Silk Road Uncovered: Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

Fly overnight to Tashkent. Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Explore the historic old town, visiting Barak Khan Madrassah and Tila Shaikh Mosque, home to precious Islamic archives. Wander the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, then visit the Rakhimov family ceramics workshop. Finish the day in modern Tashkent at Amir Temur Square and the strikingly decorated Tashkent Metro.

Rise early for your flight to Nukus. Begin your day at the Igor Savitskiy Museum—often called the 'Louvre of the Desert', home to Russian avant‑garde art, Soviet-era masterpieces, and fascinating Karakalpak treasures. Then, drive 200 km to Khiva, stopping at Chalpik Kala, an ancient Zoroastrian funerary site, and Toprak Kala, the historic fortress town of Khorezm.

Step inside Ichan Kala, Uzbekistan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Kukhna Ark Fortress, the turquoise Islom-Khodja Minaret, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Visit Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the striking Kalta Minor Minaret, and the 19th-century Tash Hauli Palace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khoresmian folklore performance.

Travel across the iconic Kyzyl Kum Desert, the 'Red Sands,' along the ancient Silk Road. Enjoy photo stops of the desert landscapes and a visit to the Amudarya River, the legendary Oxus. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon, ready to explore this historic city.

Spend a full day exploring Bukhara’s historic centre on foot. Begin at the Lab-i-Khauz ensemble and continue to the city’s landmarks and hidden gems, including Nadir Khon Madrassah, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and the Ulugbek and Aziz Khan Madrassahs. Enjoy lunch at the home of master suzani maker and explore his workshop. In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress, Bala Hauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub. Conclude at the Hunarmand workshops near Lyabikhauz, witnessing traditional crafts such as block printing, metal chasing, embroidery, carving, miniature painting, and goldwork.

This morning, explore Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the former summer residence of the emir, a stunning blend of Russian and local architectural styles. Later, travel by train to Samarkand, arriving in the late afternoon and ready to begin your next adventure.

Explore the highlights of Samarkand, starting at the iconic Registan Square with its three stunning madrassahs: Ulug-Bek, Tillya-Kori, and Sher-Dor. Visit Gur Emir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane, and the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Wander the Silk Road bazaar, admire the Shahi Zinda necropolis, and end the day with a tour and tasting at Bagizagan winery.

Travel 90 km south of Samarkand to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of conqueror Amir Timur. Explore the city’s highlights, including the ruins of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus-Tilavat cemetery, and Kok-Gumbas Mosque, before returning to Samarkand in the afternoon.

Explore Ulugbek’s 15th-century Observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Enjoy some free time to shop in Samarkand before continuing by train to Tashkent, taking in the changing landscapes along the way.

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the day is at leisure until a welcome dinner in the evening.

Begin the day at Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine haven in the Tian Shan mountains, 40 minutes outside of Bishkek. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights, including Central Square, the iconic Manas Monument, and a bustling local bazaar.

Depart Bishkek and visit the Museum of Nomadic Civilisation, a fascinating trove of artefacts that tell the story of nomadic peoples through history. Continue to the sparkling northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake. Enjoy a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.

Journey east along the shoreline of Issyk Kul to Karakol, stopping in the village of Tup for a tour and a tasting of the region’s famous Kyrgyz cheese, kurut. Next, stop at a farm to learn about the breeding of thoroughbred horses and giant Arashan rams, then spend the afternoon soaking in a local hot spring, an essential part of the Karakol lifestyle. This evening, join a welcoming Dungan family for a delicious home-cooked dinner.

Enjoy an active morning with a walk through the picturesque Karakol Gorge, before returning to the city to visit the Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church, known for their unusual construction. This afternoon, visit a social enterprise that supports local women and promotes the products they produce, such as jam, dried fruit and felt souvenirs. Tonight, dine on lagman — hand-pulled noodles tossed with spiced lamb, a dish that sits at the heart of Uyghur culture.

You may wish to rise early this morning to visit the Karakol Animal Market, a bustling spectacle each Sunday that draws local farmers and traders, offering a rare and memorable glimpse into rural Kyrgyz life. Travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famed for its striking red sandstone formations. Take a walk to spot the ‘Broken Heart’ and towering ‘Seven Bulls’, while admiring sweeping views. Arrive at your camp for the next two nights and settle into your cosy yurt. Later, learn from the camp chef how to make ‘manty’, a delicious local favourite of spiced minced meat dumplings.

Visit Skazka Canyon and enjoy a walk among its dramatic red rock formations, discovering why it is also known as ‘Fairytale Canyon’. Continue to Kadji-Sai village to meet a local family of musicians, joining them for a traditional lunch accompanied by a lively folklore performance. In the afternoon, walk through the dense spruce forest and alpine meadows of Barskoon Gorge to reach the famous ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’ waterfall.

Travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Along the Transfer to the airport for your flight to the way, meet an eagle hunter and see the training process of these magnificent birds. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu, a village famous for its skilled artisans, learn about the traditional craft of yurt-making. After lunch, continue to Chon- Kemin where you’ll have a hands-on class on how to make the traditional Kyrgyz dish of tash food cooks, before dining on the results.

Learn to make boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz bread, enjoying what you prepared with breakfast. Travel to Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and explore the openair museum with ancient balbals. Then, enjoy a demonstration of ulak tartysh, the thrilling traditional horse game of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic peoples. Return to Bishkek where you’ll have some free time before a farewell dinner.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.