G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
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.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan & 2 more countries
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive 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!
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!
Day 2Start today with some breakfast and an orientation…Tashkent
TashkentStart 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.
Day 3After a full nights sleep aboard the train
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.
Day 4Today you are free to explore this incredible…
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.
Day 5Get a feel for your adventure in 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.
Day 6Bukhara
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.
Day 7The great city of Samarkand was once…
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.
Day 8This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan
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.
Day 9After breakfast at the guesthouse
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.
Day 10Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today
Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand.
Day 11Take a morning train to Tashkent
TashkentTake 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!
Day 12Hop in the van for a trip across…
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.
Day 13Drive to the totally instagramable Ugam Chatkal National Park
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.
Day 14Drive to Taraz today
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.
Day 15Cross the border into the next Stan - KyrgyzstanBishkek
BishkekCross the border into the next Stan - Kyrgyzstan, and drive to Bishkek. Your trip ends upon arrival. If you opt to attend the farewell dinner with the group, please do not book onward travel prior to 10 pm. Otherwise, we suggest booking onward travel after 6 pm.
Discover Kyrgyzstan
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
DatesPrice / personAvailability
Operated by G Adventures
A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.
Book my trip →
