15-Day the Legendary Silk Road Train Tour 2025-2027

The Legendary Silk Road Train Tour is a magnificent journey into the heart of the East – through mountains, deserts, and valleys, much like the ancient caravans once traveled. But instead of camels, you’ll explore this historic route aboard a comfortable private train. Two-thirds of the tour are dedicated to Uzbekistan and its ancient UNESCO World Heritage cities, while the final portion showcases the beauty and culture of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
The tour begins with an introduction to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and the scenic mountain landscapes nearby. You’ll then travel to Khiva – an open-air museum city enclosed by the mighty mud walls of the Ichan-Kala fortress. Next, enjoy two full days in Bukhara, renowned for its stunning medieval architecture, including the Ark Fortress, Kalyan Minaret, and the Samanid Mausoleum. The journey continues with a short visit to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, followed by a trip to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan – all within the first week.
The second week begins in Samarkand, a legendary city known for its grand oriental architecture. After two days exploring Samarkand’s wonders, the train will take you on a scenic journey of over 1,000 km to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. There, you’ll discover local architecture, visit Ala Archa National Park with its picturesque coniferous forests, and enjoy the natural beauty of the vast mountain lake Issyk-Kul. The tour concludes in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, where you’ll visit the unique wooden Zenkov Cathedral and other city highlights.
Explore the full tour itinerary, view photos, and begin planning your unforgettable journey in the footsteps of the legendary Silk Road.

Day 1: Tashkent – Arrival (Uzbekistan)

Depending on your flight connection, you will arrive in Tashkent during the day and be transferred to your centrally located hotel. Your room will be ready for check-in around 3:00 PM. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: none

Day 2: Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

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! After a relaxing morning, you will meet your tour guides and fellow travellers in the afternoon. The journey begins with an impressive city tour, featuring the Kukeldash Madrasah, the Navoi and Amir Timur monuments, and traditional clay houses. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 3: Tashkent – Amirsoy Resort – Charvak – Khiva (Uzbekistan)

After breakfast, you will make your way through the narrow valleys of the Chimgan Mountains to the Amirsoy Mountain Resort. Then, take the cable car and enjoy the stunning panoramic views. After lunch with a view, your journey continues to the Charvak Reservoir, with a photo stop along the way, before returning to Tashkent. In the afternoon, your journey aboard the special train begins. A welcome drink and a short introductory lecture await you on board. Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara (Uzbekistan)

Today, visit the Khiva Oasis, a place that feels straight out of the famous tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Standing before the mighty city wall of Khiva, with its gates and clay-brick bastions, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another world. Around the Kalta-minor Minaret, life still pulses with the same energy it had in ancient times. During a walking tour, you’ll take in all the highlights: palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and madrasas – all forming one of the best-preserved ensembles of medieval Middle Eastern urban architecture. You will spend the night on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Bukhara (Uzbekistan)

Located in the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, Bukhara is home to around one thousand monuments that recall the glory days of the Silk Road. In the old town, you can see the nearly 50-meter-high Kalyan Minaret and the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble by the pond. In front of the Nasreddin Hodja monument, listen to some of his humorous stories and legends. In the courtyard of a madrasah, you’ll experience a folklore show featuring music, traditional dances, and a presentation of colourful national costumes. Overnight at a mid-range hotel in Bukhara.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Bukhara (Uzbekistan)

Today, you will explore Bukhara. The entire city feels like a vast, unique, and authentic architectural museum that has preserved its historic Middle Eastern character. In the morning, we will take you to the magnificent Miri-Arab Madrasah and the Samanid Mausoleum – considered one of the most valuable architectural landmarks in Central Asia. Then, take a tour of the mighty Ark Fortress, a city within a city that once served as the seat of government for the rulers of Bukhara. Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Bukhara – Shakhrisabz – Dushanbe (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan)

Overnight, you traveled through the mountains. Today, you will enjoy a folklore show showcasing the unique traditions of this region, which seems to have fallen out of time. Afterwards, you will visit Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur. In the evening, board your special train to Dushanbe. Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Dushanbe – Samarkand (Tajikistan/Uzbekistan)

After arriving in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, in the morning, you will set out on a tour to discover the city’s many sights. Among its numerous parks, a visit to Rudaki Park offers a relaxing break in a green, peaceful setting. In the late afternoon, you will return to your special train and continue your journey toward Samarkand. Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

Today, you will explore the sights of this renowned and historic city, which, under the rule of Timur, was considered the most beautiful and important city in the world. You'll visit the burial complex of Shakhi-Zinda ("The Living King"), the Afrasiab excavation site (including a museum tour), and Registan Square – widely regarded as the most impressive architectural ensemble in Central Asia. Registan Square is framed by three grand madrasas, with massive portals that are stunning in both decoration and color. In the background, the domes of the mosques shimmer like something out of a Middle Eastern fairy tale. It was here, in 1927, that the women of Uzbekistan symbolically burned their face veils, marking the beginning of a new era. In Samarkand, you will spend the next two nights in a mid-range hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

Today, you will visit a silk carpet manufactory and the home of an Uzbek artisan family that makes paper from mulberry tree bark. You’ll also see the Ulugh Beg Observatory and the ruins of the Bibi Khanum Mosque. The palace-like Gur-Emir Mausoleum complex, which you’ll visit from the inside, houses the tomb of Timur – who is remembered both as a masterful builder who turned his capital into a paradise, and as a feared conqueror who left a lasting mark on history. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: Train Day Samarkand – Bishkek (Uzbekistan/Kyrgyzstan)

After breakfast, your special train will make its way to Kyrgyzstan. Spend the day relaxing on board and enjoying informative lectures. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and look forward to the next stop on your journey! Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Bishkek – Ala-Archa National Park (Kyrgyzstan)

After breakfast on board, you will arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. During a city tour, you will discover its many sights. With around 100 m² of green space per inhabitant, Bishkek is considered one of the greenest cities in the world! Naturally, a visit to Ala-Archa National Park is also included in the program. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Bishkek.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13: Bishkek – Issyk-Kul Lake – Almaty (Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan)

After breakfast, your special train will make its way to the breathtaking Issyk-Kul Lake. A visit to the Center of Nomadic Culture will offer deeper insight into local traditions before you have time for a walk – or perhaps even a swim in the lake. After a boat trip on Issyk-Kul, your train will continue on to Almaty. Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14: Almaty (Kazakhstan)

Get to know this beautiful city on a sightseeing tour, featuring the Russian Orthodox wooden cathedral, the Wedding Palace, the circus, and the central mosque. A farewell dinner will be served at a local yurt restaurant, followed by a final short overnight stay at the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 15: Almaty – Departure (Kazakhstan)

Transfer to airport. End of the Legendary Silk Road Train Tour.
Meals: breakfast

Dates & prices

• 2025
• 2026
• 2027

• Inclusions

• Exclusions

Prices (Autumn 2025 /Spring 2026):

Prices (October 2026 /Spring 2027):

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:

Tour request

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