26-Day Silk Road & The 5 Stans Adventure Dep Tashkent
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
They may be neighbours, but you’ll love how Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are all delightfully set apart by their cultures and landscapes..
Dive deep into two thousand years of Stan history, through Silk Road Old Towns, history and art museums – and even a horseback game! – while also meeting today’s countries through local bazaars, residents, and nature retreats.
From cooking in local family homes to helping build yurts and making traditional carpets, this trip has you learning by doing at every turn..
This trip is a meaty 26 days, so we’ve designed the itinerary to be a maximum-enjoyment balance of structured experiences and free time to follow your own adventurous nose. .
From Kyrgyz yurts and cosy Tajik community guesthouses to four-star, spa-and-crisp-sheets hotels, even your sleep schedule will be eventful on this trip.
Note: Tashkent to Bishkek departures run in the northern hemisphere’s spring. We have Bishkek to Tashkent departures that run in reverse in the autumn time and take you through the 5 Stans.
Trip Details
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$3,361 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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$3,361 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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$3,361 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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$3,424 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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$3,424 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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$3,424 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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Details
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 6 spots.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
26 days, 25 nights
Meeting point
Hotel Inspira S, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Ending point
B Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Meals: 25 Breakfasts, 25 lunches, 25 Dinners
- Private vehicle transportation, 1 train journey
- Domestic flights: Dushanbe-Almaty
- 23 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- 2 nights yurt camp stay
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities, and entrance fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
DAY 1: TASHKENT
All amazing adventures begin somewhere, and for you, that’s Tashkent, Uzbekistan. A welcoming face will greet you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel – now that’s arriving in style!
Ease into the epic adventure ahead with a gentle walk through the heart of the city. From the massive Independence Square, via the artsy spirit of Tashkent’s Broadway, to the iconic Amir Temur Square, this stroll gives you a sense of the city’s character and its people. After lunch, explore the rich collection of decorative arts and traditional design at the Museum of Applied Arts. Then, hop on the famous-for-a-reason Tashkent Metro. If you thought metro stations had to be dirty and boring, think again!
In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner featuring local flavours and a chance to chat with the other Patchies, a relaxed and delicious start to what promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Included: Lunch and Dinner
DAY 2: TASHKENT CITY TOUR
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 buzz through the energy of the Chorsu Bazaar. In the city’s craftsmen area, you’ll meet a local artisan family and, after learning the inner workings of their ceramics business, you’ll even get the chance to try your hand at a few techniques during a pottery masterclass.
An early dinner rounds off the day, ahead of tomorrow’s early morning flight. Time to get your zzzs in!
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: KHIVA
It’s an early start today as you head out to catch a 7:00 am flight to Nukus. Nukus isn’t on typical travellers’ radars, and its remoteness and once Soviet-spy intrigue will have you enthralled! First stop: the Savitsky Museum. Here you can see works by avant-garde artists purged by Stalin in the 1930s, hidden for years right under the collective nose of the KGB!
After lunch, settle in for a longish drive to Khiva, or as it may turn out, a chance to get to know some of your fellow Patchies better. Drop off your bags at the hotel and continue the conversation at dinner: a relaxed meal on a patio, with the sun setting over the storied skyline of Khiva’s old town. Perhaps you’re already making fast friends in this group of out-of-the-ordinary travellers (and if not, you have plenty of time left!).
Accommodation: Farohat Ona (or similar), Khiva, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: KHIVA CITY TOUR
Yesterday you got a hint of the oasis that is Khiva. Today you’ll explore it fully, and we think you’ll love it! A labyrinth of alleyways, blue mosaics, and historic buildings, this UNESCO destination is brimming with Silk Road character.
The absolute gem of Khiva is its 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 uncover 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 what it would be like to walk these narrow streets hundreds of years ago.
Now that you know the lay of the land, the afternoon is yours to do as you wish… maybe sipping tea in the shade of the minaret or hunting down handmade souvenirs, before dinner calls.
Accommodation: Farohat Ona (or similar), Khiva, 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 emphasiaed, 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 5: TO TURKMENISTAN
Jump out of bed early this morning – you’re on your way to Turkmenistan! While it’s not much more than an hour to the border and the crossing is only about 500 metres on foot, the paperwork process, on the other hand – well, that takes as long as it takes, so be sure to pack your patience, too!
With a new passport stamp, you and your leader will meet your Turkmen guide and driver to head into Dashgouz. T Let your guide show you the Soviet-era architecture and ancient folk traditions, – before it’s time for a quick flight to Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat. Five days in, two countries down, and you have so much more left to see!
Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: OLD NISA FORTRESS
Fill up at breakfast, because today is a full-on adventure through Turkmen history! First on the list? The stunning Old Nisa fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 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?
Then, make your way to the Gokdepe Horse Farm to get up close to the elegant Akhal Teke horses – the pride of Turkmenistan – and find out why this ancient breed are literally golden horses.
By now, your tummy may be rumbling, so it’s time to sample some weird and wonderful Turkmen dishes, made by a surprise chef. Returning to Ashgabat, get your first proper look at the white marble city, weaving through some of the most iconic monuments in town. Is that a gigantic book you see?
Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: ASHGABAT
Ashgabat awaits this morning, ready to blind you with its brightness. Dig into the country’s history with a morning at the National Museum of History, before letting your feet lead the way on a guided stroll – the ultimate way to get to know this city. Explore its best and quirky bits, marvelling at the audacious architecture of the city as you pinball between monuments, markets, and the appropriately named Park of Inspiration.
One experience you can only have here is visiting the Ministry of Carpets and the Carpet Museum, where this important tradition gets its dues. Not to mention it has the world’s largest handmade carpet!
If your feet aren’t all walked out by afternoon, make the most of your free time to visit the Art Bazaar and meet with a prominent local artisan, who can give you straight-from-the-heart insight into Turkmen arts.
Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: ANCIENT MERV AND MARY
Today you’re heading East, down the New Highway. It’s a four-hour drive to Mary, where Ancient Merv lies – and it’s not your average ruin. 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!
Sometimes forgotten next to the marvel of Merv, the town of Mary offers a few under-the-radar insights into Turkmen culture and art. Like the local painter who will show you his work, or the Russian Orthodox church, tall and hauntingly beautiful. You might use your free afternoon to let it tell you a tale of Mary’s multi-faith background – or just grab a drink at the hotel bar and chat through the trip so far with your fellow Patchies.
Accommodation: Hotel Margush (or similar), Mary, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: BUKHARA, HERE WE COME!
It’s time to wave goodbye to Turkmenistan (and your Turkmen guide) and say hello-again to Uzbekistan – and you’re in luck! A new highway just opened up, making the drive faster and smoother than ever. Can you believe it’s only day nine and you’re already taking the border crossings in stride?
Reaching today’s destination, Bukhara, does take most of the day, and you’re not the only one making your way there. The major cities of the Silk Road are quite popular, and for good reason! We’ve timed your visits to give you the must-sees without the crowds where possible, but you may find your jaw dropping next to someone else’s wide eyes from time to time.
You’ll arrive just in time to check into your boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of the historic district, before it’s time for dinner in the Old Town. Did anyone book the magic carpet for pickup?
Accommodation: Hotel Kavsar (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: BUKHARA CITY TOUR
Bukhara is one of the crown jewels of the Silk Road. A UNESCO-listed city, it offers unending chances to zigzag through backstreets, shop like locals at the bazaars and gaze at historical monuments. Today, you’ll view famous landmarks such as the Samanid Mausoleum (one of the most important monuments in Central Asia) and the Bolo Hauz Mosque.
Next, an absolute highlight that may make you wonder whether you’re actually there or dreaming: the Poikalon Complex with the Kalon Mosque, Minaret and the Mir-i-Arab Madrassah. Nothing like 900 years of intricate architecture (and what was once the world’s tallest, free-standing tower) to make you feel small!
After dinner, you’ll meet Dr Makhsuma Niyazova, a local historian and archaeologist. In a peaceful courtyard, she’ll share insights into the rituals and history of this ancient Silk Road city, as well as her experiences as a professional woman in modern Uzbekistan. Feel free to ask her anything – about history, culture, or her personal journey.
Accommodation: Hotel Kavsar (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: BUKHARA TO SAMARKAND
After breakfast today you’ll visit Ark Citadel – Bukhara’s original fortress and a symbol of power – quite possibly more than 2,000 years old. Before lunch, make a big memory from miniature art, with a bring-your-magnifying-glass visit to the studio of Davlat Toshev, a master of the miniature painting style that Bukharians have developed over centuries.
In the afternoon, you hitch a ride on the comfy high-speed train to Samarkand and arrive in plenty of time for dinner in the city. You and your fellow Patchies are treated to quite the entrance to this melting-pot-jewel. On the way back from dinner, catch your first glimpse of the infamous Registan Square and watch past and future collide in a spectacle of lights against the backdrop of its ancient walls.
Settle in now, because Samarkand is your home for the next 2 nights!
Accommodation: Kok Saroy Plaza (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: SAMARKAND CITY TOUR
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.
First up: return to Registan Square. This focal point of ancient Samarkand is framed by three madrassas – religious schools – just as magnificent in daylight as during last night’s light show. 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, “Do you believe this?”
But the impressions don’t stop there, as your local guide continues guiding you around town, from the leafy shade of mosque courtyards to the colourful stands of the Siab Bazaar, where the region’s bounty may have you reconsidering the space in your suitcase. You’ll also see the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timus, the nomadic conqueror who made Samarkand his capital.
Accommodation: Kok Saroy Plaza (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: 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 will be more exploration of Samarkand. Yes, you’ll see some of the most beautiful tilework in Uzbekistan. And while we don’t want to give away too much else, we can tell you that you’ll also follow your nose to a scrumptious occasion in a family home in the Old Town – but to get invited, you’ll have to be prepared to roll up your sleeves!
Accommodation: Kok Saroy Plaza (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: SAMARKAND TO PANJIKENT
Your time in Uzbekistan may be over, but that only means one thing: another Stan awaits!
This morning, your group will drive to the border of Tajikistan – a country that has been described as ‘mountains upon mountains upon mountains’; you simply will not forget this! But first, you’ll need to cross the border on foot and on the other side, your specialist Tajik guide will be waiting for you!
Spend your day exploring World Heritage ruins that date back to the Bronze Age, then take a bumpy ride into the mountains to explore the area of the Seven Lakes, a lakeside spot whose eye-catching views you’ll not be forgetting anytime soon.
It’s been a long day, so this evening will be relatively relaxed. Unwind over dinner with the other Patchies and take a moment to send some photos to friends and family – did you manage to capture the turquoise colour of the lake?
Accommodation: Fariz Hotel (or similar), Panjikent, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunchbox, Dinner
Day 15: ISKANDER KUL TO DUSHANBE
Didn’t get enough mind-melting mountain lake views yesterday? Don’t worry, today promises to knock your socks off! It’s a road trip kind of morning, as winding roads past jagged peaks bring you deep into the Fann mountains to a lake named after Alexander the Great. At an altitude of 2,200 metres – and its renown as the country’s most awe-inducing lake – Iskander Kul 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 (lake-side, of course). Then it’s back on the road to reach Dushanbe in time to check into your hotel before heading out for dinner. What a day!
Accommodation: Hotel Rumi (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16: DUSHANBE CITY TOUR
Can you believe it’s already Day 16? Time plays by different rules on the Silk Road. First up for today: a visit to the National Museum of Antiquities with its enormous Sleeping Buddha.
The highlight for the morning is perhaps the stop at Navruz Palace. 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.
This afternoon is all things new. First, the Central Mosque of Dushanbe, in all its shiny, just-built grandeur, awaits your visit. Then it’s onto the top of the newly unveiled Independence Monument for rewarding views of the city and beyond (but don’t worry, this modern monument brings you up via elevator!).
Accommodation: Hotel Rumi (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17: FLIGHT TO ALMATY
As you fly out of Tajikistan, you’ll have full appreciation for the country’s rapidly growing fame for its magnificent mountain scenery. Aren’t you glad you saw it before more people caught on?
Since your flight to Almaty doesn’t depart until the early afternoon, you have a chance to squeeze the last thrill out of Dushanbe today. A visit to the market is a great opportunity to buy some dried fruits or souvenirs – or just attempt a chat with the mingling locals.
After this, it’s time to fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the next chapter of your journey, and a new Stan stamp (or is that, Stanp?) in your passport. The book is filling up quickly!
Accommodation: Hotel Renion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: 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 boasts the snowy mountain-ringed Issyk Lake, in a region that holds sacred burial sites for the Saka tribes. On your drive back from your lakeside morning, visit the Golden Man in Esik, 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 to sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Accommodation: Hotel Renion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19: ALMATY CITY TOUR
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.
Today is a more relaxed day, giving you the afternoon to rest, shop, or explore the city at your own pace. A pro tip is to 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! Bring the treats you to enjoy this evening after you’ve scaled Kok Tobe Hill. These stunning city views cap your day the right way!
Accommodation: Hotel Renion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20: CHARYN CANYON
Kazakhstan is famous for its broad open land, but today you’ll be travelling in the mountain region of the Southeast. It’s a big road trip day, through unexpected scenery and wild rock formations.
The highlight for the day is a stop at Charyn Canyon. Also known as ‘Red Castles Valley’, it may have you wondering if you ended up on Mars. If you’re up for a space walk, a 3-km path will lead you down to the river, the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
Then it’s time to hit the road again, driving through the Kazakh steppe eastward to the border with Kyrgyzstan. Your visit to Kazakhstan has been short but sweet (and packed!), but this gives you the chance to see one more Stan, and trust us, your adventure wouldn’t be complete without it. After a long day on the road, tonight’s dinner and a good night’s sleep will probably be more than welcome.
Accommodation: Hotel 78 (or similar), Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
DAY 21: KARAKOL TO TAMGA
Your visit to Karakol is short and intense, like a firework of its most interesting spots. As the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, it immediately greets you with its multicultural air, and both the humble Dungan Mosque and impressively resilient wooden Russian Orthodox Church are on your list this morning.
If you’re feeling hungry, get ready to step up and get in the kitchen – a local Uighur family’s kitchen, no less. The family will be happy to invite you into their home for a lunch-slash-masterclass in cooking traditional Lagman noodles.
Let lunch – and the experience of newfound friends – sink in as you travel along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga, passing the Jety Oguz Gorge, where fiery sandstone rises from the earth. Tonight, you and your Patchies will camp in a yurt camp by the lake. It’s a rustic, outdoor-toilet kind of living, but the campfire surprise in the evening is more than worth it.
Accommodation: Nomad Lodge Yurt Camp(one toilet and shower per yurt, outside), Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 22: TAMGA REGION
Many consider Kyrgyzstan to be the Stan with the strongest cultural connection to its past. A large percentage of Kyrgyz people are nomadic, living in yurts under open skies, and for these few days, you can place yourself in their shoes (albeit with a hot shower mod con).
After waking up in your yurt, wander the nomads’ paths in Barskoon Gorge, taking in the diverse flora between sky-rising mountain peaks and rushing waters. Try a short hike in the Skazka Canyons – a name which means ‘fairytale’ and which hints at how it’ll feel to walk in it. After a day among whimsical rock formations, shaped by the eons, the magic lingers tthis afternoon through a meeting with an eagle hunter and his trusted bird of prey. Later, resting by the beach – maybe going for a soak before dinner? – you may want to pinch yourself to confirm that this fairytale is real.
Accommodation: Nomad Lodge Yurt Camp(one toilet and shower per yurt, outside), Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
DAY 23: FELT CARPETS OF KOCHKOR
Indigenous arts flourish in Kochkor, famous for its Kyrgyz felt carpets – or ‘shyrdaks’. Today you get to go beyond just looking at these carpets from the outside, as you meet the artisans behind the craft at a local women’s cooperative. First, learn how these special carpets are made, imbued with traditional Kyrgyz patterns, symbols, colouring and sewing techniques. The women will insist that you make your own unique shyrdak to take home – talk about a one-of-a-kind souvenir!
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. Lunch today is a picnic, and we’re sure you’re going to love the views at this roadside spot.
Dinner and overnight at a family guesthouse, with some local stories to boot. This really is a day for getting to know the Kyrgyz people!
Accommodation: Nomad Lodge Hotel (or similar), Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 24: BURANA & BISHKEK
It’s now day 24 of your Silk Road trip and today is the final day in the Kyrgyz countryside, as you make your way towards Bishkek. A must-stop on the way is the medieval Burana Tower. This structure rising out of the field is the last remnant of the historic Silk Road city of Balasagun, once the capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire.
After lunching with a local family near Burana, you’re off to see a centuries-old tradition of skilled sports’ horsemanship, in 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 with them.
Accommodation: B Hotel (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 25: BISHKEK
Come sit down with a local woman in her workshop this morning, to produce an intricate silk scarf of your own. Then, head out into the streets of Bishkek – your final city and a great way to finish this expansive journey. Take on a walking exploration of the local highlights and stroll around the greenery of Bishkek’s boulevards and parks. By now you know how Central Asia loves their monument-filled squares and impressive boulevards! (And don’t worry, we’ve saved you time for some last-minute shopping too.)
And then at last, the moment you thought (hoped?) would not come: it’s time for a farewell dinner with the group. It’s been an epic trip, and what better way to celebrate it than with a sumptuous dinner full of Central Asian must-eats, while reflecting on highlights, laughing at pictures, and sharing favourite moments with your fellow Patchies? This’ll be one for the books!
Accommodation: B Hotel (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 26: FAREWELL, FRIENDS
Kyrgyz yurts. Kazakh steppes. Turkmen curiosity. Tajik mountains. Uzbek history. You’ve lived it for yourself and now have dozens of stories to tell. You will have witnessed each country’s precious culture, rich history and unique heritage.
And, just like Marco Polo, you are now an official veteran traveller of the Silk Road.
There will probably be many hugs (and some tears) as you say goodbye to your fellow travellers. Don’t forget to exchange email addresses and Whatsapp numbers – if you find yourself planning a future trip together, it wouldn’t be the first time for a Patchie crew!
Don’t feel ready to say goodbye to Bishkek? Just let us know, and we’ll sneak in an extension of your visit. The Silk Road lies behind you… What lies ahead?
Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport.
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD : USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of:
- 2026 – 1 AUD : 0.64 USD
- 2027 – 1 AUD : 0.70 USD
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There’s no specific exercise planned for this trip, but there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include city and countryside walks on uneven and undulating ground, as well as getting on and off various forms of transport.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not currently require a visa to visit any of the ‘Stan’ countries included in this itinerary—with the exception of Turkmenistan.
All travelers require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. We will provide you with an approved invitation letter, which you must print and bring with you. This letter ensures your visa will be issued on arrival at the land border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
At the border, simply present the invitation letter and pay a visa fee of $110 USD. Please ensure you have clean, crisp, and unmarked USD bills, as wrinkled or written-on notes may be rejected.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf. On this trip you’ll visit four different countries with independent currencies, so for the sake of ease, we ask that you provide the amount in USD.
For your Silk Road adventure, we ask your contribution be:
$ 200 USD given to your tour leader on Day 1
The Kitty will be managed by your tour leader and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and local guides.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your tour leader. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines: $70 to $100 USD.
This trip begins in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and ends in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. We recommend that you fly into Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. The most convenient departure airport is Bishkek Manas International Airport. Both transfers – on arrival and on departure are included in your price.
We recommend flying through Dubai, both for arriving to Tashkent and leaving Bishkek. If you join the Iran trip, you’ll need to organize flights to Tehran.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier is recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
Don’t try to bring local money. If you want to bring cash, don’t bring AUD; USD is preferred.
Our guide will assist you to change money while on the ground. In all major cities, there are ATMs where you can easily take money out! The exceptions is Tajikistan, but you’ll have ample opportunity to get cash before entering.
We’ll regularly communicate with you to let you know when you’re headed into an area without much money available.
There’s no need to wear a hijab, but women are expected to cover their hair when entering mosques. Please bring a lightweight scarf that you can loosely drape over your head on those occasions.
We also recommend dressing modestly in general—covering shoulders and knees is a good guideline. Turkmenistan tends to be more conservative than the other countries on the itinerary, so a bit of extra care is advised there.
Some days do involve long stretches of driving and you need to be the kind of person who enjoys road trips. Any such necessary long drives are offset by photo stops, picnic lunches, roadside pitstops, tea/coffee breaks, and of course seeing points of interest, leg-stretching walks.
Private transport, specifically designed for Central Asia-like conditions, will be our primary mode of travel. Our vehicles are comfortable, well-maintained, and not prone to breaking down. Our hand-picked local drivers are safe, experienced, and friendly.
You’re visiting the Stans at an ideal time of year, with warm days and cool evenings. That said, temperatures can occasionally climb above 30°C, so be prepared with lightweight layers. Rain showers are also possible, so please pack accordingly.
On long driving days, we recommend wearing long-sleeved blouses and pants for added comfort. For cooler mornings and evenings, bring at least one warm jacket or sweater, as well as a lighter layer.
Comfortable hiking shoes are perfectly suitable—there’s no need for heavy boots. While modest dress is generally encouraged, feel free to wear whatever you’re comfortable in on hiking days.
YES! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets no problems, or any variation of the above. Just let us know in advance. Note: this food is often very simple and may get repetitive. We cannot cater for those with severe nut allergies. Any other medical conditions get in touch.
