Central Asia: Five Stans Express Tour by Intrepid Travel

24 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Ends

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Highlights

Explore all the essential highlights of Central Asia, uncovering fascinating culture, natural landscapes and diverse history alongside unforgettable local interaction.

See the incredible Darvaza Crater (the Gates of Hell – an eternally burning flame), Kolsai Lakes and Issyk-Kul Lake, soaking up the natural landmarks far off the common tourist trail.

Take a step back in time as you explore the history of the Silk Road, with visits to Khiva’s ancient town, Registan, in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khujand.

Get to know the locals with a carpet-making workshop, through the streets of the bustling bazaars and with a homecooked dinner of plov (Uzbekistan's national dish) during an immersive homestay.

Camp in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, stay in local villages and make yourself at home in a boutique hotel that used to be an old Jewish house in Bukhara.

Itinerary

Curious about Central Asia’s hidden gems? The "Central Asia: Five Stans Express" is a 24-day cultural journey through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Starting in Ashgabat and ending in Bishkek, this small group trip reveals the best of the Silk Road, from Samarkand’s Registan Square to Lake Issyk-Kul’s yurt camps.

Uncover the mysteries of the Darvaza Crater, known as the ‘Gates of Hell,’ ride through wild horse country, and share homestay dinners with locals. The tour’s unique selling point is its comprehensive exploration of all five Stans, guided by local experts—an immersive deep-dive into a region where history, landscapes, and cultures interweave in fascinating ways.

day 1 - Ashgabat

Hos Geldiniz! Welcome to Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital, Ashgabat. Here, you’ll find manicured parklands, marble lined streets and huge, modern monuments – a vast contrast to the rest of the ancient country. You’ll have a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the area near your hotel. After you meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers, you’ll head out for dinner and your first taste of Turkmenistan cuisine.

included:Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Ashgabat

Head out for a city tour of Ashgabat with your leader today – see the four-pointed minarets of the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) line the paths that lead to a golden dome and a massive minaret. Continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name, has a provocative history. Travel outside the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque – the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov – before heading to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After an action-packed day full of sightseeing, tonight is free to explore (or simply relax) as you wish.

included:Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, Ashgabat - Anau ruins, Ashgabat - Independence Monument, Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Darvaza Crater

Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Ashgabat at your own pace. This afternoon, make tracks for the Darvaza Gas Crater – this 70 m wide hole in the Karakum Desert is permanently aflame and is also known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling here in 1971, when suddenly the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see, the crater has been burning ever since. From your nearby camp, you’ll watch the sunset with your group as you dig into a Turkmenistan-style dinner before retiring to your tent for a night under the desert stars.

included:Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater

accommodation:Tourist Yurt Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Border crossing/Khiva

It’s an early morning this morning as you hit the road for a long day of travel. First, in Kunya Urgench – once a main hub of the Islamic world, this place suffered destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan and the Timurid dynasty and fell into decay until the 20th century. See the mosque, mausoleum and 60 m high Gutlug Timur Minaret before continuing to the Turkmen/Uzbek border of Khodjeyli (Xo’jayli) to Khiva. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest.

included:Konye-Urgench - City tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Khiva

Today is for sightseeing in Khiva. With your local leader, you’ll see the blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark – the 'citadel within a citadel,' which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century. Visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter – and the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, which is the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque and see how the roof is propped up by 212 wooden columns designed to let in sunlight. Next, see the Tosh-Hovli Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors, then enjoy a free afternoon to continue at your own pace.

included:Khiva - Juma Mosque, Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa, Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace, Khiva - Kunya Ark, Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Bukhara

Make sure your headphones are charged, as you have a big travel day ahead. You’ll arrive in Bukhara in Uzbekistan in the late afternoon, and the long drive will be forgotten as you’re swept up in the mosaics and ancient monuments of the city. Founded no later than the 1st century BC, across its many years, the city has been ruled by countless empires and dynasties, now reflected in the colourful culture. When you arrive, wander through the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza and the trading dome and see the ancient sites lit up as night falls.

included:Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza, Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Bukhara

Head out for a half day tour of Bukhara. First, you’ll visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa – once the summer palace of the last Bukharan emirs. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings crafted by local artisans. Continue to Ark Fortress – the symbol of Bukhara – then, see one of Central Asia's oldest and most exquisite structures – the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum. You then have a free afternoon to explore the ancient Silk Road town. Maybe visit Bolo Haus Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, or Ulukbek Madrassah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa.

included:Bukhara - Ark Fortress, Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Samarkand

Soak up a free morning in Bukhara, then jump aboard a train bound for Samarkand in the afternoon – located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. When you arrive, visit the Gur-Amir mausoleum where the great Uzbek conqueror, Tamerlane, is buried. You then have a free evening – maybe follow your leader to the Registan Square to see it illuminated at night.

included:Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Samarkand

This morning, head to Shak-i-Zinda – a necropolis featuring a series of blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th to the 19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty. Then, visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque and explore the ancient bazaar right behind it, maybe sampling some Khalva (local sweets made of sunflower seeds or peanuts) and get a glass of squeezed pomegranate juice (depending on the season). After, see the world-renouned Registan, which features three of the most famous madrassahs in Uzbekistan. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe inspect the remains of the medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg – an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Tonight, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration, which you’ll then tuck into for dinner.

included:Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda, Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand - Registan Square, Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 10 - Tashkent

You have a free morning before you say goodbye to Samarkand and jump back on the train around midday to Tashkent. When you arrive, you have a free evening to explore this capital city at leisure. Alternatively, you might like to soak up the down time and get your rest for tomorrow.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 11 - Tashkent

Follow your leader on a city walking tour of Tashkent today. Explore Amir Timur square at the city centre, then hop on the metro to the Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon to maybe visit the Khast Imom complex – a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century.

included:Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent - City tour, Tashkent - Metro tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 12 - Border crossing/Khujand

After breakfast this morning, hit the road to the Oibek border to cross into Tajikistan before arriving in Khujand. This city is known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the furthest) and is believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great in the 6th century BC. When you arrive, wander around the bazaar and Jami Mosque, then maybe hit up the history museum.

included:Khujand - Jami Mosque

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 13 - Iskanderkul lake/Sary Tag Village

Make the epic drive across Shahriston Pass (with an elevation of 3378 m) to Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great – this scenic spot is a popular weekend destination for many locals from Dushanbe. When you arrive, admire the local ‘Niagara’ and Zmeinnoe Lake before continuing to Sary Tag – a mountain village on the other end of the lake, in the heart of Fann mountains. This evening, you’ll have a little time to explore the village and discover the local way of life.

included:Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 14 - Dushanbe

This morning, hit the mountain roads once more and drive over the Anzob Pass (with an elevation of 3373 m) to Dushanbe – the capital of Tajikistan. After lunch, visit Hissor Fort – the former capital of Eastern Bukhara province. Explore this ancient fortress, located on a hill overlooking the town of Hisor, and check out its impressive stone walls, commanding gateway and perfectly manicured gardens. Then, the afternoon is free for you to explore Dushanbe at your own pace. Maybe explore one of the many parks or museums in the city.

included:Dushanbe – Hissor Fort

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 15 - Dushanbe

Take a public bus to Navruz Palace – initially planned as a new teahouse, the palace has now grown into a conference hall decorated in Tajik Barocco styles. Head to Rudaki Square and see the Ismail Somoni Monument overlooking the city hall. Anyone with a soft spot for archaeology will enjoy the Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001. Here, you can check out exhibits from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations (Greek/Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu and Zoroastrian). The centrepiece is the 14 m reclining Buddha in Nirvana – since the tragic destruction of the Bamiyan statues in Afghanistan, this is the largest surviving Buddha statue in Central Asia.

included:Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Mausoleum, Dushanbe - Navruz palace

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 16 - Border crossing/Almaty

After breakfast today, catch a flight to Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan and known as a skier's paradise, with snow-capped mountains framing the entire city. With beautiful parks, restaurants, museums and plenty of shops and markets to choose from, this city stands in stark contrast to the countryside surrounding it. Depending on the time of your flight today, you may have an opportunity to explore the city this afternoon. Otherwise, grab an early night and get prepared for a jam-packed day of sightseeing tomorrow.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 17 - Almaty

Strap in for a full day of sightseeing in Almaty today. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations and you’ll notice the development and wealth that comes from it as you wander the streets. You’ll visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in Panfilov Park – dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against Nazi tanks in WWII. Then, check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure – just ask your local leader for recommendations.

included:Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral, Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, Almaty - Panfilov Park

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 18 - Kolsay Lakes National Park

This morning, we’ll drive to Saty Village with a stop along the way at the spectacular Charyn Canyon. The richly coloured orange canyon etched into the surrounding landscape is no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the US (though much smaller). Enjoy some time here to marvel at this natural wonder and grab some photos before we continue to Saty Village.

included:Charyn Canyon - National Park

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 19 - Kolsay Lakes National Park/ Border Crossing/ Karakol

Explore the surrounding area of Saty Village today with a hike to Kolsai Lakes – also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the azure water framed by green mountains. You may also visit the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a striking ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide creating a dam in the forest. Have lunch during your hike, then continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan. When you arrive in Karakol, head out to explore with your leader – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail! Instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. Then, explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market.

included:Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking, Karakol - Dungan Mosque, Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral

accommodation:Guest House

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 20 - Issyk-Kul Lake

Today is for scenic hikes and panoramic views! After breakfast, drive along the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. As one of the largest lakes in the world, the lake is 178 km long and 60 km wide! On the way, stop to see Jety Oguz – also known as Seven Bull Valley. From here, you’ll continue to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where you can soak in the rich orange landscapes that blanket the area. Tonight, you'll get the chance to stay in a yurt camp. A truly special experience, yurts have a long history in this area, used for generations by nomadic tribes. Settle in and enjoy a night under the stars!

included:Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch

accommodation:Tourist Yurt Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 21 - Issyk-Kul Lake

Wander the beautiful alpine area of Issyk-Kul and visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Then, you’ll visit a local family, learn how they make felt and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Tonight, relax in your yurt camp and maybe toast to a sky full of stars with a small vodka.

included:Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal, Issyk-kul Lake - Kyrgyz carpet making demonstration, Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop

accommodation:Tourist Yurt Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 22 - Bishkek

This morning, kiss your alpine camp goodbye and hit the road for Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan and your final destination. Stop at Burana Tower – a minaret and the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then, continue to Don Aryk and meet a local Kyrgyz family for a home-cooked lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon, take an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy a free evening.

included:Shamsy Valley - Burana tower, Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 23 - Bishkek

Head out a city tour this morning, showcasing the country's fascinating history. Visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. Then, head to Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you'll find century-old oaks. Later, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your leisure. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little noisy and crowded here, but it provides the perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. In the evening, perhaps get together with your fellow travellers for a final dinner together to celebrate a great journey through the Five Stans.

included:Bishkek - City walking tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 24 - Bishkek

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon. If you need help with transfers or extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights), Guest House (1 night), Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)

Meals

23 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Flight, Metro, High Speed Train

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival TransferAshgabat - Ertugrul Gazi MosqueAshgabat - Anau ruinsAshgabat - Independence MonumentAshgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of TurkmenistanAshgabat - Neutrality ArchDarvaza - "Door to Hell" CraterKonye-Urgench - City tourKhiva - Juma MosqueKhiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & MedressaKhiva - Tosh-Hovli PalaceKhiva - Kunya ArkKhiva - Pahlavon Mahmud MausoleumBukhara - Lyabi-Hauz PlazaBukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading DomeBukhara - Ark FortressBukhara - Ismail Samani MausoleumBukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa PalaceSamarkand - Gur-e-Amir MausoleumSamarkand - Shakh-I-ZindaSamarkand - Bibi-Khanym MosqueSamarkand - Registan SquareSamarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visitTashkent - Chorsu BazaarTashkent - City tourTashkent - Metro tourKhujand - Jami MosqueSary Tag - Iskanderkul LakeDushanbe – Hissor FortDushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of TajikistanDushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni MausoleumDushanbe - Navruz palaceAlmaty - Zenkov CathedralAlmaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical InstrumentsAlmaty - Panfilov ParkCharyn Canyon - National ParkKolsay Lakes National Park - HikingKarakol - Dungan MosqueKarakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox CathedralIssyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunchIssyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked mealIssyk-kul Lake - Kyrgyz carpet making demonstrationIssyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshopShamsy Valley - Burana towerDon Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunchBishkek - City walking tour

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.6 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 161 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 254+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 807 customer reviews from

SAMER

Good service and easy going , highly recommend 👌

4 days ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights