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Tajikistan15 daysMax 12 travellersSolo-friendly
Heart of the Silk Road
A 15-day crossing of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan through ancient Silk Road cities — including Khiva, Merv, Bukhara and Samarkand.
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About this journey
What to expect on this trip
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.
The journey
Heart of the Silk Road
What makes this trip special
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
The highlights
Khiva: Mosques, Madrassas and Mausoleums
Khiva is a stunning ancient khanate and UNESCO World Heritage Site possessing a wealth of remarkable monuments. The tour devotes the better part of two days to exploring its mosques, madrassas and mausoleums of former khans. After lunch on the second day there is time to explore independently on foot.
Konye-Urgench: Capital of Khorezm
Konye-Urgench is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former ancient capital of the land of Khorezm, known for its beautiful mausoleums. The tour crosses the border into Turkmenistan specifically to visit this little-known site before continuing to Ashgabat.
Merv: Mosques, Citadels and Buddhist Stupas
Merv is the most important ancient site in Turkmenistan, dating back 2,500 years, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site contains an array of mosques, citadels and Buddhist stupas. The tour visits Merv in the morning before crossing back into Uzbekistan and heading to Bukhara.
Bukhara: Central Asia's Holiest City
Bukhara is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and described as Central Asia's holiest city, with a superbly preserved old quarter that makes it one of the region's most spectacular cities. The tour dedicates a full day to exploring the city. It is regarded as one of the most spectacular cities in the region.
Samarkand's Registan
Samarkand is most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Registan, described as containing perhaps the most breathtaking architecture in the whole region. The square's mosques and madrassas are elaborately decorated in blue ceramic tiles and traditional Islamic art. A full day is dedicated to discovering the city's remarkable ancient heritage.
Sarazm and Panjikent: Silk Road Trading City
The tour crosses into Tajikistan and stops at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sarazm, dating from 3,500 BC. Panjikent itself has a remarkably well-preserved old town, described as a vestige of its past significance as a Silk Road trading city. On arrival there is time to explore the city.
Trip highlights for Heart of the Silk Road
Full itinerary · 15 days
Free — no sign-up
Dates & prices
Choose your departure
Reserve your place with a £350 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.
| Departs | Returns | Status | Price pp | Single supp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Sept 2026 | 20 Sept 2026 | Guaranteed | £3,475 | +£370 | Contact for availability |
| 11 Apr 2027 | 25 Apr 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,475 | +£370 | Book now |
| 5 Sept 2027 | 19 Sept 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,475 | +£370 | Book now |
| 9 Apr 2028 | 23 Apr 2028 | Guaranteed | £3,475 | +£370 | Book now |
| 3 Sept 2028 | 17 Sept 2028 | Guaranteed | £3,475 | +£370 | Book now |
- GuaranteedDeparture6 Sept 2026 → 20 Sept 2026Contact for availabilityFrom£3,475 ppSingle supp. +£370
- GuaranteedDeparture11 Apr 2027 → 25 Apr 2027Book nowFrom£3,475 ppSingle supp. +£370
- GuaranteedDeparture5 Sept 2027 → 19 Sept 2027Book nowFrom£3,475 ppSingle supp. +£370
- GuaranteedDeparture9 Apr 2028 → 23 Apr 2028Book nowFrom£3,475 ppSingle supp. +£370
- GuaranteedDeparture3 Sept 2028 → 17 Sept 2028Book nowFrom£3,475 ppSingle supp. +£370
Can’t find the right fit?
Every one of our Tajikistan journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
What's included
What your tour price covers
Included in the price
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Overland transport throughout with professional driver
- Domestic flights
- All accommodation
- Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Budget separately for
- 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)
Before you go
Essential information
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
Voices from the road
What travellers say about us
Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Heart of the Silk Road. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.
Want to customise this tour?
Make Heart of the Silk Road your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
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Tajikistan adventure
Join a small-group departure, or let our Tajikistan specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
Common questions
Things travellers usually ask
How many travellers will be in my group?
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Can I travel solo?
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
How fit do I need to be?
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
When are the next departures?
The next available departures are 6 September 2026; 11 April 2027; 5 September 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
What's included in the tour price?
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; Domestic flights; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Where exactly does this trip go?
This tour visits Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
