibility vest under the bright Northern Lights in Troms, Norway
Kamakino Travel - Couple making a heart shape in the lush Medeu mountain valley near Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Kamakino Travel - Two travelers in snow gear near their snowmobiles, Longyearbyen, Svalbard

delphine

jeff & anne

adabelle

"My daughter and I had the privilege of travelling with Maria and Karim, and what a gift that experience was. From the very beginning, we felt less like members of a tour group and more like part of the family. With their small, cosy groups and thoughtfully curated itineraries tailored to our interests, every day was filled with new discoveries, meaningful experiences, the joy and excitement of trying things we had never done before. The attention to every detail, the unique experiences off the beaten path, the comfortable places and the way they generously shared their knowledge and love for each destination made the journey truly unforgettable. Their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care made us feel so well looked after throughout. The icing on the cake was their talent as professional photographers, capturing beautiful moments we'll cherish for years to come. Thank you, Maria and Karim, for an unforgettable adventure. We wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for an authentic, personalised travel experience."

"In April ‘26, on our second tour with Karim and Maria, we toured three Central Asian countries! We were taken to places with awesome scenery ranging from mountains to lakes and canyons in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The local guides were very knowledgeable and engaging and we were immersed in the rich history of these countries on the Silk Road!  Loved the variety of food and experiences we were exposed to.

Looking forward to more such enjoyable and educational small group tours with both of you!"

"Before heading on this Journey to the North, I had never once been in Europe and went along on this trip with my mother. After coming back from this trip, I can confidently say that this has been one of the most thrilling, eye-opening and wondrous adventures I have ever been on. From the first to the last day, the itinerary was packed with exciting activities and once-in-a-lifetime moments. From catching the Northern Lights, snowmobiling across the wintery plains of Svalberd, to catching the icy mountains and friendly whales in the Norwegian waters, everything that I experienced and saw was truly awe-inspiring. Throughout the trip as well, Maria and Karim took care of the whole group of us very well. You can simply tell how knowledgeable and dependable they are in every place they take you through, and how palpable their love is for sharing wonders of the world to people from all around as well. Safe to say, you will be in good reliable hands when you're travelling with them. Thank you to Maria and Karim for this whirlwind of an experience. It is without a doubt that I recommend anyone to follow along and to experience their own adventure with them!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included?

From the moment we welcome you until you depart, we look after every detail. Your hotels, most meals, travel, local experts, access to places, and experiences are all part of the itinerary we design. 

How much do we need to plan?

Nothing at all. Once we design your journey, we look after every detail. You just book your international flights, pack, and we welcome you when you land.

How big are the groups?

Usually 8 to 12 guests. Gather your friends and we will design the journey around your group. For smaller or larger groups, we can create a bespoke itinerary for you.

How fit do I need to be?

We design every journey around what your group is comfortable with. Relaxed city walks, full-day mountain hikes, or a mix of both.

How is the price set?

Because we design every journey around your group, the price depends on your dates, group size and your interests. Message us on WhatsApp and we will talk through the details with you.

Is Central Asia safe?

Very. Your itinerary is designed by someone who grew up there, with every detail planned well in advance.

Contact Us

Let's plan your journey

Have a question about the dates, itinerary, or your specific preferences? We are here to help you craft the perfect experience. Contact us on WhatsApp, or by Email

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