Five countries, three weeks, one epic trip along the Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia
Vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile valleys and majestic mountains form the backdrop to the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, which are commonly known as the five Stans. Among this changing and varied landscape are traditional villages, ancient towns and modern cities, which tell a tale of advancing Greek and Persian armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, traders selling wares along the Silk Road, philosophers, astronomers, Communist experiments and post-Soviet eccentrics. Journey past giant burning gas pits, intricately tiled mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colourful markets on this epic trip through the heart of Central Asia.
About this trip: We have two versions of this trip, one starting in Turkmenistan and ending in Kazakhstan (Ashgabat to Almaty) and the other running in reverse, starting in Kazakhstan and ending in Turkmenistan (Almaty to Ashgabat). Apart from the direction of travel, the two itineraries are similar, the main difference is the route taken through Kyrgyzstan and the accommodation there. The Ashgabat to Almaty itinerary includes Son Kul lake and there are three nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan. The Almaty to Ashgabat itinerary includes Chon-Kemin and Bishkek and stays in guesthouses and hotels rather than yurts. Both itineraries include a night in a yurt in Turkmenistan.
Highlights
Follow the footsteps of ancient traders on a journey along the Silk Road
Witness the ‘Door to Hell’ at night, a giant burning gas pit in Turkmenistan
Experience the life of a nomadic shepherd with two nights in a yurt camp
Discover the great Islamic architecture and ruins of five different countries
Explore the villages and lakes of the Fann and Tien Shan mountains
Key Information
Accommodation from Ashgabat to Almaty (AXK1) - 18 Classic nights (16 hotels, 2 guesthouses), 4 Simple nights (yurt)
Accommodation from Almaty to Ashgabat (AXK2) - 21 Classic nights (18 hotels, 3 guesthouse), 1 Simple night (yurt)
Most travel is by minibus
Single supplement available (excludes nights in yurts)
Countries visited: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
What's Included
All accommodation
All breakfasts, one lunch, and five dinners
All transport and listed activities
Western tour leader throughout (plus a local guide in each country)
Arrival transfers for any flight, departure transfers for group flights only
What's Not Included
Travel Insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
The adventure begins in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. As per Turkmen law, we arrange arrival transfers for all customers. See the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more details. There are no arranged activities today, as many flights arrive very late at night or early tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Day
2
Free morning; Ashgabat city tour
Following what for many people will have been a late night or early morning arrival, our exploration of Ashgabat begins around midday.
Ashgabat holds the record for the most white-marble buildings in the world. In the post-Soviet era, successive Turkmen leaders built these impressive buildings as a show of the country’s strength and they make for a surreal sight. Ashgabat has been described as Pyongyang meets Las Vegas, and you can see why.
We have a half-day city tour of Ashgabat including Ertogrul Ghazi mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, Constitution Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, Magtymguly Monument, Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, and the Wedding Palace which looks over the city from atop a hill.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Visit Nisa; afternoon transfer to Darvaza Crater − the 'Door to Hell'; overnight in traditional Yurts
After breakfast, we head to Nisa, an ancient Persian-era fortress, the former capital of the Persian Parthian Empire, which controlled much of the region from Iraq to Pakistan 2,000 years ago. The ruins here were declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2007. Afterwards, we visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan located about a 20 minute drive from the ruins of the Parthian Fortress of Nisa.
Mid afternoon, we head north in a 4×4 convoy into the Karakum Desert, some 4hr 30min drive (161mi/260km) away, to a massive burning gas crater known as the Door to Hell in a remote part of the Darvaza region. In the 1970s, Soviet engineers looking for natural gas deposits came across this area. Attempting to assess the amount of gas present they set up a drill. The drill collapsed, exposing a big crater and seeping methane gas into the air. The engineers decided to set the gas alight in the belief that it would burn off within a few weeks. More than 45 years later, it is still burning. We enjoy a barbeque dinner near the crater and stay overnight in yurts very nearby. Seeing the burning crater by night is a unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Darwaza Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
4
To ancient Dashoguz; visit medieval Kunya Urgench
This morning after breakfast we transfer to Dashoguz,the capital city of northern Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz Province, and check into our hotel. The region around Dashoguz was part of the ancient Silk Road trade routes that connected East and West.
In the afternoon, we visit Kunya-Urgench situated on the left bank of the Amu Daria River (approximately 1h30 drive from Dashoguz). Kunya-Urgench, also known as Old Urgench, was the capital of the Khorezm region, part of the Achaemenid Empire. The old town contains a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-m high minaret. The monuments testify to outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship whose influence reached Iran and Afghanistan, and later the architecture of the Mogul Empire of 16th-century India.
Accommodation: Hotel Dashoguz (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Cross into Uzbekistan; tour of Khiva
After breakfast, we drive to the Shavat border post and say goodbye to our Turkmen leader and cross into Uzbekistan where we meet our Uzbek leader and drive to Khiva, arriving early afternoon. We have some time to relax, then take a walking tour of the walled city – the Itchan Kala. Often described as an open-air living museum, the Itchan Kala is Khiva’s perfectly restored old city and includes the coloured tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara), the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress – the former residence of the Khiva khans, and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva’s patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard. We also visit Islam Khoja minaret and madrasah, the Juma mosque – supported by 218 wooden carved columns, Tash Khauli palaces, and Allakuli Khan Madrassah. We also explore artisan workshops where we see technology behind the production of Khiva wool, silk carpets, embroidery, ceramics, and wood inlay.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Desert Castles of Khorezm
After breakfast, we head off to the arid plains of Khorezm. These plains were once densely populated marshland, inhabited by Messagetae Scythians. These horseback archers were nomadic and fought to retain the land, even defeating Cyrus The Great, a Persian emperor in BC 529. We visit the 2000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak- Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais Mountains acting as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BC under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. There are still three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel that still remain, but the parchments and paintings that were found there are now in St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress dating from the sixth-century. We later return to Khiva for the night.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Drive to Bukhara through the Kyzylkum desert
Today we drive to Bukhara (480 km/7-8 hours), one of the most ancient cities of the East. We drive through the Kyzylkum desert and make some photo stops in the desert and on the banks of the Amu Darya (Oxus) River.
After arriving in Bukhara we check in to our hotel and have the evening free to relax after our long journey.
Accommodation: Sultan Hotel Bukhara/Hotel Kavsar (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Bukhara
The 2,000-year-old city of Bukhara has an old centre that evokes the many centuries of traders and travellers who’ve passed through here on their way between the Mediterranean and China. We spend the day exploring this fascinating city, including a visit to the historic Lyabi Khauz architectural complex, which has the oldest reflective pool in Central Asia. It is surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Khanaka, which has a façade of intricate mosaics. We also visit Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum – a sarcophagus over an ancient sacred spring believed to have healing properties, the Mausoleum of the Samanids – the family tomb of the rulers of Bukhara, the oldest in Central Asia; Ark Citadel – the residence of Bukhara’s rulers since the first century AD; the Poi Kalyan Complex, home to the 157ft (48m) high Kalyan Minaret, which has come to symbolise the city; the Kalyan Mosque with 288 domes covering galleries below, Nodir Divanbegi Madrasah, and Chor-Minor – a small mosque of an original form with four minarets.
Accommodation: Sultan Hotel Bukhara/Hotel Kavsar (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Visit the summer palace of the Bukharan emirs; drive to Samarkand
This morning, we uncover more Bukharan history and culture as we explore the Sitorai-Mohl-Hosa Palace, the summer palace of the emirs. The palace rooms are richly decorated with magnificent paintings, stucco, wood carvings and ganch. After lunch, we have a four to five hours’ drive (186mi/300km) to the other great Silk Road city, Samarkand. We break up the journey with a short stop at Gijduvan, where we will visit the house of the famous dynasty of pottery masters – the Narzullaevs. Continue on to Samarkand.
Accommodation: Malika Prime (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
Samarkand
Possibly the most famous of the Silk Road cities, Samarkand has blue-tiled buildings that dazzle in the bright sun. Steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by such figures as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, who made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century, it is home to one of the world’s great squares – Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by the madrassahs of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori. It is said the square and madrassah influenced other sites, including the great square in Isfahan, Iran, and the Taj Mahal in India.
The city was the capital of the great Tamerlane and we spend the day visiting a number of Tamerlane-era sites, including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane, his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Ulugbek Observatory built in 1420 by Tamerlane’s grandson who was not just a ruler but also a well-known astronomer. We move on to the oversized Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda – the ‘Living King’ necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Our final visit is to the exotic Siab Bazaar with its fresh and dried fruit and nuts and other local food produce, and a local paper factory. The exact order of visits may vary.
Accommodation: Malika Prime (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
11
Cross into Tajikistan; Sarazm and Penjikent
Early this morning we drive to the Tajik border. We cross into Tajikistan, meet our local guide and head to the town of Penjikent (20 km, 20 min).
Our first stop in Tajikistan is at Sarazm, one of Central Asia’s ancient settlements, dating back 5,500 years and now a World Heritage site. In Penjikent we set out on a tour (3-4 hours) that will take us to the Museum of Rudaki (Rudaki is considered by many to be the father of Persian poetry and he was born in Penjikent) and ancient Penjikent – ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century. We also explore the remains of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples and a bazaar in the excavated ruins.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
12
Explore the Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains
Today we make a trip into the heart of the Fann Mountains. We drive to Seven Lakes or Haf Kul in Tajik, a sometimes bumpy and narrow 80 kms away in the Shing Valley. The lakes vary in altitude from 1,600 to 2,400 metres and most were formed by landslides. The high mineral content in the water gives the lakes an unusual colour. We’ll have time to enjoy the mountains, with a walk to Hazorchashma Lakes and a picnic lunch in the village of Nofin before we drive back to Penjikent.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
13
Drive to Khujand via Istaravshan
Leaving the Fann Mountains behind, we head into the industrial and agricultural heartland around the city of Khujand (about four hours’ drive). En route, we visit the town of Istravashan founded by the Persian king Kier in the sixth century, and we’ll visit the bazaar.
While Khujand, today, is not the most attractive of cities it has a complex history. Believed to be one of the oldest in Central Asia, it was attacked by Alexander the Great, Arab invaders and Genghis Khan, as well as being an important stop along the Silk Road. There are still traces of the glory days and we take in a tour of the sites, including the Musuem of Archeology, Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mosque, the Payshanba bazaar and, if time Arbob Palace – the Urumkhodjaev family country estate, a copy of the Russian tsarist palace of Peterhof.
Accommodation: Khudjand Delux Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
14
Khujand; back into Uzbekistan - Rishtan & Margilan
We return to Uzbekistan via the border crossing at Andurkhan, where we say goodbye to our Tajik crew and re-join the Uzbeks.
The total driving time to Ferghana town is about five hours from Khujand, but we make several stops along the way. The first of these is at Kokand, which was the capital of the 19th-century Kokand Khanate. We visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace (1871) home to a museum, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum.
From here, we continue to the small village of Rishtan, home to potter dynasties and ceramics masters. We visit a local ceramics studio and witness a demonstration of the craft before the opportunity to buy earthenware.
Our final stop is at Margilan, where we visit a silk factory and learn about the material that gave its name to the greatest trade route in history. Eventually, we arrive in Fergana town where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Fergana (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
15
Cross into Kyrgyzstan. Visit Osh and Uzgen.
This morning, we transfer to the Kyrgyz border and say goodbye to our Uzbek leader. After border formalities at the Dustlik border crossing, we meet our Kyrgyz leader and head into nearby Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city. We visit the sacred Sulayman Mountain, a holy Muslim site (and burial place of the prophet Sulayman (Solomon); and the central point on the Silk Road. The walk to the top of Sulayman Mountain is paved with some steps and can be tiring in the heat but the views over the city and valley below, small museum and 15th-century church are worth the effort.
On the way to Jalal-Abad we make a sightseeing stop at Uzgen. We taken an excursion to an old minaret and mausoleums nearby and visit a famous rice bazaar. Uzgen has a history of over 2000 years — it is claimed to be a site of numerous citadels built at various times since the 1st century BC. It was an important centre of trade routes between the Fergana Valley and Northern territories of Central Asia. Uzgen became a highly developed town in the Karakhanid’s epoch and developed into a large trading and handicrafts center.
Accommodation: Guesthouse Goodnight (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
16
Arslanbob Nature Reserve
We leave the city of Jalal-Abad and head for Arslanbob Nature Reserve (approximately 1.5 hour drive). The village of Arslanbob is in the mountains at around 5,250ft (1,600m) – though the top and bottom of the village vary considerably in altitude – and is surrounded by an ancient walnut forest believed to be the largest in the world.
We go for a walk and picnic lunch in the surrounding countryside. The walk takes around four hours (including lunch and stops) and requires walking shoes/boots. The pace is leisurely but if anyone prefers not to join, you are free to opt out.
Afterwards, we head back to our guesthouse (approximately 1.5 hour drive) in Jalal-Abad for the night.
Accommodation: Guesthouse Goodnight (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
17
To Son Kul Lake
Leaving the gorges behind, we head towards the high pastures surrounding Son Kul Lake (9,895ft/3,016m above sea level). The journey takes approximately seven hours, including some rough roads. A new road is under construction and is expected to shorten the journey from 2025, but this cannot be guaranteed.
The jewel in the Kyrgyz crown for natural beauty, here nomadic shepherds tend their flocks. Today, yurt camps have multiplied around the lake, but the people who look after them still raise their sheep and cattle on the jailoo (high mountain pastures).
We experience the nomad life with a stay in a yurt camp. There are now Western-style toilets and a ‘shower yurt’ with proper showers and wash basins. There is hot water when the generator is running (usually morning and evening) but it is not wholly reliable.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
18
Son Kul Lake
We have the whole of today to take in the beauty of the landscape around Son Kul. There is the option to go on a 2hr-2hr 30min walk to the nearby hills – the slopes are quite steep, and this may not be for everyone, but at the top are a few petroglyphs to admire. After lunch, we visit one of the Kyrgyz shepherd families close to camp to learn about their lifestyle and perhaps taste kumis (a natural drink made from fermented mare’s milk) or similar. There is also the option to go horse-riding (optional extra).
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
19
Along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake
Our journey today takes first takes us to Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan’s most important centre for felt handicrafts. We visit a local workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of national carpets. From Kochkor, we travel through the central Tien Shan mountains as we drive through picturesque canyons and gorges along the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest salt lake in the world, after the Caspian Sea (and fast becoming the largest as the Caspian Sea recedes), it measures 70km by 180km and is almost 700m at its deepest point. Its name translates as Hot Lake and was given as, even in the depths of winter and despite being just above 1,600m, it never freezes. The area around the lake is a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of towering mountains and glaciers.
We have an optional excursion (approximately US$100-120 per group) at Bokonbaev village to observe a traditional form of falconry found throughout Central Asia – hunting with eagles. Eagle hunting plays a key role in the nomadic lifestyle here and can also be seen during national competitions.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
20
Transfer to Karakol, sightseeing tour
This morning we continue our journey to Karakol. We head first to Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We’ll hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named after the Kyrgyz national hero). Next is Djety Oguz Gorge where the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rocks formations can be seen. From Djety Oguz, we continue to Karakol. There are about 2.5 hrs of driving in total today.
The atmosphere of Karakol town will take you hundred years back and give you an impression of Tsarist Russia. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Karakol, taking in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church dating back to 1886, a wooden Dungan mosque (1899) made without the use of nails, and Karakol bazaar.
This evening we enjoy a home cooked meal at a local Uygur or Dungan family home.
Accommodation: Classic hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
21
Visit Charyn Canyon; On to Almaty, Kyrgyzstan
Today we cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and, after border procedures (which typically take about an hour), travel along the picturesque Karkara valley, where mountain flowers attract many beekeepers. We head towards Charyn Canyon, where the dramatic erosion caused by the Charyn river has created an impressive landscape. We have approximately three hours at the Charyn Canyon, there is the choice of walking 1.5 km down into the canyon (and 1.5 km back up afterwards), or an easier option is to enjoy the canyon from a viewpoint. There is time for a picnic lunch in the canyon (you can buy your picnic from a supermarket earlier in the day). After visiting the canyon, we continue to Almaty. There are about six hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Amir Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
22
Explore Almaty and see Panfilov Park
Almaty is a beautiful city with its backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains and we have the whole day to explore it. With leafy streets and café culture, the former Kazakh capital has a distinctly European feel. We set off on a city tour after breakfast, we visit a number of sites, including Zhenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), made entirely of wood and without the use of nails, Panfilovs Park, home to the Piously-Voznesenskiy Orthodox Cathedral (1907), which was built without any nails, the Great Patriotic and Civil War monuments and eternal flame, and either the National History Museum or Museum of National Instruments.
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty / Uyut Hotel / Plaza Hotel Almaty
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
23
End Almaty
Our adventure comes to an end in Almaty this morning.
Meals included: Breakfast
Itinerary
Almaty
Ashgabat
Day
1
Arrive Almaty, Kazakhstan; half day city tour
Our tour of the five stans starts in Almaty, the former Kazakh capital has the Tien Shan mountains as its backdrop and is the most European city in Central Asia with leafy streets and a café culture. After an early check-in to our hotel, we have some time for rest before lunch and setting off on a city tour at around 1pm.
Our city tour takes us to visit a number of sites, including Panfilovs Park, home to the Piously-Voznesenskiy Orthodox Cathedral (1907), which was built without any nails; a memorial to victims of the Second World War and the Republic Square, as well as the National History Museum and the Museum of National Instruments.
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
2
Visit Medeo Gorge and enjoy cable car trips for panoramic views of Almaty
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Medeo Gorge, around 25 km from Almaty at an altitude of around 6,560 ft/2,000 metres, which hosts the world’s highest mountain skating rink and the largest ski resort in the region. Along the way we stop by a well-known dam that protects the city from avalanches and mudslides which commonly cascade from the slopes. We also take a cable car trip to the top to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Tien-Shan mountains (sometimes the cable car is closed for maintenance, when this occurs, we’re usually able to travel up to the base station by electric vehicle, but not get to the top).
Afterwards we return to Almaty and take another cable car trip at Kok-Tobe recreational area to the top of Kok-Tobe hill to enjoy panoramic views of Almaty and the city’s surroundings,.
After returning to our hotel mid afternoon, we have free time to relax before an early start for the next leg of our tour tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Charyn Canyon, into Kyrgyzstan to Karakol
After an early start we head towards the Charyn Canyon. Here, the dramatic erosion caused by the River Charyn has created an impressive landscape. The site is also known as a Valley of Castles. It has a peculiar bright red color and rock formations resemble castles.
We have approximately three hours at the Charyn Canyon, there is the choice of walking 1.5 km down into the canyon (and 1.5 km back up afterwards), or an easier option is to enjoy the canyon from a viewpoint. There is time for a picnic lunch in the canyon (you can buy your picnic from a supermarket earlier in the day).
We cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and after border formalities proceed to Karakol along the picturesque Karkara valley, famous for its mountain flowers that attract many bee-keepers. After arriving in Karakol we check in to our hotel for the evening. There are about six hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Hotel Amir (or similar)
Distance covered: 267mi (430km)
Activity hours: 7-8
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Karakol sightseeing; Issyk Kul Lake via Cholpon-Ata to Chon-Kemin
Karakol town takes us back to the times of Tsarist Russia. Our tour of the town, takes in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church dating back to 1886, a wooden Dungan mosque (1899) made without the use of nails, and Karakol bazaar.
From Karakol, we continue our journey through the Tien Shan mountains along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to the town of Cholpon-Ata. Issyk Kul is the second largest salt lake in the world, it measures 43mi by 112mi (70km by 180km) and reaches almost 2,300ft (700m) deep. The name translates as Hot Lake, as it never freezes over, even in the depths of winter. It’s surrounded by a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of mountains and glaciers. More than 100 streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out, which is said to be explained by the underwater tectonic activity in the lake.
We reach the resort town of Cholpon-Ata and visit nearby petroglyphs, a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 104 acres (42ha) and contains a number of prehistoric stone structures. We also visit the Nomadic Civilization Museum, which exhibits the rich history and culture of the Altai nomads.
We then continue to Chon Kemin, a quiet valley of small villages and agricultural land with mountains and fir forests beyond. There are about five hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)
Distance covered: 186mi (300km)
Activity hours: 4-5
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
5
Drive to Bishkek; visit the 11th century UNESCO listed Burana Tower
After breakfast we make our way to Bishkek, the modern capital city and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan. Along the way we stop at an 11th-century Karakhanid minaret – Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first minaret of its kind in Central Asia. You can climb to the top of the tower. Take care, it’s quite dark inside and the stairs are steep and narrow. We’ll visit the museum complex, including the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples) and petroglyphs.
After we arrive in Bishkek, we check in to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Distance covered: 93mi (150km)
Activity hours: 2-3
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Bishkek sightseeing
Bishkek, located at the foothill of magnificent Kyrgyz Ala-Tau mountain range, is a city of many green parks and marble-faced public buildings combined with numerous Soviet heritage buildings and houses. It is laid out on a grid pattern, with most streets flanked on both sides by narrow irrigation channels that water the innumerable trees which provide shade in the hot summers. The city is believed to be the greenest in Central Asia with more trees per head of population than any other.
After breakfast we set out on a sightseeing tour that takes us to the main city sites, including the State History Museum; the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts; Ala-Too Square, the most important square in the country and the setting for state celebrations, the square is also home to several monuments including an open-air picture gallery, Oak Park (one of the oldest parks in Bishkek), marble government buildings and theatres.
Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Transfer to Jalal Abad in Fergana Valley of Kyrgyzstan through scenic mountain passes
We have an early start today before a long but scenic drive along the spectacular Bishkek – Osh highway through the central Tien Shan mountains to Jalal-Abad. We drive through picturesque canyons and gorges and around Toktogul Reservoir with it’s cascade of hydroelectric power stations. We continue over Ala-Bel (3120m) and Tyua-Ashuu (3050m) mountain passes, along the picturesque Suusamyr mountain valley. In summer the valley is dotted with hundreds of yurts, and serves as a pasture for countless herds of cattle. Here local people produce Kyrgyz national drink – Kumus (fermented mare’s milk), sour cheese and butter that they sell along the road. There are about nine hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Hotel Goodnight Jalal-Abad (or similar)
Distance covered: 360mi (580km)
Activity hours: 9
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Full day exploring Arslanbob
We leave the city and head for Arslanbob Nature Reserve (approximately 1.5 hour drive). The village of Arslanbob is in the mountains at around 5,250ft (1,600m) – though the top and bottom of the village vary considerably in altitude – and is surrounded by an ancient walnut forest believed to be the largest in the world.
We go for a walk and picnic lunch in the surrounding countryside. The walk takes around four hours (including lunch and stops) and requires walking shoes/boots. The pace is leisurely but if anyone prefers not to join, you are free to opt out.
Afterwards, we head back to our guesthouse (approximately 1.5 hour drive) in Jalal-Abad for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Goodnight Jalal-Abad (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Explore Osh in Fergana Valley; visit sacred Sulayman Mountain; border crossing to Uzbekistan; Fergana
Today we head to Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city. Along the way we make a sightseeing stop at Uzgen, with a history dating back over 2,000 years — it is claimed to be a site of numerous citadels built at various times since the 1st century BC. It was an important centre of trade routes between the Fergana and Northern territories of Central Asia. Uzgen became a highly developed town in the Karakhanid’s epoch and developed into a large trading and handicraft centre. We visit an old minaret, nearby mausoleums, and a famous rice bazaar.
We continue to Osh and visit the sacred Sulayman Mountain, a holy Muslim site and burial place of the prophet Sulayman (Solomon); and the central point on the Silk Road. The walk to the top of Sulayman Mountain is paved with some steps and can be tiring in the heat but the views over the city and valley below, small museum and 15th-century church are worth the effort.
A short drive gets us to our next border crossing to Uzbekistan, and country number three on our tour. The crossing at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border at the Dustlik border crossing point can take about 1hr 30min. We meet our Uzbek leader on the other side and drive for approximately two hours (62mi/100km) to Fergana town where we check into our hotel and spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Fergana (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
Margilan, Rishtan and Kokand; cross into Tajikistan to Khujand
Today we transfer from Ferghana to Khujand (approximately 5 hour’s drive), but we make a couple of stops along the way. The first of these is at Margilan where we visit a local silk factory and learn about the material which has given its name to the greatest trade route in history.
From here we continue on to the small village of Rishtan which is famous for potter dynasties and ceramics masters. We visit a local ceramics studio and witness a demonstration of the craft before having the opportunity to buy some of the iconic earthenware. Our final stop is at Kokand which was the capital of the 19th century Kokand Khanate. We visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace (1871) home to a museum, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum.
From Kokand we transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border, and after border formalities, cross the border, meet our Tajik local guide and drive to Khujand where we check in to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Khudjand Delux Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
11
Khujand tour; drive to Penjikent; explore Istaravshan
Leaving the Fann Mountains behind, we head into the industrial and agricultural heartland around the city of Khujand (about four hours’ drive). En route,
We start with the day with a visit to Khujand, while today not the most attractive of cities it has a complex history. Believed to be one of the oldest in Central Asia, it was attacked by Alexander the Great, Arab invaders and Genghis Khan, as well as being an important stop along the Silk Road. There are still traces of the glory days and we take in a tour of the sites, including the Musuem of Archeology, Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mosque, the Payshanba bazaar and, if time Arbob Palace – the Urumkhodjaev family country estate, a copy of the Russian tsarist palace of Peterhof.
Afterwards, we transfer to Penjikent via Istaravshan (260 km, 5-6 hours.). The town of Istravashan was founded by the Persian king Kier in the sixth century, and we’ll visit the bazaar before continuing to Penjikent for the night.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
12
Explore the Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains
Today we make a trip into the heart of the Fann Mountains. We drive to Seven Lakes or Haf Kul in Tajik, a sometimes bumpy and narrow 80 kms away in the Shing Valley. The lakes vary in altitude from 1,600 to 2,400 metres and most were formed by landslides. The high mineral content in the water gives the lakes an unusual colour. We’ll have time to enjoy the mountains, with a walk to Hazorchashma Lakes and a picnic lunch in the village of Nofin before we drive back to Penjikent.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
13
Penjikent sightseeing tour, Sarazm; cross border to Uzbekistan; drive to Samarkand
In Penjikent we set out on a tour (3-4 hours) that will take us to the Museum of Rudaki (Rudaki is considered by many to be the father of Persian poetry and he was born in Penjikent) and ancient Penjikent – ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century. We also explore the remains of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples and a bazaar in the excavated ruins.
Afterwards we drive to Sarazm, one of Central Asia’s ancient settlements, dating back 5,500 years and now a World Heritage site. Next, we travel to the Uzbek border, re-enter Uzbekistan and drive to Samarkand where we check in to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: Malika Diyora (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
14
Samarkand tour and sightseeing
We spend the day exploring Samarkand. Samarkand is steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by such figures as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, who made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century. Its central position on the Silk Road meant that it was an important stop on the route from Istanbul to Peking (now Beijing). At its heart is the grand Registan Square flanked by the three grand madrasahs of Ulughbeg, Sherdor and Tilya Qori. We visit the grand square as well as the Gur Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane, his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Ulugbek Observatory built in 1420 by Tamerlane’s grandson who was not just a ruler but also a well-known astronomer. We move on to the oversized Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda – the ‘Living King’ necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Our final visit is to the exotic Siab Bazaar with its fresh and dried fruit and nuts and other local food produce, and a local paper factory. The exact order of visits may vary.
Accommodation: Malika Diyora (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
15
Drive to Bukhara via Gijduvan; visit the Sitora-i-Mokhi Khosa in Bukhara; house of the Narzullaevs pottery masters
Today we drive from Samarkand to Bukhara via Gijduvan (280km/4-5 hours). In Gijduvan, we will visit the house of the famous dynasty of pottery masters – the Narzullaevs. We continue on to Bukhara and explore the Sitorai-Mohl-Hosa Palace, the summer palace of the Bukhara emirs. The interior of the palace rooms is richly decorated with magnificent paintings, stucco and wood carvings.
Accommodation: Kavsar Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
16
Bukhara
Today is spend exploring Bukhara. The best-preserved medieval city in Central Asia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back over 2,000 years. Our city tour takes us to the Samanid Mausoleum, the oldest piece of Islamic architecture in Central Asia and burial site of the 10th Century Emir; Mazar Chashma Ayub mausoleum – a sarcophagus over an ancient sacred spring; Ark Fortress, a 5th century citadel and the oldest building in Bukhara.
Next is the Poi-Kalyan religious complex with its 48m Kalyan minaret dating back to the 12th century and the symbol of Bukhara, and the only active madrasah in the city, Bukhara Miri-Arab; the large Kalyan Mosque (15th century) with its galleries topped by 288 domes.
We then visit Lyabi Khauz complex, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, this is the site of the oldest pool of its kind in Central Asia. The pool is surrounded by madrasahs and a khanaka (lodging house for travelling Sufis) including the largest madrasah in Bukhara, the 15th century Kukeldash Madrasah; Chor-Minor – a small mosque of an original form with four minarets.
Accommodation: Kavsar Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
17
Drive to Khiva via Kyzylkum desert
This morning we transfer to Khiva (480 km/7-8 hours) through the Kyzylkum desert and enjoy scenic photo stops in the desert and on the banks of the Amu Darya River.
After arriving in Khiva we check in to our hotel and have the evening free to relax or explore.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
18
Explore the Desert Castles of Khorezm
After breakfast, we head off to the arid plains of Khorezm. These plains were once densely populated marshland, inhabited by Messagetae Scythians. These horseback archers were nomadic and fought to retain the land, even defeating Cyrus The Great, a Persian emperor in BC 529. We visit the 2000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak- Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais Mountains acting as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BC under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. There are still three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel that still remain, but the parchments and paintings that were found there are now in St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress dating from the sixth-century. We later return to Khiva for the night.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
19
Khiva walking tour; cross border to Turkmenistan; to Dashoguz
After breakfast we set out on a walking tour of Khiva with a local guide today. We visit the Ichan Kala – an open-air living museum that is the perfectly restored old city, the colored tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (which was originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara), the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress – the former residence of the Khiva khans, and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva’s patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard.
We also visit Islam Khoja minaret and madrasah (1908), the Juma mosque – supported by 218 wooden carved columns, Tash Khauli palaces, and Allakuli Khan. We also explore artisan workshops where we see technology behind the production of Khiva wool, silk carpets, embroidery, ceramics, and wood inlay.
Afterwards we drive to the Shavat border post, say goodbye to our Uzbek leader and cross into Turkmenistan where our Turkmen leader awaits us. From the border we drive to Dashoguz, the capital city of northern Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz Province, and check into our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Dashoguz (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
20
Visit Kunya-Urgench; drive to Darvaza Crater − the 'Door to Hell'; overnight in yurts
The region around Dashoguz was part of the ancient Silk Road trade routes that connected East and West. This morning we visit Kunya-Urgench situated on the left bank of the Amu Daria River (approximately 1h30 drive from Dashoguz). Kunya-Urgench, also known as Old Urgench, was the capital of the Khorezm region, part of the Achaemenid Empire. The old town contains a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-m high minaret. The monuments testify to outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship whose influence reached Iran and Afghanistan, and later the architecture of the Mogul Empire of 16th-century India.
Afterwards we head into the Karakum Desert to a massive burning gas crater known as the Door to Hell in a remote part of the Darvaza region. In the 1970s, Soviet engineers looking for natural gas deposits came across this area. Attempting to assess the amount of gas present they set up a drill. The drill collapsed, exposing a big crater and seeping methane gas into the air. The engineers decided to set the gas alight in the belief that it would burn off within a few weeks. More than 45 years later, it is still burning. We enjoy a barbeque dinner near the crater and stay overnight in yurts very nearby. Seeing the burning crater by night is a unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Darwaza Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
21
National Museum of Turkmenistan; Nisa
After breakfast, we drive in 4x4s to Ashgabat (4-5 hours). We set out to visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan, and afterwards, explore the ruins of the Parthian Fortress of Nisa located about a 20 minute drive away. Nisa, the former capital of the Persian Parthian Empire, controlled much of the region from Iraq to Pakistan 2,000 years ago. The ruins here were declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2007.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
22
Ashgabat sightseeing tour
Ashgabat holds the record for the most white-marble buildings in the world. In the post-Soviet era, successive Turkmen leaders built these impressive buildings as a show of the country’s strength and they make for a surreal experience. Ashgabat has been described as Pyongyang meets Las Vegas, and you can see why. We enjoy a half-day city tour of Ashgabat including Ertogrul Ghazi mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, Constitution Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, Magtymguly Monument, Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, and Wedding Palace which looks over the city from atop a hill.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
23
End Ashgabat
Our adventure comes to an end in Ashgabat.
Meals included: Breakfast
Itinerary
Ashgabat
Almaty
Day
1
Arrive Ashgabat
The adventure begins in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. As per Turkmen law, we arrange arrival transfers for all customers. See the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more details. There are no arranged activities today, as many flights arrive very late at night or early tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Day
2
Free morning; Ashgabat city tour
Following what for many people will have been a late night or early morning arrival, our exploration of Ashgabat begins around midday.
Ashgabat holds the record for the most white-marble buildings in the world. In the post-Soviet era, successive Turkmen leaders built these impressive buildings as a show of the country’s strength and they make for a surreal sight. Ashgabat has been described as Pyongyang meets Las Vegas, and you can see why.
We have a half-day city tour of Ashgabat including Ertogrul Ghazi mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, Constitution Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, Magtymguly Monument, Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, and the Wedding Palace which looks over the city from atop a hill.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Visit Nisa; afternoon transfer to Darvaza Crater − the 'Door to Hell'; overnight in traditional Yurts
After breakfast, we head to Nisa, an ancient Persian-era fortress, the former capital of the Persian Parthian Empire, which controlled much of the region from Iraq to Pakistan 2,000 years ago. The ruins here were declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2007. Afterwards, we visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan located about a 20 minute drive from the ruins of the Parthian Fortress of Nisa.
Mid afternoon, we head north in a 4×4 convoy into the Karakum Desert, some 4hr 30min drive (161mi/260km) away, to a massive burning gas crater known as the Door to Hell in a remote part of the Darvaza region. In the 1970s, Soviet engineers looking for natural gas deposits came across this area. Attempting to assess the amount of gas present they set up a drill. The drill collapsed, exposing a big crater and seeping methane gas into the air. The engineers decided to set the gas alight in the belief that it would burn off within a few weeks. More than 45 years later, it is still burning. We enjoy a barbeque dinner near the crater and stay overnight in yurts very nearby. Seeing the burning crater by night is a unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Darwaza Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
4
To ancient Dashoguz; visit medieval Kunya Urgench
This morning after breakfast we transfer to Dashoguz,the capital city of northern Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz Province, and check into our hotel. The region around Dashoguz was part of the ancient Silk Road trade routes that connected East and West.
In the afternoon, we visit Kunya-Urgench situated on the left bank of the Amu Daria River (approximately 1h30 drive from Dashoguz). Kunya-Urgench, also known as Old Urgench, was the capital of the Khorezm region, part of the Achaemenid Empire. The old town contains a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-m high minaret. The monuments testify to outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship whose influence reached Iran and Afghanistan, and later the architecture of the Mogul Empire of 16th-century India.
Accommodation: Hotel Dashoguz (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Cross into Uzbekistan; tour of Khiva
After breakfast, we drive to the Shavat border post and say goodbye to our Turkmen leader and cross into Uzbekistan where we meet our Uzbek leader and drive to Khiva, arriving early afternoon. We have some time to relax, then take a walking tour of the walled city – the Itchan Kala. Often described as an open-air living museum, the Itchan Kala is Khiva’s perfectly restored old city and includes the coloured tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara), the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress – the former residence of the Khiva khans, and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva’s patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard. We also visit Islam Khoja minaret and madrasah, the Juma mosque – supported by 218 wooden carved columns, Tash Khauli palaces, and Allakuli Khan Madrassah. We also explore artisan workshops where we see technology behind the production of Khiva wool, silk carpets, embroidery, ceramics, and wood inlay.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Desert Castles of Khorezm
After breakfast, we head off to the arid plains of Khorezm. These plains were once densely populated marshland, inhabited by Messagetae Scythians. These horseback archers were nomadic and fought to retain the land, even defeating Cyrus The Great, a Persian emperor in BC 529. We visit the 2000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak- Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais Mountains acting as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BC under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. There are still three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel that still remain, but the parchments and paintings that were found there are now in St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress dating from the sixth-century. We later return to Khiva for the night.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Drive to Bukhara through the Kyzylkum desert
Today we drive to Bukhara (480 km/7-8 hours), one of the most ancient cities of the East. We drive through the Kyzylkum desert and make some photo stops in the desert and on the banks of the Amu Darya (Oxus) River.
After arriving in Bukhara we check in to our hotel and have the evening free to relax after our long journey.
Accommodation: Sultan Hotel Bukhara/Hotel Kavsar (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Bukhara
The 2,000-year-old city of Bukhara has an old centre that evokes the many centuries of traders and travellers who’ve passed through here on their way between the Mediterranean and China. We spend the day exploring this fascinating city, including a visit to the historic Lyabi Khauz architectural complex, which has the oldest reflective pool in Central Asia. It is surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Khanaka, which has a façade of intricate mosaics. We also visit Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum – a sarcophagus over an ancient sacred spring believed to have healing properties, the Mausoleum of the Samanids – the family tomb of the rulers of Bukhara, the oldest in Central Asia; Ark Citadel – the residence of Bukhara’s rulers since the first century AD; the Poi Kalyan Complex, home to the 157ft (48m) high Kalyan Minaret, which has come to symbolise the city; the Kalyan Mosque with 288 domes covering galleries below, Nodir Divanbegi Madrasah, and Chor-Minor – a small mosque of an original form with four minarets.
Accommodation: Sultan Hotel Bukhara/Hotel Kavsar (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Visit the summer palace of the Bukharan emirs; drive to Samarkand
This morning, we uncover more Bukharan history and culture as we explore the Sitorai-Mohl-Hosa Palace, the summer palace of the emirs. The palace rooms are richly decorated with magnificent paintings, stucco, wood carvings and ganch. After lunch, we have a four to five hours’ drive (186mi/300km) to the other great Silk Road city, Samarkand. We break up the journey with a short stop at Gijduvan, where we will visit the house of the famous dynasty of pottery masters – the Narzullaevs. Continue on to Samarkand.
Accommodation: Malika Prime (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
Samarkand
Possibly the most famous of the Silk Road cities, Samarkand has blue-tiled buildings that dazzle in the bright sun. Steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by such figures as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, who made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century, it is home to one of the world’s great squares – Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by the madrassahs of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori. It is said the square and madrassah influenced other sites, including the great square in Isfahan, Iran, and the Taj Mahal in India.
The city was the capital of the great Tamerlane and we spend the day visiting a number of Tamerlane-era sites, including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane, his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Ulugbek Observatory built in 1420 by Tamerlane’s grandson who was not just a ruler but also a well-known astronomer. We move on to the oversized Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda – the ‘Living King’ necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Our final visit is to the exotic Siab Bazaar with its fresh and dried fruit and nuts and other local food produce, and a local paper factory. The exact order of visits may vary.
Accommodation: Malika Prime (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
11
Cross into Tajikistan; Sarazm and Penjikent
Early this morning we drive to the Tajik border. We cross into Tajikistan, meet our local guide and head to the town of Penjikent (20 km, 20 min).
Our first stop in Tajikistan is at Sarazm, one of Central Asia’s ancient settlements, dating back 5,500 years and now a World Heritage site. In Penjikent we set out on a tour (3-4 hours) that will take us to the Museum of Rudaki (Rudaki is considered by many to be the father of Persian poetry and he was born in Penjikent) and ancient Penjikent – ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century. We also explore the remains of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples and a bazaar in the excavated ruins.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
12
Explore the Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains
Today we make a trip into the heart of the Fann Mountains. We drive to Seven Lakes or Haf Kul in Tajik, a sometimes bumpy and narrow 80 kms away in the Shing Valley. The lakes vary in altitude from 1,600 to 2,400 metres and most were formed by landslides. The high mineral content in the water gives the lakes an unusual colour. We’ll have time to enjoy the mountains, with a walk to Hazorchashma Lakes and a picnic lunch in the village of Nofin before we drive back to Penjikent.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
13
Drive to Khujand via Istaravshan
Leaving the Fann Mountains behind, we head into the industrial and agricultural heartland around the city of Khujand (about four hours’ drive). En route, we visit the town of Istravashan founded by the Persian king Kier in the sixth century, and we’ll visit the bazaar.
While Khujand, today, is not the most attractive of cities it has a complex history. Believed to be one of the oldest in Central Asia, it was attacked by Alexander the Great, Arab invaders and Genghis Khan, as well as being an important stop along the Silk Road. There are still traces of the glory days and we take in a tour of the sites, including the Musuem of Archeology, Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mosque, the Payshanba bazaar and, if time Arbob Palace – the Urumkhodjaev family country estate, a copy of the Russian tsarist palace of Peterhof.
Accommodation: Khudjand Delux Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
14
Khujand; back into Uzbekistan - Rishtan & Margilan
We return to Uzbekistan via the border crossing at Andurkhan, where we say goodbye to our Tajik crew and re-join the Uzbeks.
The total driving time to Ferghana town is about five hours from Khujand, but we make several stops along the way. The first of these is at Kokand, which was the capital of the 19th-century Kokand Khanate. We visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace (1871) home to a museum, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum.
From here, we continue to the small village of Rishtan, home to potter dynasties and ceramics masters. We visit a local ceramics studio and witness a demonstration of the craft before the opportunity to buy earthenware.
Our final stop is at Margilan, where we visit a silk factory and learn about the material that gave its name to the greatest trade route in history. Eventually, we arrive in Fergana town where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Fergana (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
15
Cross into Kyrgyzstan. Visit Osh and Uzgen.
This morning, we transfer to the Kyrgyz border and say goodbye to our Uzbek leader. After border formalities at the Dustlik border crossing, we meet our Kyrgyz leader and head into nearby Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city. We visit the sacred Sulayman Mountain, a holy Muslim site (and burial place of the prophet Sulayman (Solomon); and the central point on the Silk Road. The walk to the top of Sulayman Mountain is paved with some steps and can be tiring in the heat but the views over the city and valley below, small museum and 15th-century church are worth the effort.
On the way to Jalal-Abad we make a sightseeing stop at Uzgen. We taken an excursion to an old minaret and mausoleums nearby and visit a famous rice bazaar. Uzgen has a history of over 2000 years — it is claimed to be a site of numerous citadels built at various times since the 1st century BC. It was an important centre of trade routes between the Fergana Valley and Northern territories of Central Asia. Uzgen became a highly developed town in the Karakhanid’s epoch and developed into a large trading and handicrafts center.
Accommodation: Guesthouse Goodnight (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
16
Arslanbob Nature Reserve
We leave the city of Jalal-Abad and head for Arslanbob Nature Reserve (approximately 1.5 hour drive). The village of Arslanbob is in the mountains at around 5,250ft (1,600m) – though the top and bottom of the village vary considerably in altitude – and is surrounded by an ancient walnut forest believed to be the largest in the world.
We go for a walk and picnic lunch in the surrounding countryside. The walk takes around four hours (including lunch and stops) and requires walking shoes/boots. The pace is leisurely but if anyone prefers not to join, you are free to opt out.
Afterwards, we head back to our guesthouse (approximately 1.5 hour drive) in Jalal-Abad for the night.
Accommodation: Guesthouse Goodnight (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
17
To Son Kul Lake
Leaving the gorges behind, we head towards the high pastures surrounding Son Kul Lake (9,895ft/3,016m above sea level). The journey takes approximately seven hours, including some rough roads. A new road is under construction and is expected to shorten the journey from 2025, but this cannot be guaranteed.
The jewel in the Kyrgyz crown for natural beauty, here nomadic shepherds tend their flocks. Today, yurt camps have multiplied around the lake, but the people who look after them still raise their sheep and cattle on the jailoo (high mountain pastures).
We experience the nomad life with a stay in a yurt camp. There are now Western-style toilets and a ‘shower yurt’ with proper showers and wash basins. There is hot water when the generator is running (usually morning and evening) but it is not wholly reliable.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
18
Son Kul Lake
We have the whole of today to take in the beauty of the landscape around Son Kul. There is the option to go on a 2hr-2hr 30min walk to the nearby hills – the slopes are quite steep, and this may not be for everyone, but at the top are a few petroglyphs to admire. After lunch, we visit one of the Kyrgyz shepherd families close to camp to learn about their lifestyle and perhaps taste kumis (a natural drink made from fermented mare’s milk) or similar. There is also the option to go horse-riding (optional extra).
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
19
Along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake
Our journey today takes first takes us to Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan’s most important centre for felt handicrafts. We visit a local workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of national carpets. From Kochkor, we travel through the central Tien Shan mountains as we drive through picturesque canyons and gorges along the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest salt lake in the world, after the Caspian Sea (and fast becoming the largest as the Caspian Sea recedes), it measures 70km by 180km and is almost 700m at its deepest point. Its name translates as Hot Lake and was given as, even in the depths of winter and despite being just above 1,600m, it never freezes. The area around the lake is a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of towering mountains and glaciers.
We have an optional excursion (approximately US$100-120 per group) at Bokonbaev village to observe a traditional form of falconry found throughout Central Asia – hunting with eagles. Eagle hunting plays a key role in the nomadic lifestyle here and can also be seen during national competitions.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
20
Transfer to Karakol, sightseeing tour
This morning we continue our journey to Karakol. We head first to Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We’ll hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named after the Kyrgyz national hero). Next is Djety Oguz Gorge where the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rocks formations can be seen. From Djety Oguz, we continue to Karakol. There are about 2.5 hrs of driving in total today.
The atmosphere of Karakol town will take you hundred years back and give you an impression of Tsarist Russia. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Karakol, taking in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church dating back to 1886, a wooden Dungan mosque (1899) made without the use of nails, and Karakol bazaar.
This evening we enjoy a home cooked meal at a local Uygur or Dungan family home.
Accommodation: Classic hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
21
Visit Charyn Canyon; On to Almaty, Kyrgyzstan
Today we cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and, after border procedures (which typically take about an hour), travel along the picturesque Karkara valley, where mountain flowers attract many beekeepers. We head towards Charyn Canyon, where the dramatic erosion caused by the Charyn river has created an impressive landscape. We have approximately three hours at the Charyn Canyon, there is the choice of walking 1.5 km down into the canyon (and 1.5 km back up afterwards), or an easier option is to enjoy the canyon from a viewpoint. There is time for a picnic lunch in the canyon (you can buy your picnic from a supermarket earlier in the day). After visiting the canyon, we continue to Almaty. There are about six hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Amir Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
22
Explore Almaty and see Panfilov Park
Almaty is a beautiful city with its backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains and we have the whole day to explore it. With leafy streets and café culture, the former Kazakh capital has a distinctly European feel. We set off on a city tour after breakfast, we visit a number of sites, including Zhenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), made entirely of wood and without the use of nails, Panfilovs Park, home to the Piously-Voznesenskiy Orthodox Cathedral (1907), which was built without any nails, the Great Patriotic and Civil War monuments and eternal flame, and either the National History Museum or Museum of National Instruments.
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty / Uyut Hotel / Plaza Hotel Almaty
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
23
End Almaty
Our adventure comes to an end in Almaty this morning.
Meals included: Breakfast
Itinerary
Almaty
Ashgabat
Day
1
Arrive Almaty, Kazakhstan; half day city tour
Our tour of the five stans starts in Almaty, the former Kazakh capital has the Tien Shan mountains as its backdrop and is the most European city in Central Asia with leafy streets and a café culture. After an early check-in to our hotel, we have some time for rest before lunch and setting off on a city tour at around 1pm.
Our city tour takes us to visit a number of sites, including Panfilovs Park, home to the Piously-Voznesenskiy Orthodox Cathedral (1907), which was built without any nails; a memorial to victims of the Second World War and the Republic Square, as well as the National History Museum and the Museum of National Instruments.
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
2
Visit Medeo Gorge and enjoy cable car trips for panoramic views of Almaty
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Medeo Gorge, around 25 km from Almaty at an altitude of around 6,560 ft/2,000 metres, which hosts the world’s highest mountain skating rink and the largest ski resort in the region. Along the way we stop by a well-known dam that protects the city from avalanches and mudslides which commonly cascade from the slopes. We also take a cable car trip to the top to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Tien-Shan mountains (sometimes the cable car is closed for maintenance, when this occurs, we’re usually able to travel up to the base station by electric vehicle, but not get to the top).
Afterwards we return to Almaty and take another cable car trip at Kok-Tobe recreational area to the top of Kok-Tobe hill to enjoy panoramic views of Almaty and the city’s surroundings,.
After returning to our hotel mid afternoon, we have free time to relax before an early start for the next leg of our tour tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Charyn Canyon, into Kyrgyzstan to Karakol
After an early start we head towards the Charyn Canyon. Here, the dramatic erosion caused by the River Charyn has created an impressive landscape. The site is also known as a Valley of Castles. It has a peculiar bright red color and rock formations resemble castles.
We have approximately three hours at the Charyn Canyon, there is the choice of walking 1.5 km down into the canyon (and 1.5 km back up afterwards), or an easier option is to enjoy the canyon from a viewpoint. There is time for a picnic lunch in the canyon (you can buy your picnic from a supermarket earlier in the day).
We cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and after border formalities proceed to Karakol along the picturesque Karkara valley, famous for its mountain flowers that attract many bee-keepers. After arriving in Karakol we check in to our hotel for the evening. There are about six hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Hotel Amir (or similar)
Distance covered: 267mi (430km)
Activity hours: 7-8
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Karakol sightseeing; Issyk Kul Lake via Cholpon-Ata to Chon-Kemin
Karakol town takes us back to the times of Tsarist Russia. Our tour of the town, takes in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church dating back to 1886, a wooden Dungan mosque (1899) made without the use of nails, and Karakol bazaar.
From Karakol, we continue our journey through the Tien Shan mountains along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to the town of Cholpon-Ata. Issyk Kul is the second largest salt lake in the world, it measures 43mi by 112mi (70km by 180km) and reaches almost 2,300ft (700m) deep. The name translates as Hot Lake, as it never freezes over, even in the depths of winter. It’s surrounded by a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of mountains and glaciers. More than 100 streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out, which is said to be explained by the underwater tectonic activity in the lake.
We reach the resort town of Cholpon-Ata and visit nearby petroglyphs, a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 104 acres (42ha) and contains a number of prehistoric stone structures. We also visit the Nomadic Civilization Museum, which exhibits the rich history and culture of the Altai nomads.
We then continue to Chon Kemin, a quiet valley of small villages and agricultural land with mountains and fir forests beyond. There are about five hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)
Distance covered: 186mi (300km)
Activity hours: 4-5
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
5
Drive to Bishkek; visit the 11th century UNESCO listed Burana Tower
After breakfast we make our way to Bishkek, the modern capital city and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan. Along the way we stop at an 11th-century Karakhanid minaret – Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first minaret of its kind in Central Asia. You can climb to the top of the tower. Take care, it’s quite dark inside and the stairs are steep and narrow. We’ll visit the museum complex, including the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples) and petroglyphs.
After we arrive in Bishkek, we check in to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Distance covered: 93mi (150km)
Activity hours: 2-3
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Bishkek sightseeing
Bishkek, located at the foothill of magnificent Kyrgyz Ala-Tau mountain range, is a city of many green parks and marble-faced public buildings combined with numerous Soviet heritage buildings and houses. It is laid out on a grid pattern, with most streets flanked on both sides by narrow irrigation channels that water the innumerable trees which provide shade in the hot summers. The city is believed to be the greenest in Central Asia with more trees per head of population than any other.
After breakfast we set out on a sightseeing tour that takes us to the main city sites, including the State History Museum; the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts; Ala-Too Square, the most important square in the country and the setting for state celebrations, the square is also home to several monuments including an open-air picture gallery, Oak Park (one of the oldest parks in Bishkek), marble government buildings and theatres.
Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Transfer to Jalal Abad in Fergana Valley of Kyrgyzstan through scenic mountain passes
We have an early start today before a long but scenic drive along the spectacular Bishkek – Osh highway through the central Tien Shan mountains to Jalal-Abad. We drive through picturesque canyons and gorges and around Toktogul Reservoir with it’s cascade of hydroelectric power stations. We continue over Ala-Bel (3120m) and Tyua-Ashuu (3050m) mountain passes, along the picturesque Suusamyr mountain valley. In summer the valley is dotted with hundreds of yurts, and serves as a pasture for countless herds of cattle. Here local people produce Kyrgyz national drink – Kumus (fermented mare’s milk), sour cheese and butter that they sell along the road. There are about nine hours of driving today.
Accommodation: Hotel Goodnight Jalal-Abad (or similar)
Distance covered: 360mi (580km)
Activity hours: 9
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Full day exploring Arslanbob
We leave the city and head for Arslanbob Nature Reserve (approximately 1.5 hour drive). The village of Arslanbob is in the mountains at around 5,250ft (1,600m) – though the top and bottom of the village vary considerably in altitude – and is surrounded by an ancient walnut forest believed to be the largest in the world.
We go for a walk and picnic lunch in the surrounding countryside. The walk takes around four hours (including lunch and stops) and requires walking shoes/boots. The pace is leisurely but if anyone prefers not to join, you are free to opt out.
Afterwards, we head back to our guesthouse (approximately 1.5 hour drive) in Jalal-Abad for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Goodnight Jalal-Abad (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Explore Osh in Fergana Valley; visit sacred Sulayman Mountain; border crossing to Uzbekistan; Fergana
Today we head to Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city. Along the way we make a sightseeing stop at Uzgen, with a history dating back over 2,000 years — it is claimed to be a site of numerous citadels built at various times since the 1st century BC. It was an important centre of trade routes between the Fergana and Northern territories of Central Asia. Uzgen became a highly developed town in the Karakhanid’s epoch and developed into a large trading and handicraft centre. We visit an old minaret, nearby mausoleums, and a famous rice bazaar.
We continue to Osh and visit the sacred Sulayman Mountain, a holy Muslim site and burial place of the prophet Sulayman (Solomon); and the central point on the Silk Road. The walk to the top of Sulayman Mountain is paved with some steps and can be tiring in the heat but the views over the city and valley below, small museum and 15th-century church are worth the effort.
A short drive gets us to our next border crossing to Uzbekistan, and country number three on our tour. The crossing at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border at the Dustlik border crossing point can take about 1hr 30min. We meet our Uzbek leader on the other side and drive for approximately two hours (62mi/100km) to Fergana town where we check into our hotel and spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Asia Fergana (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
Margilan, Rishtan and Kokand; cross into Tajikistan to Khujand
Today we transfer from Ferghana to Khujand (approximately 5 hour’s drive), but we make a couple of stops along the way. The first of these is at Margilan where we visit a local silk factory and learn about the material which has given its name to the greatest trade route in history.
From here we continue on to the small village of Rishtan which is famous for potter dynasties and ceramics masters. We visit a local ceramics studio and witness a demonstration of the craft before having the opportunity to buy some of the iconic earthenware. Our final stop is at Kokand which was the capital of the 19th century Kokand Khanate. We visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace (1871) home to a museum, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum.
From Kokand we transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border, and after border formalities, cross the border, meet our Tajik local guide and drive to Khujand where we check in to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Khudjand Delux Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
11
Khujand tour; drive to Penjikent; explore Istaravshan
Leaving the Fann Mountains behind, we head into the industrial and agricultural heartland around the city of Khujand (about four hours’ drive). En route,
We start with the day with a visit to Khujand, while today not the most attractive of cities it has a complex history. Believed to be one of the oldest in Central Asia, it was attacked by Alexander the Great, Arab invaders and Genghis Khan, as well as being an important stop along the Silk Road. There are still traces of the glory days and we take in a tour of the sites, including the Musuem of Archeology, Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mosque, the Payshanba bazaar and, if time Arbob Palace – the Urumkhodjaev family country estate, a copy of the Russian tsarist palace of Peterhof.
Afterwards, we transfer to Penjikent via Istaravshan (260 km, 5-6 hours.). The town of Istravashan was founded by the Persian king Kier in the sixth century, and we’ll visit the bazaar before continuing to Penjikent for the night.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
12
Explore the Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains
Today we make a trip into the heart of the Fann Mountains. We drive to Seven Lakes or Haf Kul in Tajik, a sometimes bumpy and narrow 80 kms away in the Shing Valley. The lakes vary in altitude from 1,600 to 2,400 metres and most were formed by landslides. The high mineral content in the water gives the lakes an unusual colour. We’ll have time to enjoy the mountains, with a walk to Hazorchashma Lakes and a picnic lunch in the village of Nofin before we drive back to Penjikent.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
13
Penjikent sightseeing tour, Sarazm; cross border to Uzbekistan; drive to Samarkand
In Penjikent we set out on a tour (3-4 hours) that will take us to the Museum of Rudaki (Rudaki is considered by many to be the father of Persian poetry and he was born in Penjikent) and ancient Penjikent – ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century. We also explore the remains of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples and a bazaar in the excavated ruins.
Afterwards we drive to Sarazm, one of Central Asia’s ancient settlements, dating back 5,500 years and now a World Heritage site. Next, we travel to the Uzbek border, re-enter Uzbekistan and drive to Samarkand where we check in to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: Malika Diyora (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
14
Samarkand tour and sightseeing
We spend the day exploring Samarkand. Samarkand is steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by such figures as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, who made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century. Its central position on the Silk Road meant that it was an important stop on the route from Istanbul to Peking (now Beijing). At its heart is the grand Registan Square flanked by the three grand madrasahs of Ulughbeg, Sherdor and Tilya Qori. We visit the grand square as well as the Gur Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane, his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Ulugbek Observatory built in 1420 by Tamerlane’s grandson who was not just a ruler but also a well-known astronomer. We move on to the oversized Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda – the ‘Living King’ necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Our final visit is to the exotic Siab Bazaar with its fresh and dried fruit and nuts and other local food produce, and a local paper factory. The exact order of visits may vary.
Accommodation: Malika Diyora (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
15
Drive to Bukhara via Gijduvan; visit the Sitora-i-Mokhi Khosa in Bukhara; house of the Narzullaevs pottery masters
Today we drive from Samarkand to Bukhara via Gijduvan (280km/4-5 hours). In Gijduvan, we will visit the house of the famous dynasty of pottery masters – the Narzullaevs. We continue on to Bukhara and explore the Sitorai-Mohl-Hosa Palace, the summer palace of the Bukhara emirs. The interior of the palace rooms is richly decorated with magnificent paintings, stucco and wood carvings.
Accommodation: Kavsar Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
16
Bukhara
Today is spend exploring Bukhara. The best-preserved medieval city in Central Asia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back over 2,000 years. Our city tour takes us to the Samanid Mausoleum, the oldest piece of Islamic architecture in Central Asia and burial site of the 10th Century Emir; Mazar Chashma Ayub mausoleum – a sarcophagus over an ancient sacred spring; Ark Fortress, a 5th century citadel and the oldest building in Bukhara.
Next is the Poi-Kalyan religious complex with its 48m Kalyan minaret dating back to the 12th century and the symbol of Bukhara, and the only active madrasah in the city, Bukhara Miri-Arab; the large Kalyan Mosque (15th century) with its galleries topped by 288 domes.
We then visit Lyabi Khauz complex, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, this is the site of the oldest pool of its kind in Central Asia. The pool is surrounded by madrasahs and a khanaka (lodging house for travelling Sufis) including the largest madrasah in Bukhara, the 15th century Kukeldash Madrasah; Chor-Minor – a small mosque of an original form with four minarets.
Accommodation: Kavsar Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
17
Drive to Khiva via Kyzylkum desert
This morning we transfer to Khiva (480 km/7-8 hours) through the Kyzylkum desert and enjoy scenic photo stops in the desert and on the banks of the Amu Darya River.
After arriving in Khiva we check in to our hotel and have the evening free to relax or explore.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
18
Explore the Desert Castles of Khorezm
After breakfast, we head off to the arid plains of Khorezm. These plains were once densely populated marshland, inhabited by Messagetae Scythians. These horseback archers were nomadic and fought to retain the land, even defeating Cyrus The Great, a Persian emperor in BC 529. We visit the 2000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak- Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais Mountains acting as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BC under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. There are still three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel that still remain, but the parchments and paintings that were found there are now in St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress dating from the sixth-century. We later return to Khiva for the night.
Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
19
Khiva walking tour; cross border to Turkmenistan; to Dashoguz
After breakfast we set out on a walking tour of Khiva with a local guide today. We visit the Ichan Kala – an open-air living museum that is the perfectly restored old city, the colored tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (which was originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara), the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress – the former residence of the Khiva khans, and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva’s patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard.
We also visit Islam Khoja minaret and madrasah (1908), the Juma mosque – supported by 218 wooden carved columns, Tash Khauli palaces, and Allakuli Khan. We also explore artisan workshops where we see technology behind the production of Khiva wool, silk carpets, embroidery, ceramics, and wood inlay.
Afterwards we drive to the Shavat border post, say goodbye to our Uzbek leader and cross into Turkmenistan where our Turkmen leader awaits us. From the border we drive to Dashoguz, the capital city of northern Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz Province, and check into our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Dashoguz (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
20
Visit Kunya-Urgench; drive to Darvaza Crater − the 'Door to Hell'; overnight in yurts
The region around Dashoguz was part of the ancient Silk Road trade routes that connected East and West. This morning we visit Kunya-Urgench situated on the left bank of the Amu Daria River (approximately 1h30 drive from Dashoguz). Kunya-Urgench, also known as Old Urgench, was the capital of the Khorezm region, part of the Achaemenid Empire. The old town contains a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-m high minaret. The monuments testify to outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship whose influence reached Iran and Afghanistan, and later the architecture of the Mogul Empire of 16th-century India.
Afterwards we head into the Karakum Desert to a massive burning gas crater known as the Door to Hell in a remote part of the Darvaza region. In the 1970s, Soviet engineers looking for natural gas deposits came across this area. Attempting to assess the amount of gas present they set up a drill. The drill collapsed, exposing a big crater and seeping methane gas into the air. The engineers decided to set the gas alight in the belief that it would burn off within a few weeks. More than 45 years later, it is still burning. We enjoy a barbeque dinner near the crater and stay overnight in yurts very nearby. Seeing the burning crater by night is a unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Darwaza Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
21
National Museum of Turkmenistan; Nisa
After breakfast, we drive in 4x4s to Ashgabat (4-5 hours). We set out to visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan, and afterwards, explore the ruins of the Parthian Fortress of Nisa located about a 20 minute drive away. Nisa, the former capital of the Persian Parthian Empire, controlled much of the region from Iraq to Pakistan 2,000 years ago. The ruins here were declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2007.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
22
Ashgabat sightseeing tour
Ashgabat holds the record for the most white-marble buildings in the world. In the post-Soviet era, successive Turkmen leaders built these impressive buildings as a show of the country’s strength and they make for a surreal experience. Ashgabat has been described as Pyongyang meets Las Vegas, and you can see why. We enjoy a half-day city tour of Ashgabat including Ertogrul Ghazi mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, Constitution Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, Magtymguly Monument, Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, and Wedding Palace which looks over the city from atop a hill.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
23
End Ashgabat
Our adventure comes to an end in Ashgabat.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Over a relatively short period, we visit a vast array of sites, both cultural and natural, and cover five fascinating countries, which share a common history but are now developing individually. It covers a lot of distance in three weeks and there are several places where we only spend one night (especially during the section through Tajikistan and southern Kyrgyzstan).
While this is not an active trip, the pace and distance covered can be tiring. There are also some hikes, particularly in Kyrgyzstan. These are not challenging and can vary depending on the preferences and abilities of the group.
Drives: Most tend to be four to five hours’ long with the odd six-hour drive.
Comfort: Central Asia doesn’t always have great infrastructure and you shouldn’t expect the same comforts you would get at home.
Most nights are in hotels, though we also stay in yurt camps and guesthouses, which will be more basic
Hot water is normally available, but is not always reliable
Toilets might be squat toilets and showers may be outside the main building in the more basic accommodation
Some nights you may have to share a room with more than one person; we make every effort to ensure men and women who are not travelling together don’t have to share a room, but this cannot be guaranteed. On these nights, single supplements do not apply. We stay in these places, however, as there are very limited options in some areas we visit
Smoking: Smoking in public is illegal in Turkmenistan (though smoking in private is fine, which means more people smoke indoors than outdoors) and you should not smoke outside the airport on arrival or in the street in Ashgabat. Also, you can only bring two packs of cigarettes into Turkmenistan.
Clothes: When visiting mosques and other religious buildings, women should wear long skirts and have their shoulders covered, we also advise bringing a scarf and covering your head on such occasions. Knee-length skirts/dresses, shorts and sleeveless tops are fine in other circumstances.
Itinerary changes: Given the bureaucracy in the region, particularly in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, we may be forced to change the route or activities due to government decisions beyond our control.
Leaders and border crossings: As we travel through several countries, we usually have three different local tour leaders over the course of our trip. Border crossings can be chaotic and require patience. In some cases, you need to walk through a neutral zone with your luggage. A tour leader will cross the borders with the group, except the Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan border.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Sport. 10-Yyl Abadanchylyk Street, 744000, Ashgabat. Phone: (+993 12) 461956 Recommended arrival time: Any time on arrival day Airport: Ashgabat Airport (ASB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel for any flight landing on arrival day. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. It is Turkmen law for the inviting party (as per your LOI or Turkmen visa) to organise an arrival transfer from Ashgabat Airport for tourists. Therefore, if you are not joining the group transfer, you will still need to pre-book an arrival transfer through Exodus.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Almaty Airport (ALA) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer at additional cost.
All arrival and departure transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Ashgabat Location end: Almaty
Vaccinations and Health
Uzbekistan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Kazakhstan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from (or transiting through) a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Kyrgyzstan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Tajikistan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Turkmenistan
Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required for the visa application. Additionally, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Prohibited medicines: Some medicines are banned in countries this trip visits. This includes medicines that contain tramadol, morphine, opiates, codeine or similar components often found in painkillers. If taking medicines with you, we recommend taking a copy of your prescription with you.
Visa
This trip has some specific visa and entry requirements, please read this section carefully. We strongly recommend you apply for visas at least eight weeks before the start of the trip, this includes e-visas. Visa requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change. You should reconfirm the information provided below with the relevant consulates.
PASSPORT VALIDITY
You will require at least six months validity on your passport beyond the end date of this trip.
TURKMENISTAN
We organise a letter of invitation via the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. With this letter, a visa can be obtained on arrival at Ashgabat Airport. The State Migration Service usually issue a group letter of invitation with all participant’s personal details on. We need the following information and documents to obtain the letter of invitation:
Last name(s) per your passport
First and middle name(s) per your passport
Any other name(s) used before (e.g. before marriage)
Occupation (if retired enter “Retired”)
Place of work (if retired just put “Not applicable”)
Previous visits to Turkmenistan (dates, purposes)
Marital status
Full name, date of birth and citizenship of spouse
Full name, date of birth and citizenship of child(ren)
E-mail address
Home address
Colour scan of the photo page of your passport showing all four edges of the passport. This scan must be sharp and clear and be in either JPEG or PDF format and between 250KB and 1MB.
A digital passport photo – minimum 3×4 cm. This needs to be a proper passport photo as would be used for a passport application.
Once our Turkmen partners have applied for the invitation letter it typically takes about month to be issued. We’ll usually send the letter to you shortly before the start of your tour. You need to print the letter. You will likely need to show it to board your flight to Turkmenistan. On arrival at Ashgabat Airport, you show the letter and pay the visa and administration fees.
For UK citizens, the visa fee for a visa up to 10 days is US$115 and the administration fee is US$4. For all other nationalities, the visa fee for a visa up to 10 days is US$85 and the administration fee is US$4. Payment should be made in US dollars cash.
You may be required to take a covid test on arrival. Cost is approximately US$35.
Please note that Turkmenistan has a higher visa rejection rate than most countries. This is out of our control.
Usually on the morning after your arrival, a local representative collects your passport to register your visit with the Turkmenistan State Tourist Registration Office. Your passport will be stamped and returned to you when the process is complete. During this time, you should carry a photocopy of your passport with you.
UZBEKISTAN
Travellers with a full British, Australian, or Canadian passports can enter Uzbekistan as a visitor for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. US passport holders under the age of 55 require an e-visa in advance.
If you require a visa (or e-visa) for Uzbekistan, you need a double-entry visa as we enter Uzbekistan twice.
KAZAKHSTAN
Nationals of countries including the UK, USA, Australia and Canada can enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without a visa.
KYRGYZSTAN
Nationals of countries including the UK, USA, Australia and Canada can enter Kazakhstan for up to 60 days without a visa.
TAJIKISTAN
Some nationalities require a visa for Tajikistan, including UK passport holders. If unsure whether you need a visa or not, check with your nearest Tajik consulate. We enter Tajikistan by land, and it is not possible to obtain a visa at land borders. Nationals of the USA, Australia and Canada do not require visas at present.
If you require a visa, we highly recommend our local operator arranges the visa on your behalf.
For UK passport holders, this has a cost of £105 which is more expensive than arranging it yourself; however, it is usually an easier and more reliable option and minimises the risk of errors. The information you need to supply us with for the Turkmenistan letter of invitation is also sufficient for the Tajikistan visa application.
If you decide to arrange your own Tajik visa
Most nationalities that require a visa can complete an online Tajikistan e-visa application: https://www.evisa.tj. The e-visa costs around US$30. Processing time varies and the process is not always straightforward. Requests are often made for extra documentation and sometimes the visa is refused without clear reason.
The e-visa type you require is ‘individual’; to the question regarding GBAO Permit, please answer ‘NO’ (this is a permit to visit a semi-autonomous region, which this trip does not visit).
There is no need to enter a Group Identifier on the e-visa application.
A letter of invitation is often requested during e-visa applications. You may receive a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a few days after making your application requesting a letter. If so, please contact us and we can provide one.
Hotel details: Panjakent Plaza Hotel. 17 Prospekt Rudaki, Penjikent. 735500.
Please ensure that you take a printed copy of the e-visa with you.
Take care when calculating the date of entry to Tajikistan.
If travelling from Ashgabat to Almaty: you enter Tajikistan on the 11th day of the trip counting from the date of Day 1 of the itinerary (note that most flights arrive very early in the morning of Day 2 of the itinerary).
If travelling from Almaty to Ashgabat: you enter the Tajikistan on the 10th day of the trip.
It is possible to enter Tajikistan after the valid from date of the visa but not before, so if in doubt, pick a date a couple of days earlier than your trip enters Tajikistan.
If in any doubt, please doublecheck the date of entry with our customer operations team.
If you have difficulty with the application process, the Tajik consulate in London may be able to assist: https://mfa.tj/en/london
Food & Drink
Common dishes in the region include shish-kebabs and plov (rice usually with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins and peas). The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish (variants elsewhere are known as pilaf or pilau rice).
Another main staple is bread, especially in Uzbekistan where it is freshly baked and sold everywhere; in Turkmenistan, churek is a flat, round bread baked in clay ovens. Other traditional dishes include chorba, a meat and vegetable soup; manty, steamed dumplings filled with lamb; qu’urma, a lamb dish; ichlekli, a meat and onion pie; and gutap, a pie filled with meat, potatoes, spinach and pumpkin. There are normally a couple of opportunities to try home-cooked meals. Tea is also plentiful, both black and green, and drunk with most meals and throughout the day.
Please note, vegetarian food choices are limited. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring such specialised dietary items from home.
Drinking water is included and where possible will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from – please bring a reusable bottle with you.
Weather
Covering a large area, from the deserts of Turkmenistan to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, the climate varies a lot. Summer (July and August) can be very hot in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan but pleasant in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, while spring and autumn (May/June and September/October) can be cooler in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan but more pleasant in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
As we visit regions ranging from deserts to high mountains, you can expect temperatures exceeding 30C (86F) as well as close to freezing and need to be prepared for both. Winters are very cold and some areas are impassable (especially to Son Kul in Kyrgyzstan) for most of the year, which is why the season for this trip is relatively short, lasting only from June to mid-October. Later dates (ie September into October) can be particularly cold at Son Kul.
From early September onwards, we run this trip in reverse, starting in Almaty and ending in Ashgabat and take a different route through Kyrgyzstan avoiding the higher altitudes. On this route, you are likely to avoid the highest temperatures in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
A selection of hotels, guest houses, and yurts
On this adventure through The Silk Road, we spend 19 nights in hotels and guest houses, and 3 nights in traditional yurt camps (only 1 night on the reverse itinerary). The accommodations typically used can be found on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a selection used on this trip.
Ashgabat: Sport Hotel
Sport hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Ashgabat close to the city’s major attractions. The hotel offers spacious and well appointed rooms, as well as a number of amenities, including wi-fi, a swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and a on site restaurant.
Bukhara: Kavsar Boutique Hotel
Taking over an old mansion, this small boutique hotel is one of the standout accommodations on this itinerary. It’s embellished with intricate design features and plenty of antiques, while an atmospheric central courtyard provides a wonderful place to gather as a group.
Darvaza, Son Kul and Issyk Kul: Yurt Camps
Yurts are traditional housing for nomadic communities across Central Asia and are generally quite cosy.
On the itinerary starting in Ashgabat and ending in Almaty: we have four nights in yurts: one night in Darvaza near the Door to Hell crater, and two nights at Son Kul Lake and a night by Isyyk Kul lake.
For the two nights in the yurt camp at Son Kul (days 17 and 18), you may have to share with four people to a yurt. Men and women who are not travelling together don’t usually have to share a yurt, but this cannot be guaranteed.
The yurts at Son Kul have western-style toilets and a ‘shower yurt’ with proper showers and wash basins. There is hot water when the generator is running (usually morning and evening) but it is not wholly reliable.
On the itinerary starting in Almaty and ending in Ashgabat: we only have one night in a yurt – at Darvaza in Turkmenistan. This itinerary runs later in the year when the weather can be too cold for yurt stays in Kyrgyzstan, so we stay in hotels or guesthouses instead and follow a different route.
Almaty: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty
Located in Kazakhstan’s largest city, this modern hotel is a 25-minute drive from Almaty International Airport. It offers free Wi-Fi, and features an indoor pool, sauna, massage, gym, and cosy restaurant serving European and national cuisine.
Worth knowing
If you prefer to have your own room, a limited number of single supplements are available on a ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis on some nights of the tour – please request this at the time of booking. Please note, a single supplement is not available at the yurt camp (three nights) and in these locations you may have to share with four people per room.
In Turkmenistan, hotels charge a daily tourist tax of around US$2 per person per day – this is included in the holiday price for the main tour, so you needn’t worry about it. However, if you book extra nights’ accommodation in Ashgabat before the tour, you will need to pay directly to the hotel yourself. If you book pre-tour accommodation in Turkmenistan (and will be staying in the country for more than three days plus your arrival day), you will be required by law to register your passport with the State Service of Turkmenistan – our local partner will assist with this.
If you want to discover 5 countries and their varied cultures, histories and scenery and meet some lovely people, all in three weeks, this trip is for you. We saw some wonderful, stunning scenery, met some amazing friendly people, found out about the past complicated history and the challenges they face today. It is fast paced, there are long journeys but totally worth it and loads to see and do on the way.
Most Inspirational Moment
The stay at Lake Son Kul..Riding horseback along the shores of Lake Son Kul, watching the sunset, visiting the family nearby in their yurt who spend their summer in the hills, sleeping in a yurt overlooking the lake for 2 nights and climbing the hills behind for great views of snow capped mountains!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ale Moreiras (Alex) was amazing and up their with the best of the leaders we have ever had. He was caring, attentive to individual needs, super organised, energetic, knowledgeable, efficient and funny.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get your visas sorted well in advance! Especially Tajikistan as it will probably be rejected the first time or you will be asked for further information before it is processed. Don't stress about the entry date; put down the date a couple of days before you expect to enter to be on the safe side as it is valid for 30 days.
Take lots of layers as temperatures varied from zero to 40 degrees. (June) You will probably only need one set of cold weather clothing,(fleece, coat, hat) for Lake Son Kul but worth taking. Trousers that zip off to shorts are particularly useful for temperatures that fluctuate during the day. Men need knee length shorts or trousers for Mosques but usually they provide a skirt to wear ontop of shorts. Ladies need to cover knees and shoulders, so knee length dress,
longer shorts or trousers plus a scarf/throw for head, shoulders is useful.
Most of our group went down with a tummy bug during the first week but it only lasted for 24 hours. Could have been heat exhaustion, or something they ate. Most people stopped eating for 24 hours and took Immodium and rehydration salts and they were fine after that. Use bottled water even for brushing teeth.
Take lots of patience especially getting into Turkmenistan. You'll need it to overcome all the red tape! Also need to have a covid test on arrival $30 cash!!
Helen Cassaday
Reviewed October 2023
From desert camels to mountain yak
This was the longest duration trip I’ve ever taken, covering the most ground by road and with some (by my standards) fairly extreme variations of temperature, altitude and landscape. But it was mostly very unusual, often spectacular and totally worth the bumpy ride – take layers, medications and a better camera than I did. The people were also a particular highlight. Jabbar in Turkmenistan was an impossible act to follow, but the local leaders were all very good. The group was a great mix and we bonded over one or two minor glitches and some medicinal vodka. We met the friendliest local people in markets, at the border crossings, on the road. They were very often willing to share my three words of Russian, and to practice their English. It was also very nice to be asked to join them for their photos – probably some of these invitations were from other tourists, but was still great to feel like the exotic extra for a change.
Most Inspirational Moment
The night sky, particularly at Son Kul lake.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were very fortunate to have Alina as our tour leader for the full duration. She’s an inspiration and second to none in terms of her people and organisational skills.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a challenging trip – certainly well out of my comfort zone - and most of the group fell ill at some point. So best to be prepared for some visceral reactions and take each day as it comes. Possibly I should have read ahead about the destinations, but travelling without expectations can be a lot more fun, just read the trip notes closely for the practicalities – money, visas etc.
Guy Westoby
Reviewed September 2023
Superb tour through the 'Five Stans of the Silk Road'!
I can honestly say as a seasoned traveller the ‘Five Stans of the Silk Road’ tour was one of the best I’ve been on! In a well-planned and packed 3-week itinerary we got to compare & contrast the highlights of five countries in Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan) each with its own distinct culture, history and approach to life. Exodus provided local guides for each country to ensure we got beneath the surface to learn more about the people. We stayed in a variety of excellent accommodation from plush hotels to lakeside yurts and the food was usually locally sourced, freshly cooked and delicious. An endlessly fascinating and thoroughly recommended for anyone with a sense of adventure and desire to learn about & experience a little-known corner of the world!
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to easily choose between (eg. the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, the Islamic architecture & decor in Uzbekistan, Iskanderkul lake in Tajikistan) but if I had to pick one it would be the time spent at Son Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan. Stunning scenery, remote location, fresh air and starry skies free of light pollution. Add to that a chance to walk in the wilderness, sleeping in comfortable yurts and excellent food and you have a perfect experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jordan oversaw the whole trip professionally and was always approachable to help get things sorted out. Each country had its own local guide and all were very good, although those in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan went above and beyond in providing the best service.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The travelling can be gruelling at times, with long days in the bus from time to time. But more than made up for by the destinations. The border crossings were occasionally frustrating as unnecessary bureaucracy kicks in - we had our passports checked by six different border staff on a couple of occasions! Watch out also for some of the locals pushing in the passport control queues, but if you develop a group strategy to shield you, you'll be fine!
Deborah Evans
Reviewed September 2019
Amazing, Extensive, Exhausting Trip
If you want to see classic Silk Road architecture then go to Uzbekistan.
If you want to see amazing mountain scenery then go to Kyrgyzstan.
If you want to see both of the above plus three other countries in Central Asia, whilst experiencing a wide range of ‘best of’ activites plus a few off the beaten track sights, all crammed into three hectic weeks, then the Five Stans trip is the one for you.
My expectations were high, but this trip surpassed them.
Most Inspirational Moment
I can't pick one, here are a selection of things that blew me away:
Surreal Ashgabat.
Beautiful Bukhara.
Samarkand. Obviously.
The night sky (and entire yurt experience) at Son Kul lake
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suzie Grant is a one woman whirlwind. She held our great group together, looked after us all, kept our spirits up and used her natural curiousity to help make it the best trip possible for us. It was a privilege to travel with her.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bear in mind that the itinerary is very 'full on' and, although I consider myself to be relatively fit, I was quite tired by the end of the trip.
That said, I am grateful for the opportunity to do so much in such a short period of time.
Susi Quinn
Reviewed August 2019
A long and varied road
This amazing trip was like several holidays rolled into one. From the surreal weirdness of Ashghabat and Darvaza, through ancient archaeological sites to the stunning monuments in Bukhara and Samarkand, through the desert to the Afghan border then up into beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and nomad camps, before descending back down to the modern post-Soviet cities… every day there was something new and wonderful to see.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many! Ashghabat set us up with three weeks' worth of jokes; we all fell instantly in love with Bukhara; the necropolis in Samarkand was an unexpected delight; the drive into the Fann Mountains was a welcome return to awesome scenery, and the whole of Kyrgyzstan was jaw-droppingly beautiful, especially the ever-changing colours of Son Kul lake and the brilliant stars on a clear night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our fantastic tour leader Ale(jandro) was a major reason for the success of the trip - always on hand to organise things or deal with any issues, endlessly cheerful and calm, and full of entertaining stories about his previous trips. The local guides sometimes varied in quality, but the best ones were truly stellar - Bek in Uzbekistan and Valentina in Kyrgyzstan in particular were excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The Tajik visa is valid for about 45 days, so allow a few days' leeway at the start rather than trying to calculate your exact entry date (a few people got this wrong and had to get new visas over dodgy Turkmen internet).
The Turkmen LOI can arrive very late, not the "month in advance" suggested in the trip notes, but nobody got rejected.
Take plenty of rehydration salts even if you have bowels of steel - nearly everyone had some troubles, and the salts are also good if you're sweating buckets (which will definitely happen at 46 degrees!).
Learn some Russian if you can, it's spoken almost everywhere, and will help you understand the bill at restaurants.
The transfer window at Istanbul Airport on the way home is very tight - do whatever it takes to speed things up, whether going through the VIP security check or hitching a ride with a motorised wheelchair (have some $$ ready to tip the driver), as you may have over a mile to run to make it before boarding closes - we all made it, but only just.
Sarah Eddington
Reviewed July 2019
Leave the West Behind
If you want to leave the west behind until the last city on this incredible journey, then welcome to the former Soviet States that make up the silk road. This trip has everything, religion, wildlife, nomad living and amazing countryside and mountains. Forget McDonalds and Burger King, at times you won’t even get social media!
Most Inspirational Moment
staying in a Yurt high in the mountains, seeing the nomad people living their lives as they have done for 1000's of years
Thoughts on Group Leader
our group leader was good, and the local guides and drivers were exceptional
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not expect western standards, the food is basic at times as are the toilet and shower facilities. There are no home comforts which is what makes this trip what it is. Do not go expecting to get Wifi and social media, it isn't going to happen at times
Mike Frampton
Reviewed June 2019
The Five Stans - A journey through history and the Central Asian Republice
A great holiday with plenty of superb sites and stunning scenery. One reason for calling this the Silk Road was that silk was used to pay people. It started with the Chinese needing horses to fight the nomads from the north. By 53BC, Rome was spending half its silver production on silk and other products from the Silk Roads. Rome also had to introduce modesty legislation because of the number of people wearing only silk.
Whilst Julius Caesar was invading Britain in 53BC, his friend Marcus Crassus was leading another Roman army to defeat by Persia, in an empire that stretched from modern day Iran to Afghanistan and north to Merv. 10,000 Roman captives were sold at the Merv slave market to the Chinese, to fight on their northern border against marauding nomadic tribes.
The ruins of three cities can be seen at Merv, in southern modern day Turkmenistan. The first was built by Cyrus the Great when he created the first Persian Empire. Next to it is the remains of the city built by Alexander the Great and next to that the remains of the city built after the Arab invasion, which was destroyed by the armies of Genghis Khan 1221 AD, with up to a million people being massacred.
Alexander is a hero in Turkmen, after he freed them from Persian rule. In Uzbekistan, Timor is the hero, as he rose from hired sword to ruler of a vast empire, stretching from the Chinese border to Egypt, destroying many armies on the way. He made Samarqand his capital and made it one of the greatest cities.
In Tajikistan, it is Cyrus the Great who is remembered, partly because he was murdered there.
In Osh, Kyrgyzstan, it is Babur, great great grandson of Timor and founder of the Indian Mughal dynasty who is remembered. Although it is Manus who is the local hero.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many. Merv, Bukhara, Samarqand to name three cities. The snow capped mountains, throwing snowballs and sweltering in the heat all on the same day, magnificent lakes, watching flocks of goats and sheep being moved to the high pastures and seeing the yurts of the shepherds.
One surprise was the large number of roses and other plants we saw in the first three countries visited.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good. Unusually we had both a western leader for the whole trip, as well as local guides for each of the countries visited.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You may only spend one day in Kazakhstan, but a day time flight home, clouds permitting, gives you the opportunity to see the steppes and the salt pans of this vast country from the air, either through the window (book seat early) or as an alternative to a movie, using the plane's downward looking camera (which is an option in the My Flight screen).
On arrival at Ashgabat airport, you have to take your invitation letter to the Visa desk before going to through passport control. The visa fee is also variable, partly depending on the exchange rate. We also found the fee charged to individuals varied from a low of $99 each to a high of about $130 each.
Beware of each fresh fruit and salad, it is usually washed in local tap water, which can cause problems.
Our costs per person were around:
Turkmenistan - 200 Turkmen Manat for food and photo fees (June 2019 rate 4.42TMT = £1)
Uzbekistan - 800,000 Uzbek Som for food and photo fees (10,700UZS = £1). Spending in the markets, pottery, silk and carpet shops is extra.
Tajikistan - 380 Tajiki Somoni for food (11.93TJS = £1)
Kyrgyzstan - 2,000 Kyrgyzi Som for food plus 500KGS for optional Arslanbob jeep tour (88.24KGS = £1)
Kazakhstan - 15,000 Kazakh Tenge for food and market visit (481.79KZT =£1)
Istanbul/other airport stop overs - don't forget this.
Visa fees and tips are extra.
Istanbul
Christine Raines
Reviewed September 2018
Varied and Interesting Trip
A busy and varied trip covering five countries, encompassing a wealth of culture and history, and some amazing scenery.
Most Inspirational Moment
Riding a horse above Lake Song Kul. Beautiful blue and gold ceiling in the Registan in Samarkand. Many encounters with friendly and welcoming local people, especially when we had homestays in the villages.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suzie Grant is one of the best leaders I have come across. The trip would not have been half as good without her. Very well organized, very attentive to the wishes of all her clients, and a lovely personality.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a busy schedule: you are moving on almost every day, and there are long hours of driving. Bring clothes for all climates: temperatures ranged from 40 Centigrade in Ashgabat to near freezing at night in the highlands. Learn some Russian if you can: it is the lingua franca in all the countries, restaurant menus are usually in Russian, and all our drivers were Russian. Be aware that there is often no internet.
John Cross
Reviewed September 2018
The must see's of the Five Stans
This is my 17th trip with Exodus and this has been one of the best so far, if not the best. There is so much to see, though there is quite a lot of travelling to enable this to happen. However the scenery, mostly deserts and mountains, are delightful. The accommodation ranged from the sublime (A Sheraton!) to the plain and simple, homestays, which gave us an even better chance to interact with local people. If you have the time to do this trip, do it, the scenery is stunning and the history of this region is the history of the civilised world. Brilliant!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Gur E Amir (Timur's tomb) during the day and then again by Moonlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suzie Grant's organisational skills are simply outstanding. Her experience and endless patience ensured that we all had a fantastic, trouble free trip, without feeling rushed or manipulated in any way. Don't ever let her go, your company will be much the worse for it
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on this trip and maybe read John Frankopan's 'The Silk Road' first?
Ros and Peter Buck
Reviewed September 2018
An Incredible Trip
An incredible journey across a region that has not always been easy to visit.The trip encompasses grand landscapes, huge distances and wonderful opportunities to learn much from the local guides. Bek in Uzbekistan and Aibek in Kyrgyzstan/ Kazakhstan particularly endeared themselves to the group, bringing knowledge, consideration and enthusiasm to the task.
The trip endeavours to give wide and varied experiences and “gets off the worn track” with inclusions such as Termes, Uzbekistan near the Afghanistan border.
Most Inspirational Moment
Expect to be amazed ! ... From bizarre Ashgabet, historically dense Bukhara and Samarkand, roadside interactions with local herders in their Yurt camps to stunning high altitude lakes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
For a trip such as this, which encompasses moving almost every day, 5 currencies , many meal arrangements and visa challenges at borders, an extraordinary guide is paramount for success.
Our guide Alejandro (Alex) was without doubt the reason for the smooth progression of the trip. His positive manner, perceptive nature, great humour and organisation skills endeared him to us all.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Beware: The trip is exhausting (particularly with temperatures averaging around 40 degrees celsius in August for much of the trip) even though much of the time is spent sitting in the vehicles. Pack light but include extra layers for high altitude. Be very sure your visa arrangements are correct.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5699£ 5699
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5699£ 5699
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5699£ 5699
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5699£ 5699
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5599£ 5599
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5599£ 5599
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5699£ 5699
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
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This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5699£ 5699
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Book with £ 1424 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5599£ 5599
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5599£ 5599
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Book with £ 1399 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 705
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5999£ 5999
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5899£ 5899
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5799£ 5799
Book with £ 1449 deposit
Book with £ 1449 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5799£ 5799
Book with £ 1449 deposit
Book with £ 1449 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5899£ 5899
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5999£ 5999
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5999£ 5999
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5899£ 5899
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Ashgabat to Almaty
Ashgabat to Almaty
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5999£ 5999
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5999£ 5999
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Book with £ 1499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5899£ 5899
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5899£ 5899
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip Price£ 5899£ 5899
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Book with £ 1474 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+£ 775
Almaty to Ashgabat
Almaty to Ashgabat
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
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