Imagine gliding through the ancient lands of the Silk Road, where the mountains seem to whisper stories of bygone eras and the stars light up the night sky like beacons of history. On the Golden Eagle, luxury meets adventure, offering a world where time slows down, allowing you to savour the exquisite details of both the journey and the destinations. This train is more than just a mode of travel—it is a gateway to a past filled with culture, grandeur, and the thrill of discovery, all wrapped in unparalleled elegance.
The Golden Eagle Train is a luxurious, fully en-suite private train exploring Central Casia. The train features spacious cabins, fine dining, and a range of amenities that combine the nostalgia of classic rail travel with modern luxury.
Life Onboard: Cabins to Suit Every Taste
With a range of cabin classes—Imperial Suite, Gold Class, and Silver Class—guests can choose their level of comfort, all featuring private bathrooms, underfloor heating, and large windows to take in the stunning landscapes. The attentive staff, including a dedicated cabin attendant, ensures that every aspect of the journey is seamless.
Imperial Suite (sleeps 2 people)
The Imperial Suite is the pinnacle of luxury, measuring 120 square feet (11.1 sq metres). With its king-size bed and spacious lounge area, it feels like a five-star hotel on rails. A private en-suite bathroom with a power shower and underfloor heating ensures comfort at every moment. The Imperial Suite also included a DVD/CD player with LCD screen, a safe and two large windows. Complimentary services like a fully stocked minibar and Dom Perignon upon arrival make this the ideal choice for those who crave the finer things in life. The suite also includes personal touches like a small library and private guide and chauffeured services at select stops, ensuring an intimate and tailored experience.
Gold Class (sleeps 3)
For those seeking luxury with a bit more practicality, Gold Class cabins offer 77 square feet (7 sq metres) of space, with a double lower bed (6ft 2in x 4ft x 5in) and an upper single birth (6ft 2in x 2ft 9 in) for additional flexibility. The private bathroom features underfloor heating and a separate shower. Gold Class guests also enjoy complimentary drinks from the Standard Bar List in the Bar Lounge Car, perfect for unwinding in the evenings. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning, bath robe, slippers, hairdryer and toiletries, wardrobe and a large window.
There is also the option of a smaller Gold Class cabin (68 sq ft) with all the facilities described above available for singles or at a reduced rate for twin-share guests.
Silver Class (sleeps 3)
Silver Class cabins are 60 square feet (5.5 sq metres) but still provide the elegance and comfort expected aboard the Golden Eagle. Featuring an upper single berth (6ft 2in x 2ft x 9in) as a lower double (6ft 2in x 3ft 6in), these cabins include a private wet-room style bathroom. While smaller, Silver Class still offers luxury touches like a DVD player, en-suite facilities, DVD/CD player and LCD screen, safe, wardrobe, toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and individual climate control. It’s ideal for solo travellers or those looking for an intimate, efficient space.
Dining and Bar Experience: A Culinary Journey
Dining aboard the Golden Eagle is an event in itself, celebrated by Travel Weekly for serving dishes like those in a “Michelin-starred restaurant” on board mornings begin with a breakfast buffet offering everything from freshly squeezed juices to cooked-to-order meals. Lunches and dinners are gourmet affairs. Inspired by the local flavours of the Silk Road, so the menu is based on the regions the train passes through, bringing the essence of each country to your plate.
The Bar Lounge Car is the heart of the train with live piano music and a well-stocked bar that stays open late into the night. Wine flows freely, with a handpicked selection accompanying meals. In the evenings, guests are invited to the Bar Lounge Car, where the resident pianist plays and skilled bartenders serve cocktails until the last patron retires. There is also the opportunity to have language lessons and listen to the guest speakers in the Bar Lounge.
Setting Expectations: Embrace the Pace
Travelling by train offers a unique pace that contrasts with the fast-moving modern world. The Golden Eagle is more than just a train; it’s a moving boutique hotel. Your dedicated cabin attendant will ensure your every need is met, whether it’s adjusting the temperature in your cabin, preparing your room for bed or day settings, or delivering tea. Onboard, you’ll also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected while you relax.
A fully guided off-train excursion programme, complete with English-speaking guides and personal headsets, ensures you won’t miss a moment of the region’s highlights. All tipping—both on and off the train—is included, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Additionally, luggage portage is taken care of throughout the trip, adding to the seamless travel experience. For peace of mind, a UK-registered doctor is on board, ensuring your well-being throughout the journey.
The Golden Eagle offers a balance between indulgence and discovery, allowing you to embrace the slower pace of travel while enjoying modern conveniences.
Our Golden Eagle Train Journeys
Treasures of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan
Embark on a luxurious journey through the treasures of Central Asia, following the footsteps of historical figures like Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great. From the iconic Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to the alpine beauty of Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, this trip offers a diverse range of experiences. Expect rooftop dinners over Kalyan Square in Bukhara, an interactive Uzbek cooking masterclass in Samarkand, and a yurt-building show in Kyrgyzstan.
Treasures of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan & Tajikistan
Experience the Treasures of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan on a luxurious journey with Crooked Compass and the Golden Eagle Private Train. Indulge in a rooftop dinner in Bukhara, enjoy a gala performance in Samarkand, and learn to make Plov in an interactive cooking class. Discover the stunning Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan, the nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan. This immersive 23-day odyssey combines opulent comfort with rich history and culture, unveiling the marvels of the Silk Road at every turn.
Treasures of Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan
This journey offers an in-depth exploration of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road gems, paired with an extension into the dramatic, untouched wilderness of Kyrgyzstan. From witnessing a gala dance performance in Samarkand’s Registan Square to bartering in vibrant bazaars and visiting ancient fortresses, every stop reveals a new chapter of history. The extension into Kyrgyzstan brings you closer to nomadic traditions, with eagle-hunting shows and stays in traditional yurts.
Caspian Odyssey by Private Jet, Luxury Train & Tajikistan
Embark on a luxurious journey along the Silk Road with Crooked Compass and the Golden Eagle Private Train. Explore UNESCO-honoured cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, marvel at Armenia’s Geghard Monastery, and witness the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater. Enjoy private performances in Georgia and savour local wine in Kakheti. Journey through breathtaking landscapes from the Caspian Sea to the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan. Elevate your experience with a private jet, and uncover Central Asia’s hidden gems in unmatched comfort and style.
Caspian Odyssey by Private Jet, Luxury Train & Kyrgyzstan
This epic journey combines the elegance of private jet travel with the unrivalled comfort of the Golden Eagle, traversing from Armenia to Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, you’ll witness the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater illuminating the Kara Kum desert and enjoy a private performance of Georgian Polyphonic singing in an ancient cave city. Highlights also include exploring UNESCO-listed cities like Khiva and Bukhara and experiencing a yurt-building demonstration.
Jewels of the Silk Road & Kyrgyzstan
Marvel at the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater, explore the UNESCO cities of Khiva, Merv, and Bukhara, and enjoy an evening drinks reception in Samarkand’s beautifully lit Registan Square. Experience traditional yurt building and an Eagle Hunting Show, then extend into the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. This luxurious rail journey offers an unforgettable exploration of Central Asia’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the enduring nomadic heritage of the Silk Road.
Jewels of the Silk Road & Tajikistan
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Central Asia aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle train, following the ancient Silk Road through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Enjoy an evening drinks reception in Samarkand’s beautifully lit Registan Square, explore the UNESCO cities of Khiva, Merv, and Bukhara, and witness the surreal sight of the Darvaza gas crater illuminating the night sky. After traversing these magnificent landscapes, extend your adventure into Tajikistan’s stunning Fann Mountains, where rugged beauty and ancient traditions await. Experience unparalleled comfort while immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant cultures of this remarkable region.
Make this experience yours and chat to our team about your next journey aboard the Golden Eagle Luxury Train across the Silk Road.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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