Silk Road Grand Journey: Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan – Tajikistan – Kazakhstan
A sweeping 16-day expedition along the heart of the Silk Road, crossing four Central Asian countries in a single unforgettable arc. From the marble avenues of Ashgabat and the burning Darvaza gas crater to the ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, you continue into Tajikistan's Fann Mountains and the turquoise Seven Lakes, finishing among the alpine landscapes around Almaty. This grand journey blends UNESCO World Heritage architecture, desert adventure and high-mountain scenery into one continuous route.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Ashgabat
Arriving in Ashgabat in the early morning, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for rest. Your introduction to the city then begins in the center, where wide avenues, white-marble buildings and green parks form the unique image of the capital. You visit Independence Square, see the Arch of Neutrality and stroll through modern ensembles, experiencing the atmosphere of the famous marble city before returning to the hotel.
Day 2 — Ashgabat – Nisa – Drive to Darvaza
After breakfast you travel to Ancient Nisa, a former residence of the Parthian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring panoramic fortifications, excavated palaces and watchtowers. You then head into the Karakum Desert, driving through sandy landscapes to reach the famous Darvaza Gas Crater by evening. The fiery pit, burning in the middle of the desert for over half a century, is a mesmerizing sight. Dinner at a yurt camp and an overnight stay near the crater create an unforgettable sense of adventure.
Day 3 — Crossing into Uzbekistan – Arrival in Khiva
In the morning you leave the camp and head toward the Uzbekistan border, where after formalities you are met on the Uzbek side and transferred to Khiva, one of the most atmospheric ancient cities in Central Asia. Upon arrival you check in to your hotel and rest. In the evening you may enjoy a walk through the quiet streets of Itchan-Kala, softly lit by minaret lights.
Day 4 — Khiva
This day is dedicated to Itchan-Kala, the ancient inner city of Khiva entirely enclosed by fortress walls. At a relaxed pace you move between madrasahs, ancient minarets, palaces and caravanserais, visiting Kunya-Ark and the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and climbing viewpoints such as the Islam Khoja Minaret over the clay-brick city. Khiva's old town is a living open-air museum that fully immerses you in the atmosphere of the ancient East.
Day 5 — Khiva – Bukhara
After breakfast you depart for Bukhara, with landscapes gradually shifting from open steppes to towns and oases as the road follows ancient caravan routes. On arrival you check in to your hotel and take an evening walk through the old city. Under the soft lights of Lyabi-Hauz, among traditional teahouses and craft workshops, Bukhara feels especially warm and atmospheric.
Day 6 — Bukhara – Train to Samarkand
The first half of the day is spent exploring Bukhara's historic center, visiting the majestic Kalyan Minaret, the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, the Ark Fortress, the ancient Samanid Mausoleum and traditional domed trading halls. As one of the most important cultural and scientific centers of medieval Central Asia, Bukhara reveals its architectural beauty in every alley. In the evening you take the train to Samarkand and check in to your hotel on arrival.
Day 7 — Samarkand
In the morning you visit the legendary Registan Square, one of the most iconic symbols of Central Asia, where grand madrasahs decorated with turquoise mosaics create an unforgettable view, especially in evening light. You also visit Shakhi-Zinda, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 — Samarkand – Tajikistan – Seven Lakes (Haft-Kul)
In the morning you travel to the Jartepa border with Tajikistan, cross over and meet the Tajik team before continuing into the Fann Mountains, home to the stunning Seven Lakes (Haft-Kul). Ascending the gorge, you stop at each lake in turn: Nezhigon, Soya, Gushor, Nofin and Marguzor impress with colors ranging from emerald green to deep blue. Climbing higher to the most remote lakes, you enjoy the peaceful mountain silence before descending in the evening to Panjikent and checking in at your hotel.
Day 9 — Panjikent – Drive to Dushanbe
In the morning you visit either the Rudaki Museum or the ruins of Ancient Panjikent, a city dating to the 6th–8th centuries with restored frescoes, streets and palaces. You then travel to Dushanbe via mountain passes. On arrival a city tour includes Dusti Square, the flagpole and Rudaki Park, with the evening left at leisure.
Day 10 — Dushanbe – Flight to Almaty
In the morning you visit the impressive Hissar Fortress, a powerful historical citadel near Dushanbe, then return to the city for free time. In the evening you transfer to the airport for a flight to Almaty, and upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel to rest.
Day 11 — Almaty
After breakfast you begin exploring Kazakhstan's southern capital, visiting Panfilov Park with its wooden Ascension Cathedral and then the Green Bazaar to experience local cuisine and handicrafts. After lunch you ascend Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains. The evening is free.
Day 12 — Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes
Today you take a full-day excursion to some of southeastern Kazakhstan's most scenic natural sites. First you visit Charyn Canyon, a dramatic gorge of red rock formations often compared to the Grand Canyon, walking through the Valley of Castles among surreal stone towers and cliffs. The journey then continues to the Kolsai Lakes through steppes, mountain villages and spruce forests, where you walk along Kolsai-1 surrounded by dense coniferous forest, with lunch at a guesthouse or local cafe before returning to Almaty in the evening.
Day 13 — Big Almaty Lake
After breakfast you travel to Big Almaty Lake, a high-mountain reservoir of striking turquoise color set among snow-capped peaks. You walk along scenic viewpoints, enjoying the mountain silence, fresh air and panoramic views of the national park. You then return to Almaty for free time.
Day 14 — Medeu & Shymbulak
Today you visit the Medeu Gorge, home to the famous high-altitude ice rink, then take a cable car up to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort. Along the way you enjoy spectacular alpine scenery and mountain slopes, with light walks and relaxation at mountain cafes possible. You then return to Almaty.
Day 15 — Free Day in Almaty
After breakfast the day is free for rest and independent exploration. You may enjoy shopping, museums, cafes or leisurely walks along the city's pedestrian streets.
Day 16 — Departure from Almaty
After breakfast you have free time until your transfer to the airport. You bid farewell to the city and depart for home.
- Professional guides and guide-drivers throughout the entire route
- All transportation during the tour
- Accommodation in 3-4* hotels, guesthouses and yurts throughout the route (breakfasts included)
- Entrance tickets to all sightseeing attractions along the entire itinerary
- Train ticket Bukhara – Samarkand
- Flight ticket Dushanbe – Almaty
- Dinner and breakfast at Darvaza
- Letter of Invitation (LOI) for Turkmenistan
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- International flights before and after the tour
- Additional services in hotels
- Turkmenistan visa fee and border taxes (approx. USD 200 in total)
- Visas for other countries (if required)
6 STOPS
- 01AshgabatDay 1
- 02Old NisaDay 2
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 04KhivaDay 3
- 05BukharaDay 5
- 06SamarkandDay 6
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