Discover the mountains, Silk Road cities and nomadic cultures of Central Asia on an active small-group journey designed from firsthand experience.
Travel through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan with experienced local guides, carefully planned routes and a small international group.
From multi-day mountain treks and remote yurt camps to legendary Silk Road cities and desert landscapes, these journeys show you Central Asia far beyond its best-known attractions.
The tours are created for curious, active travellers who value meaningful experiences, good organisation and sensible comfort over luxury. The groups include solo travellers, couples, and friends from around the world.
See Uzbekistan in bloom combining Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand with trekking through the little-visited Nuratau Mountains and a yurt stay at the Kyzylkum Desert.
13 Days Ideal for: Active travellers who want to combine Uzbekistan’s famous Silk Road heritage with spring landscapes and remote mountain trails.
Experience Uzbekistan beyond the usual route through its legendary Silk Road cities, hiking through the Tian Shan and Nuratau Mountains and to the shores of Lake Aydarkul.
13 Days Ideal for: Active travellers looking for a varied combination of historic cities, local life and hiking in pleasant autumn temperatures.
September 12th – September 24th September 26th – October 8th
Travel along the legendary Pamir Highway from Osh (Kyrgyzstan) to Dushanbe (Tajikistan), meet communities living in isolated mountain valleys, and go on an additional trek through Tajikistan’s spectacular Fann Mountains.
13 Days/ 17 Days Ideal for: Adventurous travellers who want an immersive journey through remote mountain landscapes and are comfortable with long drives and basic accommodation.
July 19th – July 31st/August 4th 8 August 8th – August 20th/August 24th August 29th – September 10th/ September 14th
Dates and itineraries for the 2027 tours below are getting finalized and will be ready by the end of September, unless otherwise stated.Click on the button below and be among the first to receive the new tour dates and booking details.
Go on a 4-day trekking adventure to Ala Kul lake, visit the diverse surroundings of Issyk Kul Lake, and experience nomadic culture with yurt stays at Song Kul lake.
10 Days Ideal for: Active travellers who want to combine Kyrgyzstan’s mountain lakes and local culture with a challenging multi-day trek.
Journey to Kel Suu, Tash Rabat and Song Kul, combining spectacular mountain scenery with a guided day hike, horse riding and nights in remote yurt camps.
8 Days Ideal for: Travellers who want to explore remote landscapes and nomadic traditions without committing to a demanding multi-day trek. July 16th – July 23rd August 14th – August 21st September 12th – September 19th
Trek through the remote Alay Mountains, across remote valleys, colourful gorges and spectacular mountain passes and stay with local families and in traditional yurt camps.
12 Days Ideal for: Fit, experienced hikers seeking challenging trails, remote mountain scenery and meaningful encounters with local communities.
Experience Kyrgyzstan from the saddle while crossing high mountain passes and following shepherds trails through the remote Alay Mountains and Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve.
10 Days Ideal for: Active travellers with riding experience who want to explore Kyrgyzstan’s remote mountain landscapes and experience local nomadic life from the saddle.
Travel overland from Almaty to Bishkek on through two of Central Asia’s most spectacular countries. Hike between alpine lakes, explore canyons, and experience the Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
10 Days Ideal for: Travellers who want to discover two countries on one varied journey with accessible outdoor activities.
Travel along the legendary Pamir Highway from Osh (Kyrgyzstan) to Dushanbe (Tajikistan), meet communities living in isolated mountain valleys, and go on an additional trek through Tajikistan’s spectacular Fann Mountains.
13 Days/ 17 Days Ideal for: Adventurous travellers who want an immersive journey through remote mountain landscapes and are comfortable with long drives and basic accommodation.
July 19th – July 31st/August 4th 8 August 8th – August 20th/August 24th August 29th – September 10th/ September 14th
Travel overland from Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). Hike between alpine lakes and valleys, explore canyons, stay in yurt camps and experience the Kyrgyz nomadic culture via diverse activities.
10 Days Ideal for: Travellers who want to discover two countries on one varied journey with outdoor and cultural activities.
urkmenistan is one of Central Asia’s least-visited and most intriguing destinations, known for its vast desert landscapes, unusual capital and ancient Silk Road heritage.
Turkmenistan is a new Journal of Nomads destination for 2027. I’m going there in October 2026 to carefully develop the itinerary, in cooperation with an experienced local partner, and with a focus on meaningful cultural experiences, remarkable landscapes and places that remain unfamiliar to most travellers.
Click on the button below and be among the first to receive the new tour dates and booking details
Not a fan of group tours, or would you rather travel with your partner, family or friends? Discover Kyrgyzstan at your own pace with a carefully arranged private tour or personalised itinerary planning.
Private guided tours Tailor-made adventures with trusted local guides, transportation and accommodation.
Why Travel to Central Asia With Journal of Nomads?
I first arrived in Kyrgyzstan in 2017 while hitchhiking from Europe to Asia. What was meant to be a short visit turned into nearly a year of living and 8 years of travelling across the region. Read more about my journey here.
These tour itineraries are shaped by my own travel experiences in Central Asia, not by selecting attractions from behind a desk. Each route is designed to combine celebrated highlights with places that are more difficult to visit independently.
Small international groups
Group sizes are kept small enough to create a personal atmosphere and travel comfortably through remote regions. Most departures welcome a mixture of solo travellers, couples and friends from different countries and age groups.
Experienced local guides
The journeys are led by trusted English-speaking local guides who understand their country’s landscapes, traditions and everyday life. Specialist mountain and city guides join where their knowledge is needed.
Nature and culture in equal measure
These are not standard sightseeing tours. Depending on the itinerary, you may hike through remote valleys, ride horses to a mountain lake, sleep in yurts or family-run guesthouses and explore historic Silk Road cities.
Comfort where it matters
The tours combine comfortable hotels and guesthouses with simple adventure accommodation in the places where camping, homestays or yurts are part of the experience.
Local connections
The journeys work with local guides, drivers, cooks, guesthouses, yurt camps and family-run businesses. This creates more personal experiences while allowing more of the tour’s value to remain within local communities.
What Travellers Say About the Tours
Visit the individual tour pages to read more reviews from previous travellers.
“This trip will be one I cherish. The immersion in remote nature, the stunning mountains, horse treks and wonderful group made it all worthwhile.”
Amy-Rose (Australia) 14-day Highlights of Kyrgyzstan Adventure, July 2026
“Meticulously planned, broadly covering most of must-see Uzbekistan- in one word, excellent!”
Inga & Jānis (Latvia)14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan, September 2025
“This tour offers a perfect mix of hiking and nature highlights, scenic road trips and learning about Kazakh and Kyrgyz history, culture, traditions and crafts through homestays and travelling with exceptional guides.”
Mirjam (Switzerland) 10-day Best of Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Tour, July 2026
Central Asia TOurS Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers to help you choose and prepare for the right journey.
Which Central Asia tour is right for me?
Choose Uzbekistan if you want to combine Silk Road history with accessible hiking and desert landscapes. Kyrgyzstan is ideal for mountain scenery, yurt stays, trekking and horse riding. Tajikistan offers the most remote and rugged journeys, while the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan tour lets you experience two countries in 10 days. Turkmenistan suits curious travellers interested in desert landscapes and rarely visited cultural sites.
Still undecided? Contact me and I will help you compare the tours.
How active are the tours?
Activity levels vary considerably. Some journeys include cultural visits, shorter walks and light outdoor activities, while others involve full-day hikes, camping or demanding multi-day treks.
Each individual tour page explains the fitness level, hiking distances, elevation changes and accommodation. Read these carefully before booking, or contact me if you are unsure which tour suits you.
Are solo travellers welcome and what is the typical age range?
Yes! Many participants join on their own, alongside couples and friends, so you can comfortably book without a travel companion. Our international groups usually include travellers between 20 and 65 years old, creating a welcoming mix of ages and nationalities.
What kind of accommodation is used?
Most tours combine comfortable mid-range hotels and family-run guesthouses with more adventurous accommodation such as yurts, homestays, mountain camps or night trains.
Facilities can be basic in remote regions, but these stays are often among the most memorable parts of the journey. Exact accommodation details are provided on each tour page.
What food is served, and can special diets be accommodated?
Food is an important part of travelling through Central Asia. Breakfasts commonly include eggs, bread, porridge, pancakes, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunches and dinners may feature soup, salads, noodles, rice, vegetables and bread, alongside regional dishes such as plov, lagman and shashlik.
Meals served during yurt stays and camping days are usually simpler than those served in the cities, but they are prepared to provide enough energy for the activities.
Vegetarian meals can be arranged with advance notice. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets are more difficult to accommodate, particularly in remote areas.
Please contact me before booking so we can discuss what is realistically possible and whether the tour can meet your dietary needs safely.
Are international flights included?
International flights are generally not included, allowing travellers to arrange flights that suit their departure city, budget and wider travel plans.
The inclusions and exclusions for domestic transport, airport transfers, accommodation, meals and activities are clearly listed on every individual tour page.
Can I book a private tour or get help planning my trip?
Yes. I arrange private tours and offer personalised itinerary planning for couples, families, friends and organisations.
A guided private tour can include reliable local guides, transportation and accommodation. If you prefer to travel independently, I can help create a practical itinerary based on your available time, interests and preferred travel style.
