Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 10-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Encounter a friendly welcome at every turn, join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of a traditional Uzbek village. From medieval cities to charismatic communities, Uzbekistan has so much to uncover.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This holiday was rated “full on” and it was. Not a moment was wasted! Tashkent, Khiva, Bukara and Samarkand were all amazing. Staying in a Madrasa and in a Yurt added to the authenticity and we took the extra trip to the desert castles which was well worth it. Also the silk paper making centre was interesting. Uzbekistan is a welcoming country - very clean with no litter and we were impressed with the flowers planted along grass verges for miles.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a trip full of variety and dramatic scenery, from the surreal Ashgabat, the amazing Darvaza crater, the beautiful mosques and madrasahs of Samarkand and Bukhara to the truly majestic and ever changing scenery of the Kyrgyzstan mountains. Each of the 5 countries had its own unique character. There are some long journeys but they are full of continuing interest with lots of worthwhile stops on route. 99% of the accommodation was very comfortable, spacious and spotlessly clean.
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Almaty, Samarkand, Pen
Ashgabat, Almaty, Samarkand, Penjikent, Khujand, Jalal Abad, Arslanbob, Son Kul Lake, Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Dashoguz, Khiva, Bukhara
Discover Central Asia on this overland journey from the capital of Kyrgyzstan through Uzbekistan, to Tajikistan and Ashgabat. Take in the tranquil landscape of Son-Kol Lake, hike up the Sulumain-too Mountain in Osh and scale the ancient city walls of Tajikistan’s Panjakent. Explore the ancient mosques in Samarkand, see the eternal fire from the Gates of Hell and discover the sci-fi-like architecture in Ashgabat. Share a home-cooked lunch with a Tajik family, bargain in the bustling bazaars and learn about the region’s history with a local leader by your side.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tas
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Darvaza, Nohur, Mary, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Oi, Toktogul, Osh
Overall, this was an excellent trip and one of the best I have done with Explore over very many years. It was certainly helped by having a good, small group and two superb leaders (one in each country), who were extremely knowledgeable and very personable. The local guides were also outstanding. The sights were extraordinary (the Islamic architecture is simply breath-taking), the people were lovely and I did not mind the long drives (on spacious air conditioned coaches) or the 9.5 hour train journey. to Samarkand As expected, the trip’s pace was full-on. As a group we took advantage of the optional extras offered and I would recommend that others seriously consider those too, especially the spectacular Uzbek music and dance show at the Grand Hall in Samarkand. Hotel accommodation was better than I had expected and generally pretty good. If I have a criticism it is that the trip should perhaps be a day longer. It would have been nice to have spent more time in Khiva and the last day in Tashkent was too long, tiring and rushed. Thankfully, I had booked an extra day in the city, although others had early morning flights. While Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are very different, I much preferred the time we spent in the latter.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that’s intertwined throughout this region. You'll stay in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, explore Registan Square in Samarkand and watch the eternal flame of Darvaza Crater – a 70-m-wide hole in the Karakum Desert known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. From wide open plains full of wild horses to homestays and dinners with locals, there’s so much to see, do and learn in this region – so why not spend 24 days uncovering all you can, with a local leader by your side?
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile valleys and majestic mountains form the backdrop to the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, which are commonly known as the Five Stans. Among this changing and varied landscape are traditional villages, ancient towns and modern cities, which tell a tale of advancing Greek and Persian armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, traders selling wares along the Silk Road, philosophers, astronomers, Communist experiments and post-Soviet eccentrics. Journey past giant burning gas pits, intricately tiled mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colourful markets on this epic trip through the heart of Central Asia.
About this trip: We have two versions of this trip. One starts in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and ends in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the other runs in reverse. Apart from the direction of travel, the two itineraries are similar - the main difference is the route taken through Kyrgyzstan and the accommodation there. This itinerary runs from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, includes Chon-Kemin and Bishkek and stays in guesthouses and hotels rather than yurts. The other itinerary runs from Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, includes Son Kul Lake and there are three nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan.
Both itineraries include a night in a yurt in Turkmenistan.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Central Asia, exploring the cultural treasures of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in Tashkent, the dynamic capital of Uzbekistan, where the spiritual serenity of the Khast-Imam Complex, the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, and the elegance of Navoi Theater Square set the tone. Escape into nature with a scenic excursion to Ugam-Chatkal National Park, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains. Next, travel to the legendary city of Samarkand, where history comes alive at the grand Registan Square, the intricately tiled Gur Emir Mausoleum, and the bustling Siyab Bazaar. Continue through the sweeping landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert to reach Bukhara, a city that feels frozen in time. Here, explore the tranquil Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the towering Poi-Kalon Minaret, and the ancient Ark Fortress, once the seat of Bukhara’s emirs. In Khiva, walk through the living museum of Ichan-Kala, admiring architectural masterpieces like the Muhammad Aminkhana Madrasah and the colorful, unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret. Cross into Turkmenistan and head to Dashoguz, your gateway to the ancient Silk Road city of Koneurgench. Discover its timeless monuments, including the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, the Mausoleum of Najmitdin Kubra, and Sultan Ali’s tomb. A short domestic flight brings you to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s gleaming capital, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nisa, the Ottoman-inspired Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the grand Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque—one of Central Asia’s largest. Continue to the ancient oasis of Merv, once one of the world’s greatest cities. Marvel at the soaring Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the mysterious Kizkala towers, and the remnants of Erk Kala and Gayur Kala, echoing tales of dynasties past. Return to Ashgabat to delve deeper into Turkmen culture at the National Museum, and take in panoramic city views from the record-breaking Alem Ferris Wheel, the tallest enclosed Ferris wheel in the world. This immersive journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is a celebration of ancient civilizations, living traditions, and the enduring beauty of Central Asia’s soul-stirring landscapes.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Uncover the soul of Central Asia as you dive deep into Uzbekistan’s rich cultural mosaic. Begin in vibrant Tashkent, where ancient traditions meet modern flair. Wander through the sacred Khast-Imam Complex, browse the kaleidoscopic stalls of Chorsu Bazaar, and stroll past the grandeur of Navoi Theater Square—before capping off your day with a delicious Uzbek dinner. Fly west to Khiva, a city frozen in time, where mudbrick walls and turquoise domes rise from the desert. Walk in the footsteps of caravan traders as you explore the legendary Itchan Kala, gaze up at the unfinished majesty of the Kalta Minor Minaret, and admire the artistry of the Muhammad Aminkhana Madrasah. Then, journey across the storied sands of the Kyzylkum Desert en route to Bukhara, an open-air museum of Islamic architecture. Be captivated by the charm of Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the towering Poi-Kalon Minaret, and the historic Ark Fortress, once home to emirs and kings. In mystical Samarkand, lose yourself in the majesty of Registan Square, marvel at the elegance of Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and soak in the local spirit at Siyab Bazaar, where vibrant spices and silk await. Wrap up your adventure back in Tashkent with a scenic escape to the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, where lush mountains and alpine air offer a refreshing finale. End your journey with a touch of wonder at Magic City, a whimsical urban park that brings your Uzbekistan story to life with lights, colors, and charm. This is more than a tour—it's a soul-stirring journey through ancient cities, desert landscapes, and enduring traditions. Let Uzbekistan’s magic leave you forever inspired.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Anvar KodirovTravel Expert in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan
