Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan - Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan - Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road
16 Days Starting in BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN) and ending in TASHKENT
Visiting: Bishkek, Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat, Kazarman, Osh, Kokand, Tashkent, Khiva Hostel, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WMF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low / Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$4369 (USD)Tour Overview
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan may be Central Asian neighbours, but they couldn’t be more different. For while Kyrgyzstan is a land of epic mountain scenery and semi-nomadic shepherds, Uzbekistan is home to the atmospheric towns of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, probably Central Asia’s most revered Silk Road trading centres.Starting in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, we’ll spend much of our time in traditional yurts and will be introduced to the ways of mountain life on the Old Silk Road, before driving on to the ancient city of Osh. From here, we will cross the border into Uzbekistan and travel on to see the fabled cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand where merchants still ply their wares in the shadow of some of the world’s greatest architectural achievements.If you wish to experience the contrasts and variety that this fascinating region has to offer, this is the trip for you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Bishkek Centre or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
The tour will begin this afternoon at our hotel in Bishkek, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals. We will head out this evening to enjoy a local dinner, soaking up the city's atmosphere.
Day 2 : Bishkek - Son Kul
Location: Bishkek, Song-Kul
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will make a short walking tour to see the main sights, before heading out of Bishkek. We will also have a chance to visit the restored 11th century Burana Tower and we’ll stop in Kochkor village for lunch at a family-run handicraft centre. Our final destination of the day will be Son Kul, the spectacular 3000m mountain lake used as summer pastures for many local shepherds. There, we will be welcomed by our hosts and enjoy a traditional dinner, and maybe the odd vodka toast!
Day 3 : In & Around Son Kul
Location: Song-Kul
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will walk or ride (optional and payable locally) up into the hills looking for petroglyphs and enjoy the mind-blowing views over the lake. Those wishing to relax can hang out at the camp and enjoy some down time, with a chance to watch the plethora of bird life. Or you might like to visit the local shepherds and try a taste of kumis (fermented mare’s milk). We may also get the chance to see some traditional Kyrgyz horse games today.
Day 4 : Son Kul - Tash Rabat
Location: Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we’ll take a beautiful drive on to Tash Rabat, where we will spend the next two nights. We’ll stop on the way in Naryn to visit the town and enjoy a local lunch. Having settled into our yurt camp later this afternoon, we’ll have a chance to look around the famous ancient Silk Road caravanserai.
Day 5 : In & Around Tash Rabat
Location: Tash-Rabat
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is free to explore the stunning mountain surroundings. The walking in this area is wonderful and those wishing to ride (optional and payable locally) can also do so. We might head up towards the 3,500m Tash Rabat Pass or follow another beautiful circular route, or you could just do your own thing. This valley, just 35km as the crow flies from the Chinese border, is lush and green - home to horses, yaks, sheep and, of course, nomads. We will take a packed lunch with us, as the ride or walk can take most of the day. This evening we’ll have another traditional dinner at our camp.
Day 6 : Tash Rabat - Kazarman
Location: Tash-Rabat, Kazarman
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Karzarman Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a long drive but through some really stunning mountain scenery. We’ll stop en route for a picnic lunch and the odd photo opportunity. Arriving in the small village of Kazarman this evening, we’ll stay with a local family and enjoy some of their home-cooking.
Day 7 : Kazarman - Osh
Location: Kazarman, Osh
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Imanjan's Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive over Kaldama Ashuu pass, which at 3062m offers some amazing views. We'll stop in Jalal-Abad for lunch with a local family and then continue on to the ancient city of Osh, where we’ll have a chance for some sightseeing this afternoon. We’ll visit Solomon’s Throne – Suleiman Too – the rock that looms over the city and is an important Muslim pilgrimage site protected by UNESCO. Tonight we’ll stay in the wonderful home of our friend Imanjan, enjoying traditional cuisine and hospitality.
Day 8 : Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Location: Osh, Kokand
Accommodation: Silk Road Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Silk Road or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we make the short drive to the Duslik border, say farewell to our Kyrgyz team and go through formalities to enter Uzbekistan. Here we will be met and driven through the Fergana Valley, an incredibly fertile region that was the breadbasket of the Central Asian USSR and is still one of the wealthiest parts of the whole region. Our first stop today will be in the town of Margilon, centre of the still thriving silk trade in the area, where we’ll see the entire silk-weaving process from cocoon to end product. We will also visit nearby Rishton, renowned for its blue and green ceramics, before reaching Kokand where we spend the night.
Day 9 : Kokand - Tashkent - Khiva
Location: Kokand, Tashkent, Khiva Hostel
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Orient Star or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a chance to visit the 19th century Palace of Khudayar Khan this morning, we will drive in cars through the mountains to reach Tashkent. From here, we’ll take a short flight to Khiva and check into our hotel for the next two nights, in the heart of this UNESCO protected old town.
Day 10 : In Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Orient Star or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
There’ll be ample time to soak up the atmosphere of Khiva today, wandering around the quiet streets of this wonderfully preserved Silk Road city. We’ll visit some of the most colourful and sumptuous sites, including the Kukhna Arc, Mohammed Khan Madrassa and Kalta Minor Minaret. In addition, there'll be opportunity to explore the Jama Majid Mosque with its amazing wooden pillars and the Alloquli Khan Madrassa, bazaar and caravanserai. There will be some free time later this afternoon and evening to be able to explore further at leisure.
Day 11 : Khiva - Bukhara
Location: Khiva, Bukhara
Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we will take a train to the wonderful city of Bukhara. This afternoon, there will be time to take a first wander around the old town before enjoying dinner by Labi Hauz, the 17th century pool and eating area.
Day 12 : In Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we have all day for sightseeing. We will start at the Ismaili Samani Mausoleum, and continue via the Jama Majid (or the mosque of forty pillars) to the Arc where Connolly and Stoddard – two luckless British officers – met their deaths while playing the Great Game. From here, we will visit the historically important Zindan, followed by the Kolan Minaret and beautiful mosques and madrassas that lie beneath it. En route there is silk-weaving, knife-making and metal-engraving. Lunch will form part of a cooking demo with a local family. We will then have the remainder of the day free for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns.
Day 13 : Bukhara - Samarkand
Location: Bukhara, Samarkand
Accommodation: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Malika Classic or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll drive along the Royal Road to the famous Silk Road city of Samarkand, stopping during the 4-hour journey to view the remains of an old caravanserai. After checking into our hotel, we will make our visit to the Registan, the public square that is the heart of historic Samarkand and a particularly beautiful sight at sunset. There will be plenty of time to explore the three madrassas that make up the ensemble and to take plenty of memorable photographs.
Day 14 : In Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Malika Classic or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have all day in this amazing town, wandering through the gargantuan sights. In the morning, we will visit Tamerlane’s Tomb, followed by the Bibi Khanym Mosque and the town’s excellent bazaar. In the afternoon, we will visit the Shah-i-Zindar – the street of the dead, and then take some free time to explore this city at our leisure. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Day 15 : Samarkand - Tashkent
Location: Samarkand, Tashkent
Accommodation: City Palace Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: City Palace or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will drive back to Tashkent where there’ll be time for some sightseeing in this city that once played a pivotal role during the Great Game between the expanding 19th century British and Russian Empires. We plan to visit Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and Barak Khan Mosque on Khasty. Tonight we’ll have our final dinner together and reflect on our journey.
Day 16 : Tour Ends In Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast today, although those on the suggested group flights will depart in the early hours of the morning before breakfast.
What's Included
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MEALS
15 x Breakfasts, 14 x Lunches, 13 x Dinners
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses in Kyrgyzstan and coaster buses and cars in Uzbekistan, as well as a domestic flight and train.
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. Your passport is simply stamped on arrival.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the walks and rides are optional.
There are some long drives involved in this tour due to the distances we need to cover, but the changing scenery throughout make these an interesting aspect of the trip.
It should be noted that whilst in Kyrgyzstan you will be staying in yurts and homestays for much of the time, so you should be prepared for communal sleeping, long-drop toilet facilities and no showers for this part of the trip. But don’t panic too much – this is genuine adventure travel and your overall experience will easily make up for the lack of modern conveniences, plus accommodation in Uzbekistan is considerably more comfortable!
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. Your passport is simply stamped on arrival.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Dates & Availability
Saturday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.