The Orient Silk Road Express | Central Asia

The atmosphere on board is one of relaxed and casual nature. During the day dress for relaxed comfort for onboard the train and when embarking on excursions. We suggest wearing durable shoes for excursions, and please be prepared for chilly nights, even during the summer. Modest attire is essential for visits to churches and mosques, with women expected to cover their heads with a scarf.

Complimentary tea and coffee are available during mealtimes onboard. The Orient Silk Road Express offers a diverse selection of beverages to enhance your journey. In the restaurant car, you can enjoy a range of options by purchasing soft drinks, juices, and water. Additionally, a well-curated menu of alcoholic beverages is available for purchase, featuring wines, beers, and spirits, allowing passengers to indulge in a delightful and refreshing experience while traversing the legendary Silk Roa.

Typically, dining reservations on board the Silk Road Express are managed daily. The train's staff will provide information about the dining schedule, and you can confirm your reservations for each day during your journey. It's recommended to check with the onboard team for specific details and any changes to the reservation process.

Provided a detailed request has been made at time of booking – special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and adhering to religious requirements, can be arranged.

Gratuities for staff and guides are at the passenger’s discretion.

Air-conditioning is available on the Orient Silk Road Express trains. Some cabins can be centrally controlled, while higher-class cabins come with individual control systems. It's important to note that the air-conditioning is activated only when the train is in motion at speeds of 30 km/h or above.

For convenience on board the train, it is suggested to use a travel bag or soft suitcase instead of a large one. A small bag or suitcase is recommended for overnight stays in hotels as hand luggage, leaving the larger luggage on the train. Porters in Almaty/Tashkent will handle loading the luggage on board. To ensure proper identification, attach an Orient Silk Road Express label with your carriage and compartment number to all bags. Labels will be delivered to clients locally.

During your extensive train journey across multiple countries, border crossings are inevitable. Anticipate some waiting times at the borders, typically ranging from one-and-a-half to four hours. However, itineraries are well planned and ensures that you won't miss any highlights. The border formalities, including filling in entry and customs forms, passport inspection, customs check, and possibly a health check, are usually swift. You'll be required to stay in your compartment during inspections until the conductor or tour guide indicates that you are free to move around. It's permissible to sleep through these checks, and you are not obligated to remain upright or awake. Please be aware that train toilets must remain closed during border procedures. Your tour guide, although required to stay in their compartment, will be promptly notified of any issues and will provide assistance if needed.

Smoking is generally prohibited on the train and at stations. Specifically, smoking is strictly forbidden in compartments, corridors, and the restaurant car during meals. For information on designated smoking areas, kindly consult your local guide.

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.