Silk Road Uncovered: Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

• Days 1-2 - Fly overnight to Tashkent:
  Fly overnight to Tashkent. Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
• Day 3 - Discover Tashkent:
  Explore the historic old town, visiting Barak Khan Madrassah and Tila Shaikh Mosque, home to precious Islamic archives. Wander the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, then visit the Rakhimov family ceramics workshop. Finish the day in modern Tashkent at Amir Temur Square and the strikingly decorated Tashkent Metro.
• Day 4 - Journey to Khiva:
  Rise early for your flight to Nukus. Begin your day at the Igor Savitskiy Museum—often called the 'Louvre of the Desert', home to Russian avant‑garde art, Soviet-era masterpieces, and fascinating Karakalpak treasures. Then, drive 200 km to Khiva, stopping at Chalpik Kala, an ancient Zoroastrian funerary site, and Toprak Kala, the historic fortress town of Khorezm.
• Day 5 - UNESCO Itchan Kala:
  Step inside Ichan Kala, Uzbekistan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Kukhna Ark Fortress, the turquoise Islom-Khodja Minaret, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Visit Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the striking Kalta Minor Minaret, and the 19th-century Tash Hauli Palace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khoresmian folklore performance.
• Day 6 - Journey across the Kyzyl Kum Desert:
  Travel across the iconic Kyzyl Kum Desert, the 'Red Sands,' along the ancient Silk Road. Enjoy photo stops of the desert landscapes and a visit to the Amudarya River, the legendary Oxus. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon, ready to explore this historic city.
• Day 7 - Explore historic Bukhara:
  Spend a full day exploring Bukhara’s historic centre on foot. Begin at the Lab-i-Khauz ensemble and continue to the city’s landmarks and hidden gems, including Nadir Khon Madrassah, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and the Ulugbek and Aziz Khan Madrassahs. Enjoy lunch at the home of master suzani maker and explore his workshop. In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress, Bala Hauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub. Conclude at the Hunarmand workshops near Lyabikhauz, witnessing traditional crafts such as block printing, metal chasing, embroidery, carving, miniature painting, and goldwork.
• Day 8 - Train to Samarkand:
  This morning, explore Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the former summer residence of the emir, a stunning blend of Russian and local architectural styles. Later, travel by train to Samarkand, arriving in the late afternoon and ready to begin your next adventure.
• Day 9 - Samarkand & Wine Tasting:
  Explore the highlights of Samarkand, starting at the iconic Registan Square with its three stunning madrassahs: Ulug-Bek, Tillya-Kori, and Sher-Dor. Visit Gur Emir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane, and the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Wander the Silk Road bazaar, admire the Shahi Zinda necropolis, and end the day with a tour and tasting at Bagizagan winery.
• Day 10 - Discover Shakhrisabz:
  Travel 90 km south of Samarkand to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of conqueror Amir Timur. Explore the city’s highlights, including the ruins of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus-Tilavat cemetery, and Kok-Gumbas Mosque, before returning to Samarkand in the afternoon.
• Day 11 - Return to Tashkent:
  Explore Ulugbek’s 15th-century Observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Enjoy some free time to shop in Samarkand before continuing by train to Tashkent, taking in the changing landscapes along the way.
• Day 12 - Goodbye Uzbekistan, Hello Kyrgyzstan:
  Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the day is at leisure until a welcome dinner in the evening.
• Day 13 - Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park:
  Begin the day at Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine haven in the Tian Shan mountains, 40 minutes outside of Bishkek. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights, including Central Square, the iconic Manas Monument, and a bustling local bazaar.
• Day 14 - Issyk Kul Lake:
  Depart Bishkek and visit the Museum of Nomadic Civilisation, a fascinating trove of artefacts that tell the story of nomadic peoples through history. Continue to the sparkling northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake. Enjoy a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
• Day 15 - Journey to Karakol:
  Journey east along the shoreline of Issyk Kul to Karakol, stopping in the village of Tup for a tour and a tasting of the region’s famous Kyrgyz cheese, kurut. Next, stop at a farm to learn about the breeding of thoroughbred horses and giant Arashan rams, then spend the afternoon soaking in a local hot spring, an essential part of the Karakol lifestyle. This evening, join a welcoming Dungan family for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
• Day 16 - Explore Karakol:
  Enjoy an active morning with a walk through the picturesque Karakol Gorge, before returning to the city to visit the Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church, known for their unusual construction. This afternoon, visit a social enterprise that supports local women and promotes the products they produce, such as jam, dried fruit and felt souvenirs. Tonight, dine on lagman — hand-pulled noodles tossed with spiced lamb, a dish that sits at the heart of Uyghur culture.
• Day 17 - Jeti-Oguz Gorge:
  You may wish to rise early this morning to visit the Karakol Animal Market, a bustling spectacle each Sunday that draws local farmers and traders, offering a rare and memorable glimpse into rural Kyrgyz life. Travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famed for its striking red sandstone formations. Take a walk to spot the ‘Broken Heart’ and towering ‘Seven Bulls’, while admiring sweeping views. Arrive at your camp for the next two nights and settle into your cosy yurt. Later, learn from the camp chef how to make ‘manty’, a delicious local favourite of spiced minced meat dumplings.
• Day 18 - Skazka Canyon & Barskoon Gorge:
  Visit Skazka Canyon and enjoy a walk among its dramatic red rock formations, discovering why it is also known as ‘Fairytale Canyon’. Continue to Kadji-Sai village to meet a local family of musicians, joining them for a traditional lunch accompanied by a lively folklore performance. In the afternoon, walk through the dense spruce forest and alpine meadows of Barskoon Gorge to reach the famous ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’ waterfall.
• Day 19 - Meet an Eagle Hunter:
  Travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Along the Transfer to the airport for your flight to the way, meet an eagle hunter and see the training process of these magnificent birds. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu, a village famous for its skilled artisans, learn about the traditional craft of yurt-making. After lunch, continue to Chon- Kemin where you’ll have a hands-on class on how to make the traditional Kyrgyz dish of tash food cooks, before dining on the results.
• Day 20 - Return to Bishkek:
  Learn to make boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz bread, enjoying what you prepared with breakfast. Travel to Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and explore the openair museum with ancient balbals. Then, enjoy a demonstration of ulak tartysh, the thrilling traditional horse game of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic peoples. Return to Bishkek where you’ll have some free time before a farewell dinner.
• Days 21-22 - Depart Bishkek:
  Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.

• 16 Apr 2027 - 06 May 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 30 Apr 2027 - 20 May 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 07 May 2027 - 27 May 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 14 May 2027 - 03 Jun 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 27 Aug 2027 - 16 Sep 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 10 Sep 2027 - 30 Sep 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 24 Sep 2027 - 14 Oct 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 08 Oct 2027 - 28 Oct 2027
  from $15,180 pp twin share *
• 14 Apr 2028 - 04 May 2028
  from $15,680 pp twin share *
• 28 Apr 2028 - 18 May 2028
  from $15,680 pp twin share *
• 12 May 2028 - 01 Jun 2028
  from $15,680 pp twin share *
• 25 Aug 2028 - 14 Sep 2028
  from $15,680 pp twin share *
• 08 Sep 2028 - 28 Sep 2028
  from $15,680 pp twin share *
• 22 Sep 2028 - 12 Oct 2028
  from $15,680 pp twin share *
• 06 Oct 2028 - 26 Oct 2028
  from $15,680 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

• Bentley Hotel Tashkent
• Hotel Bankir Khiva
• Shahristan Plaza
• Meridian Plaza by Reikartz
• Plaza Hotel
• Karven Four Seasons
• Green Yard Hotel
• Yurt with en-suite
• Chon-Kemin Guesthouse

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 22 days and 19 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 16 Apr 2027 and 26 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.