Heart of the Silk Road

Heart of the Silk Road

Duration
15 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £3475
Region
Asia & Pacific
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Overview

This tour concentrates the essence of Central Asia, visiting three now distinct states connected across the centuries by the Silk Road’s east west trading legacy. Important historic cities such as Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Ashgabat, join the fabled khanates of Bukhara and Khiva, and incredible archaeological sites such as Merv and Konye-Urgenche. The itinerary doesn’t aim to provide an in-depth exploration of Central Asia, but it does pack an incredible amount into a relatively short time, identifying a culturally rich and varied vein through neighbouring states that survived the wholesale homogenising of the Soviet period to emerge once again. If this is your first experience of Central Asia it won’t be your last.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic flights
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except when included with domestic flights)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 5/5
Wildlife: 1/5
Tour-pace: 5/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

The “Heart of the Silk Road” tour by Undiscovered Destinations is a 15-day small group journey through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, offering an immersive experience of Central Asia’s rich cultural tapestry. Beginning in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, the itinerary includes visits to the ancient cities of Khiva and Bukhara, renowned for their well-preserved Islamic architecture and historical significance. In Samarkand, travellers can marvel at the UNESCO-listed Registan Square and other architectural masterpieces. The tour continues into Turkmenistan, exploring the archaeological sites of Merv and Konye-Urgench, before venturing into Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, and the scenic Fann Mountains, culminating with a return to Tashkent.

This expedition is designed for those seeking a comprehensive overview of the Silk Road’s legacy, blending historical exploration with cultural immersion. Participants will experience bustling bazaars, ancient fortresses, and diverse landscapes, from desert expanses to mountainous terrains. With a moderate fitness level required, the tour balances guided excursions with opportunities for personal discovery, ensuring a memorable adventure through one of the world’s most historically rich regions.

Itinerary Highlights
Registan Square, Samarkand

Marvel at the majestic trio of madrasahs that form the heart of Samarkand’s historic centre, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

The Ancient City of Bukhara

Wander through one of Central Asia’s most atmospheric old towns, rich with mosques, minarets and caravanserais.

Konye-Urgench, Turkmenistan

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with impressive ruins from a once-thriving Silk Road city.

Scenic Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Experience breathtaking alpine landscapes and remote villages nestled in one of Central Asia’s most beautiful regions.

Merv Archaeological Site

Discover the remnants of one of the oldest and most significant cities along the Silk Road, offering a glimpse into ancient civilisations.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan & Tajikistan - Heart of the Silk Road

USR/070925 Sep 07, 2025

Sunday
Sep 21, 2025

Sunday
Guaranteed £3,475.00

Single Room Supplement: £370.00
Book Now
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan & Tajikistan - Heart of the Silk Road

USR/120426 Apr 12, 2026

Sunday
Apr 26, 2026

Sunday
Guaranteed £3,475.00

Single Room Supplement: £370.00
Book Now
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan & Tajikistan - Heart of the Silk Road

USR/060926 Sep 06, 2026

Sunday
Sep 20, 2026

Sunday
Guaranteed £3,475.00

Single Room Supplement: £370.00
Book Now

Interested in knowing more?

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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Uzbekistan that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Uzbekistan. A visa maybe required for other countries in the region that you are intending to visit. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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