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Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 days

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Country:

Turkmenistan

Flight:

Included

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Tour id:

172134

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  • Operator:

    Central Asia Travel LP

  • Length:

    15 days

  • Group size:

    18 pax

  • Age:

    12 to 85

  • Difficulty:

    Difficulty levels:
    • Relaxing
    • Easy
    • Moderate
    • Serious
    • Heart-pumping
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Itinerary

Discover the Five Stans — Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — on one unforgettable journey across the heart of the Silk Road.

From the white-marble boulevards of Ashgabat and the fiery Darvaza gas crater to the blue domes of Samarkand, the mountain lakes of Kyrgyzstan and the dramatic canyons of Kazakhstan, this adventure brings you the very best of Central Asia in just one trip.

Along the way you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wander through ancient cities, taste authentic local cuisine and experience the warm hospitality that unites the region.

Five countries. Countless memories. One epic adventure.

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It is the best itinerary to visit Central Asia and its impressive historical monuments and nature's beauties, taste traditional food and enjoy the unique local culture of hospitality!

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Explore the Best of Central Asia in one tour!

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Tour program

Day 1

Ashgabat, arrival

Arrive in Ashgabat early in the morning, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest.

After breakfast, meet your local guide and set out to explore the dazzling capital of Turkmenistan. Wander through the lively Sunday Bazaar, see the graceful Akhal-Teke horses, and admire the striking Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque. Continue to Ashgabat’s landmarks, from the Lenin Monument and Independence Park to the monumental Rukhnama and the futuristic Neutrality Arch. Don’t miss the giant Ferris Wheel and the Magtymguly Monument, symbols of the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight in Ashgabat.

 

 Meals:  breakfast


Start point

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Day 2

Ashgabat, round trip to Darwaza gas crater by road, 600 km

After breakfast, continue your discovery of Ashgabat with visits to the Earthquake Monument and the Soviet War Memorial Complex.

After lunch, set out on an exciting drive through the Karakum Desert to one of Central Asia’s most extraordinary sights — the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Door to Hell.” Arrive before sunset to watch the fiery crater come alive as night falls. Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner under the desert sky, with unforgettable views and photo opportunities of the glowing flames.

Afterwards, return to Ashgabat with a slower night drive, arriving at your hotel around midnight. Overnight in Ashgabat.

   

Meals: breakfast, dinner


Day 3

Ashgabat - Mary by morning flight

Mary - Merv ancient city - "Farap" land border - Bukhara by road, 385 km

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Mary. Upon arrival, drive to the ancient oasis city of Merv, once one of the great centers of the Silk Road and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the impressive ruins and learn about the city’s fascinating past.

Later, continue by road to the Farap land border with Uzbekistan. After completing border formalities, meet your Uzbek guide and driver and transfer onwards to the legendary city of Bukhara.

Check in at your hotel on arrival. Rest and overnight in Bukhara.

 

Meals: breakfast


Day 4

Bukhara

After breakfast, begin your guided sightseeing tour of Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric Silk Road cities. Highlights of the morning include the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the unique Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the elegant Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the mighty Ark Citadel, once the residence of Bukhara’s rulers. Continue to the iconic Po-i-Kalyan Complex with its towering minaret and visit the beautiful Ulugbek and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasahs.

After lunch, stroll through the historic Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble, the Kukeldash and Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasahs, and the bustling domed bazaars where silk, spices, and handicrafts have been traded for centuries.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional local home and taste Uzbekistan’s most beloved dish — plov (pilaf). Return to the hotel for overnight.

  

Meals: breakfast, dinner 


Day 5

Bukhara - Samarkand by road, 280 km

After breakfast, continue exploring Bukhara with visits outside the city: the ornate Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, and the spiritual Bahautdin Naqshbandi Complex, dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order.

After lunch, drive to Samarkand, the dazzling capital of Tamerlane’s empire. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take an evening walk at the breathtaking Registan Square, where you can enjoy the enchanting light show. Overnight in Samarkand.

  

Meals: breakfast 


Day 6

Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary city of Samarkand, one of the crown jewels of the Silk Road. Begin at magnificent Registan Square, framed by the three grand madrasahs: Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Qori. Visit the awe-inspiring Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane, and view the Rukhabad Mausoleum from outside.

After lunch, continue to the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque, stroll through the atmospheric Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and end the day at the fascinating Ulugbek Observatory, once one of the most advanced in the medieval world.

Return to the hotel. Overnight in Samarkand


Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

Samarkand, day trip to Tajikistan by road, 120 km

After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Tajikistan, once the heart of ancient Sogdiana. Cross the border and meet your Tajik guide and driver before continuing to Penjikent. Here you’ll explore the Sarazm ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back over 5,500 years, visit the Rudaki Museum, and wander through the lively local bazaar.

Later, journey into the Fann Mountains to discover the famous Seven Lakes, a chain of stunning alpine lakes where the colors shift with the changing light — from deep blue to shimmering turquoise. Today you’ll visit six of them, pausing for a traditional lunch at a local family home near the fourth lake.

In the afternoon, return to the border with Uzbekistan and drive back to your hotel in Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand.


breakfast, lunch included 

Day 8

Samarkand - Tashkent by morning train

This morning, transfer to the train station for your scenic journey on a train from Samarkand to Tashkent (08:05–11:54).

Upon arrival in Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, enjoy a guided walk through the city center. Tashkent is a fascinating blend of wide modern boulevards, Soviet-era landmarks, and a charming Old Town with winding alleys and bustling bazaars. It’s a city where ancient traditions meet a forward-looking spirit.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax or explore on your own.

Overnight in Tashkent


breakfast included 

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Day 9

Tashkent - Bishkek by afternoon flight

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tashkent, a city that carries both the energy of modern Central Asia and the charm of its historic past. Visit the elegant Minor White Mosque, the grand Independence Square, and the lively Amir Timur Square. Don’t miss a ride on the Tashkent Metro, famous for its beautifully decorated stations, often compared to underground art galleries.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Bishkek, the laid-back capital of Kyrgyzstan. Surrounded by the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, Bishkek is known for its leafy parks, Soviet-era boulevards, and welcoming atmosphere.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight in Bishkek.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

Tashkent - Bishkek by afternoon fligh

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tashkent, a city that carries both the energy of modern Central Asia and the charm of its historic past. Visit the elegant Minor White Mosque, the grand Independence Square, and the lively Amir Timur Square. Don’t miss a ride on the Tashkent Metro, famous for its beautifully decorated stations, often compared to underground art galleries.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Bishkek, the laid-back capital of Kyrgyzstan. Surrounded by the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, Bishkek is known for its leafy parks, Soviet-era boulevards, and welcoming atmosphere.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight in Bishkek.

   

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11

Bishkek - Burana Tower - Issyk-Kul Lake by road, 280 km

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Bishkek with your guide and driver, traveling towards the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. On the way, stop to explore the ruins of the ancient city of Balasagyn and climb the Burana Tower, a remnant of the Silk Road era.

Continue the drive through mountain landscapes until you reach the shores of Issyk-Kul. Check into your lakeside hotel and rest, with time to enjoy the scenery.

Overnight at Issyk-Kul.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 12

Issyk-Kul - Djeti-Oguz Gorge - Karakol by road, 150 km

After breakfast, drive along the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul towards Karakol. En route, stop in Cholpon-Ata to see the open-air museum of ancient petroglyphs and later visit the museum dedicated to Nikolay Prjevalsky, the famous Russian explorer of Central Asia.

Upon arrival in Karakol, enjoy a city tour: visit the colorful Dungan Mosque (19th century), a unique wooden structure built without nails in Chinese style, and the striking Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral, also made of wood in the 19th century. Take a walk through the lively central bazaar to experience local life.

In the afternoon, transfer to the breathtaking Djeti-Oguz Gorge, where dramatic red cliffs form the famous “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls” rock formations. The lush green forests against the red sandstone mountains create unforgettable views.

Return to Karakol for hotel check-in and overnight.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

Karakol - "Kegen" land border - Charyn canyon - Almaty by road, 380 km

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Karakol at 09:00. Transfer to the land After breakfast, depart Karakol at 09:00 and drive to the Kazakhstan border. After completing formalities, continue your journey towards Almaty.

On the way, stop to visit the spectacular Charyn Canyon, often described as the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon. Stretching 150 km in length and plunging up to 300 meters deep, the canyon offers breathtaking views. The most famous section is the Valley of Castles, where dramatic rock formations resemble ancient fortresses carved by nature itself.

Enjoy lunch en route and continue to Almaty, arriving in the evening. Check into your hotel and overnight in Almaty.

 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 14

Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy a full-day tour of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest and most vibrant city. Begin with the colorful Green Bazaar, then stroll through Panfilov Park to see the striking wooden Zenkov Cathedral and the moving Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame.

Next, ride up to Kok-Tobe Hill, crowned by the tallest TV tower in the world. Take in panoramic views of the city before descending by the famous Almaty cableway.

After lunch, head into the mountains: visit Medeo, the world’s highest ice-skating rink, and continue to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Ride the cable car up to 3,200 meters above sea level for unforgettable alpine views.

Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight in Almaty.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 15

Almaty, departure

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Almaty International Airport for your departure flight.


Meals: Breakfast

End point

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Reservation of the trip begins after receiving of the appropriate request to our e-mail address. Depending on the trip we may ask the Customer to provide passport copy (necessary for issuance of special permits or visa invitations/visas) or passport details (necessary for purchasing the local train and air tickets). 

Further information: 

Method of settlements:

1. Settlements for services are carried out in the following way: the advance payment at the rate of 100 % from the cost of services to be paid not later than for 10 days prior to the beginning of rendering of services.

2. All sums under the present Agreement can be paid both in non-cash form by transferring them into the bank account of the Contractor, and in cash form by their entering into cash desk of the Contractor according to the Central Asia states legislation. In case of the services cashless payment given according to the present Agreement all sums are paid by the Customer in US dollars. 

3. Tour’s cost is not included: trips independently undertaken by tourists and the services which have been not specified in the Appendixes of the present Agreement. All services and additional expenses which have been not specified in the Appendixes of the Agreement are paid independently by the Customer suit place of rendering of services and expenses occurrence. Also the Contractor does not refund to the Customer expenses if during trip not due to the Contractor fault the Customer has not taken advantage of all or part of given services.

Cancellation policy: 

1. Cancellation without penalties can be performed 45 days before the start date of services provision.

However: 

* In case the Customer cancels the tour after visa invitations are already issued, the Contractor retains cost of the invitation. 

* In case the Customer cancels the tour after the local or international flights had already been issued, the Contractor retains the amount of penalties, which the air desk takes from the Contactor during returning of the flight ticket. 

2. Cancellation with penalty of 10% from the total cost of the services should be done 35 days before the start date of services provision.

3. Cancellation with penalty of 50% from the total cost of the services should be done 10 days before the start date of services provision.

4. Cancellation with penalty of 80% from the total cost of the services should be done 3 days before the start date of services provision.

5. Cancellation with penalty of 100% from the total cost of the services should be done at the start date of services provision.

Force-major circumstances:

1. Any of the parties will not bear responsibility for full or partial non-performance of any of duties if non-performance is a consequence of force-major circumstances (acts of nature, epidemic, military actions, strikes, important and undeclared beforehand changes of the citizens departure and entrance rules of the Central Asia states by the state bodies, etc.), occurring after the conclusion of the Agreement and being out of the control of the Parties. However, the Contractor will use the best efforts to render the reasonable help and to limit to the maximum a possible damage to the Customer. 

Tour Details

Accommodation

Ashgabat - Sport Hotel 4* or similar 

Bukhara - Khurjin Boutique Hotel 3* or similar

Samarkand - Arba Hotel 3* or similar

Tashkent - King Plaza Hotel 3* or similar

Osh - Sunrise Hotel 3* or similar

Bishkek - Olive Hotel 3* or similar

Issyk-Kul Lake - Caprice Hotel 4* or similar

Karakol - Green Yard Hotel 3* or similar 

Almaty - Kazakhstan Hotel 3* or similar

Transport

- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including airport–hotel–airport transfers.

Optional

- Entrance fees to the monuments and museums mentioned in the itinerary.

- Train from Samarkand to Tashkent (economy class).

- Visa invitation letter for Turkmenistan.

Flights

- Domestic flight from Ashgabat to Mary (economy class);

- Domestic flight from Tashkent to Bishkek (economy class);

Additional Services

- International flight tickets.

- Pre-tour accommodation: USD 148 per night (single room) / USD 190 per night (double room).

- Post-tour accommodation: USD 110 per night (single room) / USD 130 per night (double room).

- Meals not specified in the itinerary.

- Medical expenses and travel insurance.

- Porter services at hotels, railway stations, and airports.

- Tips and gratuities.

- Visa fees (including mandatory Turkmenistan visa fee of USD 100–120 per person, and PCR test at Ashgabat airport – USD 42 per person).

Meals

- Meals: daily breakfasts at hotels, plus 2 dinners and 2 lunches as per the program.

Guide

- Services of English-speaking local guides for sightseeing;

Good to know

Currency

Turkmenistan

Customer reviews

Overall Rating

4.4

Itinerary

4

Guide

3.9

Transport

4

Accommodation

3.8

Food

3.9

Operator

4.5

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?
You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.
Which payment options are available?
We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.
What documents are required to participate in the tour?
You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.
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