Silk Road Uncovered: Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan
With every detail thoughtfully taken care of, all you need to do is soak it all in. The warm hospitality, the rich traditions, the incredible food, and read more the sheer, breathtaking scale of this remarkable corner of the world.
Itinerary
Fly overnight to Tashkent. Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Explore the historic old town, visiting Barak Khan Madrassah and Tila Shaikh Mosque, home to precious Islamic archives. Wander the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, then visit the Rakhimov family ceramics workshop. Finish the day in modern Tashkent at Amir Temur Square and the strikingly decorated Tashkent Metro.
Rise early for your flight to Nukus. Begin your day at the Igor Savitskiy Museum—often called the 'Louvre of the Desert', home to Russian avant‑garde art, Soviet-era masterpieces, and fascinating Karakalpak treasures. Then, drive 200 km to Khiva, stopping at Chalpik Kala, an ancient Zoroastrian funerary site, and Toprak Kala, the historic fortress town of Khorezm.
Step inside Ichan Kala, Uzbekistan's first UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Kukhna Ark Fortress, the turquoise Islom-Khodja Minaret, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Visit Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the striking Kalta Minor Minaret, and the 19th-century Tash Hauli Palace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khoresmian folklore performance.
Travel across the iconic Kyzyl Kum Desert, the 'Red Sands,' along the ancient Silk Road. Enjoy photo stops of the desert landscapes and a visit to the Amudarya River, the legendary Oxus. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon, ready to explore this historic city.
Spend a full day exploring Bukhara's historic centre on foot. Begin at the Lab-i-Khauz ensemble and continue to the city's landmarks and hidden gems, including Nadir Khon Madrassah, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and the Ulugbek and Aziz Khan Madrassahs. Enjoy lunch at the home of master suzani maker and explore his workshop.
In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress, Bala Hauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub. Conclude at the Hunarmand workshops near Lyabikhauz, witnessing traditional crafts such as block printing, metal chasing, embroidery, carving, miniature painting, and goldwork.
This morning, explore Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the former summer residence of the emir, a stunning blend of Russian and local architectural styles. Later, travel by train to Samarkand, arriving in the late afternoon and ready to begin your next adventure.
Explore the highlights of Samarkand, starting at the iconic Registan Square with its three stunning madrassahs: Ulug-Bek, Tillya-Kori, and Sher-Dor. Visit Gur Emir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane, and the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Wander the Silk Road bazaar, admire the Shahi Zinda necropolis, and end the day with a tour and tasting at Bagizagan winery.
Travel 90 km south of Samarkand to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of conqueror Amir Timur. Explore the city's highlights, including the ruins of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus-Tilavat cemetery, and Kok-Gumbas Mosque, before returning to Samarkand in the afternoon.
Explore Ulugbek's 15th-century Observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Enjoy some free time to shop in Samarkand before continuing by train to Tashkent, taking in the changing landscapes along the way.
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the day is at leisure until a welcome dinner in the evening.
Begin the day at Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine haven in the Tian Shan mountains, 40 minutes outside of Bishkek. In the afternoon, explore the city's highlights, including Central Square, the iconic Manas Monument, and a bustling local bazaar.
Depart Bishkek and visit the Museum of Nomadic Civilisation, a fascinating trove of artefacts that tell the story of nomadic peoples through history. Continue to the sparkling northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world's second-largest mountain lake. Enjoy a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
Journey east along the shoreline of Issyk Kul to Karakol, stopping in the village of Tup for a tour and a tasting of the region's famous Kyrgyz cheese, kurut. Next, stop at a farm to learn about the breeding of thoroughbred horses and giant Arashan rams, then spend the afternoon soaking in a local hot spring, an essential part of the Karakol lifestyle. This evening, join a welcoming Dungan family for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Enjoy an active morning with a walk through the picturesque Karakol Gorge, before returning to the city to visit the Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church, known for their unusual construction.
This afternoon, visit a social enterprise that supports local women and promotes the products they produce, such as jam, dried fruit and felt souvenirs. Tonight, dine on lagman — hand-pulled noodles tossed with spiced lamb, a dish that sits at the heart of Uyghur culture.
You may wish to rise early this morning to visit the Karakol Animal Market, a bustling spectacle each Sunday that draws local farmers and traders, offering a rare and memorable glimpse into rural Kyrgyz life. Travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famed for its striking red sandstone formations. Take a walk to spot the ‘Broken Heart' and towering ‘Seven Bulls', while admiring sweeping views. Arrive at your camp for the next two nights and settle into your cosy yurt.
Later, learn from the camp chef how to make ‘manty', a delicious local favourite of spiced minced meat dumplings.
Visit Skazka Canyon and enjoy a walk among its dramatic red rock formations, discovering why it is also known as ‘Fairytale Canyon'. Continue to Kadji-Sai village to meet a local family of musicians, joining them for a traditional lunch accompanied by a lively folklore performance.
In the afternoon, walk through the dense spruce forest and alpine meadows of Barskoon Gorge to reach the famous ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard' waterfall.
Travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Along the Transfer to the airport for your flight to the way, meet an eagle hunter and see the training process of these magnificent birds. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu, a village famous for its skilled artisans, learn about the traditional craft of yurt-making. After lunch, continue to Chon-Kemin where you'll have a hands-on class on how to make the traditional Kyrgyz dish of tash kordo, before dining on the results.
Learn to make boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz bread, enjoying what you prepared with breakfast. Travel to Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and explore the openair museum with ancient balbals. Then, enjoy a demonstration of ulak tartysh, the thrilling traditional horse game of Kyrgyzstan's nomadic peoples. Return to Bishkek where you'll have some free time before a farewell dinner.
Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.
Trip Inclusions
- Samarkand: Heart of the ancient city of Samarkand, famous for its architecture and a popular stop along the Silk Road
- Barskoon Gorge: Walk through the picturesque Barskoon Gorge
- Skazka Canyon: Wander through striking rock formations
- Khiva: See the architecture of Itchan Kala, Khiva's walled inner city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sleep under felt and stars: Experience the nomadic lifestyle in comfort, staying in a yurt camp with private en suite bathroom. Wake up by Issyk-Kul Lake, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
- Lose yourself in vibrant bazaars: Wander through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan's bustling bazaars, where stalls are brimming with handwoven carpets, intricate ceramics, spices, and local delicacies.
- Try kurut, the region's iconic cheese: Stop in the village of Tup for a tour and a tasting of the region's famous Kyrgyz cheese, Kurut, a hard, salty cheese ball made from dried, fermented milk.
- Bentley Hotel Tashkent, Tashkent (4 star): The Bentley Hotel is located in Tashkent's Mirzo Ulugbek district, near the city's Central Park. Air-conditioned rooms feature 40” TVs, minibars, and soundproofed windows for a quiet night's sleep. Guests have access to an indoor pool, a Finnish sauna, and a buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining room.
- Hotel Bankir Khiva, Khiva (3 star): The Hotel Bankir Khiva is located in a traditional residential quarter, just 500 meters from the western walls of the historic Itchan Kala fortress. Air-conditioned rooms include a work desk, flat-screen TV, electric kettle, and private bathroom with slippers. Guests can use the rooftop terrace, which offers views of the city's minarets. A buffet breakfast is provided each morning in the dedicated dining area.
- Shahristan Plaza, Bukhara (3 star): Close to the 5th-century Ark Fortress, the Shahristan Plaza hotel offers well-equipped rooms furnished with comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, and sound-insulated walls to ensure a quiet stay. The hotel features a lobby bar and a traditional hammam for guest use. A daily buffet breakfast is served in the dedicated breakfast room.
- Meridian Plaza by Reikartz, Samarkand (4 star): The Meridian Plaza by Reikartz is centrally located within Samarkand, making it an ideal base for exploring this iconic city's sights. Each room is furnished with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and sound-insulated windows to ensure a quiet stay. Guests also have access to the on-site swimming pool and spa, with a buffet breakfast being served daily.
- Plaza Hotel, Bishkek (4 star): Centrally located within a five-minute walk of the Bishkek White House and close to Ala-Too Square, the Plaza Hotel is a polished city property featuring a spa and wellness centre, indoor pool, sauna and gym. Rooms are well appointed with air conditioning, a fridge, flat-screen TV and satellite channels, and the on-site restaurant serves both national and European cuisine alongside a bar.
- Karven Four Seasons, Cholpon-Ata (4 star): Set on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul in Cholpon-Ata, this four-star resort offers spacious rooms with kitchenette facilities, an outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub and spa. Guests have access to a large restaurant, tennis court, and outside bar, with the beach just a short walk through the resort's gardens.
- Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 star): A family-run hotel in Karakol, a ten-minute walk from the town centre, and the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake within easy reach. Set around a leafy garden courtyard, it has a relaxed, homely feel, and breakfast - featuring homemade jams and locally inspired dishes - is a particular highlight.
- Yurt with en-suite, Tamga (2 star): Sleep as the nomads of Central Asia have for centuries, in a traditional felt yurt on the open Kyrgyz steppe. These circular, hand-crafted dwellings are cosy and well-insulated, with colourful handwoven rugs and ornate felt decorations lining the walls and floors. Each yurt is private with single beds provided and an en-suite bathroom. This is genuine, back-to-basics travel at its most memorable.
- Chon-Kemin Guesthouse, Chon-Kemin (3 star): A family-owned guesthouse in the scenic Chon-Kemin Valley, built with large windows to make the most of the sweeping mountain views, with locally handmade wooden furnishings adding a rustic charm. Breakfast and dinner are both served on site, the staff are welcoming and helpful, and activities such as horse riding can be arranged in the surrounding valley.
- Breakfasts: 19
- Lunches: 18
- Dinners: 19
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of April 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount approximately US$200pp (AU$308pp) is paid locally in Uzbekistan.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
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Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
