Central Asia - The Journey of a Lifetime in 2018

The Registan, Samarkand. Image: Richard Marshall

Details of Uzbek Journeys 2018 one-of-a-kind, small group tours to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are now available.


The 16-day Uzbek tours, scheduled for the very best seasons in Uzbekistan, focus on the architecture, history, art and craft of this fascinating section of the Silk Road.


Explore the architectural masterpieces of the ancient cities of Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Bukhara and Khiva.


Visit artisans’ workshops to meet families who have practised their craft for generations and contemporary artists who are fusing ancient techniques with modern style.


Roam the bazaars, lounge around in tea houses and spend the night in a yurt in the Kyzyl Kum desert. Learn how to make traditional bread in a tandyr oven and view a remarkable collection of avant garde art in remote Nukus.

The 8-day Kyrgyz tours combine the majestic, rugged landscapes of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys, with visits to craft co-operatives, design workshops, felt carpet makers and yurt makers.

Kyrgyz landscape

Travelling around shimmering Issyk Kul lake, with the towering Tien Shan mountain range in view, you will understand how nomadic traditions are still at the core of the Kyrgyz people, who take immense pride in their heritage.


There are opportunities for gentle hiking, picnics by streams, and listening to traditional musicians.

You will have the chance to see a kupkari (buzkashi) match and an eagle hunt. The tour also includes a visit to Sunday's Karakol livestock market.


Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country, often called the Switzerland of Central Asia, and sometimes as the Patagonia of Central Asia! It makes a marvellous contrast to the landscapes of Uzbekistan.

 Why not discover this fascinating region in 2018?

View details of 2018 Uzbek tours.
View details of 2018 Kyrgyz tours.

An example of Aidai  Asangulova's superb felted pieces. We visit her workshop in Bishkek.

Detail of an old Uzbek suzane