Silk Road tours & holidays

The Silk Road was originally an expansive region that covered Asia, Europe, the Middle East and parts of the Pacific. In modern times, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) classifies the Silk Road region as 34 countries.

In the Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan sections of the Silk Road, the weather is categorised as typically between moderate to arid continental.

Summers are hot and sunny, with winters between cold and freezing. There can be extreme temperatures in these seasons, with highs getting to 50ºC, typically in the desert regions and winter lows of -20ºC.

There's also snow in the mountain regions. This region can also get sudden cold spells, heatwaves and intense winds, causing sand and dust storms.  

The best time to visit the Silk Road for travel within Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is from April to October, as the rainiest time of year typically falls from October to April.

The shoulder months of March and November are also good times to visit, as it shouldn't be as cold or get as much rain as in the winter months.

It can get very hot from June to August, so if you'd prefer a milder visit, visit in the spring and autumn seasons.

If you are travelling to countries in the Silk Road region, you should ensure you have checked the entry requirements for each destination you are visiting. Currently, in the countries we run trips in, a visa is required for entry into Turkmenistan.

Many nationalities are able to enter and travel within Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without a visa. This is extended to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Tipping isn't universally done across the Silk Road region, however, it is becoming more popular in certain areas. 

In Kazakhstan, a service charge of 10% is typically included in bills, whereas in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, a tip of about 5-10% is welcome.

Tipping is not customary in Turkmenistan.

Internet in countries throughout the Silk Road is typically accessible in cities and large towns. You can generally find internet in hotels and restaurants as well as in internet cafes. When outside of these major hubs, internet can range from reduced to non-existent.

In Turkmenistan, many sites, including social media, are blocked by the authorities.

Similar to internet use, mobile phone access in the Silk Road region is typically good in cities and main towns.

There can be limitations on using your device and home carrier, depending on the country you are travelling in and your provider.

You may be able to purchase a local SIM card while abroad in this area. However, if you are planning on using global roaming, ensure it is turned on prior to leaving your home country.

Toilets throughout the Silk Road area can vary from modern flushable toilets to outside drop toilets. Some areas in this region may not sanitise toilet facilities to the same standards as in Western countries and there may not always be hot water available.

Because there is so much variation, especially between the cities and remote areas, it is generally advised that you bring your own toilet paper, sanitiser and soap while travelling. 

Travellers are advised not to drink tap water in Central Asia and while in the Silk Road regions. It is also a good idea to be careful when eating salads and other uncooked foods that may have been washed in water. Similarly, avoid ice, peel fruit before eating and ask for filtered water to be used for tea.

Credit cards are usually accepted in business in the major cities and hubs of this region of the Silk Road. Outside of cities, credit cards aren't typically used and you will need small local currency. You may find that foreign cards aren't as accepted, especially in Uzbekistan, so it's advised that you have enough cash to cover your daily expenses. 

Similarly, ATMs are usually commonly found in cities and large towns and not so much in rural regions. 

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI+ travellers in this region of the Silk Road. In Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, same-sex relations are illegal and can incur prison sentences of up to two years. While in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, homosexuality is legal, however, attitudes are not accepting, especially outside of major cities. In this area of Asia, displays of affection between heterosexual couples are generally frowned upon and can even offend, so it is advised for all travellers to take care not to engage in any public displays of affection.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

Learn more about travel insurance

We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.

We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

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From the US?

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Learn more about safe travels with Intrepid

Yes, all Intrepid trips support The Intrepid Foundation. In this country, we partner with World Bicycle Relief and Eden: People + Planet. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar matching all traveller donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.

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Eden: People + Planet

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal.

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