15-day Caspian Adventure Train Tour 2026
15
Days
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
The Caspian Adventure Train Tour is a unique journey from the shores of the Caspian Sea to Lake Issyk-Kul, nestled among the Tien Shan Mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking natural landscapes, explore stunning examples of oriental architecture recognized by UNESCO, and connect with the warm and welcoming people of Central Asia while discovering their rich cultural heritage. In just 15 days, you'll gain a wealth of experiences and memories to last a whole year.
The Caspian Adventure Train Tour begins in Aktau, the capital of Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region, known for its striking geological formations shaped by the ancient Tethys Ocean. From there, you'll cross the vast Ustyurt Plateau and arrive in Muynak, once the largest port on the now-vanished Aral Sea, today home to a haunting graveyard of ships. The journey continues through four remarkable UNESCO-listed cities - Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, and Samarkand - each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and architectural legacy. You’ll then explore the dynamic metropolis of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia. The tour concludes with a visit to the breathtaking Lake Issyk-Kul, set among the mountains, and the city of Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Explore the full tour itinerary, browse the photos, and let this unique journey inspire you to book your adventure and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
Depending on your flight connection, you will arrive in
Aktau during the day and transfer to your hotel. Your room will be ready for check-in around 3:00 PM. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: none
If your flight arrives early in the morning, you will be taken to your comfortable hotel, where your room will already be available for check-in. Enjoy a delicious breakfast!
In the morning, you will visit a necropolis that is little known in the Western world, located in desert-like surroundings and rarely visited by foreigners. The excursion continues with a tour of the somewhat unusual city of Aktau – despite having 200,000 inhabitants, the city has no street names! A stroll through the city ends at one of the small sandy beaches, with a stop at a typical local pub. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Begin your journey to the
Torysh Valley of Stone Balls, a fascinating natural phenomenon and a testament to the ancient Tethys Ocean. Next, enjoy a brief visit to the
Kok-kala tract, followed by viewing the dramatic
Sherkala Mountain from various angles. In the afternoon, board the train, where you’ll be welcomed with Kazakh tea and traditional nomadic snacks. Overnight on board as the train continues across the border into
Uzbekistan.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning, take a bus excursion from Kungrad, traveling about 90 km to
Muynak, once the most prominent fishing port on the
Aral Sea. From a panoramic viewpoint, you’ll observe the dry, sandy landscape and the haunting ship graveyard – one of the most striking examples of ecological disaster in recent history. Your guide will share the background and former condition of the site. Return to Kungrad and continue the journey by train. Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today you will visit the oasis city of
Khiva, a fairy tale from One Thousand and One Nights – in stone. Standing at the mighty town wall, with its gates and bastions made of mud brick, you’ll feel transported into another world. On your sightseeing tour of the oasis, you'll have the chance to take in its exotic atmosphere. Its palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and madrasahs (Muslim religious schools) form one of the best-preserved ensembles of medieval oriental urban architecture in the world. Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Located in the middle of the Kyzylkum Desert,
Bukhara boasts around one thousand architectural monuments, recalling the golden age of the Silk Road. Exotic spices, furs, and especially silk were once stored and traded in the city's caravanserais. In Bukhara’s Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage), you will see the nearly fifty-metre-high
Kalyan Minaret and the
Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble by the pond. In a madrassah courtyard, enjoy a performance of traditional dances and a presentation of colourful national costumes with live musical accompaniment.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Bukhara, also known by its honorary title Sherif ("the noble one"), has preserved its ancient oriental character through an extensive and unparalleled collection of authentic architecture. In the morning, you'll visit the splendid
Miri-Arab Madrasah and the
Samanid Mausoleum, one of Central Asia’s most beautiful architectural treasures. Afterward, enjoy a tour of the massive
Ark Citadel – a city within a city that once served as the seat of government for Bukhara’s former rulers.
Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today, you’ll enjoy a traditional folklore performance from this timeless region. Afterward, visit
Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. In the evening, your train continues to
Samarkand.
Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today you will explore the
necropolis of Shakhi-Zinda, the
Afrasiab excavation site (including a museum tour), and the magnificent
Registan Square – undoubtedly among the most notable architectural ensembles in Central Asia. This area also holds historical significance as the site where many Uzbek women burned their veils (paranjas) in 1927 to mark the beginning of a new era.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning, your private train departs to
Tashkent. A sightseeing tour takes you to the
Kukeldash Madrasah, the Navoi and Amir Timur monuments, and typical Uzbek mud-brick houses. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, your private train departs for Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy a relaxing day on board! Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, you will arrive at the breathtaking
Issyk-Kul Lake. A visit to the Center of Nomadic Culture offers insight into Kyrgyz traditions, followed by free time for a walk – or perhaps even a refreshing swim in the lake. After a boat trip on Issyk-Kul, your train continues on to Bishkek.
Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After your final breakfast on board, it’s time to say goodbye to the friendly train staff as you arrive in
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. During a city tour, you’ll discover numerous points of interest. With approximately 100 square meters of green space per capita, Bishkek is considered one of the world’s greenest cities. In the afternoon, an excursion takes you to Ala-Archa National Park, followed by a festive farewell dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. End of the Caspian Adventure Train Tour.
Meals: breakfast
Dates & prices
| Departure |
End |
Deadline |
Status |
Price |
Book |
| Sep 17, Thu |
Oct 1, Thu |
Sep 15 |
Available |
US$ 5,490 |
Book |
Journey Highlights:
- 4 different categories to choose from on board your private train:
Habibi, Ali Baba, Aladdin, Kalif.
- 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Itchan Kala Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz.
- 3 Central Asian Countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan.
- Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, known as the second largest mountain lake in the world.
- Excavations of ancient Afrosiab town in Samarkand.
- The making of traditional art objects: silk and carpets.
- Ulugh Beg observatory in Samarkand.
- Full of atmosphere: meetings with local families, traditional bread baking, and impressions of local handicraft tradition.
- Spectacular nature: Mangystau geological formations, Kyzylkum desert, the Tien Shan mountain range, and Lake Issyk-Kul.
- 7 overnights on the private train according to the booked category;
- 7 overnights in hotels;
- All meals according to program;
- Sightseeing program including all entrance fees according to program;
- Transfers to and from all airports and train stations according to program;
- Multi-lingual Lernidee Tour Director;
- Experienced local guides for a maximum of 26 guests per group;
- Doctor on board;
- Traditional welcome at the train stations in Bukhara and Samarkand;
- Wine and Vodka tasting.
- Visa fees*;
- Invitation letter for Kazakhstan (if required);
- Gratuities;
- International flights;
- Personal expenses.
*Please allow a minimum of 13 weeks for visa processing time.
| Cat Habibi (per person) |
$5.490 |
| Suppl. usage by 3 pax |
$1.240 |
| Cat Ali Baba (per person) |
$8.490 |
| SGL Suppl (train + hotel) |
$2.610 |
| Cat Aladin (per person) |
$9.360 |
| SGL Suppl (train + hotel) |
$3.240 |
| Cat Kalif (per person) |
$15.490 |
| SGL Suppl (train + hotel) |
$7.180 |
| SGL Suppl hotel Cat Habibi |
$860 |
Important Notes:
- We regret that, due to the intricate logistics of this tour, itinerary changes may sometimes be unavoidable.
- This journey is generally not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who rely on CPAP machines. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs before booking.
- Minimum number of tour participants: 60
- Minimum number for a guide in any other language (subject to availability): 10 participants.
- Please ensure you check anticipated flight details with us prior to booking.
About The Orient Silk Road Express Train
Your Comfortable Home During an Unforgettable Journey
The Orient Silk Road Express offers the best possible comfort for traveling along the legendary Silk Road. The comfortable restaurant cars serve freshly prepared regional dishes, and bar service is available in the evenings. The train is air-conditioned while in motion.
Habibi
Each Habibi compartment provides sleeping space for up to four guests, with berths arranged two on each side of the compartment – one above the other – and a table positioned in the middle below the window. Each car contains nine compartments, with combined toilet and washing facilities located at both ends.
Ali Baba
The Ali Baba compartment features two comfortable lower beds, each measuring 27.5 x 74.8 in / 67 x 184 cm. A table is positioned below the window, and there are various storage options for personal belongings and luggage. Each car in the Ali Baba category contains nine compartments, with combined toilet and washing facilities located at both ends.
Aladdin
This category features two lower beds (27.5 x 74.8 in / 67 x 184 cm), a small table, and storage space. Each car contains eight compartments and one shared shower facility. Guests in this category receive one bathrobe per compartment. Combined toilet and washing facilities are located at both ends of each car.
Kalif
This category features two beds: an upper berth measuring approximately 31.6 x 68.5 in / 80 x 174 cm, and a more spacious lower berth at approximately 44 x 72.4 in / 112 x 184 cm. Each compartment includes a closet and an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower cabin. Every car in this category – offering the highest level of comfort available on the Silk Road – contains only four compartments and accommodates a maximum of just eight guests.
Accommodation:
| Aktau - 2 nights |
| Holiday Inn |
| Bukhara - 1 night |
| Asia Bukhara |
| Samarkand - 2 nights |
| Grand Samarkand Superior |
| Tashkent - 1 night |
| Mercure |
| Bishkek - 1 night |
| Damas |
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