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Central Asia: Five Stans Express

24 Days | Take a Central Asian adventure full of history, natural landscapes and fascinating culture

4.9

Excellent

162 reviews

24 days

Start

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Finish

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Trip Code

KFSS

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Flight, Metro, High Speed Train

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights), Guest House (1 night), Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)

From £5,759(24 days)

Trip Informations

To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that’s intertwined throughout this region. You'll stay in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, explore Registan Square in Samarkand and watch the eternal flame of Darvaza Crater – a 70-m-wide hole in the Karakum Desert known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. From wide open plains full of wild horses to homestays and dinners with locals, there’s so much to see, do and learn in this region – so why not spend 24 days uncovering all you can, with a local leader by your side?

Why you’ll love this trip

Explore all the essential highlights of Central Asia, uncovering fascinating culture, natural landscapes and diverse history alongside unforgettable local interaction.

See the incredible Darvaza Crater (the Gates of Hell – an eternally burning flame), Kolsai Lakes and Issyk-Kul Lake, soaking up the natural landmarks far off the common tourist trail.

Take a step back in time as you explore the history of the Silk Road, with visits to Khiva’s ancient town, Registan, in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khujand.

Get to know the locals with a carpet-making workshop, through the streets of the bustling bazaars and with a homecooked dinner of plov (Uzbekistan's national dish) during an immersive homestay.

Camp in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, stay in local villages and make yourself at home in a boutique hotel that used to be an old Jewish house in Bukhara.

Is this trip right for you?

Central Asia is a destination for the adventurous and the open-minded. Alongside its rich culture and history, comes poor infrastructure, lengthy processes and basic facilities. Patience and flexibility will ensure you enjoy this region to its fullest.

This trip involves long travel days on rough and winding roads. You’ll be travelling by private vehicle, and in one day you could be driving anywhere between three and ten hours. Please review the Itinerary for more details.

Temperatures vary greatly throughout this trip, from below zero to over 40 ºC depending on the location. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan to wear layers.

Tourism is strictly controlled in Turkmenistan. If you’re accustomed to more freedom to explore and take photos as a tourist, you will find the experience differs here. Locals are fiercely proud of their nation and its leaders.

You’ll stay in a range of accommodations on this trip, including multishare arrangements in yurts, homestays and guesthouses. Facilities are shared and basic, but the experiences are unforgettable.

Itinerary

Take a Central Asian adventure full of history, natural landscapes and fascinating culture

DAY 1
Day 1 • Ashgabat
Hos Geldiniz! Welcome to Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital, Ashgabat. Here, you’ll find manicured parklands, marble lined streets and huge, modern monuments – a vast contrast to the rest of the ancient country. You’ll have a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the area near your hotel. After you meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers, you’ll head out for dinner and your first taste of Turkmenistan cuisine.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Tourism in Turkmenistan is controlled. You can explore nearby your hotel, visiting shopping centres or restaurants, but we recommend that further exploration is with your local leader.
Please don’t take photos when not with your local leader. Photos of the streets, people in uniforms and many buildings are prohibited.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Ashgabat
Head out for a city tour of Ashgabat with your leader today – see the four-pointed minarets of the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) line the paths that lead to a golden dome and a massive minaret. Continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name, has a provocative history. Travel outside the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque – the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov – before heading to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After an action-packed day full of sightseeing, tonight is free to explore (or simply relax) as you wish.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
Ashgabat - Anau ruins
Ashgabat - Independence Monument
Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan
Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
DAY 3
Day 3 • Darvaza Crater
Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Ashgabat at your own pace. This afternoon, make tracks for the Darvaza Gas Crater – this 70 m wide hole in the Karakum Desert is permanently aflame and is also known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling here in 1971, when suddenly the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see, the crater has been burning ever since. From your nearby camp, you’ll watch the sunset with your group as you dig into a Turkmenistan-style dinner before retiring to your tent for a night under the desert stars.
Accommodation
Tourist Yurt Camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Once you leave the main roads and head into the desert, the drive will be very rough and bumpy. Be prepared for this to be a tiring journey. Depending on the group size, the group may be split into multiple vehicles for the drive.
Tonight, you’ll stay at the tourist yurt camp. The yurts sleep four people, with toilets separate from the yurts. Water shortages are common, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to shower.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Border crossing/Khiva
It’s an early morning this morning as you hit the road for a long day of travel. Stop on the way to visit Izmushir Fortress ruins in the Karakum Desert. The history of this stronghold dates back to 3rd century. It once represented the height of the Khorezm power as a strategic trade and military outpost, while now it leaves to imagination of those Silk Road heyday. Then continue to the Turkmen/Uzbek border of Khodjeyli (Xo’jayli) to Khiva. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Dashoguz - Izmukshir Fortress
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours including stops and breaks.
Your leader may change today at the border. The border crossing is a lengthy process, more old-fashioned than we commonly see these days, and takes up to two hours. We need to arrive at the border with enough time for this process before it closes, late in the afternoon.
Ensure you have some snacks on hand, as lunch may be later in the day.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Khiva
Today is for sightseeing in Khiva. With your local leader, you’ll see the blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark – the 'citadel within a citadel,' which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century. Visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter – and the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, which is the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque and see how the roof is propped up by 212 wooden columns designed to let in sunlight. Next, see the Tosh-Hovli Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors, then enjoy a free afternoon to continue at your own pace.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Khiva - Juma Mosque
Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
Khiva - Kunya Ark
Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
DAY 6
Day 6 • Bukhara
Make sure your headphones are charged, as you have a big travel day ahead. You’ll arrive in Bukhara in Uzbekistan in the late afternoon, and the long drive will be forgotten as you’re swept up in the mosaics and ancient monuments of the city. Founded no later than the 1st century BC, across its many years, the city has been ruled by countless empires and dynasties, now reflected in the colourful culture. When you arrive, wander through the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza and the trading dome and see the ancient sites lit up as night falls.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza
Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Bukhara
Head out for a half day tour of Bukhara. First, you’ll visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa – once the summer palace of the last Bukharan emirs. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings crafted by local artisans. Continue to Ark Fortress – the symbol of Bukhara – then, see one of Central Asia's oldest and most exquisite structures – the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum. You then have a free afternoon to explore the ancient Silk Road town. Maybe visit Bolo Haus Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, or Ulukbek Madrassah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Bukhara - Ark Fortress
Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
Optional activities
Bukhara - Chor Minor - UZS4000
Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque - Free
Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000
Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa - Free
DAY 8
Day 8 • Samarkand
Soak up a free morning in Bukhara, then jump aboard a train bound for Samarkand in the afternoon – located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. When you arrive, visit the Gur-Amir mausoleum where the great Uzbek conqueror, Tamerlane, is buried. You then have a free evening – maybe follow your leader to the Registan Square to see it illuminated at night.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Samarkand
This morning, head to Shak-i-Zinda – a necropolis featuring a series of blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th to the 19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty. Then, visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque and explore the ancient bazaar right behind it, maybe sampling some Khalva (local sweets made of sunflower seeds or peanuts) and get a glass of squeezed pomegranate juice (depending on the season). After, see the world-renouned Registan, which features three of the most famous madrassahs in Uzbekistan. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe inspect the remains of the medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg – an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Tonight, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration, which you’ll then tuck into for dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Samarkand - Registan Square
Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
DAY 10
Day 10 • Tashkent
You have a free morning before you say goodbye to Samarkand and jump back on the train around midday to Tashkent. When you arrive, you have a free evening to explore this capital city at leisure. Alternatively, you might like to soak up the down time and get your rest for tomorrow.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Tashkent
Follow your leader on a city walking tour of Tashkent today. Explore Amir Timur square at the city centre, then hop on the metro to the Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon to maybe visit the Khast Imom complex – a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent - City tour
Tashkent - Metro tour
Optional activities
Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - UZS50000
DAY 12
Day 12 • Border crossing/Khujand
After breakfast this morning, hit the road to the Oibek border to cross into Tajikistan before arriving in Khujand. This city is known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the furthest) and is believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great in the 6th century BC. When you arrive, wander around the bazaar and Jami Mosque, then maybe hit up the history museum.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Khujand - Jami Mosque
Optional activities
Khujand - History Museum - Free
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
The Oibek border crossing entails some walking between check points, make sure you have comfortable shoes and reasonably sized bags today.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Iskanderkul lake/Sary Tag Village
Make the epic drive across Shahriston Pass (with an elevation of 3378 m) to Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great – this scenic spot is a popular weekend destination for many locals from Dushanbe. When you arrive, admire the local ‘Niagara’ and Zmeinnoe Lake before continuing to Sary Tag – a mountain village on the other end of the lake, in the heart of Fann mountains. This evening, you’ll have a little time to explore the village and discover the local way of life.
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your accommodation tonight is a homestay in the village. The group may be split between different houses depending on the group composition. While the rooms are multi-share and the facilities will be basic, your host’s hospitality will certainly be unforgettable.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Dushanbe
This morning, hit the mountain roads once more and drive over the Anzob Pass (with an elevation of 3373 m) to Dushanbe – the capital of Tajikistan. After lunch, visit Hissor Fort – the former capital of Eastern Bukhara province. Explore this ancient fortress, located on a hill overlooking the town of Hisor, and check out its impressive stone walls, commanding gateway and perfectly manicured gardens. Then, the afternoon is free for you to explore Dushanbe at your own pace. Maybe explore one of the many parks or museums in the city.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Dushanbe – Hissor Fort
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 15
Day 15 • Dushanbe
Take a public bus to Navruz Palace – initially planned as a new teahouse, the palace has now grown into a conference hall decorated in Tajik Barocco styles. Head to Rudaki Square and see the Ismail Somoni Monument overlooking the city hall. Anyone with a soft spot for archaeology will enjoy the Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001. Here, you can check out exhibits from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations (Greek/Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu and Zoroastrian). The centrepiece is the 14 m reclining Buddha in Nirvana – since the tragic destruction of the Bamiyan statues in Afghanistan, this is the largest surviving Buddha statue in Central Asia.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan
Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Mausoleum
Dushanbe - Navruz palace
Special information
Occasionally, you may need to take a flight to Almaty today if there's no direct flight scheduled from Dushanbe to Almaty tomorrow. In this case, your leader will adjust the included activities in Dushanbe accordingly to help you make the most of your time here. Your leader will be able to inform you should such changes are necessary.
DAY 16
Day 16 • Border crossing/Almaty
After breakfast today, catch a flight to Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan and known as a skier's paradise, with snow-capped mountains framing the entire city. With beautiful parks, restaurants, museums and plenty of shops and markets to choose from, this city stands in stark contrast to the countryside surrounding it. Depending on the time of your flight today, you may have an opportunity to explore the city this afternoon. Otherwise, grab an early night and get prepared for a jam-packed day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 17
Day 17 • Almaty
Strap in for a full day of sightseeing in Almaty today. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations and you’ll notice the development and wealth that comes from it as you wander the streets. You’ll visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in Panfilov Park – dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against Nazi tanks in WWII. Then, check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure – just ask your local leader for recommendations.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
Almaty - Panfilov Park
Optional activities
Almaty - Central State Museum - Free
DAY 18
Day 18 • Kolsay Lakes National Park
This morning, we’ll drive to Saty Village with a stop along the way at the spectacular Charyn Canyon. The richly coloured orange canyon etched into the surrounding landscape is no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the US (though much smaller). Enjoy some time here to marvel at this natural wonder and grab some photos before we continue to Saty Village.
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Charyn Canyon - National Park
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your accommodation tonight is a homestay in the village. The group may be split between different houses depending on the group composition. While the rooms are multishare and the facilities will be basic, but your host’s hospitality will certainly be unforgettable.
DAY 19
Day 19 • Kolsay Lakes National Park/ Border Crossing/ Karakol
Explore the surrounding area of Saty Village today with a hike to Kolsai Lakes – also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the azure water framed by green mountains. You may also visit the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a striking ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide creating a dam in the forest. Have lunch during your hike, then continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan. When you arrive in Karakol, head out to explore with your leader – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail! Instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. Then, explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market.
Accommodation
Guest House (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
Karakol - Dungan Mosque
Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, but this may stretch to 6 hours if the border crossing is slow due to crowds during summer.
DAY 20
Day 20 • Issyk-Kul Lake
Today is for scenic hikes and panoramic views! After breakfast, drive along the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. As one of the largest lakes in the world, the lake is 178 km long and 60 km wide! On the way, stop to see Jety Oguz – also known as Seven Bull Valley. From here, you’ll continue to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where you can soak in the rich orange landscapes that blanket the area. Tonight, you'll get the chance to stay in a yurt camp. A truly special experience, yurts have a long history in this area, used for generations by nomadic tribes. Settle in and enjoy a night under the stars!
Accommodation
Tourist Yurt Camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Sleeping arrangements tonight are on a multishare basis with mattresses on the floor and potential mixed gender sharing depending on the group composition. There will be up to 4 people sharing one yurt. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there's a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. Toilet and shower facilities are located separately from the yurts and are shared. The conditions here are basic, but the view and the unique experience of staying in a yurt is certainly rewarding.
DAY 21
Day 21 • Issyk-Kul Lake
Wander the beautiful alpine area of Issyk-Kul and visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Then, you’ll visit a local family, learn how they make felt and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Tonight, relax in your yurt camp and maybe toast to a sky full of stars with a small vodka.
Accommodation
Tourist Yurt Camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal
Issyk-kul Lake - Kyrgyz carpet making demonstration
Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
DAY 22
Day 22 • Bishkek
This morning, kiss your alpine camp goodbye and hit the road for Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan and your final destination. Stop at Burana Tower – a minaret and the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then, continue to Don Aryk and meet a local Kyrgyz family for a home-cooked lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon, take an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy a free evening.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 23
Day 23 • Bishkek
Head out a city tour this morning, showcasing the country's fascinating history. Visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. Then, head to Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you'll find century-old oaks. Later, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your leisure. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little noisy and crowded here, but it provides the perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. In the evening, perhaps get together with your fellow travellers for a final dinner together to celebrate a great journey through the Five Stans.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Bishkek - City walking tour
DAY 24
Day 24 • Bishkek
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon. If you need help with transfers or extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Flight, Metro, High Speed Train

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights), Guest House (1 night), Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)

Included activities

Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque

Ashgabat - Anau ruins

Ashgabat - Independence Monument

Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan

Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch

Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater

Dashoguz - Izmukshir Fortress

Khiva - Juma Mosque

Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa

Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace

Khiva - Kunya Ark

Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum

Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza

Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome

Bukhara - Ark Fortress

Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum

Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace

Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda

Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Samarkand - Registan Square

Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit

Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar

Tashkent - City tour

Tashkent - Metro tour

Khujand - Jami Mosque

Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake

Dushanbe – Hissor Fort

Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan

Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Mausoleum

Dushanbe - Navruz palace

Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral

Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments

Almaty - Panfilov Park

Charyn Canyon - National Park

Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking

Karakol - Dungan Mosque

Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral

Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch

Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal

Issyk-kul Lake - Kyrgyz carpet making demonstration

Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop

Shamsy Valley - Burana tower

Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch

Bishkek - City walking tour

Optional activities

Bukhara - Chor Minor - UZS4000

Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque - Free

Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000

Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa - Free

Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - UZS50000

Khujand - History Museum - Free

Almaty - Central State Museum - Free

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Mar 26, 2027

Sunday Apr 18, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left

£6,776

Monday Mar 29, 2027

Wednesday Apr 21, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left

£7,029

Wednesday Mar 31, 2027

Friday Apr 23, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£6,408

Friday Apr 02, 2027

Sunday Apr 25, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Monday Apr 05, 2027

Wednesday Apr 28, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left

£6,815

Wednesday Apr 07, 2027

Friday Apr 30, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£6,705

Friday Apr 09, 2027

Sunday May 02, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£6,408

Monday Apr 12, 2027

Wednesday May 05, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£6,743

Wednesday Apr 14, 2027

Friday May 07, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£6,589

Friday Apr 16, 2027

Sunday May 09, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£6,408

Monday Apr 19, 2027

Wednesday May 12, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left

£6,633

Friday Apr 23, 2027

Sunday May 16, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£6,633

Wednesday Apr 28, 2027

Friday May 21, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£6,633

Friday Apr 30, 2027

Sunday May 23, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£6,633

Monday May 03, 2027

Wednesday May 26, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left

£6,666

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (camping), Day 13 (homestay), Day 18 (homestay) and Days 20 and 21 (yurt camp), where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Please provide your FULL passport details (full name, passport number, DOB, nationality, date and location of issue, expire date etc) or passport copy to us no later than 60 days prior to your departure for us to book train tickets for you. If you book between 60 to 30 days prior to your departure, please provide these details immediately after making your booking. Any delay or inaccuracy in the details provided may incur extra fee.

3. This is a multi-country trip. Please read the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information carefully to be fully prepared for your trip. Please be aware that a Letter of Invitation is required for Turkmenistan to get visa-on-arrival for every foreign visitor. Some nationalities, particularly British citizens will need a Letter of Invitation for evisa to Tajikistan. You’ll need to provide key required documents as per information provided in the Essential Trip Information no later than 60 days prior to your trip. Visa requirements can change without notification. Please make sure you keep yourself updated. You should travel on one passport for the duration, as entering and exiting countries on different passports will cause issues at immigration.

4. Independent travel isn’t allowed in Turkmenistan. you'll only be allowed to explore restaurants and shops just across the street from the hotel. You’ll not be able to take taxis or walk further away from your hotel without a guide to explore Ashgabat, and please don’t take any photos while you are on your own. Please see Day 1 of the Itinerary for more details. We do not recommend spend extra time in Ashgabat unless you need to.

5. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 15 days prior to travel. If multiple customers on the same trip arrive on the same flight, this may be a shared transfer.

6. While travelling in Turkmenistan, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. If you need to stay connected, consider arranging a VPN before leaving home. It’s also possible to use Esim in Turkmenistan (please check directly with service provider).

Reviews (159)

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Sally

Oct 08, 2026

Such an amazing, varied trip and experience. Loved it all! The architure, history, culture, landscapes, food, people, all the activities and our great group leaders Rejep and Lucy.

Edwin

Oct 06, 2026

I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. I made new friends, ate amazing food, did things I'd never dreamed I would do, and learned more than I ever thought possible. It was truly an amazing experience, and I thank Intrepid for making it a reality!

Mark

Oct 06, 2026

Well balanced trip through the 5 Stans

Paul

Oct 04, 2026

This is an outstanding trip and the holiday of a lifetime - I would not hesitate to recommend it

Patricia

Oct 03, 2026

This trip was amazing and we saw so many things we have never experienced before. Cannot say how beautiful and unique these countries

Judith

Oct 02, 2026

Such an amazing holiday! So many unique and varied experiences packed into such a short time all facilitated by our wonderful guide, Xeniya! I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for something different / an adventure!

Murray

Sep 30, 2026

What an amazing experience the trip to the 5 Stans was. Amazing scenery, sights, people and food. The itinerary was very good and I particularly enjoyed the country side and the hikes. Our tour leader and local guides were very good. Certainly a trip for the adventurous.

Wendy

Sep 30, 2026

The Central Asia Express is an excellent balance of culture, countryside and history. There is a variety of activities ranging from hiking, sightseeing, learning about local customs and history. Definitely recommend this trip if you want to experience the 5 former Soviet Stans.

Deborah

Sep 30, 2026

The Stans were everything I hoped for and more: extraordinary landscapes, fascinating history, wonderful food and genuine encounters with local people. Our small group made the experience even better, but the standout was our leader, Sviad. Knowledgeable, patient, funny and endlessly capable, he was outstanding and made an incredible journey unforgettable.

Janine

Sep 21, 2026

I have just returned from and truly wonderful and amazing trip to the "5 Stans" which encompassed Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgizstan. over 24 days. It was so rewarding , thought provoking, beautiful, varied and with a great group of fellow-explorers. We travelled to magnificent cities with beautiful monuments to remote mountain lakes where we stayed with local people, we were versed on the great conquests that shaped the cultures and peoples of the regions, we stayed in old areas of old cities, and modern hotels in very modern ciities. Our overall guide became like a friend willing us to learn and experience as much as possible and local guides in each city who gave us intimate knowledge and guidance around their city. The trip is action packed and varied from the amazing Darvaza Crater in the Karakom Desert of Turkmenistan, to the charm of ancient cities like Bukhara, to homestays in the mountains of Tajikistan and yurt and felt making workshops in Kyrgizstan. Despite having travelled quite extensively, I have learned and experienced so much on this trip and come to realise again what a small world we live in, and how similar we all are in our differences.

DAY 24
Day 24 • Bishkek
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon. If you need help with transfers or extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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