+888 832 7280

TOLL FREE

Papua New Guinea Sing Sing dancers

14 days / 13 Nights

Silk Road Tour of Central Asia: A Curated and Immersive Journey Through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan

$ 9,350 / person

View Photos
Community visit Singsing line Birdlife Face paint
Over 30 years of experience
Google
WeTravel
Award-winning service

Experience the Silk Road in depth and with ease, moving through legendary cities, mountain valleys, and nomadic landscapes at a balanced pace, without logistical complexity or rushed transitions.

At a Glance

Price & Deposit

$9,350 per person (double occupancy). Deposit: $1,500 per person.

Duration

14 Days / 13 Nights. October 12–25, 2026.

Start / End

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan → Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Best Season

October (Autumn).

Group Size

6–14 guests. Private on request.

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate. Easy walks on uneven terrain.

Jorge Salas, Founder and CEO of New Paths Expeditions

SPECIAL FOUNDER DEPARTURE

Hosted by Jorge Salas

This departure is personally hosted and led by Jorge Salas, Founder & CEO of New Paths Expeditions and the architect of this Silk Road expedition. With over 30 years designing and leading expeditions worldwide, he joins only three to four journeys each year. Very limited spaces remain.

Silk Road Tour Description

Across Central Asia, the Silk Road remains woven into daily life. It is present in active bazaars, in family homes set among mountain valleys, and in cities shaped by centuries of trade, faith, and scholarship. This small-group Silk Road tour is designed to engage with that legacy thoughtfully, with time and context.

The journey follows a clear east-to-west route through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. From Kyrgyzstan’s wide valleys and nomadic traditions, it moves through Kazakhstan’s mountain landscapes and urban culture, before concluding in Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, where architecture and craftsmanship come sharply into focus.

Days are paced to allow understanding to deepen. Guided visits are balanced with time to explore markets, observe daily rhythms, and pause where places invite attention. Family-hosted meals, cooking classes, artisan workshops, and cultural performances are integrated naturally along the way.

Throughout the journey, logistics remain discreet and efficient. This is one of the most complete and comfortably paced Silk Road itineraries currently offered in Central Asia. High-speed trains and short regional flights replace long overland drives, and multi-night stays create continuity and ease.
The result is a coherent Silk Road journey that offers a nuanced understanding of Central Asia as a connected cultural landscape, rather than a checklist of isolated sights.

Why Choose This Silk Road Three Stans Tour

  • Thoughtful Pacing With No One-Night Stays

    This itinerary is built to avoid the fatigue that defines many Silk Road journeys. Multi-night stays allow you to settle in and experience each destination with depth. There is no constant packing and unpacking, and no sense of being rushed from place to place.

  • Smart Routing With Trains and Short Flights

    Long, punishing drives are replaced by high-speed trains and short regional flights. This approach preserves energy, reduces travel stress, and allows more time for meaningful exploration while maintaining a smooth, coherent flow across borders.

  • A Complete View of Central Asia

    The journey balances culture, history, archaeology, landscapes, and living traditions. From nomadic valleys and mountain scenery to great Silk Road cities, the itinerary offers a holistic understanding of Central Asia rather than a checklist of monuments and tourist sites.

  • Exceptional Guidance at Every Stage

    You travel with New Paths Expeditions’ Founder and CEO, Jorge Salas, supported by an experienced Uzbekistan-based Expedition Leader and NPE Head Master Guides in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. This layered leadership ensures deep regional expertise, continuity, and attentive care throughout the journey.

  • Meaningful Encounters, Not Staged Experiences

    Family-hosted meals, artisan workshops, cultural performances, and conversations with conservation specialists are woven naturally into the itinerary. These encounters are designed to feel genuine and unforced, offering insight into daily life along the Silk Road.

  • Carefully Selected Hotels and a Premier Yurt Camp

    Accommodations are chosen for comfort, character, and location. City hotels are well situated for exploration, while the night in Kyrgyzstan’s finest yurt camp offers an authentic nomadic experience with attentive service and excellent meals.

  • Small Groups for Depth and Flexibility

    With a maximum of 14 guests, the journey maintains an intimate atmosphere. Small group size allows flexibility, meaningful interaction with guides and hosts, and access to places and experiences that larger groups simply cannot manage.

Featured, Recommended & Proud Member of:

Who This Journey Is For

This Silk Road small group tour is designed for travelers who want more than surface-level sightseeing. It is ideal for those who value context, comfort, and expert interpretation, and who appreciate time to absorb culture, history, landscapes, and daily life at a measured pace. It is perfect for travelers seeking a refined Central Asia expedition without physical strain or rushed logistics.

Who This Journey Is Not For

This journey is not designed for travelers who prefer rapid-fire itineraries built around long driving days, frequent hotel changes, or checking off as many sites as possible in the shortest time. It is also not a match for those who value speed over context, or who are comfortable trading depth and continuity for a dense sequence of stops.

Why Choose New Paths Expeditions

  • Unmatched Loyalty and Trust

    98% of first-time travelers return, and most join us year after year. Backed by more than 30 years of field leadership by our President, Jorge Salas, and 15 years of NPE’s dedicated operations, we have earned one of the strongest loyalty records in the U.S. specialty travel market.

  • Small Groups and True Exclusivity

    Most land expeditions operate with 2 to 12 guests for intimacy and seamless logistics. A few boat-based journeys may reach 14 or 16 guests, always maintaining NPE’s high standards and the best guest-to-guide ratio in the U.S. today.

  • Senior Leaders, Expert Guides, and Luminaries

    Our tours and expeditions are led by seasoned leaders with 20+ years of field experience, supported by top local guides averaging 15 years, or by a combination of master local guides. Many expeditions also feature distinguished academics and domain experts.

  • Perfect Pacing, Boutique Comfort, and Guaranteed Space

    No rushed one-night stops (with very few unavoidable exceptions when relocating). Our itineraries balance nature and culture with time to rest, plus carefully selected boutique hotels. On the road, window seats are guaranteed, and at least 25% of bus seats remain empty for comfort.

  • Recognized Excellence and Responsible Travel

    Featured in Forbes and operating in 70+ countries, NPE is known for high standards, conservation work, and long-term support for local communities.

  • Dedicated Personal Care from Start to Finish

    Your NPE Expedition Advisor accompanies you from the moment you inquire until you return home, ensuring every detail is handled with care.

Google ★★★★★ WeTravel ★★★★★

Testimonials

Linda and Mark Harrison

Portland, OR

★★★★★

We wanted depth rather than rushing through five countries, and this Three Stans itinerary delivered. The pacing, trains, and multi-night stays made it the most comfortable cultural trip we’ve ever taken…

Patricia Collins

Boston, MA

★★★★★

As a solo traveler I felt completely looked after from the moment I landed in Bishkek. The guides, the yurt camp, and the family-hosted meals created a beautiful balance of comfort and gentle adventure…

Dr. William Carter

Santa Fe, NM

★★★★★

As a retired history professor, I found this the first Silk Road journey that truly did the subject justice. The way the team linked nomadic valleys, Almaty, Bukhara, and Samarkand was exceptional…

James and Ellen Morrison

Naples, FL

★★★★★

We’ve traveled with New Paths before, and this Silk Road itinerary met the same high standard: thoughtful pacing, authentic access, and an easy-to-moderate activity level that left us enriched, not exhausted…

Marjorie Lewis

Seattle, WA

★★★★★

As a widowed traveler in my seventies, I found this journey both safe and deeply engaging. The small group, gentle pacing, and attentive logistics let me relax and truly experience the Silk Road…

Want More Details About This Journey?

Your Free Silk Road Expedition Guide

Download your complimentary guide with the full itinerary, packing tips, and essential insights for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. A clear overview to help you prepare and understand the journey.

  • Day-by-Day Itinerary
  • Packing & Season Tips
  • Cultural Highlights
  • Hotels & Logistics
Get My Silk Road Guide

Free PDF · Instant download · No spam ever

Itinerary

Getting There

Your expedition package does not include international flights. The latest you should arrive in Bishkek is midday on Day 1. Because most flights land early, guaranteed early check-in is arranged on October 12 so your room is ready upon arrival.

If you prefer, you may arrive on October 11. Your room will be available from 3:00 PM that day. Earlier access on October 11 can be requested. Additional charges may apply.

Arriving early helps with delays and jet lag. New Paths Expeditions can arrange extra nights and private activities.

  1. Day1

    Arrival in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

    Arrive in Bishkek by midday. Guaranteed early check-in allows you to rest after your flight. In the late afternoon, meet your Expedition Leader for a welcome briefing, followed by a traditional Kyrgyz dinner with live music and a performance by a Manaschi storyteller.

    Overnight Orion Hotel (D)
  2. Day2

    Bishkek City Tour

    Begin with a guided walk through Bishkek’s leafy boulevards, visiting Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, and the National History Museum for an introduction to Kyrgyz culture and history. Return to the hotel before an optional visit to a traditional felting workshop. Dinner is enjoyed at a local restaurant.

    Overnight Orion Hotel (B) (L) (D)
  3. Day3

    Bishkek – Burana Tower – Chon Kemin Valley

    Travel across the Chuy Valley toward the Tien Shan Mountains. Visit Burana Tower, an 11th-century Silk Road minaret, then witness traditional Kyrgyz horse games before lunch with a local family. Continue into the scenic Chon Kemin Valley, surrounded by alpine meadows and peaks.

    Overnight Ala Kush Glamping Yurt Camp (B) (L) (D)
  4. Day4

    Chon Kemin – Bishkek – Almaty, Kazakhstan

    Enjoy a gentle morning walk in Chon Kemin Nature Park with a local naturalist, followed by a private encounter with a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter, one of the cultural highlights of the journey. After lunch, return to Bishkek and fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital, arriving in the evening.

    Overnight Novotel Almaty City Center (B) (L)
  5. Day5

    Almaty City Tour

    Explore Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital, set against the Zailisky Ala-Too Mountains. Visit Central Square and the Central State Museum, then continue to Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral. Time at Green Bazaar offers a glimpse of daily life before a cable-car ride to Kok Tobe Hill, where panoramic sunset views over Almaty set the stage for dinner.

    Overnight Novotel Almaty City Center (B) (L) (D)
  6. Day6

    Issyk Lake and the Golden Man

    Travel into the mountains to Issyk Lake, set among alpine scenery. Continue to the site of the famous Golden Man discovery, a key symbol of Kazakhstan’s ancient steppe cultures. Lunch is shared at a family-run farm producing traditional cheese and wine.

    Overnight Novotel Almaty City Center (B) (L)
  7. Day7

    Almaty – Tashkent, Uzbekistan

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take time to rest. In the afternoon, begin an orientation walk introducing Tashkent’s layout and history, a useful transition as the journey shifts from the mountains and steppe into the great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan. This evening, enjoy a traditional Uzbek welcome dinner, marking the start of the final cultural chapter of the expedition.

    Overnight Crowne Plaza Hotel (B) (D)
  8. Day8

    Tashkent Old City

    Explore Tashkent’s Old City, including the Khast Imom Complex, Chor-Su Bazaar, a ride on the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro, and the Museum of Applied Arts. The afternoon is free to relax, explore independently, or optionally visit the Rakhimov family pottery workshop in a traditional mahalla. Dinner is on your own, with the option to join your leader at a nearby restaurant.

    Overnight Crowne Plaza Hotel (B) (L)
  9. Day9

    High-Speed Train to Bukhara

    This morning, board the high-speed train across the broad plains once traveled by Silk Road caravans. Upon arrival in Bukhara, settle into your well-located hotel and enjoy lunch. As evening falls, take a first guided walk through the Old Town, where mosques, madrassas, and narrow lanes introduce the timeless atmosphere of one of the Silk Road’s most important cities.

    Overnight Boutique Hotel in Bukhara (B) (L) (D)
  10. Day10

    Bukhara in Depth

    Spend a full day exploring Bukhara, one of the most complete and atmospheric Silk Road cities. Guided visits introduce its mosques, madrassas, caravanserais, and historic squares, while time between visits allows space to absorb the city’s slower rhythm and sense of continuity that has changed little over centuries.

    Overnight Boutique Hotel in Bukhara (B) (L)
  11. Day11

    Jeyran Eco Center – Train to Samarkand

    Begin the day with a visit to the Jeyran Eco Center, a long-standing conservation project protecting endangered desert species native to Central Asia. Learn about its work and the role New Paths Expeditions plays in supporting this initiative, before continuing by train to Samarkand. Arrival in the evening marks the transition into the heart of the classical Silk Road.

    Overnight Boutique Hotel in Samarkand (B) (L) (D)
  12. Day12

    Samarkand Highlights

    Spend the day exploring Samarkand, long regarded as the cultural heart of the Silk Road. Guided visits focus on Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, where architecture, faith, and artistry come together in one of Central Asia’s most extraordinary settings. This evening, return to Registan Square to experience its illuminated façades during a light show that brings the ensemble to life after dark.

    Overnight Boutique Hotel in Samarkand (B) (L)
  13. Day13

    Samarkand, Free Time and Farewell Dinner

    This morning, visit a nearby village for a family-hosted lunch and a final glimpse of daily life beyond the city. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, shopping, or time to relax in Samarkand. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner, a fitting conclusion to the journey through Central Asia.

    Overnight Boutique Hotel in Samarkand (B) (L) (D)
  14. Day14

    Departure from Samarkand

    Transfer to the airport for onward flights.

Important Note

Designed by NPE with decades of experience and in close collaboration with trusted local partners, this Silk Road expedition has been carefully structured to balance history, culture, landscapes, and daily comfort, while using the best available accommodations throughout the journey.

Travel across Central Asia—particularly in remote regions of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—can be unpredictable due to weather conditions, flight schedules, border procedures, road conditions, or local events. Adjustments to the itinerary, timing, or accommodations may be required. Your Expedition Leader will manage these changes with care, always prioritizing the overall experience and safety of the group. No refunds will be issued for program changes outside the control of New Paths Expeditions.

Silk Road Expedition Map

Map

Want More Details About This Journey?

Your Free Silk Road Expedition Guide

Download your complimentary guide with the full itinerary, packing tips, and essential insights for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. A clear overview to help you prepare and understand the journey.

  • Day-by-Day Itinerary
  • Packing & Season Tips
  • Cultural Highlights
  • Hotels & Logistics
Get My Silk Road Guide

Free PDF · Instant download · No spam ever

What’s Included

This Silk Road tour of Central Asia is designed so that logistics fade into the background and your focus remains on discovery. The following services and experiences are included in the expedition price:

  • Accommodations: Lodging throughout the journey, including carefully selected city hotels and a stay at Kyrgyzstan’s finest yurt camp with private bathrooms, heating, attentive service, and excellent dining.
  • Ground Transportation: All transportation during the expedition, including private transfers, high-speed trains, and short regional flights as outlined in the itinerary.
  • Expert Leadership & Guidance: Led by New Paths Expeditions Founder and CEO Jorge Salas, supported by an experienced Uzbekistan-based Expedition Leader and NPE Head Master Guides in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
  • Guided Visits & Entrance Fees: All guided visits, activities, and entrance fees described in the day-by-day itinerary.
  • Meals: Meals as specified in the itinerary, including family-hosted meals, special welcome and farewell dinners, and experiences that highlight regional cuisine.
  • Cultural & Special Experiences: Artisan workshops, traditional performances, and visits with local specialists and conservation initiatives, integrated naturally into the journey.
  • Pre-Departure Support: Comprehensive assistance before travel, including a detailed Pre-Departure Package with daily itinerary, packing list, destination map, luggage and name tags, and other materials to help you prepare.

What’s Not Included

To provide clarity as you plan, the following items are not included in the expedition price:

  • International airfare: to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and from Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
  • Visa fees: including the Uzbekistan e-visa, where applicable.
  • Travel insurance: which is strongly recommended.
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary: allowing flexibility to explore independently on select evenings.
  • Personal expenses: such as laundry, beverages outside included meals, souvenirs, and incidental purchases.
  • Optional activities or extensions: not specified in the itinerary.
  • Additional hotel nights: before or after the expedition, unless arranged in advance.

Book With Confidence

Guaranteed Departures

All Silk Road expeditions are guaranteed with as few as 2 guests and limited to a maximum of 14 travelers. This allows for smoother logistics across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, better access, and a more meaningful travel experience. Hotels and the premier yurt camp have limited availability—book early to secure your place. If a late booking requires hotel changes you do not approve, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit within five days of notification.

Risk-Free Deposit

Reserve your Silk Road journey with confidence. If you change your mind within 5 days of placing your deposit, you’ll receive a 100% refund—no questions asked.

Cancellation Policy

  • Within 5 Days of Deposit – 100% refund.
  • 121+ Days Before Departure – Refund minus a $500 admin fee (usable as full credit for 3 years).
  • 120–91 Days – 50% refund.
  • 90–61 Days – 25% refund.
  • 60 Days or Less – Non-refundable.

If We Cancel

In the unlikely event that New Paths Expeditions must cancel your Silk Road departure, you will receive a full refund of all land payments or the option to move your reservation to another journey.

If Events Beyond Our Control Occur

Weather, political decisions, regional disruptions, or unexpected conditions along the Silk Road may affect travel plans. We work with our long-standing partners to rebook services, adjust dates, or recover funds whenever possible. Some local supplier payments may be non-refundable, but we always pursue every reasonable option on your behalf. For peace of mind, we strongly recommend purchasing trip interruption and cancellation insurance, such as USI Travel Insurance.

Flexible, Interest-Free Payments

Your final balance is due 120 days before departure, and you may pay in easy, interest-free installments at any time before that date. No fees, no interest—just flexibility.

Personal Care Throughout

From the moment you book your Silk Road expedition, your dedicated NPE Expedition Advisor supports you every step of the way. Before departure, you’ll receive our complete pre-departure materials, including a detailed guide, packing list, and a hand-selected book and map tailored to this journey. Throughout Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, you benefit from attentive leadership, expert guidance, and seamless support. At NPE, nothing is left to chance.

Gallery

FEATURED BY FORBES

Recognized for Regenerative Travel Leadership

Our focus on sustainability and regenerative travel led Forbes to publish a full feature on our efforts. At NPE, every expedition is designed to make a lasting impact: protecting species and ecosystems, supporting local communities and archaeological research, training future guides, and ensuring the places we explore truly thrive.

By traveling with New Paths Expeditions, you become part of this mission—helping us leave every destination better than we found it.

Conservation Partner – Uzbekistan

Your Silk Road expedition supports Jeyran Ecocenter

New Paths Expeditions partners with the Jeyran Ecocenter near Bukhara — a conservation hub working to restore endangered populations of Przewalski’s horses, kulans, and goitered gazelles, while protecting the fragile desert-steppe ecosystems they depend on.

By traveling with NPE, a portion of your trip cost directly supports Jeyran Ecocenter — meaning your journey creates real conservation impact for future generations.

Want More Details About This Journey?

Your Free Silk Road Expedition Guide

Download your complimentary guide with the full itinerary, packing tips, and essential insights for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. A clear overview to help you prepare and understand the journey.

  • Day-by-Day Itinerary
  • Packing & Season Tips
  • Cultural Highlights
  • Hotels & Logistics
Get My Silk Road Guide

Free PDF · Instant download · No spam ever

Frequently Asked Questions

Silk Road Tour of Central Asia – Frequently Asked Questions

About the Journey

What defines this Silk Road tour of Central Asia?
This journey is designed as a complete and carefully paced Silk Road experience across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. It combines the region’s most important historical cities with mountain landscapes, nomadic traditions, archaeology, and contemporary life, supported by thoughtful routing, expert leadership, and refined logistics.
Is this journey focused only on culture, or does it include nature and archaeology as well?
This expedition is designed as a holistic exploration of Central Asia. Alongside culture and history, it integrates archaeology, landscapes, wildlife conservation, living traditions, and contemporary life, offering a well-rounded understanding of the Silk Road region.
How long is the journey and why is it structured this way?
The expedition spans 14 days and 13 nights, allowing time to experience each destination in depth without rushing. The length reflects multi-night stays, the use of trains and short flights instead of long drives, and a balance between cities, landscapes, and cultural encounters.
Is this a small group experience?
Yes. Participation is limited to a maximum of 14 guests. This ensures personal attention, smooth logistics, and meaningful access throughout the journey.

Cultural Encounters and Daily Life

Will we have contact with local communities?
Yes. The itinerary includes family-hosted meals, artisan workshops, market visits, and encounters with local specialists, offering insight into contemporary life shaped by Silk Road traditions.
Are these encounters handled responsibly?
All community interactions are arranged through long-standing local partnerships and are designed to be culturally respectful, unforced, and mutually positive.

Expedition Leadership and Guidance

Who leads this Silk Road expedition?
The journey is led by New Paths Expeditions Founder and CEO, Jorge Salas, whose decades of experience designing and leading complex cultural expeditions shape the overall vision, pacing, and standards of the journey.
What role do local and regional guides play?
Jorge Salas is supported by an experienced Uzbekistan-based Expedition Leader and New Paths Expeditions Head Master Guides in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. This layered leadership model ensures deep regional expertise, continuity across borders, and attentive care throughout the expedition.
What does traveling with this level of leadership add to the experience?
Expert guidance provides historical and cultural context, helps connect places across regions, and allows the journey to unfold smoothly and thoughtfully. It also ensures flexibility on the ground, informed decision-making, and a consistently high standard of interpretation and guest care.

Accommodations and Comfort

What kind of accommodations are included?
Hotels are selected for comfort, character, and location. City hotels are centrally located for ease of exploration, and the journey includes a night at Kyrgyzstan’s finest yurt camp, offering private bathrooms, heating, attentive service, excellent dining, and an exceptional setting that reflects the very best of contemporary nomadic hospitality.
Are one-night stays common on this tour?
No. The itinerary is deliberately designed with multi-night stays to reduce fatigue and allow time to settle into each destination.
How is comfort maintained throughout the journey?
Comfort comes from design rather than excess. Realistic daily pacing, multi-night stays, high-speed trains, short regional flights, and carefully selected hotels reduce fatigue and allow you to remain engaged throughout the journey.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

How physically demanding is this journey?
The activity level is rated easy to moderate. Most days involve walking on uneven terrain at a measured pace, with regular breaks and optional activities. There are no strenuous hikes.
Who is this journey best suited for?
This small group Silk Road tour is ideal for travelers who value cultural context, thoughtful pacing, and expert interpretation, and who prefer depth over speed without physical strain.
Is this journey suitable if I am concerned about stamina or pace?
Yes. Daily pacing, logistics, and accommodations are designed to support comfort and ease, making the journey well suited to travelers who want an engaging but manageable experience.

Season, Weather, and Travel Conditions

Why is October an ideal time to travel the Silk Road in Central Asia?
October offers some of the most favorable conditions of the year. Summer heat has eased in Uzbekistan’s cities, mountain regions are clear and crisp, and daytime temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing, with cooler mornings and evenings.
What should I pack for this time of year?
Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. A detailed, season-specific packing list is provided well before departure.

Safety, Health, and Medical Considerations

Is Central Asia safe for travelers?
Yes. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are widely regarded as safe and welcoming destinations. The journey follows established routes and is supported by experienced local partners and guides.
Are medical facilities and pharmacies available?
Major cities have hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies with access to modern medications, though some medicines may be sold under different names or may not be available everywhere. Guests are advised to bring personal medications, including an extra supply for at least five additional days.
Do I need special vaccinations or medical preparation?
No special vaccinations are required beyond routine travel recommendations. New Paths Expeditions provides detailed pre-departure health guidance.

Visas, Documents, and Entry Requirements

What are the passport validity requirements?
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled departure from Uzbekistan and have sufficient blank pages.
Do U.S. citizens need visas for these countries?
U.S. citizens require a visa for Uzbekistan but do not need visas for Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan for stays under 60 and 30 days respectively.
How do I obtain a visa for Uzbekistan?
Eligible travelers apply online for an electronic visa (e-visa). Processing typically takes around three business days, with a cost of approximately USD 20, subject to change. The visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Will New Paths Expeditions assist with visas?
Yes. Full visa guidance and assistance are provided approximately 120 days before departure.

Booking, Payments, and Preparation

What is the deposit and payment schedule?
A USD 1,500 deposit per traveler confirms your place. The final balance is due 120 days before departure.
Do arrival and departure transfers come with the expedition?
Yes. Private arrival and departure transfers are included on the official start and end dates of the journey, ensuring a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel and back at the conclusion of the expedition.
Will I have support preparing for the journey after I book?
Yes. From the moment you confirm your place, you are assigned a dedicated New Paths Expeditions Expedition Advisor. Your advisor is available to assist with preparation, logistics, documentation, packing questions, and general planning support leading up to departure.
How do I book this expedition?
To reserve your place, click the “Check Availability” link and follow the booking process, or contact New Paths Expeditions at 888-832-7280 or contact@npexpeditions.com.
Can New Paths Expeditions assist with international flights?
International airfare is not included. Guests may purchase flights independently, or, if preferred, New Paths Expeditions can connect you with Éxito Travel, our trusted flight consolidator, who can help identify optimal routes, competitive pricing, and assist with rebooking if travel plans change.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for this expedition. Guests are free to purchase coverage from any provider of their choice. Many of our travelers regularly choose USI Insurance Services, and we would be glad to provide their contact information if helpful. Travel insurance details and guidance are shared during the booking process.
What happens after my final payment is received?
You will receive a comprehensive Pre-Departure Package, including detailed expedition information, a daily itinerary, packing list, luggage and name tags, a destination map, a hand-selected book, and other materials to help you prepare. Your package arrives approximately 10 days after final payment.

Three Stans vs Five Stans: Understanding the Difference

Is a Five Stans Silk Road tour too rushed for most travelers?
Often, yes. Five Stans itineraries typically involve frequent border crossings, long overland drives, and repeated one-night stays, which can compress time in key destinations. This can leave little opportunity to absorb places beyond their main highlights.
Why does this tour focus on three Central Asian countries instead of five?
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan together offer the strongest combination of Silk Road cities, landscapes, and living traditions. Focusing on three countries allows for better pacing, fewer border crossings, and meaningful time in each destination.
How does a Three Stans itinerary improve the travel experience?
By limiting the number of countries, the journey avoids long overland drives and frequent hotel changes that are common on Five Stans itineraries. Trains and short flights replace extended road travel, and multi-night stays create continuity and comfort throughout the expedition.
Does traveling through fewer countries mean missing important Silk Road sites?
No. This itinerary is intentionally comprehensive. It includes Central Asia’s most significant Silk Road cities, including Bukhara and Samarkand, while also incorporating rural life, nomadic culture, conservation initiatives, and contemporary perspectives.
Who is a Three Stans Silk Road journey best suited for?
This approach is ideal for travelers who value depth, context, and comfort, and who prefer a coherent understanding of Central Asia over covering as many borders as possible.

Regenerative Travel and Conservation

What does regenerative travel mean on this Silk Road expedition?
Regenerative travel goes beyond minimizing impact. On this journey, it means actively supporting conservation initiatives, local livelihoods, and cultural continuity, ensuring that travel contributes positively to the regions visited.
How does this tour support conservation in Central Asia?
New Paths Expeditions supports the Jeyran Eco Center in Uzbekistan, a leading conservation initiative protecting endangered desert species such as Przewalski’s horses, kulans, and goitered gazelles. Participation in this expedition directly contributes to habitat restoration and species protection programs, and visits to the center are integrated respectfully into the itinerary to provide insight into its long-term conservation work.
How does New Paths Expeditions demonstrate leadership in regenerative travel?
New Paths Expeditions is recognized for its commitment to responsible and regenerative travel practices and has been featured by Forbes for its leadership in this area. Conservation support, long-term partnerships, and thoughtful itinerary design are integral to how NPE operates across all expeditions.

Silk Road Tour of Central Asia: A Curated and Immersive Journey Through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan

Price: $9,350

Deposit: $1,500

Small-Groups or Private:
⏰ Limited Spots Available
⚠️ Filling Fast

Note: Our peak dates regularly sell out 9–12 months in advance, so book early to avoid disappointment

y2 1

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!