Itinerary
- Day 1
Almaty
You'll arrive in Almaty and head to your hotel to settle in. After that, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Take a walk through the tree-lined boulevards, stop by a local café for tea, or just relax and soak in the city's character with the Tien Shan Mountains as your backdrop.
Optional Activities
- Explore Almaty's tree-lined boulevards
- Visit local cafés
- Relax and soak in the city's charm
Landmarks Tien Shan Mountains 
- Day 2
Almaty
Start with a leisurely walk through Panfilov Park to see the Zenkov Cathedral, then check out the vibrant Green Bazaar and stop at the Central Mosque. Republic Square comes next before you head to Medeo Dam in the afternoon. From there, take a cable car up to Shymbulak at 3,200 meters/10,500 feet for sweeping views across the Tien Shan peaks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stroll through Panfilov Park
- Visit Zenkov Cathedral
- Explore Green Bazaar
- Visit Central Mosque
- Visit Republic Square
- Journey to Medeo Dam
- Cable car ascent to Shymbulak
Landmarks Panfilov Park Zenkov Cathedral Green Bazaar Central Mosque Republic Square Medeo Dam Shymbulak 
- Day 3
Almaty to Karakol
You'll travel from Almaty's dry steppe into Kyrgyzstan's valleys and mountains. The route takes you through Charyn Canyon, where striking reddish-orange rock formations rise from the landscape. After crossing the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border, you'll continue through changing terrain as you make your way to Karakol, which sits at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Charyn Canyon
Landmarks Charyn Canyon Tien Shan Mountains 
- Day 4
Karakol to Issyk-Kul
Begin the day with a brief tour of Karakol, visiting the Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church. Continue to Skazka Canyon where towering rocks shift from orange to pink in the golden light. A short hike takes you into this otherworldly landscape. Later, you'll head toward Lake Issyk Kul and reach a peaceful yurt camp by sunset.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour of Karakol
- Visit Dungan Mosque
- Visit Russian Orthodox Church
- Explore Skazka Canyon with short hike
- Stay at yurt camp by Lake Issyk Kul
Landmarks Dungan Mosque Russian Orthodox Church Skazka Canyon Lake Issyk Kul 
- Day 5
Issyk-Kul to Bishkek
Start your morning with an Eagle Hunter demonstration on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, where you'll see this ancient falconry tradition up close. Next, visit Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands above the surrounding landscape as a testament to centuries of history. By evening, you'll arrive in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital at the foot of the Ala-Too Mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Eagle Hunter Demonstration
- Visit Burana Tower
Landmarks Lake Issyk Kul Burana Tower Ala-Too Mountains 
- Day 6
Bishkek to Tashkent
Explore Bishkek's heart with visits to Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and the bustling Osh Bazaar. The Russian Orthodox Church and Victory Square give insight into the city's cultural and historical background. In the afternoon, you'll take a short flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Bishkek
- Visit Ala-Too Square
- Visit Oak Park
- Visit Osh Bazaar
- Visit Russian Orthodox Church
- Visit Victory Square
Landmarks Ala-Too Square Oak Park Osh Bazaar Russian Orthodox Church Victory Square - Day 7
Tashkent to Khujand
You'll drive through scenic landscapes toward the Oybek Border and cross into Tajikistan, completing border formalities as you go. After arriving in Khujand, there's free time for lunch. Then begin your sightseeing at the lively Oriental Bazaar with its vibrant colors and fragrant spices. Visit the Museum of Archaeology and Fortification, the Mosque and Mausoleum of Shaikh Muslihiddin, and tour the Arbob Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Oriental Bazaar
- Visit Museum of Archaeology and Fortification
- Visit Mosque and Mausoleum of Shaikh Muslihiddin
- Visit Arbob Palace
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride with views of Khujand and Sirdarya River
Landmarks Oriental Bazaar Museum of Archaeology and Fortification Mosque and Mausoleum of Shaikh Muslihiddin Arbob Palace - Day 8
Khujand to Dushanbe
Set off on a scenic drive toward Istaravshan to explore the Khazrati Shokh architectural complex where faith and artistry come together. Stroll through the mausoleum, admire the tranquil Khudayar Valami mausoleum and Namozgokh mosque. After lunch, continue toward Dushanbe with the Pamir-Alay mountains as your guide. You'll check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Khazrati Shokh Complex
- Visit Khazrati Shokh Mausoleum
- Visit Khudayar Valami Mausoleum
- Visit Namozgokh Mosque
Landmarks Khazrati Shokh Complex Khudayar Valami Mausoleum Namozgokh Mosque Pamir-Alay Mountains 
- Day 9
Dushanbe
Explore Dushanbe's heart where history, culture, and nature meet. Visit the Tajikistan United Museum, which houses remarkable exhibits including the Buddha in Nirvana. Walk through the Botanical Garden filled with centuries-old trees, then head into the vibrant local bazaar. After lunch, travel to Hissar Fortress with its ancient 18th-century walls and nearby madrassahs, see the 16th-century mausoleum, and return to Dushanbe.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Tajikistan United Museum
- Visit Botanical Garden
- Visit local bazaar
- Visit Hissar Fortress
- Visit Madrassahs
- Visit 16th-century mausoleum
Landmarks Tajikistan United Museum Botanical Garden Hissar Fortress - Day 10
Dushanbe to Samarkand
Begin with a scenic drive to Iskandarkul Lake, a site connected to the legend of Alexander the Great. Take a short hike to Panjchashma Waterfall where the Iskandarya River drops 24 meters/79 feet. You'll drive through the Anzob Tunnel, known as the 'Tunnel of Death,' which connects northern and southern Tajikistan. After lunch, continue toward Penjikent and the Tajik-Uzbek border, then cross into Samarkand.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Iskandarkul Lake
- Short hike to Panjchashma Waterfall
- Drive through Anzob Tunnel
Landmarks Iskandarkul Lake Panjchashma Waterfall Anzob Tunnel 
- Day 11
Samarkand to Bukhara
Start at the iconic Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the 15th-century tomb of Timur, then walk through the Registan Ensemble with its three major madrassahs: Ulugbek, Shir Dor, and Tillya-Kari. Check out the Bibi Khanum Mosque and explore the vibrant Siab Bazaar. In the afternoon, visit the Shah-i-Zinda complex with its intricately decorated mausoleums and the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory. Board a bullet train to Bukhara in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum
- Stroll through Registan Ensemble
- Visit Ulugbek Madrassah
- Visit Shir Dor Madrassah
- Visit Tillya-Kari Madrassah
- Visit Bibi Khanum Mosque
- Explore Siab Bazaar
- Visit Shah-i-Zinda Complex
- Visit Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory
- Bullet train to Bukhara
Landmarks Gur-Emir Mausoleum Registan Ensemble Ulugbek Madrassah Shir Dor Madrassah Tillya-Kari Madrassah Bibi Khanum Mosque Siab Bazaar Shah-i-Zinda Complex Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory 
- Day 12
Bukhara
Step into ancient Bukhara and begin at the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, a tribute to a dynasty's legacy, then visit the sacred Chashma-i-Ayub. Stand beneath the intricately carved arches of the Bolo-Hauz Mosque and explore the Ark Fortress. You'll visit the towering Kalon Minaret and the Miri-Arab Madrassah. Stroll through vibrant trading domes and discover the tranquility of Lyab-i-Hauz framed by historic madrassahs and the Magok-i-Attari Mosque.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Mausoleum of Ismail Samani
- Visit Chashma-i-Ayub
- Visit Bolo-Hauz Mosque
- Visit Ark Fortress
- Visit Kalon Minaret
- Visit Miri-Arab Madrassah
- Explore trading domes
- Visit Lyab-i-Hauz
- Visit Magok-i-Attari Mosque
Landmarks Mausoleum of Ismail Samani Chashma-i-Ayub Bolo-Hauz Mosque Ark Fortress Kalon Minaret Miri-Arab Madrassah Lyab-i-Hauz Magok-i-Attari Mosque 
- Day 13
Bukhara to Khiva
Depart early from Bukhara Railway Station and board a train heading toward Khiva, arriving in the early afternoon. Explore the majestic Kunya-Ark Fortress, the heart of Khiva's khanate legacy, and the splendid Kurinish Khana. Visit the elegant Mohammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah and the soaring Islam Khodja Minaret. Continue through the Palvan-Kari Complex and Mohammed Rakim Khan Madrassah. See the Juma Mosque famous for its 218 wooden pillars, the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, and conclude at the opulent Tash Hauli Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Kunya-Ark Fortress
- Visit Kurinish Khana
- Visit Mohammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah
- Visit Islam Khodja Minaret
- Visit Palvan-Kari Complex
- Visit Mohammed Rakim Khan Madrassah
- Visit Juma Mosque
- Visit Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum
- Visit Tash Hauli Palace
Landmarks Kunya-Ark Fortress Kurinish Khana Mohammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah Islam Khodja Minaret Palvan-Kari Complex Mohammed Rakim Khan Madrassah Juma Mosque Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum Tash Hauli Palace Kalta Minar 
- Day 14
Khiva to Darvaza
Leave Khiva and journey across the Shavat border into Turkmenistan, venturing into the vast Karakum Desert. Travel through golden sands and endless horizons toward the Darvaza Gas Crater. As night falls, the 'Door to Hell' illuminates the desert darkness with its flames, creating a natural spectacle. You'll gather around for dinner near this wonder and spend the evening in a yurt camp beneath the starlit sky.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Karakum Desert drive
- Visit Darvaza Gas Crater
- Stay in yurt camp
Landmarks Karakum Desert Darvaza Gas Crater 
- Day 15
Darvaza to Ashgabat
Start with a hearty camp-style breakfast in the Karakum Desert wilderness, then journey toward Ashgabat with stops at the Mud and Water craters, natural wonders revealing the desert's hidden vitality. Upon arriving in Ashgabat, experience the striking contrast between desert and this modern capital. Your half-day city tour includes the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nissa, the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, the Neutrality Arch, and the Wedding Palace. Visit the Akhal-Teke Horse stables to connect with Turkmenistan's equestrian heritage and finish with a tranquil evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mud and Water craters visit
- UNESCO ruins of Nissa
- Visit Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum
- Visit Neutrality Arch
- Visit Independence Park
- Visit Wedding Palace
- Visit Akhal-Teke Horse stables
Landmarks Mud and Water Craters Nissa Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum Neutrality Arch Independence Park Wedding Palace 
- Day 16
Ashgabat
On this final morning of your 16-day journey, you'll transfer to the airport. Take a moment to reflect on the landscapes you've seen, the warmth of local hospitality, and the stories that have enriched your experience. Each destination along the Silk Road, from ancient cities to untamed deserts and mountains, leaves its mark.
