About this tour
Central Asia Grand Journey
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan
Discover the timeless spirit of the Silk Road on a curated journey through three of Central Asia’s most fascinating countries. This immersive tour blends dramatic mountain landscapes, UNESCO-listed architecture, artisan traditions, refined gastronomy, and meaningful encounters with local experts, scholars, and craftspeople.
Travel from the ancient city of Osh across the legendary Pamir Highway, explore the vibrant Fergana Valley, uncover the royal heritage of Kokand, experience the cultural elegance of Khujand, and conclude in magnificent Samarkand — the jewel of the Silk Road.
Designed for culturally curious travelers from the USA and Europe, this journey offers comfort, depth, and authenticity at every step.
Highlights
- Scenic drive along the historic Pamir Highway
- Artisan workshops: silk weaving, ceramics, knife making, ikat textiles
- UNESCO heritage sites of Samarkand
- Culinary experiences: plov master classes, family dinners, local tastings
- Boutique and 4★ hotels throughout the route
- Encounters with historians, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures
Program
Arrival in Osh and private transfer to the hotel. Time to relax after your flight.
In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing.
Welcome dinner at an ethnic restaurant featuring traditional Kyrgyz and Central Asian cuisine.
Today’s journey follows the legendary Pamir Highway, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain roads.
Drive through dramatic alpine landscapes, deep gorges, and high mountain passes, with panoramic views of the Pamirs — often called the Roof of the World. This day is dedicated to nature, photography, and the sheer scale of Central Asia’s wilderness.
Return to Osh in the evening. Educational talk on the geography and geology of the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges, followed by dinner.
After breakfast, cross the Kyrgyz–Uzbek border and enter the fertile Fergana Valley, renowned for its crafts and hospitality.
- Visit Shahrihan and meet master knife makers (demonstration and workshop)
- Continue to Margilan, the historic center of silk production
- Guided visit to the famous Yodgorlik Silk Factory, preserving ancient hand-weaving techniques
- Explore the Pir Siddiq architectural complex
Evening arrival in Fergana. Dinner hosted by a local family, offering insight into daily life and traditions.
Overnight in Fergana.
Travel to Rishtan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s ceramic tradition.
- Visit a 19th-century mosque set among ancient trees
- Guided tour of a pottery atelier and hands-on ceramics master class
- Lunch featuring regional Rishtan plov
Continue to Kokand, once the capital of the Kokand Khanate.
- Visit Khudoyar Khan Palace
- Explore Jami Mosque
- Museum of Great Thinkers of Central Asia
Evening at leisure at a boutique hotel in Kokand.
A deeper exploration of Kokand reveals its unique colonial and Art Nouveau architecture from the Russian Turkestan period.
Walk through historic neighborhoods, former merchant mansions, banks, and educational institutions from the late 19th–early 20th centuries.
Afternoon visits to:
- Traditional craft workshops
- Historic bridges and the former Khan’s Palace, now a regional history museum
Dinner and overnight in Kokand.
Cross the Uzbek–Tajik border and continue to Khujand, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and its culinary capital.
- Explore Panjshanbe Bazaar
- Visit an ikat weaving workshop, learning about this intricate silk-dyeing art
Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Tajik specialties.
Overnight at a 4★ hotel in Khujand.
Visit Arbob Palace, often called the “Tajik Peterhof,” and its museum.
- Folk crafts master class with local artisans
- Walk along the Syr Darya riverfront
Afternoon:
- Plov cooking master class at the Khujand Fortress complex
- Folklore performance
Dinner with a respected local figure, including tasting of regional spirits.
Overnight in Khujand.
After breakfast, travel via Panjakent and cross into Uzbekistan.
Scenic transfer to Samarkand, one of the world’s great historic cities. Hotel check-in and time to relax.
Dinner at a refined local restaurant.
A full day dedicated to Samarkand’s masterpieces:
- Mausoleum of Prophet Daniel (Khoja Daniyar)
- Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis
- Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane
- Registan Square, the iconic ensemble of madrasahs
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Visit to the bustling Siab Bazaar
Evening at leisure. Dinner at a traditional restaurant.
- Visit a traditional paper mill preserving 8th-century techniques
- Explore the modern Craftsmen Quarter
- Visit a carpet factory
- Lunch featuring authentic Samarkand plov
- Visit Afrosiab Museum
- Guided tour and tasting at the historic Khovrenko Winery
Farewell dinner in Samarkand.
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Samarkand International Airport for departure.
Price
1/2 DBL price
Price Upon Request
Included / Excluded
- Comfortable transport
- Professional tour leader
- Licensed local guides in each region
- Twin (double) accommodation
- Full board: three meals per day
- Artisan and culinary master classes
- Cultural presentations and talks
- Food and beverage tastings
- Folklore performances
- Expert lectures on history,
- Expert lectures on culture,
- Expert lectures on geography
- International airfare
- Single supplement
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses & tips
