About this tour
Silk Road Journey: Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Tajikistan
Discover the legendary Silk Road, where ancient history, unique culture, and breathtaking nature merge into one unforgettable adventure. This journey is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The journey begins at Issyk-Kul Lake, the jewel of Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. Here, you will experience the power of nature and explore the monumental history of the region. Next, we travel to the ancient city of Osh, where modern life harmoniously coexists with the traditions of nomads.
In Uzbekistan, we explore the Fergana Valley, a land of master artisans, remarkable people, and warm hospitality. In the historic towns of Margilan and Rishtan, witness centuries-old traditions in silk weaving and exquisite ceramics.
Next, we visit Khujand, the oldest city in Tajikistan and a true gem along the Syr Darya River. Every stone tells a story—from the Achaemenid Empire to Alexander the Great, from Arab conquests to Genghis Khan’s era. Wander its streets, feel the breath of centuries, and savor the rich local cuisine. Immerse yourself in lively bazaars and the peaceful charm of quiet alleys.
The journey culminates in legendary Samarkand, the heart of the Silk Road. The city impresses with majestic architecture, monumental madrasahs of Registan, elegant minarets, and historic streets steeped in the legacy of great empires. Follow in the footsteps of ancient caravans, where traditions come alive and worlds meet.
Best Travel Time: August–October is the perfect period to explore the Central Asian Silk Road. The weather is mild, with pleasant temperatures around Issyk-Kul, in the Fergana Valley, and along the Syr Darya River.
Accommodation
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Twin / Double rooms. Single-room supplement applies.
Three Symbolic Sections of the Journey
- Kyrgyzstan – Land of the Tien Shan: 5 days
- Colors of the East (Uzbekistan): 4 days
- Magical Sogdiana (Tajikistan): 5 days
Trip Details:
- Kyrgyzstan: 5 days, 4*–5* hotels, distance 700 km, max altitude 2,500 m
- Uzbekistan: 4 days, 4*–5* hotels, distance 350 km, max altitude 570 m
- Tajikistan: 5 days, hotels and guesthouses, distance 700 km, max altitude 2,400 m
Arrival & Departure Logistics
- Flights from Europe or Russia to Bishkek are available in the morning and evening.
- (Alternative: arrival via Almaty, followed by transfer to Bishkek – 260 km, 3.5 hours)
- Departure from Samarkand
Arrival in Bishkek:
- Morning arrival: Early check-in at a 5* hotel and rest. Afternoon lunch and city tour. Dinner at the authentic Supara Ethno Restaurant in the mountains, accompanied by a national folklore show.
- Evening arrival: Airport pick-up and transfer to Burana Resort (50 km from Bishkek). Check-in at a 4* hotel. Dinner and relaxing evening away from the city bustle.
Program
Meet at the airport and transfer to a 5* hotel. Dinner at the Supara Ethno Complex with a folklore show.
If arriving at 19:00: accommodation at Burana Resort.
In the morning, drive to the Issyk-Kul Valley, gradually gaining altitude over 1000 m. On the way, visit the Burana Architectural and Historical Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Issyk-Kul sits at an altitude of 1,609 m. Arrival in Cholpon-Ata and check-in at a 4* lakeside hotel.
13^00- Lunch at a restaurant. Visit the petroglyphs – UNESCO cultural heritage. Free time for rest and beach. Visit the Ala-Bulak trout farm for lunch featuring local trout dishes (menu options available). Friendly discussion with a local entrepreneur.
Morning: drive to Kyrchyn Valley – venue of the International Nomad Games. Stunning natural landscapes. Authentic lunch in yurts with national dishes (vegetarian options available), accompanied by a folklore show.
Afternoon: Eagle hunting show, demonstrating traditional falconry techniques. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Issyk-Kul with a dessert buffet and local alcoholic drinks tasting on deck. Dinner at Barashek Restaurant (menu options available). Option to dine at the hotel.
Drive from Cholpon-Ata to Bishkek Airport (280 km, approx. 5 hours). Lunch on the way. Flight to Osh (~1.5 hours including check-in). Check-in at hotel in Osh. Optional evening excursion to the sacred Sulayman-Too Mountain – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dinner at an ethno teahouse.
Morning: transfer to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border. At 09:00 (Uzbek time), meet at Dostlik border crossing. Transfer to Uzbek transport. Depart for Andijan.
09:40 – Arrival in Andijan. Meet with guide. Visit the workshop of Abdulloh Hoji Khattot – a master of glass calligraphy. Participate in a calligraphy masterclass. This master and his students are the only ones in Uzbekistan creating this unique art.
11:00 – Visit Andijan national doll makers Mayramkhon and Nizomidin Ergaziyev. Participate in a workshop creating traditional Andijan dolls.
08:00 – Breakfast.
09:00 – Visit the “Vadiy Tulporlari” Stud Farm to see the breeding of the Koraboir horse breed. Optional horse riding in the arena.
10:30 – Visit “Wine Garden” enterprise, producing export wines popular in the Baltic countries. Tour of the production facilities, wine cellar, and tasting of wine and liqueurs.
12:00 – Lunch at “Shedevr” teahouse with signature Fergana dish “Pirozhok.”
08:00 – Breakfast.
09:00 – Departure to Rishtan.
10:00 – Visit Khodja Ilgor Mosque (built in the late 19th century on an ancient cemetery site). The mosque grounds are planted with centuries-old plane trees, elms, and willows, creating a picturesque setting.
11:00 – Visit the “Koron” pottery center, learn about Rishtan ceramics traditions, and participate in a ceramics masterclass.
07:00 – Breakfast.
08:00 – Depart hotel for the Uzbek-Tajik border at Andarkhan.
08:45 – Arrival at the border and meet guide. Transfer to Khujand – one of Central Asia’s oldest and most beautiful cities, also known as the culinary capital. City tour: Panjshanbe Bazaar, visit an ikat weaving workshop. Lunch at a local restaurant with regional specialties. Free time at the bazaar before noon.
Visit the Arbob Palace and Historical Museum (Tajik “Peterhof”). Presentation of Tajik folk arts by Munira Akilova. Lunch at a local restaurant. Participate in a plov cooking masterclass at the Khujand Fortress complex in a merchant’s house, accompanied by a folklore show. Dinner hosted by the Deputy Chairman of Sughd Region, Anvar Yakubi, with local vodka tasting.
Transfer to the legendary Iskanderkul Lake, the “pearl of the Fann Mountains,” named after Alexander the Great. Learn local legends from your guide. Visit Snake Lake and Fann’s Niagara waterfall (35 m). Check-in at a lakeside guesthouse and enjoy a delicious lunch.
After breakfast, transfer to the authentic village of Madm. Explore local history, crafts, and hospitality. Local women will demonstrate carpet weaving and Suzani embroidery. Enjoy traditional Tajik dishes. Continue to Panjakent – often called the “Eastern Pompeii.” City tour, visit the ancient ruins and local museum. Dinner at an authentic teahouse, tasting Panjakent plov – one of Central Asia’s best. Overnight at Panjakent Plaza 4*.
Breakfast, then excursion to the Seven Lakes. Experience the contrast of colors and landscapes: Mizgon (dark purple), Soya and Khusher (turquoise), Nofin (longest, but low in spring), and the largest – Marguzor. Visit the authentic village of Padrud and the smallest lake Khurdak. Lunch at Najmiddin guesthouse. Return to Panjakent and drive to the Tajik-Uzbek border. Transfer to Samarkand. Check-in at Ametist Hotel Complex. Free time.
08:00 – Breakfast at hotel.
09:00 – Meet guide and start city tour:
- Ulugh Beg Observatory (1424–1428), one of the most significant medieval observatories.
- Khodja Daniyar Mausoleum (Daniel), revered in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Features a sacred spring.
- Shahi-Zinda ensemble – mausoleums of Karakhanid and Timurid nobility (14th–15th centuries).
- Mausoleum of the First President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov.
- Gur-e Amir Mausoleum – Timur’s tomb and family members.
- Registan Square – architectural ensemble of 15th–17th centuries: Ulugh Beg, Sherdor, and Tilla-Kari madrasahs.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque – 15th-century architectural masterpiece.
- Siab Bazaar – free time for shopping.
Lunch at Samarkand restaurant. Return to hotel (17:30). Dinner at KarimBek Restaurant (19:00). Return to hotel (20:30).
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Samarkand Airport. Flight home.
Price
1/2 DBL price
Price Upon Request
Included / Excluded
- Comfortable transportation
- 4–5★ hotels
- Full board (three meals per day)
- Boat excursion
- Shows & masterclasses
- Guided excursions
- Tour leader assistance
- Entrance fees
- Expert talks
- Local tastings
- International flights
- Single supplement
- Visa
- Bar drinks
- Private transport
- Services not listed
