This was a trip full of variety and dramatic scenery, from the surreal Ashgabat, the amazing Darvaza crater, the beautiful mosques and madrasahs of Samarkand and Bukhara to the truly majestic and ever changing scenery of the Kyrgyzstan mountains. Each of the 5 countries had its own unique character. There are some long journeys but they are full of continuing interest with lots of worthwhile stops on route. 99% of the accommodation was very comfortable, spacious and spotlessly clean.
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Almaty, Samarkand, Pen
Ashgabat, Almaty, Samarkand, Penjikent, Khujand, Jalal Abad, Arslanbob, Son Kul Lake, Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Dashoguz, Khiva, Bukhara
Again, G Adventures met out expectations of an affordable but great cultural experience in a place of the world totally new to us. We will be sure to book with them again.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Be entranced by the beauty and the wonder of Central Asia on this overland journey from the capital of Kyrgyzstan through the heartland of Uzbekistan to the forgotten yet futuristic Ashgabat. Take in the tranquil landscape of Son-Kol Lake, watch for wild boar and deer around Chychkan Gorge, hike up the sacred Sulumain-too Mountain in historic Osh, and get your fill of mosques and museums in Samarkand. Venture into the mysterious Turkmenistan, watch the eternal fire from the 'Gates of Hell', and explore Ashgabat with architecture from a sci-fi movie. Abounding with ancient culture, divine natural beauty, intriguing relics and welcoming people, this is a journey that will leave you eager to discover more of Central Asia.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tas
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Darvaza, Nohur, Mary, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Oi, Toktogul, Osh
Travel into desert landscapes heavy with mystery on this 11-day journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Watch the sunset over technicolour minarets in Khiva, learn about Turkmen rural life with a stay in a secluded mountain village and visit a local horse breeder at his farm to see how he prepares food and cares for his Akhal-Teke horses. Wander through the ancient ruins of the Silk Road in Merv, watch the sunset over ‘The Gates of Hell’ crater and revel in the eastern futurism of Ashgabat. On this trip far away from tourists, you’ll step off the beaten track and wander through ancient lands with local leaders who have all the fascinating insights.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Ashgabat, Khiva, Darva
Tashkent, Ashgabat, Khiva, Darvaza, Nohur, Mary
8% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Everything I would expect from Explore! Thought Hotel Mary was scraping the bottom of the barrel even for a basic hotel. Overall a fantastic experience with tour leaders and guides who were both knowledgeable and passionate about their respective countries.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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?
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A journey through the epicentre of Silk Road history. Travel back in time along the fabled Silk Road on this expertly guided adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. From the dazzling Registan, Samarkand’s historic centre, the maze-like lanes of Bukhara to the crumbling mudbrick ruins of Merv and the grand marble monuments of Ashgabat, this immersive 14-day journey reveals the layered history, artistry and diversity of Central Asia.
Explore ancient desert cities, grand mosques and vibrant bazaars once vital to traders, conquerors and scholars. Cross remote borders, meet skilled artisans, and uncover archaeological treasures alongside knowledgeable local guides.
This is an unforgettable cultural journey through one of the world’s great crossroads.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Travel into desert landscapes heavy with mysticism on this 19-day adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Walk in the shadows of ancient, blue-tiled buildings in Samarkand, tap into the local way of living with home stays and yurt stays, watch the sun set over technicolour minarets in Khiva, toast to the eternal fire at Darvaza Crater and revel in the eastern-futurism of Ashgabat. Step off the beaten track and onto the ancient Silk Road in this revelatory tour through ancient lands.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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 starts in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and ends in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the other runs in reverse. Apart from the direction of travel, the two itineraries are similar - the main difference is the route taken through Kyrgyzstan and the accommodation there. This itinerary runs from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, includes Chon-Kemin and Bishkek and stays in guesthouses and hotels rather than yurts. The other itinerary runs from Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, includes Son Kul Lake and there are three nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan.
Both itineraries include a night in a yurt in Turkmenistan.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is a totally epic 37-day adventure through Central Asia – a region combining Silk Road history, Soviet influence, nomadic living and scenic natural beauty. Journey from the shining capital of Astana to the whitewashed Ashgabat, taking your time to savour the nuances of different Stans along the way. Come face to face with the iconic architecture, rub shoulders with locals in the bazaars, stay in yurt camps and stand in front of the ever-burning crater - ‘The Gates of Hell’. Experience life well off the tourist track and explore a region that’s been the confluence of so many cultures and people throughout history – all with highly experienced local leaders by your side.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Starting in the heart of Asia you will feel as if you have almost returned to Europe. You will encounter friendly locals, a diverse and long history, a unique and varied culture, lively and cosmopolitan cities, and vast, stunning landscapes that range from arid desert to rugged mountains, with dense forests and snow-capped peaks as we reach the Caucus states of Armenia and Georgia.
Note: We have two options for our route on this trip, either travelling through Azerbaijan or through Iran to get from Turkmenistan to Georgia and Armenia. Which we take depends on whether Azerbaijan's land borders are open are not, the operating schedule and reliability of the Caspian Sea ferry, and the overall regional security situation. We will make a final decision on the route a few months before departure.
Join this overland adventure starting in the isolated desert country of Turkmenistan, travelling through Iran or across the Caspian Sea to the Caucasus states of Georgia and Armenia before continuing to Turkey. From Ashgabat to Istanbul, this trip is full of fascinating and varied history, demonstrating the contested and often turbulent past of this relatively unknown region. Those who do travel here are rewarded with breathtaking scenery from stunning snowy mountains to seemingly endless desert, ancient and medieval sites that rival and often outdo any found in Europe, and a wide array of eclectic cultures, with consistently friendly and welcoming locals.
