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Best price guarantee Learn More
- Gold Operator
- Penguin Travel
- In-depth Cultural
- Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided
- An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Guided in English
- Group Size 6 - 16
- Age range 18 to 80
Highlights
- Explore Bishkek, the greenest city in Central Asia
- Stay in a yurt by the Issyk Kul lake
- Witness traditional eagle hunting near Issyk Kul
- Tour the ancient city sights of Samarkand
- Visit the burning Darvaza gas crater
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
- Day 2 Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin Valley(Kyrgyzstan)
- Day 3 Chon Kemin - Issyk Kul Lake (Kyrgyzstan)
- Day 4 Issyk Kul Lkae - Jety Oguz - Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)
- Day 5 Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) - Charyn Canyon (Kazakhstan) - Almaty
- Day 6 Almaty (Kazakhstan)
- Day 7 Almaty (Kazakhstan) - Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
- Day 8 Dushanbe - Iskander Kul - Penjikent (Tajikistan)
- Day 9 Seven Lakes (optional tour)
- Day 10 Penjikent - Istarafshan - Khujand (Tajikistan)
- Day 11 Khujand (Tajikistan)
- Day 12 Khujand (Tajikistan) - Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
- Day 13 Tashkent - Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
- Day 14 Samarkand - Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
- Day 15 Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
- Day 16 Bukhara - Khiva (Uzbekistan)
- Day 17 Khiva
- Day 18 Khiva (Uzbekistan) - Darvaza Gas Crater (Turkmenistan)
- Day 19 Darvaza - Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
- Day 20 Ashgabat - Goekdepe - Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
- Day 21 Departure
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional
- Additional Services
Customer Photos
Operated by
Penguin Travel
Number of tours
41
Age Range
18 to 80 years old
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
92%
Established in 1989 in the heart of Copenhagen (Denmark), Penguin Travel rose...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationExcellent
- FoodExcellent
- BDBrendan· May 28th, 2025A great tour and excellent job by Ivo the tour leader. I would rate it a five for otherwise a few minor details, including a desire for more definite/explicit communication from Penguin on the need to book the Kazakhstan to Tajikistan flight ourselves up-front before the tour (as I found out that it needed to be booked via email a week before the flight while on the trip), a desire for more time in Kazakhstan perhaps balanced by less days in Uzbekistan (the most tourist-trapped of all destinations), and a slightly repetitive itinerary at times (multiple bazaars and mosques/churches visited where seeing less of these is probably more; I would have enjoyed more museums and historical sights personally). Tips for local guides and drivers could also possibly be added/absorbed into the overall tour price at a set rate to avoid the need to constantly hold and change relatively small amounts of local currency (although I can admit that might be logistically tricky as not everyone wants to tip). Accommodation and food provided ranged from reasonably good to not-so-great, however I can accept that as part of the regional experience. I got the impression some local guides would at times direct us as a group to "their" preferred restaurants, i.e. where they're incentivised to bring us, with a few of these dining experiences frustrating some in the group. I did notice Ivo working with the local guides at all times to relay what would lead to a better experience for us as a group, whether it was dining options or managing inefficient border crossings, which I highly commend. Otherwise I highly recommend this tour and was thoroughly impressed with the service and experience provided by Ivo over the three weeks.Show more
Penguin Travel commented on this reviewThank you for your feedback!Trip date: May 2025 
Veselin· May 26th, 2025Real bonus is the tour leader Ivailo Donchev - 5 stars as for my 5 stans started at 03 of May 2025. English fluent, most open minded, top organisational skills, most helpfull, never missed a detail.. In general so far, cost worthy journey as for product - price. Some hotels are very basic, especially in Kirgistan - Karakol, which was more like hostel. The guest house in Kirgistan was less than basic. Hotel in Penjikent, Tajikistan very basic. Hotel in Hiva, Uzbekistan is actually a very old estate adapted to serve as hotel accomodation. Breakfast at most hotels is real basic with cheapest products available on market. Pretty much soviet times products quality. Transportation in Kirgistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan -basic mini vans for exact 16 persons or so, that are not designed for long distance trips. Small space for legs and seats as a whole. Sometimes luggage partly in cabin seat. Good and proper busses and 4×4 mini vans in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Sightseeings - unexpected sceneries in Kirgistan, Tajikistan. Ancient historical heritage as wonderful preserved architectures from muslim periods mostly in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the hardest country to visit on this trip bar none Turkmenistan. Border time 4 hours in our case, with still PCR Covid test /most formal/. Visas and fees for the entire group handled by the turkman guide. As for our group 107 US dollars per person no matter the nationality, no receit. P.S. Flight Almaty - Dushanbe supposed to be clearly pointed out for self early byuing.Show moreTrip date: May 2025- AAnonymous· May 26th, 2025Real bonus is the tour leader Ivailo Donchev - 5 stars as for my 5 stans. English fluent, most open minded, top organisational skills, most helpfull, never missed a detail.. In general so far, reliable journey as for product - price. Some hotels are very basic, especially in Kirgistan - Karakol, which was more like hostel. The guest house in Kirgistan was less than basic. Hotel in Penjikent, Tajikistan very basic. Hotel in Hiva, Uzbekistan is actually a very old estate adapted to serve as hotel accomodation. Breakfast at most hotels is real basic with cheapest products available on market. Pretty much soviet times products quality. Transportation in Kirgistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan -basic mini vans for exact 16 persons or so, that are not designed for long distance trips. Small space for legs and seats as a whole. Sometimes luggage partly in cabin seat. Good and proper busses and 4×4 mini vans in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Sightseeings - unexpected sceneries in Kirgistan, Tajikistan. Ancient historical heritage as wonderful preserved architectures from muslim periods mostly in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the hardest country to visit on this trip bar none Turkmenistan. Border time 4 hours in our case, with still PCR Covid test /most formal/. Visas and fees for the entire group handled by the turkmen guide. As for our group 107 US dollars per person no matter the nationality, no receit.Show morePenguin Travel commented on this reviewThank you for your detailed and honest feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the overall experience. We value your input regarding accommodations, transport, and logistics and will take it into account to improve future tours. Thank you again for... Show moreTrip date: May 2025
- KLKarima· May 26th, 2025An incredible tour with breathtaking scenery. The tour was extremely well organized, and we were accompanied from start til end by the tour leader and local guides, who made the trip fantastic. Good hotels and great food. I will forever remember this trip.Show more
Trip date: May 2025 - MEI-FANG· April 27th, 2025Fantastic tour, every country is an unique experience. Great price and comfortable rides. Reliable tour operator. Georg, the tour leader, was very good.Show moreTrip date: May 2024
- Joaquim António· October 22nd, 2024From September 21st to October 11th it couldn't have been better. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience traveling through these five Central Asian countries on the Silk Road. Comfortable, well led and organized by Penguin Travel. Thank you very much for the experience.Show moreTrip date: September 2024
- NNick· October 22nd, 2024Highly recommend! What I saw, ate and heard was far beyond my expectations. The tour was well organised and covered all the most important sites and cities. Look up the pictures of sites and food online and they will not do it justice. The group was well structured and supported by our wonderful tour leader. She made sure we had a great balance of spending time as a happy group and breaking off into smaller groups when we felt like it. We made some really good friends from the group. Some of these countries are tricky to travel in. I ran into a couple of young travellers doing it for themselves in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and was very grateful for how little i had to think about or do. And they were not able to access Turkmenistan… Finally, i learnt so much about history and culture. I really believe a lot of these locations will be as flooded with tourists as the pyramids in the future. So now is the time.Show morePenguin Travel commented on this reviewNick, thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted you had a great experience and look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!Trip date: October 2024
- BLBill· October 22nd, 2024This tour is perfect for those that want to see and explore roads less traveled. You will be less comfortable for part of the travel, you will be inconvenienced at time, you will not always eat what you are used to. But you will experience a trip most people have not. You will have a tour guide that make sure you are safe, see and do everything that was planned. We stayed an authentic yurts, be up close with a hunting falcon, see amazing sites, eat strange and interesting foods. Be part of amazing Silk Road.Show morePenguin Travel commented on this reviewHi Bill, Thank you for sharing your experience—we're thrilled you embraced the adventure of exploring the Silk Road with its unique challenges and unforgettable moments! We're looking forward to having you on another exciting trip with us in the future. Show moreTrip date: October 2024
- Michelle h· October 14th, 2024I’m a world traveler myself. Been to 175 countries so far. Had tours with many companies. This was the worst tour I’ve ever had. Tour leader is a director of Penguin Travel company. He had no experience at all as a tour leader! More like an actor. He smoked anytime anywhere among us. He discriminated throughout the tour. He had party till 6am and got drunk, caused all 5 trucks waiting for him to board. One of tour member went to his tent woke him up 15 minutes from our departure time. After I reported him to Penguin Travel, He even threatened me! Tour Radar customer service promised me to investigate, I never got any answer from it.Show morePenguin Travel commented on this reviewDear Michelle, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We genuinely value all input, as it helps us improve our services. We’d like to address your comments about Lyuboslav. He has been a dedicated tour leader with Penguin Travel... Show moreTrip date: September 2024
- Janet· October 14th, 2024Wonderful tour that capturea the beautiful kaleidoscopic nature this region is famous for! All the sights, food, people were incredibly warm and awesome inspiring!Show moreTrip date: October 2024
Dates & Availability
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- From Saturday23 Aug, 2025To Friday12 Sep, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- From Monday25 Aug, 2025To Sunday14 Sep, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:NZ $4,612Local Payment$386
- From Saturday30 Aug, 2025To Friday19 Sep, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- From Saturday13 Sep, 2025To Friday3 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- 1 Other Unavailable Departure
- From Monday15 Sep, 2025To Sunday5 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:NZ $4,419Local Payment$579
- From Saturday20 Sep, 2025To Friday10 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- From Saturday27 Sep, 2025To Friday17 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- From Monday29 Sep, 2025To Sunday19 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- From Saturday4 Oct, 2025To Friday24 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- 3 Other Unavailable Departures
- From Monday6 Oct, 2025To Sunday26 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:NZ $4,612Local Payment$386
- From Saturday11 Oct, 2025To Friday31 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- S
Suzanne
Asked on May 13th, 2025Can you confirm this is a no smoking tour?
Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025We do not prohibit smoking by participants as long as they are in public places where it's allowed and appropriate. We do our best to accommodate our group in non-smoking rooms in the hotels, however occasionally, there are some expeptions.
- S
Suzanne
Traveler•Written May 2025Can you quote the tour for 18 days ending in Khiva. If we are 3, what is the single supplement. Is there much hiking and what is the altitude? We cannot travel until Sept
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
We have availability for 3 people for 15th of September. The price for 18 days will be 2280 EUR per person, single room supplement in this case is 380 EUR.
S2 more answers - T
Tamara
Asked on May 1st, 2025When will I know if I can get matched with a person of my gender for twin room pricing? What is the baggage allowance for flight and tour group - is one carry on bag ok? When do your tours start in 2026?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
Depending on the group participants, sometimes we might be able to confirm right away if we have someone you can share or not. Once the group is full, we will let you know for sure - 40 days before the trip at the latest. In 2026, we will have dates starting from May until the end of September. Do you have any particular travel period or month in mind?
- J
Jason
Asked on April 30th, 2025i am looking at this tour but wondering about the visa for Turkmenistan. NZ passports do not appear to qualify for visa on arrival and need to get a visa in advance, do you know how we do this as there is no embassy close to NZ.
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
We will apply for visa pre-approval on your behalf. You will then receive the visa in your passport at the border. This procedure also works for NZ passports.
- J
Jason
Traveler•Written May 2025Is the 29 sept the last available tour you have?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
Yes, at the moment 29 September is our last guaranteed and available departure date.
J2 more answers - M
Monique
Asked on April 27th, 2025Is this tour going to be offered in 2026?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
Yes, the 2026 departures will be updated very soon
- R
Roger
Asked on April 22nd, 2025Could I be notified if there is one space left on this tour?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
We can put you on a waiting list for this trip. However, the tour is quite soon and the chances are not very high.
- R
Roger
Traveler•Written April 2025I would like to be put on the waiting list.
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
We've added you to the waiting list. We will update you if we receive a cancellation. It can not be later than 20th of May, because we also need enough time to arrange the Turkmenistan visa.
R2 more answers - A
Antonio
Asked on April 21st, 2025Can do the trip one year later, that is October 2026. Will it be possible? It will be a group tour - 10-12 people (6 couples). One group member will be 83 years of age in October 2026. Can he join?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
Yes, we can do this trip for next year. However, for a group of 10-12 peeople, it's best to be a private tour. Do you have any particular date in mind? I can create an offer for a private trip for you. We don't have age restrictions, as long as people generaly have a generally good phisycal condition.
- D
Dave
Asked on April 19th, 2025Can we book out a whole tour for ourselves. All adults. Would 10 people be sufficient to have a closed group?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
We usually work with 15 people for the price listed. We can coordinate the price for 10 if you are certain you will be able to travel as a group on a bit higher price?
- L
Louis
Asked on April 18th, 2025Could you please tell me, if I get a visa on arrival in Turkmenistan? Or would I have to obtain a visa beforehand? If I book this trip with you, can I get a document from you that I can use to apply for a visa at the Turkmen Embassy in Switzerland?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
For the visa for Turkmenistan we apply on your behalf. We will ask you for a passport photo, a photo of yourself and a form that you have to fill in order for us to apply for the visa. After we have the approval from the Ministry in Turkmenistan, and all the needed documents, you will get your visa sticker when crossing the border with our group.
- L
Louis
Traveler•Written April 2025Do I understand you correctly that I don't need to do anything except book this trip? And that's it, I don't have to take care of any visa or other administrative matters?
- L
Louis
Traveler•Written April 2025I am female and would like to get a single supplement room, please (not sharing with anyone). Would that be possible?
LL2 more answers - J
Jean
Asked on April 15th, 2025Is there any chance that you have the same or similar tour from the 8th of May?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
Unfortunately, all our groups for this trip in May are fully booked. At the moment, we still have availability on the below departure dates. Let me know if any of them works for you. Please also keep in mind we need at least two months in advance to arrange the documents for the visa to Turkmenistan. 15 September 2025, 29 September 2025
- J
Jean
Traveler•Written April 2025I am interested in this tour, however I am unable to do Turkmenistan and would like to complete this tour after the days in Uzbekistan before the group leaves for Turkmenistan. Can I do that?
- J
Jean
Traveler•Written April 2025I see you have 1 space available for this tour on the 3rd of May. Can i book this and end my tour after Uzbekistan, removing the Turkmenistan leg. Understandably, due to last minute booking and requirements for my visit to Turkmenistan (letter of invitation) i may not have time to finalise this. Can you confirm that i can jump off this tour after Uzbekistan?
JJ2 more answers - C
Caroline
Asked on April 14th, 2025Do you have any dates in 2026 or 2027? I have already been to Samarkand and absolutely loved it! I'm assuming this is a bus tour. Do you use the Silk Road buses I saw when I was there?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
We will have our 2026 departure dates very soon. Please check with us again in the next few weeks. We use private buses for our groups - usually the size of the group is 12-16 people + one tour leader.
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