Nomads’ Path
Where nomads meet legends of the Silk Road…
| Countries: | Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan | |
| Tour duration: | 15 days / 14 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Bishkek – Karakol – Djety Oguz – Kochkor – Son Kul lake – Kyzyl Oy village – Bishkek – Osh – Fergana – Margilan – Rishtan – Kokand – Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent | |
Join us on an unforgettable journey across Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, where we’ll combine the beauty of nature with the magic of the Silk Road. Our adventure begins in Bishkek, where we’ll get to know the lively capital before setting off towards the mountains. We’ll visit the historic Burana Tower, drive along the shores of Issyk-Kul, and explore colorful gorges and canyons. At Son-Kul Lake, we’ll spend a night in a traditional yurt camp, meet friendly Kyrgyz families, and enjoy their hospitality with fresh airan and kymys.
Crossing into Uzbekistan, we’ll dive into history and culture, visiting Margilan’s silk workshops and Rishtan’s ceramic masters. From there, our route takes us to the legendary cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, each with its stunning architecture, ancient bazaars, and stories that shaped the Silk Road.
This tour is a perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, authentic encounters, and timeless cultural treasures.- Itinerary
Services & Cost
Visa- Useful Information
Route Map
| Itinerary | ||
| Day 1. | Bishkek, arrival. We arrive early in Bishkek, the welcoming capital of Kyrgyzstan. After meeting our driver at the airport, we transfer to the hotel for rest and breakfast. Later in the morning we set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Bishkek. The city, framed by the snowy Tian Shan mountains, combines Soviet heritage with modern Kyrgyz culture. We’ll see the Manas Monument, central Ala-Too Square with the Guard of Honor, and the Independence Monument. Walking past the main government buildings and the Old Square, we’ll pause by the last remaining Lenin statue in Central Asia. Our tour ends at Victory Square, dedicated to World War II. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 2. | Bishkek - Burana Tower - Karakol by road, 405 km. After breakfast we drive east towards Karakol, located at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains. On the way we stop at Burana Tower, a surviving 11th-century minaret from the ancient city of Balasagun, and wander among the mysterious balbals (stone warrior statues). Continuing along the scenic north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan,” we visit the Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs, a vast open-air gallery of ancient rock carvings. Arrival in Karakol, where we check into our hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 3. | Karakol - Jety-Oguz gorge - Bokonbaevo - Kochkor by road, 250 km. This morning we begin with a tour of Karakol. We’ll visit the colorful Dungan Mosque, built entirely without nails, and the wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. We’ll also stop at the museum of Nikolay Przhevalsky, the Russian explorer who charted much of Central Asia. Later we drive into the mountains to the famous Jety-Oguz Gorge (“Seven Bulls”), named for its striking red sandstone cliffs. From the panoramic viewpoint we take in sweeping views of spruce forests, alpine meadows, and mountain rivers. Our next stop is Bokonbaevo village, where local eagle hunters preserve the ancient tradition of falconry. We’ll watch a demonstration of hunting with a majestic golden eagle before continuing on to Kochkor village, known for its felt handicrafts and warm hospitality. Dinner and overnight in Kochkor. Meals: breakfast, dinner. |
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| Day 4. | Kochkor - Son Kul lake by road, 130 km. After breakfast in Kochkor, we will visit a local handicraft workshop for a felt-making master class. Here, skilled artisans will show us how traditional shyrdaks (Kyrgyz felt carpets) are created, using age-old techniques passed down through generations. We’ll even take part in the process and learn the symbolism behind the colorful patterns. After this cultural experience, we leave Kochkor and head into the mountains toward the legendary Son-Kul Lake, a high-altitude jewel at 3,016 meters above sea level. Surrounded by lush pastures and snowy peaks, the lake is a summer grazing ground for nomads and their herds. On arrival, we settle into our yurt camp—a truly authentic glimpse into Kyrgyz nomadic life. The afternoon is free to explore: try optional horseback riding, enjoy a peaceful hike, or simply meet local shepherds and their herds. Dinner and overnight in yurts, beneath a sky full of stars. Meals: breakfast, dinner. |
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| Day 5. | Son Kul lake - Kyzyl Oy village - Bishkek by road, 320 km. We wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy a short hike along the lakeshore before breakfast. Then we set off through the dramatic Kara Keche pass and follow the winding Kekemeren River, passing amazing views. Our journey continues to the charming and remote Kyzyl-Oy village, a place untouched by mass tourism, where the traditional Kyrgyz lifestyle is preserved. From there we drive across the scenic Suusamyr Valley and over the breathtaking Too Ashuu Pass (3,586 m), one of the most spectacular mountain roads in Kyrgyzstan. Arrival in Bishkek by evening. Accommodation and overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 6. | Bishkek - Osh by morning flight. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Osh, the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan. On arrival, we dive straight into the vibrant atmosphere of the Central Bazaar and Central Square, where the Silk Road spirit is still alive. After lunch we explore the sacred Suleiman Mount, one of the most important Islamic pilgrimage sites in Central Asia. Inside the mountain’s main cave, we visit a small historical museum. Climbing to the top, we find Babur’s Mosque, built by the founder of the Mughal Dynasty, and take in a panoramic view of Osh spread out below us. Transfer to the hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 7. | Osh - “Dustlik” border point - Margilan - Fergana by road, 130 km. After breakfast we drive to the Dustlik border crossing, where we leave Kyrgyzstan and enter Uzbekistan. On the Uzbek side, we meet our local team and continue towards Margilan, the Silk Road’s legendary center of silk-making. Here we visit the Margilan Silk Factory, where the traditional khan-atlas fabric is still woven and dyed by hand, using methods that have been preserved for centuries. Walking through the workshops, we can see every stage of this delicate craft. Later we transfer to Fergana city, a cultural and economic hub of the fertile Fergana Valley. Arrival, hotel check-in, and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 8. | Fergana - Rishtan - Kokand by road, 90 km. Evening train to Tashkent We start the morning with a drive to Rishtan, a town world-famous for its unique blue-and-green ceramics. For over 800 years, master potters here have been passing down their skills from generation to generation. We will be welcomed into the home workshop of the Nazirov family, where the secrets of clay preparation, painting, and firing are still alive. Watching the craftsmen at work is an unforgettable experience. Next, we continue to Kokand, once the capital of the powerful Kokand Khanate. Our sightseeing includes the elegant Palace of Khudayar Khan, the Mausoleum of Modari Khan, and the Juma Mosque, reflecting the grandeur of the khans. We will also stroll through the unique Mehrigiyo Botanical Garden, home to rare plants and fragrant lavender fields. In the evening, we transfer to the railway station and board a train to Tashkent (17:33–21:45). Arrival, hotel accommodation, and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 9. | Tashkent. Today we explore the lively capital of Uzbekistan, where ancient traditions blend with modern life. Our guided city tour begins at Khast-Imam Square, home to historic mosques and the famous Barak-Khan Madrasah. We also visit the Kafal al-Shashi Mausoleum and the Kukeldash Madrasah, one of the city’s oldest educational centers. After lunch, we discover the beautiful Museum of Applied Arts, followed by a stroll through Independence Square and Amir Timur Square, the heart of modern Tashkent. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 10. | Tashkent - Samarkand by morning train. After breakfast we board the morning train to Samarkand, one of the most legendary cities of the Silk Road. On arrival, we begin our guided tour. We start with the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the majestic tomb of Tamerlane, and admire the nearby Rukhabad Mausoleum from the outside. Then we step into the heart of the city — the iconic Registan Square, with its three grand madrasahs: Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Qori. After lunch, we continue to the elegant Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world, stroll through the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and finish the day at the Ulugbek Observatory, a marvel of medieval science. Overnight in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 11. | Samarkand - Bukhara by morning train. This morning we take a short train ride to Bukhara, a city often described as a living museum. On arrival, we begin our sightseeing. We visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and the unusual Chashma Ayub Mausoleum ("Spring of Job"). We then see the graceful Bolo Khauz Mosque, the mighty Ark Citadel, and the towering Kalyan Minaret within the Po-i-Kalyan Complex, along with the Ulugbek Madrasah. After lunch, we continue to the lively Lyab-i-Hauz Ensemble, surrounded by historic madrasahs like Kukeldash and Nadir Divan-Begi, and wander through the domed trading arcades, where silk, spices, and handicrafts have been sold for centuries. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 12. | Bukhara. Today we explore the outskirts of Bukhara. After breakfast, we drive just a few kilometers to the countryside to visit the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara — a blend of Oriental splendor and European elegance. We then continue to the sacred Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Memorial Complex, a pilgrimage site dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. Finally, we stop at the Chor-Bakr Necropolis, often called the “city of the dead,” with its atmospheric courtyards and domes. Return to the city in the afternoon. Free time for rest or strolling through Bukhara’s charming streets. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 13. | Bukhara – Khiva by road (460 km). After breakfast we set off on a long but scenic journey across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and along the mighty Amudarya River. This vast landscape of golden sands and rippling dunes gives a real sense of the Silk Road’s endurance. We stop for lunch en route and continue our drive to Khiva, a perfectly preserved medieval city that feels like an open-air museum. On arrival, we have leisure time to wander its narrow streets, visit traditional workshops, and browse local souvenir shops. Overnight in Khiva. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 14. | Khiva – Urgench by road (30 km). Evening flight to Tashkent by evening flight After breakfast we explore Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mudbrick walls, minarets, and madrassahs create one of the most atmospheric cities in Central Asia. Highlights include the Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, the Kunya-Ark Fortress, and the tall Islam Hajji Minaret. After lunch, we visit the ornate Tash Khauli Palace, the Juma Mosque with its 200 carved wooden columns, the Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, and the Avesta Museum. In the evening we transfer to Urgench for the flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, check-in and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 15. | Tashkent. Departure. Early morning transfer to the airport for your international flight. Depending on flight time, breakfast or a lunch-box will be provided. Meals: breakfast. |
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Tour price includes:
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Tour price does not include:
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*Tickets on a high-speed train are subject of availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance
This tour comes with the following accommodation:
| City | Hotels 3* | Hotels 4* |
| Bishkek | Bishkek Boutique 3* or similar | B Hotel or similar |
| Karakol | Green Yard 3* or similar | Karagat 4* or similar |
| Kochkor | Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar | Nomad Lodge Hotel or similar |
| Son Kul lake | Yurt camp | Yurt camp |
| Osh | Sunrise 3* or similar | Classic 4* or similar |
| Fergana | Asia Fergana 4* or similar | Asia Fergana 4* or similar |
| Tashkent | Huvaydo hotel 3* or similar | Inspira-S 4* or similar |
| Samarkand | Arba Hotel 3* or similar | Continental 4* or similar |
| Bukhara | Rangrez 3* or similar | Paradise Plaza Hotel 4* or similar |
| Khiva | Khiva Residence 3* or similar | Asia Khiva Hotel 4*or similar |
Information on the vehicles
| Uzbekistan and other countries | Venicle |
| Group 1–2 pax | "Chevrolet Lacetti" or similar |
| Group of 4 pax | Hyundai Starex minivan or similar |
| Group 6–8 pax | "King Long minivan" or similar |
| Group 9–14 pax | "Eurise minivan" or similar |
Visa to Uzbekistan:
Visa-free regime for up to 60 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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A great number of other countries can obtain an e-visa to Uzbekistan by simply visiting the governmental portal e-visa.gov.uz.
Read more about visa to Uzbekistan here »»
Visa to Kyrgyzstan
Under current rules visa-free stay within unlimited period on the territory of Kyrgyzstan is granted for the nationals of the following countries:
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List of states granted visa-free stay up to 90 days: Mongolia, Ukraine
List of states granted visa-free stay up to 60 days
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Visa-free access to Kyrgyzstan up to 30 days: Malaysia.
Useful Information on Traveling in Kyrgyzstan:
Useful Information on Traveling in Uzbekistan:
► Memo: Useful tips for tourists »»
Route Map
Photos of the tour:
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Our video gallery:
 Kyrgyzstan painted with sand |
 In an off-road vehicle across Kyrgyzstan |
 Uzbek fruit and vegetables |
 Lively Kyzylkum desert |
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Feedbacks from tourists to the tour «Nomads’ Path».
Wolfgang & Annina
24.01.2020 09:57
Dear Sofia,
we want to say THANK YOU for the organization of a fantastic trip through Usbekistan and Kirgistan!
Everything was well timed. We didn’t had any complications. Really really well done :)
Also the guides did a great job. We got to know the countries very deeply and enjoyed the days a lot!
In case, we will for sure recommend you as a professional travel company!
Best
Wolfgang & Annina
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