Wendy Wu Silk Road Uncovered: Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

Samarkand
Explore the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand, famous for its architecture

Barskoon Gorge
Walk through the picturesque Barskoon Gorge

Skazka Canyon
Discover the beautiful rock formations of the Skazka Canyon near Lake Issyk Kul

Khiva
Admire the architecture of Itchan Kala, Khiva’s walled inner city

Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Tashkent
Head to the airport and take an overnight flight to Tashkent. On arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner

Day 3: Discover Tashkent
This morning, head out on a tour of Tashkent, beginning in the old town. Here you’ll visit the Barak Khan Madrassah and the Tila Shaikh Mosque. Then, wander through the Chorsu Bazaar before making a stop at the Rakhimov family ceramics workshop. End the day at Amir Temur Square and the superbly decorated Tashkent Metro
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4: Journey to Khiva
Wake up early today to take a flight to Nukus. On arrival, visit the Igor Savitsky Museum which is home to a collection of Russian art including Soviet-era masterpieces and Karakalpak treasures. Later in the day, drive to Khiva, stopping at Chalpik Kala and Toprak Kala along the way.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5: UNESCO Itchan Kala
Today you’ll step inside Itchan Kala, Khiva’s walled old-city. Explore the Kukhna Ark Fortress, the Islom-Khodja Minaret and the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Then, visit the Madarassah Rakhimkhon, the Kalta Minor Minaret and the 19^th century Tash Hauli Palace. End the day by watching a traditional Khoresmian folklore performance.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6: Journey across the Kyzyl Kum Desert
Spend the majority of the day travelling across the iconic Kyzyl Kum desert along the Silk Road. Along the way you’ll stop for photos of the desert landscapes and to stop at the Amudarya River, the legendary Oxus. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7: Explore historic Bukhara
Spend a full day exploring Bukhara on foot. Start at the Lab-i-Khauz ensemble and continue to the city’s other landmarks including the Nadir Khon, the Ulugbek and Aziz Khan Madrassahs. Enjoy lunch at the home of a 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 to see traditional crafts.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 8: Train to Samarkand
In the morning, explore the former residence of the emir before taking the train to Samarkand
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 9: Samarkand & Wine Tasting
Explore the highlights of Samarkand, starting at Registan Square, known for its three stunning madrassahs. Visit Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane and the Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Wander the Silk Road Bazaar, see the Shahi Zinda necropolis and then head to Bagizagan winery for a tour and tasting
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 10: Discover Shakhrisabz
Head south to Shakhirsabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur. Explore the city, including the ruins of the Ak-Sarai Palace and the Dorus-Tilavat cemetery before returning to Samarkand
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 11: Return to Tashkent
This morning, explore Ulugbek’s 15^th century observatory and the ancient settlement on Afrosiab. Then enjoy some free time before taking the train to Tashkent
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 12: To Kyrgyzstan
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bishkek. The rest of the day is leisure before a welcome dinner in the evening.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 13: Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park
Begin the day at Ala-Archa National Park in the Tian Shen mountains. Return to the city in the afternoon to explore, seeing the Central Squar, the Manas Monument and a local bazaar
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 14: Issyk Kul Lake
Leaving Bishkek, make a visit to the Museum of Nomadic Civilisation before travelling to the northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world’s second largest mountain lake. Take a boat ride on the lake to take in the scenery.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 15: Journey to Karakol
Head east along the shore to Karakol, stopping on the way in Tup for a tour of the village and to try the famous kurut cheese. Then, stop at a farm to learn about the breeding of thoroughbred horses and giant Arashan rams. Spend the afternoon soaking in a local hot spring. In the evening, join a Dungan family for a home-cooked dinner
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 16: Explore Karakol
Enjoy a active morning walk through the Karakol Gorge before returning to the city to the Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church, both known for their unusual construction. This afternoon, visit a social enterprise that supports local women. Tonight you’ll dine on lagman, a hand-pulled noodle dish
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 17: Jeti-Oguz Gorge
Today you have the option to wake up early to visit the Karakol Animal Market which draws in local farmers and traders each Sunday. Then, travel along the southern shore of the lake to reach the village of Tamga. On route, visit the marvellous Jeti-Oguz Gorge, known for its striking red sandstone formations. Take a walk to spot some of the unique formations and take in the views. On arrival in Tamga, head to your camp and settle into your yurt before joining the camp chef to learn how to make ‘manty’ a local favourite of spiced meat dumplings.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 18: Skazka Canyon & Barskoon Gorge
Visit the Skazka Gorge and walk among the rock formations before continuing to Kadji-Sai to meet a local family of musicians. Join them for a traditional lunch and enjoy a lively folklore performance. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk through the alpine Barskoon Gorge to reach the ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’ waterfall
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 19: Meet an Eagle Hunter
Travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park, stopping on the way to meet an eagle hunter and learn about their training process. This morning you’ll also stop at Kyzyl-Tuu, a village famous for its artisans and learn about yurt-making. After lunch, continue to the Chon-Kemin where you’ll take part in a hands-on class to learn how to make traditional Kyrgyz dishes, dining on your results.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 20: Return to Bishkek
This morning, learn how to make boorsok, a traditional bread which you can enjoy with your breakfast. Set off for Bishkek with a stop at the Burana Tower, where you’ll explore the open-air museum. Then, enjoy a demonstration of ulak tartish, the traditional horse game of the nomadic peoples. On arrival in Bishkek you’ll have some free time before a farewell dinner.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 21: Depart Bishkek
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast

Sleep under felt and the stars
Stay in a yurt camp (with private en-suite bathroom) and wake up on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake

Explore vibrant bazaars
Enjoy time to wander through both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan’s bustling bazaars, seeing the stalls full of handwoven carpets, ceramics and local delicacies

Try kurut, the region’s iconic cheese
While in the village of Tup, take the chance to try the region’s famous Kyrgyz cheese made from dried fermented milk

• Return international flights & transfers
• 19nts in 3/4* accommodation
• All meals: 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches & 19 dinners
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Classic
See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On classic tours everything is taken care of, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme.

This tour has a maximum group size of 20 people per group

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A moderate level of fitness is required. You will be on your feet for most of the day, with longer walks that include ascents and descents on steps or uneven paths. Travelling conditions may be more challenging in some areas.

Is this tour fully inclusive?
Yes – flights, all meals, guiding, entrance fees, domestic transport and accommodation are all included.

What is the physical rating?
A moderate Level 2, ideal for travellers comfortable with steps and some walking.

How big is the group?
A maximum of 20 travellers for a friendly, immersive group experience.

What accommodation is included?
A mix of comfortable hotels and a night in a traditional yurt.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Central Asia?
Yes, it’s designed to be an easy, well‑supported introduction to the region.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.