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.
Travel into desert landscapes heavy with mystery on this 11-day journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Watch the sunset over technicolour minarets in Khiva, learn about Turkmen rural life with a stay in a secluded mountain village and visit a local horse breeder at his farm to see how he prepares food and cares for his Akhal-Teke horses. Wander through the ancient ruins of the Silk Road in Merv, watch the sunset over ‘The Gates of Hell’ crater and revel in the eastern futurism of Ashgabat. On this trip far away from tourists, you’ll step off the beaten track and wander through ancient lands with local leaders who have all the fascinating insights.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Ashgabat, Khiva, Darva
Tashkent, Ashgabat, Khiva, Darvaza, Nohur, Mary
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Everything I would expect from Explore! Thought Hotel Mary was scraping the bottom of the barrel even for a basic hotel. Overall a fantastic experience with tour leaders and guides who were both knowledgeable and passionate about their respective countries.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Designed especially for travellers who seek adventure among lakes and mountains, this journey traverses some of the least travelled routes of the Silk Road enabling you to conjoure the spirit of adventure of the explorers of old. You will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery in unspoilt, expansive wilderness, magical architecture and culinary delights.
Overland JourneysAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Step into the heart of Central Asia on this in-depth journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, two historically rich countries shaped by centuries of conquest and trade. Trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great, whose empire once spanned from Greece to India. And follow the ancient Silk Road, where caravans carried silk, spices, ideas and cultures between China and the Mediterranean.
With expert local guides in each country, explore some of the oldest cities in the world including Samarkand and Bukhara, where minarets, mosques, and bazaars evoke the splendour of empires past. And venture beyond the well-trodden path to discover Tajikistan’s alpine lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Stay in a traditional village homestay, experiencing the warmth of Central Asian hospitality, with comfortable accommodations throughout.
Whether you’re captivated by ancient history, drawn to the romance of the Silk Road, or simply seek to explore this fascinating crossroads of civilisations, this guided journey offers an unforgettable window into Central Asia.
Adventure
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
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 TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
A journey through the epicentre of Silk Road history. Travel back in time along the fabled Silk Road on this expertly guided adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. From the dazzling Registan, Samarkand’s historic centre, the maze-like lanes of Bukhara to the crumbling mudbrick ruins of Merv and the grand marble monuments of Ashgabat, this immersive 14-day journey reveals the layered history, artistry and diversity of Central Asia.
Explore ancient desert cities, grand mosques and vibrant bazaars once vital to traders, conquerors and scholars. Cross remote borders, meet skilled artisans, and uncover archaeological treasures alongside knowledgeable local guides.
This is an unforgettable cultural journey through one of the world’s great crossroads.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
This incredible journey will take you through the five “Stans” of Central Asia, across mountains and steppes, treading in the footsteps of those who travelled the ancient Silk Road with their caravans winding trails through the deserts, exchanging their wares and ideas, which has led to the extraordinary melting pot of cultures that exists in the region today.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Tent
Age Range
12-90 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Almaty, Fergana, Khuja
Tashkent, Almaty, Fergana, Khujand, Dushanbe, Penjikent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Mary, Merv, Ashgabat, Darvaza, Nukus, Ayaz Qala, Khiva, Tashkent, Karakol, Bishkek, Ala Archa National Park, Toktogul, Osh
Trace the ancient Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia, where sweeping landscapes and centuries-old traditions collide in breathtaking fashion. Journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, discovering a region where nomadic heritage still shapes everyday life. Share home-cooked meals with Kyrgyz and Cossack families, explore surreal wonders like the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and the towering cliffs of Charyn Canyon, and connect with locals whose stories bring the past vividly to life. With National Geographic Journeys, you’ll experience this remote crossroads of cultures through immersive encounters, expert insight and unforgettable moments that reveal the true spirit of the Silk Road.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is a totally epic 37-day adventure through Central Asia – a region combining Silk Road history, Soviet influence, nomadic living and scenic natural beauty. Journey from the shining capital of Astana to the whitewashed Ashgabat, taking your time to savour the nuances of different Stans along the way. Come face to face with the iconic architecture, rub shoulders with locals in the bazaars, stay in yurt camps and stand in front of the ever-burning crater - ‘The Gates of Hell’. Experience life well off the tourist track and explore a region that’s been the confluence of so many cultures and people throughout history – all with highly experienced local leaders by your side.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 18-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at the glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of an Uzbek village. Visit Sharyn Canyon, Skazka Canyon and Jety Oguz Valley and take hikes to soak up the scenery. Spend a night in a traditional yurt camp alongside the massive alpine lake of Issyk Kul. See the monuments, learn the histories and dive into the local cultures of main cities like Bishkek and Almaty. Visit a family-owned winery for a tasting, head to a small local village for a traditional lunch and enjoy a masterclass of local cuisine from a Dungan family. With all this and more, what’s holding you back from your next adventure?
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
