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2026

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Who is travelling?

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From
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The Three Stans of The Silk Road

15 days
From Bishkek to Samarkand
4.5
8,636 traveler reviews
From
US $4,000 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Ages 16+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Bishkek

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Freedom Hotel), Hotel (Freedom Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Bishkek city sightseeing tour by bus and on foot
    • Visit Oak Park
    • Visit Manas Sculpture
    • Walk along Alley of the Youth next to Philharmonic Hall

    Optional Activities

    • Airport transfer from Manas International Airport (BSZ) - available for additional fee
    • Early check-in accommodation - available for fee matching approximately one full night's accommodation cost
    Landmarks
    Manas Sculpture
    Oak Park
    Alley of the Youth
    Philharmonic Hall
    Manas International Airport
  2. Day 2

    Bishkek to Kochkor

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Local Kyrgyz family-run restaurant)
    Accommodation
    Guesthouse (Nomad Lodge), Guesthouse (D&D Guesthouse (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit Burana Tower and museum
    • Felt carpet production masterclass at Altyn Kol (Golden Hands) women's cooperative
    • Dinner at local Kyrgyz family-run restaurant
    Landmarks
    Burana Tower
    Tokmok
    Itinerary Image 1
  3. Day 3

    Kochkor to Lake Issyk Kul

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Boorsok (national bread) included in breadmaking session)
    Accommodation
    Yurt (Sonun Yurt Camp), Yurt (Sonun Yurt Camp (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit to Kyzyl Tuu village and yurt production learning
    • Meet Eagle Hunter in Bokonbayevo and learn about falconry
    • Breadmaking session - learn to make Boorsok (national bread)
    • Dinner
    • Swimming in Lake Issyk Kul
    Landmarks
    Lake Issyk Kul
    Kyzyl Tuu
    Bokonbayevo
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Lake Issyk Kul to Karakol

    Meals
    Breakfast (Leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Issyk Kul), Dinner (Traditional Uyghur family dinner with local dishes)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel 78), Hotel (Hotel 78 (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit family of Kyrgyz musical instrument producers
    • Stop at Jety-Oguz Gorge with short walk
    • Tour of Karakol town including Dungan Mosque
    • Visit Russian Orthodox Church
    • Museum of Russian explorer Przkevalski
    • Dinner with local Uyghur family
    Landmarks
    Jety-Oguz Gorge
    Dungan Mosque
    Russian Orthodox Church
    Przkevalski Museum
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Kyrgyzstan to Kolsai Lakes

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Guesthouse (Kolsay Prestige), Guesthouse (Hotel Kolsay Eki Agayindy (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit to one of Kolsai Lakes National Park's three lakes
    Landmarks
    Kolsai Lakes National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 6

    Kolsai Lakes to Almaty

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Kazzhol Hotel), Hotel (Kazzhol Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Walk through Charyn Canyon 'Valley of Castles' including 100-metre descent and approximately 2.5 km trek through the canyon

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Kaindy Lake with breakfast box to view the sunken forest (45-minute drive from hotel, approximately one hour at the lake)
    • Cool off by dipping feet in the river at Charyn Canyon
    • Evening wander through Almaty streets and explore street art
    Landmarks
    Kaindy Lake
    Charyn Canyon
    Zailiysky Alatau Range
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  7. Day 7

    Almaty

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional Kazakh café)
    Accommodation
    Sleeper Train (Overnight Train from Almaty to Turkestan), Sleeper Train (Overnight Train from Almaty to Turkestan (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Park of 28 Guards visit including Ascension Cathedral
    • Green Market exploration
    • Dinner at traditional Kazakh café
    • Overnight train journey allocation of beds by tour leader

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Tashkent Metro with ornately decorated stations
    • Explore Amir Timur Square
    • Stroll on Broadway pedestrian alley
    Landmarks
    Park of 28 Guards
    Ascension Cathedral
    Green Market
    Amir Timur Square
    Itinerary Image 1
  8. Day 8

    Turkestan

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Khanaka (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Half-day guided city tour of Turkestan with local guide
    • Visit to Azret Sultan historical-architectural complex
    • Visit to Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (14th century)
    • Visit to underground Mosque Khilvet (12th century)
    • Visit to 16th-century bathhouse

    Optional Activities

    • Evening visit to Karavan Saray modern multifunctional complex
    • Light and fountain show at Karavan Saray (weather permitting)
    • Boat parade and theatrical floating performance inspired by 'Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen' epic (weather permitting, nightly)
    Landmarks
    Azret Sultan historical-architectural complex
    Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
    Mosque Khilvet
    Karavan Saray
  9. Day 9

    Turkestan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Gabrielle (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Shymkent city tour including monument of Baidibek Bey
    • Stroll in pedestrian area of Shymkent

    Optional Activities

    • Quick meal stop in Shymkent
    Landmarks
    Baidibek Bey Monument
  10. Day 10

    Tashkent

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Gabrielle (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Khast Imom Complex visit
    • Chorsu Bazaar (blue-domed)
    • Independence Square exploration
    • Museum of Applied Arts

    Optional Activities

    • Tashkent Metro exploration with ornately decorated stations
    • Amir Timur Square visit
    • Broadway pedestrian alley stroll
    Landmarks
    Khast Imom Complex
    Chorsu Bazaar
    Independence Square
    Museum of Applied Arts
    Amir Timur Square
    Tashkent Metro
  11. Day 11

    Tashkent to Bukhara

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Sasha & Son), Hotel (Hotel Sasha & Son (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • High-speed train journey Tashkent to Bukhara
    • Walking tour including Lyab-i Hauz
    • Abdul Khan Madrasah visit
    • Mghoki Arrar Mosque (9th century)
    • Poi Kalon complex and Kalyan Mosque visit
    Landmarks
    Lyab-i Hauz
    Abdul Khan Madrasah
    Mghoki Arrar Mosque
    Poi Kalon complex
    Kalyan Mosque
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  12. Day 12

    Bukhara

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Sasha & Son), Hotel (Hotel Sasha & Son (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Ark citadel and museums
    • Bolo Khauz Mosque visit
    • Samanid Mausoleum
    • Mausoleum of Naqshbandi (15 km outside city)
    • Sitorai Mokhi Hossa (summer residence of last Emir)
    Landmarks
    Ark Citadel
    Bolo Khauz Mosque
    Samanid Mausoleum
    Mausoleum of Naqshbandi
    Sitorai Mokhi Hossa
  13. Day 13

    Bukhara to Samarkand

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Prepared and shared with local Vobkent family)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Registon Saroy), Hotel (Hotel Asia Samarkand (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Pottery workshop visit in Gijduvan
    • Vobkent village visit with local family
    • Village walk and cotton field viewing
    • Lunch preparation and meal with local family
    • High-speed Afrosiob train Bukhara to Samarkand
    Landmarks
    Gijduvan
    Vobkent
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  14. Day 14

    Samarkand

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Registon Saroy), Hotel (Hotel Asia Samarkand (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Registan Square visit
    • Gur Emir tomb of Tamerlane
    • Shah-i-Zinda necropolis (with local guide)
    • Ulug-Beg Observatory
    • Bibi-Khanym Mosque
    • Handmade souvenir shopping opportunity
    Landmarks
    Registan Square
    Gur Emir
    Shah-i-Zinda
    Ulug-Beg Observatory
    Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  15. Day 15

    Samarkand

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Independent exploration of Samarkand
    • Optional overnight train to Khiva after tour ends
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Explore!

4.5
(8,636 reviews)

Number of tours

598

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

96%

Explore Worldwide has over 40 years’ experience in creating expert-led small...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Reviews from other tours by Explore!

  • Alanah
    October 16th, 2025
    5.0
    Great trip with wonderful guides (shout out to Begaim and Sanjar especially). Varied and interesting locations. Very...
    Show more
  • Gary
    October 16th, 2025
    5.0
    this was the most interesting, fascinating and enjoyable trip I have been on...and I have been on quite a few others....
    Show more
  • Sue
    December 9th, 2023
    4.2
    The seven lakes in Tajikistan was interesting. The Charyn canyon, Reina Kench guesthouse in Kyrgyzstan was lovely....
    Show more
    Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Availability

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 22 Apr, 2026
  • From Sunday
    19 Apr, 2026
    To Sunday
    3 May, 2026
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    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • From Sunday
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    To Sunday
    17 May, 2026
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    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • From Sunday
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    To Sunday
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  • From Sunday
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    To Sunday
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    28 Jun, 2026
    To Sunday
    12 Jul, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    12 Jul, 2026
    To Sunday
    26 Jul, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    9 Aug, 2026
    To Sunday
    23 Aug, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • From Sunday
    6 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    20 Sep, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $4,460 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    13 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    27 Sep, 2026
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    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    US $4,310 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Sunday
    20 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    4 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,310 per person
    Multiple Room Types
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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  • P

    Pamela

    Asked on June 20th, 2025

    Does Tour Radar arrange international flights and is there single supplement?

    Flights / Transfers
    Single supplement
    • Explore!OperatorWritten June 2025

      We cannot include airfare in our pricing. There is a single supplement if you wish to have a single room to yourself. However, if you would prefer not to pay a supplement, we do match up solo travellers of the same gender to share twin rooms.

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From
US $4,000 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 301926

  • Currencies
    Tenge
    Kazakhstan
    с
    Som
    Kyrgyzstan
    UZS
    Uzbekistan Sum
    Uzbekistan
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, I. As a traveler from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

    Type C
    Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
    Type E
    Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
    Type F
    Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
    Type I
    Uzbekistan
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Kazakhstan.Kyrgyzstan.Uzbekistan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Kazakhstan.Kyrgyzstan.Uzbekistan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Kazakhstan.Kyrgyzstan.Uzbekistan. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Kazakhstan.Kyrgyzstan.Uzbekistan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Kazakhstan.Kyrgyzstan.Uzbekistan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Kazakhstan.Kyrgyzstan. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Kazakhstan. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before June 30th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 30th, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec