The Five Stans of Central Asia – 16 days
Маршрут этого тура проводит путешественников через «Пять Станов» Центральной Азии — Туркменистан, Узбекистан, Таджикистан, Кыргызстан и Казахстан. Путешествие предлагает глубокое знакомство с богатой историей региона, удивительной природной красотой и яркими культурными традициями, обеспечивая незабываемое приключение для тех, кто стремится исследовать наследие Шелкового пути и разнообразные пейзажи Центральной Азии.
Продолжительность: 16 дней/ 15 ночей
Сезон: Весна, Лето, Осень
Цена: от $3320 с человека
Размер группы: минимальный размер группы — 2 человека, максимальный — 12 человек
Город старта/финиша: Ашхабад до Алматы
Маршрут: Аэропорт Ашхабада - Ашхабад – Дарваза – Ашхабад – Мары – Бухара – Самарканд – Пенджикент – Худжанд – Ташкент – Коканд – Ош – Бишкек – Озеро Иссык-Куль – Чолпон-Ата – Джетты-Огузское ущелье – Каракол – Чарынский каньон – Алматы – ущелье Медео – горнолыжный курорт Шымбулак – Аэропорт Алматы
Tour Itinerary
Day 1. TURKMENISTAN, Arrive in Ashgabat - Darvaza (ca. 270 km, about 4 hrs. drive) – last 105 km on a bumpy road
Arrival and Check-In: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport with Turkish Airlines at 2:00 AM or other. You’ll be greeted and transferred to hotel for early check-in.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning to relax and acclimate.
Late Morning Adventure:
Kick off the morning with a visit to Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, dedicated to Turkmenistan’s heroes and victims of WWII, the Geokdepe Battle, and the 1948 earthquake. Explore its three captivating halls with dramatic dioramas and poignant exhibits.
Modern Ashgabat city tour: We will first stop at “Bagt Koshgi” – Wedding Palace hill platform with a panoramic view of the city. The 3 dimensional cubic shaped building is especially popular landmark for newlyweds at night who come here for pictures with a glowing palace. Next stop at the Monument of Neutrality with a 12-meter high golden statue of the first president of Turkmenistan. And we end the city tour visiting the Independence Park with it monuments and the Monument to the Book of Ruhnama (translated as a “the Book of Soul”, which was written by the first president of Turkmenistan).
Afternoon: After lunch we drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell”, an extraordinary natural gas crater has been burning for over 50 years.
Upon arrival at Darvaza, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the flaming crater. Enjoy a nomad-style dinner featuring kebabs, and sip traditional tea while watching the sunset over the desert.
Overnight: Ashgabat/Darvaza
Meals: full board
Day 2. Darvaza – Ashgabat (ca. 270 km, about 4 hrs. drive)
Morning: After breakfast at the camp we drive back to Ashgabat. On the way, stop to observe bubbling water and sulfur-mud craters. Arrive in the city and check-in.
Afternoon: Visit the State Museum of History and Ethnography to see ancient artifacts and treasures from Turkmenistan’s rich history. Drive to Bagir village to explore the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa Fortress, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire. Wander through its atmospheric ruins, set against the picturesque Kopet-Dag Mountains. On the way to Ashgabat we will make a stop to see the biggest mosque of Turkmenistan “The Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi” and the family mausoleum of the first president.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Meals: full board
Day 3. UZBEKISTAN, Ashgabat – Mary (flight) – Farap (ca. 280 km, on a bumpy road) – border crossing – Bukhara (ca. 100 km, about 1.5 hour drive on asphalt road)
Morning: After an early check-out, transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Mary. Arrive in Mary and transfer to the local restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll drive 40 minutes to Bayramaly village to explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was known as “the Queen of the World.” Tour highlights,
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (the last Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire)
- Yusuf Hamadani Mosque (Yusuf Hamadani was one of the most influential Sufi masters whose teachings spread across Central Asia)
- Erk gala (was founded in the 6th century BCE; in the 3rd century BCE it became the citadel for the larger Hellenistic city of Antiochia/Margiana)
- Sultan gala (built in between 800-1400 AD, Sultan–Kala offers to explore the mudbrick work of Seljuk fortifications)
- Great and Small Gyz kala (7th-12th centuries), known as “Ladies Fortress”. One of the most well-preserved fortresses made from mud bricks.
- Mohammad ibn Zayd Mausoleum (the leader of the Shia movement against the Abbasid Caliphate)
Experience traditions: Enjoy lunch at the local guesthouse “Ancient Turkmen Hearth,” where you can observe traditional activities like making “pishme”, embroidery, and ride a camel or “the Winged” Akhal Teke horses.
After lunch there will be a 4-5 hour drive to Turkmen-Uzbek border “Farap-Alat”. Arrive to the border around 18:00. Your guide will assist you with border crossing formalities and see you off. Cross the neutral zone 1,5 km (there will be 3 shuttle transfers, each transfer costs $1). Meet your Uzbek driver and transfer to Bukhara (100 km 1.5 hr.). Arrive in Bukhara and accommodate in hotel. Dinner at a traditional Uzbek restaurant. Your Uzbek driver will be with you until you return back to hotel after dinner.
Overnight: in Bukhara
Meals: full board
Day 4. Bukhara (mostly walking tour, all day) – Samarkand (speed train)
Morning: After breakfast, explore the ancient city of Bukhara. Begin with Ismoil Samani Mausoleum. Continue to Bolo Hauz Mosque. Visit the Ark Fortress and stop for lunch.
After lunch: Visit the Poi Kalon Ensemble, featuring the Mir-I-Arab Madrassah and the Kalon Minaret, a symbol of the city for 875 years. Also visit 3 remaining domed bazaars – Taqi Zargaron (1570), or Jeweler’s Bazaar, Taqi Telpak Furushon or Cap Makers’ Bazaar, Magoki Attori Mosque and Taqi Sarrafon, or Moneychangers’ Bazaar, which were among dozens of specialized bazaars in the town.
End the tour at the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, built around in 1620, and its nearby madrasahs.
Late Afternoon: Transfer to the train station. Speed train departing at 16:55. Arrive in Samarkand at 19:21 and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: in Samarkand
Meals: full board
Day 5. Samarkand
Morning and Afternoon: Spend the day exploring Samarkand, one of the most beautiful cities of Central Asia. Visit to Gur Emir (in Tajik – Tomb of the emir) – mausoleum of Timur and the Timurids (15 c.), Reghistan square (Sandy place) – ensemble of majestic madrasahs (15-17 cc.), ranks first in Central Asia and among the greatest of all the grandiose and magnificent works of the Islamic world. At Registan Ensemble inside Tillya-Kari Mosque we can watch how local women hand-weave silk carpets and silk fabrics; Bibi Khanym Mosque (15 c.) – the gigantic congregational mosque, once one of the Islamic world’s biggest mosque and Siab market – colorful main farmers’ market. After lunch visit to Shakhi Zinda (The Living King) – necropolis of Samarkand rulers and nobles. Evening is free for leisure of exploring the city on your own.
Overnight: in Samarkand
Meals: full board
Day 6. TAJIKISTAN, Samarkand – border crossing – Panjakent
Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Uzbek-Tajik border “JARTEPA” (ca. 70 km, 1hr). Upon arrival, complete border formalities on both sides before crossing into Tajikistan. Meet your local guide and drive to Panjakent (ca. 30 km, 40 min).
Panjakent Exploration: The city of Panjakent (“five villages”) is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in the picturesque Zarafshon valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the V-VIII centuries AD. It was once a major cultural and crafts hub of the Sogdian civilization.
Explore the ruins of old Sogdian town founded in V century; foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples, Rudaki museum, local bazar and mosque.
Overnight: in Panjakent
Meals: full board
Day 7. Penjakent – Khudjand (ca. 280 km, about 5 hr. drive)
Morning: Today we will drive to Khujand city through the Zaravshan valley and 5km tunnel. Khujand is the second largest city of Tajikistan. It is situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley.
Afternoon: Khujand, founded 2,500 years ago during the time of Alexander the Great, was once a prosperous city until it was sacked by Genghis Khan’s army in the 13th century. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Visit the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum, a 17th–19th-century architectural gem and spiritual site.
Continue to the Payshanbe Bazaar, one of the largest and busiest bazaars in Central Asia, where you can immerse yourself in local culture.
End the day at Somoni Park, which features a statue of Ismoil Somoni, the founder of the Samanid Empire, surrounded by mosaics depicting the city’s history.
Overnight: in Khudjand
Meals: full board
Day 8. UZBEKISTAN, Khudjand – border crossing – Tashkent
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring more of Khujand. Drive 15 km outside the city to visit the Kayraccum Reservoir (Tajik Sea), built in 1968 as a symbol of Soviet-Tajik friendship. Return to the city to visit the Arbob Palace, built in the 20th century and named after S. Urunhodlaev. The palace is notable for its Soviet-era architecture and was a hub for the cotton industry. Explore the Khujand Fortress, originally built in the 5th century BC and later reconstructed. It was once one of the most formidable fortresses in Central Asia.
Afternoon: After lunch, drive to the Tajik-Uzbek border “OYBEK” (80 km, approximately 1 hour) to cross back into Uzbekistan. Upon crossing the border, meet your Uzbek guide and transfer to Tashkent (99 km, 2.5 hours).
In Tashkent, visit the Khast-Imam Complex, where the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman is preserved, considered one of the oldest Quran manuscripts in the world.
Overnight: in Tashkent
Meals: full board
Day 9. KYRGYZSTAN, Tashkent – Kokand (train) – Osh (ca. 170 km, about 4 hour drive)
Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board a train to Kokand (07:55–12:16). Arrive in Kokand, a city rich in history, and start a brief sightseeing tour (2–2.5 hours). Kokand Exploration: Visit the grand Khudoyar-Khan Palace, a royal residence with vibrant tilework and historical exhibits. Explore the Jami Mosque, built in the 19th century, and the Kamol-Kazy and Norbut-biy Madrasahs, which highlight the religious history of the region.
Afternoon: Continue to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border “DUSTLIK” (190 km, 4-hour drive). Cross the border and meet your Kyrgyz guide for a short transfer to Osh (20 minutes).
Overnight: in Osh
Meals: full board
Day 10. Osh – Bishkek (flight)
Morning: After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Osh, believed to be 3,000 years old. Visit Suleyman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred pilgrimage spot. Explore the National Museum of History and Archaeology and stroll through the Osh Bazaar, a bustling market that has existed since the city’s time on the Great Silk Road.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival, meet your Bishkek guide, who will accompany you for the rest of your journey in Kyrgyzstan.
Overnight: in Bishkek
Meals: full board
Day 11. Bishkek – Burana Tower (ca. 80 km, about 1.5 hr. drive) – Cholpan Ata (ca. 200 km, about 3 hr. drive)
Morning: After breakfast, start the sightseeing tour of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Visit Ala-Too Square, witness the changing of the guards, and explore the Victory Square, Old Square, and the Central White Mosque.
Afternoon: Drive to the Burana Tower, a historical minaret from the 10th century. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area, and explore the local museum and Balbal stone warrior statues. Continue the journey to Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Stop in Balykchy for an eagle hunting demonstration, showcasing the traditional Kyrgyz art of falconry. Arrive at Cholpan Ata and check in to a beach resort on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Overnight: in Cholpan Ata
Meals: full board
Day 12. Cholpan Ata – Djetty Oguz Gorge (ca. 170 km, about 3.5 hr. drive) – Karakol (ca. 30 km, 30 minute drive)
Morning: After breakfast, depart from Cholpan Ata and drive towards the Jety-Oguz Gorge (200 km, 4 hours), often referred to as the “Switzerland of Kyrgyzstan” due to its scenic forests of fir, juniper, and birch trees. Stop at the famous red rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart”, where you can hear the local legends behind these striking natural features. Enjoy a 2–3-hour hike through the Jety-Oguz Gorge, taking in the beauty of this lush valley filled with wildflowers and panoramic views.
Lunch: Picnic in the gorge, surrounded by serene nature.
Afternoon: Continue your drive to Karakol, a city known for its cultural diversity and historic landmarks. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, a wooden structure from the 19th century, and the Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the style of a Buddhist pagoda. Explore the Prezhevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer Nikolay Przhevalsky, who explored Central Asia in the 19th century.
Evening: Dinner with a Dungan family, where you’ll experience the unique culture and cuisine of the Dungan people, who are descendants of Chinese Muslims.
Overnight: in Karakol
Meals: full board
Day 13. KAZAKHSTAN, Karakol – border crossing (ca. 85 km, 2 hr. drive) – Saty Village (ca. 150 km, 2.5 hr. drive)
Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border at “KARKYRA” (approximately 250 km, 4–5 hours). Cross the border and meet your Kazakh guide and driver.
Afternoon: Continue the journey to Saty Village and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest. The lake was formed after a limestone landslide, submerging a grove of spruce trees, which now stand eerily upright in the water. Take a walk around Kaindy Lake, exploring the natural beauty and unique landscape.
Evening: Return to Saty Village and check in at a guesthouse for dinner.
Overnight: in Saty Village
Meals: full board
Day 14. Saty Village – Kolsay Lake – Charyn Canyon (ca. 92 km, 2 hr. drive) – Almaty (ca. 215 km, 4 hr. drive)
Morning: After breakfast, head towards the stunning Kolsay Lakes, a system of three alpine lakes set at different elevations in the northern Tian Shan Mountains. The lakes are often called the “Pearls of the Tien Shan” for their vivid blue color and surrounding pine forests. Take a short hike around the lower lake (1,800 m) or simply enjoy the breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Drive to the majestic Charyn Canyon, a unique natural monument stretching 154 km along the Charyn River. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” this site is famous for its Valley of Castles, where towering red rock formations resemble ancient fortresses.
Walk through the canyon and enjoy lunch in a scenic spot. After the canyon, continue driving to Almaty (215 km, approximately 4 hours).
Evening: Arrive in Almaty and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: in Almaty
Meals: full board
Day 15. Almaty – Medeo Gorge (20 km, 40-minute drive) – Almaty
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Medeo Gorge, where you’ll visit the famous Medeo Dam (1,733 m above sea level), built to protect the city from mudflows. From the dam, enjoy panoramic views of the Medeo Ice Rink, the world’s largest high-altitude skating rink, nestled among the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. Continue to the Shymbulak Ski Resort, and take a gondola ride for spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Lunch: Return to Almaty for lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon Almaty City Tour: Visit Panfilov Park, dedicated to the soldiers of World War II, and explore the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Visit the Memorial Complex, with its eternal flame honoring fallen soldiers, and explore the Green Bazaar, a lively market where you can shop for local souvenirs and spices. Visit Republic Square, where you’ll see three key symbols of Kazakhstan and the Obelisk of Independence, which celebrates the country’s sovereignty.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: in Almaty
Meals: full board
Day 16. Almaty – Airport
Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Almaty International Airport for your international departure.
Meals: Breakfast
- Visa support letter for Turkmenistan Visa
- Accommodation in TWN/DBL shared room + breakfast
- Comfort A/C transportation (depending on the group size and route)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to the sites and museums according to the itinerary
- Train tickets (economy class)
- Tashkent – Kokand
- Domestic flights (economy class)
- Ashgabat-Mary
- Osh-Bishkek
- Meals: full board
- Water along the way
- Eagle hunting in Balykchy (KGZ)
- Early check in Ashgabat on day 1
- Turkmenistan visa cost $55-$155 (depending on citizenship)
- Visa to UZ, KGZ, KZ, TAJ (if visa is required)
- Migration duty fee $14 (in Turkmenistan)
- PCR test (in Turkmenistan) $33
- Visa support for KGZ and KZ visas
- Travel insurance
- SGL rooms accommodation
- International flight tickets
- Hotel charges (for additional services)
- Photo and camera fees
- Tips are not included (but recommended)
- Alcohol beverages
- Any personal expenses
- Late check out