The architecture of the Tashkent Metro is one of the most beautiful in the world, and it is a traditional destination for tourists and guests...
Tours
Central Asian stretch of Silk Road
Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the borders of western China, the ‘Stans’ of Central Asia encompass a vast expanse of land, cultures and history. Lying at the crossroads of an intricate web of trading routes, this region has witnessed the movement of goods, people and ideas between Europe and Asia for centuries.
This incredible journey takes you from Kazakhstan and across the Asian steppes to Turkmenistan, passing through the homelands of the Uzbeks, the Tajiks and the Kyrgyz along the way. You’ll follow part of the old Silk Road, taking in the ancient ruins of Merv and the almost legendary cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent as you cross the Kyzylkum Desert.
Passing through some of Central Asia’s most beautiful landscapes, you’ll gaze upon some of the world’s highest peaks and the fertile Ferghana Valley, before ending your adventure in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s most important city.
Its as authentic as it gets here - ancient traditions and thousands of years of history found across the vast steppes and pristine mountain ranges, in soaring minarets and turquoise domes, desolate desert sands, the flash of traditional silk and silver, intricate designs on rich, hand-woven carpets, and the excitement of modern urban capitals. Enjoy the warmest welcome in the world!
This tour will lead you through cities in Central Asia that were once important stopovers on the Great Silk Road. You will discover the cultural treasures and traditions of the nomadic people who have crossed the region for ages, and of the people who have settled in its cities.
Until recently shut off from the outside world and still shrouded in legend and mystery, the personality of each of the ‘stans’ makes an extraordinary journey into the greatest remaining story-book history in world travel today.
Tour Highlights
- — Combine cultural highlights and natural beauty of Central Asia in one tour
- — Visit diverse towns in all Central Asian countries
- — Trace the ancient Silk Road through Central Asia as you journey to Ashgabat, Nisa, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khujand, Tashkent, Bishkek, and Almaty
- — Shop in oriental bazaars for a wonderful insight into daily life and mingle with the locals
- — Visit historic mosques, including the Tillya Sheikh Mosque with the world’s oldest Koran
- — Admire Islamic architecture, browse bustling bazaars and take tea adjacent to the beautiful pool of Lyab-i-Khauz in Bukhara
- — Visit Khiva - the most romantic city on the Silk Road, a UNESCO protected site and perhaps the most perfectly preserved of all the Silk Road cities
- — Discover the cultural gem of the Silk Road and visit the awe-inspiring restored madrassas standing on three sides of Registan Square in Samarkand
Program at glance
The tour will start and finish in Uzbekistan, that serves as a regional transport hub for visiting all 5 Central Asian countries. While it doesn't get a lot of attention, Uzbekistan is a life-changing destination for all who are smart enough to visit. Uzbekistan has some of the region’s finest architecture and most enthralling history. Its capital, Tashkent, was one of the major trading centres along the Silk Road and its proud legacy of warriors and emperors can be seen in the 13th and 14th century monuments which still remain. The journey will take you through some of the greatest cultural highlights the country has to offer. Visit some of the oldest cities in the world such as the legendary Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Each one boasts a glorious architectural legacy that is simply dazzling.
Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, is undoubtedly the most economically advanced of the Central Asian ‘stans’. Rich in oil and minerals, the country has undergone a transformation in recent years that has seen it emerge from the windblown steppes of Asia to become the dominant presence in the region. Beyond its booming cities though lies a country still steeped in the traditions of its past. Here, amongst the high mountains and green valleys it is a land of stunning natural beauty. Home to a number of rare and endangered animals, its national parks hide a wealth of historical treasures and at the heart of its modern cities lie traditions and cultures that can be traced back to the ancient trading routes of the Silk Road.
Kyrgyzstan is quite simply one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The Mountains of Heaven that stretch majestically across its length and breadth are lush, high and wild, dissected by sweeping steppe lands, primal forests and turquoise lakes. And far in the distance, scratching the belly of the endless sky, is an ever-changing vista of lofty snow-capped peaks that, up until a decade ago, were strictly off-limits. Scattered with over 2,000 lakes, a third of this breathtaking country is permanently covered in snow. But despite this natural bounty, it is the people themselves who bring this astonishing landscape to life. You will learn the local culture and traditions of Kyrgyz people and amazing cuisine. Memories of the time spent on the sunny beaches of the Issyk-Kul Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains will be one of the brightest ones taken from the trip.
Tajikistan is a destination that promises adventure and a real sense of discovery, places like Penjikent and the old Uzbek town of Khojand are high on the list of must-see highlights. In Tajikistan you will have an excursion to Khujand, visit to the fortress of Timur-Malik that was considered as one of the unassailable fortresses in Central Asia but was assaulted by Genghis Khan army; and you will also stopover the mosque and madrasah of Shaikh Muslihiddin, the ruler of Khujand and a poet living in the 12th century.
Turkmenistan enjoys a somewhat unique reputation as, not only the least explored country along the old Silk Road, but also probably the most eccentric of the Central Asian republics. Much of the country is covered by the large, empty and very hot Kara Kum or Black Sands Desert, which for centuries was Turkmenistan's best defence against a long list of outsiders, adventurers and encroaching armies. It is its people though who are its great draw. Descended from the nomadic tribes that once occupied the Altai Mountains to the north of Mongolia, the Turkomen of today are amongst some of the most engaging people in Central Asia. Dressed in traditional clothes of huge sheepskin hats, long coats and boots, these people have remained in large part true to their nomadic roots. Excellent horsemen, they are well matched by their wonderful Akhal Teke horses, distant ancestors of the famed Arabians. Turkmenistan will amaze your imagination with the monuments of one of the biggest cities of the ancient world Merv, the first ancient reference of the town was found in Avesto chronicles dating to the 8-6 centuries B.C., also with the ancient capital city of the North Khorezm Kunya-Urgench, with the minaret of Kutlug-Timur – the highest minaret in Central Asia included to the Lists of the World Heritage Sites. A visit to Turkmenistan holds the promise of a journey into a rich and colourful land still totally untouched by tourism, where strangers are merely friends that haven’t been introduced yet.
Itinerary program
day
1
Arrival to Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Arrive to Tashkent. You will be met by company's representative and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start 'Central Asian stretch of Silk Road' tour with a sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia.
Visit Old City part of Tashkent with Khast-Imam Complex where the world famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. In Khast-Imam visit Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Explore Chorsu bazar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to city center to explore Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
day
2
Tashkent (Uzbekistan) – Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Check out from the hotel till noon. Free time until transfer to Tashkent International Airport for flight to Almaty (672 km, 1 h. 40 min.). Upon arrival in Almaty you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
day
3
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start the sightseeing tour in Almaty: visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Central State Museum and Republic Square. Enjoy panoramic view at Kok-Tobe Hill, visit Medeo Gorge. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
day
4
Almaty (Kazakhstan) – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
After breakfast depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway, enjoy nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h.). Cross Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border. Arrive in Bishkek, check in to the hotel.
In the afternoon start sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas; National Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays), Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
day
5
Bishkek – Grigorevka Gorge – Cholpon Ata – Issyk-Kul
In the morning drive from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake (250 km, 4 h.). Arrive at Grigorevka gorge (60 km, 2 h.) full of lush green Alpine meadows and fir trees. Take an easy hike in the gorge. Continue to Cholpon-Ata where you will see petroglyphs – the rock carvings made by prehistoric people lying under the open sky and visit Ethnographical Museum. Transfer to the hotel or guest house on the Northern shore of the lake. Overnight at the hotel or a guest house.
day
6
Issyk-Kul – Bishkek
After breakfast transfer to Bishkek (280 km, 4 h.). Stop on the way to see Burana tower, the remnants of the ancient city of Balasagyn (11-13th centuries). Arrive in Bishkek, free time. Overnight at the hotel or in the guest house.
day
7
Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) – Osh – Khudjand (Tajikistan)
Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport for flight to Osh. Upon arrival you will have a short city tour in Osh founded by King Solomon 3000 years ago as legends say. Visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), National Museum of History and Archaeology, and Osh bazaar that hasn't changed location from the times when Osh was an important trading destination on the Great Silk Road. Transfer to Kyrgyzstan - Tajikistan border point “KyzylBel” (260 km, 5-6 hours). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. In Tajikistan meet your driver and continue to Khudjand (110 km, 1,5-2 hrs.) Check in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
day
8
Khudjand (Tajikistan) – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Breakfast. Start sightseeing Khujand. You will explore the Sughd Historical Museum, Timur-Malik Fortress, Mosque and Madrasah of Shaikh Muslihiddin, Payshanba Bazaar. You will try delicious Tajik cuisine at a local restaurant. Drive to Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border point Oybek (70 km, 1h.). After passing the border Oybek, the driver will meet you on Uzbekistan side and transfer to your hotel in Tashkent (100 km, 1.5hrs.).
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
day
9
Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
Early morning transfer to the local airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h. 40 min.). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min.). Later, a guided walking sightseeing tour. Starting guided walking city tour – inner town of Ichan Kala (XIV-XX CC) with Muhamad Amin Khan Madrassah, Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark, Muhamad Rahim Khan Madrassah, Juma Mosque and Minaret, Tash Hauli Palace, Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrassah, Shirgazi Khan Madrassah, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. Overnight in Khiva.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
day
10
Khiva (Uzbekistan) – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
In the morning drive to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Kunya-Urgench (100 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Visit mausoleums of Turabek Khanum, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan, Najmuddin-Kubra, Sultan Ali. Discover the Kutlug-Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla hill. In the afternoon drive to Dashoguz airport (120 km, 1 h. 30 min.), take an evening flight to Ashgabat (580 km, 50 min.). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
day
11
Ashgabat
Sightseeing tour in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most white marble-clad buildings in the world. During the city tour you will explore an archeological site of Old Nisa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) and Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. You will visit the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Independence Park. Intense and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horse stables and Lenin Monument. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours
day
12
Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Mary
Take a morning flight to Mary (370 km, 40 min.). Upon arrival drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min.), an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Discover historical park that includes Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and others. In the afternoon return to Mary. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
day
13
Mary – Bukhara
In the morning transfer to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point Farab-Alat (200 km, 4 h. 30 min.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Meet your driver and continue to Bukhara (100 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Arrival in Bukhara, check in to the hotel. Free time in Old City. Overnight at the hotel.
day
14
Bukhara
Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
day
15
Bukhara – Samarkand
Continue sightseeing tour with a guide. Drive out of the city to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir. Head to Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. In the afternoon depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 h.). Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in Samarkand late in the afternoon, check in and overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
day
16
Samarkand
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – authentic shrine of Tamerlane. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
day
17
Samarkand - Tashkent
Check-out from the hotel till noon. Continue sightseeing: visit Afrosiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to learn how Samarkand paper from mulberry is made in a traditional way. After, enjoy free time with the car and driver at your disposal. At 16:00 transfer to the railway station. Take the fast-speed Afrosiyob train departing to Tashkent at 17:00 (300 km). Scheduled arrival time is 19:10. Pick-up and transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
day
18
Tashkent - departure
Check-out from the hotel at noon. Free time until transfer to Tashkent International Airport. End of the tour.
Transport in Uzbekistan
Reviews (0)
Write your review about this trip
Duration: 18 days
Path: Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Tajikistan - Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan
Difficulty level: Easy
Price for tour package (for one person) in USD
| Tourists |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8500 | $9000 |
| 2 | $5250 | $5550 |
| 3 | $4600 | $4900 |
| 4 | $4100 | $4400 |
| 5 | $3800 | $4100 |
Tour map
Tour hotels
| City |
|
| N of nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almaty | Kazzhol, Iris |
Atakent Park Hotel | 3 |
| Bishkek | Park Hotel, Smart, Asia Mountains Hotel, Shah Palace |
Park Hotel 4*, Ambassador 4*, Smart 4* |
1 |
| Issyk Kul | Raduga Hotel, Tri Korony | 1 | |
| Khudjand | Vatan | Khujand Grand Hotel, Khujand Delux | 1 |
| Tashkent | Uzbekistan, Shodlik Palace, Sharq | Wyndham Tashkent, Ramada, City Palace |
3 |
| Khiva | Euro Asia, Old Khiva, Orient Star | Asia Khiva |
1 |
| Ashgabat | Grand Turkmen, Ak-Altyn |
Nusay, Oguzkent | 2 |
| Mary | Margush, Yrsgal, Dayanch | 1 | |
| Bukhara | Omar Khayyam, Minzifa, K.Komil | Asia Bukhara, Devon-Begi |
2 |
| Samarkand | Grand Samarkand, Diyora, Malika Prime | Grand Samarkand Superior, Asia Samarkand |
2 |
Hotels will be booked based on availability
Included services
- Visa invitation letter;
- Transport service on comfortable tourist class vehicle (a certain type of vehicle is provided depending on the group size);
- Double/twin & Single sharing accommodation in the hotels with full breakfast and travel tax;
- Sightseeing with a local English speaking guide in each city (for group below 8 pax);
- Economy class tickets for flights: Almaty-Bishkek-Tashkent-Urgench, Ashgabat-Mary;
- Economy-class tickets for trains: Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent;
- Visa support for Uzbekistan triple entry visa and Turkmenistan tourist visa;
- .
Not included services
- Consular fees for Uzbekistan tourist visa;
- Fees for the use of cameras and videos in the monuments and tourist sites;
- Fees for extra service (folklore performance, meetings, tickets for a theatre and visits to museums which are not specified in the program);
- Alcohol drinks;
- Personal items;
- Consular fees for tourist visas and Turkmenistan migration tax ($12);
- Full board (lunch and dinner);
- International air tickets;
- Travel insurance.
Similar tours
Tashkent - Samarkand - Bukhara - Tashkent
$1400
8 days
View details
Take this 8 days Ziyarat Tour to explore the sacred destinations in Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent, to visit the resting places of great scholars of Islam. The highlights of the trip are visits to Imam al Bukhari’s memorial complex, the collector of the hadith “Sahih al-Bukhari” and to the architectural complex of Khwaja Baha ad-Din Naqshband, the Master of the “Naqshbandiya” order.
Tashkent - Bukhara - Samarkand - Kitab - Sherobod - Termez - Denau
$1200
8 days
View details
During the tour you will have opportunity to make pilgrimage to the graves of great theologians of Islam as well as to other sacred places. The highlights of the trip are visits to Imam al Bukhari’s memorial complex, the collector of the hadith “Sahih al-Bukhari” and to the graves of great Sufi leaders.
Recommended monuments
View all monuments around Central Asian stretch of Silk Road
Tashkent
Chorsu Bazaar is Tashkent’s most famous farmers market, topped by a giant green dome, is a delightful slice of city life spilling into the streets off Old Town’s southern edge. If it grows and it’s edible, it’s here.
Tashkent
Alay Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars of Tashkent. Presumably, it emerged in 12-13th centuries on the Mount Alay, but not as a market, but only a place of trade on the trade route, going from East Turkestan in the Fergana Valley.
Chimgan
Even if you are a history lover and travel to Uzbekistan with the only aim to visit its ancient cities do not make a mistake to miss a visit to The Institute of Sun that is located just 2 hours drive from Tashkent in a small imperceptible town of Parkent. Heliocomplex with a very futuristic view stands at an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level, but it seems that it is right "under the sky"
Chimgan
You would never guess that Uzbekistan once was taking an active part in developing space technologies and taking part in space programs. And we are not talking about the middle ages Islamic astronomers. Learn more about
Other hotels in Central Asian stretch of Silk Road
View all hotels in Central Asian stretch of Silk Road
Grand Art hotel has seen better times. Pricing is the same that charge other hotels of higher categories. So tourists are encouraged to check for other options with better location.
Room facilities
Hotel is a mixture of impressions. 3 star at best. Paying more you can get a better hotel obviously, but it is still good value for money. Don't expect much and you would not be upset. Our mild recommendation.
Room facilities
