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.
A limited number of places are still available on the 2026 departures below . Join one of the final journeys of the season and experience Central Asia in a small international group.
Combine Kazakhstan’s dramatic canyons and mountain lakes with Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture, alpine landscapes and yurt stays. September 6th – September 15th
This journey combines Uzbekistan’s celebrated Silk Road cities with guided hikes through the Tian Shan and Nuratau Mountains, remote camping and desert experiences near Lake Aydarkul.
September 15th – September 29th October 5th – October 18th
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. Most groups include solo travellers as well as 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.
14 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.
14 Days Ideal for: Active travellers looking for a varied combination of historic cities, local life and hiking in pleasant autumn temperatures.
September 12th – September 25th September 26th – October 9th
Travel the legendary Pamir Highway, meet communities living in isolated mountain valleys, and explore Tajikistan’s spectacular landscapes on foot.
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 – August 4th 8 August 8th – August 24th August 29th – September 15th
Discover Kel Suu, Song Kul, Issyk Kul and Ala Kul through spectacular mountain hikes, horse riding, yurt stays and encounters with Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
14 Days Ideal for: First-time visitors who want the most complete introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes, traditions and outdoor adventures.
Combine Kazakhstan’s dramatic canyons and alpine lakes with Kyrgyzstan’s mountain landscapes, nomadic traditions and overnight stays in traditional yurts.
10 Days Ideal for: Travellers who want to discover two countries on one varied journey with accessible outdoor activities.
Explore Issyk Kul, colourful canyons, traditional villages and scenic mountain valleys outside the busy summer season.
8 Days Ideal for: Travellers looking for a more relaxed Kyrgyzstan journey in spring or autumn, with greater comfort and lighter outdoor activities. 2027 dates will be confirmed soon Keep me updated!
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.
9 Days Ideal for: Travellers who want to explore remote landscapes and nomadic traditions without committing to a demanding multi-day trek.
Combine Kazakhstan’s dramatic canyons and alpine lakes with Kyrgyzstan’s mountain landscapes, nomadic traditions and overnight stays in traditional yurts.
10 Days Ideal for: Travellers who want to discover two countries on one varied journey with accessible outdoor 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.
