Grand Silk Road luxury train to link China and Central Asia in 2026
Dhaka: A new 22-day luxury rail journey linking China and Central Asia is set to launch in 2026, offering travelers a route inspired by the historic Silk Road trade network. The high-end service will connect major cultural and heritage destinations across five countries.
The Grand Silk Road by Train will operate its inaugural departure between September 21 and October 12, 2026, with a second journey scheduled between August 30 and September 22, 2027. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, in partnership with GeoEx, will operate the itinerary.
The route will run from Beijing to Tashkent, covering approximately 3,862 kilometers and crossing desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and ancient cities. The journey is designed to combine rail travel with curated excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historically significant locations along the Silk Road corridor.
In Beijing, where the journey begins, travelers can explore the Forbidden City and walk sections of the Great Wall. It then proceeds to Xi’an, home to the Terracotta Warriors, and to Dunhuang, known for its cliffside grottoes and desert scenery.
As there is no direct rail link between China and Kyrgyzstan, passengers will take a short flight to Kazakhstan before resuming the train journey. The Central Asian segment includes stops in Almaty, Bishkek, Lake Issyk-Kul, and Dushanbe before entering Uzbekistan for the final leg.
In Uzbekistan, travelers will visit Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Kokand, and Nukus. Guided excursions will focus on architectural landmarks, historic trading hubs, and cultural heritage sites that once formed key nodes of the Silk Road network.
Golden Eagle’s train will offer multiple cabin categories, ranging from 60-square-foot Silver Class compartments to 77-square-foot Gold Class cabins. The top-tier Imperial Suites measure 120 square feet and include private lounge space, while additional options include Superior cabins and Han Dynasty Suites.
Prices start at USD 50,700 per person based on double occupancy. The package includes accommodations, most meals, transfers, and insurance coverage. The launch aligns with Uzbekistan’s goal of attracting 20 million international visitors by 2030, following more than 10.7 million arrivals in 2025.
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