Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Breakfast, lunches and dinners throughout the journey.
- 2 nights’ accommodation at 5 Star in Bishkek
- 2 nights’ accommodation at 5 Star in Shabdan
- 2 nights’ accommodation at 5 Star in Naryn
- 1 night accommodation at 5 Star in Son-Kul
- 1 night accommodation at 5 Star in Jalalabad
- 1 night accommodation at 5 Star in Osh
- 2 nights’ accommodation at 5 Star in Kokand
- 1 night accommodation at 5 Star in Tashkent
- City tours of Bishkek, Kokand, and Tashkent
- Visits to ancient Silk Road settlements like Navekat, Suyab, Balasagun, and Uzgen
- Exploration of Tash-Rabat Caravanserai, Burana Tower, and Khudoyarkhan Palace
- Scenic drives through Chon-Kemin Valley, Son-Kul Lake, and the Kamchik Pass
- Traditional yurt-building demonstration
- Boorsok bread-making session
- Epic of Manas folklore performance by local villagers
- Felt carpet (Shyrdak) making demonstration in Kochkor
- Visit to pottery workshops in Rishtan
- Interaction with local artisans and nomadic families
- mooth and guided transfer between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, including immigration support.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout the journey.
- All entrance fees to monuments, museums, and historical sites as per the itinerary.
- All airport transfers, intercity travel, and sightseeing in a comfortable air-conditioned coach or 4x4 vehicle where required.
You'll Love
- Immersive Silk Road Experience – Walk in the footsteps of ancient traders across two fascinating countries, exploring legendary caravan towns and archaeological treasures.
- Authentic Nomadic Encounters – Stay in traditional yurts by the serene Son-Kul Lake and witness centuries-old Kyrgyz customs come alive.
- Breathtaking Mountain Landscapes – Travel through dramatic valleys, alpine lakes, and high mountain passes offering unforgettable scenic views.
- Rich Cultural Heritage – Discover grand palaces, ancient mausolea, and intricate Islamic architecture in Kokand, Uzgen, and Tashkent.
- Hands-on Artisan Workshops – Learn traditional crafts such as felt carpet-making, pottery, and silk weaving directly from local masters.
- Warm Central Asian Hospitality – Experience the genuine warmth and friendliness of the Kyrgyz and Uzbek people through shared meals, stories, and music.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, tracing the footsteps of Silk Road traders across majestic mountains, lush valleys, and ancient cities. This cross-border adventure blends natural beauty, cultural encounters, and historical exploration, offering a rare glimpse into Central Asia’s heartland.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains to the timeless caravanserais of Tash-Rabat and the bustling bazaars of Osh and Tashkent, every day reveals a new facet of this captivating region. Experience nomadic life by the tranquil shores of Son-Kul Lake, marvel at the Burana Tower and Khudoyarkhan Palace, and discover traditional crafts in Kochkor and Rishtan.
Guided by local experts, you’ll enjoy immersive cultural experiences, authentic cuisine, and spectacular landscapes — making this an ideal journey for travelers seeking history, culture, and adventure along the legendary Silk Road.
When/Date
Itinerary
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Upon arrival at Bishkek Airport, you’ll be greeted by our local representative who will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and relax after your journey. The rest of the day is free for leisure or independent exploration.Overnight in Bishkek.
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Later, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Bishkek — the mostly Soviet-built capital nestled in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains. Visit the State History Museum, one of Central Asia’s most significant museums, followed by the Mikhail Frunze Museum, dedicated to the celebrated Soviet revolutionary.Overnight in Bishkek.
After breakfast, drive east through the scenic Chui Valley, once a vital corridor of the Silk Road. Stop at the ancient settlements of Navekat and Suyab, then continue to Balasagun, the 10th-century capital of the Karakhanid Empire. Explore the impressive Burana Tower, a lone minaret standing as a symbol of the city’s vanished glory. Proceed to Shabdan village for your stay.Overnight in Shabdan.
This morning, enjoy a gentle hike through the stunning Chon-Kemin Valley, surrounded by meadows, forests, and mountain slopes. After a traditional lunch, witness a yurt-building demonstration and try your hand at boorsok bread-making. In the evening, enjoy a special performance of the Epic of Manas, an ancient Kyrgyz heroic legend, by a local storyteller.Overnight in Shabdan.
Depart Shabdan and travel through the Kochkor Valley. Visit the 12th-century Kök-Tash Mausoleum, one of the earliest known structures of the Qara Khitai Empire. Stop at a local village for a felt carpet-making demonstration, where artisans craft colourful “shyrdak” rugs using traditional methods. Continue the journey to Naryn, a picturesque mountain town.Overnight in Naryn.
After breakfast, head towards the Chinese border to explore Tash-Rabat Caravanserai, an impressive 15th-century stone fortress built to protect Silk Road traders. Visit the nearby Koshoy Korgan, believed to be the remains of a 12th-century Karakhanid citadel. Return to Naryn by evening.Overnight in Naryn.
Drive through dramatic mountain passes and valleys to reach Son-Kul Lake (3,060m), a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by rolling hills and nomadic pastures. Enjoy the serene beauty, take a short walk around the lakeshore, or experience nomadic activities such as horseback riding.Overnight in a traditional yurt at Son-Kul.
After breakfast, travel along the scenic north–south road, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most picturesque routes. Pass through mountain gorges, forests, and river valleys, enjoying stunning landscapes at every turn. Stop for lunch in a local village before descending into the Fergana Basin near Jalalabad.Overnight in Jalalabad.
This morning, head to Uzgen, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and a major Karakhanid capital between the 9th and 13th centuries. Visit the beautifully preserved Uzgen Minaret and Mausolea, masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture. Continue to Osh, the cultural heart of southern Kyrgyzstan. Visit the sacred Sulayman Too Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the city’s lively bazaar.Overnight in Osh.
After breakfast, cross the border into Uzbekistan and continue to Namangan, known for its rich Islamic heritage and vibrant markets. Visit Khodja Amin’s Mausoleum and Mosque, and stop by a silk artisan’s workshop. On the way to Kokand, visit Axsikent, once a flourishing Silk Road city.Overnight in Kokand.
Discover Kokand, former capital of a powerful Khanate, renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture. Visit the city’s mosques, madrasas, and mausolea showcasing intricate tilework. Later, drive to Rishtan, a town famous for its 1,000-year-old pottery-making tradition, and meet artisans who preserve this heritage. Return to Kokand.Overnight in Kokand.
This morning, explore the majestic Khudoyarkhan Palace, built between 1863 and 1873 — an opulent blend of architecture and colourful tile decoration. Then drive through the scenic Kamchik Pass to Tashkent, the modern capital of Uzbekistan. Stop for lunch along the way and arrive in the afternoon.Overnight in Tashkent.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Tashkent Airport for your onward flight. Depart with wonderful memories of your Silk Road journey through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.