The Wonders of the Silk Road: Ouzbékistan and Kyrgyzstan
From the marble cities of Samarkand to the nomadic yurts of Lake Son-Kul, 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 Ouzbékistan to Kyrgyzstan, embark on a discovery of two Central Asian countries, between cultural heritage, natural landscapes and authentic encounters. This journey takes you in the footsteps of the legendary Silk Road, through the historic cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. You will discover a rich architectural heritage, bustling bazaars and craft skills passed down from generation to generation.
As the journey progresses, the landscapes evolve to make way for the mountains, valleys and high-altitude lakes of Kyrgyzstan. This second part of your stay invites you to explore vast spaces through hiking, to share the daily life of the inhabitants and to discover the traditions of local communities as well as the nomadic way of life.
Between cultural discoveries, immersion in nature and human exchanges, this combined Ouzbékistan-Kyrgyzstan circuit offers you a complete and balanced approach to these two destinations. Throughout the journey, you benefit from the support of an attentive local team, for an experience marked by authenticity and sharing.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
First Impressions of Tashkent
From Tachkent
Upon arrival at the airport, your local guide, who will accompany you throughout your stay, welcomes you and takes you to your hotel. You will have breakfast there; check-in to your room is scheduled for the afternoon, depending on availability.
Begin with a panoramic tour of Tashkent, a first approach to the Uzbek capital, where historical monuments stand alongside contemporary constructions. Then join the old city to discover its religious and cultural heritage.
Your journey takes you to the Khasti Imam Square, then to the Barak-Khan madrasah, a former center for teaching religious and secular sciences. You will also discover the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, a pilgrimage site, and the Tilla Shaykh mosque, known for its ancient manuscripts. The visit continues at the Muyi Muborak madrasah, now transformed into a library, where the Quran of Caliph Othman is preserved. Your guide's explanations illuminate these discoveries and enrich the exchanges around Uzbek history and traditions.
You then return to the lively atmosphere of the Chorsu Market. Beneath its domes, the stalls gather spices, dried fruits and local crafts. With your guide, explore several pavilions to observe daily life scenes and discover the commercial habits of the locals.
Change atmosphere aboard the Tashkent Metro, whose stations with Art Deco-inspired décor tell different facets of the country. You discover the Cosmonauts Station, dedicated to space exploration, the Cotton Workers Station, which evokes the textile industry, then the Alisher Navoi Station, dedicated to the Uzbek poet.
After these visits, return to your hotel. You will dine in town before spending the night at the hotel.
Heading to Khiva, discovering the fortified city of Itchan Kala
To Urgentch
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your 7 am flight to Urgentch.
With your local guide, discover Itchan Kala, the "inner city" listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its rammed earth walls extend for 2,200 meters and open through four monumental gates. Behind these fortifications, the minarets and terraces of clay houses recall the history of the Silk Road caravan cities.
You walk around the walls to the West gate, through which you enter the city and discover the ceramic map of the city. The visit continues at the Mohammed Amin Khan madrasa, built in the 19th century and now converted into a hotel, then to the Kalta Minar minaret, of which only the base was constructed in 1855.
You then explore the Khan's former prison, a witness to past judicial practices, before heading to the Kunya citadel, now transformed into a museum. You visit the mosque and the mint, decorated with faience, then the reception courtyard and the throne room. Your guide's explanations will help you better understand life in the city and the power of the khans of Khiva.
In late afternoon, you have the opportunity to climb the Ak Cheikh Bobo bastion to enjoy a view of the walls and main monuments of Itchan Kala.
The day ends with dinner at a local restaurant, an opportunity to discover Uzbek cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Khiva, between palaces and artisanal craftsmanship, then train to Bukhara
After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 9 a.m. to continue your discovery of Khiva. The morning begins at the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah, organized around two courtyards and now transformed into a craft center and museum.
Then stroll through the historic alleyways, where former caravanserais and madrasahs now house craft workshops. You visit a wood carving workshop, then the entire Koch Madrasahs complex, with the madrasahs Allazh Kouli Khan and Kutlug Murad Inak and their historic cistern.
Head to the Tash Khaouli palace, the khan's second residence in the 19th century. The harem, state rooms and guest pavilion reveal faiences with pre-Islamic patterns. This visit allows you to experience the daily life of the court and the craftsmanship of artisans of the era.
You then discover the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, dedicated to the wrestler, poet and Sufi master considered the patron saint of Khiva. Take time to observe its majolica ceramic decoration. If you wish, climb to the top of the Islam Khodja Minaret to admire the city, before visiting the Islam Khodja Madrasah, which now houses the museum of decorative arts and photography.
After a free lunch, enjoy free time for your personal discoveries. Around 3 PM, you are transferred to the station to take the train to Bukhara. A picnic dinner is provided on board.
Upon arrival around 10 PM, 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, meet your local guide at 9 a.m. to explore the old city of Bukhara. A former spiritual center of Islam in Central Asia, the city preserves a heritage where religious life, craftsmanship and commercial traditions intersect.
Start with the Ismail Samani mausoleum, built of baked brick, then discover the Chashma Ayub mausoleum, which houses a legendary well attributed to the prophet Job and now hosts the water museum. Then head to the Bolo Haouz mosque, recognizable by its twenty sculpted wooden pillars.
The morning continues at the Ark citadel. Behind its monumental entrance, you discover the throne courtyard, the Friday mosque transformed into a calligraphy museum and the former chancellery, whose museum traces the life of Bukhara in the 18th and 19th centuries. Free lunch in the city.
In the afternoon, visit the Poi-Kalyan complex, which brings together the Kalon minaret, 46 meters high, the great Kalon mosque and the Mir Arab madrasah, still active today.
Your tour then takes you through the old merchant quarters. Under the dome of Toqi Zargaron, once reserved for jewelers, discover today's craft activities. Explore the Koch madrasahs, with the Ulugh Beg madrasah, founded by the astronomer prince, and the Abdul Aziz Khan madrasah, with elaborate decorations. Continue towards Toqi Telpak Furushon, the former hatmakers' market, then towards Hammami Bozori Kord, a former public bath frequented by Bukhara residents.
At the end of the day, discover the Magok-i-Attari mosque, built on the remains of a Zoroastrian temple and now a carpet museum, then Toqi Sarafon, the former money changers' market.
End with the Lyab-i-Khauz complex. You will discover the Nadir Divan Beghi khanaga, a former dervish inn now used as an exhibition hall, the Nasr ed Din statue, then the Nadir Divan Beghi madrasah, decorated with a Mongol sun and fantastic birds. The Kukeldash madrasah, with its 140 cells spread over two levels, completes this visit before your return to the hotel.
Around Bukhara, between summer palaces and Sufi heritage
After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 9:30 AM to discover the monuments located around Bukhara.
Your first stop takes you to Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khossa, the former summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara. Built in 1914, it reveals decorations in plaster and stucco. You visit the courtyard, reception rooms, rose gardens and pool, then the former harem, now transformed into a suzani embroidery museum.
Continue to the mausoleum of Bakhoviddin Nakchbandi, a place of Sufi pilgrimage. The sanctuary houses the tomb of the founder of the Nakchbandiya order and welcomes many faithful who come to pay their respects. Then discover the Chor Minor madrassa, recognizable by its four towers.
In the afternoon, return to the center of Bukhara for free time. According to your preferences, explore the souks, do some shopping or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the old city.
From Bukhara to Samarkand: Craftsmanship and Discovery of Central Asia's Pearl
After breakfast, head to Samarkand, with several stops dedicated to craftsmanship and the history of the Silk Road.
In Guijdouvan, known for its ceramic tradition, step into the workshop of Mr. Narzoullayev. A sixth-generation potter, he presents his craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques, with explanations in English.
Continue with a photo stop at the sardoba of Rabati Malik, an ancient water reservoir for caravans. Then discover the remains of the Rabati Malik caravanserai, whose monumental portal recalls its role on the ancient trade routes.
You arrive in Samarkand around 1 p.m. After lunch at a local restaurant, settle into 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 that adorn its portal.
After the visit, return to the hotel, then dine in town to discover local cuisine.
Cultural day in Samarkand: between history and astronomy
After breakfast at the hotel, continue your discovery of Samarkand, former capital of Tamerlane's empire.
The morning begins at the Bibi Khanum Mosque, built in the 15th century on the orders of Tamerlane following his campaign in India. Built with 400 marble pillars, it was restored in 2003. Then explore the bustle of the Siyob market, the city's main bazaar, known for its traditional "non" bread and dried grapes. Lunch is on your own.
In the afternoon, trace the thread of history at the Afrasiab Museum, located on the heights of the first Samarkand site, destroyed during the Mongol invasion. Its collections chronicle nearly twenty centuries of urban life and notably feature pre-Islamic Sogdian frescoes from the 8th century.
Continue with the Ulugh Beg Observatory, founded in the 15th century by the astronomer prince, grandson of Tamerlane. This former scientific center housed an immense sextant that made it possible to determine with precision the position of 1,018 stars.
You spend the evening in Samarkand before returning to your hotel for the night.
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 rests. Recognizable by its blue dome, this 15th-century building precedes the discovery of the sovereign's statue, located nearby.
Then head to the Saint Daniel mausoleum, a pilgrimage site shared by Muslims, Christians and Jews. According to tradition, Tamerlane brought back from Iran the relics of the prophet preserved there. Free lunch.
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 takes you to the train station to take the high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, you are taken to your hotel for the night.
Ferghana Valley
Take the train to the Ferghana Valley, passing through the Kamchik Pass, at 2,110 meters altitude. Along the way, enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The morning is dedicated to Kokand, a historic city in the valley. You visit the Khoudayar Khan Palace, former residence of the khanate's rulers, 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 in local red clay, decorated with natural blue and green pigments then glazed, testify to craftsmanship passed down through generations. You then continue by road to Marghilan, the historic center of silk production in Ouzbékistan. Upon arrival in the evening, you dine on site before spending the night at the hotel.
First Steps in Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, visit the Yodgorlik silk factory in Marghilan. There you 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 are welcomed there 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 spiritual history of the city. Complete this discovery with a visit to the History Museum, located nearby.
The Waterfalls of Arslanbob and the Uzgen Heritage
Set off on a hiking trip through a walnut forest, all the way to the waterfalls. You have lunch on site, in the heart of this natural environment. Then head towards Och, the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at the historic site of Uzgen, where you 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, head towards Arkit and Sary-Chelek Lake. The route crosses varied mountain landscapes with distinctive relief. You will 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 discovery allows you to appreciate the landscapes surrounding this alpine lake. Then enjoy some free time by the lake to relax and savor the natural setting.
Toktogul Artificial Lake
From Arkit, head towards the Toktogul artificial lake, which spans 284 km². The road reveals contrasting landscapes, dotted with rocky reliefs in varied hues. You pass 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 Banks 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 kumiss, a fermented milk, herding the flock 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.
Ancient 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 production of sherdaks, traditional felt carpets. This encounter 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 the epic tales of legendary heroes of the Kyrgyz people. Traditional music and songs complete this discovery.
Magnificent landscapes and Kyrgyz history
Discover the Konorchek canyon, where erosion has sculpted red rock formations and sand columns in 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 Tatar invasions. If you wish, climb to the top to admire the surrounding countryside. You will 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 verdant mountains. Upon arrival, settle in at the hotel and take time to rest. You then enjoy a stroll on Ala-Too Square, at the heart of urban life. Loved by locals, this esplanade comes alive in the evening and carries the memory of the great events in the country's recent history.
Good return 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 beverages / alcohols
- Meals in Bishkek not mentioned in the program
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the itinerary
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 (down 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
