26 Days | 5 Stans Of The Silk Road | 2025 & 2026

Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake, before departing for Kochkor to learn the importance of felt-making to Kyrgyz culture and local artisans. Learn the craft during a hands-on workshop creating a small version of the traditional carpet known as ala-kiyiz, and enjoy lunch together. Afterwards, we head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members. Surrounded by mountains and often used as a base for trekking, this village offers a touching glimpse into local Kyrgyz life. Tamga village was also once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights. The complex still exists in its original, untouched 1930s glory, with an atmosphere that would seem to bring you back in time.

Enjoy a free morning getting to know this isolated village. Transfer to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre to observe how traditional yurts are built, and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. After lunch at Ak Orgoo, drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol. Stop for a visit at the Prejevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky and local flora and fauna, followed by a city tour.  Stop by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral to admire the unique architecture. This beautiful wooden church was built in 1895, after the old structure was destroyed by an earthquake, and is still used for services on Sundays. Next, visit the colourful Dungan mosque originally built in 1910 that almost resembles a Buddhist temple. This is the only mosque in the area and definitely worth checking out.

Take a short drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, located in the footsteps of Terskey Ala-Too Mountains. This morning, we'll visit famous unique red rock formations called “Broken Heart" and “Seven Bulls”, symbolic of the 35 km long wall of seven huge red-brown cliffs resembling bulls standing together. Next, we take a hike to a nearby valley of wildflowers and reach a stunning view point overlooking the flower-filled valley. Return to Karakol and have a free afternoon to explore, or enjoy some downtime. In the evening, we get to experience having dinner with local family. 

Say farewell to Kyrgyzstan, and cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, we swap vehicles for 4WDs for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees, before we spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional local meals for a true Kazakh experience.

Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrive in Almaty, take a city tour visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Time permitting, opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés. We reccommend stopping by Zelyony Bazaar. Also known as the "Green Bazaar", this was once a key trading centre in the city. Explore this traditional outdoor Kazakh market and roam around the varied stalls. Find anything from local spices and meats to souvenirs or furniture, stay for a meal or opt to sip on tea while watching the hustle and bustle of the market unfold.

We hope you enjoyed your time in Kazakhstan, because today we fly to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, located on the Varzob River. Upon arrival, visit the highlights of the capital city on a guided tour, seeing the Central Mosque and square, Ismail-i-Somoni Monument, the State Flag Pole, and Tajikistan Antiquities Museum. In the evening, we may have more travellers joining our group. You're welcome to attend a evening catch up to get to know them, or do your own thing and relax. 

Today we depart from Dushanbe, and enjoy a morning drive through the valleys and mountains to Kuli Iskandarkul, a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan's Sughd Province. The lake takes its name from Alexander the Great's passage in Tajikistan, as Iskander is the Persian pronunciation of Alexander. After lunch, continue the drive to our overnight stay at a community guest house in Gazza Village. Upon our arrival, take a short hike through the peaceful Fann Mountains to Iskander Darya waterfall, or Fann Niagra. This massive, majestic waterfall drops from a height of 38 metres, complete with a viewing platform at the top. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local family's home, and soak up the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.

After breakfast, embark on a hike alongside Voru River to visit Voru village, one of the old in the region of the Fann Mountains. After the village exploration, head back our guest house, where the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Opt to join a hike to picturesque Khushtarita Valley, or simply spend some time getting to know the locals before our last community dinner together. 

Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque and Mug Teppe, an ancient citadel fortress stormed by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before continuing the drive to Khujand. Wander the city in the afternoon, visiting the Historical Museum of Sughd, resembling a castle, and the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin.

This morning we visit the Khujand Market, the largest is Tajikistan and a great example of a typical Central Asian market. Enjoy browsing what's for sale and opt to sample a few of the local delicacies, before we continue on our adventure to cross the border into Uzbekistan. Our destination is the capital city of Tashkent, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.

Today is a free day in Tashkent to do as much or as little as you like. If a resting isn't your thing whilst aboard, start your day at the Khast Imam Complex, home to beautiful Islamic architecture and the world-famous Quran of Caliph Uthman. From there, explore Chorsu Bazaar, a bustling market where you can experience local life and pick up traditional Uzbek handicrafts and spices. Next, head to Amir Timur Square, where a statue of the legendary conqueror overlooks the city's impressive buildings. For a dose of art and culture, visit the Tashkent Metro, known for its ornate, Soviet-era design, or the State Museum of History, which traces Uzbekistan's rich heritage. End your day with a stroll through the beautiful Independence Square, followed by dinner at a local restaurant to sample Uzbek dishes like plov and samsa.

Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum (entry is just $3 USD). For history lovers, Amir Timur, known as Tamerlane, is an important figure to the city of Samarkand. He was a conqueror in the 14th century hoping to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan, and is considered the last of the great conquerors of the Eurasian steppe.

Embark on a city tour of Samarkand, visiting Ulugbek Observatory, Shaki Zinda complex, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. With a free afternoon, continue exploring the Samarkand sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel (entry fee just $3 USD), famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions - a local legend says that his body grows by half an inch every year!

A different kind of adventure awaits us today, as we travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex. A pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, the landscape is dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this is said to be hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases! After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim, before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.

Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in Uzbekistan and locates on the Silk Road. As one of the best examples of well-preserved Islamic cities of Central Asia of the 10th to 17th centuries, get your bearings in Bukhara on an orientation walk. The afternoon is then free for you to explore at leisure. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family or visit a hammam (bathhouse). If a visit to a hamman intrigues you, budget for around $20 USD per person, and be aware that they are often gender-specific - Hammam Kunjak for ladies, and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. 

Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored blue mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centred around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow, twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse. Looking for further inspiration? We suggest the following optional activities. 

Carpet Museum - $1 USD per person 
The Magok-i Attari Mosque (Museum of Carpets) offers information about the art of carpet making and some fine examples to boot. Perhaps more impressively, the building the museum is located in was once used for Jewish, Muslim, and Christian services, demonstrating the diversity and open-mindedness of this intriguing city.

Jewish Area & Synagogue Visit - Free (small donation encouraged)
Bukhara has a fascinating Jewish history, with Bukharan Jews speaking a Turkic-Persian dialect with a Hebrew script. The city once was home to 40,000 Jews and now has a community of about 25 to 30 families. The synagogue is well worth a visit, and houses a Torah that is roughly 1,000 years old. Please note that on Friday evenings and Saturday, the Synagogue is usually closed for Shabbat.

Today we depart Bukhara, and enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day's journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.

Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life in Khiva and what makes this ancient museum city tick. With its well-preserved walls and ancient monuments, wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, before bargaining with locals at the bazaar. Admire the madrassas and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons that Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views of the sand-coloured mosques and homes.

Spend the morning in Khiva, enjoying your last moments here to experience anything you couldn't squeeze in yesterday, or do some last minute shopping. After lunch, drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border to enter Turkmenistan, and continue to Dashoguz. Take an orientation walk and opt for dinner in a local café, or explore the city and it's Bai Market. For the curious traveller, learn more about the history, culture, and art of Turkmenistan at the Dashoguz Museum (entry USD $10). From archaeological finds to ancient clothes, find the various moments of history captured and on display in this stunning landmark.

Today we drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya Urgench to visit the ancient capital of the Khorezmian Empire. This town was abandoned in the 1700s and has remained untouched ever since. Visit the series of monuments built between the 11th and 16th centuries including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums, and a 60-metre-high minaret. After lunch, continue to the Kara-Kum desert and witness the fiery Darvaza gas crater. Often referred to as the 'Gates of Hell', this gas crater was originally constructed to support a drilling rig but collapsed. As residents discovered the natural gas leak, it was set on fire to burn off over the course of several weeks. Decades later it continues to burn! This evening, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner and spend the night camping under the stars at a yurt camp.

After breakfast, begin the journey to the capital of Turkmenistan - Ashgabat. On the way, stop near the community of Erbent and admire its golden sand dunes that stretch out to the horizon. On arrival in Ashgabat, spend the evening at leisure. Opt to visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, also known as Gypjak Mosque, and capture the sun setting on the symmetrical minarets and golden domes.

Spend the day exploring bustling Ashgabat. Enjoy a tour of the city in the morning, visiting several city treasures such as the Monument of Independence and the National museum or Neutrality Arch. Afterwards, opt to venture to the Ashgabat Hippodrome with free entry. The largest hippodrome in the country, visitors can attend a horse race or just explore the grounds and view the markets, facilities, and playground. Not your thing? Another great free activity is a visit to the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. With four minarets and a central dome, this mosque honours the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman I, and is complete with a lavish interior and stained-glass windows.

All good things must come to an end, and sadly this marks the end of your tour. Guests are welcome to depart anytime, and for those heading to the airport, a departure transfer is included. Safe travels on the rest of your journey!