Jewels of the Silk Road & Kyrgyzstan – LUXURY RAIL
Jewels of the Silk Road & Kyrgyzstan – LUXURY RAIL
12 Days Starting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Visiting: Ashgabat, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Almaty, Bishkek, Chon-Kemin Valley, Issyk-Kul Lake
Tour operator:
Tour code:
18519
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
- Evening drinks reception on the beautifully lit Registan Square, Samarkand
- See the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater light up the night sky in the Kara Kum desert
- Explore the historic, UNESCO honoured, cities of Khiva, Merv, Bukhara and Samarkand
- Yurt Building and Eagle Hunting Show
Embark on an extraordinary Silk Road adventure with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and Crooked Compass, travelling through the heart of Central Asia by luxury rail and extending into the nomadic lands of Kyrgyzstan.
Begin your journey aboard the Golden Eagle, where you'll traverse the magnificent landscapes of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan—countries with a shared Soviet past yet rich in fiercely independent cultural identities. Marvel at the majestic mosques, vibrant bazaars, and serene expanses that define this region, as the train carries you through some of the most stunning and historic sites along the Silk Road.
This luxurious rail journey, one of the world's greatest, immerses you in the ancient civilisations where the roots of modern religious and political ideologies were formed. After your incredible train experience, continue deeper into the essence of Central Asia with an extension into Kyrgyzstan, a land of breathtaking mountains and vast, open landscapes. Here, you'll experience the true spirit of the Silk Road’s nomadic heritage, offering an unparalleled glimpse into a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries. This journey combines the luxury of rail travel with an intimate connection to the untamed beauty of Kyrgyzstan, making it a unique and unforgettable exploration of Central Asia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ashgabat Arrival - Turkmenistan
Location: Ashgabat
Accommodation Name: Golden Eagle Train
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Often referred to as the lovechild of Las Vegas and North Korea, this quirky nation will have you captivated from the moment you land in its fascinating capital.
Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala and the Soviet city built after the devastating earthquake of 1948.
The city’s extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting.
Upon arrival you will board the Once settled into your cabins, lunch will be served in the Restaurant Cars. This afternoon you have the opportunity to explore Ashgabat and highlights on your panoramic city tour includes visits to the National Museum and Wedding Palace.
National Museum of History and Ethnography of Turkmenistan
Visit the National Museum of History & Ethnography. The museum has a rich collection of ancient artefacts from Turkmenistan. More than 500,000 exhibits are displayed here. It has 9 halls, each dedicated to a certain period or theme. The museum reveals the variety of Turkmenistan’s landscape its flora and fauna, fossils and rare geological finds. The Hall of Independence illustrates the modern development of the country. The Hall of Ancient History presents a collection of flint tools from the Mesolithic era (50,000 years B.C.), used by primitive people in Western Turkmenistan, along with Neolithic ceramics and ornaments from the first human settlements along the northern slopes of Kopet-Dag
Kipchak Mosque
The Kipchak Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia which stands as a symbol of national pride, with its gleaming white marble facade, adorned with golden domes and towering minarets that dominate the desert skyline. It serves as a tribute to the nation’s late president and is surrounded by an impressive courtyard and the final resting place of the first president of Turkmenistan.
Wedding Palace
The Wedding Palace contrasts with its modernist, futuristic design. Resembling a gigantic, intricate star, this iconic structure represents a blend of contemporary style and national symbolism, and it stands as a vibrant hub for Turkmen celebrations.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 2 - Ashgabat & Darvaza
Location: Ashgabat
Accommodation Name: Golden Eagle Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A further morning of touring in Turkmenistan features a visit to nearby Nisa.
Old Nisa
This morning, you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nissa (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site) Nisa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence nor a mausoleum.
The departs Ashgabat at lunch and makes a scheduled stop tonight at Ichoguz. You leave the train and make a short journey to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of the Karakum desert. Known as the ‘Door to Hell’. The Darvaza area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 metres. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater flame away into the remoteness of the Karakum desert.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 3 – Khiva, Uzbekistan
Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: Golden Eagle Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your train travels towards Urgench, from where you will transfer to the ancient city of Khiva.
Khiva
Khiva is a city of approximately 50,000 people located in the Xorazm Region of Uzbekistan. According to archaeological data, the city was established at the beginning of the Christian era. It is the former capital of Khwarezmia and the Khanate of Khiva. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, discover its impressive mosques, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 4 - Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Golden Eagle Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999.
The Ark
The highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. Your touring program will also transport you to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. Stroll through the mosque’s large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and deeply recessed niches, and you will be transported to a bygone era.
Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as we explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub cocooned by a pool and embraced by the soothing shade of mulberry trees and local tea rooms.
This evening, weather permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs – a unique farewell to an incredible city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 5 - Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Golden Eagle Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
More so than any other town, just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road. Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors.
Samarkand City Tour
Today you will visit some of its most significant sites including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. As the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, you will be whisked away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. From your prime front-row seats, you’ll be treated to a dazzling light show that weaves the rich tapestry of Samarkand’s history and significance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 6 - Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Golden Eagle Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and you will spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Your tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and here in a small library you’ll be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.
This evening, enjoy your dinner onboard the as your travel overnight to your next destination of Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 7 – Almaty, Kazakhstan
Location: Almaty
Accommodation Name: Ritz Carlton Almaty or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, arrive into Almaty, Kazakhstan our final destination onboard the . Bid farewell to the . Today you will take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ritz Carlton Almaty or similar
Day 8 - Almaty To Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Orion Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast you will meet your Crooked Compass guide for a tour briefing before you leave Almaty and explore Medeo Gorge.
Medeo Gorge
Well known for being home to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, the gorge protects the city from dangerous mudflow. Take a brief walk around with a chance to take your mountain-view pictures and breathe in the fresh pine-tree air.
Transfer to airport for your evening flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to a local dinner for restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Orion Hotel or similar
Day 9 - Kemin Valley
Location: Chon-Kemin Valley
Accommodation Name: Kemin Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, set off on your city tour of Bishkek.
Osh Bazaar
Visit the Osh Bazaar – a huge open-air market, where it’s possible to buy everything. From food products and spices to common household goods, clothes, souvenirs, and even musical instruments. Mingle with the locals as you practice your bantering and bartering.
Following lunch, your will travel to Chon-Kemin Valley.
Burana Tower
On the way a visit to Burana Tower, a testament to the ancient city of Balasagun, which was a thriving Silk Road hub in present-day Kyrgyzstan. Constructed in the 9th to 10th centuries, this minaret originally soared to greater heights before earthquakes reduced it. Despite this, it still stands at an impressive 24.6 meters (81 feet).
Chon-Kemin valley
The Chon-Kemin valley is a place for those who truly appreciate natural beauty, as it remains – many say – in its virgin state. This afternoon, time permitting, you have the option to explore on foot and go hiking or jump on a horse and venture off with a local guide (approx. 2 hrs – moderate difficulty). (Payable locally). Your accommodation this evening, is a simple but comfortable local guesthouse, something that adds to the area’s back-to-basics charm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse or similar
Distance: 180km, 3-4hr of driving on paved roads
Day 10 – Kemin Valley – Issyk-Kul Lake
Location: Issyk-Kul Lake
Accommodation Name: Baytur Spa & Resort Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Cholpon-Ata along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, you will visit the museum of Nomad’s Civilizations and open-air museum of petroglyphs. Lunch will be enjoyed on arrival at your hotel.
Issyk-Kul Lake
Issyk-Kul Lake is one of the world’s few remaining ancient lakes, estimated to be an incredible 25 million years old, but also the second-largest alpine lake on the planet. Surrounding the lake are the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, towering as high as 4000m in the sky. The lake itself reaches depths of over 610m.
Boasting a long and storied history, the lake was once a stop along the ancient Silk Road. Issyk-Kul was also once used by the Soviet Navy as a torpedo testing site, during which time foreigners were not permitted to visit the area.
Today you’ll visit the village of Kyzyl-Tuu to observe traditional yurt production and witness an eagle hunting demonstration.
The afternoon is yours at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Baytur Spa & Resort Hotel or similar
Distance: 140km, 2-3hr of driving on paved roads
Day 11 - Issyk-Kul Lake – Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Orion Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Bishkek today with a stop for lunch enroute. The afternoon is your at leisure to continue to explore the city. This evening, enjoy you farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional Kyrgyz folklore performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Orion Hotel or similar
Distance: 270km, 4-5hr of driving on paved roads
Day 12 – Bishkek Departure
Location: Bishkek
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today following breakfast, the day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
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Five-star hotel accommodation in Almaty
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Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle train Service
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24-hour cabin attendant service
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Experienced Tour Management team
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Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
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Arrival transfer
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All gratuities – on and off the train
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Luggage porterage throughout the journey Dining
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Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
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Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Visas
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Items of a personal nature
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Travel insurance
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Meals and beverages not specified above
Mode of Transport
Travel in style aboard the Golden Eagle luxury train, featuring private en-suite cabins and 24-hour cabin attendant service. Enjoy private transportation throughout the journey, including a business class flight from Almaty to Bishkek, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience luxury with five-star hotel stays in Almaty, Bishkek, and Issyk-Kul, complemented by private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle train. Enjoy the charm of a local guesthouse in the Chon-Kemin Valley, offering a unique and comfortable stay amidst stunning natural beauty.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided on the Golden Eagle train?
The Golden Eagle train offers private en-suite accommodation with 24-hour cabin attendant service.
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Are there any medical facilities available during the tour?
Yes, there are services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities available on board the Golden Eagle train.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect freshly prepared meals on board using the finest local ingredients, authentic dining experiences in local restaurants, and a generous drinks allowance including international wines with lunch and dinner. There is also a Golden Eagle Gala Caviar dinner included.
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Are gratuities included in the tour package?
Yes, all gratuities both on and off the train are included in the tour package.
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What kind of excursions are included in the itinerary?
The tour includes expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary, entrance fees, a traditional folklore performance, and a yurt building and eagle hunting demonstration.
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Is there any special event or performance included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Kyrgyz folklore performance during the farewell dinner in Bishkek.
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What is the luggage handling policy during the tour?
Luggage porterage is provided throughout the journey, ensuring your bags are handled for you.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Samarkand?
In Samarkand, you will visit significant sites such as Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulag Beg observatory. An unforgettable evening includes a dazzling light show at Registan Square.
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What unique experience is offered at Issyk-Kul Lake?
At Issyk-Kul Lake, you will visit the village of Kyzyl-Tuu to observe traditional yurt production and witness an eagle hunting demonstration.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Wednesday - Sunday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.