11 Day Silk Road Adventure
Dates: 2nd – 12th September 2026
Cost: €2,795
Countries: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
Optional extra: Turkmenistan (12th – 15th Sep)
Join us on a Silk Road adventure this September!
Get ready for 11 incredible days exploring two of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan! We’ll explore ancient cities that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale, mountain landscapes, traditional nomadic culture, and the World Nomad Games and experiences you definitely won’t find on your typical European city break.
Imagine: wandering through the mind-blowing mosaics and minarets of Samarkand, getting lost in the bazaars of Bukhara, then switching gears to the jaw-dropping alpine scenery of Kyrgyzstan.
You’ll experience the hospitality of local families who’ll welcome you like long-lost relatives, witness traditional eagle hunting that’s been happening for centuries, and explore incredible UNESCO.
This is Central Asia the proper way. Two countries, endless adventures, and zero stress about logistics, language barriers, or navigation nightmares.
What’s Included
All domestic transport
International Flight from Kyrgyzstan –> Uzbekistan
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
International JJ leader
Local tour guide in both countries
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 - Bishkek
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!
Arrive at Manas Airport in Bishkek and our team on the ground will transfer you to our first accommodation. After settling in our hotel, we’ll dive into the heart of the city at Ala-Too Square.
We’ll take a stroll through Oak Park, a favorite local hangout, and if time allows, pop into Osh Bazaar for our first taste of Central Asian market life.
Tonight, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant where you’ll get your first proper taste of Kyrgyz cuisine.
Meals Include: Lunch and Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Cholpon Ata
After breakfast, we head east towards Issyk-Kul Lake, known as the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. This massive alpine lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is one of the largest mountain lakes in the world.
We’ll stop at the Cholpon Ata Hippodrome, where horse competitions for the World Nomad Games take place (exact timing TBC, but we’ll adjust the timing to make sure we catch the action).
Then we visit the Petroglyphs Open-Air Museum, home to thousands of ancient rock carvings from the Bronze Age showing hunting scenes, animals, and glimpses of nomadic life from centuries ago.
Check in at our lakeside hotel and take a walk along the beach before dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - World Nomad Games at Kyrchyn Gorge
So excited to be catching the World Nomad Games! After breakfast we head to Kyrchyn Gorge, a wide and picturesque valley that served as the main venue of the World Nomad Games.
We’ll spend the entire day here watching eagle hunting, kok boru (traditional horseback game, basically polo but way more intense), archery on horseback, traditional wrestling, and more. You’ll see traditional yurt camps set up against a backdrop of majestic mountains and get a proper immersion of Kyrgyz nomadic traditions.
After an action-packed day, we return to Cholpon Ata.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Burana Tower
After breakfast, we make our way back to Bishkek with a stop at the Burana Tower, an ancient 11th-century minaret. This is all that remains of the once-thriving Silk Road city of Balasagun.
You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding fields and mountains, and explore the open-air museum with ancient petroglyphs and stone statues called balbals.
We continue to Bishkek, arriving in the evening for dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Ala Archa National Park & Uzbekistan
This morning, we make our way to Ala Archa National Park, just 40km from the capital. The park sits in a gorgeous valley with fast-flowing mountain streams, alpine meadows, pine forests, and high peaks perfect for a morning walk. We’ll spend some time here walking in the gorge and enjoy the scenic view! The perfect place to rest and relax.
After lunch, we head to the airport for our evening flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 - Tashkent
Rise and shine in Uzbekistan! After breakfast, we start our sightseeing tour of the capital at the Hazrati Imom Complex, the spiritual heart of Tashkent with stunning 16th-20th century architecture. Then we’ll dive into the chaos and colour of Chorsu Bazaar, one of the busiest and most vibrant bazaars in Central Asia.
We’ll visit Amir Temur Square with its grand statue, Independence Square, and we’ll visit the famous Tashkent Metro, where each Soviet-era station is decorated differently, like an underground palace.
Lunch and dinner will be served at local restaurants, where we’ll enjoy Uzbekistan cuisine!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 - Bukhara
Early start today! We catch the 7:54am train to Bukhara, arriving at 12:11pm. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we dive straight into exploring this Silk Road city.
We’ll visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a stunning 10th-century brick masterpiece, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. Then we head to the Bolo-Hauz Mosque with its beautiful wooden pillars and the Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel where khans and kings once ruled.
The highlight is the Poi-Kalyan Complex, the iconic symbol of Bukhara with its towering minaret visible across the city. We’ll also explore the Ulug Beg Madrasa and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa, both showcasing intricate tilework and Islamic architecture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 - Bukhara & Train to Samarkand
More Bukhara magic this morning as we explore Tim Abdullah Khan, a historic trading dome where merchants once sold their goods. We’ll visit the Magok-i Attari Mosque, one of Bukhara’s oldest mosques, and the Lyabi-Hauz Complex, the heart of old Bukhara built around a lovely pond.
We won’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chor Minor Madrasah, an iconic 1807 monument which is famous for its unique, unconventional architecture featuring four turquoise-domed towers atop a small, formerly gated, complex.
We’ll then catch the train to explore the exciting city of Samarkand, a pivotal Silk Road hub acting as a melting pot for diverse cultures and named the “Crossroads of Cultures”!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 - Samarkand
Today, we explore the crown jewel of the Silk Road, starting at the Guri Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur and the Timurid Dynasty. Then it’s time for the main event: Registan Square, the most iconic sight in Central Asia with three stunning madrasas built at different times, all covered in intricate turquoise tilework. You’re going to want to take lots of beautiful pictures here!
We’ll visit the Bibi Khanum Mosque, built in 1399 by Amir Temur, and wander through Siab Bazaar, the oldest operating bazaar in Samarkand, where you can pick up spices, dried fruits, and fresh bread. The afternoon takes us to Shah-i-Zinda Complex, a stunning street of mausoleums known as the “street of the dead” with some of the most beautiful tilework you’ll ever see.
This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local guesthouse with a traditional Uzbek cooking masterclass.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 - Samarkand to Tashkent
There’s lots more of Samarkand to see! We’ll explore the Ulugbek Observatory, built in 1425-1429 by the astronomer king himself, Ulugh Beg. We’ll visit the Mausoleum of Hodja Daniyar, a 15th-century pilgrimage site, and the Afrasiab Museum, the oldest museum in Samarkand.
The afternoon ends at the Konigil Ancient Paper Factory, where you’ll take part in a masterclass on making traditional handmade silk paper from mulberry trees. It’s a fascinating process that’s been done the same way for centuries!
We’ll then catch a scenic train ride back to Tashkent.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 - Departure OR Turkmenistan add on
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport in Tashkent for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Extending your trip to Turkmenistan? Amazing! We’ll head together for round two. Full details and itinerary here.
Safe travels and we hope to see you again on another adventure!
Meals Included: Breakfast
FAQ & 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 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and ends at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
I'm ready! How do I book?
Ready for an epic adventure in Central Asia? 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 tailored to your needs. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
How many people are on the trip?
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 4 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.
Expect to travel with 6-14 new friends!
Why are deposits non-refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
What about my other payments? Are they refundable?
All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.
Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.
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 which will not cost much. Alcoholic drinks typically cost €1.50-€3.50 for a beer and €5-€10 for wine or cocktails but they are not very easy to come by. For souvenirs, budgeting is based on personal spending habits.
How does tipping work?
To make things smooth and stress-free, we will be collecting a kitty of €50-100 at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.
For any additional meals or personal expenses not included in the itinerary, you should expect to pay a separate tip. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.
How physically demanding is the trip?
This trip is designed to be accessible to most people in good health. You’ll do moderate walking through cities and archaeological sites. The day at the World Nomad Games involves being outdoors and on your feet, but nothing overly strenuous. A basic level of fitness will help you enjoy the experiences fully. Make sure to wear comfy shoes!
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely! Most meals are served as a meal sets or at restaurants where there’s a variety for everyone. Central Asian cuisine has loads of vegetarian options (hello, fresh bread and amazing salads), but do let us know about specific allergies or restrictions in advance so we can plan accordingly.
What if I want my own room?
We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.
That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What are the health and vaccination requirements?
There are no required vaccinations to enter Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. However, it’s always wise to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. We recommend to consider vaccinations for MMR, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever (if travelling from a country with yellow fever risk). Please consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Who’s leading the trip?
An experienced international JJ leader and the local tour guide will be with you every step of the way.
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