SILK ROAD RAIL ADVENTURE
22 Days of The Less-touristy Side of the Four Stans
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
Explore the less-touristy side of the four Stans as you follow the ancient trader routes through mountain passes, across deserts and visit centuries-old bazaars.
Arrive well rested into Almaty as you overnight on a high speed sleeper train and later, compare the experience to the Soviet-era vintage sleeper you’ll take to wake up in Khiva.
Imagine sharing lunch with an Uzbek family, or tasting wine with a Kazakh winemaker – it’s these up close moments of everyday life that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
More palace than subway station, find out why the Tashkent Metro’s chandeliers, mosaics and marble remained a national security secret for decades.
Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, you’ll visit Turkmenistan’s surreal capital Ashgabat, and explore the unique architecture of its white-marbled mosques and monuments.
Trip Breakdown
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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$3,243 AUD
Private Supplement: +$689
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$3,243 AUD
Private Supplement: +$689
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$3,243 AUD
Private Supplement: +$689
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Details
- 2-week cooling-off period applies
- Lifetime deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 2 spots.
- Tip Kitty: $250 USD
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Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
22 days, 21 nights
Meeting point
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Astana, Kazakhstan
Ending point
Hotel Rumi, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Group size
Maximum 14 people
Inclusions
- Meals: 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 16 dinners
- 18 nights boutique accommodation
- 3 Sleeper trains (Twin share or single share compartments)
- 1 regional train, 1 suburban metro
- 1 international flight (Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan)
- Private vehicles as listed.
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader throughout.’
- Local Guides.
- All listed activities and more!
- Arrival and departure airport transfers.
Exclusions
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa: At the time of publishing, Australians and New Zealanders only require a visa for one country of this multi-country trip, which is Turkmenistan. We will assist with the application closer to the departure date. (See FAQs for more information)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
What our MagRailers say about the Silk Road Adventure
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Overview
Train Journeys Included
Day 2: Train Astana to Almaty
Day 6: Tashkent Metro
Day 7: Train Tashkent to Khiva
Day 12: Train Ashgabat to Turkmenabat
Day 15: Train Bukhara to Samarkand
Accommodation Preview
Hilton Garden Inn Astana, Kazakhstan
Sasha & Son, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Hotel Rumi, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Trip Summary
| Trip Summary | B | L | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Astana! | |||
| Day 2 | Explore Astana, Overnight train to Almaty. | |||
| Day 3 | Explore Almaty. | |||
| Day 4 | Soviet times and the Railway Museum. | |||
| Day 5 | Kazakh countryside and winery visit. Flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. | |||
| Day 6 | The Metro Stations of Tashkent. | |||
| Day 7 | Explore Chorsu Bazaar, Overnight Train to Khiva. | |||
| Day 8 | Uncover UNESCO Heritage Khiva. | |||
| Day 9 | Another Day in Khiva! | |||
| Day 10 | Drive to Turkmenistan, visit Kunya-Urgench and fly to Ashgabat. | |||
| Day 11 | Discover the marble white city of Ashbagat. | |||
| Day 12 | Visit the Old Nisa Fortress and overnight train to Turkmenabad. | |||
| Day 13 | Cross the border to Uzbekistan and arrive in a storybook-like Bukhara. | |||
| Day 14 | Bukhara - the famous sites and its charming back streets. | |||
| Day 15 | Traditional song, dance, crafts and food. Afternoon train to Samarkand. | |||
| Day 16 | Registan Square and all things Samarkand. | |||
| Day 17 | Village life in the hills outside of Samarkand. | |||
| Day 18 | Into Tajikistan, The Fann Mountains and lunch at The Seven Lakes. | |||
| Day 19 | Visit the Zarafshan Mountains and onto Dushanbe. | |||
| Day 20 | Explore Dushanbe. | |||
| Day 21 | Morning markets and a fitting Magnificent Rail farewell dinner. | |||
| Day 22 | Farewell Friends... |
Trip Map
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Kazakhstan!
The journey starts the second you touch down in Kazakhstan. One of our team members will greet you at the airport and drop you off at your hotel, so you won’t need to worry about a thing. When has arrival ever been this easy? Whether you landed last night or rolled in on a red-eye this morning, we hope you’re ready to kick things off at our 9am welcome briefing. We don’t want to waste a second!
You’ll hit the ground running with a city tour of Astana, Central Asia’s youngest capital. It’s futuristic, it’s fun and it’s oh-so-exciting! Everything you see will feel like a highlight, but once you feast your eyes on the Astana Grand Mosque, the biggest mosque in Central Asia, you’ll agree that this is the showstopper.
Tonight, get to know your group of MagRailers over dinner at one of our favourite local
Kazakh restaurants. You’re going to have the experience of a lifetime together over the next few weeks!
Accommodation: Hotel Hilton Garden Inn (or similar), Astana – Kazakhstan
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Astana
Are you ready to ride your first overnight train in Central Asia? You’ll barely be able to contain your excitement, but we have a wonderful morning planned before that. Today, you’ll dive deep into Kazakhstan’s capital. You’ll start the day heading to the top of the Baiterek tower to soak up the city’s skyline, where you’ll get a birds-eye view of futuristic designs melding seamlessly with traditional Kazakh architecture.
Before breaking for lunch, you’ll also get a glimpse of Kazakhstan’s thriving art scene at a private exhibit (because you’re worth the VIP experience!) of the famed jewellery master, Berik Alibai.
With Astana’s highlights uncovered and an early dinner under your belt, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for… it’s train time! Boarding at Nurly Zhol, you’ll hop aboard the fast train to Almaty. And when we say fast, we mean it. This train reaches speeds of up to 130 kilometres an hour, but you’ll barely be able to feel it once you’re tucked up in your berth.
Accommodation: Overnight train (one or two people per compartment)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Welcome to Almaty!
Rise and shine! After your first night spent aboard a train (we hope you slept well!), you’ll pull into Almaty at lunchtime. From the station, you’ll be whisked straight to your hotel to freshen up after the long journey before catching up with your guide and Mag Rail crew once again to experience your first glimpses of Kazakhstan’s largest city.
Accommodation: Renion City (or similar), Almaty – Kazakhstan
Included: Dinner
Day 4 – Almaty and the Railway Museum
Peel back the layers of Almaty, the nation’s former capital and once the centre of everything in Kazakhstan. Standing in the shadow of the chilling NKVD building, you’ll learn all about the political repressions and haunting famine that took place here during the Soviet era. Then, you’ll leap back into the 21st century to explore the most fabulous modern landmarks of Almaty.
We’re all rail addicts here at ‘MagRail’, so of course we couldn’t resist adding a trip to the Railway Museum of Kazakhstan to today’s agenda. Learning about the country’s rail history will make you even more excited to remember your train journey just a few days ago and will have you waiting with bated breath for the next one.
Accommodation: Renion City (or similar), Almaty – Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Kazakh Landscapes and Tashkent
Today you’ll take a drive through the mountains to a farm in the town of Esik. As you step off the bus and into the fresh mountain air, your family hosts will be there by your side to welcome you. You may have noticed by now that Khazaks are enthusiastic consumers of wine, but you may not know that the history of wine for this region dates back to the 7th century! You’ll meet the local producers, stroll the grounds, and, of course, taste what they make. Nothing beats cheese and wine.
In the afternoon, you’ll swap the fresh air of Esik for a flight to your next stop: Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Why are you flying instead of taking the train to Tashkent? Easy – it’ll save you hours of border bureaucracy.
It’s a new country for you and a new cuisine for your tastebuds, so tonight you’ll delve into a hearty Uzbek meal at Restaurant Caravan, one of our favourites!
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – The Metro Stations of Tashkent
Most of Tashkent is surprisingly modern, but a pocket of its ancient and historic wonders, like the Khast Imam Complex, still remains. It’s a miracle considering that a devastating earthquake destroyed most of the city in 1966!
More like a mammoth geometric work of art than a building, Khast Imam is adorned with detailed tile patterns and finished with bold blue domes. Standing back to take it all in, you’ll catch your breath before being drawn to its walls to study the intricacies – this is just what you’d imagined the Silk Road would be about! Then, visit and explore the newly built but massively impressive Center for Islamic Civilisation, where you can learn the history of Uzbekistan and Central Asia from pre-Islamic to modern times.
It’s easy to get around Tashkent in style – just ride the Tashkent Metro! You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into a palace, not a metro station. That’s because the fancy metro stations of Tashkent are a closely-guarded secret. It was illegal to photograph them until 2018!
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Across the Desert to Khiva
The buzzing Chorsu Bazaar is waiting for you today, where emerald-domed stalls will beckon you with a mishmash of spices, produce, crafts and local chatter. It’s a lot, that’s for sure, but this afternoon is free, so you’ll have plenty of time to recover. Whether you have a niche attraction you’re desperate to visit, or just fancy chilling at the hotel, the choice is yours! Perhaps you’ll head over to the Railway Museum of Uzbekistan to check out their mind-bending collection of old Russian and Soviet steam engines. We’ve arranged a late checkout at the hotel so there’s no need to hurry.
The day is winding down, but the excitement is only just beginning. Tonight, you’ll step aboard a vintage Soviet-era train to make the overnight journey to Khiva. It’s typically a no-frills experience, but we’ve reserved some extra space so you’ll only need to share with one MagRailer. As you settle into your berth, let the hum of conversations, the smell of freshly brewed tea and the faint shiver of the train against the tracks lull you to sleep. Sweet dreams!
Accommodation: Overnight train (one or two people per compartment)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Khiva
Waking up, you’ll get a view you didn’t bargain for from your berth’s window – desert sands as far as your eye can see! You’ll pull into Khiva at 12pm. We’ve got early check-in sorted, so freshen up and then dive into the heart of Khiva. This is the most architecturally intact Silk Road city in Uzbekistan and it’s rare for visitors to not fall head-over-heels in love at first sight!
Time seems to fold here… did you just accidentally step into a time portal?! It’s all too easy to picture caravans traversing the Silk Road and ancient merchants trading exotic goods along the paths you’ll tread today.
Accommodation: Bankir Hotel (or similar), Khiva – Uzbekistan
Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Khiva
Another day in Khiva? Don’t mind if we do!
Today, you’re tackling Ichan-Kala Fortress. This walled inner-city section of Khiva preserves more than 60 historic monuments and a whole host of houses dating back hundreds of years. At the entrance, you’ll soon get an idea of the treasures in store for you as you’re greeted by the shimmering Kalta-minor Minaret, flaunting its bold blue, green and gold design.
With your expert guide leading the charge, you’ll weave through the nooks and crannies and learn a few locals-only secrets along the way. The icing on the cake? Stopping by the Ak Sheikh Baba observation platform for views of Old Khiva that you’ll need to see with your own eyes to believe.
You’ve had a lot to take in today, so dinner tonight is the perfect opportunity to relive the highlights and share your photos with your fellow MagRailers.
Accommodation: Bankir Hotel (or similar), Khiva – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Kunya-Urgench
Time to swap countries again – and this one’s going to take some patience. This morning, you’ll leave Khiva and head for the border into Turkmenistan. Pack your snacks, charge your headphones, and bring a book… The crossing can take a few hours, but hey, that’s part of the adventure.Once you’re through, it’s full steam ahead to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO-listed site where sky-high minarets and crumbling mausoleums rise straight out of the steppe. We bet you’ve never seen something quite like this before!
After a quick dinner stop in Dashoguz (don’t worry, we’ve packed you lunch), it’s onto a short evening flight to Ashgabat, a city so shiny and surreal, it might just short-circuit your brain after a day of dusty roads.
Heads up: today’s a big one for transit. But the next chapter starts here, so days like this are all part of the journey. You’re not even halfway through the adventure yet!
Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat – Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
Day 11 – Ashgabat
Wake up, sleepyheads! You’ll be pleased to know that after yesterday’s border-crossing, site-hopping, flight-catching madness, today’s got a slower rhythm. Clamber aboard the bus and settle in for a driving tour of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital and maybe the world’s strangest city. Expect wide empty streets, gold statues and an absurd number of white marble buildings (more than 700 of them, in fact!). You’ll spend the day cruising between monuments, palaces and parks that feel like they’ve been dropped in from another planet, and, by the end, you still won’t feel like you’ve managed to work out the vibe of this place.
Accommodation: Olympia Hotel (or similar), Ashgabat – Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Old Nisa Fortress
Fill up at breakfast, because today is a full-on adventure through Turkmen history! First on the list? The stunning Old Nisa fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you wander around this pentagon-shaped beauty crouched at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains, you’ll feel the Parthian Empire come to life around you. This place is over 2,000 years old!
Is it lunchtime already? Relish a local lunch as a group at a Turkmen stud farm in Geogdepe and try more offerings of the local cuisine. Here, you’ll also get to know and even ride the elegant Akhal Teke horses – the pride of Turkmenistan – and chit chat with a local horse breeder.
An early dinner rounds things off before you hop aboard the overnight train to Turkmenabat. Settle into your cabin, sway with the rhythm of the rails, and get ready to wake up somewhere new.
Accommodation: Overnight Train (one or two people per compartment)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13 – Hello again, Uzbekistan!
Ready to add another stamp to that passport? Border crossings can be a drag, but when you’re this remote, they’re nothing short of thrilling! Bidding a fond farewell to your trusty Turkmen driver and guide, you’ll walk through the border checkpoint with the comforting presence of your trip leader. Then, take your first few steps back on Uzbek soil. In the distance, you’ll see your new Uzbek driver who’ll spirit you away to Bukhara.
Arriving at the lovely Sasha and Sons hotel as the night draws in, you’ll soon feel right at home. This cosy nest is the perfect place to lay your head after a long travel day… but not before you head out to dinner with the group to sample your first new bites of yummy Uzbek food!
Accommodation: Sasha & Son (or similar), Bukhara – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 – The Turquoise Domes of Bukhara
‘Bukhoroi Shareef’, or Holy Bukhara, opens its arms wide for you today, and the Ismail Somoni Mausoleum, with its mind-bending intricate brickwork, is as good a place to start as any. It’s the oldest Muslim monument in town and you’ll struggle to tear your eyes away from it!
The top-notch Poikalon Complex is today’s main event. When you see the patterned hues of blue and yellow brick glowing in the sun, you’ll soon agree that it’s one of the most awe-inspiring places you’ve ever seen. Local legend has it that Genghis Khan was so impressed with Poikalon that he couldn’t bring himself to destroy it. What a relief!
After the tourist-free streets of Turkmenistan, today you will feel the difference. Yep! Bukhara is a must on every traveller’s list in this region. This evening, though, you’ll get to peel back the layers and explore Bukhara with a local woman who will lead you through the city’s backstreets and away from those big-bus groups and their flag-waving guides. She’ll teach you the national rituals of Bukhara and share her family stories. You won’t find a better history lesson than this.
Accommodation: Sasha & Son (or similar), Bukhara – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 – A Sufi Craft Master and Samarkand
Start the day by meeting Rahman, a famous, sixth-generation embroidery master whose work has graced galleries across the world. Entering his artistic home, you’ll learn all about the age-old techniques he uses to create Uzbekistan’s best embroidery works.
After such a unique experience, it’s only fair that you have a unique lunch to fit the mood. We’ve got just the ticket – a private dining room reserved just for you MagRailers. Entertainment? We’ve got that covered too. The Local Bukhara Philharmonic Band will perform traditional song and dance as you gorge on plov – the hearty rice dish beloved across the region. If only lunch were like this every day!
This afternoon is bittersweet – it’s your final train journey of the adventure. The sleek, high-speed train you’re boarding today is a far cry from some of the Soviet clangers you’ve ridden on so far. It’s the perfect way to round off this unforgettable journey. Next stop today: Samarkand!
Accommodation: Arka Boutique Hotel (or similar), Samarkand – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16 – Samarkand and Registan Square
How do we even begin to explain the experience of seeing Registan, Samarkand’s central square, for the first time? It’s Uzbekistan’s most famous landmark for a reason, and that reason is that it’s drop-dead gorgeous!
As you stand at its centre, you won’t be able to help but feel small. With the three iconic madrassas – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori – wrapping around you in a kaleidoscope of blues, golds and fiery reds, you’ll only be able to form one thought… “wow”!
Continuing the sensory overload, you’ll head over to Siyob Bazaar. Ready to play “spot the juiciest melon”? You’ll struggle, because this market is home to the freshest fruits and veggies in town, all grown in the Zarafshan Valley. It’s a rainbow-coloured extravaganza of produce!
Accommodation: Arka Boutique Hotel (or similar), Samarkand – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17 – Uzbek Village Life
Today, you’re heading out of Samarkand and into the foothills of the Hissar Mountains for a proper look at rural Uzbek life away from all the city craziness. We’re not here for museums and monuments. Instead, you’ll get the best education out there simply from exploring the village, getting a warm welcome, and making the most of that slower pace that hits you the second you step off the bus.
You’ll share lunch with a local family, learning a bit more about how things are done out here, especially when it comes to home-grown ingredients and yummy rustic dishes. No one will leave hungry, we promise you that!
After lunch, you’re in for something special: a private folklore show put on just for you, complete with traditional music, dancing, and maybe even a few questionable MagRail moves if someone gets pulled up to join… Break a leg!
Accommodation: Arka Boutique Hotel (or similar), Samarkand – Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18 – Panjakent
Today starts early, around 7am, as it’s time to wave goodbye to Uzbekistan and walk your way into Stan number 4 – Tajikistan, here we come! Bags in hand, you’ll cross the border on foot (a true MagRail rite of passage by now) before hopping into your next ride.
Your first taste of Tajikistan? Bumpy. Literally. The drive into the Fann Mountains isn’t exactly smooth, but what’s waiting for you at the top more than makes up for it. The Seven Lakes are mind-bending – each one a different shade of blue or green, with mountains so tall they disappear into the clouds, fresh air, and plenty of “wait, is this real?” moments.
You’ll picnic on the move, with a proper Tajik welcome dinner waiting for you once you’ve pulled up to Panjakent and have arrived back in civilisation.
Accommodation: Fariz Hotel (or similar), Panjakent – Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch box, and Dinner
Day 19 – Zarafshan Mountains
Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is where you’re heading today. We have good news and bad news, though. The bad news is, it’s a seven-hour drive away. The good news is, with the epic scenery of the Zarafshan Mountains passing you by, you’ll spend almost every second of the journey glued to your window! Plus, reaching an altitude of 2,650 metres while travelling the Anzab Pass during the drive, it’s safe to say you’ll get to see Tajikistan from a whole new angle. Just prepare for the colder temps!
Of course, we’ve sprinkled in some MagRail magic to break up the journey. Your pit stop is Iskander Kul, in the remote but famed Fann Mountains. It’s a lake so immaculate, it could make a mirror jealous! You’ll enjoy lunch lakeside here – and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go on a short hike to chase some waterfalls.
Accommodation: Hotel Rumi (or similar), Dushanbe – Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20 – Dushanbe
Your time on the Silk Road is coming to an end, so make the most of it! Let’s start with Dushanbe’s greatest mystery: why does a 13-metre-long Buddha call this city in Tajikistan, a predominantly Muslim country, home? You’ll have to visit to find out!
With the group, you’ll zig-zag through the city to check out its very best bits, drinking in the views from the Independence Monument and marvelling at the Navruz Palace before swinging over to Rudaki Park, an ode to the 10th-century Persian poet, Rudaki. You may not have heard of him, but he’s a big deal in these parts!
Accommodation: Hotel Rumi (or similar), Dushanbe – Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 21 – Dushanbe Treats and a Farewell Feast
Can you believe it’s the final day? Somehow it’s flown – but don’t worry, we’re not easing you out gently. Today, you’ll soak up every last bit of Tajikistan.
Start with a wander through the central market where the scent of fresh bread collides with the sharp hit of pickled garlic, fabrics hang like technicolour flags and you’ll leave with three things you didn’t plan to buy. Then, you’re heading up to the top of the Independence Monument for a proper look at Dushanbe from above, and a few “whoa, we were there” moments.
The rest of this final afternoon is yours, whether you’re bargain-hunting for last-minute gifts or just sitting in a café trying to process everything you’ve seen over the last three weeks.
Time flies when you’re having fun and suddenly, it’s the last supper (Tajik style)! Amidst platters of Tajik deliciousness, share stories of those train rides you’ll never forget and belly-laugh over the group’s many inside jokes.
Accommodation: Hotel Rumi (or similar), Dushanbe – Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 22 – Farewell Friends
As dawn breaks on your last day, gather with your Mag Railers for one more breakfast together. Between bites, share your favourite memories and exchange contact details, because this may be the end of your journey, but not for the friendships forged here. This isn’t a goodbye, but a “ ‘til we meet on another adventure”!
Included: Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of:
- April 2026: 1 AUD:0.65 USD,
- September 2026: 1 AUD:0.65 USD,
- October 2026: 1 AUD:0.65 USD,
- April 2027: 1 AUD:0.71 USD
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Turkmenistan requires an invitation letter to obtain a visa on arrival. We’ll need your passport copy, a passport-style digital photo, and some information around 2 months prior to the trip departure.
We’ll apply for the invitation letter on your behalf. The visa invitation letter is for the group, so your trip leader will take care of the copy on your behalf. There’s nothing for you to carry with you, except for the USD cash you’ll need for the visa payment at the border crossing. At the time of publishing, the cost of the visa was $90 USD (cash). Please ensure the USD notes are flat, uncreased and undamaged.
No other countries on this trip require visas for Australians or New Zealanders.
Level 2
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be OK, however, to enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 3-4 hours. Daily activities will include:
- Walking on uneven and hilly ground, getting on and off various forms of transportation and occasionally climbing some stairs.
- You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
- From time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit-down toilets) but when you’re on the road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
- Your ability to manage your own luggage for short periods of time is not only a priority, but a non-negotiable part of this trip, including crossing 2 international borders on foot.
Some activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Silk Road adventure, we ask your contribution be:
- $170 USD and given to your trip leader on Day 1.
The kitty will be managed by your trip leader and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and local guides.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your regional guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines: $80 – $130 USD.
On two occasions, you’ll be crossing land borders on foot, so a single case/bag with wheels is the best choice for this trip.
The weather in the 4 Stans can vary depending on the specific location and altitude, however, by mid-September, temperatures are gradually decreasing and you will experience comfortable cooler days and colder nights. Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C-30°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5°C to 15°C – so it’s advisable to pack warm layers! Expect occasional rain showers.
Whenever we can, we’ve chosen charming boutique stays that capture the spirit of the region, mostly around 3-star comfort, and occasionally we’ve snuck in some 4-star touches. Sometimes it’s the shared patio views or unique location that make a hotel stand out. Other times it’s the local character that makes the stay special, and in smaller spots, rooms might differ in size and style.
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Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
When flying from Australia to Astana in Kazakhstan, there are a few common flight routes that you can consider. Keep in mind that flight availability and routes may change, so it’s always advisable to check with airlines and your travel agent for the most up-to-date information. There are no direct flights between Australia or New Zealand, with Astana, via Hong Kong, Dubai, Doha and Istanbul.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
Official currencies:
- Uzbekistan – Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
- Turkmenistani Manat (TMT)
- Tajikistan – Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)
- Kazakhstan – Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
In the unlikely event of a health or security-related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
Astana to Almaty
A modern, fast train with speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, with twin share and single-share (single supplement) compartments. The carriage has shared bathroom facilities, including sitdown style toilets located at each end.
Tashkent to Khiva
This train is an older, soviet style ‘rattler’. We’ve arranged for twin share and single-share (single supplement) compartments. The carriage has shared bathroom facilities, including sitdown style toilets located at each end.
Where possible, the accommodations on this trip are three-star boutique lodgings with an authentic atmosphere. However, in more remote locations, (Turkmenistan) we occasionally need to opt for ‘best available’ to the area.
Whether you are a couple, or a couple of friends, or travelling solo, our Magnificent Rail journeys will appeal to anyone who is inspired by the charm of scenic rail travel and wants to see the best of a country.
Our adventures are designed to appeal to those in their 50s, and 60s and early 70s (but of course, everyone is welcome!) Our clients are curious and active, and want to find the magic of travel again, but with some modern comforts in unique and interesting places along the way. They’ve often avoided tours in the past because they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
They prefer insider perspectives and lingering longer in the right places for a deeper experience.
Send us an email at contact@magnificentrail.com.au or give us a call at +61 482 095 648; A deposit is required to reserve your spot.
