Discover 20+ Samarkand trips in October 2026 with 190+ verified reviews. Crafted by vetted tour operators, these Samarkand October 2026 tours showcase the country at its seasonal best.
Ever daydreamed about stepping back in time? Picture yourself wandering ancient cities built as early as 700 BCE, passing through tiled archways once crossed by Silk Road traders, and bargaining in markets that have stood for centuries. This 12-day adventure through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan takes you deep into the heart of Central Asia — where living history, breathtaking landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path charm come together for one unforgettable trip.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva, Bukh
Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, Marguzor
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Get a taste of Central Asia's charm on this 16-day trip through ancient silk road towns and bustling bazaars. Visit four out of the five Stans as you travel the Kazak steppe and Uzbek Silk Road towns by train. Starting in Bishkek, visit the clear waters of Issyk-kul Lake, cross the border to the charming Almaty, catch an overnight train to Uzbekistan and seek out the delicious plov, then explore the white marbled capital of Ashgabat. Spend a night in a traditional yurt camp near Issyk-kul Lake, hike the flaming red rocks at Jety Ogus, toast with locally produced wine to a Kazak home-cooked feast and learn about the full Silk Road history in the blue-hued mosques, madrasas and ruins in Samarkand, Bukhara and Merv.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
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
