Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan
On sale!
£1,421 was £1579
Discount: 10%
Offer end: Feb 02 2026
Duration: 15 days
Begins: Tashkent
Ends: Bishkek
Trip Code: AUTB
From
£1,421 per person
or Call 01273 099433
Overview
Once the epicentre of global trade, Central Asia’s Silk Road is now one of the world’s best-kept travel secrets — and it’s calling your name. On this epic journey through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, you’ll roam ancient towns older than most countries, trek to turquoise alpine lakes, and dive into vibrant cultures where past and present collide. Expect camel caravan vibes by day and bustling bazaars by night. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping back in time, this is your chance. Let’s go.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level
Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating
3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type
Small Group
Age requirement
12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Big Night Out Moment: in Tashkent, Tashkent
- Tashkent Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Tashkent
- Khiva Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Khiva
- Bukhara Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Bukhara
- Free Time in Samarkand
- Panjakent Bazaar
- Marguzor Lakes Visit
- Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7 Hike
- Free Time in Shymkent
- Shymkent Orientation Walk
- Sayram Su Lake Hike
- Taraz Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Taraz
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Allow USD350-455 for meals not included.
Full Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1 : Tashkent
Arrive at any time. In the evening, meet your CEO and new crew that you'll be traveling with in a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner together. Then hit the town for your First Night Out, the chance to get to know your new travel buds!
This trip returns to Uzbekistan on day 10. Please be advised that you may need a double entry visa.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2 : Tashkent/Khiva
Start today with some breakfast and an orientation walk of Tashkent. Check out the neighborhood alongside your CEO, then head out to explore the city how you'd like! Opt to join a Tashkent city tour or take a day trip to see the impressive Institute of Sun. This evening, climb aboard the overnight train en route to Khiva.
Tashkent Orientation Walk
Tashkent
Join your CEO for a orientation walk through Tashkent. Get to know the area around your hotel better explore some of this awesome city.
Free time:
Tashkent
Spend the day free to explore Tashkent however you'd like!
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Tashkent - Khiva 15h 742km
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 2
Tashkent Guided City Tour
Tashkent 4h
Visit the city's highlights with a local guide. Ride the Russian-esque metro and visit the religious centre of the city and Museum of Applied Arts. Wander the neighbourhood streets and learn about daily life and history of the city and the Uzbek people.
Institute of Sun Visit
Tashkent
Visit the famous Institute of Sun and see its incredible architecture. The coolest part is seeing the blue sky and the mountains in the reflection of the giant mirrors covering the Solar Furnace. Don't forget your camera!
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 3 : Khiva
After a full nights sleep aboard the train, choose to have some breakfast in the dining car or enjoy the views as you chug along. Pull into Khiva around noon, drop your bags, then head out on an orientation walk. Spend the afternoon free to explore the city of Khiva however you want. Perhaps visit one of Khiva's most important landmarks, the Islam Khadija Minaret or take a tour of the City Wall.
Khiva Orientation Walk
Khiva
Explore a bit of Khiva alongside your CEO on an orientation walk.
Free time:
Khiva
Spend the afternoon free to explore Khiva.
Optional Activities - Day 3
Khiva Ancient City Exploration
Khiva 4h
Khiva is currently almost a museum city, with well-preserved city walls and ancient monuments. Wander the city on a guided tour and learn about life here and its important place in history.
Islam Khadija Minaret
Khiva
Visit Islam Khadija Minaret, Uzbekistan's tallest minaret. Built in 1910, this structure is the often called the symbol of Khiva.
Day 4 : Khiva/Bukhara
Today you are free to explore this incredible ancient city. In the evening, head to the train station to travel to Bukhara. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival.
Free time:
Khiva
Enjoy the morning free in Khiva.
Train
Khiva - Bukhara 6h30m 391km
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 5 : Bukhara
Get a feel for your adventure in Bukhara by starting the day with an orientation walk of the area. Then today is yours to explore the city! Visit some of the incredible Hammams (traditional public baths), or join a guided tour of Bukhara.
Bukhara Orientation Walk
Bukhara
Explore the neighborhood of Bukhara that we're staying in to get a lay of the land.
Free time:
Bukhara Full day
A full day to explore Bukhara is on the docket for today!
Optional Activities - Day 5
Bukhara Hammam Visit
Bukhara 1h30m
There are a few hammam choices in the city and they are often gender specific - Hammam Kunjak for ladies and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. Depending on the day of the week and when you want to go, your CEO can advise you on some options.
Bukhara City Guided Tour
Bukhara 3h
Join a local guide to visit the the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel, and the Poi-i-Kalon complex. Wander around beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets that make up the Old City.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 6 : Bukhara/Samarkand
Bukhara, a historic and important stop along the Silk Road, is today a beautiful piece of living history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Bukhara, with its stone alleyways and colorful tiles, will have you feeling transported to an ancient time. Enjoy another day free to explore this beautiful place before taking a train to Samarkand in the evening.
Free time:
Bukhara Full day
Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Train
Bukhara - Samarkand 2h30m 250km
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 6
Bukhara Old Town visit
Bukhara
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bukhara Old Town. This historic medieval city is full of ancient mosques, mausoleums and monuments. Once a pivotal stop along the Silk Road, this town is now a cultural wonder. Wander through the stone alleyways and through the incredible architecture to get a feel of historic Bukhara.
Uzbek Cooking Class
Bukhara
Get to know Uzbek cuisine better at a local cooking class. Make delicious local dishes like Uzbek Shakarob Salad & colored Dumpling, using natural vegetable juice to give the food color.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 7 : Samarkand
The great city of Samarkand was once a rich trading and intellectual center of the Silk Road. Now known for its melting pot of culture and grand architecture, today is yours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free time:
Samarkand Full day
Spend today at leisure to explore Samarkand.
Optional Activities - Day 7
Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel Visit
Samarkand 1h
Enjoy a visit to the Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions. A legend says that his body grows by half an inch every year!
Konigil Village and Silk Paper Making Workshop
Samarkand
Visit the Village of Konigil, on the banks of the ancient Siab Canal. Here you can learn about and witness some of the historic traditions of Uzbekistan. Pay a visit to the old Silk Paper Workshop and learn for yourself how to make paper in this ancient method.
Samarkand City Tour
Samarkand 4h
Visit the important sights of the city with a local guide. See the Shaki Zinda complex, Samarkand bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 8 : Samarkand/Marguzor
This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan. Shortly after crossing the border, stop at Panjakent Bazaar and wander through the stalls of food, clothes and unique finds. Head out and continue the drive to Padrud Village for the night. On the way, we'll visit four of the breathtaking Seven Lakes in the Fan Mountains. These lakes shine with different colors of blues, greens, purples and turquoises. Grab your camera and take in the incredible views.
Private Vehicle
Samarkand - Jartepa Border Crossing 1h 55km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Tajikistan)
Jartepa Border Crossing - Panjakent Border Crossing
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Panjakent Border Crossing - Marguzor 3h 60km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Panjakent Bazaar
Panjakent
Visit the colorful Panjakent Bazzar. Walk through the fragrant stalls, delicious local food stands and locally made home goods being sold.
Marguzor Lakes
Marguzor
Visit 4 of the 7 lakes of Marguzor and admire the stunning natural beauty of Tajikistan.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9 : Marguzor
After breakfast at the guesthouse, hike from Lake 6 to the incredible Lake 7. This remote lake is only accessibly by hiking and is well worth the trek. After arriving, enjoy a scenic picnic next to the lake before hiking back to the village. This evening, chow down on a well deserved Tajikistani barbecue.
Hike Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7
Marguzor 3h 6km
Start at Lake 6 and hike to the majestic lake 7 of the 7 Marguzor Lakes. Lake 7, arguably the most beautiful is reached only on foot. With nothing but rocky mountains and crystal blue water in sight, admire the incredible scenery of Tajikistan.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 10 : Marguzor/Samarkand
Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand.
Private Vehicle
Marguzor - Panjakent Border Crossing 2h30m 60km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Tajikistan to Uzbekistan)
Panjakent Border Crossing - Jartepa Border Crossing
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Jartepa Border Crossing - Samarkand 1h 55km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free time:
Samarkand
Enjoy a free evening to chill in Samarkand.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 11 : Samarkand/Tashkent
Take a morning train to Tashkent, where it all began! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital city of Uzbekistan. This evening, join your group for a Big Night Out in the city!
Train
Samarkand - Tashkent 4h - 4h9m 332km
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free time:
Tashkent
Spend the rest of the day free to adventure through or relax in Tashkent.
Big Night Out in Tashkent
Tashkent
Hit the local bars out on the town tonight during your Big Night Out!
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 12 : Tashkent/Shymkent
Hop in the van for a trip across the border to Kazakhstan. Drive to Shymkent and join your CEO on an orientation walk of the city before enjoying the afternoon to explore.
Private Vehicle
Tashkent - Gisht Kuprik 1h 25km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan)
Gisht Kuprik - Granitsa Kazakhstana
Cross the border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Have your passports handy.
Private Vehicle
Granitsa Kazakhstana - Shymkent 1h30m 105km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Shymkent Orientation Walk
Shymkent
Join your CEO on an orientation walk to get to know Shymkent, known as the "Green City." With it's rich history and interesting culture, we'll see the lively markets and other must-see spots.
Free time:
Shymkent
Spend the afternoon free to explore the historic Silk Road city, Shymkent.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 13 : Shymkent
Drive to the totally instagramable Ugam Chatkal National Park. Join a fun 16km hike to Sayram Su Lake for a cute lakeside picnic with the crew. Hike Back to Shymkent to relax this afternoon.
Private Vehicle
Shymkent - Ugam Chatkal National Park 1h30m 60km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sayram Su Lake Hike
Sayram 16km
Hike to the beautiful Sayramsu Lake. We'll be hiking to the Lower Nizhniy Sayram Su Lake. It's 8 km one way and the elevation gain is 650 m. Even as a longer hike, this trek is rated as easy to moderate hike, with few steep sections. At the top we will be greeted with beautiful views of Sayram Ugam National Park and the Sayram River Valley.
Meals Included:
Lunch
Day 14 : Shymkent/Taraz
Drive to Taraz today. This city is not visited by many tourists now but was once a major rest stop along the Ancient Silk Road. Take an orientation walk around the town then opt to visit the Taraz Museum to see the remains of this historic place.
Private Vehicle
Shymkent - Taraz 3h 184km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Taraz Orientation Walk
Shymkent - Taraz
Alongside your CEO, take a tour of Taraz, one of the oldest and smallest cities in Kazakstan. What this town lacks in size, you'll quickly learn how it makes up for it with its fascinating history.
Free time:
Taraz
Enjoy some free time in historic Taraz.
Optional Activities - Day 14
Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum
Taraz
Visit the Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum to learn about the magic that traders and merchants once witnessed in this historic Silk Road town.
Day 15 : Taraz/Bishkek
Cross the border into the next Stan - Kyrgyzstan, and drive to Bishkek. Your trip ends upon arrival.
Private Vehicle
Taraz - Sypatai Batyr 3h 185km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan)
Sypatai Batyr - Sypatay Batyr
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Sypatay Batyr - Bishkek 1h45m 90km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
| dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | |||
| Fri, 10 Apr - Fri, 24 Apr | Sold out | ||
| Fri, 24 Apr - Fri, 08 May | Sold out | ||
| May 2026 | |||
| Fri, 01 May - Fri, 15 May | Sold out | ||
| Fri, 15 May - Fri, 29 May | Sold out | ||
| Jun 2026 | |||
| Fri, 12 Jun - Fri, 26 Jun | Sold out | ||
| Fri, 26 Jun - Fri, 10 Jul | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Jul 2026 | |||
| Fri, 10 Jul - Fri, 24 Jul | 7+ available | £1,556 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 24 Jul - Fri, 07 Aug | 7+ available | £1,556 | Request a quote |
| Aug 2026 | |||
| Fri, 07 Aug - Fri, 21 Aug | 7+ available | £1,556 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 21 Aug - Fri, 04 Sep | 6 available | £1,556 | Request a quote |
| Sep 2026 | |||
| Fri, 04 Sep - Fri, 18 Sep | 7+ available | £1,493 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 18 Sep - Fri, 02 Oct | 7+ available | £1,493 | Request a quote |
| Oct 2026 | |||
| Fri, 02 Oct - Fri, 16 Oct | 7+ available | £1,421 | Request a quote |
| Apr 2027 | |||
| Fri, 09 Apr - Fri, 23 Apr | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 23 Apr - Fri, 07 May | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 30 Apr - Fri, 14 May | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
| May 2027 | |||
| Fri, 07 May - Fri, 21 May | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 14 May - Fri, 28 May | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 21 May - Fri, 04 Jun | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 28 May - Fri, 11 Jun | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
| Jun 2027 | |||
| Fri, 04 Jun - Fri, 18 Jun | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 11 Jun - Fri, 25 Jun | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 25 Jun - Fri, 09 Jul | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Jul 2027 | |||
| Fri, 02 Jul - Fri, 16 Jul | 7+ available | £1,729 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 16 Jul - Fri, 30 Jul | 7+ available | £1,729 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 30 Jul - Fri, 13 Aug | 7+ available | £1,729 | Request a quote |
| Aug 2027 | |||
| Fri, 13 Aug - Fri, 27 Aug | 7+ available | £1,729 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 20 Aug - Fri, 03 Sep | 7+ available | £1,729 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 27 Aug - Fri, 10 Sep | 7+ available | £1,729 | Request a quote |
| Sep 2027 | |||
| Fri, 03 Sep - Fri, 17 Sep | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 10 Sep - Fri, 24 Sep | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 17 Sep - Fri, 01 Oct | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Fri, 24 Sep - Fri, 08 Oct | 7+ available | £1,659 | Request a quote |
| Oct 2027 | |||
| Fri, 01 Oct - Fri, 15 Oct | 7+ available | £1,579 | Request a quote |
