Once the epicentre of global trade, Central Asia’s Silk Road is now one of the world’s best-kept travel secrets — and it’s calling your name. On this epic journey through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, you’ll roam ancient towns older than most countries, trek to turquoise alpine lakes, and dive into vibrant cultures where past and present collide. Expect camel caravan vibes by day and bustling bazaars by night. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping back in time, this is your chance. Let’s go.
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: in Tashkent, Tashkent. Tashkent Orientation Walk. Free Time in Tashkent. Khiva Orientation Walk. Free Time in Khiva. Bukhara Orientation Walk. Free Time in Bukhara. Free Time in Samarkand. Panjakent Bazaar. Marguzor Lakes Visit. Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7 Hike. Free Time in Shymkent. Shymkent Orientation Walk. Sayram Su Lake Hike. Taraz Orientation Walk. Free Time in Taraz. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Hike to the electric blue waters of Sayram Su Lake, Explore ancient cities like Bukhara Tashkent and Shymkent, Travel off the beaten path to the small but mighty Taraz village, Soak up Silk Road vibes in centuries-old caravan towns
How large will the group be?
Max 18
What meals are included in this trip?
11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Metro, Private vehicle, Train, Walking, Overnight Train.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hostels (8 nts, twin share), Hostel (2 nts, multi-share), Overnight train (1nt), Guesthouse (2 nts, multi-share), Hotel (1 nt, twin share).
Itinerary
Tashkent
Arrive at any time. In the evening, meet your CEO and new crew that you'll be traveling with in a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner together. Then hit the town for your First Night Out, the chance to get to know your new travel buds!
Tashkent/Khiva
Start today with some breakfast and an orientation walk of Tashkent. Check out the neighborhood alongside your CEO, then head out to explore the city how you'd like! Opt to join a Tashkent city tour or take a day trip to see the impressive Institute of Sun. This evening, climb aboard the overnight train en route to Khiva.
Khiva
After a full nights sleep aboard the train, choose to have some breakfast in the dining car or enjoy the views as you chug along. Pull into Khiva around noon, drop your bags, then head out on an orientation walk. Spend the afternoon free to explore the city of Khiva however you want. Perhaps visit one of Khiva's most important landmarks, the Islam Khadija Minaret or take a tour of the City Wall.
Khiva/Bukhara
Today you are free to explore this incredible ancient city. In the evening, head to the train station to travel to Bukhara. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival.
Bukhara
Get a feel for your adventure in Bukhara by starting the day with an orientation walk of the area. Then today is yours to explore the city! Visit some of the incredible Hammams (traditional public baths), or join a guided tour of Bukhara.
Bukhara/Samarkand
Bukhara, a historic and important stop along the Silk Road, is today a beautiful piece of living history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Bukhara, with its stone alleyways and colorful tiles, will have you feeling transported to an ancient time. Enjoy another day free to explore this beautiful place before taking a train to Samarkand in the evening.
Samarkand
The great city of Samarkand was once a rich trading and intellectual center of the Silk Road. Now known for its melting pot of culture and grand architecture, today is yours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Samarkand/Marguzor
This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan. Shortly after crossing the border, stop at Panjakent Bazaar and wander through the stalls of food, clothes and unique finds. Head out and continue the drive to Padrud Village for the night. On the way, we'll visit four of the breathtaking Seven Lakes in the Fan Mountains. These lakes shine with different colors of blues, greens, purples and turquoises. Grab your camera and take in the incredible views.
Marguzor
After breakfast at the guesthouse, hike from Lake 6 to the incredible Lake 7. This remote lake is only accessibly by hiking and is well worth the trek. After arriving, enjoy a scenic picnic next to the lake before hiking back to the village. This evening, chow down on a well deserved Tajikistani barbecue.
Marguzor/Samarkand
Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand.
Samarkand/Tashkent
Take a morning train to Tashkent, where it all began! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital city of Uzbekistan. This evening, join your group for a Big Night Out in the city!
Tashkent/Shymkent
Hop in the van for a trip across the border to Kazakhstan. Drive to Shymkent and join your CEO on an orientation walk of the city before enjoying the afternoon to explore.
Shymkent
Drive to the totally instagramable Ugam Chatkal National Park. Join a fun 16km hike to Sayram Su Lake for a cute lakeside picnic with the crew. Hike Back to Shymkent to relax this afternoon.
Shymkent/Taraz
Drive to Taraz today. This city is not visited by many tourists now but was once a major rest stop along the Ancient Silk Road. Take an orientation walk around the town then opt to visit the Taraz Museum to see the remains of this historic place.
Taraz/Bishkek
Cross the border into the next Stan - Kyrgyzstan, and drive to Bishkek. Your trip ends upon arrival. If you opt to attend the farewell dinner with the group, please do not book onward travel prior to 10 pm. Otherwise, we suggest booking onward travel after 6 pm.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
