silk road luxury tour

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Silk Road Luxury Tours & Trips

Searching for a top-class touring experience? Look no further, as our luxury adventures of Silk Road will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Samarkand and Tashkent. Explore and discover new cultures while enjoying top tier services and facilities.

5 luxury Silk Road tour packages with 72 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Central Asia - 5 Stans

Central Stans in May, 2019. A great trip all-round. Even us oldies would recommend it.

• Christmas & New Year

Silk Road by Bullet Train/Flight 12D: Xian, Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar

Gems of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan & Tajikistan

Following Marco Polo

Anzac 2024 Memorial Tour of Turkey - 11 days

this tour is fantastic, would highly recomend it but it is a fadt paced tour

• Luxury Group tours (5)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (28)
• Seniors (21)

Silk Road Tours & Vacations

Discover the unique Silk Road culture that spans Central Asia and beyond.

A journey through time down this ancient trade route is a true adventure for travelers intrigued by less-frequented parts of the globe. You’ll follow in the footsteps of generations of nomads, visiting some of the most important world heritage sites that connected the East to the West. Cross sprawling desert landscapes, visit glittering Islamic monuments and stop at small villages where you’ll meet the locals and learn about traditional ways of life. Buckle up for the ride, this is no ordinary road trip.

Our Silk Road trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Silk Road highlights

Silk road tour reviews.

Filter by rating

Premium Uzbekistan

Central Asia Explorer

The people you meet: the art of connecting with strangers in Uzbekistan

The beauty of travelling to Uzbekistan, even though I knew nothing about it

6 foods you have to try in Central Asia

4 reasons why now’s the time to visit Uzbekistan

The do’s and don’ts of travel in Kyrgyzstan

Browse by country

Silk road travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What countries are on the Silk Road?

The Silk Road was originally an expansive region that covered Asia, Europe, the Middle East and parts of the Pacific. In modern times, the  World Tourism Organization  (UNWTO) classifies the Silk Road region as 34 countries.

While many of these countries retain remnants of the Silk Road era, we have highlighted several of the destinations that showcase this incredible history within our Silk Road tours. We are currently running Silk Road trips in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The following FAQ answers are related to these countries. 

What is the weather like in the Silk Road region?

In the Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan sections of the Silk Road, the weather is categorized as typically between moderate to arid continental. This means summers are hot and sunny, with winters between cold and freezing. There can be extreme temperatures in these seasons, with highs getting to 122ºF, typically in the desert regions and winter lows of -4ºF. There's also snow in the mountain regions. This region can also get sudden cold spells, heatwaves and intense winds, causing sand and dust storms.  

When is the best time to visit the Silk Road region?

The best time to visit the Silk Road for travel within Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is from April to October, as the rainiest time of year typically falls from October to April. The shoulder months of March and November are also good times to visit as there shouldn't be as cold or get as much rain as in the winter months. It can get very hot from June to August, so if you'd prefer a more mild visit, visit in the spring and autumn seasons.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Silk Road region?

If you are traveling to countries in the Silk Road region, you should ensure you have checked the entry requirements for each destination you are visiting. Currently, in the countries we run trips in,  a visa is required for entry into Turkmenistan.

Many nationalities are able to enter and travel within Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without a visa. This is extended to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan.

See visa travel advice for travelers from  Australia , the  United States , the  United Kingdom ,  Canada  and  New Zealand .

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Is tipping customary in the Silk Road region?

Tipping isn't universally done across the Silk Road region, however, it is becoming more popular in certain areas. In Kazakhstan, a service charge of 10% is typically included in bills, whereas in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, a tip of about 5-10% is welcome. Tippnig is not customary in Turkemenistan.

What is the internet access like in the Silk Road region?

Internet in countries throughout the Silk Road is typically accessible in cities and large towns. You can generally find internet in hotels and restaurants as well as in internet cafes. When outside of these major hubs, internet can range from reduced to non-existent.

In Turkmenistan, many sites, including social media, are blocked by the authorities.

Can I use my cell phone while in the Silk Road region?

Similar to internet use, cell phone access in the Silk Road region is typically good in cities and main towns. There can be limitations on using your device and home carrier, depending on the country you are traveling in and your provider. You may be able to purchase a local SIM card while abroad in this area. However, if you are planning on using global roaming, ensure it is turned on prior to leaving your home country.

What are the toilets like in the Silk Road region?

Toilets throughout the Silk Road area can vary from modern flushable toilets to outside drop toilets. Some areas in this region may not sanitize toilet facilities to the same standards as in Western countries and there may not always be hot water available.

Because there is so much variation, especially between the cities and remote areas, it is generally advised that you bring your own toilet paper, sanitizer and soap while traveling. 

Can I drink the water in the Silk Road region?

Travelers are advised not to drink tap water in Central Asia and while in the Silk Road regions. It is also a good idea to be careful when eating salads and other uncooked foods that may have been washed in water. Similarly, avoid ice, peel fruit before eating and ask for filtered water to be used for tea.

Are credit cards and ATMs widely accepted in the Silk Road region?

Credit cards are usually accepted in business in the major cities and hubs of this region of the Silk Road. Outside of cities, credit cards aren't typically used and you will need small local currency. You may find that foreign cards aren't as accepted, especially in Uzbekistan, so it's advised that you have enough cash to cover your daily expenses. 

Similarly, ATMs are usually commonly found in cities and large towns and not so much in rural regions. 

Is the Silk Road safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI+ travelers in this region of the Silk Road. In Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, same-sex relations are illegal and can incur prison sentences of up to two years. While in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, homosexuality is legal, however, attitudes are not accepting, especially outside of major cities. In this area of Asia, displays of affection between heterosexual couples are generally frowned upon and can even offend, so it is advised for all travelers to take care not to engage in any public displays of affection.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Call Us: +44 (0)20 8191 0620   |  Email Us: [email protected]

Orient Silk Road Express & Silk Road Train Tour Packages

The Silk Road Express train provides the perfect way to visit Central Asia’s magnificent main features while being treated to spectacular scenery along the way. An Orient Express Silk Road holiday will give you a chance to take in some man-made wonders, such as the ancient cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, as the Silk Route Train wind’s its way from Almaty in Kazakhstan to Tashkent in Uzbekistan on one of The Luxury Train Travel Company’s Silk Road Train travel packages.

View the tours on offer below or explore the cabin classes, life on board and frequently asked questions sections using the buttons below.

Of course, if you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact us.

View all the Orient Silk Road Express tour to get your trip going.

Cabin Classes

Full details of the cabin classes on the Orient Silk Road Express.

Life On Board

Learn about life on board the Orient Silk Road Express.

Frequently asked questions on the Orient Silk Road Express.

Tours on The Orient Silk Road Express Train

Below are the rail tours we offer that use the Orient Silk Road Express. Just click on any tour to open a PDF containing all you need to know about the trip.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

14 Nights From UK £ 3,430 / US $ 4,460

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Almaty ● Bishkek ● Tashkent ● Kokand ● Shahrizabz ● Samarkand ● Khiva ● Bukhara ● Tashkent

13 Nights From UK £ 3,520 ,/ US $ 4,580

Tashkent ● Khiva ● Bukhara ● Dushanbe ● Samarkand ● Bishkek ● Almaty

13 Nights From UK £ 3,520 / US $ 4,580

Almaty ● Bishkek ● Samarkand ● Dushanbe ● Bukhara ● Khiva ● Tashkent

Orient Silk Road Express Train Gallery

A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the Orient Silk Road Express Train.

The luxury train travel company

Contact us about orient silk road express train.

We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.

[email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620

Enquire Here About The Orient Silk Road Express

Please provide as much information as possible so we can respond with the best answer and don't forget to press the submit button at the bottom. We reply to all enquiries within one working day.

How Can We Reach You?

How can we help, which orient silk road express trips are you interested in, how did you hear about us, experience the silk road railway for a once in a lifetime central asia train tour.

Although Central Asia’s Silk Route railway and its destinations may not be as world-famous as other railway journeys, that by no means makes a Silk Road Train trip any less spectacular or memorable. Orient Express Silk Road holidays are a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for most travellers and will offer unforgettable and magical moments. From the vast steppes and desert landscapes between the cities, Silk Road rail tours allow one to take the past less trodden and step away from the already beaten track. These spectacular Central Asia rail tours provide an abundance of opportunities for passengers to explore ancient excavations, witness the manufacture of traditional silks and carpets, and immerse in the breathtaking natural wonders the region offers during an Orient Silk Road Express train tour.

Your Central Asia Silk Road rail tour could start in one of the five available classes of cabins and depart from either Almaty or Tashkent. Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is tucked neatly in the foothills of the Trans-lli mountains, making it a great starting point for your 13-14 night experience onboard the Silk Road luxury train. Or begin your Silk Road rail tour in Tashkent and leave Almaty as the final spectacular destination for your Orient Express Silk Road holiday. Whichever one of these Silk Road rail tours you decide to adventure on, you’re guaranteed to experience and see things that will leave an indelible impression in your memory that will keep you wanting to return to this provocative and intriguing part of the world for another Orient Express Silk Road holiday again in the future.

Absorb Central Asian History, Culture And Cuisine From The World Famous Luxury Orient Silk Road Express Train

Central Asia has a vibrant history, with many of the region’s countries having a past steeped in yesteryear’s nomadic empires and tribes. Travelling through Central Asia on the Silkroad railway opens up a new world of cultural experiences you won’t find on more well-known train journeys. The options you’ll find for new and exciting cuisines are almost endless. Central Asian cuisine has seen a heavy influence from Turkish, Chinese, Mongol, African, Arab, Indian, and Persian cooking, all of which can be enjoyed onboard and during off-train excursions during your Silk Road Train trip. Many passengers boarding the Silk Road Train for a tour would be unfamiliar with much of the cuisine as the region is not renowned for its culinary delights. But, during your Silk Road rail tour, you’ll feast on many incredible culinary delicacies, including soups such as Laghman and Borscht and main courses like Plov, the national dish of Uzbekistan, made from rice, carrots, onions, and either mutton or beef, giving you a wonderfully unique insight into the history and culture of the people during your Orient Express Silk Road tour.

As well as being able to treat your palate to new tastes and flavours on your Central Asia train tour, the Central Asian region will flood your senses with incredible historical insights and cultural learnings. You’ll experience the excavations of the ancient Afrosiyob town in Samarkand, the Ulug Bek observatory in Bukhara, and visit Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan on your magical journey onboard our Central Asia train tours. You’ll have a truly unique opportunity to enjoy lunch with an Uzbek family during your Silk Road train trip and savour a traditional folk performance. Our Orient Express Silk Road tours will hand you plenty of liberty to explore off-train excursions that you won’t find anywhere else but on these superbly curated Central Asia train tours.

Our Silk Road Tours By Train Offer Exceptional Value With Jampacked Guided Itinerary Stops Throughout Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan And Uzbekistan

Whichever Silk Road Train trip you choose, you’ll have the vacation of a lifetime. Our options for Central Asia rail tours include 13-15 night trips on the Silk Route Railway departing from either the southeastern city of Almaty in Kazakhstan or Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Each Silk Route Train trip has an incredibly well-curated itinerary that allows passengers onboard the fabulous Silk Road Train to experience the best of Kazakhstan, Turkistan, and Uzbekistan. These countries are often forgotten when it comes to vacation destinations, but each of the itineraries offered by The Luxury Train Travel Company has been perfectly curated to allow passengers onboard these Central Asia rail tours to recognise and experience just how much they have to offer.

The Orient Silk Road Express journey through Central Asia lets you see the world’s second-largest mountain lake, meet local families, experience how traditional bread is baked, and enjoy local handicrafts. Silk Road rail tours also visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz. These Silk Road Train tours overflow with fabulous and exciting sights, experiences, and adventures, proving why Central Asia train holidays provide such great value. If you’ve ever been curious about this region of Central Asia, or if you’ve not previously considered Central Asia train tours, an Orient Silk Road Express Train tour in 2024 or 2025 could be a life-changing journey you wish you’d taken many years before.

Enjoy An Exceptional Dining Experience During Your Orient Express Silk Road Tour, Both On And Off The Train

Silk Route Train prices include all your meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During your Silk Route Train trip, you can order drinks from the dining car or one of the conductors in your carriage. You’ll run a tab throughout the Silk Road Train trip, which you can settle at the journey’s end by paying in USD or Euros. As well as the onboard dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice when visiting destinations. Central Asian cuisine tends to get overlooked by Indian, South East Asian, and Middle Eastern foods, but an Orient Express silk road tour will introduce you to some incredibly famous culinary delights you’ve probably heard of but didn’t know where they came from. You can try Uzbek’s shivit oshi, a green noodle dish, or obi non, wonderful flat Uzbek bread. Each Silk Road train tour and Silk Road train route will give you ample opportunity to indulge in some spectacular traditional Central Asian foods.

Heavily influenced by the culinary cultures of Russia, the Chinese, Indian, Persian, Mongol, Africa, Arab, and Turkish, you’ll find no shortage of new and exciting tastes and aromas on an Orient Silk Road Express Train. Central Asia train tours will introduce you to Uighur’s pulled noodle dish, Halva, and dessert made using flour, sugar, milk, and nuts, or Paklama, a localised version of Baklava that comes drenched in honey. There are no limits to the variety of provocative and breathtaking new culinary experiences on the Silk Road Train route. This part of Asia loves a sweet dessert as much as other parts of the globe, and you’ll be spoilt for choice in what to eat and what to take home from your Central Asian Silk Road Rail tour.

The Orient Silk Road Express Train is One of The Top Luxury Trains in The World, Making Your Silk Road Train Tour A Highly Memorable Experience!

Taking a luxury train tour is something that many people from all walks of life dream of doing at least once during their lifetime and slowly winding their way through stunning scenery, visiting incredible destinations on the route, and indulging in a feast of new culinary experiences. The Orient Silk Road Express provides passengers onboard to do all these things on our carefully curated Silk Road luxury train tours. Your first decision is which of the cabin classes you want to call home during your Silk Route Train trip. Silk Road tours by train are between 13 and 15 nights in duration and provide a wonderful level of comfort and relaxation during your Silk Road Train trip.

With five classes of accommodation available for your journey along the Silk Road Train route, you’re spoilt for choice, from the Habibi class cabin that sleeps four passengers and shared washroom facilities to the most luxurious cabin, the Kalif class. The Kalif class accommodation is the finest offered on the Orient Silk Road Express Train, and all four suites have their own bathroom facilities with separate showers. These Central Asia rail tours are incredible experiences, whichever cabin you frequent, and they all offer outstanding value to the passengers travelling on a Silk Road Train trip. If the Kalif class cabins are already fully booked by the time you register your interest in a Silk Road Train tour, each of the accommodations available onboard the Silk Road Train provide passengers with an incredible level of opulence and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy every second of your Central Asia train tour.

Explore Our Extensive Orient Silk Road Express Journey Options And Silk Road Train Tours Throughout 2024 And 2025

If you’ve always dreamt of taking a long-distance journey by rail or want to treat yourself as a retirement gift or give yourself and your significant other an unforgettable anniversary, these Orient Express Silk Road holidays provide the perfect way to enjoy rail travel to some fabulous destinations. When most people think of the Orient Express, they don’t think of Central Asia, which makes our Orient Express Silk Road tours all the more intriguing and exciting. When thinking about the Orient Express, most people would think about leaving from Paris, but Silk Road Train tours through Central Asia have grown remarkably in popularity as the destinations offer more intrigue and adventure than the more common European route.

We offer a selection of Central Asia train holidays that will travel through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, taking in some truly spectacular scenery between destinations. Silk Route train prices are incredibly competitive, and you’ll adventure on a less travelled path and create beautiful memories that will stand up to any trip on the Orient Express. Check out our Silk Road Train price list and itineraries for 2024 and 2025, and get your place booked for one of these Silk Road tours by train. The places available onboard Silk Road Train tours are very exclusive due to high demand and limited departures throughout the year. We suggest you book your Central Asia train tour onboard the Orient Express as far in advance as possible, especially for the high-level cabins, to avoid disappointment and missing out on an Orient Express Silk Road holiday.

Speak to Our Orient Express Silk Road Tour Experts Today!

If you’re considering hopping onboard the Orient Express Silk Road Train and heading off on a Central Asian adventure, contact our team of Silk Road railway experts and learn how we can help you accomplish the vacation of a lifetime. Along with providing a selection of Orient Silk Road Express Train itineraries for 2024 and 2025, departing from Almaty or Tashkent, The Luxury Train Travel Company’s in-house experts can assist you in organising and booking any off-train excursions that interest you. With our Silk Road train tours, you’ll never find yourself short of options concerning outings and jaunts you can enjoy along the Silk Road railway.

Off-train excursions could be visiting a cathedral, church, museum, or palace or spending time on a culinary adventure. Whatever you’d like to add to your Silk Road Train travel itinerary, our experienced and skilful team will do their best to accommodate your desires within the Orient Silk Road Express Train schedule. Contact our team today if you have any questions or queries or require more information regarding our Orient Silk Road Express holiday packages! Here at The Luxury Train Tavel Company, we endeavour to assist you in creating a unique experience when you book one of our Orient Express Silk Road tours. All the itineraries in our 2024/2025 Silk Road Rail tours are customisable, and our experienced Silk Road Railway experts are here to help.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Orient silk road express central asia tour faqs, what counties does the orient silk road express train tour travel through.

The Orient Silk Road Express travels through four countries in Central Asia during a Silkroad Railway tour. Depending on which Central Asia train tour itinerary you opt for, you could begin your vacation in Kazakhstan and then proceed to journey through Kyrgyzstan, Tadzhikistan, with and final destination of Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan.

How much do Orient Express Silk Road tours cost?

Silk Road Train prices will vary depending on the length of your Silk Road Rail tour and what class of cabin you choose to stay in. A 13-night stay onboard the Orient Silk Road Express departing from Almaty in Kazakhstan will cost less than £3700 as of May 2024. If you board the Orient Silk Road Express for a longer journey and want to stay in one of the top Kalif suites, your Silk Road train price will increase but still represent incredible value for a once-in-a-lifetime trip onboard the Orient Express.

Why does the Orient Silk Road Express offer the best Central Asia train tour?

The Orient Silk Road Express Train provides a beautiful blend of luxury and affordability for those looking to adventure in a less well-known setting. When most people think of the Orient Express, it’s fair to say that the majority would think of the Paris to Istanbul route. But going off the more familiar path and exploring Central Asia on the Silk Road Express Train makes for a wonderful variation on what has been done many times before. The Orient Silk Road Express is the most luxurious train that journeys the tracks of Central Asia, which is why it has become incredibly popular and regarded as the finest Central Asia train tour.

Do your Orient Silk Road Express holiday tours offer different Silk Road train route options?

Current 2024 Silk Road Express Train routes include 13-14 or 15-night Orient Express Silk Road holidays from Almaty to Tashkent or from Tashkent to Almaty. We can also offer a Silk Road Train route from Almaty with a final destination of Ashgabat in Turkmenistan for booking in 2024.

Which of your Silk Road Rail tours is the most popular?

All of the Silk Road Rail tours that we offer are favoured by passengers, and places onboard are at a premium and get booked quickly. The Legendary Silk Road tour from Almaty has proven to be a very popular choice among luxury Silk Road tour fans. This particular Silk Road Train trip takes in seven wonderful destinations across Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It gives the onboard guests a real insight into the culture of this beautiful region of Central Asia. As well as visiting incredible destinations, this Central Asia train tour introduces those onboard to the people who live there and the wonderfully diverse and rich culinary cultures. In truth, each of the Orient Express Silk Road tours that currently offer would provide an excellent opportunity to immerse in Central Asian culture that is often overlooked and ignored. We have curated each itinerary to allow passengers to soak up as much of each destination along the Silk Road Train route while maintaining a relaxed and laid-back pace.

explore the world of luxury trains

Explore the luxury train travel company.

Explore Our Range of Luxury Rail Tours Across the Globe. Learn About The Different Luxury Trains We Can Offer. View Our Tours by Region & Destinations. View our train departure Calendar.

Best Silk Route Tours

The Silk Road , a massive ancient trade route whose very name evokes images of camel and donkey trains, exotic spices, lustrous silks and other faraway goods traveling across Asia to Europe. The Silk Road refers to both the winding land route that connected East to West, as well as the prominent sailing route.

Starting in China and winding through Asia to an end-point in the ancient Roman empire, this mercantile lifeline played an important role in developing distant countries such as India, China, Japan, Iran and more. Along with lacquerware, porcelain, sandalwood, frankincense and pistachios from these countries, political ideas and religions were also spread between empires. These options for the best silk road trips will take you through the cities that lay at the heart of the trade route, you can imagine the exotic locales, harrowing journeys and lone traders that played a part in developing the modern world.

The Great Silk Road Adventure

If you want to experience the Silk Road in all its glory, Wild Frontiers offers an epic trip covering the entire length of the overland route, from its traditional starting point of Xian in China to the Western end of Istanbul in Turkey, from where goods would be sold in the city's bazaars or loaded up onto ships and transported to those other great traders, the kingdoms of Venice or Genoa. You need time, as this trip is a mammoth 48 days long, but if you want to gain a full insight into the Silk Road there's no better way, taking in 6 countries and 15 UNESCO sites.

Begin in Xian, exploring the city's famous walls and Terracotta Warriors, before trekking across the country's forbidding Taklamakan Desert, stopping to see oasis towns and Buddhist caves along the way. Stop off at the great market town of Kashgar, once of the most important centres on the Silk Road where three key branches met. Cross into Kyrgyzstan and the town of Osh before heading into Uzbekistan for a tour of the country's great Silk Road cities - Samarkand and Bukhara.

From Uzbekistan cross into Turkmenistan and the UNESCO site of Merv, which Genghis Khan razed to the ground annihilating 1 million people. Head into Iran, which has probably the most hospitable people you will meet anywhere  in the world. In Iran, marvel at the intricate Islamic architecture of Isfahan and Shiraz before browsing the world's largest indoor market in Tabriz. Discover some of the wonderful ruins of southern Turkey before finishing in the city of Istanbul.   

Silk Road Odyssey

On this epic 23-day journey from Wild Frontiers, you will traverse Central Asia just like ancient traders of old did. One of the incredible parts about this lengthened tour is that it sticks to the Old Silk Road as much as possible, even though country borders and territories have changed. At the beginning of your journey, you’ll travel to the glacial Son Kul lake and have an opportunity to ride horseback or explore on foot at your leisure. The nomads are always happy to spend time with you as well, offering you the rare opportunity to be immersed completely in the experience of the Silk Road. On your way through China in the ancient city of Kashgar, you’ll see the markets and towns exactly as they were hundreds of years ago.

This journey will take you through Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, through mountain passes, lively bazaars and terrain rich with history and culture. Time will seem suspended as you take the fabled odyssey of the old Silk Road trade route.

Tehran to Tashkent: The Great Silk Road

This 17-day tour of a portion of the Silk Road is an extended version of tours highlighted above through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. In addition to exploring the exotic gems along this part of the old Silk Road route, you’ll explore the portion that wound through ancient Persia (Iran today). Your journey will begin in the capital of Tehran and move on to Isfahan, considered the most beautiful city in Iran. You’ll spend plenty of time admiring the Iranian architecture, the Royal Square and the pristine mosques, cathedrals and palaces of the city.

As you travel through the windswept ruins of Persepolis on your journey along the Silk Road, you’ll admire the ancient tombs, mausoleums and mosques of famed Iran poets and leaders. The Silk Road journey will then take you to Turkmenistan highlights in the famed cities of Ashgabat, Merv and Konye Urgench. You’ll continue north to the ancient city of Kiva in Uzbekistan before finishing your tour in the lively streets of the capital, Tashkent.

Tehran to Tashkent - The Great Silk Road

Uzbek & Turkmen: Cities of the Silk Road

A slightly shorter trip through some of the most important landmarks of the old Silk Road, this full-service tour takes 14 days. You will begin your journey in Uzbekistan, where you will experience the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Shakhrisabz. In Samarkand, you will visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Tamerlane’s Tomb. A daring crossing of the river Oxus will take your group into Turkmenistan and onto Merv. Although much of the ancient city was flattened by the Mongols, it was one of the famed emporiums of the Silk Road.

Along this journey , you will also visit the Darvaza gas crater, which consistently ranks on world lists of “100 Places to See Before You Die.” A camping trip in the desert near the gas crater will make for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Chinese Silk Road

This 14-day journey focuses on the portion of the old Silk Road route within China. The tour will begin and end in Beijing, stretching to the far point of Kashgar before returning on a southern leg of the fabled trade route. Along the journey, you will be immersed in hundreds of years of rich Chinese history, walking along the Great Wall and touring the Forbidden City. You’ll see the famed 8,000 terracotta warriors that guard the tomb of the first Qin Emperor.

In Dunhuang, you’ll admire the Buddhist art in the Thousand Buddha Caves carved into the cliffs before embarking on camel rides through the sand dunes, punctuated by oasis cities. In Kashgar, you’ll haggle for silks, knives, furs, camels and more in the famous Sunday Market. This journey through China is an homage to the beginning of the Silk Road and the expansive history of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth.

Heart of the Silk Road

The shortest of the sumptuous Silk Road journeys offered by Wild Frontiers, Heart of the Silk Road encompasses 11 days and countless Silk Road sights between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The tour focuses on the rich legacies of the Road as well as Tamerlane, the Parthians and the Seljuks.You will experience Samarkand, Ashgabat (the City of Love), Merv and Bukhara. These cities once reigned over the Silk Road, laying at the heart of the world trading route.

Your journey will begin in Tashkent, where you will tour mosques, minarets and the bustling bazaars of the city. During your visit, you will tour the medieval city of Khiva in Uzbekistan, exploring mosques, palaces and harems. You will also encounter Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Samarkand. In Turkmenistan, you will pace the marbled streets of Ashgabat and view Knye Urgench. Knye Urgench also happens to be home to the Kutlug Emir Minaret. This is the tallest minaret in Central Asia! This full-tour will house you in exotic hotels, converted madrassahs and more.

See All Silk Road Tours

Related tours

Republics of the Silk Road

Travel by Luxury Train to Discover Central Asia's Treasures

Request Itinerary

Home » Trips » Luxury Group Travel » Republics of the Silk Road

Luxury Group Travel | 14 Days

• Immerse yourself in the region’s lively bazaars and engage with locals as they shop for fresh produce, artisanal bread, fragrant spices, and colorful textiles
• Visit Lake Issyk-Kul, its turquoise waters ringed by snowcapped peaks, and witness the 4,000-year-old art of golden eagle hunting alongside traditional nomads
• Enjoy tea and local delicacies at the opulent, intricately designed Kohi Nayruz Palace in little-visited Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan
• Delve into Kyrgyz cuisine at a hands-on bread making class and learn about the varied shapes and flavors this food staple has throughout the country

An arresting tapestry of cultures, landscapes, religions, and ideas, the storied Silk Road has captivated intrepid travelers for millennia and continues to capture our imaginations today. With a thoughtful blend of luxury and adventure, you discover this iconic thoroughfare, journeying to five unique countries and traversing thousands of picturesque miles in supreme comfort and style aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle train. From the alpine wonder of Kyrgyzstan and the UNESCO-listed gems of Khiva, Samarkand, and Bukhara, to the extravagance of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and verdant, little-known Tajikistan, this epic, 14-day Central Asia travel odyssey will deliver you home transformed by the treasures you encounter in this matchless region.

Trip Overview

1 – 2.

Arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan Stroll through Panfilov Park and visit kaleidoscopic Zenkhov Cathedral Board the elegantly appointed Golden Eagle 

3 – 4

Travel by train to Lake Issyk-Kul where you witness the ancient art of golden eagle hunting Cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and visit its charming capital city Continue west to arrive in Tashkent (Uzbekistan's capital city).

5 – 6

The Golden Eagle rolls onward to Bukhara, once Central Asia’s holiest Muslim city and its richest bazaar Time and weather permitting, enjoy an evening barbecue on the station platform Onwards to UNESCO-listed Merv, thought to have been the world's largest city in the 12th century.

7 – 8

Next, cross the border to Turkmenistan and visit the white-marble opulence of capital Ashgabat Make a stop in Ichoguz where you can view Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater Continue to the ancient city of Khiva, a World Heritage Site.

9 – 10

The UNESCO-honored statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace await in Shahrisabz Cross into Tajikistan and visit its capital city Dushanbe On a guided exploration of Kohi Navruz Palace, learn the fascinating history of this teahouse-turned-palace.

11 – 14

In the cultural crossroads of Samarkand, behold its numerous sensational sites, including the Registan by day and night Visit a silk factory in Margilan and a ceramics workshop in Rishtan Your final day aboard the train brings you to Kokand, site of the intricately decorated Khudayar Khan Fortress Enjoy a farewell meal aboard the Golden Eagle Arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan; depart.

Dates & Prices

10/05/24 – 10/18/24  

04/20/25 – 05/03/25  

09/27/25 – 10/10/25  

From $23,495 per person

• All accommodations, ground transportation, airport transfers, and gratuities
• Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
• Services of an expedition leader, lecturers, and support staff during voyage
• Personal headsets on all off-train excursions
• Expertise of GeoEx travel specialists and in-house air reservations team
• Bottled or filtered water at included meals and while sightseeing
• Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance

When to Start Planning Your Trip

Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites You May Never Have Heard Of

The Epic Allure of Central Asia

Memories from the Silk Road

Scenes from a Silk Road Odyssey

Weaving the Silk Road from Xian to Rome

Similar Trips

The Silk Road

Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan

Treasures of Uzbekistan

Silk Road Tours 2024/25; China & Central Asia Exploration

As the world's oldest trade route, the Silk Road serves not only as a conduit for commerce but also as a vibrant pathway for art and culture. Our carefully curated private Silk Road tours offer an accessible and flexible pace, enabling participants of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the rich history, cultural relics, ethnic minorities, stunning landscapes, and local interactions found along this legendary route.

Accompanied by our expert local tour guides and exclusively tailored arrangements, you'll follow in the footsteps of ancient caravans as you traverse the incredible countries and areas bordering the Silk Road such as China, the five Stans and Caucasus , and delve deep into the very heartbeat of this historic and enthralling region.

Silk Road Tours in China and Staring from China

The following routes are examples to help you tailor your own Silk Road tour. Remember all these tour packages can be changed according to your needs.

• Best choice for a bucket list trip
• Panorama of the Silk Road
• Throughout the Silk Road
• History, culture and landscape
• Best for retired couples
• Main cities and core destinations of Silk Road
• Islamic and Buddhist culture interact
• Local interaction
• Uyghur culture
• Rainbow mountains
• Flexible itinerary
• Special caves reservation opportunity
• Paint your exclusive mural

China Silk Road Tours with the Extensions

The following itinerary are recommended for those who wish to combine the China Silk Road tour with major cities or less-traveled neighboring areas.

• 1st time visit China
• Easy transportation
• Picturesque Wild Beauty
• Silk Road Culture
• Golden Poplar Forests
• Rainbow Mountains
• Tibetan Culture Outside Tibet
• Stunning View of Plateau

Silk Road Tours in Central Asia and Caucasus

The following private tours of the Caucasus and Central Asia have been designed to cover landscapes of natural beauty and the unique mix of cultures and history along the Ancient Silk Road. All can be tailor-made for your own private travel schedule and interests in this region.

• Exotic Islamic culture and unique lifestyle
• A time-smart choice
• Diverse traditions, cultures, and scenic beauty
• Best choice for first-timers
• Landscape and mix of cultures
• Best choice for a in-depth visit
• Heritage and Cuisine

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Silk Road Tours FAQs

Highlights along the Silk Road route are listed as below. Please inquire if you have any questions and our professtional travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

The best time to travel is from May to October. Weather conditions are pleasant from late spring to early autumn, with an average temperature of 15 °C. Although summer weather can be scorching, the heat is dry and more comfortable than in the humid tropics. The scenery is ideal when the fruits ripen, the flowers are in full bloom, and green grass covers grassland areas.

Bring warm clothing even in the hot summer, as the temperature can change greatly between day and night in some places along the route.

Bring shoes suitable for walking.

Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip creams to protect your eyes and skin from the sun. Also consider bringing a moisturizer because the air is very dry in the desert areas.

Bring some medicine for diarrhea and heat stroke.

When visiting religious sites such as mosques, women should wear long–sleeve clothes. At certain times women are not allowed to enter mosques. Taking photos at some attractions is forbidden; please follow your tour guide's lead. When you shop at the market, bargaining is taboo if you do not intend to make the purchase.

• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour
• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 2-Week China Itineraries: Where to Go & Routes (2024)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Central Asia
• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty & Referral Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Across the "Five Stans" aboard the Golden Eagle

Republics of the silk road rail journey.

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan

From $24,695

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

The intriguing countries of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan—the “Five Stans”—are located at a historic crossroads of trade, religion, language, and the arts. Aboard the private luxury train, the Golden Eagle, enjoy some of the world's most stunning monuments and fascinating modern cultures. Your journey begins in the historic Kazakhstan capital of Almaty, takes you along the great trading posts of the Silk Road including fabled Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, before arriving at your final destination of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Throughout your odyssey, savor the delights of the Golden Eagle—first-class service, sumptuous cuisine paired with fine wines, engaging lectures, and active days with informative guides. This is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Arrive: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Depart: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

• Discover the 4,000-year-old art of Golden Eagle hunting at Lake Issyk-Kul
• Discover the spectacular architecture of the Timurid dynasty
• See the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater light up the night sky in the Kara Kum desert
• Explore the historic, UNESCO-honored cities of Khiva, Merv, Bukhara, and Samarkand

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

$1,750 (Silver Cabin); $3,000 (Gold Cabin): $6,000 (Imperial Suite) 70 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 61 days prior to departure: Deposit is nonrefundable 60 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• 12 nights aboard the Golden Eagle, with private en suite accommodation
• 1 night pre-trip hotel
• Full guided off-train excursions program, including personal headsets to hear the professional guide's commentary and bottled water during excursions
• Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines
• Baggage porterage
• Arrival and departure transfers
• High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack
• All gratuities, including gratuities on excursions
• 24-hour personal cabin attendant service, evening turndown service, complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water in-cabin, robes, slippers, and Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin

Not Included

• Individual arrival or departure transfers
• Hotels en route to and home from the trip
• Optional travel insurance
• Passport and visa fees
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Golden Eagle

Days 1-13 (13 nights)

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy , and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Light walking and hiking are required to scenic nature areas, local towns, villages, and sites of historical and cultural interest.

A particular charm of the Golden Eagle is the beautifully appointed restaurant cars, a delightful venue in which to enjoy meals skillfully prepared by the Executive Chef and his on-board restaurant team using the very best ingredients locally sourced whenever possible. Depending on the number of guests on board, one or two restaurant cars will be on every departure.

Enjoy the pleasures of an on-train breakfast each morning — the wonderful aroma of freshly-baked bread permeates the dining car, a wide selection of pastries, cereals, freshly squeezed orange juice and cold plates are available from the buffet. Alternatively, enjoy a cooked breakfast brought to your table by the wait staff, all complemented by hot tea and coffee. If you are in need of a more relaxed start to the day, then opt for a continental breakfast basket with tea or coffee to enjoy at leisure in your cabin.

For lunch and dinner you will be welcomed by the on-board team and enjoy fine food, great wines and attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the dining car. The Golden Eagle offers a culinary experience that reflects the essence of the places you visit, as well as highly accomplished international cuisine. Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available.

During your tour, you will be personally invited to a special dining occasion, our celebrated Caviar Dinner, savoring gastronomic specialties including black sturgeon and red pacific salmon caviar. Meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an excellent choice of wines from around the world.

Meals are a relaxed affair as the restaurant cars can accommodate all our guests in a single sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code, and with the open-seating policy you can dine wherever, and with whomever, you please.

Life on the Golden Eagle

On a typical day, the Golden Eagle will travel through the night, as you sleep in your private cabin. Disembarking after breakfast the following morning, you will set out by coach or minibus to explore, for example, the sights and sounds of Samarkand, Mashhad, Persepolis and Tashkent, and at the end of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-wheels, greeted by your cabin attendants with complimentary refreshments.

Some days will be spent partly or entirely on board the train providing an opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold. The Golden Eagle offers different on-board activities and facilities so you might spend the time attending talks on the local history and culture, trying your hand at bridge, improving your photographic skills, or simply soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying afternoon tea in the Bar Lounge Car. Perhaps read a novel from the library, challenge your friends to a game of bridge or backgammon, or attend an engaging talk given by on-board lecturers on local history and culture.

During morning or afternoon tea in the Bar Lounge Car with delicious, freshly baked pastries, your Tour Manager will organize a program of activities. Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure timings, latest weather forecasts for the next destination, and information on the following day's excursions and activities. In the evening, enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing on the baby grand piano in the Bar Lounge Car. From time to time, there are special concerts. Every night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.

Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

• Testimonials

Silk Road Tours by Train

SILK ROAD TOURS BY PRIVATE TRAIN

For those who can appreciate the vastness of our world, taking the Silk Road journey by a comfortable private train is a delight. Choosing one of East West Tours’ Silk Road tour packages is a top choice to explore the magnificent cultural heritage of the legendary Silk Road, along with the fantastic luxury train experience. ‘Tsar's Gold’ and ‘Golden Eagle’ luxury trains featuring first class comfortable stay and high-quality service will take you in the footsteps of the legendary Alexander the Great and Marco Polo.

During this journey you will relax in the comfort of your own private train and enjoy the luxury of private excursions in the ancient Silk Road cities where our dedicated local guides will introduce you to local way of life, take you through the winding streets and markets, immense city gates, glittering domes, and ancient city walls. 

Whatever tour package you chose you will be impressed by the journey itself as well as by historic and fascinating cities along the Silk Road.

Let's have a date with the fantastic Silk Road  tour by train!

Sort by: Price  Date  Popularity 

• Terms & Conditions
• Private Order
• Travel Insurance

East West Tours Division of Bridges Unlimited Inc. 18518 Bothell Way NE, Ste. # B Bothell, WA 98011

[email protected] toll-free: (800)848-6449 local: 425-487-2835 (4TRAVEL)

Since 2003, over 15000+ Customers Explored Silk Road with us

• [email protected]
• +86 135 6583 4056

Top Silk Road Destinations

• China Silk Road Tours

Silk Road Xinjiang Tours

Silk Road Photography Tours

Silk Road Winter Tours

Luxury Silk Road Tours

• Great Silk Road Tours

15 Days Great Silk Road from Kashgar to Tashkent

20 days silk road to uzbekistan kyrgyzstan & china, 23 days uzbekistan to pakistan via karakoram highway.

10 Days Silk Road Xinjiang and Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

16 Days Silk Road Travel to Uzbekistan and China

• Silk Road Group Tours

7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour to Kashgar, Turpan and Urumqi

7 days silk road group tour to gansu & qinghai.

18 Days Travel Silk Road in China with Escorted Guide

19 Days Xinjiang China and Uzbekistan Tour

• Oriental Express
• Expat & Group Tour
• China Group Tours
• North Xinjiang Tours
• South Xinjiang Tours
• Xinjiang Border Transfer
• Xinjiang Trekking Route
• Top China Tours
• Gansu Tours
• Qinghai Tours
• Yunnan Tours
• Sichuan Tours
• Fujian Tours
• Ningxia Tours
• West China Tours
• Hainan Tours
• Inner Mongolia Tours
• Northwest China Tours
• Tibet Tours
• Jiangxi Tours
• Chongqing Tours
• Guizhou Tours
• Beijing Tours
• Xi'an Tours
• Shanghai Tours
• Chengdu Tours
• Zhangjiajie Tours
• Kashgar Tours
• Zhangye Tours
• Dunhuang Tours
• Lanzhou Tours
• Pingyao Tours
• Urumqi Tours
• Turpan Tours
• Guangzhou Tour

Cities of Silk Road

Silk Road Destination

Turkmenistan

Top Destinations

• The Best Silk Road Tour Operator
• Words from Our CEO
• Travel agency cooperation
• How to book Your Silk Road Tour
• Silk Road Review
• Cancellation Policy
• Tailor Made
• Silk Road Guide
• Customize your trip

Email: [email protected] Tel: +86 135 6583 4056

12 Days Ultimate Xinjiang: Kashgar & Stunning Kanas

6 days gansu silk road to rainbow mountain & mogao grottoes, 6 days kashgar in-depth tour, 8 days china tour to qinghai and gansu, 23d join-in group tour to xinjiang, silk road & tibet, silk road travel.

Since 2009,Over 12000+ Customers of Silk Road.

Silk Road Travel, Experience the Thousand Years of Vicissitudes

Follow the footstep of Marco Polo to explore the fascinating histories of the ancient trading Silk Road route, enjoy the distinctive cultures and art, as well as the ethnic styles and folk customs. Our adventures begin from the start point of Xi'an , may add Luoyang. Express train to Qinghai Province or Hexi corridor of Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang , passes the vast Gobi desert and mountains to Xinjiang . Witness the wonders of Terracotta Warriors, the Buddhism treasure of Mogao Grottoes , the mystery of Taklamakan desert, the bustling Kashgar Bazaar . You can extend your overland trip to Central Asia of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan . As the Excellent Silk Road Tour Operators , we promise you a great holiday with our 15years' experience, the attention to detail, and offer of the best of everything!

Most Popular Silk Road Travel Itineraries in Small Group

Traveling is one of the best ways to know new friends . Traveling Silk Road and China in a small group is afforable and more fun . There are thousands of travelers joined our small groups in the past years and 99% are very satisfied with our arrangements and service. We are here to provide inbound tourists and expats in China the most fantastic tours. No matter traveling along the silk road from Dunhuang, Gansu or Xi’an to the far west China like Xinjiang and Tibet .

Kashagar-Taxkorgan-Urumqi-Heavenly Lake-Turpan

$1020 View Details

Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Chaka

$980 View Details

10 Days Silk Road Group Travel to Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai

Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Chaka

$1450 View Details

Most Popular Silk Road Tours

Silk Road Travel will provide a life-time adventure for you. Create your own silk road trip from the sample itineraries below. Our experts will tailor-made an intimate and delightful adventure to meet all your needs. The choices are endless!

11 Days China to Kyrgyzstan Overland Tour: Urumqi to Bishkek

Urumqi - Kashgar - Tash Rabat - Kochkor - Issyk Kul - Bishkek

$1909 View Details

Kashgar - Kuqa - Turpan - Urumqi - Uzbekistan

$3738 View Details

8 Days of Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou to Urumqi

Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi

$1633 View Details

12 Days China Silk Road Train Tour

Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Lanzhou - Xian

$2967 View Details

11 Days Silk Road Xinjiang Tour

Kashgar - Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Xian

$2599 View Details

10 Days Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Xi'an

Xi'an-Kashgar-Urumqi-Turpan-Dunhuang

$2400 View Details

18 Days South Xinjiang and Silk Road Tour with Badan Jaran Desert Safari

Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Hotan - Kuqa - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Badan Jarain - Zhangye - Xining

$4160 View Details

12 Days Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou to Kashgar

Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar

$4600 View Details

Extend Your Silk Road Tour

Extend your silk road tour to the top destinations of China and neighbour countries. We are always here to waiting for you.

18 Days Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang Tour

15 days silk road and tibet adventure, 14 days fascinating maritime silk road to xi'an dunhuang and xinjiang, 16 days silk road and yunnan, what our customers say.

Lesley and her team have arranged 10000+travelers to fulfilled their dreamed adventure to silk road and other destinations of China. Her passion is to create fabulous,perfect memories for every client with her professional,dedicated and enthusiasm. We are very proud to have the excellent reviews.

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023

from Singapore

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2023

from Malaysia

Reviewed on Oct 08, 2023

from Turkey

We are on the plane to Shanghai and we are so happy enjoying this beautiful road trip. Congratulations to all of the Silk Road Adventurers team. Murat and Canan

Hello! I am also about to board. I really appreciate you all for making this trip a memorable one🤗. All the best🌹

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023

from Canada

Thank you so much!  My parents ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE TOUR!!!!! They are talking about it!  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! They even said the guide treated them so nice and he is a sweetheart. They appreciate you because you went above and beyond. Your bosses should know how great you are!

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023

from German

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2023

We recently had the pleasure of visiting the captivating cities of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, where we were guided by Hannah. Her adept English skills allowed us to navigate through the local environment with relative ease.

Why Choose Us

100% tailor made.

Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements .

Explore your interests at your own speed .

Select your preferred style of accommodation.

Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists.

Expert Knowledge

All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions.

The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish .

Make the most of your time and budget .

Professional Arrangements

Friendly and Professional Guides and Drivers

No Shopping Stops and Hidden Cost

Lowest Price and Excellent Service Promised .

24/7 Customer Service.

Trusted service

Reputable & Licensed Travel agency established in 2005.

Professional and skilled Tourism staff with dedicate 1-1 Service.

Best Possible arrangement to experience the culture and local lifestyle.

No lost if cancel the tour 30days in prior without train and flights.

Latest Silk Road Travel Information

Here are the updated information along this mysterious route! Fresh ideas and tips about the destinations on the Silk Road Travel.From the starting city of Xi’an in China to the famous trading post of Bukhara in Uzbekistan.Our team personally visited most places on our website. Believe you will have a wonderful holiday with our authentic experience and knowledge.

Sven Hedin in Xinjiang 130 years ago

March 17th, 2022

Gansu May Travel

October 22nd, 2021

My Impression of Kashgar

March 02nd, 2021

How to Travel to the Silk Road Hexi Corridor

February 26th, 2021

Info Enteriies

Our Clients Travel Stories

• Stuart’s Travel blog
• Malaysian Group North Silk Road Story
• Liz’s Great Silk Road Blog
• Elsa’s Xinjiang Silk Road Blog
• Singapore Group South Silk Road Story

• Email: [email protected]
• TEL: +86 135 6583 4056

CENTRAL ASIA

Silk road & caucasus, central asia tours.

central asia & silk road TOURS FAQs

What countries do your central asia tours visit.

is central asia safe to visit?

When is the best time to travel the silk road, how do we get started organising a central asia tour.

SOPHIA HUNT

GARY HEWITT

JONATHAN HOLUBEKI-FRANCE

Central asia, silk & caucasus tour destinations, 🇺🇿 uzbekistan.

🇺🇿 SAMARKAND

🇺🇿 TASHKENT

🇰🇿 KAZAKHSTAN

🇰🇿 BAIKONUR

🇹🇲 turkmenistan.

🇹🇲 ASHGABAT

🇹🇯 TAJIKISTAN & 🇰🇬 KYRGYZSTAN

🇹🇯 DUSHANBE

🇰🇬 LAKE ISSYK-KUL

🇨🇳 DUNHUANG

🇨🇳 JIAYUGUAN

🇦🇿 AZERBAIJAN

CASPIAN SEA

Interested please complete the form below.

VELVET PHAM

FAIZUL HAQUE

Tour sections quick links, private & luxury train tours, public & private train tours by start city, other tour categories.

• Traveller Account

Embark on Unparalleled Luxury Silk Road Tours with Minzifa Travel

1. Elevate Your Journey with Luxury Silk Road Tours

Discover the essence of luxury silk road tours.

Experience a journey beyond imagination with Minzifa Travel’s luxury silk road tours. Delve into a world where opulence meets heritage, as we curate the finest experiences along the ancient trade routes. From lavish accommodations to tailored cultural encounters, every moment is designed to immerse you in the grandeur of the Silk Road.

Unmatched Elegance and Expertise

Our expert guides are your personal historians, unveiling the rich tapestry of the Silk Road’s history and culture. As you explore the intricacies of Samarkand, Bukhara, and beyond, their in-depth narratives bring the past to life, enriching your luxury journey with knowledge and authenticity.

Tailored Luxury Experiences

Every traveler’s desires are unique, and our luxury silk road tours reflect this understanding. Whether you seek exclusive cultural immersion, gourmet delights, or architectural marvels, Minzifa Travel crafts tailored itineraries to ensure your journey aligns perfectly with your preferences.

2. Exquisite Encounters Along the Silk Road

Beyond extravagance: exclusive encounters.

Luxury silk road tours go beyond the ordinary, revealing extraordinary treasures. Minzifa Travel takes you to hidden oases, regal palaces, and serene landscapes that exemplify the allure of the Silk Road. These exclusive encounters elevate your journey, leaving you with memories of true magnificence.

Gastronomy of Distinction

Savor the art of Silk Road cuisine through our luxury tours. Indulge in the flavors of Uzbek plov, delicate kebabs, and aromatic teas that have stood the test of time. With private culinary experiences, your taste buds become part of the rich cultural heritage along the Silk Road.

Intimate Luxury Group Exploration

True luxury is shared, and our small-group setting ensures you connect with like-minded travelers who appreciate the finer things in life. Forge bonds and exchange stories as you embark on this extraordinary journey together, creating friendships that last beyond the tour.

3. Crafting Your Exquisite Silk Road Adventure

Your bespoke luxury silk road adventure.

At Minzifa Travel, we recognize that luxury is personal. Our dedicated team collaborates closely with you to craft a bespoke luxury silk road tour that aligns with your preferences. From lavish accommodations to exclusive activities, your journey is meticulously tailored to your desires.

Seamless Opulence in Travel

Your journey should be as seamless as it is luxurious. Trust Minzifa Travel to orchestrate every detail, from handpicked opulent lodgings to seamless transportation between destinations. With our meticulous planning, you can focus solely on enjoying the pinnacle of luxury along the Silk Road.

Embark on Your Luxury Silk Road Adventure

Elevate your travel experience to unprecedented heights with Minzifa Travel’s luxury silk road tours. Immerse yourself in opulent narratives, marvel at breathtaking architecture, and relish the warmth of Silk Road hospitality. Book your luxury journey today and step into a world of refinement.

21 tours found

19 days Silk Road in-depth experience

12 days Classic China Silk Road tour from Xi'an to Urumqi

8 days Kashgar Muztagh Ata Base Camp trekking

6 days Silk Road tour from Urumqi to Dunhuang

10 days Xinjiang Kanas Lake and Hemu Village trekking tour

10 days Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Xiahe and Chengdu Giant Panda Tour

7 days Memories of Xinjiang tour

8 days Silk Road highlights tour Kashgar - Turpan - Dunhuang

9 days Xinjiang Silk Road nature and historical tour

5 days Dunhuang, Jiayuguan and Zhangye tour

5 days Zhangye Danxia and Badain Jaran Desert

15 days Silk Road and Tibet Yushu Horse Race festival tour

10 days Amazing northern Xijiang Kanas Lake tour

10 days China Silk Road from Urumqi to Xining Qinghai Lake

8 days North Xijiang grassland tour

14 days China Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang Kanas Lake Tour

12 days Silk Road desert highway adventure

15 days Silk Road safari from Xi'an to Kashgar

20 days China Silk Road tour and Tibet explorer

16 days Silk Road explorer & golden triangle tour

15 days China Silk Road and Yangtze River cruise tour

Silk Road Tours

Explore the ancient trading and follow the footsteps of Marco Polo, Genghis Khan and other great explorers along this transcontinental trading route!

Your Silk Road adventure can start at the very end in Shanghai or in western China's Xi'an. As you head west into Xinjiang, you will feel the heart and soul of the Silk Road. Your path will be filled with the warmth of local Uyghurs as they share their local culture, historical attractions, and roaming camels. From the exceptional Buddhist treasures of Dunhuang Caves, the Grand Bazaar of Urumqi, ancient city ruins in Turpan Basin you can follow the spirit of this ancient trading route. An outstanding journey is waiting for you on a China Silk Road Tour!

Have a group or solo adventure of a lifetime on a travel tour through Central Asia. Experience spectacular landscapes while exploring the Five Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. WindhorseTour offers luxury and budget trips in Asia with its Silk Road Tours for 2019. We are one of the best silk road tour operators with tour packages for every traveler.

UK 0208 566 3739

USA 00 44 208 566 3739

• Enquire Now
• The Silk Road

Silk Road Holidays in 2024/25

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNING HOLIDAYS TO ASIA 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION

About the Silk Road

A Silk Road holiday or group tour takes you back in time, to a land of domed mosques, camel-led caravans, caravanserais, and the trade of exotic goods. Spreading throughout Central Asia, the historic silk road trade route is vast, spanning many regions, countries, towns and cities of the Middle East, the Stans, and Asia at large. It weaves through them like blood vessels in the body. Several visits to the Silk Road region will only scratch the surface of its immense history and stunning places to visit.

A Silk Road trip can vary from one week to over a month and focus on one country in depth or span the highlights of many. You can trace the footsteps of ancient traders slowly and steadily by road, absorbing the cultures of each place, or fly to cover greater distances, concentrating on the gems each place has to offer. Whichever route you choose, you can be assured that you will travel in much more comfort & luxury than the traders of old. At TransIndus, we can design a bespoke itinerary to suit your every need, combining history, culture, adventure and nature with luxury to deliver holidays that capture the essence of the Silk Road.

We have a small selection of escorted tours and guest lecturer-led tours of the Silk Road, visiting the main highlights of the ancient trade route. Talk to our specialists to find out more.

The Best Time to Travel the Silk Road

Central Asia and countries along the Silk Road enjoy picture-perfect spring and autumn seasons. Mild weather and little rain are perfect for sightseeing. In the summer, it can get incredibly hot and dusty, making long-distance travel quite uncomfortable, whilst in winter, the region experiences freezing temperatures and snow.

Make an enquiry

Popular Silk Road Tours & Itineraries

Uzbekistan Discovery

11 days from £1995 per person

Great Cities of the Silk Road

12 days from £3225 per person

Kyrgyzstan - Art of the Nomads

11 days from £2495 per person

Ultimate Silk Road

28 days from £7500 per person

Nomads and Mountains: Kyrgyzstan

16 days from £3795 per person

Uzbekistan by High-Speed Rail

8 days from £2850 per person

Designing a Silk Road Holiday

The Silk Road covers a vast network of ancient trading routes spreading across the Middle East, Central Asia, parts of the Indian Subcontinent and China. It would take many months to explore the route in it's entirety and most travellers visit only the biggest highlights of the region over the course of two or three weeks.

Our Silk Road experts have travelled the region in depth and create bespoke itineraries for every client depending on the duration, budget and travel style. 

To find out more about the Silk Road, get in touch. 

Get in Touch

Our Favourite Silk Road Holidays

Yunnan: Along the Tea Horse Road

14 days from £3830 per person

Yunnan boasts the most astounding mountain landscapes in China and you’ll experience the finest of them on this 14-day journey. Beginning in the Province’s modern…

China's Ancient Silk Road

19 days from £7195 per person

Retrace the route followed by the Buddhist monks and caravan traders of the Tang Dynasty on this wonderful odyssey from the country’s heartland to the…

To travellers crossing the great deserts of Central Asia, the splendid turquoise domes and mosaic-tiled facades of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva must have seemed like…

For anyone hooked on the romance of the ancient Silk Road, this epic, month-long tour has it all. You get to experience the full gamut…

Legends of the Silk Road

23 days from £7595 per person

Follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps on a journey from the imperial heartland of China’s eastern seaboard to the dry, dusty capitals of Central Asia –…

Join TransIndus for an escorted Group Tour to Uzbekistan, a country whose cultural legacy spans almost three millennia. Marvel at the emerald, lapis blue and…

Silk Road Explorer: Turkmen and Uzbek

15 days from £4995 per person

Combining the highlights of Uzbekistan with those of neighbouring Turkmenistan, this itinerary is our recommended option for adventurous travellers wishing to experience the ruined cities…

If you only have a week to spare then this streamlined tour, starting and ending in the capital Tashkent, is our recommended option. To squeeze…

Departure 22 June 2024 - Return  02 July 2024 Experience Kyrgyzstan's sublime landscapes and fascinating nomadic culture, one of our most popular tours led by…

Plan your Next Adventure

With the world now largely open again, now is the time to begin planning your next adventures in Asia. Our Travel Specialists are ready to take your call and discuss the adventure you have spent the last 3 years dreaming of.

Or call us on 0208 566 3739

• Why Book with Transindus
• Book with Confidence | Travel Safe
• Responsible Tourism

Financial Protection

• Booking Conditions
• Visa Info & General Travel Tips
• Airlines Partners
• Not Travelling To Asia?
• Essential travel advice
• Privacy Policy
• Careers with TransIndus
• Cookie Policy
• Nominate an NHS Hero

Be social. Follow us

© 2024 by TransIndus   |   Your journey. Our expertise

Website by Offroadcode

Best The Silk Road Tour Companies

Search 18 The Silk Road tour operators and travel companies, with 55 reviews.

Exodus Travels

Health Safety +

Featured The Silk Road Trips

On The Go Tours

World Expeditions

Travel The Unknown

Road Scholar

The Great Canadian Travel Company

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Titan Travel

Martin Randall Travel

Intrepid Travel

Abercrombie & Kent

Wild Frontiers Travel

Champion Holidays

China Travel Service

18 match your criteria (1 - 18 shown)

View The Silk Road trips

Plan your The Silk Road trip

The Silk Road Reviews & Ratings

A long and varied road.

This amazing trip was like several holidays rolled into one. From the surreal weirdness of Ashghabat and Darvaza, through ancient archaeological sites to the stunn...

Leave the West Behind

If you want to leave the west behind until the last city on this incredible journey, then welcome to the former Soviet States that make up the silk road. This tr...

Fantastic trips

This is a really fascinating, busy, exhausting and quite unique trip across 5 countries in just over 3 weeks. Go with an open mind and you will enjoy the most ama...

The 5 Stans

A great trip covering a wide range of experiences - from Turkmenistan [Ashgabat with its somewhat bizarre architecture (the Wedding Palace being a particularly goo...

An Incredible Trip

An incredible journey across a region that has not always been easy to visit.The trip encompasses grand landscapes, huge distances and wonderful opportunities to l...

See all The Silk Road reviews

Related Trips and Tours

Trip planning.

7 Amazing Stops To Experience Along The Silk Road

T he Silk Road is a legendary but very real 4,000-mile-plus-long trade route that connected Europe with China in a quest to not only buy silk but also shift plenty of other merchandise, such as spices and natural resources, along the way. Made up of many separate roads, including water routes across the Mediterranean from Venice or the Frankincense route from Oman, it used to take months and years to travel along the route. As a result, many cities and centers of learning sprang up along the way to help further the exchange, not only of goods but also knowledge.

I have been fascinated with the Silk Road ever since I read William Dalrymple’s In Xanadu: A Quest decades ago. But to travel along the many routes is not only extremely time-consuming but also a logistical nightmare due to conflicts, borders, difficulties obtaining visas, and a lack of connecting flights. So, instead, I bought a huge map and started to take shorter travels to some of the cities along the way, connecting the dots as I go.

I still have many places to see, some already booked, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva in Uzbekistan later this year. Others are still in the planning stages, such as Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Xi’an in China, and the constant dream about visiting Iran one day. So, watch out for part II of this story.

In the meantime, here are some fabulous cities I have discovered so far — all offering a Silk Road connection and many legendary sights to see.

1. Istanbul, Turkiye

Istanbul , or Constantinople as it was then, was the official endpoint of the Silk Road, but I started my quest from Europe, so to me, Istanbul is the gateway to Asia and the Silk Road. Old Constantinople was not only the connection to the Mediterranean and Black Sea but it was a rich center of learning and a bustling trade hub. To get a feeling for what it must have been like in the Silk Road days, head straight to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which opened in the mid-1400s. This was admittedly toward the end of the heyday of the ancient Silk Road, but it still would have welcomed traders from far away.

Pro Tip: The Silk Road then moved inland through the modern-day capital of Ankara toward the Caspian Sea, with many exciting stops along the way. To really get a feeling for the importance of the Silk Road in Turkiye, book a 10-day tour to find out more and stop in caravanserais along the way. ( Caravanserais were roadside inns along the Silk Road for passing traders and travelers.)

2. Yerevan, Armenia

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan is not only one of the oldest inhabited cities on Earth but also a city that offers both ancient history and modern art, culture, and tradition as well as a palatable joie de vivre with cafés and terraces on every street. The best place to start your visit is at the Cascade Complex, a set of stairs leading from the sculpture park below, up 572 steps to a view across the city. With the mountains of Great Ararat and Little Ararat on the horizon, the Ararat Valley is also a major route through the region. Note that within the Cafesjian Arts Centre on the left of the steps is a series of escalators that save your legs on the way up. (I just wish I had found them before I climbed to the top!) The city itself is great to relax in, walk and explore, but it is also a perfect base for day trips to the many monasteries and Silk Road caravanserais located within the countryside. Armenia is a relatively small country, very mountainous, with lakes and valleys, and so much history, all quite easily visited during organized and guided tours .

Pro Tip: You can get a driver to take you from Yerevan all the way to Tbilisi, the next stop below, taking in some sights along the way. It is around a 5-hour drive from capital to capital but very scenic.

3. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi may not be one of the better-known stops along the main route, but it was an often-used detour to rest weary travel bones in the city’s famous hot springs. The ancient baths along the springs have not changed at all since the Silk Road days. And to get a feeling for where travel-worn merchants would have stayed, head straight to the Tbilisi History Museum . It’s set in an old caravanserai where there were rooms for travelers, spaces and food for camels, and a market spot to trade at while you’re there. Today, the open space not only holds the history and a museum but also, down in the basement, a wine museum complete with a wine bar. And that might well have been another reason to stop off in Tbilisi; the Georgian wine is rather good.

Pro Tip: To keep in with the theme, don’t miss the State Silk Museum to learn more about the material that bore the trade route.

4. Baku, Azerbaijan

On the coast of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s capital city of Baku offers a superbly preserved look at Silk Road sights as they were when traders stopped to trade spices and cashmere on the way from India. The first stop should be the walled city of Icherisheher, with the Maiden Tower, its mosque, bazaar, and the wonderful Palace of the Shirvanshahs. There are also still many caravanserais dotted throughout the modern city, such as the lovely space around the Zoroastrian Fire Temple .

Pro Tip: To see more of the Land of Fire, where you find burning hills, petroglyphs, and mud volcanoes (all of which must have fascinated the Silk Road travelers even in the old days), book a private tour to Sheki .

5. Almaty, Kazakhstan

The first thing that struck me when arriving in Almaty was the snow-capped mountains that loomed on the horizon. They must have offered a mighty challenge to ancient merchants. Traveling through these mountain ranges hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago on camel or horseback must have been daunting. But they came and stayed a while in the green valleys around Almaty, probably gorging themselves on the plentiful apples that originate here. Here, there were craftsmen who mended armor and riding gear, and apparently, the jewelry trade was very popular. Something nice to bring back home after years on the road, I guess.

Pro Tip: Kazakhstan is a vast country and Almaty only offers a tiny glimpse. So, why not search out more Silk Road sights on a 4-day tour ?

6. Fatehpur Sikri, India

Fatehpur Sikri — the City of Victory in the State of Uttar Pradesh’s Agra District in northern India — is often simply visited because it is close (ish) to the Taj Mahal . When I first visited this abandoned city years ago, I had no idea that it had a Silk Road connection. So, when I was putting pins into my Silk Road map, I was utterly delighted that I had stopped there.

Built in 1571 as the capital of the Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri soon became a trading post for passing Silk Road routes because of the Mughal emperor’s patronage of the arts, crafts, and the court’s love of luxury goods, including silk. Abandoned by its emperor Akbar in 1585, Fatehpur remained a trading hub and center of craftsmanship. It still had one of India’s largest mosques and was a center of learning and religion. The city remained an important stop along the northern routes, so much so that in 1803, the trading giant East India Company settled there until 1850.

Pro Tip: When you find yourself in northern India, you will undoubtedly visit the Taj Mahal. Combine your trip with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri to marvel at this great abandoned city.

7. Beijing, China

While in ancient times, Xi’an was the last — or first — stop along the Silk Road, when the failing trade along the routes was restarted under Mongol rule in the 14th and 15th centuries, the route was expanded through China to eventually have Beijing as its starting point, or terminus. But even before then, intrepid merchant Marco Polo visited Beijing, or as it was then called, Dadu, the Great Capital, in the late 1200s. Giving you an idea of quite how long the Silk Road has been in operation, Marco Polo would have been in Beijing more than 100 years before the Forbidden City was even designed. But what he would have seen is the Pagoda of the Tianning Temple , the Great Wall of China, and, of course, the Marco Polo Bridge, which dates to 1189.

Pro Tip: Read The Travels of Marco Polo , but do it with a huge pinch of salt, as he is known to have made things up as he went. He was also not necessarily a good writer, but just the thought that he wrote those diary entries around the turn of the 13th century, and many of the sights he describes are still there, is quite mind-blowing.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits