Experience 22 days across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, exploring Silk Road cities, nomadic culture, and Central Asia’s most stunning landscapes from deserts to alpine lakes.
This 22-day Silk Road expedition spans five countries – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan – revealing the region’s most iconic cities, deserts, lakes, and mountain landscapes.
Begin in Ashgabat, explore the dramatic Darwaza Gas Crater, and continue to the ancient ruins of Kunya-Urgench before crossing into Uzbekistan. Discover the timeless beauty of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, then experience modern Tashkent.
Fly to Kyrgyzstan to enjoy the capital Bishkek, alpine Ala-Archa, and the serene nature of Chon-Kemin Valley. Travel along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore to Bokonbaevo, visit colorful canyons and waterfalls near Karakol, and relax in the remote alpine pastures of Karkyra.
Cross into Kazakhstan to explore the emerald Kolsai Lakes, dramatic Charyn Canyon, and vibrant Almaty. Finish your journey in Tajikistan with the cultural highlights of Dushanbe and the majestic Iskanderkul Lake deep in the Fann Mountains.
This route delivers the ultimate combination of Silk Road history, nomadic culture, and breathtaking nature.
Day 1. Airport – Ashgabat city (20–30 km)
Arrival in the early morning. Transfer to the hotel for early check-in and rest.
In the morning, start a city tour, including visits to the National Museum, Ancient Nissa (UNESCO), Turkmenbashi Mosque – Mausoleum, Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Earthquake Memorial Complex, and Ertogrul Gazi Mosque.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants are included.
Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 2. Ashgabat city – Darvaza Gas Crater (285 km / 5 h)
In the morning, drive to the Akhal-Teke horse stables and the ruins of Seyit Jemalleddin Mosque.
After lunch, continue to the Darvaza Gas Crater, passing two small craters (mud and water) along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy a BBQ dinner near the burning crater, then set up camp.
Overnight at the camp.
Day 3. Darvaza Gas Crater – Kunya Urgench sight – Dashogur town – Crossing point Shavat – Khiva town (420 km / 6–7 h)
After camp style breakfast, drive to Kunya Urgench (UNESCO-listed) for sightseeing. Lunch in Turkmenistan.
Then, transfer to the BP Shavat (Khiva). After migration formalities cross Turkmen-Uzbek Border.
In the afternoon, meet on the Uzbekistan side and continue to Khiva (60 km, approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4. Khiva town
After breakfast, start a guided walking sightseeing tour. Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ichan-Kala Fortress. Visit Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Kunya-Ark, Juma Mosque, Toshkhovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Minaret of Islom Khodja. Free time in the afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5. Khiva town – Bukhara town (490 km / 6–7 h)
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a 6–7 hour road trip to Bukhara. The drive takes us through the Kyzylkum Desert.
Upon arrival in Bukhara, check in at the hotel.
In the evening, we’ll visit a local artisan’s house to see how traditional plov is cooked and enjoy dinner with his family.
Day 6. Bukhara town
Enjoy a guided walking sightseeing tour of the Old City. Visit the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Chor-Minor Mosque, Trade Domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 7. Bukhara town – Samarkand city (by train)
Today we’ll explore the sights outside Bukhara. Begin with Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the former summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, a unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to the mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, the founder of a Sufi Muslim order, and the Chor-Bakr Necropolis.
After lunch, transfer to the train station and take the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand, departing at 15:52 and arriving at 17:25 (270 km) – schedule subject to change. Upon arrival, the driver will transfer you to the hotel in Samarkand.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8. Samarkand city
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel to start city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur, remains of Bibi-Khanum Mosque and Siab Bazaar.
Continue to Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Ulugbek Observatory.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9. Samarkand city – Tashkent city (by train)
Transfer to the railway station and take the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Tashkent (06:08 – 08:18, schedule subject to change). Upon arrival, begin your city tour.
Explore the Old City of Tashkent, including the Khast-Imam Complex and Chorsu Bazaar. Continue to the city center to stroll around Amir Timur Square and Independence Square, and visit Tashkent’s famous subway.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10. Tashkent city – airport, flight to Bishkek city (30 km / 40 mins)
Check out from the hotel at noon. Enjoy free time until your transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your flight to Bishkek.
Flight HY 779/777 (Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) – arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon at 15:10/17:30.
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bishkek. Rest.
Day 11. Bishkek city tour – Ala Archa Natural park – Bishkek city (90 km / 1,5 h)
Full day in Bishkek and its surroundings.
In the morning, visit Ala Archa National Park – a perfect opportunity to experience the Tien-Shan mountains and capture panoramic photos.
Return to Bishkek for a walking tour exploring the legacy of the Soviet era. The city tour includes a stroll around Ala-Too Square, visits to several monuments, parks, fine art and sculpture galleries, historic government buildings, and concludes at Victory Square, dedicated to WWII.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12. Bishkek – Chon-Kemin valley (170 km / 3 h)
After breakfast, take a one-hour drive to Burana Tower (UNESCO site) near Tokmok town.
Optionally: horseback riding games near Burana Tower.
Lunch with a local family, enjoying Kyrgyz cuisine.
After lunch, drive to the Chon-Kemin valley.
Upon arrival, check in at the Ashuu Guest House.
Optional activities for the day:
Dinner and overnight at the guest house.
Day 13. Chon-Kemin valley – Bokonbaev village (180 km / 3 h)
In the morning, proceed to Bokonbaev village, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
En route, stop at Kok Moinok – also known as the “Mars Canyon” – if the weather allows.
Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
Upon arrival in Bokonbaev, meet a local Eagle hunter.
The demonstration of traditional eagle hunting and bird training lasts about one hour.
You’ll have the opportunity to take photos with the eagle, both in action and on your arm.
Accommodation on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 14. Bokonbaev village – Jeti-Oguz gorge – Karakol town (180 km / 2–3 h)
Continue our journey to Karakol town.
En route, visit Skazka Canyon, then the famous Jeti-Oguz Gorge to see and take photos of the Seven Bulls.
Here you’ll also have a great opportunity to hike to a beautiful waterfall – one of the most stunning in Kyrgyzstan (moderate level of difficulty, 1.5 km one way, altitude from 2,200 to 2,400 m a.s.l.).
Picnic lunch en route.
Arrive in Karakol in the late afternoon and start a short city tour.
You will visit two main sights: the Dungan Mosque, built at the beginning of the 20th century, and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral from the 19th century.
Accommodation at the hotel. Rest.
Day 15. Karakol town – Karkyra valley (120 km / 2–3 h)
In the morning, continue westward from Karakol.
The first stop is at the Przhevalsky Memorial Complex, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer who was among the first to study Central Asia and the Tien-Shan Mountains.
After the visit, transfer to the Karkyra valley, passing over the San-Tash Pass and entering the border zone.
Complete the necessary document formalities, then proceed to the camp.
Accommodation in a luxury yurt camp with private toilets and showers.
Lunch and dinner included.
Free time to explore the area, walk around, and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Optionally: horseback riding.
Day 16. Karkyra valley – Kegen crossing point – Kolsai lakes (170 km / 3–4 h)
In the morning, we head to Kazakhstan.
A short transfer to the Kegen crossing point, pass through all formalities and drive to Saty village.
Lunch en route.
Upon arrival, head to the Kolsai Lakes to walk along the shore and enjoy the nature.
Return back to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 17. Kolsai lakes – Charyn canyon – Almaty city (300 km / 5 h)
Return to Almaty city.
En route, stop at Charyn Canyon for an easy but spectacular walk. Spend about 2 hours in the area, enjoy a picnic lunch, and continue the drive to Almaty.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18. Almaty city tour
The tour starts with a visit to the Central State Historical Museum, Republic Square with the Monument of Independence, Panfilov Park with Zenkov Cathedral, the WWII Memorial of Glory, the Eternal Flame, and the Musical Instruments Museum.
Walk through the Green Bazaar.
In the evening, transfer to Kok-Tobe Hill, take the gondola up, and enjoy a lovely walk around the hill.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 19. Almaty city – airport, flight to Dushanbe city
Morning/noon transfer to the airport for the flight to Dushanbe.
Flight schedule:
KC 131 (Fri, Sun) ALA – DYU, Departure 11:10 – Arrival 12:00
KC 131 (Tue, Thu) ALA – DYU, Departure 16:35 – Arrival 17:30
Meet the group at the airport and transfer to the city. Take a walking tour along the central street Rudaki to relax and experience Dushanbe’s street culture. This area is especially beautiful in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 20. Dushanbe city – Iskanderkul lake (140 km / 2–3 h)
Full day sightseeing in Dushanbe.
Start with the Archaeological Museum of Tajikistan, home to the famous Buddha statue, and the Ethnography Museum. Visit the Ismaili Center and Navruz Palace (if closed for official events, visit the Botanical Garden instead).
Originally intended as the world’s largest teahouse, the palace’s stunning interior led it to become a government palace. Most rooms are used for official meetings, with only one open for public visits, usually hosting weddings.
Continue to Main Square with the monument of Ismail Somoni and Flagpole Park, featuring the world’s tallest flagpole (2011).
In the afternoon, transfer to Iskanderkul Lake in the Fann Mountains, named after Alexander the Great according to legend.
Accommodation in the resort area. Dinner and overnight.
Day 21. Iskanderkul lake – Dushanbe city – Hissar fortress – Dushanbe city (190 km / 3–4 h)
After breakfast, drive back to Dushanbe city and a bit further to visit the famous Hissar Fortress.
Explore the Hissar Fortress, including Madrasah Kuhna and the Museum of the Tajik Way of Life.
Return to Dushanbe city and continue the tour with visits to the National Museum, Independence Square, and the central bazaar Mehrgon.
Free time in the city.
Day 22. Dushanbe city – airport
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Transport for transfers:
Different in each country. Depending on the number of tourists and availability of kinds of vehicles.
Included in the tour price:
Accommodation on TWN/DBL base in hotels, camps, guest houses – 22 N
Mineral water (1l/day/pax)
Meals – as per program (B – 22, L – 9, D – 8)
Tour escort guide (English speaking) for Turkmenistan part
Transport from arrival till departure along the program. Meeting/seeing off at the airports/train stations.
Tour escort guide (English speaking) for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan parts
Entrance and ecological fees during all the tour
Tour escort guide (English speaking) for Tajikistan part
Visa support letter to Kyrgyzstan (for citizens of China)
Tour escort guide (English speaking) for Uzbekistan part (one guide each city or guide-tour leader for all the tour)
Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass) for Turkmenistan
Eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaev village
Tickets for trains: Bukhara–Samarkand, Samarkand–Tashkent (economy class, subject to availability) (the company reserve the right to change transportation due to the actual schedule of trains and availability of tickets)
Border permit to Karkyra valley
Pilav cooking master class in Bukhara
Not included in the tour price:
❌ Single supplement
❌ International airfares
❌ All personal expenses
❌ Photo/video fees at museums
❌ Tips for guide and driver
❌ Alcohol drinks
❌ Turkmenistan visa 85+4 USD per person, when obtained at the international airport (subject to change; nationality dependent)
❌ Turkmenistan migration tax 10+4 USD per person, to be paid at the international airport (subject to change)
❌ Tourist fee per night, charged in the hotels (not applicable for overnights in tents/pilgrim house) at departure 2 USD per person per night (obligatory)
❌ Visa support for Taiwan citizens to Kazakhstan – 50 USD per person
❌ Visa to Tajikistan (For Chinese and Taiwan citizens) – 85 USD per person
❌ Meals that is not pointed in the program
Turkmenistan – visa and visa support (see conditions below)
Uzbekistan – free visa
Kyrgyzstan – online visa and visa support for China citizens
Kazakhstan – 14 days free visa regime for China citizens (including Hong Kong). Visa and visa support for Taiwan
Tajikistan – online visa and visa support for China citizens
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Experience 22 days across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, exploring Silk Road cities, nomadic culture, and Central Asia’s most stunning landscapes from deserts to alpine lakes.
The Great Silk Road
September–October
Difficulty level
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Route: Almaty – Medeo – Shymbulak – Talgar pass – Almaty – Huns ethno village – Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Kolsai Lakes – Kaindy Lake – Almaty
Route: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent – Bishkek – Chon-Kemin – Bokonbaevo – Karakol – Karkyra – Kolsai – Almaty – Dushanbe – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe
Route: Ashgabat – Darwaza – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent – Bishkek – Chon-Kemin – Bokonbaevo – Karakol – Karkyra – Cholpin-Ata – Bishkek
Route: Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Tashkent – Kokand – Fergana – Osh – Bishkek – Chon-Kemin – Cholpon-Ata – Karakol – Karkyra – Kochkor – Bishkek
Route: Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Tashkent – Bishkek – Chon-Kemin – Cholpon-Ata – Karkyra – Karakol – Kaji-Sai – Bishkek
