Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans

BM-43211

5.0Based on

23 days

“

Had a great trip, well organised, some long driving days but the tour does cover great distances. Saw so many fantastic places and beautiful scenery. Can highly recommend this tour.

Anonymous | Traveled in June

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

23 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Ends

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

Highlights

Discover the five former Soviet Republics of Central Asia

Uncover the history and culture of the fabled Silk Road cities, Samarkand and Bukhara

Discover the ancient walled city of Khiva, a World Heritage Site

Enjoy the natural beauty of Iskanderkul Lake in the Fann Mountains

Marvel at Darvaza - one of the world’s more unusual sites in the Karakum Desert

Journey through the central Tian Shan Mountains to the Chychkan Gorge

Take in the highlights of the cities of Ashgabat, Dushanbe, Osh, Bishkek and Almaty

Journey through the central Tian Shan Mountains to the Chychkan Gorge

Take in the highlights of the cities of Ashgabat, Dushanbe, Osh, Bishkek and Almaty

Itinerary

Traverse the crossroads of history along the fabled Silk Road with the Ancient Silk Road Cities – The Five Stans tour, designed for experienced travelers and seniors. Over 23 days, journey through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan—exploring everything from the marble city of Ashgabat and the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater to the blue-tiled splendors of Samarkand and the alpine beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s lakes. Highlights include immersive village stays, vibrant bazaars, and visits to UNESCO-listed wonders. The tour’s USP is its unparalleled breadth: five countries, countless cultures, and decades of local expertise, ensuring a seamless, authentic deep-dive into Central Asia’s legendary heritage.

day 1Join Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (10km / 6.2mi, 30 mins driving)

Join Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. No activities are planned today as most international flights arrive into Ashgabat in the early hours of the morning, allowing time to rest and recover after your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure before the trip begins.
Note: Hotel check-in time today is 2:00pm. If your flight arrives earlier, please speak with your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant regarding arrangements for earlier room access.
Accommodation: Sport Hotel or similar

day 2Explore the Marble City of Ashgabat (3.7km / 2.3mi walking, 5 hrs driving)

day 3Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater (1.7km / 1.1mi walking, 6 hrs driving)

day 4Travel to Khiva, Uzbekistan (1.2km / 0.7mi walking, 5 hrs driving)

day 5Explore Khiva (3km / 1.9mi walking)

day 6Travel to Bukhara (6–7 hrs travel)

day 7Discover the Ancient City of Bukhara (3km / 1.9mi walking)

day 8Bukhara to Samarkand (4 hrs driving)

day 9Explore Samarkand (40km / 24.8mi driving)

day 10Cross into Tajikistan, Seven Lakes, and onto Penjikent

day 11Iskanderkul Lake and Drive to Dushanbe (2 hrs walking, 8 hrs driving)

day 12Explore Dushanbe and Hissor Fortress (2 hrs walking, 6 hrs driving)

day 13Travel to Khujand via Istaravshan (5 hrs driving)

day 14The Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan (5 hrs driving)

day 15Ancient Osh, Kyrgyzstan (5–7km / 3.1–4.3mi walking)

day 16To Arslanbob via Uzgen (7km / 4.3mi walking)

day 17To Sary-Chelek Lake (3–5km / 1.9–3.1mi walking)

day 18To Chychkan Gorge (4–5 hrs driving)

day 19Journey to Bishkek (3km / 1.9mi walking, 4–5 hrs driving)

day 20To Almaty, Kazakhstan (3 hrs driving)

day 21Charyn Canyon (3km / 1.9mi walking)

day 22Highlights of Almaty (3km / 1.9mi walking, 40km / 24.8mi driving)

day 23In Almaty, Trip Concludes (15km / 9.3mi driving)

What's Included

Accommodation

Simple local guesthouses & yurt camp on a multi-share basis (no single accommodation possible)

Meals

22 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners

Guide

Expert bilingual guide (different in each country)

Others

Comfortable hotels on a twinshare basisLocal sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itineraryPrivate air conditioned vehicles or train as listed in itineraryAirport transfers in Ashgabat and AlmatyEmergency medical kit

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.8

based on 13 reviews

Availability

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Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1Join Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (10km / 6.2mi, 30 mins driving)

day 2Explore the Marble City of Ashgabat (3.7km / 2.3mi walking, 5 hrs driving)

day 3Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater (1.7km / 1.1mi walking, 6 hrs driving)