Uzbekistan and/or Lake Issyk kul

[DarlingNikita]

I put this in Longhaul but am reposting here in the hope of traffic!

Anyone been to Uzbekistan and/or Lake Issyk kul? I've a vague idea about me and DP going to Tashkent to see the amazing Soviet metro stations, but it's a long way to go for a few days and a metro system grin
So I'm thinking of a longer trip taking in Samarkand, Khiva, maybe Bukhara. Then I have this notion of getting the overnight train to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, staying a couple of days and ending the trip with a relaxing few days somewhere at the lake.

Is that feasible/easy enough to do? It's just me and DP, 40s, fit and healthy pretty much, fairly competent travellers but minimal language skills and definitely no Russian! I'm thinking September-ish, although I think the Tashkent–Bishkek train only runs until early September so may have to be open-minded about that part. If there's any similar lake resort type places in Uzbekistan then I'd be happy to do that instead if Kyrgyzstan is not feasible.

Reassure and inspire me please!

Sounds amazing but no experience of this! Lets hope someone else does.

DD travelled through Central Asia/Russia on her own last year going to all of the places you mention and more. She had an amazing time and seemed to particularly enjoy the train journeys (top tip - take a pack of cards if you want to interact with your fellow travellers). She only speaks English, but got by with mime and Google translate if there was no one who spoke English. She fell in love with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and found the people generous and hospitable.

Great, thank you.