A road trip along the Silk Road by VAN
Starting in Bishkek and traveling through the Wakhan Corridor, Dushanbe, and all the way to Samarkand, this is an epic adventure that will immerse you in the history, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultures of Central Asia. Aboard our VAN, you’ll have the freedom to stop whenever you wish to explore and discover ancient cultures and the places that once formed the backdrop to the most important trade routes in history.
Days 1–2: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Your journey begins in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. After picking up the van, we’ll explore the city. We can stroll through Ala-Too Square, visit the Osh Bazaar to take in the local flavors and colors, and sample traditional Kyrgyz cuisine like lagman and manti. If time allows, we’ll take a side trip to Issyk-Kul Lake, just a couple of hours away, where we can relax on the shores of one of the largest lakes in the world, surrounded by the majestic Tien Shan mountains.
Days 3–4: From Bishkek to the Fergana Valley
On day two, we hit the road for a long drive toward the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan, one of the region’s most fertile areas. Along the way, we’ll pass through mountain landscapes and scenic villages. After crossing the border, we’ll arrive in Fergana, a city rich in culture and tradition. We’ll stop at local bazaars full of colorful textiles and traditional crafts.
Days 5–6–7: The Wakhan Corridor, Tajikistan
The journey continues southeast, toward the Wakhan Corridor, one of the most spectacular and remote areas of Tajikistan. This narrow mountain corridor separates Tajikistan from Afghanistan and offers incredible scenery: towering peaks, deep valleys, and a raging river that marks the natural border between the two countries. Our van will take us through epic landscapes, traditional villages, and ancient ruins. Along the way, we can stop to chat with local shepherds and discover what life is like in this remote corner of the world, far from modernity.
Days 8–9–10: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
After crossing the Wakhan Corridor, we’ll arrive in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Here, we can relax and explore the main attractions such as the National Museum, Rudaki Park, and the Haji Yakoub Mosque. The city blends Soviet architecture with Islamic traditions, and strolling through its avenues offers a unique chance to understand life in a Central Asian capital. Enjoy the local cuisine, with dishes based on meat, rice, and spices, like plov.
Days 11–12: From Dushanbe to Khujand and the Fergana Valley
From Dushanbe, we’ll head north, crossing mountains and extraordinary landscapes, until we reach Khujand, the second-largest city in Tajikistan. Located on the banks of the Syr Darya River, Khujand has been a key historical and commercial hub on the Silk Road. Don’t miss the Panjshanbe Bazaar, where you can buy spices, dried fruit, and local products. From Khujand, the journey continues into Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, a region known for its orchards and picturesque villages.
Days 13–14–15: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The final leg of the journey brings us to Samarkand, one of the most famous cities along the Silk Road. This legendary city, a crossroads of cultures, is home to some of the world’s most magnificent examples of Islamic architecture. Don’t miss Registan, the city’s most iconic square with its breathtaking madrassas, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Other must-sees include the Mausoleum of Tamerlane, the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and the Siab Bazaar, where we’ll dive into the colors, sounds, and flavors of this historic city.
Logistics and Insights
Traveling by van gives us the freedom to set our own pace and stop wherever something catches our eye. Roads are generally well maintained, though some areas—especially the Wakhan Corridor—can be quite challenging. Preparation is essential, as we’ll be crossing through some of the most remote areas in the world. Some stops, particularly in the Wakhan, may be isolated, so be ready for a degree of solitude, surrounded by landscapes that seem to come straight out of a dream.
This road trip along the Silk Road is a one-of-a-kind adventure, taking you through breathtaking scenery, historic cities, and villages untouched by modern life, where time seems to stand still. It’s an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep understanding of the cultures that shaped Central Asia.