CENTRAL ASIAN CHALLENGE

Z Adventures proudly presents the 3rd Edition of the Central Asian Challenge!

Embark on an unforgettable journey across four countries and four marathons from October 1–8, 2025. This extraordinary fly-and-drive adventure will take runners and walkers through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, offering a once-in-a-lifetime blend of athletic challenge and cultural exploration.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a casual walker, this professionally organized event is designed for every level of adventurer. Participants can choose to take part in one or multiple races, with distances ranging from 5K and 10K to half and full marathons.

Beyond the finish lines, you'll experience the diverse landscapes, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality of Central Asia. Connect with fellow global adventurers and create memories that will last long after the final stretch.
Join us for a truly unique running experience where every step is a story.

DATES: October 1-8, 2025

LOCATIONS: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Full Package: USD 1,900 per person
This all-inclusive adventure covers everything you need for a seamless and unforgettable experience across Central Asia. Your package includes:

Welcome Dinner in Almaty, Kazakhstan
7 Nights Accommodation (twin-sharing basis)
All Ground Transfers to marathon locations
Entry Fees for all 4 professionally organized marathons
Excursions on non-marathon days
Daily Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Unique Finisher Medals for each race
Farewell Dinner in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Exclusive Swag Bag with event gear and goodies

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: USD 450.00

INCLUDED:

Air-conditioned coach transfers to each marathon location.
Double/twin shared room accommodation for 7 nights.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner after each marathon.
A/C minivan/ bus/ coach as per group size and program.
English speaking guide on Day 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8.

EXCLUDED:

LOI and visas for all countries.
Transport to / from hotel at the start and end of the tour.
Entrance / photo / video tickets at sites.
Other services not mentioned above.

EXTRAS:

Airfare to Almaty, Kazakhstan and back home from Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Flight from Bishkek to Tashkent.
Alcoholic beverages.
Hotel room telephone, mini bar and hotel food & drinks between meals.
Personal items purchased.
LOI and visa for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan (not necessary for most western countries).
Entrance/photo/video tickets at sites.
Other services not mentioned above.

TRIP ESSENTIALS:

All runners are required to have a GPS watch as a back-up.
Trip and medical evacuation insurance.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Wed 1 October 2025

Arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Almaty.
Free day to walk around the city.
Tour information in the evening followed by dinner.
MEALS: D

Day 2 - Thu 2 October 2025
Race 1: CENTRAL PARK MARATHON - KAZAKHSTAN

Meet your guide and transfer to the marathon starting point.
After the marathon transfer back to Almaty.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Almaty.
MEALS: B/D

Day 3 - Fri 3 October 2025

Free morning in Almaty.
Sightseeing tour:
- City tour of Almaty, inclduing Panfilov Park, Zhenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar, Old Square and Republic Square. Visit the State Museum, see the Presidential Palace and ride one of Central Asia's only two metros.
Drive to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in the afternoon.

Meet at the border point Ak-Zhol in the afternoon and transfer to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Packed lunch en-route to Bishkek.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Bishkek.
MEALS: B/L/D

Day 4 - Sat 4 October 2025
Race 2: BISHKEK ALA-TOO MARATHON - KYRGZSTAN

Transfer to the marathon starting point, around one hour from Bishkek.
After the marathon transfer back to Bishkek.
Optional activities:
- Massage therapy treatment at the local spa (highly recommended)
Farewell dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant.
Overnight in Bishkek.
MEALS: B/L/D

Day 5 - Sun 5 October 2025

Check out of the hotel in the morning. Free time.
Sightseeing tour:
- Half-day city tour visiting Ala-Too square and Independence Square, where you can watch the changing of the guard in front of the huge Kyrgyz flag. Walking through the city center, you'll go through small parks offering shady walkways and pass Parliament house, Statue of Lenin, Kyrgyz and Russian Drama Theaters, Ballet and Opera house, State Art Museum and Victory square.
Return to Bishkek for lunch.
Transfer to the airport at 16:00.

Arrive at Tashkent airport at 19:00. Transfer to hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Tashkent.
MEALS: B/L/D

Day 6 - Mon 6 October 2025
Race 3: TASHKENT CITY MARATHON - UZBEKISTAN

Run the marathon in Tashkent.
Transfer to the Tajik border.
Packed lunch after the marathon.

Cross the border and meet your guide and driver.
Dinner in Khujand.
Overnight in Khujand, Tajikistan.
MEALS: B/L/D

Day 7 - Tue 7 October 2025
Race 4: KHUJAND MARATHON - TAJIKISTAN

Run the marathon near Khujand.
Post race lunch and drive to the border back into Uzbekistan.
Transfer to the hotel.
Farewell dinner in Tashkent.
Overnight in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
MEALS: B/L/D

Day 8 - Wed 8 October 2025

Breakfast at the hotel.
Tashkent city tour.
MEAL: B

* Participants are advised to book an evening flight back home so that they can enjoy the Tashkent city tour in the morning.