Explore the Silk Road: A Guide to Central Asia’s Historic Route

About your trip

It’s pretty difficult in this day and age to discover somewhere truly untarnished by the brush of tourism. Central Asia and the ‘Stans’, however, stand as one of the last frontiers of discovery travel. That’s why we’ve chosen our two favorite nations in the region, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – a combination rarely offered by tour providers – as the foundation of this truly intrepid 12-day adventure. Traverse the Great Silk Road as you stop off in storied old cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, rich in history, intertwining cultures and truly jaw-dropping feats of architecture and design. The silk that weaves these cities together is made up of epic mountain routes, serene turquoise lakes and a few exciting train rides through the expansive Central Asian countryside. Are you ready for an adventure?








Trip Highlights

  • Discover 6 incredible Silk Road cities, now connected by a new high-speed rail network
  • Marvel at the UNESCO-listed architectural masterpieces of Samarkand
  • Embrace ancient artistic techniques with a miniature painting masterclass in Bukhara
  • Learn about Uzbekistan’s Soviet History in Tashkent’s Independence Square
  • Explore ancient fortresses and bustling bazaars in Khujand
  • Stare at the intricately painted ceilings of Hazrat-i Shah Mosque in Istaravshan
  • Take in the brightly lit sights of Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, at night
  • Fall in love with the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan
  • Experience traditional hospitality with an authentic rural homestay

Your Itinerary

Our journey begins in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and Central Asia’s most populous city. Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport (TAS) you’ll be picked up for transfer to the first hotel of our trip. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to explore the hotel’s surroundings before we gather in the lobby early this evening for a welcome meeting and dinner – the perfect way to get to know your fellow travelers and mark the beginning of an epic adventure.

Accommodation: Mir Luxe Plaza

Activities Included:

  • Transfer from airport
  • Welcome dinner

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll regroup for a day dedicated to exploring Tashkent. Although it’s a sprawling metropolis home to over 3 million people, it’s also teeming with history dating back thousands of years. In the 13th century, it was reduced to rubble by Genghis Khan, but its prime location on the Silk Road allowed Tashkent to flourish for centuries. Cue over a hundred years of Russian and Soviet rule before Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991. You’ll learn all about the many historical facets of this fascinating city on our in-depth tour, led by a local expert. Visit the 1966 Earthquake Memorial and Independence Square, check out the Museum of Applied Arts, and explore the least Sovietized part of the city, Khast Imam Square, as well as the epic Chorsu bazaar – a key stop on the Great Silk Road. All that and more as you discover the impressive squares, monuments, and lesser-known spots that tell this city’s remarkable story.

Accommodation: Mir Luxe Plaza

Activities Included:

  • Tashkent city tour

This morning we’ll take a transfer south and cross the border into Tajikistan, a unique experience in itself that includes 1km of neutral territory to cross on foot. Our Tajikistani guide will be waiting to take you to the nation’s second city, Khujand, another stop along the Silk Route. After some free time for lunch, we’ll embark on a tour of this cultural and historical gem, including a visit to the Historical Museum of Sughd, which is set within an ancient fortress. Soak in the atmosphere of the picturesque Kamoli Khujandi Square and try not to get lost in the bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar before we round up the tour at the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, built as a shrine to a poet and saint-like figure who ruled the city during the 12th century.

Accommodation: Khujand Deluxe

Activities Included:

  • Khujand city tour

Our final destination today will be the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. Yet, our first stop in the morning will be the third Silk Road city of our trip, Istaravshan, known for being one of the oldest commercial and craft towns in all of Central Asia. You’ll get a guided tour of the city’s mazy streets and architectural masterpieces, including the striking Mug Teppa fortress, the marvelous domes of Kok Gumbaz Mosque, and the intricately painted ceilings of Hazrat-i Shah Mosque. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Dushanbe. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Shahristan Tunnel, a 5km road carving through a mountain, and enjoy a series of spectacular mountain vistas, as well as glimpses into local life, before arriving in the capital early in the evening.

Accommodation: Atlas Hotel

Activities Included:

  • Istaravshan city tour

Now in the capital, you’ll deepen your understanding of Tajikistan’s history at the National Museum of Antiquities, the first stop on our guided tour of Dushanbe. Next up is the spellbinding palace of Kokhi Navruz, the architectural masterpiece of independence-era Tajikistan and a symbol of national pride. You’ll have the option to also visit the nearby Noor Art Gallery before we head to Mehrgon Market. Go on the hunt for local souvenirs and snack on delicious dry fruits, but don’t overindulge, as our next stop is lunch at an amazing local restaurant. After that, we’ll visit the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments to learn about the wonderful musicality of Central Asia before returning to the hotel. We’ll regroup later for an atmospheric evening walk around the capital’s main square, which looks resplendent when lit-up at night, making it an ideal time to check out the Ismoili Somoni Monument, Rudaki Park, and, curiously, the world’s second tallest flagpole.

Accommodation: Atlas Hotel

Activities Included:

  • Dushanbe city tour
  • Dushanbe evening walk

Optional Activities:

  • Visit to Noor Art Gallery

After several days of culture in some of Central Asia’s most storied old cities, it’s time to escape to the country, specifically to the shimmering jewels in the crown of Tajikistan’s natural landscapes—the Seven Lakes. This family of gorgeous turquoise lakes, which, according to folklore, were formed by the tears of seven grieving daughters, adds a whole new dimension to the beauty of this mountainous region. Our main focus will be lake number four, Nofin, which serves as the extravagant backyard to our charming homestay for the night. We’ll meet our host for the evening for a home-cooked lunch before heading over to the 7th lake, Hazorchashma, passing another two en route. The almost unbelievably vivid colors of these waters come from the landscape’s rich mineral salt content. After ample time to admire the views, we’ll head back to the homestay. Dinner will be served family style, but if you truly want to embrace local life, you’ll also have the option to help make the meal with our optional cooking class.

Accommodation: Seven Lakes Homestay

Activities Included:

  • Lunch at a local homestay
  • Visit to four of the Seven Lakes
  • Dinner at the local homestay

Optional Activities:

  • Optional family cooking class

It won’t be easy saying goodbye to the Seven Lakes this morning, but fear not; we have an amazing day ahead. We’ll traverse back to ancient times, first by visiting the so-called Pompeii of Central Asia, Penjikent. The ruins here provide fascinating insights into the ancient civilizations of Sogdia. We’ll explore the ruins, visit the Historical Museum of Penjikent, and tour the small modern city that has taken its place. We’ll continue our historical odyssey at the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sarazm. With a name that translates to “where the land begins”, this remarkable place allows you to witness one of the world’s oldest examples of proto-urbanization. The settlement is one of the oldest in Central Asia, dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. Afterward, we’ll cross the border back into Uzbekistan and head to the stunning city of Samarkand for the night.

Accommodation: Orient Star

Activities Included:

  • Penjikent ruins and city tour (including museum visit)
  • Sarazm ruins tour

Today is dedicated to one of the most spectacular cities in the world, Samarkand. This Silk Road stop has witnessed countless civilizations. There were the Sogdians and Achaemenids before Alexander the Great arrived. Following that came the Arabic Conquest, the Genghis-Khan Conquest, and the development of Islamic societies before the Soviet Union took over. This rich history has left Samarkand with an unusually large variety of cultural influences, showcased by its remarkable UNESCO-listed architectural catalog. You’ll explore this on a guided tour, which includes the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square and its surrounding mosques and madrasas, as well as the colorful Siab bazaar, Shakhi-Zinda necropolis, and more. The sheer scale of the place, combined with the intricate artistry of its vibrant tile designs, is sure to impress. Later on, you’ll also have the option to visit the Meros Silk Paper Center to learn about the almost-lost tradition of Samarkand paper making, recently revived by local artisans.

Accommodation: Orient Star

Activities Included:

  • Samarkand city tour

Optional Activities:

  • Silk Paper Center visit

You’ll travel by rail this morning as we hop aboard the scenic route from Samarkand to Bukhara. The latest stop on our Silk Route travels is rich in architectural heritage, particularly from a trading perspective, with remarkable examples of caravan-sarais inns and trading domes still visitable today. There are also public baths and pools, along with the city’s striking walls and gates, as well as various religious and educational buildings. The one thing all of these landmarks share is a masterful flair for design. In the afternoon, you’ll tour the city, with highlights including the domineering Fortress Ark and the meticulously crafted Samanids Mausoleum.

Accommodation: Omar Khayyam

Activities Included:

  • Bukhara city tour

Our exploration of Bukhara continues this morning with a visit to Poi-Kalyan, an Islamic complex consisting of a mosque, madrasa and its eponymous minaret. We’ll dig deeper into Silk Route history by visiting three of the city’s most historic bazaars – Tok-i-Sarrafon, Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon, and Tok-i-Zargaron. We’ll stop for a charming home-hosted lunch before you experience a special artisanal masterclass. As you stroll around the city, you’ll notice Bukhara’s rich history of miniature painting, which typically draws inspiration from folk art and literary works. You’ll partake in a masterclass led by famous miniaturist Mr. Davlat Toshev, who hails from a long line of miniature painters and honed his skills under the tutelage of his father. The big question is, what will you draw?

Accommodation: Omar Khayyam

Activities Included:

  • Bukhara city tour
  • Home hosted lunch
  • Miniature painting masterclass

For our last full day in Uzbekistan, you’ll have the morning to explore on your own – perhaps to return to that bazaar for the souvenir that caught your eye. Alternatively, you can opt for a supplementary countryside excursion to Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Mir Sayyd Muhammad Alim Khan. The palace is home to a Museum of Arts and Crafts, and back in Bukhara, you’ll also have the chance to visit Chor Minor, a quirky madrasa with four distinctive minarets, each differing in shape and design. Mid-afternoon, we’ll hop on the train back to where it all began, Tashkent, where we’ll gather one last time for a hearty farewell dinner at a superb local restaurant.

Accommodation: Mir Luxe Plaza

Activities Included:

  • Farewell dinner

Optional Activities:

  • Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace excursion

Savor your final Uzbeki breakfast, as this sadly marks the end of our odyssey through the extravagant old cities and majestic landscapes of Central Asia. We’ll transfer you back to Tashkent International Airport (TAS), allowing you to gaze out of the window and reflect on the many wonders of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Accommodation:

Activities Included:

  • Transfer to airport

What’s included

  • 10 nights hotel accommodation
  • 1 night homestay experience
  • 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Local Insider
  • Local transport
  • Transfers to and from airport
  • Welcome meeting
  • Tashkent city tour
  • Khujand city tour
  • Istaravshan city tour
  • Dushanbe city tour
  • Dushanbe evening walk
  • Optional visit to Noor Art Gallery
  • Visit to the Seven Lakes
  • Seven Lakes homestay with optional cooking class
  • Penjikent ruins and city tour (including museum visit)
  • Sarazm ruins tour
  • Samarkand city tour
  • Optional Silk Paper Center visit
  • Bukhara city tour x2
  • Miniature painting masterclass

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Rating:

4.6/5

Independent Service Rating based on 154 verified reviews.

Accommodation

Mir Luxe Plaza, Tashkent

This glitzy skyscraper hotel is perfectly located in the Mirabad district of Tashkent, boasting spectacular views over the city. When you’re not kicking back in your room, you can enjoy the extensive spa facilities, including an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and Finnish sauna, or head up to the top-floor panoramic restaurant for Uzbekistani, European, and pan-Asian cuisine with an amazing view.

Khujand Deluxe, Khujand

This four-star hotel near the Sir Darya river embraces the vibrant grandeur found throughout Central Asia, with rooms that look fit for a king. The ground floor cafe, restaurant, and bar serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, combining classic Tajikistani dishes with more familiar European fare. Don’t be surprised if the star of the show is the freshly squeezed juices.

Atlas Hotel, Dushanbe

This stylish modern hotel in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is visually stunning. An elegant hint of luxury exudes from every aspect of your stay, from the grand hotel lobby to the sleek surrounds of your room, the indoor pool, and the in-house restaurant.

Seven Lakes Homestay

A truly unique experience awaits on our rural homestay near the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan. A local family will take you in as their own, providing you with home-cooked meals, as well as bed and breakfast. There are no luxuries here, but there’s no better way of connecting with the locals in an authentic manner.

Orient Star, Samarkand

This hotel, in the old part of the ancient city of Samarkand, nicely blends modern amenities with a traditional, oriental feel that embraces its ancient setting. There’s an outdoor pool onsite, ideal for working up an appetite at the excellent restaurant, followed by a relaxing trip to the stylish lobby bar.

Omar Khayyam, Bukhara

Traditional Uzbek hospitality is evident in this hotel in Bukhara, which has its own lovely garden and terrace. The 24-hour reception team is always on hand for support, while the varied breakfast offers buffet, continental, and halal options. Its prime location allows you to be mere steps away from the historic bazaar of Toqi Zargaron.

Covid Safety

The safety and well-being of all travelers is our top priority. To help ensure this, please refer to the following checklist:

  • Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are traveling to. Our travel experts can assist in finding this information.
  • We recommend confirming all guidance on official government sites and check that your travel insurance issuer will cover this travel.

Important Info

  • You must be aged 25 years or over to join this trip.
  • The single supplement option for accommodation is not available for the Seven Lakes homestay.
  • Please check the visa requirements for the countries you are visiting.
  • If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility requirements, please inform our Customer Support team as soon as possible.
  • Travelers will not incur additional charges for solo travel; you’ll be allocated a twin room with another traveler of the same gender.
  • The itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change; while unlikely, these changes can occur due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure minimal impact on your experience.
  • Please be aware images on this page are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your itinerary exactly.

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