About this tour
Three Silk Road Countries in One Journey: Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan
Almaty – Bukhara | A 13-day immersive combined tour
If you arrive in Kazakhstan’s capital, Almaty, and dream of exploring the neighbouring countries, this journey is made for you. The magical city of Bukhara will become the unforgettable culmination of your adventure.
In this tour, we deliberately move away from standard routes. The itinerary includes historic Chundzha, the high-mountain Arabel Valley in the Tien Shan, and, of course, legendary Bukhara. Traveling along the Great Silk Road of Central Asia, this is a carefully designed combined journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan — ideal for travelers who wish to experience three countries in one trip while enjoying a high level of comfort.
This is an intellectual journey for curious explorers and thoughtful travelers. Alongside the iconic Silk Road cities, we have included lesser-known destinations that rarely appear in conventional itineraries. The tour is created for discerning guests who value depth, atmosphere, and knowledgeable guiding.
Experience one of the most memorable journeys of your life — a passage along the ancient Silk Road of Central Asia. You will encounter the region’s cultural diversity, feel the spirit of nomadic life, imagine yourself as a craftsman or farmer of the past, explore ethnographic traditions, and witness the ruins and splendor of ancient cities, vast deserts, remarkable historical monuments, and breathtaking natural landscapes along ancient caravan routes.
The Silk Road is more than a road — it is a philosophy of life followed for centuries by merchants, scholars, and travelers alike.
Welcome to the routes of the Great Silk Road.
Tour applications are accepted no later than 30 days prior to departure.
The program covers cities and landmarks of the northern branch of the Silk Road and spans three countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The journey begins in Almaty (Kazakhstan) and concludes in Bukhara (Uzbekistan).
The tour includes jeep travel across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, a domestic flight from Bishkek to Tashkent, and comfortable bus journeys through the cities of Uzbekistan.
Route: Almaty – Chundzha – Karkara – Karakol – Tamga – Bishkek – Tashkent – Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Bukhara
Program
Arrival at Almaty International Airport. Meet & greet and transfer to a 4★ hotel.
Meeting with your expert guide, welcome briefing, and presentation of the journey.
Almaty is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age (1000–900 BC), when early farmers and pastoral tribes settled in this area. The city began to develop actively during the Middle Ages (8th–10th centuries), marked by the growth of urban culture, craftsmanship, and permanent settlements in the Zhetysu region.
Under the Saka and Wusun tribes, Almaty became an important educational and cultural center. Between the 10th and 14th centuries, the settlements of “Greater Almaty” flourished as trade, craft, and agricultural hubs along the Great Silk Road, even operating an official mint. The name “Almaty” first appeared in written sources in the 13th century.
Overnight in Almaty.
Early departure. The route follows the ancient lands of Moghulistan, leading from Almaty to Chundzha — the historic center of Kazakh Uyghurs. This region between Lake Balkhash and the Tien Shan Mountains has long been known as Zhetysu (Seven Rivers Land).
En route, visit the spectacular Charyn Canyon, part of Charyn National Park and often compared to the Grand Canyon for its dramatic landscapes. Guided walk through the canyon.
Continue to Chundzha to visit an ancient mosque listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check-in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy optional relaxation in thermal baths before dinner.
Overnight in Chundzha.
Early departure toward Karkara Valley and onward to Karakol (Kyrgyzstan). The journey gradually transitions from open Kazakh steppes into the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Tien Shan.
Arrival in Karakol and accommodation at a 4★ hotel.
City tour including:
- The historic Dungan Mosque (UNESCO heritage),
- The Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (UNESCO heritage).
Dinner at an ethnic restaurant.
In the evening, meet an expert in ethnography and nomadic cultural heritage for an informal lecture and discussion.
Overnight in Karakol.
Excursion to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red sandstone formations, alpine meadows, and Tien Shan spruce forests.
Traditional beshbarmak cooking master class, followed by lunch in a traditional yurt.
After lunch, visit Barskoon Gorge, known for its waterfalls, pine forests, mountain peaks, and crystal-clear air. This gorge leads to the high-altitude Arabel Valley, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level.
Transfer to Tamga. Hotel check-in.
Dinner with a live performance of Kyrgyz folklore, accompanied by expert commentary on its cultural meaning.
Overnight in Tamga.
Morning visit to the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, showcasing extraordinary natural erosion sculptures.
En route, visit the Burana Tower (9th–11th centuries), an important monument of the Karakhanid State and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an educational guided tour.
Arrival in Bishkek, accommodation at a 4★ hotel.
Dinner at an ethnic restaurant.
Overnight in Bishkek.
Morning city tour of Bishkek.
Transfer to the airport and flight to Tashkent.
Arrival, meet & greet, and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner with a traditional welcome performance by a local folklore ensemble.
Evening walk through illuminated Tashkent.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Today begins your journey along the Uzbek Silk Road. Uzbekistan is renowned for its rich Eastern atmosphere, architectural heritage, and powerful history shaped by the legacy of Timur (Tamerlane), as well as its famous cuisine — especially Uzbek plov.
Tashkent, over 2,200 years old, was once a key crossroads of the Silk Road. The city is known for its greenery and blend of ancient and modern heritage.
Highlights include:
- The Old City,
- Hazrati Imam Complex with medieval and modern mosques,
- Chorsu Bazaar,
- Museum visit.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Uzbek plov master class, followed by dinner.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Early departure to Samarkand, traveling along historic caravan routes.
En route, enjoy diverse natural and cultural landscapes.
Arrival in Samarkand, hotel check-in.
Dinner at a local restaurant and meeting with a Samarkand history expert.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Samarkand, located in the Zeravshan River valley, is over 2,750 years old and was one of the most important cities on the northern Silk Road.
Visit highlights:
- Registan Square,
- Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis,
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque,
- Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum,
- Ulugh Beg Observatory.
Learn about the city’s history from the Sogdian era through Mongol conquest and the rise of Timur’s empire.
Dinner at the romantic Platan Restaurant.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Morning drive to Shakhrisabz, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia and the birthplace of Amir Timur (Tamerlane).
City tour including:
- Ak-Saray Palace,
- Kok-Gumbaz Mosque,
- Other historical monuments.
Shakhrisabz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its craftsmanship and cultural significance.
Hotel accommodation and overnight.
Morning visits to remaining monuments in Shakhrisabz.
Lunch at a traditional teahouse.
Drive through Karshi and rural villages, crossing semi-desert landscapes toward Bukhara.
Arrival and hotel check-in.
Evening walking tour of the old city.
Overnight in Bukhara.
After breakfast in a historic-style restaurant, explore Old Bukhara, one of the most important Silk Road cities for over two millennia.
Highlights include:
- Poi-Kalyan Ensemble,
- Mir-i-Arab Madrasa,
- Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble,
- Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa,
- Historic trading domes Toqi Sarrafon and Telpak Furushon.
Bukhara flourished as a spiritual, cultural, and commercial center, famous for textiles, silk, carpets, karakul wool, and metalwork — traditions still alive today.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Transfer to the airport.
Departure to Tashkent or other destinations according to your flight schedul
