The Great Silk Road: The Main Ring of Central Asia
Three countries, lost ghost towns, sacred high-altitude lakes, and the great heritage of ancient civilizations in one expedition.
19-Day Jeep Tour
Photo archive
Included in the price
Comfortable 4x4 vehicle
Professional guide
All national park entry and eco-fees
Bottled water throughout the trip
Your choice of accommodation (premium hotels or guest houses)
All meals included
Tour itinerary
Stage 1: The Gateway to Central Asia and Exploring Almaty
Days 1–2 | Expedition Launch, Alpine Panoramas, and the Charm of the Southern Capital
We begin our grand journey in Almaty. The first day is dedicated to your airport pick-up, a comfortable check-in, and smooth acclimatization. On the second day, a rich city tour awaits us: we will ascend by a modern cable car to the iconic, high-altitude Shymbulak Ski Resort (2,260 m) to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Tien Shan mountains. Afterward, we will descend to the city, stroll through the historic Panfilov Park to the famous wooden Zenkov Cathedral, stop by the Green Bazaar for our first taste of Eastern delicacies, and catch a beautiful sunset on Kok-Tobe Hill.
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Accommodation and Dining: Overnights in a comfortable city hotel. Included are breakfasts and a welcome dinner featuring premium elements of national cuisine. Lunch on the second day will be served at a traditional local restaurant.
Stage 2: The Wild Frontiers of Kyrgyzstan and the Lost Enilchek
Days 3–4 | Border Crossing, Karakol, and a Journey to the Ghost Town
We leave Kazakhstan behind and cross the remote mountain checkpoint of Kegen into the scenic Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. Our first destination is the historic trading town of Karakol, where we will taste the famous local specialty, ashlyan-fu, and unwind in natural outdoor thermal hot springs. On the fourth day, the expedition enters an adventurous off-road mode: traveling through the rugged high-mountain landscapes of the Sary-Jaz Valley, we will forge our way to the abandoned Soviet mining settlement of Enilchek. This monumental ghost town sits beautifully frozen in time, hemmed in by massive glaciers and towering 7,000-meter peaks.
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Accommodation and Dining: A cozy hotel in Karakol, and an authentic mountain guest house in Enilchek, offering an atmosphere of total isolation. Comprehensive three-times-a-day dining featuring hearty, home-cooked local meals.
Stage 3: Canyons, Waterfalls, and Nights in Yurts
Days 5–6 | The Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul and Martian Landscapes
We set a course along the southern shore of the sacred Lake Issyk-Kul. First, we will visit the iconic red sandstone formations of Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for the "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart" ridges, walk through the lush Flower Valley, and spend the night in an authentic nomad yurt camp. On the sixth day, we venture into the towering Barskoon Valley, ascending to an incredible altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level to witness the pristine Valley of a Thousand Lakes. In the afternoon, we explore Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon—a natural labyrinth of vibrant red, orange, and yellow clay that resembles castles and mythical creatures—along with the wild Ak-Say coastline.
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Accommodation and Dining: The first night is spent in traditional felt yurts with stove heating (a unique ethno-experience), and the second night in a comfortable hotel right on the coastline. Full board featuring authentic dishes of Kyrgyz national cuisine.
Stage 4: Sacred Alpine Lakes and an Ancient Caravan Serai
Days 7–11 | The Heart of the Kyrgyz Highlands: Son-Kul, Kel-Suu, and Tash-Rabat
The deepest off-road stage of our expedition. We will ascend to the mirror-like Lake Son-Kul (3,016 m), a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by endless nomadic summer pastures. Passing through the river town of Naryn, we will head toward one of the most remote and mystical places in Central Asia—the turquoise Lake Kel-Suu, trapped between sheer rock cliffs near the Chinese border, which we will reach on foot or on horseback. This block concludes with a visit to Tash-Rabat—a remarkably preserved 11th-century stone caravan serai hidden deep in a secluded canyon. Afterward, we will cross a series of spectacular mountain switchbacks and arrive in the quiet highland village of Kazarman.
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Accommodation and Dining: A true wilderness adventure with overnights in atmospheric yurt camps on the shores of Lake Son-Kul, Lake Kel-Suu, and near the Tash-Rabat fortress. A hotel stay is provided in Naryn, and an authentic local homestay in Kazarman. Included is comprehensive three-times-a-day dining prepared by local chefs.
Stage 5: From the Fergana Valley to the Oases of Uzbekistan
Days 12–14 | Ancient Osh, Silk Masterclasses, and the Kamchik Pass
We descend from the rugged highlands into the fertile and lush Fergana Valley. Passing through Jalal-Abad, we will stop in ancient Uzgen to tour its historic 12th-century minaret and sample a rich, traditional Uzgen plov for lunch. Next, we arrive in Osh—one of the oldest cities in Central Asia—where we will climb the sacred Sulaiman-Too Mountain (a UNESCO World Heritage site). We then cross the international border into Uzbekistan and enter the craft heart of the valley: in Margilan, we will witness the fascinating process of weaving premium silk by hand at the legendary Yodgorlik Factory. This stage concludes with an epic drive over the spectacular Kamchik Mountain Pass to the capital city of Tashkent.
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Accommodation and Dining: Overnights in high-quality city hotels in Osh, Fergana, and Tashkent. Included are hearty breakfasts at the hotels and traditional local lunches (including the famous Uzgen plov). Dinners in the cities are left open, giving you the freedom to choose restaurants to your liking.
Stage 6: The Turquoise Domes of the Great Silk Road
Days 15–19 | Tashkent, Brilliant Samarkand, Ancient Bukhara, and Farewell
The final accord of our journey is a deep dive into an Eastern fairy tale and the monumental architecture of ancient empires. We will explore the treasures of Tashkent—including the sprawling Chorsu Bazaar and the sacred Hazrati Imam Complex, home to the world's oldest Quran—before transferring to Samarkand. Here, you will stand in awe before the magnificent Registan Square, the towering Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the stunning avenue of mausoleums at Shah-i-Zinda. Our next stop is holy Bukhara, where we will tour the ancient Ark Fortress, the iconic Kalyan Minaret, and enjoy a peaceful evening by the pool at Lyabi-Hauz. On the 19th day, we return to Tashkent for last-minute souvenir shopping at the local markets before your evening flight home.
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Accommodation and Dining: Stays in European-standard hotels and beautiful, authentic boutique hotels designed in a historic Silk Road style. Breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are hosted at the finest restaurants along the route, allowing you to sample an incredible variety of traditional plov, shashlik, and savory manty.
Advantages of travelling with a tour operator
Rich program
The maximum of impressions from each trip - from the desert to high mountain glaciers in one day.
Dive into the country
We have researched every route and collected the best locations for you.
Care for every guest
Guides and all the staff of our company have the same goal - to make your vacation unforgettable.
Agreement without tricks
Of the hundred percent of customers, one hundred are satisfied working with us. These are the main principles of our company.
Kazakhstan Travel
Advantages of travelling with a tour operator
Rich program
The maximum of impressions from each trip - from the desert to high mountain glaciers in one day.
Dive into the country
We have researched every route and collected the best locations for you.
Care for every guest
Guides and all the staff of our company have the same goal - to make your vacation unforgettable.
Agreement without tricks
Of the hundred percent of customers, one hundred are satisfied working with us. These are the main principles of our company.
Blog Kazakhstan Travel
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