The Wonders of the Silk Road: Ouzbékistan and Kyrgyzstan
From the marble cities of Samarkand to the nomadic yurts of Son-Kul Lake, a journey to the heart of Central Asia.
Duration
21 days
From
€3,210/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
From Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, this journey invites you to traverse the great routes of Central Asia, between cultural heritage and vast natural spaces. Through the mythical cities of the Silk Road – Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand – you discover remarkable architectural heritage, bustling bazaars and skills passed down from generation to generation.
Then, the landscape gradually changes to give way to mountains, valleys and high-altitude lakes of Kyrgyzstan. Hikes, immersion nights with local families, encounters with local communities and discovery of the nomadic way of life punctuate this second part of the journey. Between culture, nature and authentic experiences, this complete itinerary offers a balanced approach to two countries with strong identities, accompanied by an attentive local team throughout your stay.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
First impressions of Tashkent
Upon your arrival at the airport, you are welcomed by your local guide, who accompanies you throughout your stay. You are then transferred to your hotel. Breakfast is provided on-site, while check-in to your room takes place in the afternoon, subject to availability.
You begin your discovery with a panoramic tour of Tashkent, capital of Ouzbékistan. This first approach allows you to better understand the city's identity, where historical heritage and contemporary development coexist harmoniously.
Your exploration continues in the old city, a true historical and spiritual center.
Discovery of the old city
The Khasti Imam Square (16th-21st centuries), considered the religious heart of Tashkent.
The Barak-Khan madrasah (16th century), former center for teaching religious and secular sciences.
The Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, an important pilgrimage site for the faithful.
The Tilla Shaykh Mosque, known for its rich collection of ancient manuscripts.
The Moyi Mubarok madrasah (16th-19th centuries), now transformed into a library, which houses the Quran of Caliph Uthman (7th century), considered one of the oldest Quranic manuscripts in the world and brought back by Timur.
Throughout this day, your guide shares with you the essential landmarks to better understand the history, culture and traditions of Ouzbékistan, in a spirit of exchange and personalized guidance.
You continue your discovery with a visit to the Tchor Sou market, one of the oldest bazaars in Tashkent. Beneath its domes, colorful stalls offer a wide variety of spices, dried fruits and products from local craftsmanship.
Accompanied by your guide, you explore several pavilions emblematic of the market, a true place of life where commercial traditions, local flavors and everyday scenes blend together. This immersion allows you to experience the authentic atmosphere of Uzbek markets and better understand local customs.
You then experience an original experience on board the Tashkent metro, renowned for its carefully designed architecture and stations decorated in an Art Deco-inspired style. A true underground museum, it reflects different facets of the country's history and identity.
Along the route, you discover several emblematic stations:
The Cosmonauts Station, paying homage to space exploration.
The Cotton Workers Station, which evokes the importance of the textile industry in Uzbekistan's history.
The Alisher Navoi Station, dedicated to the great Uzbek poet and major figure of national culture.
After this discovery, return to your hotel.
Dinner is planned in the city, followed by a night at the hotel.
Heading to Khiva, Discovering the Fortified City of Itchan Kala
Khiva, between palaces and artisanal craftsmanship, then train to Bukhara
After a free lunch, enjoy free time for your personal discoveries. Around 3 p.m., you are transferred to the station to take the train to Bukhara. A picnic dinner is planned on board.
Upon your arrival around 10 p.m., transfer to the hotel, check-in and overnight stay.
The program may be adjusted according to the train schedule.
Bukhara, from historical monuments to ancient markets
After breakfast at the hotel, your local guide will pick you up at 9:00 AM for a day dedicated to discovering the old city of Bukhara the Noble. Ancient sacred city and great spiritual center of Islam in Central Asia, Bukhara once had nearly 200 madrassahs and 365 mosques.
Morning - Bukhara's emblematic monuments:
Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th-10th centuries), one of the oldest monuments of Muslim architecture, built in fired brick by the founder of the Samanid dynasty.
Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, housing a legendary well attributed to the prophet Job and now transformed into a water museum.
Bolo Haouz Mosque (1712), recognizable by its 20 carved wooden pillars and its minaret from 1917.
Ark Citadel, an ancient fortress over 2000 years old, with its monumental entrance, the throne court, the Friday Mosque transformed into a calligraphy museum and the former chancellery, now a museum tracing Bukhara's life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Free lunch in town.
Afternoon - Immersion in architectural and commercial heritage
Poi-Kalyan Complex (12th-16th centuries) comprising the Kalon minaret (46 m), the only monument spared by Genghis Khan in 1220, the great Kalon Mosque, which can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, as well as the Mir Arab madrassah, still in operation.
You continue with a discovery of the atmosphere of the ancient markets:
Toqi Zargaron (16th century), former jewelers' dome, today dedicated to craftsmanship.
Ensemble of "Koch" madrassahs:
Ulugh Beg Madrassah (15th century), founded by the astronomer prince.
Abdul Aziz Khan Madrassah (17th century), recognized for the richness of its decorations.
Toqi Telpak Furushon (16th century), former hat sellers' market.
Hammami Bozori Kord (16th century), former public bath once frequented every week by Bukhara's inhabitants.
End of day - Between spirituality and craftsmanship:
Magok-i-Attari Mosque (11th-12th centuries), built on the remains of a former Zoroastrian temple and now transformed into a carpet museum.
Toqi Sarafon (16th century), former money changers' market.
Lyab-i-Khauz Complex (1620) comprising the Nadir Divan Beghi khanaga, a former dervish inn now used as an exhibition hall, the statue of Nasr ed Din, a historical and satirical character, the Nadir Divan Beghi madrassah decorated with a Mongol sun and fantastical birds, as well as the Kukeldash madrassah, the largest in Bukhara with its 140 cells spread over two levels.
Return to the hotel after this day dedicated to discovering Bukhara's historical and architectural heritage.
Around Bukhara, between summer palaces and Sufi heritage
After breakfast at the hotel, departure at 9:30 am to explore the monuments located on the outskirts of Bukhara: Discovery of jewels outside the city
Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khossa, former summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara, located 5 km from the historic center. Built in 1914, it is distinguished by its refined decorations in plaster and stucco. Visit of the courtyard, the reception halls, the rose gardens, the pool and the harem, which is said to have housed up to 40 women and is now transformed into a suzani embroidery museum.
Mausoleum of Bakhoviddin Nakchbandi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Asia. This sanctuary houses the tomb of Bakhoviddin Nakchbandi, founding master of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, one of the greatest Sufi brotherhoods. A place steeped in spirituality, where many pilgrims come to pay their respects.
Chor Minor Madrasah, a singular edifice recognizable by its four distinctive towers, unique of its kind in Central Asia.
In the afternoon, return to the city and free time for your personal discoveries. You can take the opportunity to explore the souks, do some shopping or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the old city.
From Bukhara to Samarkand: Craftsmanship and Discovery of the Pearl of Central Asia
After breakfast, head towards Samarkand, with several stops dedicated to craftsmanship and the history of the Silk Road.
In Guijdouvan, known for its ceramic tradition, visit the workshop of Mr. Narzoullayev. A sixth-generation potter, he will share his expertise and manufacturing techniques, with explanations in English.
Continue with a photo stop at the Rabati Malik sardoba, an ancient water reservoir for caravans. Then discover the remains of the Rabati Malik caravanserai, whose monumental gateway recalls its role on the ancient trade routes.
You arrive in Samarkand around 1 p.m. After lunch at a local restaurant, check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, discover this Silk Road city that Tamerlane made the capital of his empire. On the Registan Square, three madrasas form an emblematic architectural ensemble: the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, founded in the 15th century by the astronomer prince, the Tilla Kari Madrasa, with its intricate interior decoration, and the Sher-Dor Madrasa, recognizable by the lion motifs adorning its portal.
After the visit, return to the hotel, then dinner in town to discover local cuisine.
Samarcand Cultural Day: between history and astronomy
After breakfast at the hotel, you continue exploring Samarkand, the former capital of Tamerlane's empire.
Morning Discovery of Samarkand's historical treasures
Bibi Khanum Mosque (15th century), built by Tamerlane after his campaign in India. Built with 400 marble pillars, it was among the largest mosques of its time before being restored in 2003.
Visit to the Siyob market, the city's main bazaar, known for its traditional "non" bread and dried grapes, local specialties.
Lunch on your own.
Afternoon History and astronomy
Afrasiab Museum, located on the heights of ancient Afrasiab, the site of the first Samarkand destroyed during the Mongol invasion. The museum traces nearly 20 centuries of the city's history and notably presents the famous pre-Islamic Sogdian frescoes from the 8th century.
Ulugh Beg Observatory (15th century), founded by the astronomer prince and grandson of Tamerlane. This major medieval scientific center housed a massive sextant that made it possible to establish with great precision the position of 1,018 stars.
Evening in Samarkand.
Return to the hotel and overnight in Samarkand.
The Mausoleums of Samarkand
After breakfast at the hotel, make the most of this last day in Samarkand to continue your visits before heading to Tashkent.
Start with the Gour Emir mausoleum, where Tamerlane is buried. Recognizable by its blue dome, this 15th-century building precedes the discovery of the statue of the sovereign located nearby.
Then proceed to the mausoleum of Saint Daniel, a pilgrimage site shared by Muslims, Christians and Jews. According to tradition, Tamerlane brought back the relics of the prophet from Iran, which are preserved there. Lunch is on your own.
In the afternoon, explore the Shakhi Zinda necropolis, whose name means "the Living King". This ensemble of mausoleums is dedicated to Koussam Ibn Abbas, cousin of the prophet Mohammed. Among the preserved monuments are the tombs of Tamerlane's relatives and several of his generals.
You then have free time for your last shopping in the souks or craft shops of the city.
A transfer will take you to the station to board the high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, you will proceed to your hotel for the night.
Ferghana Valley: from Kokand to Marghilan
Take the train towards the Ferghana Valley, passing through the Kamtchik Pass, at 2,110 meters altitude. Along the way, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The morning is devoted to Kokand, a historic city in the valley. You visit the Khoudayar Khan Palace, former residence of the khanate's sovereigns, then discover the Jami Mosque, one of the city's main monuments.
In the afternoon, continue by road to Richton, known for its ceramic tradition. The pieces made from local red clay, decorated with natural blue and green pigments then glazed, testify to a craft passed down from generation to generation.
You then continue on the road to Marghilan, the historic center of silk production in Ouzbékistan. Upon your evening arrival, you dine there before spending the night at the hotel.
First Steps in Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, visit the Yodgorlik silk factory in Marghilan. You will discover the stages of silk production and the gestures that perpetuate this traditional craft.
Continue towards the Dostuk border post, between Ouzbékistan and Kyrgyzstan. You will be welcomed before your transfer to Och.
Then discover the sacred mountain of Sulaiman-Too, also called the Throne of Solomon. This Muslim pilgrimage site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2009, holds an important place in the city's spiritual history. Complete this discovery with a visit to the History Museum, located nearby.
Welcome at the Dostuk Border Post, at the border between Ouzbékistan and Kyrgyzstan, then transfer to the city of Osh.
Visit to the sacred mountain of Sulaiman-Too, also called the Throne of Solomon, an important Muslim pilgrimage site inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
Discovery of the History Museum, located nearby.
Arslanbob Waterfalls and Uzgen's Heritage
Set off on a hiking trip through a walnut forest, leading to waterfalls. You will have lunch on site, in the heart of this natural environment.
Then head towards Och, Kyrgyzstan's second largest city. Along the way, stop at the historic site of Uzgen, where you will discover three mausoleums and a minaret dating from the 11th century.
You join Arslanbob, located at 1,600 meters altitude, at the foot of a vast walnut forest covering nearly 60,000 hectares. You spend the night in a guesthouse.
The Sapphire of Kyrgyzstan
From Arslanbob, take the road to Arkit and Sary-Chelek Lake. The route crosses varied mountain landscapes with distinctive relief. You will make a stop for lunch along the way.
Day 14: horseback riding around the lake
Set off on a horseback ride around Sary-Chelek Lake, located at 1,837 meters altitude. This experience allows you to appreciate the landscapes surrounding this alpine lake.
Enjoy free time by the lakeside afterwards, to relax and savor the natural setting.
Toktogul Reservoir
From Arkit, head towards the Toktogul artificial lake, which covers 284 km². The road reveals contrasting landscapes, dotted with rocky reliefs in varied hues.
You travel through the Tachkomur mining region, then the Lower Naryn gorge, bordered by red sandstone cliffs, before reaching the Toktogul reservoir.
Upon arrival, enjoy a picnic on the shores of the lake, in this natural setting.
On the shores of Lake Son-Kul
You arrive on the shores of the Son-Koul lake, at 3,016 meters altitude. Depending on the light, the waters of this alpine lake take on shades of blue and green.
Day 17: daily life with your host family
This day combines relaxation and discovery of the nomadic way of life. You participate in the traditional activities of your host family: making kumis, a fermented milk, gathering the herd and, depending on the season, milking cows or mares.
After lunch, a short horseback ride takes you across the vast spaces of the Son-Koul plateau.
Former caravanserai on the Silk Road
From the Son-Koul lake, reach the Tach Rabat caravanserai to discover a testimony of the ancient Silk Road.
Located on the route that connected the region to Kashgar, this stone building from the 15th century welcomed merchants and travelers crossing the mountains. By visiting its many rooms, you discover the places where caravans stopped and experience the atmosphere of these ancient commercial stages.
Local Craftsmanship Art
From Tach Rabat, head to Naryn, a small mountain town crossed by the river of the same name.
Continue towards Kochkor, a village known for its local development initiatives. You visit a women's cooperative specializing in the manufacture of sherdaks, traditional felt carpets. This meeting allows you to discover their artisanal know-how.
In the evening, immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with a traditional folk show. A Manas storyteller shares epic tales of legendary heroes of the Kyrgyz people. Traditional music and songs complete this discovery.
Grandiose Landscapes and Kyrgyz History
Discover the Konorchek canyon, where erosion has sculpted red rock formations and sand columns with scarlet hues. The visit immerses you in a preserved natural landscape.
Continue with a stop at the Burana minaret, a remnant of an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Tatar invasions. If you wish, climb to the top to admire the surrounding countryside. You also visit the attached museum, dedicated to the history of the site and the region.
The road to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, then crosses landscapes of lush mountains. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to rest.
You then enjoy a stroll through Ala-Too Square, at the heart of urban life. Appreciated by locals, this esplanade comes alive in the evening and holds the memory of major events in the country's recent history.
Good to see you again, and see you next time!
Bishkek → Aéroport International De Bichkek
After breakfast at the hotel, you join the Bishkek international airport. Your transfer is organized according to your flight schedule.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Your Personal Expenses
- The right to take photos in monuments (to be paid on site, at the entrance)
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Bishkek not mentioned in the program
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Airport Welcomes
- Accommodation (double room) with breakfasts
- All meals mentioned in the program
- Transport for transfers according to the program
- Local English-speaking guides in each city
- Guided tours and entrance fees to monuments / parks / museums according to the itinerary
- Train tickets
- Kitchen equipment and sleeping gear (sleeping bag)
- The Tashkent-Urgench flight (economy class)
- Horse rental
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Uzbekistan for a tourism stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uzbekistan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your planned exit date from the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourism stays in Uzbekistan.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry to the territory. Beyond this duration, a visa must be obtained in advance, in particular via the official online visa application portal of the Uzbek authorities.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking or an invitation from a private individual or registered establishment.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Uzbekistan is required to register with the local authorities within three business days of arrival.
In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation facility. In the case of staying with a private individual, the traveler must ensure that the host completes this procedure with the competent registration office.
keep the registration documents issued by each accommodation throughout your stay,
present these documents when crossing the border upon exit from the territory.
Health
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Uzbekistan for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland and Canada. However, health authorities recommend updating routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis) and consulting with a doctor or international vaccination center before departure regarding any specific recommendations (hepatitis A, typhoid, etc.).
It is advisable to take out repatriation and medical assistance insurance before departure, as medical facilities may be limited in certain regions of the country.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be informed, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Uzbekistan, a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry is required. No visa is needed for short tourist visits. This destination has become much more accessible in recent years. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality: check with the Uzbek consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 120 and 200 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (500-800 euros round trip) are additional. Uzbekistan is one of the most affordable destinations along the Silk Road.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Historic Golden Triangle
Expert in Uzbek Silk Road routes, based in Tachkent
Uzbekistan is more than just its monuments. It's also the conversations over tea, the markets, the villages, and the way locals welcome travelers.
— Nurridin
