October 9 to 19, 2027

$6,199 CAD

Price per person land only: $6,199 CAD based on two sharing and a minimum of 10 passengers (Limited to a maximum of 12). Single supplement $2,099 CAD (subject to availability, up to a maximum of 7). Hold your space with a $600 CAD non-refundable deposit.

Not included: Personal expenses, airfare and taxes, airport transfer on departure, meals not specified, and gratuities.

Tour Details

Join Cathy on an unforgettable journey along the ancient Silk Road, tracing its path through the heart of Central Asia where sweeping landscapes and centuries-old traditions collide. Travel through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, discovering a region where nomadic heritage continues to shape everyday life. Share home-cooked meals with Kyrgyz and Cossack families, explore surreal natural wonders like the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and the towering cliffs of Charyn Canyon, and connect with locals whose stories bring the past vividly to life. With National Geographic Journeys, experience this remote crossroads of cultures through immersive encounters, expert insight, and unforgettable moments that reveal the true spirit of the Silk Road.

A note about travel conditions and fitness:
This journey takes us far from the usual tourist routes into remote and culturally rich regions of Central Asia. Because of this, travel conditions can be more challenging and some days will involve longer drives and walking in uneven or undeveloped areas. This tour is best suited to curious, experienced travellers who are comfortable with flexibility and who have a moderate level of fitness, slightly higher than what is required for many of our other tours.


Contact Us To Book Now!
Phone: (250)480-0008 or Toll free: 866-544-0008
E-Mail: info@nichetravel.ca


Your Package Includes:

  • 12 Nights’ Accommodation in a Shared Room
  • Meals as Indicated (12 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners)
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival
  • Private Vehicle Transport and Sightseeing as per Itinerary
  • All Transportation to/from Included Activities
  • Internal Flights

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW

Itinerary:

Friday, October 9 | Arrive Bishkek

Arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. An arrival transfer is included, allowing you to settle in comfortably. The remainder of the day is free to rest or begin soaking in the atmosphere of this leafy, wide-boulevard city at your own pace. (B)


Saturday, October 10 | Bishkek

After breakfast, explore Bishkek on a guided walking tour, discovering its Soviet-era architecture, green parks, and lively public spaces. Visit the National History Museum to gain insight into Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic roots and modern identity. The afternoon is free to explore independently, or choose to visit nearby Ala Archa National Park for a scenic hike through alpine landscapes.

This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner hosted by a local Kyrgyz family, offering a warm introduction to regional hospitality, customs, and daily life. (B, D)


Sunday, October 11 | Bishkek – Issyk Kul

Step back in time at the Burana Tower, a striking remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Continue to Iskra Village for a special lunch with a Dungan family, descendants of Chinese Muslims who settled in Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century. Share a home-cooked meal while learning about their traditions, dress, and cultural heritage.

Travel onward along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to visit the Cholpan Ata Petroglyphs. Guided by a local historian, explore rock carvings dating back over 3,500 years, depicting animals, hunters, and chariots that offer a powerful glimpse into early Turkic life. (B, L)


Monday, October 12 | Issyk Kul – Karakol

Begin the day at Reina Kench Farm, a family-run operation dedicated to preserving Kyrgyz nomadic traditions and ancient horse-breeding practices. Learn how the land and animals have shaped their way of life across generations.

Continue to Karakol, where a guided tour introduces the city’s unique cultural blend. Visit the colourful Dungan Mosque, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Przhevalsky Museum, each reflecting the region’s layered history. (B)


Tuesday, October 13 | Karakol

This morning, visit Ak Orgoo, an organization where locals preserve and teach the traditional craft of yurt building. Enjoy a homemade lunch before heading to the dramatic red rock formations of Jety-Oguz. Take a scenic hike to the Broken Heart, a site steeped in legend and surrounded by alpine scenery.

In the evening, share dinner with a local Cossack family, learning about their ancestry, customs, and resilience through conversation and shared food. (B, L, D)


Wednesday, October 14 | Karakol – Saty

After breakfast, cross the border into Kazakhstan and journey through wide-open steppe and mountain landscapes. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch at Black Canyon before arriving in the village of Saty.

Later, travel by 4×4 to the surreal Kaindy Lake, where submerged spruce trees rise eerily from the turquoise water. Enjoy time to explore this unforgettable natural wonder. Dinner this evening is hosted by a local family, offering insight into rural Kazakh life. (B, L, D)


Thursday, October 15 | Saty – Almaty

Visit the spectacular Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” Walk among towering red rock formations shaped by wind and water over millions of years, creating a landscape that feels both otherworldly and monumental.

Continue on to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital. Enjoy an orientation walk before spending the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)


Friday, October 16 | Almaty

Discover Almaty on a guided city tour, beginning at Republic Square and continuing to Panfilov Park and the striking Ascension Cathedral, built entirely of wood. Immerse yourself in daily life at the vibrant Zeleny Bazaar, filled with spices, produce, and local specialties.

The afternoon is free to explore independently. This evening, enjoy dinner accompanied by a local cultural performance. (B, D)


Saturday, October 17 | Almaty – Dushanbe

Fly to Dushanbe, the green and gracious capital of Tajikistan. Shaped by centuries of Silk Road exchange and Persian influence, the city offers grand boulevards, colourful markets, and Soviet-era monuments.

After some time to orient yourself, enjoy dinner alongside a traditional folklore performance. (B, D)


Sunday, October 18 | Dushanbe

Explore Dushanbe on a guided city tour, starting at Somoni Square and continuing to the beautifully ornate Navruz Palace. Visit the city’s largest mosque before enjoying lunch featuring plov, Tajikistan’s beloved national dish.

In the afternoon, travel beyond the city to Hisor Fortress, a former Silk Road resting place with ancient gates and stone walls that echo centuries of history. (B, L)


Monday, October 19 | Dushanbe

Begin the day at the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, where a local archaeologist leads a special guided visit focused on the region’s ancient civilizations and the influence of Buddhism along the Silk Road.

Later, visit a local Tajik home for a hands-on bread-making experience, learning to prepare “non,” the traditional round flatbread central to Tajik cuisine and hospitality. (B)


Tuesday, October 20 | Dushanbe – Tashkent

Fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. This afternoon, explore the city’s Soviet legacy on a guided tour, including the ornate underground metro stations, Kosmonaut Square, and architectural landmarks such as the Uzbekistan Hotel.

Visit the Monument of Courage, commemorating the city’s rebuilding after a devastating earthquake. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey through Central Asia. (B, D)


Wednesday, October 21 | Depart Tashkent

Depart Tashkent at any time, bringing your Silk Road journey to a close with lasting memories of landscapes, cultures, and connections formed along the way. (B)