The Silk Road Passage - 3 Stans Journey
3 Stans Discovery Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan
| Countries: | Uzbekistan – Tajikistan – Turkmenistan | |
| Tour length: | 12 days / 11 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Tashkent – Khujand – Istaravshan – Penjikent – 7 Lakes – Samarkand – Bukhara – Mary – Merv – Ashgabat | |
GUARANTEED ARRIVAL DATES IN 2026:
Group №01. 16.05–27.05.2026
Group №02. 06.06–17.06.2026
Group №03. 29.08–09.09.2026
Group №04. 26.09–07.10.2026
Group №05. 17.10–28.10.2026
GUARANTEED ARRIVAL DATES IN 2027:
Group №01. 15.05–26.05.2027
Group №02. 05.06–16.06.2027
Group №03. 28.08–08.09.2027
Group №04. 25.09–06.10.2027
Group №05. 16.10–27.10.2027
This journey follows the ancient Silk Road across three countries, taking you through historic cities, mountain landscapes, and desert regions that once connected East and West. Traveling steadily from Tashkent to Ashgabat, we cross borders and cultures, discovering places shaped by centuries of trade, belief, and everyday life.
Along the way, we explore UNESCO-listed sites, wander through old bazaars and quiet streets, and experience the contrasts that define Central Asia. Designed for travelers who prefer meaningful routes over rushed sightseeing, this tour offers a balanced pace, authentic encounters, and lasting memories from one of the world’s most fascinating regions.
- itinerary / services & cost
Visa
useful information
| Itinerary: | ||
| Day 1. |
Tashkent. This morning we arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. After settling in at the hotel and breakfast, we meet our guide. Today we discover Uzbekistan’s bustling capital, where old and new meet in surprising harmony. We’ll visit the spiritual heart of the city – Khast-Imam Square, home to ancient madrasahs and mausoleums, and wander through the colorful Chorsu Bazaar, alive with the aromas of spices, fresh produce, and handicrafts. After lunch, we’ll explore Independence Square and Amir Temur Square, wide spaces framed by impressive architecture. One highlight not to miss is the Tashkent Metro, famous for its ornate stations that feel like an underground art gallery. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 2. | Tashkent - "Oybek" land border - Khujand by road, 160 km. After breakfast we drive toward the Uzbek-Tajik border at Oybek, complete formalities, and continue to Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. On arrival, we enjoy a city tour: strolling through bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar, visiting the historical Museum of Khujand, and seeing the city’s fortress walls. The mix of ancient history and modern Tajik life makes Khujand an unforgettable introduction to the country. Overnight in Khujand. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. |
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| Day 3. | Khujand - Istaravshan - Penjikent by road, 260 km. After breakfast we leave Khujand and set out towards Istaravshan, a city with more than 2,500 years of history and once an important stop along the Great Silk Road. Here we explore its bustling bazaars and historic sites, including Kuk-Gumbaz Mosque and the colorful caravanserai-style markets, where traditional craftsmanship is still alive. Continuing our journey, we drive through dramatic mountain landscapes to Penjikent, often called the “Pompeii of Central Asia” thanks to its fascinating ruins of ancient Sogdian settlements. On arrival we settle into the hotel, with time to rest before dinner. Overnight in Penjikent. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 4. | Penjikent - 7 Lakes - "Jartepa" land border - Samarkand by road, 180 km. After breakfast we explore Penjikent’s surroundings, beginning with the Sarazm ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back more than 5,500 years — one of the earliest settlements in Central Asia. We then visit the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the great Persian poet, and wander through the lively local bazaar, where everyday Tajik life unfolds in a swirl of colors and aromas. Later, we journey into the Fan Mountains to discover the enchanting Seven Lakes of Marguzor. Each lake has its own character and color, ranging from deep sapphire to shimmering turquoise, shaped by light, altitude, and legend. Today we’ll visit six of them, stopping for a traditional lunch at a local family home near the fourth lake. Short walks along the lakeshores will give us time to absorb the mountain serenity. In the afternoon, we return to Penjikent and proceed to the Jartepa border crossing. After formalities, we cross into Uzbekistan and continue to Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road. Accommodation at the hotel and rest. Overnight in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast, lunch. |
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| Day 5. | Samarkand. After breakfast we set off to discover the treasures of Samarkand, one of the most dazzling cities of the Silk Road. Our tour begins at the iconic Registan Square, framed by three grand madrasahs – Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Qori – each a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. We continue to the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane and his dynasty, with its turquoise dome and richly decorated interiors. After lunch, we visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world, and wander through the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where vibrant blue-tiled mausoleums line a narrow medieval street. The day ends at the Ulugbek Observatory, where the great astronomer charted the stars centuries ago. Return to the hotel for overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 6. | Samarkand.
This morning we dive deeper into Samarkand’s history and culture. We begin at the Afrosiab Museum and nearby archaeological site, which reveal the ancient roots of the city long before the Timurid era. Then we visit the tomb of Saint Daniel, a unique pilgrimage site venerated by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. Later, we explore the Khujum carpet factory and a silk paper workshop, where age-old crafts are preserved and practiced with pride. Finally, we stroll through the bustling Siab Bazaar, a lively market brimming with spices, dried fruits, nuts, and handicrafts – the perfect place to experience the flavors and energy of modern Samarkand. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 7. | Samarkand - Bukhara by morning train. After breakfast we transfer to the railway station and take a morning train across the steppe to Bukhara (09:55–11:38). On arrival, we begin our exploration of the Old Town - one of the most atmospheric and best-preserved medieval cities in Central Asia. Our walk starts at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a lively plaza shaded by old mulberry trees and surrounded by beautiful madrasas and cozy teahouses. Here we see the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa and Kukeldash Madrasa, two fine examples of Islamic architecture. We continue through the ancient trading domes (Toqi) - Toki Zargaron, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Sarrafon — where merchants once sold jewelry, silk, and coins. Today these domes are filled with local crafts, carpets, and souvenirs. We end the day with a leisurely stroll through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of Bukhara at sunset. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 8. | Bukhara. After breakfast, we continue discovering the treasures of Bukhara. We visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a true masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, connected to the legend of the Prophet Job. Then we explore the local bazaar, full of life, colors, and aromas. Next, we head to the Bolo-Hauz Mosque, famous for its elegant wooden pillars reflected in the pool, before entering the mighty Ark Citadel, the former residence of Bukhara’s emirs, with its old Zindan prison. We finish our sightseeing at the majestic Po-i-Kalyan Complex, the spiritual heart of Bukhara, with its impressive minaret, madrasa, and mosque - a perfect finale to our journey through this timeless city. In the evening, we are welcomed into a traditional local home for an authentic cultural experience. Here we’ll take part in a master class on cooking plov, Uzbekistan’s most famous dish, learning its secrets step by step. Afterward, we’ll share a delicious dinner with the family, enjoying warm hospitality and stories of local life. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast, dinner. |
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| Day 9. | Bukhara - "Farab" land border - Merv - Mary by road, 385 km. Today we say farewell to Uzbekistan and cross the Farab land border into Turkmenistan. After completing border formalities, we continue to the ancient city of Merv (UNESCO World Heritage site), once one of the largest and most splendid cities on the Silk Road. We explore its sprawling historical park: the monumental Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the crumbling mudbrick citadels of Erk Gala and Gyaur Gala, the mysterious Keshk fortresses, and the Muhammed ibn Zaid Mausoleum. Each ruin tells a story of empires risen and fallen. In the late afternoon we drive on to Mary, a modern city built near the ruins. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 10. | Mary - Ashgabat by road, 365 km.
After breakfast we take a short tour of Mary, visiting its lively Central Bazaar, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the elegant Gurbanguly Haji Mosque. Then we set off westward toward Ashgabat. Along the way we stop at the atmospheric ruins of the Anau Mosque and visit the renowned Ahalteke horse stables, home to the legendary Akhal-Teke breed, prized for their speed and beauty. By evening we arrive in Ashgabat, check into the hotel, and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Ashgabat. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 11. | Ashgabat.
Today we discover the fascinating capital of Turkmenistan, a city of marble avenues, grand monuments, and hidden history. Highlights include the striking Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque, Independence Park, the Rukhnama Monument, and the gleaming Neutrality Arch. We’ll also admire the statue of national poet Magtymguly, before venturing out to Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the seat of the mighty Parthian Empire. To conclude, we visit the impressive Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Ashgabat. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 12. | Ashgabat, departure . Breakfast at the hotel and check-out before 12:00. Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight — carrying with you warm memories and vivid impressions of your unforgettable journey through Central Asia. Meals: breakfast. |
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The tour is guaranteed regardless of the number of participants | ||||||
Tour price includes:
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Tour price does not include:
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*Tickets for high-speed trains are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Hotels
| City | Hotels | |
| Tashkent | Human 3* or similar | |
| Khujand | Khujand Deluxe Hotel 4* or similar | |
| Penjikent | Penjikent Plaza 3* or similar | |
| Samarkand | Arba Hotel 3* or similar | |
| Bukhara | Rangrez 3* or similar | |
| Mary | Mary Hotel 4* or similar | |
| Ashgabat | Sport Hotel 4* or similar | |
Information on the vehicles
| Group size | Vehicle |
| Group of 1–2 pax | "Chevrolet Lacetti" |
| Group of 4 pax | "Hyundai Grand Starex" |
| Group 6–8 pax | "King Long" or similar |
| Group of 9-14 pax | Eurise minivan or similar |
| Visa to Uzbekistan | Visa to Kyrgyzstan | Visa to Kazakhstan |
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.
Read more about visa to Kyrgyzstan here »»
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Information about Kyrgyzstan |
Information about Uzbekistan |
Useful Information on Traveling to Kyrgyzstan:
Useful Information on Traveling to Uzbekistan:
Photo of the tour:
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Our video gallery:
 Cuisine of Central Asia |
 Charms of Kyrgyzstan’s nature |
 Wine-Making in Uzbekistan |
 Uzbek Fruit and Vegetables |
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the copyright owner.
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