A Silk Road journey has always been a fascination for me, and I finally got to experience it.
I want to share my experience and be a guide to help visitors discover the charm and attraction of a Silk Road Journey.
My journey started in Almaty, where I flew in from Istanbul. From Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, then on to the four spectacular cities of Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in 18 days. From Khiva, I flew back to Tashkent for my international flight home.
All of these cities were bustling towns along a Silk Road Journey. I skipped two other “Stans,” Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, due to lack of time.
The Route: Almaty, Bishkek, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in 18 days
A brief (very brief) history of the Stan Republics
What are the “Stan Republics”?
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The suffix “-stan” means “land of” and comes from the Persian language. That means Kazakhstan is the “land of the Kazakhs,” Uzbekistan the “land of the Uzbeks,” and so on. The term “Stan Republics” refers to the five Central Asian nations that gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991
Why the name confusion with Afghanistan?
People sometimes confuse the countries with Afghanistan or Pakistan simply because of the “stan” at the end of the country name. In reality, the Central Asian Republics couldn’t be more different. When you tell people you’re going to Kazakhstan or any of the other “Stans,” they can’t really place these areas.
The Silk Road’s role in Central Asia
These lands were crossroads of civilization for centuries. Ancient trade routes, including the legendary Silk Road Journey— which began in what is modern-day Xi’an, China— connected Europe, the Middle East, India, and China through cities like Bukhara and Samarkand and onward through Baku into Europe. Merchants exchanged silk, spices, precious metals, and ideas, making the region a center of commerce and culture.
From Soviet Republics to independent nations
Beginning in the 19th century, the Russian Empire gradually expanded into Central Asia. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the region became part of the Soviet Union.
When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the five republics became independent nations. Since then, each nation has gone its own way as each has its own history, food, customs and traditions. An important challenge has been balancing economic development, national identity, and relationships with powerful neighbors such as Russia and China.
Today, the Stan Republics are becoming a hot emerging tourist destination. Travelers are naturally interested in exploring All Things Silk Road. And the Stans certainly have that and then some.
Almaty, the start of my Silk Road journey
I started out in Almaty, the old capital of Kazakhstan. The new capital is Astana, way up in the north-central part of the country. I guess they put the new capital there to develop the country’s interior.
Almaty is honestly one of those cities that surprises people the moment they arrive. Tucked right up against the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, it’s got this incredible mix of green, tree-lined boulevards and dramatic alpine scenery just minutes away. You can be sipping coffee in a cozy café one hour and riding a cable car up Kok Tobe Hill for sweeping city views the next.
The food scene is a real highlight too, blending Kazakh, Russian, and Central Asian flavors, so don’t skip the plov or fresh-baked bread from a local bazaar.
History buffs will love wandering through Panfilov Park to see the beautifully ornate Zenkov or Ascension Cathedral, built entirely without nails!
And don’t miss the Soviet architecture, which can still be seen throughout the city.
Must-see highlights in Almaty
Central State Museum (closed on Tuesdays).
Republic Square. The heart of the city with impressive, historical monuments.
Kok-Tobe. A park reachable by cable car with spectacular views of the city.
Navat Restaurant. Good Kazakh food at reasonable prices in an atmospheric environment. There are several around town.
The metro in Tashkent is one of the coolest attractions in the city. Not only will it get you where you want to go with its 4 lines, but the stations are also like mini museums with chandeliers, mosaics, and other artwork.
Some stations tell the story of the local cotton industry with lanterns in the shape of cotton balls. Others mirror the city’s traditional Islamic architecture with blue tiles and soaring domes.
My favorite is the Kosmonavtlar (cosmonauts) station with a glass ceiling and blue walls simulating the sky and portraits of the space explorers like Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova, the first man and woman in space.
And if you’re into the outdoors, Big Almaty Lake and the Shymbulak ski resort are both easy day trips. It’s a city that feels equal parts cosmopolitan and wild. It has friendly locals, great markets, and nature always within reach. A great start on a Silk Road Journey.
Bishkek: Capital of Kyrgyzstan and Gateway to the Mountains
Bishkek may not be the first city that pops into your mind when you think about Central Asia, but that’s part of its charm. The capital of Kyrgyzstan is relaxed, leafy, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Wide Soviet-era boulevards, grand public squares, colorful markets, and snow-capped mountains create a city that feels both familiar and wonderfully different.
One of my favorite things about Bishkek is how easy it is to simply wander. Spend some time exploring Ala-Too Square, browse the bustling Osh Bazaar, or grab a coffee and watch the city go by. The city’s many parks and tree-lined streets also make it a pleasant place to escape the summer heat.
But the real star is just beyond the city. The dramatic Tian Shan Mountains are practically on Bishkek’s doorstep, offering hiking, horseback riding, and spectacular scenery.
Think of Bishkek as your comfortable base for discovering Kyrgyzstan—and a great place to explore on your Silk Road Journey.
Must-see highlights in Bishkek
Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 11th century.
National Museum of Fine Arts.
Osh Bazaar. Largest local market brimming with everything the country has to offer.
Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s Modern Face
Tashkent may not have the instant romance of Samarkand, but don’t make the mistake of skipping it. Uzbekistan’s capital is a fascinating mix of old and new, where Soviet-era architecture, centuries-old Islamic landmarks, modern shopping centers, leafy parks, and bustling markets all seem to coexist quite happily.
With a population of more than two million, Tashkent is big, busy, and surprisingly easy to explore, a great addition to your Silk Road Journey.
The city’s wide boulevards and excellent metro system make getting around a breeze, while its many parks offer welcome places to slow down and people-watch.
And then there’s the food. Try steaming bowls of plov, a meat and rice dish, accompanied by fresh bread straight form the oven.
Make sure to try plov in at least a couple of cities as it’s never quite the same twice. Tashkent is the perfect introduction to Uzbek cuisine.
Must-see highlights in Tashkent
Khast-Iman and Hazrati Complex. Home of the Center for Islamic Studies and one of the earliest copies of the Qur’an.
Museum of Applied Art. Exquisite former home of a Russian official filled with art pieces.
Amir Timur and Independence Squares. Filled with impressive, historical monuments.
Samarkand: Where History Comes Alive
The name Samarkand conjures up romantic notions of a Silk Road Journey. If there’s one place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook, it’s Samarkand.
Sitting along the ancient Silk Road in Uzbekistan, this legendary city has been welcoming travelers, traders, conquerors, and adventurers for more than 2,700 years. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And believe me, it has the monuments to prove it.
Samarkand is famous for its spectacular blue-tiled architecture, particularly the magnificent Registan Square, where three grand madrasas seem to compete for the title of “most beautiful building in Central Asia.” But there’s much more to the city than impressive buildings.
Wander through bustling markets, sample Uzbek plov, peek into centuries-old mosques, and watch everyday life unfold around you.
What I love about Samarkand is that history doesn’t feel locked away in a museum here. It’s right there—in the streets, the markets, the architecture, and the people. Come curious, bring comfortable shoes, and prepare to be amazed.
Must-see highlights in Samarkand
Registan Square. There is nothing I can say that will prepare you for this. You just have to see it yourself.
Gur Emir Mausoleum. Resting place of Tamerlane
Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shahi-Zinda Necropolis
Bukhara, A city made for wandering
Bukhara is one of those places that makes you slow down and look around. The old town of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city in Uzbekistan was a major stop along the Silk Road, and its historic center still feels wonderfully atmospheric.
Wander through its narrow streets, and you’ll find centuries-old mosques, madrasas, domes, and courtyards seemingly around every corner.
The best part? You don’t need a complicated plan. Bukhara is made for wandering. Start at the impressive Ark Fortress, explore the Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and then get wonderfully distracted by the old trading domes filled with handicrafts and souvenirs.
Be sure to leave time for a leisurely tea or a plate of Uzbek plov. There’s no need to rush here.
What makes Bukhara special is the feeling that history is still part of everyday life. It’s beautiful, fascinating, and easy to love—and, in my book, an essential stop on any Uzbekistan itinerary.
Must-see highlights in Bukhara
The Ark Fortress. Once the home of local royalty.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. School of Islamic and other studies.
Samanid Mausoleum. Resting place of Samanid rulers from the 10th century
Khiva: A Step Back in Time
It’s tough to pick a favorite city on this Silk Road journey, but if I had to, I’d say it was Khiva. Khiva is the very definition of a stop on your Silk Road Journey. The entire town of 3,000 inhabitants is an open-air, living museum.
The city looks like a film set built for a Silk Road epic — it feels like someone pressed pause on history here. Tucked away in western Uzbekistan, this ancient Silk Road city is one of those destinations that makes you stop, look around, and think, “Wow, people actually lived here?”
The heart of Khiva is Ichan-Kala, the walled old city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside its massive walls, you’ll find minarets, mosques, madrasas, palaces, and winding lanes lined with traditional houses. And yes, there are plenty of gorgeous blue-and-turquoise tiles—Uzbekistan clearly has a thing for blue, and I’m completely on board with it.
Khiva is compact enough to explore mostly on foot, which is a real pleasure. Wander without a rigid schedule, climb a minaret for the views, browse the little shops, and stop for some Uzbek food.
Don’t forget to experience Khiva by night when the city lights up beautifully.
Come for the history, stay for the atmosphere. Khiva is unforgettable.
Must-see highlights in Khiva
Itchan Kala. The amazing walled town of Khiva
My favorite statue in the square
The harem and the Khan’s bedroom
La Terrassa Restaurant in town offers great food with spectacular sunsets.
How much time should I budget for a Silk Road Journey?
I did my trip in 18 days. I could have easily done it in twice that time or more. There is just so much to see. There are attractions in all the cities visited, but if you have limited time, you might want to just focus on Uzbekistan and the fascinating cities there.
How much money should I budget for a Silk Road Journey?
If you travel independently, you can budget between US$40 for a hostel or guesthouse and $120 for a higher-end accommodation daily.
Food can be purchased at bazaars for a pittance. Exclusive restaurants with a fine wine selection are also available. Overall, this area is much cheaper than Western destinations and offers excellent value for the money.
What vaccinations do I need to travel to the Stan Republics?
There are no compulsory inoculations required for entry into Central Asia countries. However, protection against diphtheria, polio, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis A is recommended.
It is recommended that you contact your doctor or travel clinic before departure, as medications believed to contain certain narcotics must be declared at customs and accompanied by a doctor’s prescription.
Certain medications may be considered narcotic in places like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. These include: Valium, Xanax, Codeine, Librium, and others.
Make sure to always carry necessary medications in your carry-on.
What about Credit cards and ATMs?
Most travel guides will tell you credit cards are not widely accepted in Uzbekistan, outside of high-end hotels and restaurants. I found many places that accepted them, but just to be on the safe side, always have a backup plan like a different credit card or local cash.
Many shops, restaurants and local transport only accept cash in local currency. Most upscale hotels will accept Visa and Mastercard.
ATMs are not as widely available as in other countries, but they are there, especially around tourist areas. Currency exchange kiosks or stands have the best exchange rates.
The worst exchange rates are in hotels, banks and…heaven forbid… the currency exchange stands at airports. Get your local currency from the airport ATMs upon arrival.
Bank working hours are from 9:00 to 16:00. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays and holidays.
What handicrafts and souvenirs can I buy?
At the customs checkpoint when you leave, a customs official may ask to see any handicrafts you may have bought in order to ensure you are not illegally exporting items of cultural value. It’s a good idea to keep receipts of high-value souvenirs.
How much should I tip?
As in most countries, tipping is not compulsory but very much appreciated.
In restaurants, the customary tip is 10-15% if the service was good. Leave a cash tip if you want to ensure your waiter receives the tip.
Tipping for local guides and drivers is usually in the range of $3 to $5 per day per person for the driver as well as the guide. Of course, you are free to tip more for exceptional service.
What clothing is best for a Silk Road Journey?
There is a large amount of sightseeing on foot in dry, dusty, and sometimes rough areas like in dirt, cobblestone, or uneven pavement. Comfortable walking shoes with strong support and soles that grip (not slide) are essential.
There are several desert activities where it is hot in the day and much cooler at night, so bring layers. A hat is also a must, as is light rain gear for the occasional showers.
A question I frequently get is “how should women dress?” The Soviet occupation and the recent influx of Western visitors have brought less conservatism and more flexibility in clothing.
In the cities I visited Almaty, Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva Western-style clothing is perfectly acceptable even shorts, above the knee skirts and short sleeves. However, don’t wear “daring” clothes like short shorts, halter tops, or very short skirts. Not only is it disrespectful, but you won’t feel comfortable.
How should I dress when visiting religious institutions
The vast majority of people in the Stan Republics practice Islam. When visiting a mosque or other place of prayer, women will be required to wear a head covering. A hat or a scarf is acceptable. If you don’t have one, one will be provided at the mosque entrance.
If you have shorts, a green wrap will be provided to wrap around your waist and cover your bare legs. This applies to men as well as women.
Everyone is required to remove shoes before entering a religious establishment.
When is the best time to visit the Stans?
The best time to visit the Stans is during Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and comfortable. The region has wide weather ranges with very hot summers and freezing winters.
Spring (April to May)
- Weather: Temperatures are cool and pleasant.
- Nature: The land turns lush and green, and fruit trees blossom.
- Culture: Many festivals, including the Navruz New Year.
Autumn (September to October)
- Weather: Days are warm and dry. Summer heat decreases.
- Food: Colorful markets are full of fresh harvest produce and autumn fruits.
Summer (July to August)
The mountainous areas of Kyrgyzstan offer great hiking and cooler temperatures. Whereas the lowland desert regions get extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C or 104°F!
How do I get around in the Stan Republics?
Locally in the cities, your best bet is the ride-share app Yandex Go. This is the Stan Republic equivalent of Uber. Download the app before you travel to the region, then use it as you would any rideshare app. The app is in English so no need to worry about translations.
Keep in mind the drivers frequently do not have change, so make sure to have smaller bills and coins with you.
When traveling outside the major urban areas from one city to the next, airline service is efficient and reasonably priced. This is a good option for saving time when traveling such large areas.
You can purchase your tickets through flight aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner as well as directly from the airlines like Uzbekistan Airways and Air Astana.
Another excellent option is the train service. Many cities have new high-speed trains servicing all the major cities. You can buy your ticket at the local train station or online. For Kazakhstan, tickets can be purchased online at tickets.kz. For Uzbekistan, they can be purchased here.
Want to know more about Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan to help you plan your own Silk Road Journey? Check out these handy guides.
What are your thoughts on a Silk Road Journey? Which of the “Stans” would you like to visit? Let us know in the comments.
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