THE 10 BEST Escorted and Guided Tours and Trips in Central Asia 2025/2026

Accommodations

BudgetSimple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Mid-rangeComfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
PremiumUpscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.

Premium Uzbekistan

(2 reviews )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Uncover the treasures of the Silk Road on "Premium Uzbekistan." This ten-day, easy-paced tour is tailor-made for seniors and experienced travelers eager to explore the vibrant tapestry of Central Asia. Journey from Tashkent’s cosmopolitan streets to the architectural marvels of Samarkand, the sacred sites of Bukhara, and the ancient walls of Khiva. Highlights include a hands-on cooking class with a local family and a visit to a traditional Uzbek village. The USP is the in-depth cultural immersion—combining luxury accommodations, guided sightseeing, and genuine interactions with local communities for a polished yet personal exploration of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

15-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva

Duration10 days

View Tour

Upgraded - Treasures of Uzbekistan

4.8

(12 reviews )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Beautiful country, well thought out itinerary, great guide

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Guest House, Hotel

Age Range

16-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Samarkand, Tashkent

Duration10 days

View Tour

Wonders of the Silk Road

4.8

(11 reviews )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

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 Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Guest House

Age Range

16-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Tashkent, Ashgabat

Duration13 days

View Tour

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure

(1 review )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

From the gleaming towers of Astana to the tranquil alleyways of Bishkek, the Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure offers an unforgettable 11-day tour for those eager to explore Central Asia’s contrasts. This small group journey takes in the futuristic architecture of Kazakhstan’s capital, then sweeps south to the ancient Silk Road ruins of Otrar and the grand Yasaui Mausoleum, immersing you in centuries-old history and culture. The adventure continues as you trace a dramatic transition in landscapes—from endless steppe to winding mountain passes. In Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural soul, you’ll soak up urban energy before heading into nature’s embrace. An invigorating hike around the breathtaking Kolsai Lakes reveals sunken forests and dramatic canyons, while a scenic boat trip across Issyk-Kul Lake showcases alpine vistas that seem almost untouched by time. With city sightseeing as the core activity, this moderately active tour is ideal for travelers looking for a blend of urban exploration and outdoor adventure. Local guides enrich the experience with their insight, and the thoughtfully planned route ensures a balance of comfort, discovery, and activity. Unique to this tour is its ability to seamlessly blend the ancient and the modern, the cosmopolitan and the wild—making it perfect for those who crave both cultural highlights and natural wonders in one comprehensive trip package.

City sightseeing

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Guest House, Sleeper Train, Home-stay, Tent

Age Range

16-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Bishkek, Almaty, Astana, Turkist

Bishkek, Almaty, Astana, Turkistan, Kolsay Lakes, Karakol

Duration11 days

View Tour

Kyrgyzstan's Silk Road Journey

(1 review )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

We enjoyed our trip to Kyrgyzstan, it was very relaxing and the scenery was amazing. The highlight was the night in the yurt camp which was lovely, very remote and we even had snow overnight. The homestays and meals in local houses were very good too. DIY picnics by the river were a nice touch. On the down side, this trip involves a lot of travelling, sometimes on poor roads, which could be broken up better. We arrived early afternoon in some places and because most of the accommodation was on the outskirts of a town, there wasn't really anything to see or do once we arrived. One of our group thought the hotel at Toktogul Reservoir was like the one in 'The Shining'! The swimming pools had been closed for years and everything was just a little dated. Some of the walks were not that interesting and seemed to be there to fill the time and there was also a lot of litter in many areas which wasn't pleasant. There were descriptions in the itinerary about various places we didn't actually visit, for example Osh sounded lovely but we didn't even stop there. Having said all that, we did enjoy the holiday, but there just were not enough highlights to maximise each day.

Active and outdoor

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Guest House, Resort

Age Range

16-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Os

Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Osh, Tashkent, Karakol, Kochkor, Song Kul Lake, Suusamyr, Toktogul, Djalal-Abad

Duration14 days

View Tour

Central Asia Explorer

(1 review )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Venture into the crossroads of history and natural beauty on the 'Central Asia Explorer,' a 17-day city sightseeing tour starting in Bishkek and concluding in Tashkent. This moderate-activity itinerary is crafted for experienced travelers seeking both adventure and cultural depth, as you traverse the alpine lakes and soaring mountains of Kyrgyzstan before delving into the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. Highlights include warm welcomes from local families and the chance to experience a fascinating blend of traditions shaped by nomadic roots, Soviet influences, and Islamic heritage. What sets this trip apart is its immersive approach—offering genuine local encounters and insight into a region rarely explored by mainstream travelers. Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance are all included in this unforgettable tour package.

City sightseeing

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay

Age Range

15-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Tashkent, Bishkek, Kokand, Khuja

Tashkent, Bishkek, Kokand, Khujand, Panjakent, Samarkand, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Oi, Kok-Bel, Osh

Duration17 days

View Tour

The Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

4.6

(7 reviews )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

My quibbles with this trip are very minor and I've told explore (update the itinerary please!) but fundamentally I loved this trip. Met lovely people. Saw amazing places and scenery. Food a bit meh but that's not why you go to either Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. I loved the differences between the countries. Kyrgyzstan was unbelievably beautiful and Uzbekistan had amazing buildings.

Active and outdoor

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Guest House, Hotel, Hut, Resort

Age Range

16-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Os

Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Osh, Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Yangikasgan, Karakol, Samarkand, Kochkor, Song Kul Lake, Suusamyr Valley, Toktogul Resevoir, Djalal-Abad

Duration23 days

View Tour

Tashkent to Ashgabat

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Step off the tourist map and into the heart of Central Asia with the "Tashkent to Ashgabat" tour—a moderately active, 11-day journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Designed for adventurous explorers, this small group trip guides you from the vibrant avenues of Tashkent to the surreal landscapes of Ashgabat, connecting ancient Silk Road cities and the mysterious deserts in between. Wander Khiva’s technicolored minarets at sunset, experience the daily rhythms of rural Turkmen life with a mountain village stay, and visit a local horse breeder to discover the world-renowned Akhal-Teke horses. Delve into Silk Road history as you traverse the ruins of Merv, and marvel at the fiery "Gates of Hell" crater with an unforgettable sunset visit. Your journey concludes in Ashgabat, a city where Soviet legacy and futuristic ambition collide in dazzling style. Throughout, local guides offer rich insights, ensuring you experience authentic hospitality and hidden stories. What sets this trip apart? Its unique blend of historical intrigue, cultural immersion, and access to remote, rarely-visited sites—perfect for travelers who seek discovery far beyond the ordinary tourist trail.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Guest House

Age Range

15-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Tashkent, Ashgabat, Khiva, Darva

Tashkent, Ashgabat, Khiva, Darvaza, Nohur, Mary

Duration11 days

View Tour

Bishkek to Ashgabat

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Central Asia’s ancient wonders and stark beauty await on the "Bishkek to Ashgabat" tour—a 27-day overland city sightseeing journey weaving through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Traverse tranquil Son-Kol Lake, spot wildlife near Chychkan Gorge, and summit Sulumain-too Mountain in Osh, immersing yourself in landscapes as diverse as they are awe-inspiring. Explore the blue-tiled mosques and historic streets of Samarkand, then journey into Turkmenistan for otherworldly moments at the ‘Gates of Hell’ and futuristic Ashgabat. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover relics of the Silk Road, marvel at ancient cities, and meet welcoming communities that make the region unforgettable. The defining feature of this trip is its rare, comprehensive access to a region few travelers know—uniting history, culture, and natural splendor over nearly a month. For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour package opens the door to Central Asia’s most intriguing treasures.

City sightseeing

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

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

Duration27 days

View Tour

The Five Stans of the Silk Road - Almaty to Ashgabat

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Vast deserts, open steppe, fertile valleys and striking mountain ranges shape the landscapes of the Five Stans, the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Their towns and cities reveal the movement of armies, traders, and scholars over millennia: Greek and Persian campaigns, Mongol expansion, Silk Road exchange, ambitious astronomers, and Soviet-era experiments. Encounter traditional villages, intricately tiled madrassas, alpine lakes, lively markets and wide boulevards − a vivid portrait of a region where histories overlap and contemporary Central Asian culture continues to evolve in fascinating ways. 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 two nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Guest House, Hotel, Resort

Age Range

16-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ashgabat, Almaty, Khujand, Penji

Ashgabat, Almaty, Khujand, Penjikent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Dashoguz, Karakol, Chon-Kemin Gorge, Bishkek, Jalal Abad, Arslanbob, Fergana

Duration23 days

View Tour

Central Asia Escorted tours and Guided trips

Page 2 of 26 Guided and Escorted Trips in Central Asia with 231 Reviews

Premium Uzbekistan

Upgraded - Treasures of Uzbekistan

Wonders of the Silk Road

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure

Kyrgyzstan's Silk Road Journey

Central Asia Explorer

The Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Tashkent to Ashgabat

Bishkek to Ashgabat

The Five Stans of the Silk Road - Almaty to Ashgabat

Page 2 of 26 Guided and Escorted Trips in Central Asia with 231 Reviews

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Central Asia Escorted tours and Guided trips

Page 2 of 26 Guided and Escorted Trips in Central Asia with 231 Reviews

Page 2 of 26 Guided and Escorted Trips in Central Asia with 231 Reviews