Itinerary
- Day 1
Bishkek
You'll arrive at Bishkek airport and head to your hotel for an early check-in. After grabbing lunch, spend the afternoon walking through the city to see its Soviet marble buildings and green parks. Stop by to watch the Changing of the Guards, then head to the traditional bazaar where you can see felt Kalpak hats and browse local goods. If you're interested, there's an optional visit to the Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Fine Art. Dinner at a local café gives you a chance to soak up the city atmosphere as evening settles in.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at a local café)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of main sights
- Changing of the Guards spectacle
- Visit traditional bazaar
Optional Activities
- Visit Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Fine Art
Landmarks/POIs Changing of the Guards Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Fine Art - Day 2
Bishkek to Son Kul
Head south from Bishkek to see the restored 11th century Burana Tower and watch a traditional nomadic eagle hunting demonstration. You'll have lunch in a family home in Tokmok, then stop at a Kochkor carpet warehouse to browse local wares before continuing to Son Kul. This mountain lake sits at 3,016 meters altitude and is surrounded by peaks used as summer pastures by Kyrgyz shepherds. Stay in traditional yurts with wood burners and try a traditional dinner with vodka toasts. The drive covers roughly 360km over 6 to 7 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in family home in Tokmok), Dinner (Traditional dinner with vodka toasts)
Included Activities
- Visit restored Burana Tower
- Traditional nomadic eagle hunting demonstration
- Lunch in family home in Tokmok
- Visit Kochkor carpet warehouse
Landmarks/POIs Burana Tower Son Kul Lake - Day 3
Son Kul
Spend your day around Son Kul Lake with several options. You can walk or horseback ride (optional, paid locally) to visit nomadic communities, hike into the hills searching for petroglyphs with views over the lake, or simply stay at camp if you prefer to relax. During the day, visit local shepherds to try kumis (fermented mare's milk) and watch traditional Kyrgyz horse games. It's a flexible day depending on how active you want to be.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit local nomadic communities
- View petroglyphs in the hills
Optional Activities
- Horse riding around the lake (payable locally)
- Visit local shepherds and taste kumis
- Watch traditional Kyrgyz horse games
- Relax at camp
Landmarks/POIs Son Kul Lake - Day 4
Son Kul to Tash Rabat
After breakfast, leave Son Kul and travel south through the Tian Shan Mountains, crossing several high passes and valleys along one of the main Silk Road routes from the Chinese border. You'll arrive at the restored Tash Rabat Caravanserai, a historic structure where camel trains were once unloaded and travelers could trade, rest, and find safety from bandits and harsh weather. Stay in yurts at this mountain site for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Travel through Tian Shan Mountains via main Silk Road route
- Visit ancient Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Landmarks/POIs Tash Rabat Caravanserai Tian Shan Mountains 
- Day 5
Tash Rabat to Kazarman
This is a long drive through mountain scenery with stops for a picnic lunch and photos. You'll arrive in the small village of Kazarman in the evening and stay with a local family, enjoying their home-cooked dinner. The village sits near the famous Makmal gold mine and offers time to explore the area with sweeping mountainous views. The drive covers approximately 300km over 6 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Home-cooked dinner with local family)
Included Activities
- Scenic mountain drive with photo stops
Optional Activities
- Explore Kazarman village and surrounding area
- View Makmal gold mine area
Landmarks/POIs Makmal Gold Mine - Day 6
Kazarman to Djalal-Abad
After breakfast, drive over Kaldama Ashuu pass at 3,062 meters where you'll have great views. Stop in Djalal-Abad, one of Kyrgyzstan's main Silk Road branches that has hosted travelers for thousands of years. Explore the town famous for its spas, including the legendary Hozret-Ayub-Paigambar spa where the water is believed to have healing properties. Visit the Djalal-Abad sanatoria 'Kurort' built on one of the original spa sites, with salty waters collected by people from the surrounding area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive over Kaldama Ashuu pass
- Visit Djalal-Abad spas
- Explore Hozret-Ayub-Paigambar spa area
- Visit Djalal-Abad sanatoria 'Kurort'
Landmarks/POIs Kaldama Ashuu Pass Hozret-Ayub-Paigambar Spa - Day 7
Djalal-Abad to Osh
After breakfast, transfer to the ancient city of Osh and visit Solomon's Throne (Suleiman Too), a rock formation looming over the city and an important Muslim pilgrimage site protected by UNESCO. On the way, stop at Uzgen minarets, a town mentioned in Chinese annals from the second century BC that served as one of the Karakhanid capitals with three well-preserved mausoleums. Explore Uzgen's local bazaar and see its famous rice production. In Osh, take a brief city tour of main highlights followed by traditional cuisine dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visit Solomon's Throne (Suleiman Too)
- Stop at Uzgen minarets
- Visit Uzgen local bazaar
- City tour of Osh main highlights
Landmarks/POIs Suleiman Too (Solomon's Throne) Uzgen Minarets - Day 8
Osh to Andijan to Tashkent
You'll cross the Dustlik border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (roughly 45km, 1 to 1.5 hours) where your Uzbek guide meets the group. Arrive in Andijan for a guided tour including the Babur Museum and tranquil Babur Park. Stroll along the street of craftspeople showcasing traditional skills and explore the vibrant local bazaar full of colour and everyday activity. Later, head to the railway station to board train number 729 to Tashkent, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Andijan
- Visit Babur Museum
- Visit Babur Park
- Stroll street of craftspeople
- Explore local bazaar
- Train journey to Tashkent
Landmarks/POIs Babur Museum Babur Park - Day 9
Tashkent to Nukus to Khiva
Transfer to the airport for flight HY-11 (national flight included) departing Tashkent at 07:15 and arriving in Nukus at 08:55. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts by Savitsky, a remarkable collection of Soviet Avant-Guard and Post Avant-Guard paintings saved by Igor Savitsky from the 1920s and 30s. Continue to the desert forts of Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala on your way to Khiva (250km, 4 to 5 hours). Take a night walk along ancient streets admiring illuminated mosques, minarets and madrassahs before dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Flight HY-11 to Nukus (national flight included)
- Visit Museum of Fine Arts by Savitsky
- Visit desert forts of Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala
- Night walk through Khiva's ancient streets
Landmarks/POIs Museum of Fine Arts by Savitsky Toprak Kala Ayaz Kala 
- Day 10
Khiva
Spend the day exploring Khiva, visiting Ichan Kala, the architectural complex of the inner city surrounded by a large fortress wall with four gates. Discover over sixty architectural monuments including palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets and mausoleums like the Muhammed Aminkhan Madrassah, Kunya Ark and Juma Mosque with 218 pillars, Tash Khauli palace, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, and the Islam Khodja complex. There's an optional bicycle tour available (bicycles located in Lokomotiv Park 500 meters from Ichan Kala, rental fee paid on the spot, guide can help pre-book).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Ichan Kala inner city complex
- Visit Muhammed Aminkhan Madrassah and minaret
- Visit Kunya Ark
- Visit Juma Mosque
- Visit Tash Khauli palace (Harem of Khiva Khans)
- Visit Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud
- Visit Islam Khodja complex
Optional Activities
- Bicycle tour of Khiva (rental fee payable on spot, guide can pre-book)
Landmarks/POIs Ichan Kala Muhammed Aminkhan Madrassah Kunya Ark Juma Mosque Tash Khauli Palace Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud Islam Khodja Complex - Day 11
Khiva to Bukhara
Depart Khiva for Bukhara via the Kyzylkum desert (450km, 7 to 8 hours) by coach rather than train. You'll have time to relax, nap, read, chat with the group and reflect on the vast distances ancient caravans had to traverse. Pass through the Kyzylkum Desert (translated as 'red sands') parallel to the Amu Darya River, one of Central Asia's largest rivers. Stop at a location where water reflects the blue sky, offering a glimpse of the Turkmenistan border. Bathroom breaks and lunch stops are included. Arrive for dinner and overnight at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive through Kyzylkum Desert
- View Amu Darya River
- Stop at scenic location with Turkmenistan border view
Landmarks/POIs Kyzylkum Desert Amu Darya River 
- Day 12
Bukhara
Spend a full day exploring Bukhara's rich architectural heritage including caravanserais, trading domes, public baths, walls and gates, khanakas and mausoleums, mosques and madrassahs. Visit the Lyabi-Khauz Complex with the 17th century Nodir-Divan-beghi madrassah and other structures. Explore local bazaars in restored trading domes like Tok-i-Zargaron (Jeweler's bazaar), Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon (Cap-Maker's bazaar) and Tok-i-Sarrafon (Moneychanger's bazaar). Visit the Madrassah of Ulugbek and the ceramic centre of Gijduvan (40km outside the city). Explore Suzani fabrics and workshops. Evening folk performance at Nodir Divan Begi Madrassah followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Visit Lyabi-Khauz Complex
- Visit Nodir-Divan-beghi madrassah
- Visit Kukeldash madrassah
- Visit Khonako & Magoki-Attari mosques
- Explore local bazaars (Tok-i-Zargaron, Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon, Tok-i-Sarrafon)
- Visit Madrassah of Ulugbek
- Visit Gijduvan ceramic centre
- Explore Suzani fabrics and workshop
- Folk performance at Nodir Divan Begi Madrassah
Landmarks/POIs Lyabi-Khauz Complex Nodir-Divan-beghi Madrassah Kukeldash Madrassah Khonako Mosque Magoki-Attari Mosque Tok-i-Zargaron Bazaar Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon Bazaar Tok-i-Sarrafon Bazaar Madrassah of Ulugbek Gijduvan Ceramic Centre - Day 13
Bukhara to Samarkand
After breakfast, take an excursion to Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa, the delicate summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara with beautiful architecture mirrored in its adjoining lake. Continue exploring the city's monuments including the Bolo-Khauz mosque, Fortress Ark (the fortified residence of the Emirs), the 14th century Chashma-Ayub shrine (meaning 'Job's Well', with water still considered pure and healing), the Samanids Mausoleum (a masterpiece of Central Asian architecture), and Chor Minor with its four peculiar towers. Transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed Afrosiab train to Samarkand and check into your hotel. Optional theatrical performance 'Instant of Eternity' at Samarkand Theatre of Historical Costume (starts 18:00, $20 per person) is available before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa
- Visit Bolo-Khauz mosque
- Visit Fortress Ark (citadel)
- Visit Chashma-Ayub shrine
- Visit Samanids Mausoleum
- Visit Chor Minor
- High-speed train Afrosiab to Samarkand
Optional Activities
- Theatrical performance 'Instant of Eternity' at Samarkand Theatre of Historical Costume (18:00 start, $20 per person)
Landmarks/POIs Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa Bolo-Khauz Mosque Fortress Ark Chashma-Ayub Shrine Samanids Mausoleum Chor Minor 
- Day 14
Samarkand
Start with the Registan square surrounded by three splendid madrassahs that once intersected six main trade routes during Timur's reign. See the oldest 15th century Ulugbek madrassah with its blue tiled facade, the 17th century Sher-Dor madrassah, and the completed Tillya-Kari madrassah. Visit the Bibi Khanym Mosque named after one of Timur's beloved wives, then explore the necropolis of Shakhi Zinda with a 70-meter staircase leading to nearly 20 mausoleums showcasing fine glazed ceramic work. Visit a local Uzbek house to experience local customs and oriental hospitality, with an opportunity to participate in cooking Pilov (national Uzbek dish). Optional wine tasting available at the Chovrenko winery (over 150 years old, museum and degustation $45 per person).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at local Uzbek house)
Included Activities
- Visit Registan square
- Visit Ulugbek madrassah
- Visit Sher-Dor madrassah
- Visit Tillya-Kari madrassah
- Visit Bibi Khanym Mosque
- Visit necropolis of Shakhi Zinda
- Visit local Uzbek house
- Participate in cooking Pilov
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Chovrenko winery (museum and degustation $45 USD per person)
Landmarks/POIs Registan Square Ulugbek Madrassah Sher-Dor Madrassah Tillya-Kari Madrassah Bibi Khanym Mosque Shakhi Zinda Necropolis Chovrenko Winery - Day 15
Samarkand to Tashkent
After breakfast, continue touring Samarkand with a visit to Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the octagonal complex with marble and onyx interior where Timur and his descendants are buried. Visit the excavation site of Afrosiab and Museum, Saint Daniel's tomb, and the unique Observatory of Ulugbek (Timur's grandson). Explore the Samarkand Handmade Silk Paper Center 'Meros' where artisans have revived ancient hand-made paper production. In the evening, transfer to the railway station for the high-speed Afrosiyab train to Tashkent. Enjoy a panoramic tour of modern Tashkent including the Earthquake memorial, Amir Temur Square, Independence Square and Theatre Square before your last group dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Last full group dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum
- Visit excavation site of Afrosiab and Museum
- Visit Saint Daniel's tomb
- Visit Observatory of Ulugbek
- Visit Samarkand Handmade Silk Paper Center 'Meros'
- High-speed train Afrosiyab to Tashkent
- Panoramic tour of modern Tashkent
Landmarks/POIs Gur-Emir Mausoleum Afrosiab Excavation Site and Museum Saint Daniel's Tomb Observatory of Ulugbek Samarkand Handmade Silk Paper Center 'Meros' Earthquake Memorial Amir Temur Square Independence Square Theatre Square - Day 16
Tashkent Departure
You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home today. Alternatively, you can arrange a separate flight to Dushanbe (Uzbekistan Airways HY717, departure 08:00, arrival 09:00) to begin the optional Tajikistan add-on, though this flight is not included in the main tour cost.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional Tajikistan add-on adventure with flight HY717 to Dushanbe (08:00 departure, flight not included in tour cost)
