exodus travel silk road

The Five Stans Of The Silk Road

$5,979/person

Book this tour through our partner: Exodus Travels

The original adventure and activity holiday company specializing in cultural, walking, cycling, winter and wildlife adventures.

Start Ashgabat

Explore Ashgabat

The fortress of Nisa and the Door to Hell at Darvaza

Anau Mosque, Abiverd and Mary

Explore Merv before crossing into Uzbekistan and on to Bukhara.

Full day exploring Bukhara

Discover more of Bukhara before continuing to Samarkand.

Full day sightseeing in Samarkand

Visit Shakhrisabz and Termez.

Termez city tour.

Cross into Tajikistan; on to Dushanbe.

Into the Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul Lake.

Istravashan and Khujand

To the Ferghana Valley in Uzbekistan.

To Osh and Arslan Bob in Kyrgyzstan.

Full day in Arslan Bob

Chychkn Gorge.

Kyzyl Oi Village

Son Kul Lake.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Additional Information

The five stans of the silk road reviews.

Add your business today to reach The Outbound's audience of adventurous travelers.

• Local Adventures
• Tours and trips
• Camping Nearby
• Outbound PRO Membership
• Add your property

Mobile Apps

© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy

September Sale   Book now for   up to 60% off!

The Five Stans of the Silk Road

Best price guarantee Learn More

Earn travel credits Learn More

• Fully Guided

• Explore Ashgabat's white-marble buildings
• Camp near the fiery Door to Hell crater
• Discover ancient ruins and bustling bazaars
• Visit iconic Silk Road cities and sites
• Experience nomadic life in a Kyrgyz yurt
• Introduction
• Day 1 Start Ashgabat
• Day 2 Ashgabat to Darvaza Crater − the 'Door to Hell' (breakfast,dinner)
• Day 3 Nisa and Ashgabat (breakfast)
• Day 4 To Mary (breakfast)
• Day 5 Merv and to Bukhara, Uzbekistan (breakfast)
• Day 6 Bukhara (breakfast)
• Day 7 Bukhara to Samarkand (breakfast)
• Day 8 Full day sightseeing in Samarkand (breakfast)
• Day 9 Shakhrisabz and Boysun. (breakfast)
• Day 10 Boysun and Sangardak Waterfall (breakfast)
• Day 11 Cross into Tajikistan; on to Dushanbe. (breakfast)
• Day 12 Into the Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul Lake. (breakfast,dinner)
• Day 13 Istravashan and Khujand (breakfast)
• Day 14 Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan (breakfast)
• Day 15 To Osh and Arslan Bob in Kyrgyzstan (breakfast,dinner)
• Day 16 Full day in Arslanbob (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Day 17 Chychkn Gorge (breakfast,dinner)
• Day 18 Kyzyl Oi Village (breakfast,dinner)
• Day 19-20 To Son Kul Lake (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Day 21 Bishkek (breakfast)
• Day 22 Almaty, Kazakhstan (breakfast)
• Day 23 End Almaty (breakfast)

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Operated by

Exodus Adventure Travels

Number of tours

16 to 80 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

For almost 50 years Exodus has been a pioneer of active small group adventure tourism that gives back to the communities they visit through sustainable guided and self-guided tours, ranging from Responsible Wildlife to Walking and Trekking, Cycling, Cultural, Family and Polar adventures to 90+...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Tour Operator Exodus Adventure Travels 4.4
• Eric · 3rd October 2023 Excellent local guides, great itinerary, good hotels
• miriam · 6th September 2023 I liked the trip very much. Our tour guide was great and the tour plan was very educational
• BETH · 6th October 2022 Incredible countries

Dates & Availability

Why book with tourradar.

• Flexible payment options
• Trusted and vetted operators
• Rated excellent on
• Best price guarantee
• 24/7 customer support
• Earn €100 in travel credits

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Austria, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• Saturday 14 Sep, 2024 Sunday 6 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €6,480 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 21 Sep, 2024 Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €6,480 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 24 May, 2025 Sunday 15 Jun, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,840 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 31 May, 2025 Sunday 22 Jun, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,840 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 10 Jun, 2025 Wednesday 2 Jul, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,840 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 21 Jun, 2025 Sunday 13 Jul, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,840 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 30 Jul, 2025 Thursday 21 Aug, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,840 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h

Keep Exploring Asia

• 10 Best Adventure Tour and Travel Companies
• 10 Best Budget Adventure Tours 2024/2025
• Asia from Ashgabat
• Asia Active
• 23 days Asia
• Operators in Asia
• The Five Stans of the Silk Road Tours in Central Asia
• Active Tours
• Silk Road Tours
• 5 stans Tours
• Central Asia Tours
• Group Tours
• Fully Guided Tours
• Explorer Tours
• Turkmenistan tours
• Uzbekistan tours
• Tajikistan tours
• Kyrgyzstan tours
• Kazakhstan tours

• Central Asia

The Silk Road

15 Days Starting in Bishkek and ending in Urgench

Visiting: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:.

Leisurely / Moderate

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

Trip styles:.

Adventure Tours

Cultural , History , Religion and Spiritual

Activities:

Sightseeing , Walking

NB: Prices correct on 09-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour overview.

For centuries great caravans of merchants made their way through deserts, across steppes and over mountains, creating trade routes between the great civilisations of the Mediterranean and China. Art and religion spread both East and West and grand cities with impressive architecture sprouted alongside nomadic tribes of eagle-hunters. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and uncover the natural and cultural treasures of Central Asia on this two week trip through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan taking in some of the Silk Road’s best sites, from Bukhara and Samarkand to the Tien Shan Mountains.

Samarkand and Bukhara : two of the greatest cities on the Silk Road

Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular mountain scenery

Almaty with its leafy streets and cafe culture

Issyk Kul Lake

Samarkand and Bukhara : two of the greatest cities on the Silk RoadAlmaty with its leafy streets and cafe cultureKyrgyzstan’s spectacular mountain sceneryIssyk Kul Lake

— Samarkand and Bukhara : two of the greatest cities on the Silk Road — Almaty with its leafy streets and cafe culture — Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular mountain scenery — Issyk Kul Lake

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Day 1 : Start Bishkek

The adventure begins in Bishkek. We have a city tour this afternoon, spending a couple of hours visiting the main city sites, including Ala Too Square, Parliament House, the White House, the Lenin Statue and the Manas Monument. You can check in to the hotel from 10am. Accommodation: Hotel Garden, Hotel Bridges or Hotel Plaza

Day 2 : To Chon-Kemin Gorge

Meals included: breakfast, dinner.

On the way to Chon-Kemin Gorge, we stop at an 11th-century Karakhanid minaret - Burana Tower, a Unesco World Heritage site and the first minaret of its kind in Central Asia. You can climb to the top of the tower. Take care, it’s quite dark inside and the stairs are steep and narrow. Nowadays, it is a complex that includes the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, collection of balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples), petroglyphs (stone carvings) and a small museum. We will also visit Ak Beshim ruins, the remnants of an ancient city. We'll see the remains of Chumysh Fortress, a Nestorian monastery, a complex of Christian churches and two Buddhist temples. There are also rock paintings and burial mounds. Following our visit, we continue to Chon-Kemin National Park, a quiet valley with several small villages and farmed lands surrounded by magnificent mountains and fir forest. It is a wonderful place to be, to sit on the doorstep with a pot of tea. Accommodation: Guesthouse Kemin (or similar)

Day 3 : Issyk Kul Lake And Djety Oguz Gorge

We continue our journey through the Tien Shan mountains along the southern side of Issyk Kul Lake. The second largest salt lake in the world, it measures 43mi by 112mi (70km by 180km) and reaches almost 2,300ft (700m) deep. The name translates to Hot Lake, as it never freezes over, even in the depths of winter. It’s surrounded by a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of mountains and glaciers. Optional excursion (approximately US$120 per group): Stop at Bokonbaev village to observe a traditional form of falconry found throughout Central Asia – hunting with eagles. Eagle hunting plays a key role in the nomadic lifestyle here and can also be seen during national competitions. Next, we visit Barskaun Gorge and take a hike to a waterfall. We then visit Djety Oguz, which translates to the Valley of Seven Bulls, named after the distinct seven red-coloured rocks in the gorge. We can learn about the local legends behind the name as we walk out of the beautiful gorge (approximately two hours) through fir forest, yurt settlements and grazing lands. If you’re feeling energetic, there is also the option to hike to a waterfall. The trail can be slippery, so this is not advisable in wet weather. Tonight we stay in a yurt camp, made of six sleeping yurts (each accommodating four to five people) and one communal/dining yurt. There is a shower and three Western-style flush toilets but hot water for washing must be requested specifically. There is also a generator for electricity for three hours in the evening. Spending a night in a yurt camp is a fantastic experience and a small insight into the centuries-old way of life for many nomadic people in Central Asia. Accommodation: Yurt Camp, Djety Oguz April and October departures: we will stay in Almaluu Yurt Camp close to Lake Issyk Kul, rather than a camp in Djety Oguz. We will still visit Djety Oguz, but due to the different location of the yurt camp, the order of activities today and tomorrow will differ slightly in these months. Almaluu is better suited than Djety Oguz for these cooler months.

Day 4 : Karakol

We enjoy a morning walk in the Djety Oguz Gorge. We continue to the city of Karakol, where we enjoy a sightseeing tour taking in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church, a wooden Dungan mosque, and Karakol bazaar. Tonight, we enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local Uygur or Dungan family home. Accommodation: Amir Hotel, Green Yard Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel  (or similar)

Day 5 : To Almaty, Kazakhstan Via Charyn Canyon

Meals included: breakfast.

Today we cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and, after border procedures, travel along the picturesque Karkara valley, where mountain flowers attract many beekeepers. We head towards Charyn Canyon, where the dramatic erosion caused by the Charyn river has created an impressive landscape. We then continue to Almaty. Accommodation: Plaza Hotel or Kazzhol Hotel (or similar)

Day Trip To Issyk And Turgen Gorge

Today is a long day with considerable driving as we head out of Almaty to stretch our legs and explore the countryside. We begin by heading to Esik. We visit Esik Burial Mounds and the Esik State Historical and Cultural Museum. The mounds are one of the largest archaeological sites of the Scythian-Saka period. The site dates to the 4th century, BC. The museum is on the site of one of Kazakhstan's most impressive archaeological finds - the tomb of the Golden Man - where a Saka prince was found in an intact tomb. We continue to Turgen Gorge, known for its beautiful natural scenery and waterfalls (some as tall as 130ft/40m), stopping at a supermarket en route to buy food for a picnic lunch. Along the way, we'll make a short photo stop near several Scythian burial mounds, with the Ile-Alatau Mountain Range in the distance. Arriving at the gorge by late morning, we walk for around 45 minutes (0.8mi/1.3km) on a rocky/sandy trail following the river to Bear Waterfall. After exploring the gorge, we drive to a shady spot for a picnic lunch, before continuing by road for approximately 1hr 45min to Issyk Lake (or Esik Lake), not to be confused with Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, which we visit earlier in the trip. Amid thick forests and wildflower pastures, this alpine lake is 5,775ft (1,760m) above sea level within the Issyk Gorge. We walk down the concrete staircase to explore the southern shore of the lake. Finally, we return to Almaty for the night. Accommodation: Plaza Hotel or Kazzhol Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 : Sightseeing Tour Of Almaty And Train Towards Tashkent

Almaty is a beautiful city backed by the Tien Shan mountains and we have the whole day to explore it. With leafy streets and a cafe culture, the former Kazakh capital has a distinctly European feel. After breakfast, we visit several sites, including Zhenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), made entirely of wood and without the use of nails; Panfilov Park; the Monument of Panfilovs 28 Guardsmen; the Great Patriotic and Civil War monuments and eternal flame; and one of the museums (National History Museum or Museum of National Instruments). After the tour, we drive to the train station. Here we say goodbye to our tour leader who has been with us throughout Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and meet our Uzbekistan leader who’ll be with us for the remainder of the trip. We travel overnight from Almaty to Tashkent. We leave Almaty in the evening and depending on train timetables, we'll either travel by sleeper train all the way to Tashkent, a journey of about 16 hours, or we’ll travel as far as Shymkent by sleeper train, a journey of about 11 hours, then continue by road for two hours to the Kazakh-Uzbek border, then following the border crossing which typically takes 1-2 hours, continue for another 40 minutes to Tashkent. Travelling on trains through this region is a great way to cover large distances (almost 620mi/1,000km in this case), see the changing landscape, and mingle with local people. We use four-berth compartments on this sleeper train, which is reasonably comfortable but not luxurious. Accommodation: Sleeper train (four-berth compartment)

Day 8 : Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan

We usually arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan between mid morning and early afternoon. We’ll have a short tour of the city. Over the course of today and tomorrow we'll visit sites including: Independence Square, which is flanked by public buildings and water fountains, and the Old City with its mausoleums (Hast Imam complex) and bazaar. Tashkent was largely destroyed by earthquakes in the 1960s and was rebuilt in true Soviet style with pleasant leafy boulevards and lots of fountains to keep the heat down in summer. Accommodation: Gabrielle International hotel, Medina Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 : Train To Samarkand

We continue our exploration of Tashkent today. In the evening, we catch a fast train to Samarkand. The city is steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by figures such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, the latter made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century. A central position on the Silk Road meant it was an important stop on the route from Istanbul to Peking (now Beijing). At its heart is Registan Square, which is flanked by the three grand madrasahs (Islamic colleges) of Ulughbeg (15th century), Sherdor and Tilya Qori (both 17th century). Accommodation: Malika Prime, Diyora (or similar)

Day 10 : Samarkand

Over the next day and a half, we visit key sights in and around Samarkand, including: the Registan Square, Gur Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane, his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda – the Living King necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating to the 14th and 15th centuries. Siab Bazaar to try fruits, nuts and other local produce. We also visit the Necropolis and Ulugbek's Observatory and a paper factory where traditional methods are used. Accommodation: Malika Prime, Diyora (or similar)

Day 11 : Samarkand To Bukhara

We continue our  exploration of Samarkand tour. In the evening, we take a fast train to Bukhara. The best-preserved medieval city in Central Asia, this Unesco World Heritage site dates back more than 2,000 years. Accommodation: Kavsar Hotel or Grand Nodirbek (or similar)

Day 12 - 13 : Bukhara

We have two full days exploring Bukhara and nearby sights. Our city tour takes us to the Lyabi Khauz complex, built in the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s home to the oldest pool of its kind in Central Asia, surrounded by madrasahs and a khanaka (lodging house for travelling sufis), including the largest madrasah in Bukhara, the 15th-century Kukeldash Madrasah. We continue to the Poi-Kalyan religious complex with its 157ft (48m) tall 12th-century Kalyan minaret – the symbol of Bukhara; the large Kalyan Mosque (15th century) with galleries topped by 288 domes; and the only active madrasah in the city, Bukhara Miri-Arab (16th century). Next is the Samanid Mausoleum, the oldest piece of Islamic architecture in Central Asia and burial site of the 10th-century emir, Ismail Samani. Finally, we visit the Ark, a fifth-century citadel and the oldest building in Bukhara. Accommodation: Kavsar Hotel or Grand Nodirbek (or similar)

Day 14 : Train To Khiva

A late night/very early morning start sees us head to Bukhara station where we catch our train to Urgench. This train is slower and older than the ones we've taken earlier in our time in Uzbekistan. The journey takes about 6 hours, and sees us across the Kyzylkum desert, arriving mid morning. From Urgench, we drive for about an hour and a half to the 2,000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak-Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais mountains as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BCE under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. Three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel remain, but the parchments and paintings found there are now in St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings, and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress from the sixth century. We later drive to Khiva to spend the night. Accommodation: Malika Khiva (or similar)

Day 15 : Khiva

We have a walking tour of Khiva today, we'll visit the living museum that is the perfectly restored old city. See the khan’s old residence, the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress, the tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (which was originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara) and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva’s patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard. Also visit the Juma mosque – supported by 218 wooden carved columns. Accommodation: Malika Khiva (or similar)

Day 16 : End Khiva

Our adventure ends in Khiva this morning. Land only travellers may join our group transfer to Urgench airport which is timed to fit with the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, or you may remain in Khiva.

What's Included

Arrival and departure transfers (for group flights only)

All accommodation

Tour leader throughout (2 separate leaders)

All transport and listed activities

13 breakfasts and 3 dinners

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

13 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 3 dinners.

All accommodationAll transport and listed activitiesTour leader throughout (2 separate leaders)13 breakfasts and 3 dinnersFlights from London (if booking incl. flights)Arrival and departure transfers (for group flights only)

— All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout (2 separate leaders) — 13 breakfasts and 3 dinners — Flights from London (if booking incl. flights) — Arrival and departure transfers (for group flights only)

What's Not Included

Visas or vaccinations

Travel Insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Travel InsuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or vaccinations

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

13 breakfasts and 3 dinners included. The only breakfast that is not included is after the overnight train. Common dishes in the region include shish-kebabs and plov which you’ll probably see plenty of. The kebabs can be from different meats including lamb and beef whilst plov is a rice-based dish (variants elsewhere are known as pilaf or pilau rice). Another main food is bread, especially in Uzbekistan where it is baked and sold everywhere. There are normally a couple opportunities to try home-cooked meals. Tea is also plentiful, both black and green and is drunk with most meals as well as throughout the day. Please note that vegetarian food choices may be rather limited. If you are strictly vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from - please bring a reusable bottle with you.

Accommodation

This trip includes 10 nights in standard hotels, one night in a guesthouse, one night in a yurt and one night on a sleeper train. Throughout most of the trip, we stay in standard two- or three-star hotels. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Djety Oguz: Yurt camp (night 4) Yurts are traditional housing for nomadic communities across Central Asia and are generally quite cosy. We spend one night in a traditional yurt camp in the Djety Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan. The camp has six sleeping yurts, each normally shared between four and five people and there are three toilets and one shower. Sleeper train: (night 8) The railway has long been a popular way of travelling around the ex-Soviet Union and this is a great experience and insight into Kazakh life. On the train from Tashkent to Almaty, we use second-class carriages with four-berth cabins. The train was launched in 2017 and these cabins are comfortable, though not luxurious. Bukhara: Kavsar Boutique Hotel (nights 12-13) Taking over an old mansion, this small boutique hotel is one of the standout accommodations on this itinerary. It’s embellished with intricate design features and plenty of antiques, while an atmospheric central courtyard provides a wonderful place to gather as a group. Worth knowing Single supplements don’t apply to the night on the sleeper train or the night in the yurt camp. April and October departures: We stay in Almaluu Yurt Camp close to Lake Issyk Kul instead of the yurt camp in Djety Oguz. In some places on this trip we use several different hotels. We'll inform you before departure if your start hotel in Bishkek differs from what is mentioned in the trip notes.

Check out our Q&As

Are the local guides on the tour english speaking.

Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

Who is Exodus Travels?

At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

Are flights included in this tour?

International flights are not included with this tour.

What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

How long has the tour company been trading?

Exodus has been trading since 1974

What documents will I receive before I travel?

Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

Can I join the tour once it has departed?

You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

"why do you want to go there".

When I told people I was going to three of the 'Stans', their question was always why ? To be honest, I wasn't sure myself until I'd been, but they are very different countries, not subject to mass tourism, with different cultures, lovely people and a joy to explore.

Rouna's Silk Road

This is a truly spectacular once in a lifetime trip which I will never forget. I would never have been able to travel to such and so many places in the time available if it weren't for Exodus. The contrast between the three 'Stans' Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is infinitely fascinating. The hot deserts, magnificent Muslim architecture, Madrashahs, Mausoleums, Markets and magnanimous hearts of the people of Uzbekistan to the epic mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and awesome pride and grace of the people of Kyrgyzstan (especially the Eagle Hunters which is only one of many highlights on this trip).

Exceeded all my expectations

This is an incredible trip visiting 3 Stans. The scenery and hiking in Kyrgyzstan was spectacular and the Eagle hunter experience was a real highlight. All of the countries were fascinating and our guides Vitaliy and Dilshod were very knowledgable and gave us an interesting insight and history of each country. Visiting Samarkand and Bukhara was one of the reasons I went on this trip and the architecture is spectacular. Be prepared for hot days especially in Uzbekistan.

A couple of tips

Previous reviews have covered most things and are worth reading.

a trip along the silk road

This was a busy trip through three very contrasting countries. Almost a surfeit of historical monuments in Uzbekistan, just a glimpse of Kazakhstan and then the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Some long bus drives but with plenty of "photo stops" and the drives are a great way to appreciate the scenery and see a little of local life along the way. The food was fine, and it was fairly easy to avoid meat, with plenty of delicious salads and pumpkin manti (a type of dumpling) usually available. Also some lovely soups, but often with unexpected chunks of lamb or beef. I did also enjoy the plov and the kebabs, as well as the fresh bread. The people were mostly friendly, welcoming and curious - we encountered no problems.

Outstanding Trip

We have been on a number of Exodus trips and without doubt this is one of the best we have undertaken. Uzbekistan is a stunning country with wonderful buildings and monuments and incredibly friendly and polite people. Our guide was the best guide we have had on an Exodus trip, he was so enthusiastic about his country you could not fail to enjoy your time there. Kazakhstan could really be missed from the trip with the time saved being spent in the other two countries, we just saw lots of open plains and a big busy city in Almaty. Kyrgyzstan is a stunningly beautiful country with wonderful scenery. Some days involved long drives and perhaps driving all the way around Issyk Kul may be a little excessive but you get great views of the snow capped mountains and have the opportunity to stop at various sites along the way. The food overall was very good though the service in all three countries is very slow, haphazard and random. Whilst the dominant religion in each of the countries is Islam they are open to western culture and dress and therefore provided you offer the usual respect in mosques etc. there is no issue regarding the suitability of clothing

A thought provoking journey

The trip introduced me to many aspects of the history of Central Asia of which I knew little. It has inspired me to read more on the subject. I was also possible to gain a little appreciation of the culture of the three countries I visited.

A great trip. 3 different countries; well paced.

Silk Road July 2023

A really good experience to three very different countries. The scenery in Kyrgyzstan on the hikes was outstanding. Comfortable for reasonably fit people although altitude will take your breath on occasions. Golden Eagle hunting experience was one of highlights of the trip. Only a brief time in Kazakhstan although Charon Canyon was outstanding. The Registan in Samarkand and other monuments throughout Uzbekistan were absolutely stunning. Both our guides Vitaliy and Dilshod were incredibly knowledgeable and did everything to ensure everyone had a good trip . The weather was challenging at this theme of year with temperatures often reaching 40 degrees but with ‘siestas’ built in where appropriate it was still manageable for sightseeing. Food quality for me was a pleasant surprise and excellent throughout. ATMs readily available in big cities as is money exchange. Credit cards also taken in many places. Overall a very good trip and highly recommended.

Great trip. All countries very different. Certainly non stop.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Thursday

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

Operator discount: -$373

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$120

2 Finding available rooms...

What are travellers saying about tourhub.

Excellent tour company with quick service and support. We loved that there is 100% refund if you had to change anything as long as your within certain time limits. A very professional company with a huge selection of different tours and several dates to choose from.

The staff at TourHub were very responsive to all of my questions and more! They provided me with all the information I needed to book our trip in a very short period of time. I am very impressed with this company and looking forward to our tour in 2025!

I have never been much of a tour person, but this company offers so many options! I love the fact that they consolidate many options so that you have all the adventures in one location.

Customer service was prompt in responding to any questions I had, and offering suggestions on tour options. Looking forward to our adventure in September!

I love that each destination and hotel accommodation is listed. Makes planning or even deciding to take the trip so much easier. Each time I emailed a question, I got a response right away. So far, I'm very impressed and looking forward to the trip that we booked for next year.

I just heard about tourhub. What a fantastic collection of holidays. I booked a holiday to Morocco and had a few questions, for which I received prompt and useful responses. Would highly recommend

Book with Confidence

Transfer as credit to future tours.

Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

Low Deposit

Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & secure.

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.

The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.

No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.

Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.

Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.

Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel guru features, our reviews.

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration.

The Silk Road

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Trekking and Hiking
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Customizable
• duration 16 days
• tour type Small group Request as private
• age requirement 16-99 yrs
• max group size 16
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-7572

• Starts Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
• Ends Khiva, Uzbekistan
• Marvel at the Islamic architecture of Registan Square in Samarkand
• Wander through the Silk Road city of Bukhara, full of domes and minarets
• Enjoy the mountains and lakes of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
• Explore the Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan
• Stay a night in a Kyrgyz yurt
• Explore Khiva's walled city - the Itchan Kala
• Day 1: Start Bishkek
• Day 2: To Chon-Kemin Gorge
• Day 3: Issyk Kul Lake and Djety Oguz Gorge
• Day 4: Karakol
• Day 5: To Almaty, Kazakhstan via Charyn Canyon
• Day 6: Day trip to Issyk and Turgen Gorge
• Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Almaty and train to Tashkent
• Day 8: Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Day 9: Train to Samarkand
• Day 10: Samarkand
• Day 11: Samarkand to Bukhara
• Day 12 - 13: Bukhara
• Day 14: Train to Urgench
• Day 15: Khiva
• Day 16: End Khiva
• All accommodation
• 11 breakfasts and three dinners
• All transport and listed activities
• Tour leader throughout (two separate leaders)
• Travel Insurance
• Single accommodation (available on request)
• Visas or vaccinations
• On Aug 05 2024
• On Jul 16 2024
• On Jun 29 2024
• On Jun 18 2024
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
• Protected Travel within your own bubble.
• Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
• Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
• Save USD 348 today.
• Earn USD 140+ in travel credits.
• Best price guaranteed.
• No credit card or booking fees.
• 100% financial protection.
• Carbon neutral tours.
• 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
• Read more reasons to book with Bookmundi less Read less

No additional cancellation fees apply for this The Silk Road tour. You can cancel the tour up to 93 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 92 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 10 December 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 10 December 2024, a deposit of 25% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 92 days before trip departure.

The Silk Road tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this The Silk Road tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

• Europe Tours
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Italy Tours
• Spain Tours
• Argentina Tours
• Canada Tours
• Sri Lanka Tours
• Chile Tours
• Antarctica Tours

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

• Please use the search function to select tours that can then be compared in more detail.
• Compare Tours

Welcome, you can login or signup here!

The Silk Road

14 nights from £2899.

Explore the best of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

• Samarkand and Bukhara : two of the greatest cities on the Silk Road
• Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular mountain scenery
• Almaty with its leafy streets and cafe culture
• Issyk Kul Lake
• Samarkand and Bukhara : two of the greatest cities on the Silk RoadAlmaty with its leafy streets and cafe cultureKyrgyzstan’s spectacular mountain sceneryIssyk Kul Lake
• — Samarkand and Bukhara : two of the greatest cities on the Silk Road — Almaty with its leafy streets and cafe culture — Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular mountain scenery — Issyk Kul Lake

This trip includes 10 nights in standard hotels, one night in a guesthouse, one night in a yurt and one night on a sleeper train. Throughout most of the trip, we stay in standard two- or three-star hotels. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Djety Oguz: Yurt camp (night 4) Yurts are traditional housing for nomadic communities across Central Asia and are generally quite cosy. We spend one night in a traditional yurt camp in the Djety Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan. The camp has six sleeping yurts, each normally shared between four and five people and there are three toilets and one shower. Sleeper train: (night 8) The railway has long been a popular way of travelling around the ex-Soviet Union and this is a great experience and insight into Kazakh life. On the train from Tashkent to Almaty, we use second-class carriages with four-berth cabins. The train was launched in 2017 and these cabins are comfortable, though not luxurious. Bukhara: Kavsar Boutique Hotel (nights 12-13) Taking over an old mansion, this small boutique hotel is one of the standout accommodations on this itinerary. It’s embellished with intricate design features and plenty of antiques, while an atmospheric central courtyard provides a wonderful place to gather as a group. Worth knowing Single supplements don’t apply to the night on the sleeper train or the night in the yurt camp. April and October departures: We stay in Almaluu Yurt Camp close to Lake Issyk Kul instead of the yurt camp in Djety Oguz. In some places on this trip we use several different hotels. We'll inform you before departure if your start hotel in Bishkek differs from what is mentioned in the trip notes.

If you would also like:

Detailed copy of the trip itinerary

Extra discount code

Please enter your email and click continue

Review our privacy policy here.

More tours like this

Journey through central asia.

Travel from Bishkek to Ashgabat on this 27 day 'Five Stan' cultural experience.

Summer Offer

The Five Stans of the Silk Road

5 countries, 3 weeks, 1 epic trip through Central Asia's Silk Road

Five Golden Stans

This incredible journey will take you through the five Stans of Central Asia

Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent

Explore Bishkek holidays and discover the best time and places to Multi-Stan Adventure — Bishkek to Tashkent.

Tbilisi To Bishkek (59 Days) Caucasus To Kyrgyzstan

Embark on a 59-day adventure from Tbilisi to Bishkek, exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Astana to Tashkent

Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Astana, join us on this exploration from mighty Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan and history packed Uzbekistan

Loyalty Disc

The Five Stans of The Silk Road

Traverse mountains pocketed with turquoise alpine lakes, drive through lush fertile valleys and zip across dry and dusty desert plains by high-speed train

Silk Road Adventure Tailor-Made Tour

Discover the rich history of the Silk Road and the dramatic scenery of Central Asia on this 22-day journey through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan - Along the Pamir Highway Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Pamir Highway, exploring the stunning landscapes of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and immersing yourself in local cultures.

11 Days - Classic Escorted Tours - The Silk Road

Uzbekistan - Jewel of the Silk Road

Enjoy and Explore the adventure on this Uzbekistan - Jewel of the Silk Road tour.

Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan Adventure 12D/11N

Get lost in the beauty, culture, history and flavours of two extraordinary countries on this 12-day adventure! Discover amazing places and experience the nomad local life as you travel from Kazakhstan

• Tours  > 
• Destinations  > 
• Asia Itineraries  > 

The Silk Road Itineraries

Now you can find, compare, and share trips from 1,000+ operators and expert trip planners. Unlike most travel agencies and websites that only show options from large companies that pay big commissions, we show you all the options we can gather, and we’re adding more all the time. We want you to have all the available information to find your perfect trip, no matter who it’s with. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, you can find it on Travelstride. About us.

...to foster a community connecting travelers to wonderful places, people, & experiences. Learn more.

Top The Silk Road Travel Packages

Travelstride featured in.

Unlock Community Benefits

• Save favorite trips and itineraries
• Get insider insights
• Receive personalized recommendations ...and much more

Top The Silk Road Tours See all

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

The Silk Road Tours Reviews & Ratings

Related categories.

• Europe tours
• China tours
• Train & Rail Journeys tours
• India tours
• Turkey tours
• Uzbekistan tours
• Kyrgyzstan tours
• Asia 2015: National Geographic Traveler's Top of a Lifetime tours

Top The Silk Road Tour Companies

• Intrepid Travel Reviews
• Exodus Travels Reviews
• Explore! Reviews
• On The Go Tours Reviews
• WildChina Reviews
• Road Scholar Reviews
• Abercrombie & Kent Reviews
• GeoEx Reviews
• Tours4Fun Reviews
• Titan Travel Reviews
• World Expeditions Reviews
• China Travel Service Reviews
• Martin Randall Travel Reviews
• Travel The Unknown Reviews
• The Great Canadian Travel Company Reviews
• Wild Frontiers Travel Reviews
• Evaneos Reviews
• Champion Holidays Reviews

Why Travelstride

Click to send a new magic link to your inbox.

Welcome back!

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy  and  Terms of Use

• Bookmark trips you like
• Share with your travel companions
• Track price changes
• Access private discounts on trips you save

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

• Save up to $700 per person!*
• Access private deals and offers
• See personalized trip recommendations
• Save favorite trips

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

With your free membership you: