Silk Road Adventure: From Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan

Tashkent Arrival

Arrive at Tashkent airport and transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. Begin your exploration of Tashkent, starting with the Hasti Imam Complex, home to the Barak Khan Madrasah and Kukeldash Madrasah. Immerse yourself in the lively Chorsu Bazaar before heading to the city’s cultural highlights, including Independence Square and Amir Temur Square. Discover the Museum of Applied Arts, showcasing Uzbekistan’s rich artistic traditions. Evening at leisure to relax or explore further.

Samarkand

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the train station for a scenic journey to Samarkand (2h 10min). Known as the “Blue City” and a key Silk Road centre, Samarkand enchants visitors with its stunning architecture. Visit Registan Square, featuring the iconic Ulughbek, Shir-Dor, and Tilla-Kori Madrasahs, each showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Learn about the city’s history and its role as a trading hub. Spend the evening soaking up Samarkand’s unique atmosphere. Overnight at a hotel in the city.

Samarkand

Bukhara

Begin the day with a visit to Samarkand’s famed landmarks, including the Guri Emir Mausoleum and the ancient Shakhi-Zinda Complex. Explore the Museum of Afrosiyob, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the bustling Siab Bazaar. After lunch, transfer to Bukhara, a historic oasis on the Silk Road known for its well-preserved Islamic architecture and vibrant culture. Arrive in the evening and settle into your hotel. Take time to explore the city’s ambience before an overnight stay. Travel time: 5 hours by car.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

Bukhara

Start the day with a comprehensive tour of Bukhara’s UNESCO-listed old town. Highlights include the Ark Fortress, Kalyan Minaret, Poi Kalyan Mosque, and Miri Arab Madrasah. Wander through Toki Zargaron Dome, Magoki Attory Mosque, and Lyabi Hauz architectural complex. Each site tells a story of Bukhara’s rich Islamic heritage. End the day with a stroll through the city’s atmospheric streets and bazaars. Overnight at the hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent

After breakfast, head to the outskirts of Bukhara to visit the Emir’s summer palace, Sitorai Mokhi Hosa, and the Chor Bakr necropolis. Discover the spiritual essence of the Bakhoutdin Naqshband Mausoleum. Later, board a comfortable train for the return journey to Tashkent, arriving in the evening. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing night in Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital city. Travel distance: 560 km.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kokand

Set off for Kokand via the scenic Kamchik Pass. Kokand, a former capital of the powerful Khanate, is steeped in history. Visit the opulent Khudayar Khan Palace, adorned with intricate designs, and the Cemetery of Kings. Learn about the city’s legacy and its role in the Silk Road’s history. Spend the evening enjoying Kokand’s peaceful charm before an overnight stay at the hotel. Travel time: 5 hours by car (230 km).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fergana Valley

After breakfast, travel to Rishtan, famous for its traditional ceramics. Visit Rustam Usmanov’s workshop to see artisans at work. Continue to Margilan, known for its silk production, and tour the Yodgorlik Silk Factory to learn about ancient weaving techniques. End the day in Fergana, an industrial hub with a rich cultural heritage. Explore the city or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Fergana. Travel time: 1 hour by car (30 km).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Osh & The Fergana Valley

After breakfast, transfer to the border crossing at Dustlik. Complete Uzbek border formalities and meet your Kyrgyz guide on the other side. Continue to Osh, the “Southern Capital” of Kyrgyzstan. Begin your city tour with a visit to Sulaiman-Too Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historical and spiritual significance. Explore Babur’s House, the Osh Historical Museum, and the vibrant Osh Bazaar, one of the largest in Central Asia. Conclude the day with leisure time to enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere. Overnight stay in Osh. Travel distance: 130 km (2–3 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Osh & The Fergana Valley

Ala Archa National Park

Early transfer to the airport for your flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and head to Ala Archa National Park, a pristine alpine retreat nestled in the Kyrgyz mountains. Enjoy a light trek or a relaxing stroll amidst the stunning landscapes of glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs. Return to Bishkek for an afternoon city tour, visiting Ala Too Square, the Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, Lenin Statue, Victory Square, and the WWII Eternal Flame. Experience the city’s blend of Soviet history and modern charm. Overnight stay in Bishkek. Travel distance: 120 km.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kemin Valley

After breakfast, drive to the historic Burana Tower, an ancient minaret and UNESCO World Heritage Site near Tokmok. Explore the surrounding archaeological site and museum. Optionally, enjoy horseback riding or traditional games near the tower. Continue to Chon Kemin Valley, a stunning rural area surrounded by picturesque mountains and rivers. Upon arrival, settle into your guesthouse and enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, or even learning to set up a traditional nomadic yurt (extra cost). End the day with a hearty dinner and an overnight stay at the guesthouse. Travel distance: 170 km (3 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cholpon Ata

Depart Chon Kemin and journey through the dramatic Boom Gorge to the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, known as the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan." Visit the open-air petroglyphs site, featuring ancient rock carvings that provide a glimpse into early nomadic life. Explore the local historical museum or the Rukh Ordo cultural complex, which celebrates Kyrgyz heritage and spirituality. Check into your resort by the lake and enjoy an evening relaxing by its serene shores. Overnight stay at a hotel in Cholpon Ata. Travel distance: 180 km (3 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

After breakfast, travel along Issyk Kul’s eastern shore to Karakol. Upon arrival, explore the city’s cultural and historical highlights. Visit the N. M. Przhevalski Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer. Admire the Chinese-inspired architecture of the Dungan Mosque and the wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming streets of Karakol or relaxing at your hotel. Overnight stay in Karakol. Travel distance: 150 km (3 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Karkyra Valley

Depart Karakol for Karkyra Valley, a picturesque region near the border with Kazakhstan. Check into a luxurious yurt camp with private facilities. Spend the day exploring the valley’s natural beauty. Take a hike along the canyon, climb a nearby hill for panoramic views, or enjoy horseback riding (optional, extra cost). Immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and enjoy local cuisine at the camp. Overnight stay in the yurt camp. Travel distance: 120 km (3 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saty (Kol Sai Lakes)

After breakfast, cross the border at Kegen into Kazakhstan. Drive to Saty village, the gateway to the stunning Kol Sai Lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk along the shores of the crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic peaks. Soak in the peaceful atmosphere and capture unforgettable views of this pristine landscape. Return to Saty for dinner and an overnight stay at a local guesthouse or hotel. Travel distance: 170 km (3–4 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Almaty

Bid farewell to Saty and travel back to Almaty, stopping at the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. Explore the canyon’s unique geological formations during a light trek, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the dramatic red sandstone cliffs. Continue to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, arriving in the evening. Check into your hotel and unwind after a day of scenic adventure. Overnight stay in Almaty. Travel distance: 300 km (5 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Almaty

Spend the day exploring Almaty’s cultural and historical treasures. Visit the Central State Historical Museum, Republic Square, and the Monument of Independence. Walk through 28 Panfilov Park, home to the stunning Zenkov Cathedral and the WWII Memorial of Glory. Explore the lively Green Bazaar for a taste of local life. In the evening, take a gondola ride to Kok Tube Hill for panoramic views of the city, followed by a pleasant walk around the area. Overnight stay in Almaty.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Reflect on the incredible journey through Central Asia, filled with cultural discoveries, natural wonders, and unforgettable memories.

Meals Included: Breakfast