Silk Road Treasures: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Tour program:
Day 1.	Bishkek, arrival. We arrive in Bishkek early in the morning and head straight to our hotel to freshen up and enjoy a short rest after the flight. After breakfast, our journey through Central Asia truly begins. Leaving the city behind, we drive about 45 km south into the mountains to visit the stunning Ala-Archa Gorge, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful national parks. Nestled in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains, Ala-Archa is a perfect introduction to the country’s wild nature — crisp mountain air, fast-flowing rivers, pine forests, and dramatic snow-capped peaks all around us. Here we enjoy a gentle walk along mountain trails, taking in the scenery, breathing in the fresh alpine air, and easing into the rhythm of the journey. It’s a peaceful and refreshing start, allowing us to connect with nature without rushing. In the afternoon, we return to Bishkek and set out to discover the city’s main highlights. We explore the spacious Ala-Too Square, watch the changing of the guard at the National Flagstaff, and see key monuments dedicated to Lenin, Freedom, and Manas the Great — the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz people. The evening is free to relax after a long first day. Meals: breakfast. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 2.	Bishkek. After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our local guide and leave Bishkek for a short drive into the countryside. Our destination is the Burana Tower — an impressive 11th-century minaret and one of the very few surviving landmarks of the ancient city of Balasagun, once an important stop on the Silk Road. We walk around the open-air archaeological area surrounding the tower, where stone balbals (ancient Turkic grave markers) and scattered ruins give a tangible sense of the region’s deep and layered history. The site feels quiet and open, allowing us to imagine life here centuries ago. After lunchtime, we witness a truly distinctive cultural experience — Kok-Boru, the Kyrgyz national horseback game. Often compared to Buzkashi, this traditional sport involves riders competing to carry and score with a goat or sheep carcass. It demands remarkable strength, balance, and riding skill, and watching it up close offers a powerful insight into Kyrgyz nomadic traditions that are still very much alive today. In the afternoon, we return to Bishkek and head back to the hotel to relax. Meals: breakfast. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 3.	Bishkek - Kochkor village - Naryn by road, 320 km. After breakfast, we leave Bishkek and begin our journey toward Naryn, a remote mountain town set high in the heart of Kyrgyzstan. The road gradually climbs into wide valleys and open highland landscapes, giving us a sense of how quickly the country shifts from city life to vast, rugged terrain. Along the way, we stop in the village of Kochkor, well known as the country’s center of traditional felt-making. Here we visit a local workshop and take part in a hands-on masterclass, where we learn how shyrdaks — traditional felt rugs — are created. From washing and layering the wool to shaping the final patterns, the process is entirely handmade and deeply rooted in everyday nomadic life. After lunchtime, we continue our drive into the mountains. By evening, we arrive in Naryn, a quiet town located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and wide open spaces, Naryn feels far removed from the bustle of the lowlands. We check in at our hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest after a day on the road. Meals: breakfast. Overnight in Naryn.
Day 4.	Naryn, day trip to Tash-Rabat caravanserai by road, 220 km. After breakfast, we set off on a day trip to one of Kyrgyzstan’s hidden treasures — the Tash-Rabat Caravanserai, a well-preserved stone fortress that once sheltered Silk Road traders, travelers, and their caravans. Surrounded by high mountains and wild meadows, this 15th-century caravanserai stands as a silent witness to centuries of trade and adventure. We explore its cool stone chambers and learn how merchants once rested here after crossing the high passes from China. In the afternoon, we return to Naryn. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5.	Naryn - Bokonbaevo village - Tamga (Issyk-Kul) by road, 230 km. After breakfast, we continue our journey along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. The scenery changes from wide valleys to mountain ridges that seem to touch the sky. Our first stop is the village of Bokonbaevo, where we meet local eagle hunters — the proud keepers of a centuries-old Kyrgyz tradition. We watch a falconry demonstration and learn how these majestic birds are trained to hunt in the wild. Next, we visit the fascinating Fairytale Canyon (Skazka) — a magical place where colorful clay formations have been shaped by wind and time into towers, castles, and dragons. It truly feels like stepping into another world! By evening, we arrive in Tamga village, located near the lakeshore. We stay overnight in a yurt camp (twin yurts with private en-suite bathrooms), and enjoy dinner. Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Day 6.	Tamga - Djety-Oguz gorge - Karakol by road, 90 km. After breakfast, we take a short drive with our guide to explore the stunning Djety-Oguz Gorge, whose name means “Seven Bulls.” The gorge gets its name from seven striking red cliffs of sandstone that rise like giant guards over the valley. The contrast of the crimson rocks against the dark green Tien Shan spruce forests is simply breathtaking. We enjoy an easy hike along the winding mountain river, listening to the sound of rushing water and birds echoing through the gorge — a perfect moment to connect with nature. Afterward, we continue to Karakol, a cozy town at the eastern edge of Issyk-Kul. Upon arrival, we visit its main highlights: the colorful Dungan Mosque, built entirely of wood without a single nail, and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, famous for its carved details and peaceful atmosphere. We also stop by the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer who mapped much of Central Asia. Evening at leisure and overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7.	Karakol - Cholpon-ata - Bishkek by road, 405 km. After breakfast, we depart Karakol and begin our scenic drive along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the world’s largest alpine lakes, often called the Pearl of Central Asia. The road offers wide lake views framed by snow-capped mountain ranges on both sides. Our first stop is Cholpon-Ata, a popular resort town on Issyk-Kul. Here we visit the open-air museum of petroglyphs, an archaeological site featuring thousands of rock carvings dating from the Bronze Age to the early Middle Ages. These ancient images of animals, hunters, rituals, and symbols provide a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual world of the nomadic peoples who once lived around the lake. After some time to explore the site and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere, we continue our journey westward. The drive takes us through changing landscapes — from lakeside plains to mountain foothills — as we gradually approach the Chui Valley. By evening, we arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and enjoy time to rest after a full day on the road. Meals: breakfast.
Day 8.	Bishkek – Osh by local flight. Osh – Pamir Mountains by road, 280 km After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Osh. Upon arrival, we start our journey to the heart of the Pamir Mountains, following the legendary Pamir Highway, ranked by National Geographic among the world’s most beautiful roads. The drive itself is an unforgettable experience, so be sure to take a window seat. Along the way, the landscapes change constantly: red-colored mountains, winding rivers, and the vast open space of the Alay Valley unfold before us. We cross the spectacular Taldyk Pass (3,600 m), where the road twists through dramatic mountain scenery, and finally, the snow-covered north face of Lenin Peak (7,134 m) appears on the horizon. Upon arrival at the Edelweiss Meadow Yurt Camp (3,600 m), perfectly located with one of the best views of Lenin Peak, we check in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we set out on a gentle walk to Lukovaya (Leek) Meadow at 3,800 meters. Once used as a base for mountaineering camps, this protected alpine meadow is now home only to marmots and wild green onions. In early summer it becomes a lush green field dotted with colorful flowers, while later in the season it transforms into a quiet, golden landscape under the wide Pamir sky. Our route follows the edge of the Achik-Tash Canyon, where we encounter unusual rock formations shaped like pillars, a natural conical pyramid, the meeting point of two rivers, and strikingly colored mountain slopes. The sound of rushing water and the deep silence of stone create a powerful sense of space and scale. Walking time: approx. 2 hours Altitude gain/loss: +250 m / −250 m Overnight at Edelweiss Meadow Yurt Camp (3,600 m) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9.	Hiking in the Achik-Tash Valley & Tulpar-Kol Lake. Today we explore the beautiful Achik-Tash River Valley, known for its chain of colorful alpine lakes scattered across the wide mountain floor. We begin with an easy hike along gentle terrain, often compared to natural “fjords,” where lakes change shape and size from year to year. Their clear turquoise waters mirror the surrounding Pamir peaks, while herds of yaks graze peacefully along the shores. Continuing on, we make our way toward Tulpar-Kol Lake, a large and untouched alpine lake considered sacred by local Kyrgyz communities. After descending to the river, we cross a small bridge and reach the lake, which lies quietly among open pastures. According to local beliefs, visitors should approach the lake with respect and a calm state of mind. Bathing, fishing, or drawing water is traditionally forbidden, but many people come here to reflect, pray, or simply sit by the shore and absorb the stillness of the place. We walk around the lake, observing its unusual winding shape from different viewpoints, and learn about the daily life and traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz families whose yurts stand nearby. Along the trail, we may encounter horses, donkeys, and alpine meadows dotted with edelweiss, buttercups, and forget-me-nots. In the afternoon, we return to the yurt camp, where we take part in a culinary master class, learning how to prepare traditional Uzgen plov. Walking time: approx. 5–6 hours Altitude gain/loss: +260 m / −260 m Overnight at Edelweiss Meadow Yurt Camp (3,600 m) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10.	Edelweiss Meadow – Alay Valley – Osh by road, 280 km. After an early breakfast, we begin our long but scenic journey back toward Osh, traveling through the wide-open landscapes of the Alay Valley — one of the most atmospheric regions of southern Kyrgyzstan. Our first stop is Daroot-Korgon, a small town and the administrative center of the Chon-Alay district, once located along the route of the Great Silk Road. Here we visit the remains of a 19th-century fortress, known as the Kuldatka Wall, named after one of the military leaders of the time. During the period of the Kokand Khanate, this fortress served as a residence for governors and a key stop for merchants traveling along caravan routes. We continue by visiting a local family, where we are welcomed into a traditional home. Here we learn about everyday life in the Alay Valley and observe the traditional process of handmade felt carpet production. In Kyrgyz culture, carpets are not only household items but also carriers of meaning — their ornaments serve as a visual language through which stories, customs, and legends are passed from generation to generation. Next, we travel to the village of Sary-Mogol, where we enjoy lunch with a local family. We also attend a traditional Kyrgyz costume demonstration and visit the Ethnographic Museum, founded in 1962. The museum displays more than 100 unique exhibits that reflect the history, lifestyle, and traditions of the region’s people. In the afternoon, we continue our drive to Osh, crossing the high-altitude Taldyk Pass (3,615 m) and Chiirchik Pass (2,408 m). Arrival in Osh, followed by hotel check-in and time to rest after the journey. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight in Osh.
Day 11.	Osh – “Dustlik” land border - Margilan - Rishtan - Kokand by road, 220 km. After breakfast, we leave Osh and drive toward the Dustlik land border. After completing border formalities, we meet our Uzbek guide and driver and continue our journey into the Fergana Valley, one of Uzbekistan’s most fertile and culturally rich regions. Our first stop is Margilan (approx. 15 km from the border), a city famous for its centuries-old silk traditions. Here we visit a Handicraft Center, where we observe the traditional production of silk fabrics and learn how Margilan became one of the key silk hubs along the ancient Silk Road. Next, we drive to Rishtan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s ceramic art. Rishtan pottery is renowned for its distinctive blue and turquoise glazes, made using local mineral pigments. We visit the home and workshop of a local ceramic master, where we take part in a hands-on pottery master class. In the afternoon, we continue to Kokand, once the capital of the powerful Kokand Khanate. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and enjoy some time to rest after a day rich in culture and impressions. Meals: breakfast.
Day 12.	Kokand - Tashkent by road, 240 km. After breakfast, we set out on a city tour of Kokand, the former capital of the powerful Kokand Khanate and one of the most important historical cities of the Fergana Valley. We begin with a visit to the impressive Kokand Khudoyar Khan Palace, the city’s main landmark and a symbol of the khanate’s former power. With its richly decorated façade, colorful tilework, and spacious courtyards, the palace offers a vivid glimpse into the political and ceremonial life of the 19th century. We then visit the Jami Mosque, an elegant complex with a long wooden colonnade supported by hundreds of carved columns — a fine example of traditional Central Asian architecture. Nearby, we see the Norbut-Biya Madrasah, one of the best-preserved madrasahs in the valley, which still reflects the educational and spiritual role Kokand once played in the region. After exploring the historical heart of the city, we continue to the Mehrigiyo Botanical Garden, a peaceful place dedicated to medicinal plants and local flora. Here we learn about traditional herbal knowledge and the use of plants in Uzbek medicine and everyday life. In the afternoon, we depart for Tashkent, driving through the scenic Kamchik Pass (approx. 2,200 m) — the main mountain corridor connecting the Fergana Valley with the capital. The road offers beautiful mountain views and marks a clear transition from the valley landscapes to the plains around Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, we check in at the hotel and have time to rest after the journey. Meals: breakfast.
Day 13.	Tashkent - Samarkand by evening train, 2 hours. After breakfast, we spend the day discovering Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, a city where layers of history sit alongside wide avenues and modern life. We begin at Khast-Imam Square, the spiritual center of the city, home to historic madrasahs, mosques, and mausoleums. Walking through the complex, we get a sense of Tashkent’s religious and scholarly heritage. From here, we head to Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in Central Asia. Under its vast domed halls, we wander among stalls filled with spices, bread, fruits, sweets, and everyday goods, observing the rhythm of local life. After lunch, we continue our city walk through Independence Square, an open and symbolic space reflecting Uzbekistan’s modern history, and Amir Temur Square, framed by elegant buildings and shaded walkways. Another memorable experience is a ride on the Tashkent Metro — each station designed with its own style, turning a simple journey into a walk through an underground gallery. In the evening, we head to the railway station and board a comfortable train to Samarkand. After arrival, we transfer to the hotel and settle in, ready for the next day in one of the most legendary cities of the Silk Road. Overnight in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast.
Day 14.	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.
Day 15.	Samarkand – Bukhara by road, 280 km. After breakfast we depart for Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric cities along the Silk Road. The journey takes us across the Kyzylkum plains — once the route of ancient caravans linking oasis to oasis. Upon arrival, we step into the old town, where centuries of history seem to linger in every brick and dome. We’ll begin our exploration with the majestic Po-i-Kalyan Complex, its elegant minaret once guiding weary travellers by torchlight. Nearby, we’ll visit the Miri-Arab Madrasa, the Magoki-Attori Mosque, and Ulugbek Madrasa, each telling its own story of faith and learning. The day concludes at the tranquil Lyabi-Hauz Square, where mulberry trees shade the reflecting pool and local life unfolds around us. In the evening, we check into our hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast.
Day 16.	Bukhara. Breakfast at the hotel. Today we continue our discovery of Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric cities on the Silk Road. We’ll start with the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, associated with the legend of the Prophet Job. Then we’ll wander through the bustling local bazaar, before visiting the elegant Bolo-Khauz Mosque and the mighty Ark Citadel with its old Zindan prison — echoes of the city’s rich and sometimes dramatic past. In the afternoon, we head beyond the city to explore the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, once the lavish summer residence of the last emir, and the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Central Asia. As evening falls, we’re welcomed into a traditional Uzbek home for a heartwarming culinary experience. Together with our hosts, we’ll take part in a plov master class, learning how to prepare Uzbekistan’s most beloved dish step by step — before sharing a delicious homemade dinner filled with laughter, aromas, and stories of local life. Meals: breakfast, dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17.	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.
Day 18.	Khiva - Urgench by road, 30 km. Evening flight to Tashkent 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.
Day 19.	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.

Cost of the group tour in USD

The cost for 1 person 2995 USD Supplement for single accommodation + 645 USD The tour is guaranteed regardless of the number of participants Book this tour privately

The cost of the tour includes:

• Accommodation at the hotels listed below, or at similar properties of the same category, in double/twin rooms with breakfast. Early check-in on Day 1 in Bishkek is included; check-in at other hotels is at 14:00, check-out at 12:00.
• Accommodation at the yurt camp in Tamga village and Pamir mountains (twin accommodation with private en-suite bathrooms).
• Meals – daily breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners (incl. cooking classes in Pamir Bukhara) as per the program.
• Entrance fees to the monuments and museums mentioned in the itinerary.
• Kok-Boru horseback game demonstration.
• Falconry demonstration and felt-making master class in Kyrgyzstan.
• Felt carpet master class.
• Ceramic master class.
• Services of English-speaking local guides.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including all airport–hotel–airport transfers.
• Railway transfer from Tashkent to Samarkand and from Bukhara to Tashkent (economy class).
• Flight ticket Bishkek-Osh (economy class).
• Flight ticket Urgench-Tashkent (economy class).

The cost of the tour doesn’t include:

• International flight tickets.
• Meals not mentioned above.
• Medical expenses and travel insurance.
• Porterage at hotels, railway stations, and airports.
• Tips for guides and drivers.

Tickets for high-speed trains are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Accommodation.

Transport.