Vast deserts, open steppe, fertile valleys and striking mountain ranges shape the landscapes of the Five Stans, the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Their towns and cities reveal the movement of armies, traders, and scholars over millennia: Greek and Persian campaigns, Mongol expansion, Silk Road exchange, ambitious astronomers, and Soviet-era experiments. Encounter traditional villages, intricately tiled madrassas, alpine lakes, lively markets and wide boulevards − a vivid portrait of a region where histories overlap and contemporary Central Asian culture continues to evolve in fascinating ways.
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 two nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
From the futuristic skyline of Astana to the ancient crossroads of Tashkent, the 'Astana to Tashkent' adventure tour sweeps you through the heart of Central Asia in 27 unforgettable days. This moderate-activity trip is designed for travelers eager to blend cultural discovery with epic natural landscapes across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
Venture through the Silk Road cities of Turkistan, Sayram, and Otrar, where ancient ruins whisper stories of traders and emperors. Experience the serene beauty of Son-Kol Lake and the mountain vistas of Issyk-Kul, while immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions of local communities. Marvel at the grandeur of Solomon’s Throne in Osh, and lose yourself in the architectural treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara—legendary centers of Islamic art and history.
Between city explorations, soak in tranquil countryside, from lush valleys to dramatic mountain passes. Each destination offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, with mosques, museums, and markets inviting you to connect with Central Asia’s living heritage.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its sweeping scope—crossing three countries and a remarkable range of landscapes and cultures, it’s the perfect choice for those who crave both breadth and depth in their travels. Expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and comprehensive logistics ensure you can focus on savoring every discovery.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Step off the tourist map and into the heart of Central Asia with the "Tashkent to Ashgabat" tour—a moderately active, 11-day journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Designed for adventurous explorers, this small group trip guides you from the vibrant avenues of Tashkent to the surreal landscapes of Ashgabat, connecting ancient Silk Road cities and the mysterious deserts in between.
Wander Khiva’s technicolored minarets at sunset, experience the daily rhythms of rural Turkmen life with a mountain village stay, and visit a local horse breeder to discover the world-renowned Akhal-Teke horses. Delve into Silk Road history as you traverse the ruins of Merv, and marvel at the fiery "Gates of Hell" crater with an unforgettable sunset visit.
Your journey concludes in Ashgabat, a city where Soviet legacy and futuristic ambition collide in dazzling style. Throughout, local guides offer rich insights, ensuring you experience authentic hospitality and hidden stories.
What sets this trip apart? Its unique blend of historical intrigue, cultural immersion, and access to remote, rarely-visited sites—perfect for travelers who seek discovery far beyond the ordinary tourist trail.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Central Asia’s ancient wonders and stark beauty await on the "Bishkek to Ashgabat" tour—a 27-day overland city sightseeing journey weaving through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Traverse tranquil Son-Kol Lake, spot wildlife near Chychkan Gorge, and summit Sulumain-too Mountain in Osh, immersing yourself in landscapes as diverse as they are awe-inspiring.
Explore the blue-tiled mosques and historic streets of Samarkand, then journey into Turkmenistan for otherworldly moments at the ‘Gates of Hell’ and futuristic Ashgabat. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover relics of the Silk Road, marvel at ancient cities, and meet welcoming communities that make the region unforgettable.
The defining feature of this trip is its rare, comprehensive access to a region few travelers know—uniting history, culture, and natural splendor over nearly a month. For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour package opens the door to Central Asia’s most intriguing treasures.
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
Uncover the rich heritage of Central Asia on a journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan — a region shaped for centuries by Silk Road trade, spiritual traditions, and sweeping cultural exchange. Wander the ancient streets of Khiva, Samarkand, and Bukhara, where history echoes through turquoise-tiled mosques and bustling bazaars. Marvel at natural wonders like Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest and the red rock cliffs of Charyn Canyon. Explore sacred sites and architectural marvels that reveal the region’s religious diversity and deep historical roots. Along the way, connect with nomadic herders in Kyrgyzstan, break bread with Tajik families, and experience the warmth of rural hospitality in Kazakhstan. This is your window into one of the most captivating, and often overlooked, corners of the world.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Trace the footsteps of legendary traders and conquerors on the "Uzbekistan Adventure," a 9-day guided tour that brings the Silk Road’s mystique to life. Starting and ending in Tashkent, this adventure journey takes you through the ancient cities of Bukhara and the vast Kyzylkum Desert, where blue-tiled mosques and mausoleums rise against dramatic landscapes.
Spend nights under desert stars in a traditional yurt and enjoy an authentic homestay in the Nuratau Mountains, connecting with Uzbek families and their age-old traditions. Moderate activity levels ensure you’ll comfortably explore bustling bazaars, medieval architecture, and the country’s storied past.
What makes this tour package special is the blend of cultural immersion and adventure—offering not just sightseeing, but a real taste of life along the Silk Road. For travelers eager to experience Uzbekistan’s legendary hospitality and timeless wonders, this trip is an unforgettable passage through history.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Trace the ancient Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia, where sweeping landscapes and centuries-old traditions collide in breathtaking fashion. Journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, discovering a region where nomadic heritage still shapes everyday life. Share home-cooked meals with Kyrgyz and Cossack families, explore surreal wonders like the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and the towering cliffs of Charyn Canyon, and connect with locals whose stories bring the past vividly to life. With National Geographic Journeys, you’ll experience this remote crossroads of cultures through immersive encounters, expert insight and unforgettable moments that reveal the true spirit of the Silk Road.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Step onto the storied Silk Road and discover Uzbekistan’s rich tapestry of history, color, and hospitality on this 12-day group tour. Starting and ending in Tashkent, you’ll explore ancient cities filled with storybook architecture and bustling bazaars, where every corner reveals a new flavor or tale. Tailored for experienced travelers, the itinerary promises moderate activity: strolls through ornate squares, sampling local cuisine, and plenty of time to connect with fellow solo explorers.
The unique selling point? This isn’t just a sightseeing tour — it’s an invitation to form lasting bonds with your travel group while diving deep into Uzbekistan’s culture, creating memories as vivid and unique as the region itself.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
