Highlights of The Silk Road

Assistance on arrival at Dushanbe International airport

Welcome to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Upon arrival at Dushanbe International Airport, clear immigration and visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed through the green channel if you have no goods to declare to customs. You will be met by the driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Full-day city tour of Dushanbe

In the morning, embark on a full-day city tour of Dushanbe,once a small market village where traders gathered every Monday, it has since grown into a vibrant capital. Highlights of the tour include the Ismoili Somoni Monument, Rudaki Park, the city center featuring one of the tallest flagpoles in the world the Tajikistan State Museum, and Victory Park. In the afternoon, explore the lively Mehrgon Bazaar, with the evening free for relaxation.

Travel to Penjikent

After breakfast travel to Penjikent, passing through the scenic Varzob Valley and the Anzob Pass Tunnel on your way to Lake Iskanderkul (Alexander the Great Lake), located in the heart of the Fan Mountains. The city’s history stretches back 5,500 years and it was once one of the easternmost settlements of the ancient Sogdiana Empire.

Check-in at hotel and half day city tour of Penjikent

In the afternoon, take a city tour of Penjikent, where you will explore the historical Penjikent excavation sites, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Rudaki Museum. These sites showcase fascinating collections of artefacts that span from the Bronze Age to the Sogdian era, offering a deep insight into the region’s ancient history. Afterward, enjoy an overnight stay in Penjikent.

Travel to Samarkand

After breakfast,check-out and embark on a scenic drive to the Sarazm/Jartepa border. Upon crossing the border, meet your Uzbeck part driver and continue your journey into Uzbekistan towards the historic city of Samarkand, a city steeped in history and renowned for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage.

Check-in at hotel

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Samarkand

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour of Samarkand, one of the most iconic cities along the ancient Silk Road. Begin with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, a remarkable 15th-century astronomical center built by the renowned scholar and ruler Ulugbek. Continue to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a stunning complex of mausoleums decorated with intricate tilework, revered as a sacred pilgrimage site. Next, explore the impressive Bibi-Khanum Mosque, once the largest mosque in Central Asia and a symbol of the city's former grandeur. Stroll through the lively Siyab Bazaar, where you can experience the local culture and shop for traditional goods and fresh produce. Visit the majestic Registan Square, the heart of ancient Samarkand, featuring three grand madrassahs: Sherdor, Tilla-Kari, and Ulughbek, each showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture and artistry. Admire the Guri-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the great conqueror Tamerlane (Amir Timur), with its beautifully domed structure. Conclude your day with a visit to the Koni Ghil Silk Paper-Making Center, where you can observe the traditional process of making paper from mulberry bark, a craft dating back to the 8th century.

Travel to Bukhara via Shakhrisabz

After breakfast, begin your journey to Bukhara. On the way, make a stop in Shakhrisabz, whose name means “Green City” in Persian. Here, you will be joined by a local guide for a tour of the city's major historical landmarks, including the Ak-Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz Mosque, Dorut-Tilovat Complex, and Dorus-Saodat Complex. Following the visit, continue your drive to Bukhara.

Check-in at hotel

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Bukhara

Enjoy a full-day guided excursion in Bukhara with a local guide. Highlights include the Samanid Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the historic Ark Fortress. Explore the Poi-Kalyan complex, featuring the Kalyan Mosque, Kalyan Minaret, and Miri-Arab Madrassah. Continue to the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassahs, the ancient Magoki-Attori Mosque, and the famous Trade Domes (Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Telpakfurushon, and Toki-Sarrofon). Conclude the day with a visit to the scenic Lyab-i Hauz complex.

Half day city tour of Bukhara and train to Taskent

After breakfast, continue your guided tour of Bukhara with a local guide. Visit Chor Minor, the charming mosque known for its four distinctive minarets, and the summer residence of Bukhara's last Emir, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa. Explore the sacred Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and the historic Chor-Bakr Necropolis. After the tour, travel to Tashkent by train.After breakfast, continue exploring Bukhara with your local guide. Today’s visits include the charming Chor Minor, a unique mosque known for its four minarets; the elegant Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last Emir; the revered Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a significant pilgrimage site; and the historic Chor Bakr Necropolis. Following the tour, you will be transferred to Bukhara railway station to board the high-speed train.

Arrival at railway station and transfer to the hotel

Upon arrival at Tashkent Railway station and you will be transferred to your accommodation with the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Tashkent

After breakfast, begin your guided tour of Tashkent with a local guide. Visit the Hasti Imam Complex, home to the revered Muyi Muborak Library, which houses the original Holy Osman Quran, as well as the Barakhan Madrasah and the Kaffal Ash-Shashiy Mausoleum. Explore the lively Chorsu Bazaar, including its famous street food and dry fruit sections, and visit the Museum of Applied Arts. In the afternoon, experience Underground stations, known for its unique architectural designs and cleanliness. Disembark at Amir Temur Square and enjoy a walking tour through Independence Square, visiting the WWII memorial, Romanov’s Palace, and the Alisher Navoi Theatre complex.

Train to Kokand

In the morning, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the train station, where you will board a train to Kokand. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and visit the renowned Khudoyar Khan Palace and the Dahmai Shahon (Grave of Kings). Afterward, drive to Rishtan.

Arrive and half day City Tour

Upon arrival in Rishtan, visit a Kyrgyz family renowned for their traditional wool products, and stop by a ceramist’s family workshop to observe the intricate process of creating handmade ceramics. Continue to the Khoja Ilgor Mausoleum, notable for its distinctive needle-pointed dome—an architectural style rarely seen in Uzbekistan. This sacred complex includes a pilgrimage cave associated with a revered holy man, a mosque preserving its original decorative patterns, and cells once used by dervishes. Afterward, drive onward to Margilan.

Check-in at hotel in Margilan and relax

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Half day city tour and travel to Osh

Today, check-out and proceed for a half-day city tour visiting the 19th-century Madrassah of Said Ahmad, an architectural gem showcasing the rich history of the region and silk factory where you can observe the entire process of silk production, from the initial stages of spinning and dyeing to the intricate art of weaving and sewing. Later embark on a journey across the border to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, a country celebrated for its vibrant nomadic culture and traditions. Pass the border formalities and meet your Kyrgyz part guide and a driver for further tour.

Check-in at hotel and half day city tour

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation. Later, Meet your Kyrgyz guide and driver, then enjoy a city tour of Osh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the sacred Suleiman’s Throne, the modern museum, and Jayma Bazaar famous for being the premier market west of Kashgar for over 2,000 years.

Flight to Bishkek

Today transfer to the airport to board a flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is known for its wide boulevards, Soviet-era architecture, and bustling bazaars, offering a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture.

Arrival transfer to the hotel

Upon arrival at the airport and you will be transferred to your accommodation with the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Bishkek

After breakfast enjoy the city tour of Bishkek, starting with a visit to the Historical and Applied Arts Museum, where you can admire a diverse collection of artworks and artifacts showcasing the cultural heritage of the region. Ala-Too Square, the bustling heart of Bishkek and a focal point for national celebrations and events. Stroll through the square, taking in the grandeur of the surrounding government buildings and monuments. Continue your exploration at Osh Bazaar, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central Asia, offering a wide array of goods, from fresh produce to local crafts. In the evening, you have free time to relax or further explore the area at your own pace, perhaps sampling local cuisine or enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife.

Travel to Karakol

After breakfast take a scenic drive alongside the shores of the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake to Karakol, offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a gateway to the spectacular Tian Shan mountains.

Check-in at the hotel and half day city tour

After check-in, begin a half-day city tour of Karakol, visiting the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, a remarkable example of Russian religious architecture, and the Dungan Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that beautifully blends Chinese and Islamic styles.

Travel to Almaty

Today, embark on an exciting journey as you cross the border from Kyrgyzstan into Kazakhstan, heading towards the vibrant city of Almaty. Your route will take you through some of the region's most stunning landscapes, including a visit to the awe-inspiring Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the Valley of Castles due to its striking bright red rock formations that resemble ancient castles. Take some time to explore this natural wonder and appreciate its unique geological features. Continue your travel to Almaty, the city that seamlessly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage, set against the backdrop of the majestic Tian Shan mountains.

Check-in at hotel and relax

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Full-day city tour of Almaty

Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit to Panfilov Park, a beautiful green space dedicated to the Panfilov Heroes, where you can relax and admire the statues and memorials that commemorate the brave soldiers who fought during World War II. While at the park, explore the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, a striking wooden structure that is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. It’s renowned for its vibrant colors, intricate design, and rich history. Next, head to Republic Square, a central landmark in Almaty, surrounded by monumental architecture and key government buildings. This spacious square often hosts cultural events and provides a great opportunity to take in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to Chimbulak Ski Resort, located in the picturesque Tian Shan Mountains. Whether you’re visiting in winter for the ski slopes or in the summer for its breathtaking alpine views, the resort offers a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks, making it a popular destination year-round. In the evening, you’ll have free time to explore the lively Green Bazaar, a bustling market where you can experience the rich flavors and aromas of local produce, spices, sweets, and traditional Kazakh goods. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Almaty’s local life.

Departure transfer to Airport

After breakfast, departure transfer to the Airport to board your flight to onward destination.