Central Asia Silk Road Legacy
About this tour
Overview: Embark on a thrilling 27-day journey through the heart of Central Asia, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This comprehensive tour will take you across four stunning countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—each offering unique experiences and unforgettable landscapes. From the vast steppes of Kazakhstan to the towering peaks of Kyrgyzstan, the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, and the scenic valleys of Tajikistan, this adventure will immerse you in the rich heritage and diverse cultures of the region.
Highlights:
Kazakhstan: Explore the vibrant city of Almaty, set against the backdrop of the majestic Tien Shan Mountains. Discover the vastness of the steppe, visit Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, and enjoy the nature of Kazakhstan in its best.
Kyrgyzstan: Journey through lush valleys and alpine lakes, including the breathtaking Issyk-Kul Lake. Experience the warmth of Kyrgyz culture, stay in traditional yurts, and visit the ancient Silk Road cities of Osh and Bishkek, the country’s vibrant capital.
Tajikistan: Discover the natural beauty and remote landscapes of Tajikistan, including the Fann Mountains and the Pamir Highway—one of the world’s highest and most scenic roads. Visit the UNESCO-listed Panjakent and enjoy the rich history and architecture of this mountainous region.
Uzbekistan: Step into the history of the Silk Road in cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Marvel at the stunning mosaics of ancient madrasas, mosques, and mausoleums, and stroll through vibrant bazaars. Explore the architectural wonders of Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty International Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Arrival to Almaty. Transfer from the airport to the city. Depending on the time of arrival on the first day, start of the city tour – visits to Panfilov Park with Zenkov Cathedral and the WW2 Memorial and the National Musical Instruments Museum. Visit to the Green Bazar. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day in Almaty. In the morning, drive to Medeo Gorge to take a cable car up to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Return to the city and visit to the National History Museum and the Republic Square with Monument of Independence. In the evening, visit to Kok Tube Hill with the TV Tower by cable car. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan to Saty, Kazakhstan
Almaty – Charyn Canion – Saty village Drive from Almaty to Charyn Canyon first. The Canyon, with its thinly stratified red sedimentary rock, is said to resemble the Grand Canyon in the US; it is however smaller - 50 km from end to end. Hiking for 2-3 hours in the canyon enjoying the photo and video stops. After walking and lunch further drive to Saty village. Overnight at a Guest House.
Day 4: Saty, Kazakhstan to Kolsai Lakes National Park, Алматы, Kazakhstan
Day at Kolsay Lakes After breakfast drive to the first of the three lakes, walking at the area of the lake and return to the village for lunch. After lunch drive to Kaindy Lake by UAZ/ PAZ to the area of Kaindy Lake, 2,5 km hike to the lake by itself. Late return to the guesthouse for dinner. Overnight at a Guest House.
Day 5: Saty, Kazakhstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Saty village - Kegen border crossing from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan – Karakol town. Border formalities, meeting Kyrgyz team further drive to Karakol - visit an Old Russian Orthodox Church and mosque in Dungan style. Most surprising is that both the mosque and the church were built without a single nail or any metal cords. The builders used only wooden beams of the Tien Shan fir, elm and local poplar. Visiting of a Dungan Family for a traditional Dungan dinner. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 6: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol – Bokonbaevo over Dzhety Oguz and Skazka Canion. In the morning city drive from Karakol to Dzhety Oguz Gorge. Shepherds tell a lot of legends about the beautiful, famous, red rocks known as Dzhety Oguz "Seven Bulls" and it’s "Broken Heart" rock. In the afternoon further drive by southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. Visit to Skazka Canyon – the Fairy Tale Canyon and the Ak Say canyons on the way. Meeting an Eagle Hunter and a hunt demonstration (Optional for extra cost). Further drive to a yurt camp at the shores of Issyk Kul Lake near Bokonbaevo village. In the evening – Visiting of a handicraft workshop to take a participation in making a traditional Kyrgyz carpets – Ala Kiyz and Shirdak, listed as an immaterial UNESCO heritage. Overnight at a yurt camp.
Day 7: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, transfer to Bishkek. On the way visit to the historical complex Burana Tower (11th C.) the remains of Karakhanid's empire in Central Asia. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 8: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Ala Archa National Park, Бишкек, Kyrgyzstan
Day in Bishkek Walking tour in the center of the city –Ala Too Square, the State National History Museum, Old Square and the Parliament, Oak Park and the Statue of Kurmandjan Datka (Kyrgyz Queen), the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Victory Square and Eternal Fire, ending at ZUM. Visit to Ala Archa National Park. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 9: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Kyzyl-Oi, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek to Kyzyl Oi This day trip will take you from the capital city of Bishkek to the picturesque village of Kyzyl-Oi, located in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The village is known for its traditional lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and the opportunity to experience authentic Kyrgyz culture and hospitality. Overnight at a home stay.
Day 10: Kyzyl-Oi, Kyrgyzstan to Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Kyzyl Oi to Son Kul Lake. After breakfast in Kyzyl-Oi, you will begin your journey towards Song-Kol Lake. The route will take you over the Kara-Keche Pass, one of the highest points in the region, offering breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. The drive will pass through scenic valleys and rivers, providing opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the beauty of rural Kyrgyzstan. Overnight at a yurt camp.
Day 11: Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan to Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Day at Son Kul Lake. Day at leisure. Optional activities: Swimming in the lake, short trek to Petroglyphs, horse riding (for an extra charge). At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights. Overnight at a yurt camp.
Day 12: Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan to Kazarman, Kyrgyzstan
Song-Kol Lake to Kazarman Village The route takes you through beautiful high-altitude meadows and mountain valleys. The drive offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, and you will pass through several traditional Kyrgyz villages along the way. Kazarman is known for its stunning natural beauty, and the community here still follows a traditional way of life. You will be greeted by local villagers who will host you for the night. Overnight at a home stay.
Day 13: Kazarman, Kyrgyzstan to Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Kazarman to Osh city After breakfast, you will begin your journey from Kazarman to Osh. The trip will take approximately 4-5 hours, covering a distance of about 200 kilometers through the picturesque mountain roads of southern Kyrgyzstan. As you leave Kazarman, you will drive through stunning valleys and along the Naryn River, with opportunities to stop for photos of the beautiful landscapes. After lunch, continue your journey towards Osh. The road will gradually descend towards the Fergana Valley, with its warm climate and agricultural lands. As you approach Osh, the landscape will change, offering views of the fertile valley and the Alay Mountains in the distance. Arrive in Osh, a city with a rich history that dates back over 3,000 years. Osh is considered the cultural and commercial hub of southern Kyrgyzstan and is famous for its ancient sites and vibrant bazaars. City tour of Osh upon arrival. Overnight at a 3 star.
Day 14: Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Tulpar kul, Sary Mogul, Kyrgyzstan
Osh city to Tulpar Kul Lake. Drive for the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan, to Tulpar-Kul Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Alai Mountains. The journey offers breath-taking views of mountain ranges, alpine meadows, and remote villages. At the lake take time to explore the area and take photographs of the lake’s beautiful scenery. Depending on your preference, you can walk around the lake, relax by the shore, or even try some light trekking in the nearby hills to get better panoramic views. Overnight at a yurt camp.
Day 15: Tulpar kul, Sary Mogul, Kyrgyzstan to Karakul Lake, Tajikistan
Tulparkol lake – border crossings – Karakul lake Cross the borders and travel to Karakul lake in Tajikistan, 2 hrs. The totally different landscape opens up confirming that this is Tajikistan. A short walk around the lake. Altitude: 4000m
Day 16: Karakul Lake, Tajikistan to Alichur, Tajikistan
Karakul lake – Murgab village – Alichur village, 6-7 hr Travel goes on to Murgab via the highest pass Akbaital (4655 m) you will ever do in Tajikistan, 3hr. Take photos of glaciers on the pass. Lunch in Murgab village. Walk around the village and explore the town. Head on to Alichur village, 3 hrs. Overnight and dinner at a guesthouse. Altitude: 3866m.
Day 17: Alichur, Tajikistan to Langar, Tajikistan
Bulunkul lake – Kargush pass – Wakhan valley – Langar village, 5-6 hr Breakfast. Take a side trip to visit alpine Bulunkul & Yashylkul lakes with nice hot springs. Drive back to the main road and head up to the Kargush pass (4 344m). Arrival at the Kargush pass and start the 3-4 hrs trek to Panorama Ridge at 4800 meters. While walking up, two small lakes behind you at roadside open up to cheer you. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of Great Pamir on the Afghan border on top of the pass. Walk back to your car. After the pass, drive down to Afghanistan border for another checkpoint to check your GBAO permit. Road follows the river Pamir all the way to Wakhan valley with the chance to admire the Big Pamir of Afghanistan with nomadic Afghan Kyrgyz caravans. Great rugged Hindu Kush mountain ranges welcome you right before entering Wakhan valley. Overnight and dinner in a friendly homestay in Langar village. Altitude: 3200m
Day 18: Langar, Tajikistan to Khorog, Tajikistan
Langar village– Khorog city, 5-6 hr Breakfast. Right after you leave your guesthouse, we then stop at the 4th Century Buddhist stupas at Vrang, reminders of the ancient pilgrim caravans that passed through the region. After some kms, we do a side trip to admire the III-I BC Yamchun Fortress rising from a platform of natural rock. Walk up to edge of the fort and you will have an amazing view of Wakhan valley. Further up the hillside are located the hot springs of Bibi Fatima, with its crystal waters rich in minerals. Back to the main road. Continue to drive to Khorog city. Afternoon, visit the interesting Regional Museum and Central Park of Khorog city. Evening hike in a Botanical Garden – the second highest in the world with a variety of more than 17000 different plants and trees from worldwide. Dinner at a cafe. Night in a hotel. Altitude: 2200m. Gas station available
Day 19: Khorog, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan
Khorog to Darvoz (Kalaikhum), 6–7 hr Breakfast. Travel to Darvoz district. A gorgeous road goes along the river up to the Vanj valley where the road widens up. The road continues along the Afghan border up to Kalaikhum village with picturesque scenery. Arrival in Kalaikhum village and be accommodated in a guesthouse. Altitude: 1200m Gas station available
Day 20: Kalaikhum, Tajikistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Kalaikhum to Dushanbe, 6–7 hr Breakfast. Travel to Dushanbe along the Panj river through numerous local villages along the way. Deep rocky valleys and gorgeous mountains accompany you up to the Shurobod pass before Kulab village. Lunch in a Chaikana (local cafes). Visit 11th-century Hulbuk Palace on the way and enjoy the views of the world’s highest hydropower station Nurek in a distance. Arrival in Dushanbe. Accommodation at a 3 star hotel. Altitude: 800m.
Day 21: Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Dushambe to Samarkand Dushanbe - Penjikent (Anzob pass 3372 m above sea level). Jartepp border is 320 km. The length of the road is 417 km. Samarkand border to hotel -170 km Samarkand (Sightseeing tour duration: 5-6 hours, if time allows) Start sightseeing. Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square - The Pearl of Central Asia, Bibi-Khanum Mosque and Siab Bazaar - the largest market in Central Asia and the most visited place after Registan. Continue sightseeing today or tomorrow. Visit Khazrat Khizr Mosque - the first mosque of Samarkand, Mausoleum of the first President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Ulughbek Observatory - one of the most significant observatories of the Middle Ages. Visit the Meros paper mill in Konigil village. Drop off at the hotel. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 22: Samarkand, Uzbekistan to Nurota, Uzbekistan
Samarkand - Nurata - Yurt Camp Continue sightseeing - Visit Khazrat Khizr Mosque - the first mosque of Samarkand, Mausoleum of the first President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Ulughbek Observatory - one of the most significant observatories of the Middle Ages. After lunch drive to Nurata (230 km). Sightseeing tour in Nurata town. Visit Complex Chashma Spring and Namazgah Mosque. Go up to the hills to visit the remains of the Fortress of Alexander the Great. Drive to the Yurt Camp. Overnight at a Yurt Camp.
Day 23: Nurota, Uzbekistan to Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Yurt Camp - Gijduvan - Vobkent - Bukhara Breakfast in the Yurt Camp. 09:00 Drive to Gijduvan (125 km). Visit the ceramics workshop in Gijduvan. Drive to Bukhara (45 km). On the way have a stop to visit Vobkent Minaret. Arrive in Bukhara. Free time. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 24: Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara Bukhara (Sightseeing tour duration: 8 hours) Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Start your walking sightseeing tour in Bukhara. Visit Lyabi-Khauz ensemble, surrounding the pool on three sides, consists of the Kukeldash Madrasah - the largest madrasa in the city, on the north side of the pool, and two religious edifices built by Nodir Devon Begi: a khanqah (a lodging house for itinerant Sufis) and a madrasa, which stand on the west and east sides of the pool respectively. Visit Magoki-Attori Mosque (today, the mosque is used as a carpet museum), Chor-Minor Madrasah (alternatively known as the Madrasah of Khalif Niyazkul), Trade domes (there are four trading domes have only survived up to now), Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Miri-Arab Madrasah, Kalyan Minaret - one of the most prominent landmarks in Bukhara, Kalyan Mosque, Ark Fortress and Bolo-Khauz Mosque. Free time. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 25: Bukhara, Uzbekistan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Bukhara - Tashkent (Free day) Breakfast at the hotel. 08:30 Visit local bazaar. Visit summer residence of Bukhara’s last Emir - Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. 14:20 Transfer to the train station. 15:44 Transfer to Tashkent by high-speed train Afrosiyob. 19:53 Arrive in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel. Check in. Free time. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 26: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent Tashkent (Sightseeing tour duration: 5-6 hours) Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Start sightseeing from the Old City part of Tashkent. Visit Khast Imam - a cultic architectural complex and the religious center of Tashkent where the world famous Uthman Quran has been preserved. Khast Imam complex consists of Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Muyi Muborak Madrasah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, New Khazrati Imam Mosque and the Muftiate building. Drive to Chorsu Bazaar - one of the oldest bazaars in Uzbekistan. After exploring the bazaar lunch at the Central Asian Plov Center. Plov is cooked in a giant, wood-fired kazans. Enjoy your plov! Have a short Tashkent metro ride. Visit Independence Square, Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, Amir Temur Square and Monument of Courage. Drop off at the hotel. Free time. Overnight at a 3 star hotel.
Day 27: Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Tashkent International Airport, Тоshkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent - departure Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Tashkent International Airport.
What's included
* accommodation on twin base in hotels / Home stays / Yurts – 26 nights * entrance and ecological fees * Meals – according to the program (B – 26, L – 14, D - 13) * Mineral water (1 liter per person per day) * transport from arrival till departure by an air-conditioned tourist vehicle. Train ticket from Bukhara to Tashkent. * English speaking tour guide in the cities
* Single supplement * Alcohol drinks * All personal expenses * Fees for the video/ photography in museums * International flights * Folklore show in Bishkek - 70USD per group/ Eagle Hunting - 60USD per group/ Boat Ride at Issyk Kul Lake -100USD per group
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Almaty International Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan