Silk Road Odyssey: From Kyrgyzstan to Turkmenistan

Bishkek Arrival

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to Bishkek, where you will check into your hotel for an early rest. After refreshing, embark on a guided city tour with your local expert. Explore Ala Too Square, where you'll encounter significant landmarks such as the statues of Kurmanzhan Datka, Manas, and Lenin, alongside key governmental buildings. Continue to the Old Square, home to the Parliament House and the Fine Art Gallery, before concluding your exploration at Victory Square, a poignant memorial to WWII.

Accommodations: Ambassador / Ramada / Damas (4 Star)

Chon-Kemin Valley

Begin the day with breakfast before driving to the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower near Tokmok. Here, you can enjoy optional horseback riding games and learn about the tower's history. A delicious lunch with a local family will give you a taste of Kyrgyz hospitality. Afterward, head to the serene Chon Kemin Valley and settle into the Ashuu Guest House. Spend the afternoon exploring the Kalmak Ashuu village or try activities like horse riding, yurt setting, or even a swim in the pool. Your expert guide will be on hand to assist and provide insights throughout.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ashuu Guest House

Chon-Kemin Valley

Karkyra Valley

Start the day with breakfast before travelling to the scenic Karkyra Valley. En route, visit Cholpon Ata's open-air museum, renowned for its petroglyphs, including the largest stone in Central Asia depicting hunters with snow leopards. Upon reaching Karkyra, settle into your yurt camp. In the evening, unwind by the fire near the river or opt for a rejuvenating visit to the sauna.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Yurt Glamping

Saty Village

In the morning, prepare for your journey to Kazakhstan. Your guide will assist with border formalities at the Kegen crossing before driving to Saty Village. Upon arrival, visit the mesmerising Kolsai Lakes. Take time to explore the stunning natural surroundings and enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas with your guide.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Grand Kolsai / Saty Village Guest House

Almaty

Depart for Almaty with a stop at the remarkable Charyn Canyon. Here, a guided hike through the canyon reveals its unique rock formations and vibrant colours. Upon arrival in Almaty, embark on a half-day city tour. Highlights include Republic Square, the Monument of Independence, 28 Panfilov’s Soldiers Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the Green Bazaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Kazzhol Park / Holiday Inn / Garden Park Inn (4 Star)

Almaty

Dushanbe

Spend the morning visiting Almaty’s Central State Historical Museum, an excellent introduction to the region's history. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dushanbe. Upon arrival, meet your Tajik guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a short evening stroll through Dushanbe’s central district, soaking in its atmosphere and charm.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Rumi Hotel (4 Star)

Dushanbe

Today, delve into the rich history of Dushanbe and Hissar with a full-day tour. Start at the Museum of Antiquities, which offers fascinating insights into the region's heritage. Visit the monument dedicated to Ismail Somoni, the founder of the Tajik nation, and explore the bustling Mehrgon Bazaar. Later, head to Hissar, where you’ll discover a 16th-century fortress and historic madrassahs, offering a glimpse into the area’s storied past.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Rumi Hotel (4 Star)

Tashkent

Fly to Tashkent in the morning. Upon arrival, begin a city tour of Uzbekistan’s capital. Your guide will take you to the historic Khastimam Complex, Kukeldash Madrasah, and the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar. Explore Tashkent’s modern landmarks, including Independence Square, the Museum of Applied Arts, Alisher Navoi Theatre, and Amir Temur Square.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza (4 Star)

Tashkent

Samarkand

Begin your day with an early transfer to the station for a thrilling ride aboard the bullet train to Samarkand, arriving mid-morning. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the city with your expert guide. Visit Guri Emir, the magnificent tomb of Tamerlane, which inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. Marvel at the iconic Registan Square, renowned for its stunning architecture. Stroll along Tashkentskaya Street to the Bibi Khanum Mosque, a masterpiece dedicated to Tamerlane’s wife, before exploring the bustling Siab Bazaar, where you can indulge in Samarkand’s sweets and dried fruits.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Savitsky Plaza (4 Star)

Samarkand

Spend the day delving deeper into Samarkand’s rich history and breathtaking architecture. Start with the awe-inspiring Bibi Khanum Mosque before returning to Registan Square to admire its intricate design. Explore Shah-i Zinda, a mausoleum complex celebrated for its vibrant mosaics and remarkable history, followed by a visit to Ulug Beg's Observatory, an ancient testament to the region's scientific achievements. With ample time to absorb the city’s wonders, your guide will ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Savitsky Plaza (4 Star)

Bukhara

Depart for the historic city of Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. En route, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the area's significance. In Shakhrisabz, tour the Ak-Saray Palace, Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Jahangir. Don’t miss the bustling local bazaar and the Mausoleum of Amir Timur, which stands as an empty memorial to the ruler. After exploring, continue to Bukhara, arriving in time to unwind for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Wyndham Bukhara (4 Star)

Bukhara

Bukhara

Step back in time with a full day exploring Bukhara’s impeccably preserved historic centre. Visit the Kalon Minaret, the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, and the enchanting Chor Minor mosque with its distinctive blue domes. Stroll through the vibrant bazaars, uncover the treasures of the Ismail Somoni Mausoleum, and delve into the history of the Ark fortress, which housed the Emirs for over a thousand years. Your guide will enrich the experience with stories of the city’s Silk Road legacy.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Wyndham Bukhara (4 Star)

Khiva

Set off on a scenic drive to Khiva, a city steeped in Silk Road history. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodation. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Asia Khiva (3 Star)

Khiva

Today, immerse yourself in the historical charm of Khiva on a guided walking tour. Stroll through its labyrinthine streets and marvel at centuries-old palaces, mosques, minarets, and caravanserais. Your guide will regale you with tales of Khiva’s past, bringing the city’s rich heritage to life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Asia Khiva (3 Star)

Khiva

Ashgabat

In the morning, transfer to the Shavat border crossing into Turkmenistan. Your Turkmen guide will assist with border formalities before continuing to Dashoguz. Enjoy a short city tour, including visits to Juma Mosque, the local bazaar, and a private art gallery. In the evening, fly to Ashgabat, where dinner awaits before heading to your hotel for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Sport Hotel (4 Star)

Ashgabat

Discover Ashgabat, a city of contrasts blending modern opulence with ancient heritage. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ancient Nissa and the Turkmenbashi Mosque Mausoleum. Tour the National Museum, Neutrality Arch, and Independence Park. Later, explore the Akhal-Teke horse stables, with an opportunity to ride these majestic animals. Round off your day with visits to the Earthquake Memorial, Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque, and the bustling Gulistan Bazaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Asshgabat Departure

Bid farewell to Ashgabat as you transfer to the airport for your flight home. Reflect on the incredible journey through Central Asia, filled with unforgettable sights, stories, and experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast