26-Day Silk Road & The 5 Stans Adventure Dep Bishkek

DAY 1: BISHKEK

All amazing adventures begin somewhere, and for you, that’s Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A welcoming face will greet you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel.

Ease into the epic adventure ahead with a gentle walk through the heart of the city. You’ll quickly figure out that Central Asians love their monument-filled squares as you stroll the leafy parks and boulevards and explore the local sights.

Then it’s time to get to know your fellow Patchies a little better over dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. Is everyone excited? You’re Patchies after all, so our guess is… absolutely!

Accommodation: My Hotel  (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: BISHKEK

Come sit down with local women in their workshop this morning, to produce an intricate silk scarf of your own. Then, head out into nature – you’ll drive up into the mountains that surround Bishkek to the Ala Archa National Park. Take your time here… inhale that fresh alpine air on a walk through the forest. Enjoy your lunch with views of the gorge and Tian Shan Mountain range. Not a bad spot to be!

Accommodation: My Hotel (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: CHON KEMIN VALLEY

Today you’ll really start to ‘do’ Kyrgyzstan. Right from the get-go, it’s all about history – a must-stop at the medieval Burana Tower, the last remnant of the historic Silk Road city of Balasagun, once the capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire.

After that, you’re off to the village of Don Aryk to see a centuries-old tradition of skilled horsemanship – a game that resembles polo, only it’s often called ‘Goat’… and you’re about to find out why! You even get to meet the horses after the event and snap a photo or two.

Refuel at a village guesthouse before continuing to today’s final destination, Chon Kemin. Spend a few hours exploring the area, or settle into your cosy guesthouse and unwind before a hearty Patchie dinner closes out your day.

Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar), Chon Kemin, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: ISSYK KUL

This morning, you’re off to one of the largest – and deepest! – high-altitude lakes in the world: Issyk Kul. But first, a stop at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, a yurt-making hub where you’ll be part of the team putting one together. Over lunch, a local family will let you in on some of the yurt-building secrets of their craft.

Don’t roll your sleeves down just yet – artisans of the traditional art of shyrdak (Kyrgyz felt carpets) are expecting you in the lakeside town of Bokonbayevo. Learn how these special carpets are made, imbued with traditional Kyrgyz patterns. The women will insist that you make your own unique shyrdak to take home – talk about a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Tonight is a special stay. Remember those yurts you got to see up close this morning? You’ll be sleeping in one for the next two nights! The yurt camp has a few more mod cons than some, with a hot shower available and beautiful views of the lake. You may also want to warm up your vocal chords for this evening…

Accommodation: Nomad Lodge yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: KAJI-SAI

It’s day five and you’ll be fully in the rhythm of the Kyrgyz countryside by now, living the life of a Kyrgyz nomad. The hustle and bustle of the West will feel like a different universe as you contemplate the dramatic countryside, miles away from any distraction.

After waking up in your yurt, it’s time to meet the eagle hunter and his trusted bird of prey, as you make your way to the village of Kadji-Sai. You’ll get the chance to experience this ancient hunting tradition firsthand before lunch, and a chance to mingle with a local family. Oh, and pack your swimsuit – there’s a pleasant surprise waiting afterward!

Continue your journey with a stop at Skazka Canyon, a name that means ‘fairytale’, and hints at how it’ll feel to walk in it. After wandering among whimsical rock formations, shaped by the eons, you may want to pinch yourself to confirm that this fairytale is real.

Before returning to camp, stop at Barskoon Gorge, where wildflowers dot the hillsides between sky-rising mountain peaks and rushing waters. Head-turning views wherever you look.

Accommodation: Nomad Lodge yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: KARAKOL

Continue nice and early along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul on your way to Karakol. Your first stop is Jety Oguz Gorge, where fiery red sandstone formations rise dramatically from the earth, framed by green valleys and towering mountain peaks. 

In multicultural Karakol, Kyrgyzstan’s fourth-largest city, it’s almost lunchtime. Get ready to step up and get in the kitchen – a local Uighur family’s kitchen, no less. The family is happy to invite you and your Patchies into their home for a lunch-slash-masterclass in cooking traditional Lagman noodles.

After check-in, you’ll find both the humble Dungan Mosque and impressively resilient wooden Russian Orthodox Church are on your list this afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel Amir (or similar), Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: CHARYN CANYON

This morning, the group heads directly to the Kazakh border. A new Stan stamp – or is that, Stanp? – in your passport, and you’re just getting started! Kazakhstan may be famous for its broad open spaces, but you’re starting in the gasp-worthy mountain region of the southeast – and the scenery on the way is a treat in itself.

First up, Charyn Canyon, also known as ‘Red Castles Valley’. It may have you wondering if you’ve ended up on Mars. If you’re up for a space walk, a three-kilometre path will lead you down to the river, the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

Then it’s back on the road towards Almaty. All in all, it’s been a road trip kind of day – so tonight, no plans beyond dinner in the city and a deep, comfortable sleep.

Accommodation: Hotel Reunion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunchbox, Dinner

DAY 8: ALMATY

Almaty is the cultural and business capital of Kazakhstan, and you can still feel its roots as the country’s former capital as you hit the wide, tree-lined streets this morning. Start your discoveries with a walk around the city, visiting Panfilov Park and the unique Zenkov Cathedral, a brightly-coloured contrast to the mountains behind it.

Pro tip: visit the Green Bazaar to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss out on an apple or two – Almaty means ‘the place with apples’, since it’s thought that apples originate from here.

The afternoon is yours to do as you wish – whether that’s hiding in your room for a nap (no judgement!), or staying out and about. Your guide can help you make the most of it, starting with the recommended Almaty Museum of Arts.

Accommodation: Hotel Reunion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: ISSYK LAKE AND THE GOLDEN MAN

You might think it’s possible to tire of pristine mountain lakes – but the Stans are up for the challenge, where no glittering view is like the next. Kazakhstan’s answer is the view from its snowy, mountain-ringed lake, set in a region that holds sacred burial sites for the Saka tribes. On the drive back from your lakeside morning, stop to visit the Golden Man in Esik, a warrior who dates to the 5th century BC.

All of this history may have you hungry (and a little thirsty, come to think of it). Slava Stolyar has everything you need. Slava and his family produce cheese and wine – and they make a mouth-watering, finish-the-whole-thing pizza you won’t want to miss. Nothing to do but sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Accommodation: Hotel Reunion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10: ARRIVING IN DUSHANBE

Fasten your seatbelt – it’s time for your next Stan! This afternoon’s flight from Almaty lands you in Dushanbe, where your local guide will be waiting right after touchdown. Freshen up at your hotel, then head out to the Independence Monument for a bird’s eye view over the city and beyond. (Don’t worry – this modern monument brings you up via a lift!)

End the day sharing local flavours with your Patchies at your first – but definitely not last – traditional Tajik dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11: A MOSAIC OF DUSHANBE MOMENTS

You’re just getting started exploring the wonders of Dushanbe. First appointment: a very important meeting. He’s 13 metres long and goes by the name of Buddha – a sleepy giant awaiting you at the Museum of Antiquities, surrounded by artefacts that pull you back to the history of the region’s first people.

A walk through Rudaki Park brings you to Ismail Samani – or his statue, anyway. He was a noted amir of the region (then known as Transoxiana) a thousand years before your time.

Next up, a contemporary addition to the city – Navruz Palace. Built in 2000, it was conceived of as a spectacular tea house, but the owners got carried away and ended up with a monument of total excess. Described by one person as ‘opulence gone wild’, it became the Presidential Palace of Tajikistan. But why simply admire it when you can chat with the mosaic artisan who helped create it? Ask the noted mosaic artist all about the meaning behind the mosaics, and the incredible skill and patience that go into this kind of architectural art.

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: DUSHANBE – ISKANDER KUL – PANJIKENT

It’s a road trip kind of morning, as winding roads past jagged peaks bring you deeper into the Tajik mountains. The drive itself is a highlight – and then you arrive at the lake to end all lakes.

At an altitude of 2,200 metres, Iskander Kul is named after Alexander the Great and widely considered the country’s most awe-inducing lake. It will have you light-headed for more reasons than one. Soak up the mountain scenery, or stretch those legs and take a short hike to a nearby waterfall. The pristine air will wake up your appetite for lunch (lakeside, of course).

In the afternoon, you’re back on the road, heading to Panjikent – the city of five villages.

Accommodation: Hotel Fariz (or similar), Panjikent, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: PANJIKENT – SEVEN LAKES – SAMARKAND

Channel your inner Silk Road caravanner this morning – it’s all bumpy roads on the way to the Seven Lakes. We won’t sugarcoat how turbulent this journey is; if you’re prone to car sickness, you might want to pop an anti-nausea tablet at breakfast. But we can promise this gnarly road is worth every jolt. As soon as you spot the lakes, each famous for its distinct colour, and get a whiff of that fresh mountain air, you’ll have forgotten all about the bumps – before you even sit down to a picnic lunch by the water.

It’s almost time to say goodbye to Tajikistan, but first, a pit stop at Sarazm. Founded in the 4th millennium BC, this outpost is thought to be the oldest settlement in Central Asia.

Your fourth country of the trip awaits. Cross the border into Uzbekistan as travellers have for thousands of years – on foot. Samarkand is your home for the next few nights.

Accommodation: Amira Boutique (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

PEELING BACK THE LAYERS OF HISTORY

Central Asia’s “Stan” countries reflect several overlapping historical layers, all still evident today. As key Silk Road hubs, cities like Samarkand and Bukhara developed a sophisticated, cosmopolitan Islamic culture shaped by trade, scholarship, and monumental architecture that still dominates historic city centres. Soviet rule reshaped cities with socialist planning, while pushing religion into private life. Since independence in the 1990s, Islamic monuments have been restored and national histories emphasised, but Soviet architecture still clearly shapes the modern cities. For visitors today, this creates a distinctive experience: ancient Islamic cities and traditional nomadic cultures, Soviet modernist landscapes, and contemporary capitals all in one, making Central Asia feel less like a single civilisation and more like a living historical crossroads

DAY 14: SAMARKAND

It’s easy to see why Samarkand is so revered by modern explorers. Conquered by both Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, this key trading post is dripping with history – and today you get to dive in with a local guide.

Kick off at Registan Square, the focal point of ancient Samarkand, framed by three madrassas, religious schools. From the closest close-up of each intricate tile to the zoomed-out view of its bright blue domes and patterned arches, every part of this square will have you asking your fellow Patchies, “Is this for real?”

Time to get your hands floury at a traditional tandoor oven. The secret to perfect Uzbek bread? You’ll have to earn it.

On to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture that can hold up to 10,000 worshippers, intricately carved and tiled from floor to towering ceiling. Then, lose yourself in the colourful stalls of Siyob Bazaar, where the region’s bounty may have you reconsidering the space in your suitcase.

Accommodation: Amira Boutique (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15: MYSTERY DAY

At Patch, we like to think that not every detail needs to be listed in an itinerary.

That’s why today is going to be a mystery day. Yes, there’ll be more exploration of Samarkand. You’ll see the most beautiful tilework in Uzbekistan. Later in the heart of the Old Town, you’ll be following your nose to a scrumptious occasion in a family home – we wont give away too much, but it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your cook-on!

Accommodation: Amira Boutique (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16: BUKHARA

Today, you’ll watch as Samarkand’s minarets disappear from sight. Zoom through the countryside on Uzbekistan’s comfy high-speed train to another Silk Road crown jewel, pulling into Bukhara’s station in just three hours.

Check in to your hotel, and rest up before heading out to see this wonder of Medieval Islamic architecture. Founded over 2,000 years ago, the intricate mosaics and carved stone are a feast for the eyes. Wander the alleyways as you uncover gem after gem, including the Poi Kalon complex and trading domes. Take a moment to let it all sink in.

The evening is yours to do your own way. If you’re after dinner options, the locals recommend breaking some Naan Bukhara (traditional bread) alongside steaming bowls of Dal Bukhara – maybe with some of your Patchies?

Accommodation: Komil Boutique Hotel (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 17: A MINIATURE ADVENTURE IN BUKHARA

After breakfast, you’ll visit Ark Citadel, Bukhara’s original fortress and a symbol of power, quite possibly more than 2,000 years old. Essentially a city within a city, it’s a morning well spent.

This afternoon, the group is treated to a private, close-up viewing of art galore inside the studio of Davlat Toshev. Make a big memory from miniature art with this bring-your-magnifying-glass visit – Davlat has been perfecting his craft for decades, working this painstaking artform on homemade paper, much like Bukharian artisans have for centuries. A miniature memory to take with you before you leave Uzbekistan tomorrow.

Accommodation: Komil Boutique Hotel (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18: TURKMENABAD AND MARY

It’s a long travel day – make sure you’re stocked up on snacks, maybe an audiobook, and definitely patience.

The border crossing into Turkmenistan is only about 500 metres on foot, but the paperwork process? Well, that takes as long as it takes. With a new passport stamp in hand, you and your fellow Patchies will meet your Turkmen guide and head off toward Mary. It’s the final leg of a long day, but the reward waiting at the end – putting your bags down and getting a good night’s rest – will be very welcome indeed.

Accommodation: Hotel Mary (or similar), Mary, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 19: ANCIENT MERV

Head into Ancient Merv, where ancient mosques, mausoleums and fortresses huddle together like a clay snapshot of the past against the vast Turkmen landscape. Standing proud on the UNESCO list, Merv is actually the oldest and best-preserved of all the oasis cities along the Silk Road – the structures here have been standing for over 4,000 years. Exploring them, you won’t be able to resist wondering what secrets these walls could spill if they talked. So this is why it’s called the Pearl of the Seljuk Empire…

In the evening, you’ll transfer to Ashgabat, where you can unwind and drift off dreaming of clay buildings, minaret spires, and billions of stars in the Turkmenistan sky.

Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 20: ASHGABAT

Ashgabat awaits, ready to blind you with its brightness. Dig into the country’s history with a morning at the National Museum of History, then head to the Art Bazaar before lunch, a chance to meet a prominent local artisan and get straight-from-the-heart insights into the arts and crafts of Turkmenistan.

After dinner, the white marble city reveals itself in a whole new light. A night drive through modern Ashgabat takes in its most audacious monuments, illuminated against the dark sky: the Monument of the Gigantic Book ‘Ruhnama’, the Monument of Constitution, and the iconic Monument of Neutrality, to name a few. Is that a gigantic book you see?

Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 21: OLD NISA FORTRESS

Fill up at breakfast, because today is a full-on adventure through Turkmen history. A venture out of the city takes you to the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa Fortress at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. As you wander around this pentagon-shaped wonder, you’ll feel the Parthian Empire come to life around you. Can you believe this place is over 2,000 years old?

Lunch today will be entirely up to you – but there’s a catch. First, you’ll need to crack the secrets of traditional Turkmen cooking. Imagine the dinner parties you’ll be able to throw when you get home!

A stop in the desert village of Kuipchak may seem all traditional and rural, but it’s also home to the marble and gold ‘Spiritual’ Mosque, one of the biggest in Central Asia.

Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 22: ASHGABAT – DASHOGUZ – KHIVA

Another day of travel, good food, and more Stans-hopping.

Fly from Ashgabat into Dashoguz in the morning, then enjoy a farewell Turkmen lunch before crossing back into Uzbekistan – your final border crossing – and heading southeast towards Khiva.

Your day ends with a well-earned dinner on a patio overlooking the city. As the sun sets over Khiva, painting the clay buildings a magical orange glow, it’ll be hard to decide what’s the bigger treat – the view or the food.

Accommodation: Hotel Bankir (or similar), Khiva, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 23: KHIVA

Khiva is considered an open-air museum, and it’s easy to see why. A labyrinth of alleyways, blue mosaics, and historic buildings, this UNESCO destination is brimming with Silk Road character. We think you’ll love it.

The absolute gem is the walled-in old town, Ichan-Kala. Like stepping into a hidden world, you’ll uncover historic monuments and old houses dating back hundreds of years. Follow your guide through one of the towering gates to discover explosions of colour, commerce, and the show-stopping Kalta-minor Minaret. A stroll atop the citadel walls lets you look at the myriad of activity below, making it easy to imagine walking these narrow streets centuries ago.

Worth noting: for all its beauty and calm, the Khiva of old was a local slave market hub – a reminder that the Silk Road may feel magical today, but it hides many skeletons in its shadows. On a lighter note, the locals believe that Shem, son of Noah, founded the city.

Dinner’s your call – a sit-down affair, or hunting down local street food on your evening stroll. If you and the girls are up for a nightcap, make a toast to your Five Stans adventure with a local Khiva vodka, a holdover from Russian occupation.

Accommodation: Hotel Bankir (or similar), Khiva, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 24: TASHKENT

In the morning, you’ll say xayr to Khiva and fly towards Tashkent, your final destination on this adventure. But don’t worry, it’s not time for the farewell blues just yet. Check into your hotel, and you’ll quickly see that this city has plenty left to show you.

This afternoon, ease into the epic finale with a stroll through the heart of the city. From the massive Independence Square – alive with fountains and locals going about their day – via the artsy spirit of Tashkent’s Broadway, to the iconic Amir Temur Square, where a towering statue of the conqueror himself stands guard. This city knows how to make an impression.

Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 25: TASHKENT

After a huge earthquake in 1966, Tashkent was rebuilt in the Soviet style, designed to be a reflection of the best of Soviet town planning and architecture. Not all buildings were ruined in the quake, and the contrast between the Soviet style and older, Islamic traditions makes Tashkent a curious – and picture-worthy – marvel, as you will see today.

You’ll wander the Khast Imam Complex in Tashkent’s old town, home of one of the oldest Qurans in existence. And you’ll see that what’s been built right next door is quite a sight. We’ll leave it at that. Then, hop on the famous-for-a-reason Tashkent Metro. If you thought metro stations had to be dirty and boring, think again! You’ll pop up at the famous Chorsu Bazaar, which almost resembles a giant turquoise tortoise – head inside the shell to reveal what lies beneath: oodles of stalls selling everything from mushrooms to textiles.

Tonight is your farewell dinner with your Patchies – the perfect occasion to reflect on highlights, laugh at pictures, and share favourite moments over a sumptuous spread of Central Asian must-eats. What a way to end an adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 26: FAREWELL, FRIENDS

Can you believe it’s already time to say goodbye? For three weeks you’ve followed in the footsteps of history, travelled through five Central Asian countries, slept in a yurt and seen mountains, madrassas and metros that most would only dare to find in their dreams. And, just like Marco Polo, you are now an official veteran traveller of the Silk Road.

This is your last chance to swap emails and phone numbers with your Patchies and grab a hug or two. There’s nothing like travel to bond you for life and this is certainly a trip for the books! With the Silk Road under your belt, who knows where you’ll head off to next?

Included: Breakfast