Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Get a taste of Central Asia's charm on this 16-day trip through ancient silk road towns and bustling bazaars. Visit four out of the five Stans as you travel the Kazak steppe and Uzbek Silk Road towns by train. Starting in Bishkek, visit the clear waters of Issyk-kul Lake, cross the border to the charming Almaty, catch an overnight train to Uzbekistan and seek out the delicious plov, then explore the white marbled capital of Ashgabat. Spend a night in a traditional yurt camp near Issyk-kul Lake, hike the flaming red rocks at Jety Ogus, toast with locally produced wine to a Kazak home-cooked feast and learn about the full Silk Road history in the blue-hued mosques, madrasas and ruins in Samarkand, Bukhara and Merv.
Explorer
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
Travel along the Silk Road from the foothills of High Asia, through the historic cities of Uzbekistan and cross the deserts of Turkmenistan, taking a ferry journey across the Caspian Sea to the Lower Caucasus countries of Armenia and Georgia. Tick off the iconic highlights of Central Asia and experience the varied landscapes, rich history, diverse cultures and warm hospitality of one of the world's most intriguing and unique regions.
Journey overland from the snow-capped peaks of High Asia and follow the path beaten by centuries of traders along the Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia to the edge of Europe and the foothills of the Caucasus. This varied adventure offers something for everyone with stunning alpine landscapes, vast deserts, countless historic sites and modern cosmopolitan cities, and throughout you can't avoid the cultural diversity that shows this region's importance as a global crossroads since time immemorial.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tbilisi, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon
Tbilisi, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon National Park, Bukhara, Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Sheki, Yerevan, Issyk Kul, Osh, Dushanbe, Samarkand
Follow one of the world's most well renowned highways; the Silk Road. This expedition will take you through some of the oldest cities in the world, discover the ancient trading routes through the 'Stan's' starting in the Turkmenistan capital, Ashgabat, which holds the Guinness world record for the most-white marble on Earth. We'll also stop off in splendored Old Registan in Uzbekistan. Once we reach Tajikistan there will be the chance to hike in the Fann Mountains and visit the tallest waterfall in the country before we drive along the spectacular Pamir Highway between Dushanbe and Osh. Our tour ends in the City of Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.
Join this challenging expedition along ancient trading routes, following in the tracks of the old Silk Road. Discover some of the oldest cities in the world steeped in history and legend. Visit the legendary 'Stan's' taking in the bizarre city of Ashgabat and the splendour of the Old Registan in Uzbekistan. Get outdoors in Tajikistan and hike in the Fann Mountains. Kyrgyzstan amazes with it's deep mountain lakes and perennially snow-capped peaks, before crossing the mighty Torugat Pass and traversing the whole of China. Pandas, Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall all await! We travel on one of our overland trucks as far as Kyrgyzstan and then by trains and local transport through China.
Follow one of the world's most well renowned highways; the Silk Road. This fantastic expedition will take you through some of the oldest cities and ancient trading routes in the world, you will also discover the stunning scenery as you get off the beaten track and into the wilderness of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Hostel, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon National Park, Issyk Kul, Kunye Urgench, Bukhara, Samarkand, Dushanbe
Discover some of the oldest cities in the world steeped in history and legend, from Troy in Turkey, Baku - the largest City on the Caspian Sea, to the legendary 'Stans'. Experience the incredibly diverse landscapes from the baron desert in Turkmenistan to the high mountain passes in Tajikistan.
Discover some of the oldest cities in the world steeped in history and legend, Samarkand in Uzbekistan to Baku - the largest City on the Caspian Sea or beautiful Esfahan in Iran, and on to Istanbul in Turkey. Travel through the legendary '5 Stans'. Experience the incredibly diverse landscapes from the barren desert in Turkmenistan to the high mountain passes and Pamir Highway in Tajikistan.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon
Istanbul, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon National Park, Khiva, Ashgabat, Sheki, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Batumi, Cappadocia, Issyk-Kul Lake, Osh, Dushanbe, Samarkand, Bukhara
Follow one of the world's most well renowned highways; the Silk Road. This fantastic expedition will take you through some of the oldest cities and ancient trading routes in the world, you will also discover the stunning scenery as you get off the beaten track and into the wilderness of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Charyn Canyon National Park, Khiva, Issyk Kul, Osh, Dushanbe, Samarkand, Bukhara
A sweeping and varied expedition that has it all - majestic vistas with snow-capped mountains and crystal clear lakes, buzzing modern cities, ancient sites embedded in the history of Central Asia and a mixture of cultures, flavours and sights that will constantly surprise you. Follow the ancient traders of the Silk Road and through the heart of Asia on this once in a lifetime overland adventure!
Set off on an extraordinary overland journey through 16 countries, starting in the lively city of Istanbul, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. From this vibrant hub, follow the ancient Silk Road, a historic trade route that meanders through rich cultures and captivating landscapes, guiding you deep into the heart of China. Along this iconic route, immerse yourself in the diverse customs and traditions of each region, uncovering the often-turbulent histories that have shaped them.
Your adventure will lead you through a breathtaking variety of landscapes, from the expansive green grasslands of Central Asia to the stark beauty of arid deserts, and from the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush, dense rainforests of Southeast Asia. Each setting offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure, whether it’s trekking through towering mountains or navigating the bustling markets of vibrant cities.
As you traverse some of the world's most dynamic and chaotic urban centers, you’ll feel the vibrant pulse of life in places rich with energy and character. Concluding in the ultra-modern metropolis of Singapore, this journey promises not only stunning vistas but also transformative experiences that will create lasting memories of an unforgettable adventure.
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Central Asia, exploring the cultural treasures of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in Tashkent, the dynamic capital of Uzbekistan, where the spiritual serenity of the Khast-Imam Complex, the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, and the elegance of Navoi Theater Square set the tone. Escape into nature with a scenic excursion to Ugam-Chatkal National Park, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains. Next, travel to the legendary city of Samarkand, where history comes alive at the grand Registan Square, the intricately tiled Gur Emir Mausoleum, and the bustling Siyab Bazaar. Continue through the sweeping landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert to reach Bukhara, a city that feels frozen in time. Here, explore the tranquil Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the towering Poi-Kalon Minaret, and the ancient Ark Fortress, once the seat of Bukhara’s emirs. In Khiva, walk through the living museum of Ichan-Kala, admiring architectural masterpieces like the Muhammad Aminkhana Madrasah and the colorful, unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret. Cross into Turkmenistan and head to Dashoguz, your gateway to the ancient Silk Road city of Koneurgench. Discover its timeless monuments, including the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, the Mausoleum of Najmitdin Kubra, and Sultan Ali’s tomb. A short domestic flight brings you to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s gleaming capital, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nisa, the Ottoman-inspired Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the grand Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque—one of Central Asia’s largest. Continue to the ancient oasis of Merv, once one of the world’s greatest cities. Marvel at the soaring Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the mysterious Kizkala towers, and the remnants of Erk Kala and Gayur Kala, echoing tales of dynasties past. Return to Ashgabat to delve deeper into Turkmen culture at the National Museum, and take in panoramic city views from the record-breaking Alem Ferris Wheel, the tallest enclosed Ferris wheel in the world. This immersive journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is a celebration of ancient civilizations, living traditions, and the enduring beauty of Central Asia’s soul-stirring landscapes.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers