Welcome to Bishkek with Silk Way Travel!
Start your day with a city tour showcasing Bishkek’s rich history. Visit Ala-Too Square, home to the iconic Manas statue, and stroll through the charming Dubovy Park with its open-air galleries and century-old oaks. Explore Freedom Avenue and soak in the city’s mix of Soviet-era architecture and modern charm.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to dive into local life at the bustling Osh Market, where you’ll find everything from spices and fruits to traditional crafts. Don’t miss trying samsa, a delicious local pastry filled with meat and vegetables.

Today, embark on a scenic road trip through Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes. Visit the historic Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun, then enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Continue to Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, and marvel at its breathtaking beauty.

Spend the night in a traditional yurt camp on the lake’s south shore, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Yurts are cozy, with shared accommodations (up to 4 people) and basic facilities. Despite the simplicity, the experience and views are unforgettable.

Today, visit Kyzyl Tuu, a village famous for its yurt-making traditions. Meet a local artisan family and learn about the craftsmanship behind these iconic nomadic dwellings during a hands-on workshop. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening at your yurt camp by Issyk-Kul Lake. Relax, take a swim, go for a hike, or simply unwind and soak in the serene surroundings.

Today, travel to the stunning Song-Kol Lake, a sacred site and summer pasture for nomadic herders. En route, stop in Kochkor to explore the local market and visit a women’s felt cooperative. The scenic drive (6 hours) offers breathtaking views, with chances to spot nomadic herders and their livestock in summer.

Spend the day exploring the area, perhaps hiking nearby trails, and spend the night in traditional yurts by the lake.
Note: The pass to Song-Kol is open mid-June to mid-September. Outside this period, an alternative destination or day trip may be arranged.

Accommodation is multi-share yurts (up to 4 people) with basic facilities. Evenings can be chilly, but stoves and blankets ensure warmth.

Travel along scenic gravel roads to the charming village of Kyzyl-Oi, nestled between mountains. Pass coal deposits and follow the Kokomeren River, stopping for a riverside picnic lunch. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the village and, in the evening, learn to cook boorsok, a local favorite snack.

Travel time: 6-7 hours.
Note: After heavy rains, the route may change, adding a couple of hours to the journey.

Tonight, stay in a local homestay arranged by a community-based tourism (CBT) organization. Accommodation is multi-share, and the group may be split among different family homes.

Today, enjoy a full-day drive through Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes. Cross the Suusamyr Valley, a high-altitude plateau surrounded by mountains and dotted with yurts, and follow the Chychkan River through the Tien Shan range. Stop to take in the breathtaking views along the way.

Arrive in Toktogul in the early evening, where you’ll stay at a local community-based tourism (CBT) accommodation.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day drive to Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city. En route, stop in Uzgen, an ancient Silk Road trading town, and explore its historic minaret and mosques, showcasing medieval Central Asian architecture.

Arrive in Osh, known as the “Capital of the South” and the country’s oldest city, nestled in the Fergana Valley.

Start your day with a visit to Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, Kyrgyzstan’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its historic caves and petroglyphs, long believed to bring blessings of longevity and fertility. Then, explore the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex.

Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit Jayma Bazaar for unique souvenirs or take a self-guided tour of Osh’s Soviet-era landmarks, like the giant Lenin statue in the city square.

This morning, drive to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border near Osh. Transfer to Andijan and board a local train to Tashkent (approx. 5.5 hours). Enjoy the chance to interact with friendly locals during the journey. Arrive in Tashkent in the evening and check into your hotel.

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Tashkent. Visit Amir Timur Square, ride the metro, and explore the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, filled with traditional crafts, spices, and local goods.

Enjoy a free afternoon to visit the Khast Imom complex, home to historic mosques and an ancient Quran, or simply relax after your journey through Kyrgyzstan.

This morning, take a train to Bukhara, a historic Silk Road city with a rich past shaped by figures like Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. After arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk and explore the Lyabi-Hauz area, a 17th-century plaza surrounded by ancient trees, craft studios, and historic madrasas.

Spend the day discovering Bukhara’s treasures. Visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir, showcasing stunning traditional craftsmanship. Then, explore the historic Ark Fortress and the 10th-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum, renowned for its intricate brickwork.

Enjoy a free afternoon to wander the city’s ancient sites, such as Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque, or the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs.

Enjoy a free morning to explore more of Bukhara. In the late afternoon, take a train to Samarkand, the heart of the Silk Road. Arrive in the early evening and join your leader for a short orientation walk, followed by an optional group dinner.

Today, explore Samarkand’s iconic landmarks. Visit the Registan Square, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, followed by Guri-Amir (Tamerlane’s mausoleum) and the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Stroll through Shakhi-Zinda, a stunning necropolis with blue-tiled mausoleums spanning centuries.

In the evening, join a local family for a cooking demonstration to learn the secrets of traditional plov.

This morning, take the train back to Tashkent. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore, and consider joining an optional farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure. You can depart after dinner.

End of the tour.