11 Day Silk Road Adventure
Dates:
October 5th – 15th 2025
Cost: €2,750
Countries: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
Welcome to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan!
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey through two of Central Asia’s most captivating destinations. Janet’s Journeys invites you to explore the ancient Silk Road as we uncover the timeless beauty of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. From the dazzling minarets and mosaics of Samarkand and Bukhara to the rugged alpine landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, this 11-day adventure offers a harmonious blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
This carefully crafted itinerary takes you through vibrant bazaars, UNESCO-listed architectural wonders, and serene mountain gorges. Experience the hospitality of local families, witness age-old traditions like eagle hunting, and stroll through lively squares that tell stories of a bygone era.
Whether wandering the historic streets of Tashkent, marveling at the petroglyphs of Cholpon Ata, or gazing at the awe-inspiring peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, this trip promises unforgettable memories and a connection to a land where the past and present converge in spectacular harmony.
What’s Included
All domestic transport
International Flight from Uzbekistan –> Kyrgyzstan
All accommodation
Airport pick-up on the day trip starts
Airport drop-off on the day the trip ends
All Activities, as listed
All Meals, as listed
International leader
Local tour guide
Excluded
Personal expenses
International Flights
Travel Insurance
Tips for guides
Visa costs
Accommodation
Throughout our stay in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, we will stay in a mixture of 3-star hotels and guesthouses.
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tashkent
Welcome to Uzbekistan
Touch down in Tashkent and let us take care of you with an easy transfer from the airport to our hotel. Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to dive into the city!
We’ll start with a stroll through the spiritual Hazrati Imom Complex, then get lost in the vibrant buzz of Chorsu Bazaar. Snap some pics at Amir Temur Square and Independence Square, and don’t forget to check out the gorgeous Tashkent Metro—it’s like stepping into an art gallery. After a full day of exploring, we’ll enjoy a delicious group dinner at a local spot before heading back to the hotel to recharge.
Meals Include: Dinner
Day 2 - Bukhara
After breakfast, we’ll hop on a scenic morning train to Bukhara. Once we’ve arrived get ready for a full day of exploring this enchanting city on foot. Discover incredible landmarks like the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the intricate Poi-Kalyan complex, and the historic Ark Fortress. We’ll wander through stunning madrasas, visit the peaceful Bolo-Hauz Mosque, and soak in the atmosphere at Lyabi-Hauz, a charming square surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We’ll wrap up the day with a delicious local meal before resting up at our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Samarkand
We start day with breakfast before diving back into Bukhara’s captivating history. We visit the Tim Abdullah Khan market, explore the fascinating Magok-I Attari Mosque, and take in the beauty of the Lyabi-Hauz complex, surrounded by historic madrasas. In the afternoon, we’ll board a train to Samarkand, where our adventure continues. After arriving in the evening, we’ll settle in for the evening and enjoy a delicious local dinner before unwinding for the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Samarkand
After breakfast, we step into the grandeur of the Timurid dynasty as we explore Samarkand’s iconic landmarks.
We start with the Guri Amir Mausoleum, a masterpiece of intricate design, and marvel at the stunning Registan Square, home to three majestic madrasas. We take a break for lunch before visiting the impressive Bibi Khanum Mosque, wandering through the vibrant Siab Bazaar, and ending the day at the serene Shahi Zinda Complex, a centuries-old necropolis steeped in history.
We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner before settling in for the night at our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Samarkand
We begin our day with breakfast before diving into more of Samarkand’s fascinating history. We visit the Ulugbek Observatory, a groundbreaking site from the 15th century, and the Mausoleum of Hodja Daniyar, a revered historical figure. Explore the Afrasiab Museum, showcasing Samarkand’s ancient past, and participate in a hands-on masterclass at the Konigil Paper Factory, where traditional techniques bring history to life. In the late afternoon, we board a train back to Tashkent and we round out the day with a tasty local meal before settling into our hotel for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 - Bishkek
After a few busy days we have a slow morning to rest up. We start the day with breakfast before checking out of our hotel. We’ll then enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we catch a flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s welcoming capital. Upon arrival, our team will meet us and take us to our hotel to settle in. In the evening, we’ll savour a delicious dinner featuring authentic Kyrgyz dishes at one of Bishkek’s top restaurants.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 7 - Issyk-Kul
After breakfast, we head towards the stunning Issyk-Kul region, located in the northeast. On the way, we’ll stop to explore the ancient Burana Tower, a remnant of the 9th-century city of Balasagyn. Next, we’ll visit Iskra village for a delicious lunch with a Dungan family, where you’ll learn about their fascinating history and traditional cuisine. Arriving in Cholpon Ata, we’ll discover an open-air museum filled with petroglyphs dating back over 4,000 years, offering a glimpse into ancient life. Later, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Issyk-Kul Lake, followed by a relaxing dip in the hot springs before dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 - Grigoriev and Semenov Gorges
After breakfast, we head to the stunning Grigoriev and Semenov Gorges, located just 60 kilometers from Cholpon Ata on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. These picturesque spots are some of the region’s most famous attractions.
We’ll start with a visit to Grigoriev Gorge, where we’ll enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake (weather permitting) and have time to explore the natural beauty around us.
Later, we make our way to Karakol, where we’ll visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll end the day with a hearty dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Bokonbaevo
After breakfast, we head to the beautiful Jety Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red rock formations, including the “Broken Heart” rock. We’ll take a short walk in this magical area before heading to Barskoon Gorge, known for its scenic waterfalls.
After lunch at a local café, we’ll visit the Skazka Canyon, where you can marvel at surreal rock formations that resemble animals and skyscrapers. Finally, we’ll arrive in Bokonbaevo, where you’ll witness a traditional eagle hunting demonstration by local hunters before enjoying a folklore-filled dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Bishkek
After breakfast, we’ll drive through the town of Balykchy and continue along the scenic Boom Gorge. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a cozy café.
Once we reach Bishkek, we’ll take a leisurely walk through the city’s main square, Ala Too, where you can admire the city’s landmarks. Afterward, we’ll explore local souvenir shops where you can pick up unique gifts. The day wraps up with a delicious dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Departure Day
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Safe travels and we hope to see you again on another adventure!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itinerary Note:
This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience! Please note: this trip begins in Uzbekistan and ends in Kyrgyzstan so you will need to book your flights accordingly.
I’m Ready! How Do I Book?
Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan? Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €750 deposit. The remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments due 2 and 3 months before departure. Need a custom payment plan? No problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll create a plan that works best for you. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
Why Are Deposits Non-Refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable for several important reasons. Once you book, we will start planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every detail is perfect. These preparations incur upfront costs from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, the non-refundable deposit ensures that all participants are committed to the trip. We understand that plans can change, so we strongly recommend all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?
All meals are included in the itinerary, but you might want to purchase snacks that will not cost much. For souvenirs, budgeting is based on personal spending habits.
How Physically Demanding is the Trip?
This trip is designed to be accessible to everyone in good health. Activities include moderate walks and moderately strenuous hikes. It’s not overly strenuous, but a basic fitness level will help you enjoy the experiences to the fullest!
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?
Absolutely! Please inform us of your specific needs in advance so we can ensure your dietary requirements are met.
What Are the Health and Vaccination Requirements?
None are required but we’ll give you advice on some you may want to consider.
Who’s leading the trip?
An experienced JJ leader will be leading this trip.
MORE 2025 TRIPS
Have look through some more of our group trips!
