Uzbekistan · 11 days
Heart of the Silk Road
From £2,595 pp
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An 18-day small group journey across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — following Silk Road traders, nomads, and historic conquerors.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia, where ancient civilisations, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage come together. This 18-day small group adventure takes you across the five legendary 'Stans' — Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — following in the footsteps of Silk Road traders, nomads, and historic conquerors.
From the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater and the ancient ruins of Konye-Urgench to the fairy-tale cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, this journey covers Uzbekistan's most iconic UNESCO-listed sites.
Stand in awe before one of the most iconic ensembles of Islamic architecture, where three tiled madrasahs rise above a historic public square.
The fiery 'Door to Hell,' burning in the Karakum Desert since 1971.
Alpine lakes, vast valleys, and nomadic herder camps.
Sogdian ruins that reveal pre-Islamic Silk Road culture.
A vibrant city framed by snow-capped peaks — the journey's fitting finale.
Ashgabat, the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater and the ancient ruins of Konye-Urgench.
The UNESCO-listed Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.
The Sogdian ruins of Ancient Penjikent and the Fann mountains.
The dramatic Tien Shan Mountains and nomadic herder culture.
Conclude in Almaty, framed by snow-capped peaks.
Arrive in Ashgabat, the marble-clad capital of Turkmenistan. Private transfer to your hotel and an evening welcome briefing with your tour leader.
Overnight: Grand Turkmen Hotel or similar · Meals: Dinner
Full-day city tour including the National Museum, Independence Monument, and the ancient Parthian ruins of Nisa (UNESCO).
Overnight: Grand Turkmen Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive across the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater, known locally as the 'Door to Hell.' Camp overnight beside the crater and watch the flames light up the desert sky.
Overnight: Desert camp (yurts) · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, your tour concludes with a transfer to Almaty International Airport for your onward flight home.
All prices per person sharing. Deposit £350 to secure your place.
| Code | Start | End | Status | Price pp | Single supp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSR/060626 | Sat 6 Jun 2026 | Tue 23 Jun 2026 | Guaranteed | £3,575 | £420 | Book Now |
| LSR/050627 | Sat 5 Jun 2027 | Tue 22 Jun 2027 | Available | £3,575 | £420 | Book Now |
Day-by-day itinerary, accommodation details, packing list, climate data, a detailed map, and everything you need to decide whether this trip is right for you.
★★★★★"Guiding was very good throughout, hotels were well located. Samarkand blew me away. My third trip with UD — it won't be the last."
Veronica HinchliffeNorth Yorkshire, UK · Sept 2026
★★★★★"Brilliant from start to finish. Darvaza was the highlight and the small group made everything feel personal."
John GregoryEdinburgh, UK · Sept 2026
★★★★★"Beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, well paced considering the distances. Already looking at our next UD trip."
Neil & Sandra HarrisonNewcastle, UK · Oct 2026
★★★★★"Booked as a solo. Our guide was fantastic, the group of 10 gelled from day one. Recommend without hesitation."
Carol MatthewsToronto, Canada · Oct 2026
We can adapt this itinerary around your dates, pace and interests. Add longer stops in Bukhara, a yurt stay on Lake Aydarkul, or combine with Tajikistan's Pamir Highway.
Enquire about a Tailor-Made TripPulled from our destination briefing for Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asia region.
Season-by-season breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
Everything you need to know before you book.
Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and the others that deserve your time.