Orient Silk Road Express Train

The Orient Silk Road Express is a tourist train designed for those who want to explore the legends of the Silk Road without sacrificing comfort. This remarkable journey offers a glimpse into the mysterious heart of Central Asia – where ancient cultures, rich traditions, and breathtaking scenery come together.

Imagine the first light of dawn stretching across the horizon as you relax in your modern carriage, gliding past deserts, mountains, ancient cities, and bustling oriental bazaars. Each day begins with a new landscape outside your window, while nights bring the soft rhythm of the rails, gently rocking you to sleep. Whether you're a romantic at heart or simply drawn to the magic of long-distance travel, this unforgettable adventure promises to leave lasting impressions.

Travel Without Worries

A journey through Central Asia on the Orient Silk Road Express is a vivid, multi-day adventure across three to four countries. Each day brings a new chapter – dozens of unique landmarks, centuries-old architecture, and encounters with warm, welcoming locals. You’ll marvel at the elegant domes of ancient mosques and madrasahs, explore fortresses that once guarded the great caravan routes, and experience the vibrant energy of oriental bazaars still rich with the scent of spices and the shimmer of silk.

This unforgettable train journey takes you through the heart of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, with time spent both in historic cities and beyond the urban bustle – into blooming mountain valleys and to emerald-green lakes hidden among the rocks. The 15-day itinerary is thoughtfully designed, combining fascinating excursions, smooth transfers, delicious national cuisine, and ample time for rest and relaxation. It’s a comfortable tour in Asia, free from rush or stress.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy three meals a day, the full support of experienced guides, and cozy overnight accommodations in your private train compartment. On selected nights, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels, allowing for evening strolls through historic streets, dinners in local restaurants, and the chance to see the ancient cities bathed in the golden glow of sunset.

Carriage Categories

Orient Silk Road Express offers a range of carriage types designed to meet different comfort preferences. The categories vary by number of travelers per compartment (2 or 4), number of compartments per car, and availability of shared or private shower facilities. No matter which class you choose, you’ll enjoy a high standard of service and thoughtful amenities throughout your journey.

Habibi Cars

These classic four-berth compartments are ideal for travelers looking for a simple, shared experience. Each compartment has two upper and two lower beds, a central table by the window, and storage for essentials. Every Habibi car has nine compartments and shared bathroom facilities with toilets and washbasins at each end. This is a standard, no-frills option perfect for sociable travelers.

Ali Baba Cars

Designed for two travelers, Ali Baba compartments feature two comfortable lower beds (67×184 cm / 27.5×74.8 in), making them a great choice for those who prefer not to use an upper bunk. A table under the window and built-in shelves allow for convenient storage. Each Ali Baba car includes nine compartments and shared toilet cabins with washbasins at both ends.

Aladdin Cars

Aladdin compartments also accommodate two passengers and offer the same bed dimensions as Ali Baba (67×184 cm / 27.5×74.8 in), but with added comfort. Each car includes eight compartments and a shared shower cabin, with soft robes provided (extras available on request). A small table, luggage space, and combined toilets and washbasins at both ends make these compartments ideal for travelers who appreciate practicality with added amenities.

Kalif Cars

The Kalif compartments offer the highest level of comfort on the Orient Silk Road Express. Each compartment accommodates two passengers, with a wide lower bed (112×184 cm / 44×72.4 in) and an upper bed (80×174 cm / 31.6×68.5 in). Passengers enjoy a private bathroom with a full shower, plus an individual closet for personal belongings. Each Kalif car contains only four compartments, ensuring extra space, quiet, and privacy – a true comfortable option for Silk Road travelers.

All carriages are equipped with hot and cold water dispensers, warming stations for meals and snacks, and designated smoking areas. A train doctor is always on board, ensuring that your journey through Uzbekistan and Central Asia is not only comfortable, but also safe.

The train also features two restaurant cars, one serving traditional Uzbek cuisine, the other offering Russian specialties. Both are richly decorated with vivid Central Asian motifs on the walls and ceilings, adding cultural flavor to every meal.

Itineraries

The Orient Silk Road Express offers three captivating routes that trace the ancient paths of the Silk Road, taking you across the diverse landscapes and cultures of Central Asia.

• Route 1: Kazakhstan → Uzbekistan → Kyrgyzstan
• Route 2: Kazakhstan → Kyrgyzstan → Uzbekistan
• Route 3: Uzbekistan → Tajikistan → Kyrgyzstan → Kazakhstan

Each Silk Road itinerary is thoughtfully curated to showcase the region’s most remarkable destinations. Travel through the ancient cities of Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara, relax by the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul framed by mountain peaks, and enjoy nature at Ala-Archa National Park near Bishkek. Explore the alpine retreats of Amirsoy Resort and Charvak Lake nestled in the Tien Shan foothills, and discover the warm hospitality of Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, known for its welcoming atmosphere.

Excursions and Cultural Program

Each journey on the Orient Silk Road Express includes a thoughtfully designed cultural program that enhances your travel experience across Central Asia. You can look forward to:

• Guided tours of ancient cities led by professional local experts. Discover grand mosques and madrasahs, lively oriental bazaars, rich museum collections, and monumental mausoleum complexes that tell the stories of centuries past.
• Visits to artisan workshops, where masters continue centuries-old traditions of crafting ceramics, silk carpets, jewelry, and handmade paper from mulberry bark – using techniques passed down through generations.
• Costumed performances featuring traditional music and dance, often held in the historic halls of khan's palaces or beneath open skies in scenic mountain valleys. Enjoy regional delicacies and refreshments as part of these immersive experiences.
• Nature excursions to Central Asia’s most scenic locations, including tranquil lakes, winding rivers, dramatic canyons, and mysterious rocky gorges – perfect for those who enjoy landscapes as much as heritage.

When to Travel

The best time to take the Orient Silk Road Express is during spring and autumn, when Central Asia offers the most comfortable climate and captivating natural beauty.

Spring (April – May)

Spring breathes new life into the region: the steppes and mountain slopes turn green and burst into bloom, while historic cities appear especially vibrant under the mild sun. Daytime temperatures range from +18°C to +28°C, making it a perfect time for walking tours, nature trips, and outdoor excursions.

Autumn (September – early November)

Autumn brings warm, pleasant weather without the intensity of summer heat. Clear skies, golden light, and colorful foliage make the landscapes especially photogenic. Average daytime temperatures are around +20°C to +30°C in September and +15°C to +20°C in October. This is also the season when local markets are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, adding a delicious touch to your travel experience.

A journey through Central Asia aboard the Orient Silk Road Express train is more than travel through space – it's a passage through time. This immersive experience invites you into the ancient cultures of peoples who still honor the traditions of their ancestors. As you follow the routes of historic caravans and wander through vibrant bazaars, you’ll feel the pulse of history come alive – in the colors, rhythms, and flavors of everyday life in the fabled East.