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8 Days Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Silk Road Tour
Tour Overview
On this 8-day Central Asian tour of the Silk Road, you will mainly visit two countries, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Firstly, arrive in Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to explore the landmarks, and then enjoy the natural beauty in Burabay National Park.
Take a flight to the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, where you will be guided to see some important historical sites. Stroll through the Registan Square in Samarkand, admire the ancient architecture of Bukhara, and experience Kazakh nomadic culture in Alma-Ata… In addition, visit vibrant bazaars, catch beautiful mountains, learn more about the legendary Silk Road.
Highlights of this tour
- See landmarks in Astana from Palace of Peace and Reconciliation to Hazrat Sultan Mosque.
- Enjoy Burabay National Park’s beautiful scenery and embrace the fresh air.
- Learn about Uzbekistan’s history at the museum and Independence Square.
- In Samarkand, admire architectural marvels like Gur-Emir Mausoleum and Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
- Experience Kazakh nomad culture and cuisine in a yurt.
- Visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen with beautiful scenery.
Basic Trip Information
Travel Route: Astana-Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara-Tashkent-Alma-Ata
Travel Length: 8 Days and 7 Nights
Tour Code:
Group Size: Only your family or group
Suitable for: Culture lovers, nature lovers
Departure: Any day you want
Your tour – quick look
Day 1-2 Astana Tour & Burabay National Park
Enjoy a half-day tour to explore the Astana’s landmarks, including Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Baiterek Monument, and Hazrat Sultan Mosque. Then take a day trip to Burabay National Park to relax.
Day 3-5 Astana to Tashkent Tour, Samarkand & Bukhara Tour
Take a morning flight to Tashkent to visit the State Museum of History and Independence Square. Hop a high-speed train to Samarkand to see Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, then explore Bukhara’s historic sites before returning to Tashkent via an overnight train.
Day 6-8 Alma-Ata Tour & Departure
Experience Kazakh nomadic culture, ride a cable car to Medeu Mountain, and visit Green Bazaar before concluding your journey in Alma-Ata.
Day-to-day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Astana
Explore Landmarks, Rich History, Stunning Architecture
Welcome to our 8-day Central Asian Silk Road tour. You will fly to Astana on your own, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the second largest financial center of the country (please arrive before 1:00 pm).
After meeting with the local tour guide and the driver, you will be led to visit Astana’s landmark building – the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation from the outside. This building was personally ordered by the President of Kazakhstan to be constructed as a venue for holding international regional leaders’ meetings.
Next, visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which has a rich collection of exhibits including clothing, jewelry, and various handicrafts. Through these precious displays, tourists can better understand the local history and culture.
You will spend about an hour walking along the Water-green Avenue, which is one of the main attractions in Astana. There are buildings designed by well-known domestic and foreign architects on both sides of the avenue. Afterward, visit the Tree of Life – Baiterek Monument, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Astana city.
The Hazrat Sultan Mosque is the largest mosque in Kazakhstan, capable of accommodating 5,000 to 10,000 people for worship. The last stop today is Khan Shatyr, which is a commercial and entertainment center known as the world’s largest tent. This super tent is made of special transparent materials that can absorb solar energy, allowing people to enjoy warm outdoor activities even in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in winter.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Meal: Lunch
Accommodation: in Astana
Day 2 Astana to Burabay National Park Tour
Experience Breathtaking Lakes, Lush Forests, Fresh Air
After breakfast, you will be taken to Burabay National Park, which takes about 3.5 hours by car. Burabay National Park, established in 2000, has a total area of 85,000 hectares. Due to its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, it is known as the ‘Switzerland of Kazakhstan’. This national park is located between mountains and lakes and is one of the famous vacation destinations in Kazakhstan.
In the park, the clear lakes, dense forests, and diverse mountain ranges are breathtaking. You can relax here and experience the fresh air of nature. In addition, there are over 80 amusement areas within the park, adding a lot of fun to your journey (optional, at your own expense).
Do you know that this used to be a health resort for former Soviet officials and astronauts, known as a natural oxygen bar. The dense red pine forest is rich in negative oxygen ions, which have good therapeutic effects on respiratory diseases such as the lungs and bronchi.
After a day of adventure, we will take you back to the hotel to rest.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Astana
Day 3 Astana to Tashkent Tour by Flight
Discover Rich History and Significant Squares
You need to wake up early today and take the morning flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It is one of the important commercial hubs on the ancient Silk Road. After arrival, a local guide and a driver will pick you up and begin your Uzbekistan tour at the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.
This museum is one of the largest museums in Central Asia, exhibiting rich collections from various fields such as archaeology, numismatics, and ethnology in Central Asia. The exhibits include stone carvings dating back to 2,000 BC to ward off evil spirits, bronze pots from the 5th and 6th centuries BC, pottery from the 4th and 5th centuries BC, coins and weapons from the 14th and 15th centuries and later periods.
Further your historical exploration to Independence Square, the most important square in Uzbekistan. It is a symbol of freedom and independence, as well as a place of hope, witnessing important moments in history. On the west side of the square is the Senate Building, on the east side is the Romanov Palace from the Tsarist era, and on the north side is the Crying Mother Monument.
Finally, visit Amir Timur Square and its surroundings. Built in the 19th century, there stands a majestic statue of Timur riding a horse in the center of the square. After the tour, you will be escorted to a local hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Tashkent
Day 4 Tashkent to Samarkand Tour by Bullet Train
Admire Majestic Mausoleums & Grand Mosques
After breakfast, take the high-speed train to Samarkand, the second largest city in Uzbekistan with a history of 2,600 years. As an important hub of the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand is known as the “shining pearl of the East” in ancient Arabic literature.
Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and transfer you to visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum. The tomb has an Arabic style spherical cone-shaped dome, surrounded by magnificent murals made of maroon bricks. The tomb door is intricately carved with stone and wood. The tour guide will explain the deeds of Timur to you.
On three sides of Registan Square stand the 15th century Ulugh Beg Madrasa, the 17th century Tilla-Kari Madrassah, and the 18th century Sher-Dor Madrasa.
After lunch, visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which was recognized as the most magnificent building in the East during the Timurid dynasty (15th – 16th century), with an outer diameter of 18 meters and a vertex height of 40 meters. The building is renowned for its magnificent double dome and captivating legend. After the visit, go to the hotel to check in.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Samarkand
Day 5 Samarkand to Bukhara Tour, Bukhara to Tashkent Tour by Overnight Train
Marvel at the Glorious Palaces, Ancient Minarets
Today your Central Asian tour in Uzbekistan continues, driving to Bukhara to visit the Sitora-i Mokhi Khosa. Founded in the 19th century, it was the luxurious summer palace of the ruler Emir at that time. In 1911, the 31 year old Emir inherited the throne of the Bukhara Khanate. During his study abroad in St. Petersburg, he was attracted by the grandeur of the Tsar’s Palace, and therefore the construction of the Summer Palace blended Russian style with classical elements of Bukhara Emirate architecture.
Next, we will go to Lyabi Hauz, a square built in 1620 with a pool as its center. There are a large number of mulberry trees planted around, which look lush and green. Some important historical buildings stand on the east, west, and north sides of the square, such as mosques and seminaries. And to the south, there are densely packed local residential buildings.
The Minaret Minorai Kalon is a well-known architectural monument in Bukhara, built in 1127 and standing 46.5 meters tall. It is higher than the entire city of Bukhara, and its entrance can be seen a few kilometers away from Bukhara. There are many neatly structured buildings around the minaret. The Mosque is located on the square in front of the minaret and is exquisitely built with blue bricks.
After the visit, take the overnight train back to Tashkent.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: on the Overnight Train
Day 6 Tashkent to Alma-Ata Tour by Flight
Stroll Around the Lively and Colorful Siab Bazaar
The local driver will pick you up at the train station and take you to breakfast. Then, you will be led by a tour guide to Siab Bazaar. This is a very lively and colorful main market, a great place for vegetarians and photography enthusiasts, as well as for silk and souvenir seekers.
Afterwards, take a flight to Alma-Ata and check into a hotel to rest upon arrival.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Alma-Ata
Day 7 Alma-Ata Tour
Experience Nomadic Culture and Breathtaking Mountain Views
This morning, you will be led to visit an Ethnic Cultural Village located 40 kilometers away from the city center. Here, you can experience the culture and traditional customs of Kazakhstan’s primitive nomadic peoples. Watch equestrian performances, horse dances, and other folk shows. Your lunch will be served with special pilaf and large plates of meat.
In the afternoon, head to Medeu Mountain. Take the cable car up the mountain to an altitude of 3,200 meters. The snow here never melts all year round, providing excellent skiing and ice skating facilities for tourists. On Mount Medeu, you can find the world’s largest ski resort. Whether you are a professional skiing enthusiast or a beginner, this place can meet your needs.
Next, go to Alma-Arasan Gorge. Taste Kazakh ethnic cuisine in a Kazakh yurt. Finally, head to Kok Tobe Hill and enjoy a panoramic view of Alma-Ata from the mountaintop.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Alma-Ata
Day 8 Departure from Alma-Ata
See Historic Monument and Bustling Bazaar
After breakfast, your Silk Road tour in Alma-Ata starts at the Monument of Independence, which was built in 1999. The monument is 28 meters high, with a 6-meter-high warrior standing on a winged snow leopard at the top. There are four statues around the foot of the monument representing the history and beautiful future of Kazakhstan.
Afterward, head to the Old Square, which was designed in 1957 as the largest square of the Soviet era. Its style is clearly different from Independence Square.
Next, we will visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. Covering an area of 18 hectares, the park is lush with trees and beautiful scenery, with buildings such as Monument, and Officer’s Home inside. It was built to commemorate the 28 brave soldiers of the former Soviet army who demonstrated bravery in the defense of Moscow.
Green Bazaar is the largest comprehensive market in the local area, with a hundred years of history, witnessing the changes of this city. You can taste various snacks such as candied fruits and dairy products here, and discover various handicrafts such as clothing and bags.
The last stop of the 8-day Silk Road tour of Central Asia is Mega Center, a shopping paradise that covers well-known brands around the world such as ZARA, Bershka, and H&M. After that, you will be transferred to airport for your departure to next destination. (please book a flight departure after 7:30 pm)
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: N/A
Request a Custom Quote Today
The price varies based on the activity, number of people, date of trip, and selected hotel. Kindly get in touch with us for a precise cost according to your specifications.
What’s included?
7 nights’ accommodation;
Meals listed in the itinerary;
Private air-conditioned vehicle with licensed drivers;
Excellent local English-speaking tour guides services as mentioned in the itinerary;
Entrance fees and sightseeing as listed in the itinerary;
Second-class train tickets and economic-class flights mentioned in the itinerary;
1 bottle of water per person per day.
What’s excluded?
International air tickets (Could be assisted);
Visa handling fee, visa stamp fee;
Any personal expenses;
Tipping for guide, driver, bell boy, etc;
Services not stated in the itinerary.
What You’ll Receive at Chinasilkroadtours
At the heart of Chinasilkroadtours is the seamless service offered together by our 1-on-1 travel consultant, meticulous tour operators, expert local guides, and attentive local drivers. Our service is therefore made to be as unique as you are.
1-on-1 Travel Advisor
Your Silk Road experience starts with telling us your travel wishes and your one-on-one travel advisor designing the unique trip for you with their insider expertise.
Once we receive your request, one of our travel consultants will get back to you ASAP, typically within 24 hrs. Your travel consultant will then listen and learn about your travel style, your schedule, your budget, and your aspirations for your Silk Road travel plans. Based on this, she/he will provide you with a custom itinerary or a small group journey that suits your needs perfectly.
Plus, know your trip is taken care of by your 1-on-1 travel advisor with round-the-clock support should you need to alter your itinerary anytime.
Best Local Guides
Our locally-based guides narrate the Silk Road’s history and stories. They also provide with you insider tips, show you all the secret places, and introduce you to the locals.
Our best-selected guides are local people living in the cities along the Silk Road. During your trip, be it a private tour or a small group, they offer more than just things you can learn from the guidebooks, they try to give you a real insight into the Silk Route.
Whether you are traveling with kids or seniors, our guides are very patient and always pay close attention to every detail.
Local Drivers & Vehicles
All our Silk Road tours use well-maintained and air-conditioned vehicles. Different types of vehicles, from cars to vans are selected depending on your group size and tour style. We also offer off-road vehicles for desert adventures.
Our experienced local drivers are familiar with the local road conditions of rough terrain, including desert highways and mountainous areas. They can easily navigate the roads, guaranteeing a comfortable and safe journey. Plus, they are well trained in a professional manner, being friendly and helpful.
Handpicked Hotels
Checking in and checking out the accommodations along the Silk Road every year, we hand-pick the best collection of accommodations.
The accommodations we choose include luxury, boutique, or comfortable hotels in major cities, comfortable or basic hotels in remote towns, and caravanserais and camping sites that offer a unique experience.
It’s your decision about where to stay that best suits your tastes and budget. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us.
Silk Road Foods
We also hand-pick restaurants with a variety of local cuisines, from Uyghur cuisine to Shaanxi Cuisine, to enrich your Silk Road travel experience.
Savor authentic Northwest Chinese, Uyghur, and Central Asian cuisines with the signature dishes and snacks. From delicious mutton soups to a wide range of noodles and a taste of the local “bread” like Roujiamo and naan, enjoy an expansive menu featuring local flavors.
Please let us know if you have any dietary allergies or what foods (e.g. Western foods) you or your kids enjoy.
Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services
Our 10-day mid Oct Silk Road trip was magical. Lenna at China Silk Road Tours took us through 3 customized our itinerary. We witnessed breathtaking sights along the way, including a Lake in a desert, snow-capped mountains, unreal layer-cake hills, ancient Silk Road ruins, Buddhist grottoes, museums… We enjoy the good meals, nice hotels and comfortable transport with professcional English-speaking guides.
Traveler634605December 2024It was a really great Silk Road trip with varying sights and experiences. W love the beautiful alpine mountains..and enjoy the desert experience with camel riding and the full Monti. The
Food arranged was great again. We always like the travel experience, together with different regional cuisines.Bigg CaesarOctober 2024In Thailand, I run a travel agency. When travelling to the Gansu Silk Road, always use this agency. I think Sophia is an excellent trip operator. quick to respond to messages and attentive to every detail. We are unable to plan quality travel without a competent tour operator. Sally is the best guide as well; she is incredibly knowledgable and pays close attention to every aspect. I’d want to give these two girls a big thank you.
Anothai LOctober 2024Silk Road Tours was able to deliver with both excellence and value—thank you for a wonderful trip! Sophia responded to all requests with excellent suggestions and follow-through. We are a couple of over 60 years old who are very experienced travellers. Our travel style is to find good local guides and/or tours that offer excellent guidance with good value. We were able to travel efficiently with both high speed trains and a comfortable and private car.
Travel745September 2024In September, Sophia organised a party of 11 of us to travel the Silk Road from Urumqi to Lanzhou. The vacation was fantastic; the hotel accommodations, the history of each area we visited, and the scenery were all thoughtfully prepared for us. Sophia, thank you!
BYTKWANSeptember 2024
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