Embrace independent travel in Central Asia with over 40 solo-friendly tours. Perfect for meeting like-minded travelers while maintaining your independence, rated by more than 240 confident solo explorers.
Duration
5 days27 days
Departures
Tour Types
Countries
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
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
For cyclists seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure, "Uzbekistan by Bike" is a 15-day bicycle tour that starts and ends in Tashkent, offering a unique, up-close exploration of Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Ride through destinations like Maydansay, Lake Tuzkan, and Aktash Village, as well as the legendary cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.
This challenging cycling trip is ideal for experienced travelers who relish active exploration and cultural immersion. Pedal across deserts, ascend into the Nurata Mountains, and traverse dramatic gorges and valleys, staying in a mix of yurts, hotels, and traditional guesthouses for a truly authentic experience.
The USP of this tour package is the chance to connect deeply with local life—discover traditional crafts, savor regional cuisine, and interact with welcoming communities, all while enjoying the support of quality bikes and a backup vehicle for extra peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a cycling tour that combines adventure, history, and genuine local encounters, Uzbekistan by Bike is your ticket to a memorable journey through Central Asia’s hidden gems.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, La
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Lake Tuzkan, Ortacheku Rocks, Hayat Village, Sob Gorge, Aktash Village, Chuya, Maydansay, Chinaz
From the futuristic skyline of Astana to the ancient crossroads of Tashkent, the 'Astana to Tashkent' adventure tour sweeps you through the heart of Central Asia in 27 unforgettable days. This moderate-activity trip is designed for travelers eager to blend cultural discovery with epic natural landscapes across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
Venture through the Silk Road cities of Turkistan, Sayram, and Otrar, where ancient ruins whisper stories of traders and emperors. Experience the serene beauty of Son-Kol Lake and the mountain vistas of Issyk-Kul, while immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions of local communities. Marvel at the grandeur of Solomon’s Throne in Osh, and lose yourself in the architectural treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara—legendary centers of Islamic art and history.
Between city explorations, soak in tranquil countryside, from lush valleys to dramatic mountain passes. Each destination offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, with mosques, museums, and markets inviting you to connect with Central Asia’s living heritage.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its sweeping scope—crossing three countries and a remarkable range of landscapes and cultures, it’s the perfect choice for those who crave both breadth and depth in their travels. Expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and comprehensive logistics ensure you can focus on savoring every discovery.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Spend 10 unforgettable days in Kyrgyzstan as you trek along the western Tien Shan Mountain Range, follow nomad’s trails, spend nights in traditional yurts and take in the views of snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes. Journey through forests, canyons, meadows and more as you learn about this Central Asian country with a local leading the way.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Jeti Oguz, I
Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Jeti Oguz, Irdyk Valley, Karakol
Trace the footsteps of legendary traders and conquerors on the "Uzbekistan Adventure," a 9-day guided tour that brings the Silk Road’s mystique to life. Starting and ending in Tashkent, this adventure journey takes you through the ancient cities of Bukhara and the vast Kyzylkum Desert, where blue-tiled mosques and mausoleums rise against dramatic landscapes.
Spend nights under desert stars in a traditional yurt and enjoy an authentic homestay in the Nuratau Mountains, connecting with Uzbek families and their age-old traditions. Moderate activity levels ensure you’ll comfortably explore bustling bazaars, medieval architecture, and the country’s storied past.
What makes this tour package special is the blend of cultural immersion and adventure—offering not just sightseeing, but a real taste of life along the Silk Road. For travelers eager to experience Uzbekistan’s legendary hospitality and timeless wonders, this trip is an unforgettable passage through history.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Dominated by majestic mountain ranges, Kyrgyzstan has been nicknamed the Switzerland of Central Asia. Yet despite its seemingly endless natural beauty, it remains undiscovered by mass tourism, making it the ideal destination for culturally curious travellers. Come and explore this magnificent land on foot, the best way to truly appreciate the natural wonders.
Starting from the capital, Bishkek, we head into the wild and walk among marvels of nature, including the Tian Shan mountains, Ala-Archa Gorge, and alpine lakes, such as Issyk Kul and Son-Kul. We also experience the nomadic traditions of the country, staying in a lakeside yurt camp, before returning to Bishkek with a scenic drive over mountain passes.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Home-stay, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bishkek, Ala Archa National Park
Bishkek, Ala Archa National Park, Chong Kemin National Park, Karakol, Issyk Kul, Son-Köl
Travel into desert landscapes heavy with mysticism on this 19-day adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Walk in the shadows of ancient, blue-tiled buildings in Samarkand, tap into the local way of living with home stays and yurt stays, watch the sun set over technicolour minarets in Khiva, toast to the eternal fire at Darvaza Crater and revel in the eastern-futurism of Ashgabat. Step off the beaten track and onto the ancient Silk Road in this revelatory tour through ancient lands.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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 TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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 TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers