Discover 40+ Samarkand trips in August 2026 with 190+ verified reviews. Crafted by vetted tour operators, these Samarkand August 2026 tours showcase the country at its seasonal best.
Uncover the rich heritage of Central Asia on a journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan — a region shaped for centuries by Silk Road trade, spiritual traditions, and sweeping cultural exchange. Wander the ancient streets of Khiva, Samarkand, and Bukhara, where history echoes through turquoise-tiled mosques and bustling bazaars. Marvel at natural wonders like Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest and the red rock cliffs of Charyn Canyon. Explore sacred sites and architectural marvels that reveal the region’s religious diversity and deep historical roots. Along the way, connect with nomadic herders in Kyrgyzstan, break bread with Tajik families, and experience the warmth of rural hospitality in Kazakhstan. This is your window into one of the most captivating, and often overlooked, corners of the world.
Explorer
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
Embark on an unforgettable cultural journey through the heart of Uzbekistan — a land where ancient traditions meet breathtaking architecture and vibrant everyday life. Your adventure begins in Tashkent, the dynamic capital where you'll explore the spiritual center of the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the famed Quran of Caliph Uthman, and experience the lively rhythms of daily life at the colorful Chorsu Bazaar. Marvel at the blend of Islamic and Soviet-era architecture as you stroll through wide boulevards and charming courtyards. Next, travel to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most sacred cities, where history whispers from every brick. Walk through narrow, sun-drenched alleyways and discover masterpieces like the intricately patterned Samanid Mausoleum — one of the oldest Islamic monuments in the region — and the mighty Ark Fortress, once home to emirs and their courts. Wander through bustling market domes and peaceful madrassahs, where the scent of spices and the shimmer of handwoven textiles fill the air. In Samarkand, the fabled crossroads of the Silk Road, uncover a stunning mosaic of cultures and beliefs. Admire the soaring tile-clad minarets and turquoise domes of Registan Square, explore the Jewish Quarter with its centuries-old synagogue, and feel a sense of serenity at the Nakshbandi Sufi complex. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, where 15th-century astronomers studied the stars, and the Afrosiab Museum, which reveals layers of ancient history buried beneath this iconic city. From sacred shrines and glittering domes to vibrant bazaars and scholarly legacies, this immersive journey offers a rare glimpse into Uzbekistan’s soul. As you bid farewell, you'll carry with you unforgettable impressions of a land rich in beauty, hospitality, and timeless heritage.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Uzbekistan on this captivating journey. Begin in Khiva, a beautifully preserved city with stunning madrasas, mosques, and ancient walls. Continue to Bukhara, where centuries-old bazaars, historic fortresses, and majestic architecture tell the stories of the Silk Road. Explore Samarkand, home to the world-famous Registan Square, intricate mosaics, and grand mausoleums showcasing the region’s artistic heritage. Complete your adventure with a scenic ascent to take in Uzbekistan’s breathtaking landscapes, blending history, culture, and natural beauty in one unforgettable experience.
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
Discover some of the oldest cities in the world steeped in history and legend, from Troy in Turkey, Baku - the largest City on the Caspian Sea, to the legendary 'Stans'. Experience the incredibly diverse landscapes from the baron desert in Turkmenistan to the high mountain passes in Tajikistan
Ancient history, awe-inspiring architecture and natural wonders combine on this journey through the Silk Road and the Caucasus. Marvel in the splendour of Uzbekistan, the shimmering minarets and bustling bazaars before crossing the ancient trade routes to the mountains of Georgia and rich cultural heritage of Armenia.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Follow one of the world's most well renowned highways; the Silk Road. This fantastic expedition will take you through some of the oldest cities and ancient trading routes in the world, you will also discover the stunning scenery as you get off the beaten track and into the wilderness of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon National Park, Khiva, Issyk Kul, Osh, Dushanbe, Samarkand, Bukhara
Journey overland from the snow-capped peaks of High Asia and follow the path beaten by centuries of traders along the Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia to the edge of Europe and the foothills of the Caucasus. This varied adventure offers something for everyone with stunning alpine landscapes, vast deserts, countless historic sites and modern cosmopolitan cities, and throughout you can't avoid the cultural diversity that shows this region's importance as a global crossroads since time immemorial
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tbilisi, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon
Tbilisi, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon National Park, Bukhara, Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Sheki, Yerevan, Issyk Kul, Osh, Dushanbe, Samarkand
