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Secrets of the Silk Road – Central Asia

SECRETS OF THE SILK ROAD
CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan 18 - 29 September 2026
Uzbekistan & Tajikistan 29 September - 14 October 2026
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan 14 - 20 October 2026 SECRETS OF THE SILK ROAD
CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan 18 - 29 September 2026
Uzbekistan & Tajikistan 29 September - 14 October 2026
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan 14 - 20 October 2026 SECRETS OF THE SILK ROAD
CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan 18 - 29 September 2026
Uzbekistan & Tajikistan 29 September - 14 October 2026
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan 14 - 20 October 2026 SECRETS OF THE SILK ROAD
CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan 18 - 29 September 2026
Uzbekistan & Tajikistan 29 September - 14 October 2026
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan 14 - 20 October 2026 SECRETS OF THE SILK ROAD
CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan 18 - 29 September 2026
Uzbekistan & Tajikistan 29 September - 14 October 2026
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan 14 - 20 October 2026
Tour Summary

Few regions on earth combine the weight of history, the sweep of untamed landscapes, and the enigma of cultural endurance quite like Central Asia. It is a place shaped as much by the rhythm of camels’ hooves as by the ambitions of empires — from Alexander the Great to the Soviets. Here, every ridge, river, and oasis tells a story of conquest, commerce, and cultural fusion. Once the beating heart of the Silk Road, Central Asia still pulses with echoes of its past. Silk and spices, horses and silver, ideas and faith – all traversed these routes, leaving behind a tapestry of the ancient and the improbable – blue-tiled cities in the desert, yurts beneath glacial peaks, and markets that have never ceased humming since the days of Tamerlane.

We invite you to join us in the ancient footsteps of Marco Polo and countless caravans that once traversed the legendary Silk Road as we travel through Central Asia on our  ‘Secrets of the Silk Road – Central Asia’ Small Group Tour & Conference.

This journey is unlike anything Amaco has offered before. 

Its scale, the distances involved, and the way travelling through the 5 countries connects mean that the experience works best when participants travel through the full arc of the itinerary. Participants who complete all three parts help maintain group cohesion, ensure smoother logistics across multiple border crossings, and allow the journey’s narrative to unfold as it was designed. For these reasons, we must prioritise registrations from those able to commit to the complete program.

We recognise that not everyone will have the time or flexibility to join the whole adventure. With that in mind, the next level of priority will be given to travellers able to complete two linked sections, either Parts 1 and 2 or Parts 2 and 3. This supports the integrity of the itinerary while still offering a meaningful multi-country experience.

Once registrations from these two groups have been processed, any remaining places will be offered to guests wishing to take part in a single section. This staged approach keeps the process transparent and fair, ensures the journey flows as intended and still allows as many interested travellers as possible to take part in the sections that suit them best.

Why Travel With Amaco Small Group Tours?

  • All Inclusive Travel Packages
  • Small Groups
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • 25+ Years Experience

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. One of our expert team is available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

1300 668 149 or +61 3 9545 0906

info@amacotravel.com.au

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan (Part 1)

The first component of our program explores Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where steppes meet mountains and the nomadic way of life still thrives. Here, ethnic diversity, horsemanship, and falconry are living threads of centuries-old nomadic heritage. The ethnic tapestry is rich — Kazakh and Kyrgyz people form the majority, with Russian, Uzbek, and other Central Asian minorities, reflecting the waves of conquest, trade, and migration.

Both these countries also bear the mark of the Silk Road, the conquests of Genghis Khan, and the Soviet influence, all of which have layered history, culture, and architecture across Kazakhstan’s vast expanses and Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous terrain.

We begin in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s elegant former capital, framed by the jagged Tien Shan range and brimming with post-Soviet charm. Almaty remains Kazakhstan’s cultural soul — a city of parks and fountains, of Orthodox domes and Brutalist monuments, where the ghosts of tsars, commissars and steppe khans still wander beneath the linden trees. 

We then leave the city behind and continue to Charyn Canyon, known as Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon before continuing southward to the high altitude valleys of southeastern Kazakhstan -utterly breathtaking. 

We spend the evening within Kolsay Lakes National Park where the landscape softens into turquoise lakes that glint like jewels beneath the Tien Shan sun. A highlight is Kaindy Lake, a haunting spectacle of turquoise waters where the trunks of submerged spruce trees rise like silent sentinels. Formed by a landslide over a century ago, Kaindy is both a geological marvel and a contemplative sanctuary.

From Kazakhstan the road curves southward into the mountain republic of Kyrgyzstan, where you’ll encounter a very different rhythm — one shaped by nomadic traditions and dramatic mountain landscapes. We stop in Karakol near the northern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul  for a night. This is a crossroads of Kyrgyz and Dungan Heritage. Chinese Muslims fled  here during the Qing dynasty’s oppression in the 19th century. They settled, leaving behind mosques and a culinary legacy that flavours the local cuisine to this day.

We then venture into dramatic landscapes – the Jeti Ögüz cliffs, their jagged forms, a natural amphitheatre that seems to echo centuries of whispered tales.  The road continues toward Lake Issyk-Kul, its waters gleaming like a shard of sky each turn revealing a new cadence of life – shepherds guiding flocks of sheep, goats and horses across passes – the traffic here can take a while but the rhythm here is not imposed by clocks or schedules, but by the sun, the seasons, and the slow wisdom of nomadic tradition.

Beyond the cliffs, we continue visiting the dramatic Barskoon Falls with its unexpected brutalist soviet relic to commemorate Yuri Gagarin – the first human in space. Its then to Skazca Canyon, whose kaleidoscope of ochre, amber, and sienna cliffs feels as though you’ve arrived in Mars.

A visit to Kyrgyzstan is not complete without a yurt experience. Sleep, yurt style perched on the shores of Issyk-Kul, where the lake stretches endlessly toward the horizon. It’s here you’ll meet the eagle hunters of Bokonbaevo, one of the most visually striking and culturally resonant traditions of Kyrgyzstan.

The following days carry you further into the rugged spine of  Tian Shan Mountains, visiting Naryn and Tash Rabat past twisting roads and mountain passes – the same path Silk Road merchants traversed centuries before with their camels, caravans and wares in tow. The journey here is one of ascent — both literal and spiritual — through gorges and over high passes where flocks of sheep and horses are replaced by yaks as “traffic jams”! All part of the visual spectacle!

We’ll visit the village of Kochkor, a community celebrated for its traditional felt making. Here, women’s cooperatives continue the ancient craft of turning wool into richly patterned textiles — a tactile link to Kyrgyz nomadic life.

We end the first part of our touring program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital. A city of broad boulevards, Soviet-era architecture softened by leafy squares, and the constant hum of life. Markets overflow with fresh produce with the scent of samsa (dumplings) and plov (rice) in the air and young people in jeans and trainers mingle with elders in embroidered Kyrgyz hats. 

We finish with a visit to Al Archa National Park – another natural extravaganza that feels like its been plucked from the Swiss Alps before a final Farewell Dinner.

As with all Amaco conferences, we have integrated the educational program into the daily itinerary ensuring that conference participants don’t miss a thing.

“

“The Silk Road teaches patience — the slow unfolding of landscapes, the rhythm of hooves, the quiet endurance of the horizon. Each city along its course gleams like a pearl strung upon a thread of dust — distinct, luminous, and worn smooth by the touch of centuries. Empires have risen and withered in its shadow, yet the human impulse to wander, to barter, to dream across borders remains undimmed — as constant as the desert wind that still whispers through its ruins.”

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan (Part 2)

For those ready to discover more of Central Asia, we recommend you continue your journey to fully appreciate the diversity and rich history this region has to offer.

The second program continues the journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This is where the Silk Road’s spirit unfolds in a symphony of colour, sound, and texture. Few cities in the Islamic world possess the majesty of Samarkand. Tamerlane (Timur the Lame) envisioned a capital to rival Persepolis and Baghdad relocating artisans, craftsmen, and scholars from the cities he conquered across Central Asia and Persia to labour and construct monumental complexes of unparalleled scale and artistry. Mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and palaces that combined Persian, Mongol, and Central Asian traditions into a singular, dazzling architectural vocabulary were built during his reign. Crown jewels of the Silk Road still standing today in Uzbekistan.  

Then we travel into Tajikistan, one of the least visited and perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful of the Five Stans of Central Asia. Persian culture lingers in the architecture and language, a remnant of the Samanid Empire that once ruled from Bukhara to the Indus. Dushanbe, the capital, was once a Monday market village, today its flashy neon lit broad avenues and statues of poets like Rudaki speak to a people who see their past not just in ruins, but in verse. In the high mountain passes, the wind carries old Zoroastrian hymns, and the lakes reflect a sky untouched by time.

We begin the itinerary in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Over the centuries, devastated by the conquests of Genghis Khan and later by the major earthquake of 1966, the city has been meticulously rebuilt into a modern metropolis tastefully blending medieval oriental buildings, elegant European architecture, Soviet-era concrete blocks, and gleaming contemporary high-rises.

We’ll explore modern Tashkent, where wide boulevards, leafy parks, and contemporary landmarks such as Amir Temur Square, Independence Square, and the Tashkent TV Tower reflect the city’s cosmopolitan energy before venturing into the Old City, with its courtyards of traditional mahallahs,  the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, and the turquoise domes of the Khan Imam complex. 

We’ll then hop on a  train to the Fergana Valley – one of Central Asia’s most fertile, historically rich, and ethnically diverse regions cradled by the mountains of  Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. This has been an agricultural heartland and Silk Road hub for millennia, sustaining dense populations and serving as a crossroads for trade, culture, artisans and empire. 

It was here, in the village of  Margilan that some of the finest textiles along the Silk Road found their way to Persia, the Ottoman courts, and even beyond to Venice. We then visit Rishtan – another artisan village of the region renowned for its ceramics.  Artisans have passed their craft and delicate techniques from generation to generation, their work adorning the blue domes scattered across Uzbekistan. 

Across the valley, we continue to Kokand, once the seat of a proud khanate with its faded palace (destroyed by the Russians) and mosque, reminders of dynasties long gone but not forgotten. 

We cross the border to Tajikistan and arrive in Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. This is where the Syr Darya River spills from the Fergana Valley into the wide steppes of northern Tajikistan. Flanked by the snow-dusted peaks of the Turkestan Range, Khujand (known in antiquity as Alexandria Eschate “the Furthest Alexandria”) stands as both a sentinel of empire and a survivor of time.

This epic journey continues through two majestic mountain passes to the capital Dushanbe. This is  a journey that compresses both geography and history, the route of Alexander’s armies, of Sogdian traders, of Soviet engineers, and now of modern travellers retracing their steps.

You’ll spend three nights in Dushanbe – by night, the capital sparkles with flashes of neon lighting, boulevards outlined in shimmering lines and public squares illuminated in colours – it’s dazzling and garish all at once. By day stunning gardens and green spaces abound, designed with a deliberate elegance that recalls the great Persian gardens of Shiraz or Isfahan.

Leaving the city behind we head back into the Fann mountains before descending into the fertile Zeravshan Valley.  We arrive in Panjakent, a town steeped in the ancient Sogdian legacy and the gateway to the Seven Lakes, a cluster of glacial tarns high in the Fann Mountains. Each lake is unique, some shimmering a deep cobalt blue, others turquoise or emerald.

We then continue westward crossing the Uzbek border to Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road – turquoise domes, towering minarets, and mosaic-covered madrassas promise a dazzling contrast to the rugged, austere mountains just left behind.

We then board Uzbekistan’s high speed train – Afroysiyob bound for Bukhara. Nestled in the heart of Uzbekistan’s Kyzyklkum Desert, it has been a thriving oasis for over two millennia and a central city of the Silk Road. We spend our final two nights exploring  the streets of madrasas, caravanserais and bustling merchant before a Farewell Dinner.

As with all Amaco conferences, we have integrated the educational program into the daily itinerary ensuring that conference participants don’t miss a thing.

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan (Part 3)

If you would like to fully encompass the breadth of the five Stan countries and discover more Secrets of the Silk Road, we recommend you extend your journey to include our Post tour to the desert oasis of Khiva in Uzbekistan and the most mysterious country of all the Stans – Turkmenistan.

You’ll continue from Bukhara to Khiva, Uzbekistan’s living museum – this Silk Road city in a remote desert setting was a vital Silk Road caravan stop. Under the patronage of the Khans of Khorezm, the old city –Itchan Kala, blossomed into a centre of Islamic learning. In the 18th century, the Khiva ruler Muhammad Rahim Khan II, himself a poet and patron of the arts — gathered scholars, calligraphers, and historians sponsoring translations of Persian classics, commissioning new madrassas, and fostering  an environment of literary refinement even as the emirate faced the encroaching pressures of Russian expansion. The atmopshere he created still lives on today. 

From here, journey across the border into Turkmenistan, the most undiscovered of all the ‘Stans’. With only just over 100,00 visitors a year, its considered one of the least visited countries in the world due to its strict visa regime.  Expect sweeping deserts – the Karakum desert covers about 70% of the country –  archaeological ruins connecting China, Persia and Europe and a surreal modernity in its capital, Ashgabat where there is no colour to see except white. 

You’ll visit Kone Urgench, once the glittering capital of the Khorezm Empire, whose majestic mausoleums and crumbling minarets rise like sentinels over the sands before continuing south to Dashoguz. 

In Ashgabat, the city’s capital you’ll visit sprawling ceremonial squares, gold domed monuments and discover the Turkmen culture – a blend of Turkic traditions, Islamic heritage and Soviet influence. 

We spend a night deep in the Karakum Desert, where the otherworldly Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the ‘Door to Hell‘ burns ceaselessly under the night sky, a Soviet engineering mishap! We then head to the ancient city of Merv, once a Silk Road metropolis that rivalled Baghdad and Constantinople in scale. It now lies in ruins – its eroded domes and collapsed madrassas bearing witness to the day in 1221 when Genghis Khan’s son Tolui slaughtered its inhabitants in what was likely the deadliest single day of killing in pre-modern history.  

We spend one last night in Ashgabat with all its oddity and grandness before completing this grand odyssey encompassing a region of the world still undiscovered. 

We have partnered with one of the region’s leading operators to ensure that enhanced cleaning and sanitising practices are in place throughout our program.

For your comfort and pleasure, we’re limiting the group size to just 30 participants.

We believe that this conference offers exceptional value for money — with all meals, non alcoholic beverages and sightseeing included. We’ve even included the flight from Bukhara to Tashkent if you join us for  both conference programs. 

We encourage you to register for this conference straight away  or run the risk of missing out on this bucket-list educational and travel experience.

Destination

Central Asia

Duration

Across 32 days

Value For Money

All Inclusive Central Asia Odyssey

Booking Info

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

(Part 1)

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

(Part 2)

Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

(Part 3)

Start Date & Time

18 September 2026 @ 6:00pm

29 September 2026 @ 6:00pm

14 October 2026 @ 8:00am

End Date & Time

29 September 2026 @ 9:00am

14 October 2026 @ 9:00am

20 October 2026 @ 9:00am

Start & End Location

Starts: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ends: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Starts: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Ends: Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Starts: Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Ends: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Registration Fees

Conference Participant:
$1,295 pp
Non-Conference Participant:
$995 pp

Conference Participant:
$1,295 pp
Non-Conference Participant:
$995 pp

No Registration Fees.

Must be booked in conjunction with Uzbekistan & Tajikistan (Part 2)

Travel Packages

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

(Part 1)

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

(Part 2)

Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

(Part 3)

The Five Stans Combined

Parts 1, 2 & 3

Amaco Family Price:
$20,985 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Early Bird Price:
$22,985 pp
(For bookings made on or before 18 March 2026)

Standard Price:
$24,985 pp
(For bookings made on or after 19 March 2026)

Single Supplement
(If travelling alone):
$6,685

Combined Pricing

Parts 1 & 2

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

(Part 1)

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

(Part 2)

Amaco Family Price:
$17,990 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Early Bird Price:
$19,990 pp
(For bookings made on or before 18 March 2026)

Standard Price:
$21,990 pp
(For bookings made on or after 19 March 2026)

Single Supplement
(If travelling alone):
$5,690

Combined Pricing

Parts 2 & 3

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

(Part 2)

Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

(Part 3)

Amaco Family Price:
$12,740 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Early Bird Price:
$13,740 pp
(For bookings made on or before 18 March 2026)

Standard Price:
$14,740 pp
(For bookings made on or after19 March 2026)

Single Supplement
(If travelling alone):
$4,190

Stand Alone Pricing

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

(Part 1)

Amaco Family Price:
$8,995 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Early Bird Price:
$9,995 pp
(For bookings made on or before 18 March 2026)

Standard Price:
$10,995 pp
(For bookings made on or after 19 March 2026)

Single Supplement
(If travelling alone):
$2,495

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

(Part 2)

Amaco Family Price:
$9,995 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Early Bird Price:
$10,995 pp
(For bookings made on or before 18 March 2026)

Standard Price:
$11,995 pp
(For bookings made on or after 19 March 2026)

Single Supplement
(If travelling alone):
$3,195

Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

(Part 3)

Standard Price:
$3,495 pp


Single Supplement
(If travelling alone):
$995

Inclusions

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

(Part 1)

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

(Part 2)

Khiva & Turkmenistan

(Part 3)
  • 3 nights at Intercontinental Almaty (18, 19 & 20 Sep 2026)
  • 1 night at Kolsai Lake Prestige Hotel (21 Sep 2026)
  • 1 night at Hotel 78 Karakol (22 Sep 2026)
  • 1 night at Yurt Camp or Lodge Issyk Kul Lake (23 Sep 2026)
  • 2 nights at Grand Khan Tengri Naryn (24 & 25 Sep 2026)
  • 3 nights at Sheraton Bishkek (26, 27 & 28 Sep 2026)
  • Conference Sessions (19, 25 & 27 Sep 2026)
  • 11 x Breakfasts, 10 x Lunches and 11 x Dinners
  • Non Alcoholic Beverages (tea, juices, soft drink and water) included with all lunches and dinners
  • Welcome Networking Dinner (18 Sep 2026)
  • Almaty City Tour (19 Sep 2026)
  • Kok Tobe Hill Cable Car (19 Sep 2026)
  • Shymbulak Mountain Cable Car & Visit (20 Sep 2026)
  • Ile Alatau National Park Visit (20 Sep 2026)
  • Falcon Nursery Farm & Show (20 Sep 2026)
  • Kazakh Kures Performance (20 Sep 2026)
  • Nomadic Music Master Class (20 Sep 2026)
  • Charyn National Park Hike & Tour (21 Sep 2026)
  • Kolsai Lake National Park Visit (21 Sep 2026)
  • Kaindy Lake Expedition (22 Sep 2026)
  • Karakol City Tour (22 Sep 2026)
  • Dungan Noodle Pulling Master Class (22 Sep 2026)
  • Jeti Oguz (Seven Bulls) Visit (23 Sep 2026)
  • Barskoon Gorge & Hike (23 Sep 2026)
  • Skazca Canyon Visit & Hike (23 Sep 2026)
  • Meet the Eagle Hunters (24 Sep 2026)
  • Orientation Tour Naryn (24 Sep 2026)
  • Tash Rabat Caravanserai Visit (25 Sep 2026)
  • Kochkor Women's Co-op Felt Making Master Class (26 Sep 2026)
  • Burana Tower Visit (26 Sep 2026)
  • Bishkek City Tour (27 Sep 2026)
  • Ala Archa National Park Visit & Hike (28 Sep 2026)
  • 3 nights at Intercontinental Tashkent (29, 30 Sep & 1 Oct 2026)
  • 1 night at Club 777 Hotel Fergana (2 Oct 2026)
  • 1 night at Silk Road Kokand (3 Oct 2026)
  • 1 night at Anis Hotel Khujand (4 Oct 2026)
  • 3 nights at Rumi Hotel Dushanbe (5, 6 & 7 Oct 2026)
  • 1 night at Fariz Hotel Panjakent (8 Oct 2026)
  • 3 nights at Movenpick Samarkand Hotel (9, 10 & 11 Oct 2026)
  • 2 Nights at Mercure Bukhara Old Town (12 & 13 Oct 2026)
  • 15 Breakfasts, 14 x Lunches and 15 x Dinners
  • Non Alcoholic Beverages (tea, juice, soft drink and water) included with all lunches and dinners
  • Scheduled Domestic Flight from Bishkek to Bukhara (29 Sep 2026) included if continuing from Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan (Part 1) Itinerary
  • Welcome Networking Dinner (29 Sep 2026)
  • Modern (Soviet) Tashkent City Tour (30 Sep 2026)
  • Ancient Tashkent City Tour (1 Oct 2026)
  • Fast Train Tashkent to Fergana Valley (2 Oct 2026)
  • Margilan Silk Tour (2 Oct 2026)
  • Fergana Panoramic City Tour (2 Oct 2026)
  • Rishtan Village Ceramic Tour (3 Oct 2026)
  • Kokand Khan Palaces City Tour (3 Oct 2026)
  • Anora House Museum Visit & Lunch (4 Oct 2026)
  • Khudjand City Tour (4 Oct 2026)
  • Istaravshan Visit and Blacksmith Workshop (5 Oct 2026)
  • Comb Maker Artisan Visit (5 Oct 2026)
  • Hissar Fortress Tour (6 Oct 2026)
  • Dushanbe City Highlights Tour (7 Oct 2026)
  • Sarazm UNESCO Heritage Site Visit (8 Oct 2026)
  • Penjikent Museum Visit (8 Oct 2026)
  • Teahouse Plov Cooking Master Class (8 Oct 2026)
  • Seven Lakes Expedition (9 Oct 2026)
  • Samarkand City Tour (10 Oct 2026)
  • Ulughbek Conservatory Visit (11 Oct 2026)
  • Bullet Train from Samarkand to Bukhara (12 Oct 2026)
  • Bukhara City Tour (12 Oct 2026)
  • Summer Palace Tour of the Emir of Bukhara (13 Oct 2026)
  • Farewell Dinner (13 Oct 2026)
  • 2 nights at Darvaza Hotel Khiva (14 & 15 Oct 2026)
  • 3 nights at Yyldyz Hotel Ashgabat (16 & 17 Oct & 19 Oct 2026)
  • 1 night at Darvaza Gas Crater Yurt Camp (18 Oct 2026)
  • 6 x Breakfasts, 6 x Lunches and 6 x Dinners
  • Non Alcoholic Beverages (tea, juice, soft drink and water) included with all lunches and dinners
  • Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass) for Turkmenistan
  • Turkmenistan Border PCR Test
  • Turkmenistan Visa
  • Bullet Train Bukhara to Khiva scheduled service to begin March 2026 (14 Oct 2026)
  • Khiva Itchan-Kala Tour (15 Oct 2026)
  • Kone Urgench Historical Site Tour (16 Oct 2026)
  • Scheduled Domestic Flight from Dashoguz to Ashgabat (16 Oct 2026)
  • Mary National Museum Visit (17 Oct 2026)
  • Ancient Merv Historical City Tour (17 Oct 2026)
  • Scheduled Domestic Flight from Mary to Ashgabat (17 Oct 2026)
  • Ashgabat Monument Tour & Russian Bazaar (18 Oct 2026)
  • Darvaza Gaz Crater Visit (18 Oct 2026)
  • Nissa Fortress Tour (19 Oct 2026)
  • Ashgabat City Tour (19 Oct 2026)
Amaco Gold Standard Inclusions
  • Airport Transfers for Group Arrivals and Departures
  • Services of English-speaking specialist driver/guides and support staff
  • Tips and gratuities for all driver/guides, support crew and staff
  • Porterage and hassle free luggage management throughout
  • Experienced Amaco staff escort
Exclusions
  • International airfares between Australia and Central Asia
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, mini bar, room service, laundry and business communications
  • Food and beverages outside of main meals
  • Travel, optional tours & excursions not included in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Turkmenistan Visa at Border
  • PCR Test at Turkmenistan Border
Itinerary

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

(Part 1)

Day 1 - 18 September 2026 Arrive Almaty, Kazakhstan

After arriving at Almaty Airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel.

Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening, where you will have the opportunity to meet other participants and their partners as well as your Amaco hosts.

Overnight: Intercontinental Almaty 

Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 - 19 September 2026Conference Sessions & Almaty Discoveries

Conference Session 1 & 2 take place this morning followed by lunch. 

After lunch you’ll begin a tour of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital. Begin at First President’s Park, a sweeping expanse of manicured gardens and fountains framed by the snow-dusted Tien Shan Mountains. We’ll continue to Republic Square, once the stage of grand Soviet parades, before admiring the neoclassical façade of the State Opera and Ballet Theatre and the lively Abay Square, where locals gather before visiting Paniflov Park named for the Paniflov Heroes, 28 soldiers of an Almaty infantry who died fighting the Nazis in a village outside Moscow in 1941. Within the park sits the Zenkov Cathedral, one of Almaty’s few surviving tsarist-era buildings. Designed by AP Zenkov in 1904, the cathedral is built entirely of wood and assembled without a single nail. Used as a museum and concert hall in Soviet times, it was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1995 and has been fully restored.

We then take the Cable Car to Kok Tobe Hill for a sunset view of the city and dinner before returning to the hotel. 

Overnight: Intercontinental Almaty

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - 20 September 2026Mountains & Kazakh Traditions

Today we leave the bustle of Almaty behind and  head to Medeu Gorge a short but scenic drive into the heart of the Trans Ili Alatau Mountains. You’ll hop on a cable car and glide over the world’s highest outdoor skating rink –  the Medeu Skating Rink, a Soviet era marvel before continuing on a 6 kilometre ride over alpine forests and sheer cliffs.

A stop for lunch with views before continuing to the Falcon Nursery Farm where ancient Kazakh traditions come vividly to life. Under the guidance of an expert falconer and ornithologist, you’ll gain rare insight into the art of falconry, its origins on the steppes, and the deep reverence nomadic Kazakhs have long held for these powerful creatures. We continue our foray in the crisp mountain air before ending the evening with traditional cuisine. 

Overnight: Intercontinental Almaty 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 21 September 2026Charyn Canyon & Kolsay Lakes

Following breakfast,  you’ll depart Almaty and head to one of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular natural wonders –  Charyn Canyon National Park located around 200 kms to the east. The drive is through open steppe that gradually rises into the dramatic contours of the Tien Shan Mountains. You’ll spend time exploring the labyrinth of wind carved cliffs and sandstone towers sculpted over millions of years with a walk through the ‘Valley of Castles’. 

After lunch you’ll continue east, stopping at the Black Canyon, a lesser known yet utterly spellbinding gorge carved by the Charyn River. By late afternoon, arrive at the tranquil Kolsay Lake, a sapphire lake at nearly 1800 metres above sea level.

Your accommodation this evening will be within the Kolsay Lake National Park. 

Overnight: Kolsay Lakes Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 22 September 2026Kaindy Lake and off to Kyrgyzstan

You’ll set off early today meeting your driver at Saty village for the 15 kilometre drive deeper into the mountains through alpine meadows and high pastures. Kaindy Lake is like discovering a secret hidden by the mountains themselves. Formed in 1911 after a powerful earthquake triggered a limestone landslide that dammed the valley, the lake’s beauty lies in its surreal, landscape – a turquoise mirror pierced by the ghostly trunks of submerged spruce trees. Remote and untouched this is time for some quiet contemplation before the journey through the Tien Shan heading to the border of Kyrgyzstan.

After border formalities you’ll trace the contours of the Tien Shan  foothills towards Karakol, sitting on the edge of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Dinner this evening is at a local Kyrgyz restaurant.  

Overnight: Hotel 78 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 23 September 2026The Peaks to Shores of Issyk Kul Lake

Departing Karakol you’ll stop to admire Dungan Mosque, a rare architectural gem with its ornate woodwork and onion domes, and visit the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral, a striking example of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture before travelling southwest along Issyk-Kul lake’s southern shore. The first highlight is Jeti-Ögüz Gorge, famed for its striking “Seven Bulls” rock formation – a series of towering red sandstone cliffs whose dramatic shapes and hues seem almost sculpted by the hand of nature itself. Stroll along the gorge, taking in the vivid colours, alpine meadows, and the gentle roar of mountain streams that tumble from hidden waterfalls. Depending on road conditions you’ll visit the Barskoon Waterfall tumbling from steep cliffs and enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the glacial stream and mountain air. 

You’ll then continue along the shores of Issyk-Kul to Skazka Canyon, one of the most stunning natural environments along Issyk-Kul.  Formed as a result of thousands of years of ice, water and wind erosion, you’ll have time to walk and discover this Mars-like setting. Arrive late afternoon at yurt camp to experience the nomadic life of the Kyrgyz people. Dinner this evening will be at the camp. 

Overnight: Yurt Camp

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 24 September 2026Eagle Hunters & the Ancient Silk Road

This morning you’ll meet the eagle hunters (berkutchi) of Bokonbaevo who pass their skills from generation to generation offering a glimpse into one of Central Asia’s most extraordinary nomadic practices. Golden Eagles are trained over years by berkutchi and used to track and capture game across the rugged mountains and steppe, continuing a heritage that dates back over 4,000 years. 

You’ll then continue the journey heading into the interior ranges of the Tien Shan Mountains following a path once traced by Silk Road caravans that linked the trading towns of the Ferghana and Tarim basins. You’ll notice the scenery transform – gentle lakeside pastures give way to rugged gorges, fast-flowing rivers, and immense plateaus where herders still graze their horses, yaks, and sheep much as their ancestors did centuries ago. Nestled in the rugged foothills of the Naryn-Too Range, the mountain town of  Naryn is your destination. Home to around 40,000 people this town once little more than a windswept fort along the ancient caravan route linking Kashgar with the Central Asian plains  grew in the 19th century into a vital outpost for traders crossing the high mountain passes.

Just over 160 kilometres from the Chinese border, Naryn has re-emerged as an important crossroads, a free economic zone and modern trade hub connecting east and west – the new ‘modern’ silk road. After checking in to the hotel you’ll take an orientation walk of the town before some time to refresh and unwind.

Dinner this evening is at the hotel. 

Overnight: Grand Khan Tenghri Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - 25 September 2026Conference Sessions and Caravanserais

Conference Sessions 3 & 4 take place this morning followed by lunch. 

This afternoon head further into the mountains to the remote Tash Rabat Caravanserai . Hidden deep within the Tian Shan Mountains, Tash Rabat is one of Central Asia’s best preserved caravanserais, a silent sentinel of the Silk Road era, standing at nearly 3,200 metres above sea level. Surrounded by sweeping meadows and rugged peaks often capped with snow, this stone fortress seems almost otherworldly, a lonely relic that has endured for centuries amid the vast, windswept highlands of Naryn Province.

Believed to date back to the 15th century, Tash Rabat once served as a resting place for merchants, pilgrims, and explorers journeying between Kashgar in China and the fertile valleys of Central Asia. Constructed from carefully hewn local stone, its design is strikingly sophisticated for its age with a large central dome surrounded by 31 rooms, each built with barrel vaults and interconnected passageways. Scholars believe these rooms provided lodging, storage, and shelter for travellers and their animals, offering precious safety against the biting cold and marauding bandits.

Some historians suggest it was originally a Nestorian Christian or Buddhist monastery, later converted into a caravanserai as trade along the Silk Road flourished. Others believe it was always intended as a fortress of hospitality,  a strategic resting place on the perilous high-altitude route connecting East and West. We’ll let you ponder your own theory. You’ll be one of the few who venture into this remote region to explore for yourself. 

You’ll head back to Naryn late afternoon with time to rest before dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight: Grand Khan Tenghri Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - 26 September 2026Kockhkor Felt Traditions and Journey to Bishkek

Depart Naryn the morning, leaving the high mountain valleys behind toward the fertile plains of northern Kyrgyzstan. Your first stop is the village of Kochkor, famed for its vibrant women’s felt-making cooperatives, where skilled artisans continue a centuries-old tradition of crafting colourful shyrdaks (felt rugs) and other textiles. You’ll learn and try your hand at the intricate process of washing, carding, dyeing, and hand-stitching wool into striking geometric patterns under the guidance of the local craftswomen.

You’ll stop for lunch before arriving at the historic Burana Tower, a striking 11th-century minaret that once marked the flourishing town of Balasagun along the Silk Road. Climb to the top (if you dare) for panoramic views of the Chuy Valley, then you’ll have time to explore the surrounding petroglyphs, gravestones, and remnants of ancient settlements, from Kyrgyzstan’s rich medieval past.

By late afternoon arrive in Bishkek, the country’s lively capital, where you check in to your hotel and unwind after a long day.

Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant

Overnight: Sheraton Bishkek

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - 27 September 2026Conference Sessions and Bishkek Discoveries

Conference Sessions 5 & 6 take place this morning followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll be guided through Bishkek’s city streets. This fascinating city echoes of Soviet-era planning and brutalist architecture mixed with serene treelined promenades adorned with open air sculptures.  You’ll visit Ala-Too Square, the bustling heart of the city and a stage for political life, ceremonies, and public gatherings stopping to watch the ceremonial changing of the guard before  visiting the nation’s past at the State Historical Museum, where exhibitions trace Kyrgyz history, the Soviet legacy, and the traditions of nomadic life across the highlands.

It’s then off to Victory Square, a solemn tribute to the country’s role in World War II before heading back to the hotel by late afternoon. 

Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant 

Overnight: Sheraton Bishkek

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - 28 September 2026Altyn-Archa National Park

This morning leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind heading to  Altyn-Archa National Park. Often referred to as Al Archa, this breathtaking natural reserve is located just 40 kilometres south of Bishkek, deep in the northern reaches of the Tien Shan Mountains. Despite its proximity to the capital, it feels a world apart – soaring snow-capped peaks, deep glacial gorges, and crystalline mountain streams create a dramatic backdrop that draws walkers, climbers, and nature lovers alike.

You’ll enjoy a short hike (or longer if you prefer) along the scenic valley, and take in the crisp mountain air. For those a bit more adventurous there are many trails to embark on with fantastic photo opportunities of the Tien Shan. 

Stop for lunch within the national park at a local restaurant with glorious views before returning back to the city.  The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for a spot of souvenir shopping. 

The Farewell Dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Sheraton Bishkek

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 12 - 29 September 2026 Farewell

After breakfast the tour concludes with a group transfer to Bishkek Airport. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

(Part 2)

Day 1 - 29 September 2026 Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan

After arriving at Tashkent Airport, you will be met by Amaco staff and our local representatives and transferred to our hotel.

Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel this evening, where you will have the opportunity to meet other participants and their partners as well as your Amaco hosts.

Overnight: Intercontinental Tashkent

Included Meals: Welcome Networking Drinks & Dinner

Day 2 - 30 September 2026Conference Sessions & Modern Tashkent

Conference Sessions 1 & 2 take place this morning followed by lunch.

This afternoon you’ll explore modern Tashkent. The 1966 Tashkent earthquake, a devastating 7.5-magnitude tremor, reshaped the city both physically and culturally, reducing much of the historic old town to rubble and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Yet from this destruction arose a city of bold modernist vision – wide boulevards, soaring apartment blocks, and monumental squares crafted under Soviet urban planners. You’ll discover this transformation first hand strolling through Amir Timur Square with its statues and fountains, glimpsing the sleek lines of the Palace of Forums and the iconic Uzbekistan Hotel, and stopping at the contemporary monuments that dot the cityscape.

You’ll also take a ride on the Tashkent metro, where each station is a testament to the city’s rebirth, adorned with chandeliers, mosaics, and sculptures that celebrate both resilience and artistry.  Return to the hotel for a refresh before heading out to dinner at a local restaurant. 

Overnight: Intercontinental Tashkent

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - 1 October 2026Discovering Tashkent's Past

Today you’ll explore Tashkent’s rich layers of history and culture with a visit to the ancient Khast Imam Square, the spiritual heart of old Tashkent, where elegant blue-domed mosques and madrasahs stand as testaments to the city’s Islamic scholarship and craftsmanship. You’ll then continue to the adjoining Barak Khan Madrasah and Tilla Sheikh Mosque, home to the revered Uthman Quran, one of the world’s oldest manuscripts.

After lunch visit the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, a vast oriental market that has thrived for centuries beneath its turquoise domes an evocative blend of colour, aroma, and life that captures the essence of Central Asia. 

Return back to the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Enjoy Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Intercontinental Tashkent 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 2 October 2026Artisanal Villages of the Fergana Valley

This morning, depart the bustling metropolis of Tashkent aboard the fast train bound for the fertile Fergana Valley, a region long celebrated as the cradle of Uzbek craftsmanship and Silk Road artistry. On arrival, you’ll visit Margilan, one of the oldest towns in the valley renowned for its exquisite silk production. Here, artisans continue ancient techniques of weaving and dyeing that once supplied the caravans of Samarkand and Bukhara.

After lunch you’ll have time to explore the local workshops before travelling onwards to Fergana city and its lively market streets. You’ll arrive at our hotel late afternoon. 

Dinner this evening is at the hotel. 

Overnight: Club 777

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 3 October 2026Uzbek Artisans and Khanate Palaces

After a leisurely breakfast you’ll depart for the charming town of Rishtan, renowned across Central Asia for its centuries-old tradition of ceramic artistry. For more than 800 years, Rishtan’s craftsmen have shaped and painted the brilliant turquoise and cobalt designs that once adorned Silk Road caravans and royal courts alike. Here, you’ll visit the home and workshop of a master ceramicist and hone your skills under his careful guidance on painting ceramic. He’ll reveal the secret techniques and natural pigments that have defined Rishtan’s craft for generations—a rare opportunity to engage with one of Uzbekistan’s most enduring artistic legacies.

You’ll then continue to Kokand, once a flourishing khanate (kingdom) and a vital stop along the Silk Road. After a local lunch visit the Palace of Khudoyar Khan, the magnificent palace complex, built in the 19th century by the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate. Its richly decorated façades, elaborate tilework, and grand halls evoke the opulence and ambition of a dynasty that once rivalled its powerful neighbours in Bukhara and Khiva. Close by, you’ll also visit the Friday Mosque and the Norbut-Bia Madrasah, both fine examples of Islamic architecture before wandering through Kokand’s colourful bazaar.

You’ll arrive in the afternoon with some free time to relax before enjoying dinner at the hotel. 
 
Overnight: Silk Road Kokand

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 4 October 2026Crossing the Border to Northern Tajikistan

This morning set off to the Uzbek-Tajik border where you’ll complete border formalities and meet your Tajik guide and driver. You’ll then travel through the scenic countryside to Khujand, Tajikistan’s second largest city lying along the Syr Darya River.

Enjoy lunch at Anora House Museum, a lovingly preserved Tajik home where you’ll be welcomed by a local family. Set amid traditional décor and handcrafted furnishings, it offers a rare glimpse into domestic life and hospitality in Tajikistan – an intimate experience enriched by conversation and cultural exchange. 

After lunch, visit to the lively Panjshanbe Bazaar, the beating heart of Khujand. It is one of the oldest and most atmospheric markets in all of Central Asia, a living remnant of the Silk Road’s mercantile spirit that has continued here for over a thousand years.  The word “Panjshanbe” means “Thursday” in Persian, harking back to the traditional weekly market day that once drew caravans, farmers, and traders from the surrounding Fergana Valley. 

Just steps from the lively bazaar stands the Maslihiddin (Maslihaddin) Mosque, one of Khujand’s most revered religious sites. Dedicated to Sheikh Muslihiddin Khujandi, a 12th-century poet, philosopher, and holy man deeply venerated across the region, the mosque complex has been a centre of spiritual life for nearly nine centuries.

You’ll then visit the stately Arbob Cultural Palace, modelled on the Winter Palace of St Petersburg, where you’ll also visit a small traditional textile workshop to see how vibrant Tajik fabrics are still woven by hand.

Overnight: Amir Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 5 October 2026The Majestic Mountain Passes of the Fann Mountains

This morning depart for the memorable journey to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. It’s a drive that reveals some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes and historic towns. Enroute your first stop will be at Istaravshan, one of the oldest cities of the region, founded more than 2,500 years ago by Cyrus the Great. Known throughout the country for its artisans, you will visit traditional blacksmiths’ workshops near the bazaar entrance, where master’s still hand-forge the famed Tajik knives. Afterwards, you will be welcomed into the home of Mr. Usto Sodiq, a local comb maker, whose family has practiced this delicate art for generations. Over a home-cooked lunch, he will share stories of his trade, from selecting the right wood to the fine carving techniques passed down through centuries.  

After lunch continue the journey and climb through the Fann mountains toward the Shahriston Pass, a high altitude mountain pass of over 3,300 metres that connects the Sughd region to Dushanbe.

You’ll continue  south passing through the Anzob Tunnel, a dramatic 5 kilometre engineering feat that burrows beneath the mountains to connect the northern and southern regions of the country. Emerging from the tunnel, the scenery transforms – the harsh, stony slopes give way to lush valleys, terraced orchards, and the Varzob River. The Anzob Tunnel was often referred to as the “Tunnel of Death” in its early years. It was one of Tajikistan’s most audacious feats of modern engineering but a vital yet perilous artery that carves through the formidable Fann Mountains to link Khujand with Dushanbe. 

Before its construction, completed in 2006 with significant assistance from Iranian engineers, the only route between the north and south was a serpentine mountain road over the Anzob Pass notorious for avalanches, landslides, and winter closures that could isolate Khujand and the entire Sughd region for months at a time. Over the years, improvements and international investments have gradually transformed it from a death-defying ordeal into a safer and more reliable passage.

We arrive in Dushanbe late afternoon and check in to our hotel.

Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Rumi Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - 6 October 2026Conference Sessions and Hissar Fortress

Conference Sessions 3 & 4 take place this morning followed by lunch.

After lunch head 25 kilometres west of Dushanbe to the Hissar Fortress. Once a major stronghold along the Silk Road, the fortress dates back over a thousand years and has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires that passed through this region from Persian dynasties to Mongol and Timurid rulers. Surrounding the complex are a number of fascinating structures, the 16th-century Madrasa Kuhna (Old Madrasa), the New Madrasa, and a caravanserai, offering a glimpse into the life of a bustling Silk Road outpost.

Return to the capital to visit the Grand Mosque of Dushanbe, a monumental work of modern Islamic architecture and one of the largest mosques in the region. The mosque can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers within its vast marble courtyards and prayer halls.

You’ll head back to the hotel to refresh before heading to a local restaurant for dinner this evening.

Overnight: Rumi Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - 7 October 2026The Persian Gardens & Grand Monuments of Dushanbe

Today you explore Dushanbe beginning with a visit to the National Museum of Antiquities, a treasure house of Tajikistan’s past. The undisputed highlight is the monumental Sleeping Buddha, a 13 metre clay statue excavated from the 7th-century Buddhist monastery of Ajina Teppa. It is a reminder of the time when this region formed the easternmost outpost of Hellenistic and Buddhist civilisation, where Greek sculptural influence met Indian spiritual ideals along the arteries of the Silk Road.

You’ll then continue to discover the many layers of the city. Its name itself—“Dushanbe”, meaning “Monday” in Persian, harks back to its origins as a humble village that hosted a weekly bazaar.

Little more than a cluster of mud brick houses in the early 20th century, the city’s transformation came in the Soviet period, when it was declared the capital of the newly formed Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic in 1929 and renamed Stalinabad, a name it kept until independence in 1991 restored its original identity.

The Soviets built grand avenues, monumental government buildings, and tree-lined boulevards that still define the city’s layout today. Yet despite its Soviet bones, Dushanbe has grown into a uniquely Tajik city, infused with Persian aesthetics, Islamic ornamentation, and an emerging sense of national pride. You’ll visit Rudaki Park, an immaculate expanse of lawns, fountains, and ornamental trees that frames the colossal Palace of Nations (the Presidential Palace) before visiting the many monuments, parks and fountains scattered around the city.

You’ll return to our hotel late afternoon. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Rumi Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - 8 October 2026Panajakent - The City of Five Villages

Today leave the bustling capital behind and head into the majestic Fann Mountains. The first stop is Iskanderkul, a stunning glacial lake on the northern slopes of the Gissar range. The lake owes its name to Alexander the Great’s legendary passage through Tajikistan – Iskander being the Persian form of Alexander, and kul meaning “lake” in Turkic languages You’ll learn about the many tales and legends linked to the Macedonian conqueror that still linger in the region today.

After lunch you’ll continue through the Zeravshan Valley toward the historic town of Panjakent. Translating as “the city of five villages,” Panjakent began humbly but rose to become one of the great cities of the Sogdian Empire, a remarkable civilisation of traders, scholars, and artists who once served as the cultural brokers of the Silk Road. 

In town you’ll visit the vibrant local market, wander through the Juma mosque, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sarazm, where remains of settlements dating back to the 4th-2nd millennia BC stand as a testament to the region’s rich history.

After checking in to our hotel we’ll take part in a local cooking masterclass at a charming teahouse, accompanied by traditional Zarafshan songs performed by a talented singer and drum player.

Overnight: Fariz Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - 9 October 2026The Seven Lakes Region and Border Crossing to Uzbekistan

After checking out of your hotel prepare for an adventurous day to the Seven Lakes region. Brace yourself for a bumpy ride through the mountains as you explore this untouched region. Although close to Panjakent, the challenging road conditions make this a full-day excursion. You begin the off road journey up the valley traversing the roads from one simmering lake to another.  

Enjoy a delightful lakeside picnic, with time to enjoy the stunning scenery before the opportunity of a visit with the locals at one of the mountain villages to observe village life in this remote region. 

This afternoon you continue to the Uzbek border. After a farewell to your Tajik guides and border formalities you will meet your Uzbek guide and transfer to Samarkand.

After check in formalities and a quick refresh enjoy dinner at a local Uzbek restaurant.

Overnight: Kosh Havuz Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 12 - 10 October 2026Samarkand - The Jewel of Uzbekistan

Begin the day in Samarkand with a visit to the magnificent Guri Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane (Timur). This monumental tomb served as a prototype for the later grandeur of the Taj Mahal.

From there, you’ll move to the heart of the city: Registan Square, the “icon” of Uzbekistan. Framed by three madrasahs adorned with dazzling tilework, towering minarets, and intricate mosaics, the square embodies the zenith of Timurid architecture.

After lunch you’ll stroll along Tashkentskaya Street toward the Bibi Khanum Mosque, an architectural marvel built to honour Timur’s beloved wife. Its massive courtyard and soaring domes illustrate the ambition of Timurid architecture, and the devotion embedded in its construction.

Next, is the Siab Bazaar, Samarkand’s vibrant oriental market, a great place to pick up a souvenir or just take in the scent of spices, dried fruits, and freshly baked breads.

After dinner we’ll head back to Registan Square to see it transformed into a illuminated spectacle with its intricate mosaics a dazzling display.

Overnight: Kosh Havuz Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - 11 October 2026Conference Sessions & The Sacred Sites of Samarkand

Conference Sessions 5 & 6 take place this morning followed by lunch.

This afternoon you visit Shakhi-Zinda, one of Samarkand’s most sacred sites, a mesmerising necropolis where the mausoleums of Timur’s dynasty rise in a narrow, azure-tiled street. Among the ornate tombs lies the grave of a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, adding a profound spiritual resonance to this place of artistry and devotion.

You’ll then continue to the Ulughbek Observatory, founded in 1424 by Ulugh Beg, Timur’s grandson and a visionary astronomer. Once the most advanced observatory in the medieval world, it allowed Ulugh Beg to calculate the length of the year with astonishing precision, an error of only 25 seconds, surpassing even Copernicus – a testament to the scientific brilliance that flourished under the Timurid dynasty.

Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Kosh Havuz Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14 - 12 October 2026Bukhara Wonders in the Kyzylkum Desert

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Samarkand station, to board the Afrosiyob fast train to Bukhara, a prominent stop on the Silk Road Trade route.

Bukhara is literally a living museum of Islamic architecture and Silk Road history. Located in the heart of Uzbekistan’s Kyzylkum Desert, the city’s old quarter is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, lined with mud-brick walls, carved wooden doors, and bustling markets. 

Upon arrival begin with a visit to the Samanid Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture and the resting place of Ismail Samani – the founder of the Samanid Dynasty. Built in the 9th – 10th centuries it represents a pivotal moment in Islamic art.

From there visit Chashma Ayub (Job Spring), a sacred site named after the biblical and Qur’anic figure Job, who, according to legend, struck the ground here with his staff and caused a healing spring to emerge. This small but beautiful complex, with its intricately carved portal and cool turquoise-tiled dome, has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries. Close by is the magnificent ensembles of Poi Kalyan, with its soaring Kalyan Minaret before visiting the Ark Fortress and the Bolo Hauz Mosque.

You’ll then stroll through the vibrant trading domes, where traditional crafts still flourish – copper dishes are hammered into shape on the streets, carpets are woven by hand, Uzbek robes sewn and intricate suzani embroidery are proudly displayed. 

Check in to our hotel and take the time to refresh before heading out for a taste of local cuisine for the evening Bukhara style.

Overnight: Mercure Bukhara Old Town

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 15 - 13 October 2026Tsar's and Khan's - Architecture and Culture Intermingle

Today venture to the outskirts of Bukhara to visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the exquisite summer residence of the last emir, Mohammed Alim Khan. Educated in St. Petersburg and a contemporary of Tsar Nicholas II, the emir was receptive to European ideas, and his palace reflects a fascinating blend of Eastern and European architectural styles.

You’ll then continue with a visit to the home of Mr. Rakhmon, a master artist and designer devoted to the creation of suzani embroidery. Learn about the rich history of this traditional craft.

We’ve allowed for some free time today to explore the labyrinth of merchants and madrassas at leisure before our Farewell Dinner this evening.

Overnight: Mercure Bukhara Old Town

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 16 - 14 October 2026Farewell

After breakfast the tour concludes with a group transfer to Bukhara Airport. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

(Part 3)

Day 1 - 14 October 2026 Arrive Khiva, Uzbekistan

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Bukhara and head westward to Khiva. The drive is approximately 450 kilometres, over the many changing landscapes of Uzbekistan, first the fertile fields and irrigation channels of the Bukhara oasis, then gradually giving way to the flat, ochre expanses of the desert.

You’ll stop for lunch before continuing the journey as merchants did long ago trailing their camels and wares.

You’ll arrive in Khiva late afternoon. Nestled in the Kyzylkum Desert, its location may seem remote, yet historically it was a vital oasis on the trade routes linking Persia, the Steppe, and the wider Islamic world. The walled city’s turquoise domes and minarets are absolutely stunning against the desert horizon – a magical place.

Check into our hotel before strolling into the walled city for dinner this evening. 

Overnight: Darvaza Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - 15 October 2026Itchan Kala - The Walled Oasis of Khiva

Stepping into Khiva’s Itchan Kala is like walking into a perfectly preserved time capsule of Central Asian history. This walled inner town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of  lanes lined with mud-brick houses, turquoise-tiled minarets, and intricately carved wooden doors that whisper centuries of stories.

You’ll spend the day exploring within the walls of Itchan Kala visiting the imposing western gate and the Kalta Minor, where the unfinished, jewel-toned minaret hint at ambitions left incomplete. From here, the Khodja-Minor Madrasah and Islam Khoja Minaret draw the eye skyward with beautiful delicate tilework.

Wander past caravanserais, bustling bazaars, and tranquil inner courtyards visiting the grandeur of the Kunya-Ark Citadel – the private world of Khivan khans, with its harem, mosque, and watchtower overlooking the city. Every avenue is like a maze and is an intimate glimpse of daily life, ancient commerce, and scholarly pursuit. It’s an evocative end to discovering the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan.

At night enjoy our last dinner in Uzbekistan amongst the softly lit monuments of the great Silk Road. 

Overnight: Darvaza Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - 16 October 2026Crossing the Border to Turkmenistan

Today take the one hour drive to the Uzbek/Turkmen border and bid farewell to your Uzbek guide. After border formalities you will be met by our Turkmenistan guide and head to our first destination – Kone Urgench – once great capital of the Khorezm Empire. You’ll discover the city’s rich history before heading to Dashoguz Airport for your flight to Turkmenistan’s capital – Ashgabat.  

On arrival in Ashgabat you’ll be transferred to our hotel. Depending on airline schedules dinner will be in Ashgabat or Dashoguz. 

Overnight: Yyldyz Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 17 October 2026The Ancient City of Merv

After a leisurely breakfast you’ll drive to Mary (Merv), a city steeped in history and the gateway to the region’s most significant archaeological sites. It was once one of the most important cities of the ancient world and a key Silk Road hub, rivalling Baghdad in the Islamic Golden Age. It grew into a vast metropolis with grand fortresses, mosques, madrasahs, and mausoleums, serving as a political, cultural, and scholarly centre for centuries. It was here, the infamous massacre occurred during the Mongol invasion in 1221 under Genghis Khan. After the city resisted the Mongols, the army stormed Merv and carried out a devastating slaughter.

We’ll visit the Mary History Museum before continuing to the archeological site to explore the monumental heritage of this legendary city visiting the Complex of Askhabs, the Erk Gala, and the Gyaur Gala.

Head to the airport for the short flight back to Ashgabat.

Overnight: Yyldyz Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 18 October 2026Marble Clad Ashgabat & the "Door to Hell"

 This morning explore some of the unique sights of Ashgabat. Packed with marble clad palaces, gleaming gold domes and monuments, its polished streets and all white landscape seem a bit surreal. The panoramic tour will take in the city’s grandest landmarks, including  the Monument and Park of Independence, the Arch of Neutrality, and the bustling Gulistan Bazaar offering a glimpse into contemporary Turkmen life.

After lunch you’ll venture into the Karakum Desert to witness the  Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Door to Hell”. Burning continuously for over 50 years, this fiery pit was created when Soviet engineers accidentally collapsed a gas pocket and decided, in a moment of Cold War logic to set it alight.

Spend the evening in a yurt close to the crater to enjoy the spectacle under the  desert sky.  

Dinner this evening is a simple affair at the yurt camp.

Overnight: Yurt Camp

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 -19 October 2026Parthian Empires & Monumental Monuments!

After breakfast and one last walk around Darvaza and the surreal desert landscape take the bumpy road back to Ashgabat. Before reaching the city you’ll visit the Nissa Fortress, lying on the city outskirts – an ancient sanctuary of the Parthian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Founded by Arsaces I around 250–211 BC, Nissa is considered one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire and is believed to have served as a royal necropolis, though it remains unclear whether it functioned primarily as a palace or a mausoleum. The remarkable ruins lie just 18 km from Ashgabat in Bagyr village, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Persian architecture and imperial history.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue visiting Ashgabat’s modern grandeur, with a visit to Constitution Monument, the Ferris Wheel, and the Wedding Palace, before enjoying a sweeping panoramic view of the city from the hilltop Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex.

You’ll return to the hotel to refresh before a farewell dinner Turkmen style.

Overnight: Yyldyz Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 20 October 2026Farewell

After breakfast the tour concludes with a group transfer to Ashgabat Airport. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation
Intercontinental Almaty
Kolsai Lakes Prestige Hotel
Hotel 78 Karakol
Yurt Stay Kyrgyzstan
Grand Khan Tengri Naryn Hotel
Sheraton Bishkek
Intercontinental Tashkent
Club 777 Fergana
Silk Road Kokand Hotel
Anis Hotel Khujand
Rumi Hotel Dushanbe
Fariz Hotel Panjakent
Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel
Mercure Bukhara Old Town
Darvaza Hotel Khiva
Yyldyz Hotel Ashgabat
Darvaza Yurt Camp Karakum Desert
Travel Options & Extensions

Amaco is not only a member of ATIA (the Australian Travel Industry Association) and CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators), but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met the strictest industry standards for financial, operational, and management criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation, meaning you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and capable hands.

With nearly 30 years of experience in planning and organising conferences, we understand that participants may wish to add additional travel destinations and adventures before or after the all-inclusive packages we offer.

Other conference operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates, and at different times, they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced staff with the breadth and depth that the advisors we employ have.

We encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group to visit other destinations or staying on at the conference’s conclusion to undertake some additional travel.

Our travel advisors are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements. They will do all the hard work for you, seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?

Yes… Not a problem. We understand that people may have a preferred Travel Agency they want to use, and we don’t have any issues with you doing so. We will advise you of suggested arrival and departure times to enable you to utilise our group transfers.

Keep in mind, though, that we do have experienced travel advisors who are ready and waiting to help, even if that means just providing a comparison price – there’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition.

If you book your own flights, we will request a copy of your complete itinerary to verify that it aligns with our program and group itinerary.

One word of warning, however: when booking flights independently, as the non-ticketing Agency, we are not notified of any time changes or cancellations to your booking. If anything changes with your booking, both before and during the journey, it will be up to your agent to contact you and make any necessary changes.

It is also worth noting that, although we will have experienced staff members escorting the group during the conference, as the non-ticketing Agent, we are not authorised to make contact or deal with the airline or other suppliers on your behalf.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN CLASS OF TRAVEL?

We used to include flights in our travel package, but found that in many cases, the fares were more expensive than the best available daily fares or were not applicable for those looking to extend their stay before or after the main conference travel dates.

We also felt it was unfair on you, as a participant, to unknowingly pay a premium for a more flexible group fare when you are already committed to attending the conference.

By not including the airfare in the package, you are able to work with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Travel Advisors to arrange flights on any airline and from any destination depending on your preferences…. including the class of travel.

CAN I VISIT OTHER PLACES BEFORE OR AFTER THE CONFERENCE?

In short….. Yes!

You’re encouraged to speak with our experienced travel advisors to learn more about the options available to you, either before or after the conference itineraries. We will gladly work with you to create a personalised itinerary that can include as much or as little as you prefer.

We believe it is essential for your peace of mind to know that our advisors are all directly employed by Amaco Small Group Tours and are based in our office in Notting Hill.

We don’t subcontract the travel to a third party, which means you can be confident knowing that any arrangements you make through Amaco will be integrated with the conference program to create a continuous, seamless travel itinerary. We will put as much care and effort into your extension as we do into planning the conference.

Whether it is simply booking some airport transfers with a couple of nights’ accommodation through to more elaborate arrangements, we are perfectly positioned to incorporate any individual travel plans into your overall conference itinerary.

Email or call us so we can put together your perfect itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE - IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

Much has been said about the value of travel insurance, especially given the broad-based exclusion policies many underwriters had in place, which protected them from claims resulting from pandemics and epidemics.

A lot has changed in the past few years, and many reputable travel insurance policies available on the market now not only include the usual coverage for luggage and emergency medical expenses but also offer coverage for COVID-19.

All members of the Amaco team are trained and authorised to provide information to clients regarding travel insurance. We regularly attend product updates on various policy options and inclusions, and stand ready to assist you in finding the right policy for your needs.

Please call our office, and we will gladly explain the various scenarios to you in greater depth.

Education

Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine. Over the years, members of our team have also worked closely with the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Dental Council, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Australian Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and various other specialist associations and colleges.

Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, dentists, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.

Our conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to earn CPD hours or points based on the content and duration of sessions. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for their attendance at the conference.

The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.

The Education Committee for the Secrets of the Silk Road – Central Asia 2026 Conference will be selected in early 2026, with final conference topics to be chosen based on feedback from our previous conference attendees and input from the RACGP, ACRRM, ADC, and other relevant stakeholders. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.

Subject to final accreditation, the Secrets of the Silk Road – Central Asia will be between 11 and 12 hours of accredited education for each Conference respectively (Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan) & (Uzbekistan & Tajikistan).

ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2026 to 2028.

As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with dental and pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us for further information.

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