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
Venture into the crossroads of history and natural beauty on the 'Central Asia Explorer,' a 17-day city sightseeing tour starting in Bishkek and concluding in Tashkent. This moderate-activity itinerary is crafted for experienced travelers seeking both adventure and cultural depth, as you traverse the alpine lakes and soaring mountains of Kyrgyzstan before delving into the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. Highlights include warm welcomes from local families and the chance to experience a fascinating blend of traditions shaped by nomadic roots, Soviet influences, and Islamic heritage. What sets this trip apart is its immersive approach—offering genuine local encounters and insight into a region rarely explored by mainstream travelers. Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance are all included in this unforgettable tour package.
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
Tashkent, Bishkek, Kokand, Khuja
Tashkent, Bishkek, Kokand, Khujand, Panjakent, Samarkand, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Oi, Kok-Bel, Osh
Overall, this was an excellent trip and one of the best I have done with Explore over very many years. It was certainly helped by having a good, small group and two superb leaders (one in each country), who were extremely knowledgeable and very personable. The local guides were also outstanding. The sights were extraordinary (the Islamic architecture is simply breath-taking), the people were lovely and I did not mind the long drives (on spacious air conditioned coaches) or the 9.5 hour train journey. to Samarkand As expected, the trip’s pace was full-on. As a group we took advantage of the optional extras offered and I would recommend that others seriously consider those too, especially the spectacular Uzbek music and dance show at the Grand Hall in Samarkand. Hotel accommodation was better than I had expected and generally pretty good. If I have a criticism it is that the trip should perhaps be a day longer. It would have been nice to have spent more time in Khiva and the last day in Tashkent was too long, tiring and rushed. Thankfully, I had booked an extra day in the city, although others had early morning flights. While Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are very different, I much preferred the time we spent in the latter.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
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
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
Ever daydreamed about stepping back in time? Picture yourself wandering ancient cities built as early as 700 BCE, passing through tiled archways once crossed by Silk Road traders, and bargaining in markets that have stood for centuries. This 12-day adventure through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan takes you deep into the heart of Central Asia — where living history, breathtaking landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path charm come together for one unforgettable trip.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
