The Five Stans of the Silk Road
Experience Overview
See all the 'stans (well, most of them) on this comprehensive 26-day tour through Central Asia. Learn about nomadic life in Song Köl, explore natural landscapes like Kaindy Lake's sunken forest, and witness the hustle and bustle of capital cities and their bazaars, cathedrals, and historical sites. Along the way, you'll sleep like the locals do in homestays and yurts to get even closer to this underexplored destination.
Highlights
- Embark on the ultimate road trip across 5 countries in central Asia
- Browse the stalls of markets and local shops
- Stay overnight in traditional yurts and camps
- Camp under the stars near the Darvaza crater and witness the Gates of Hell
- Traverse mountains–forests and desert.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1730
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private vehicles, plane, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: AYBA
Starts: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Finishes: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Duration: 26 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Song Köl Your Local Living Moment: Tamga Village Stay, Tamga Your Local Living Moment: Community Homestay, Kuli Iskandarkul Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Aydar Kŭl Camp
- Half-day city tour (Bishkek)
- Burana Tower visit (Bishkek)
- Przhevalsky Museum visit (Karakol)
- Yurt building presentation (Kizil Tuu)
- Saty village stay
- City tour (Almaty)
- Charyn Canyon Visit
- City tour (Dushanbe)
- Waterfall hike (Kŭli Iskandarkŭl)
- City tour (Khujand)
- Mug Yepe Visit (Istaravshan)
- Market visit (Khujand)
- City tour (Samarkand)
- Walking tour (Bukhara)
- Chashma Complex and Holy Spring Visit (Nurata)
- Fortress of Alexander the Great visit (Nurata)
- City tour (Bukhara)
- Khiva Ancient City tour
- City tour (Tashkent)
- Felt-making workshop visit
- Hikes and picnic lunch
- Daravaz gas crater ("Door to Hell") visit
- Erbent visit
- City tour (Ashgabat)
- Internal flight
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Departure Transfer
Accommodation
- Standard hotels (20 nts twin share), yurts (3 nts multishare up to 4 people per yurt), homestay (2 nt multishare).
- 25 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicles, plane, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,849 ($263 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive at any time.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's artsy capital and cultural hub, situated at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore!
Day 2: Bishkek/Chong-Kemin
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a cozy guest house run by Ashuu villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.
Day 3: Chong-Kemin/Song Kul
In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.
Day 4: Song Kul/Tamga
Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to learn the importance of felt-making to Kyrgyz culture and local artisans. Learn the craft during a hands-on workshop creating a small version of the traditional carpet known as ala-kiyiz, and enjoy lunch together. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol' Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.
Tamga village was once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights. The complex still exists in its original, untouched 1930's glory, with an atmosphere that would seem to bring you back in time.
Day 5: Tamga/Karakol
Enjoy a free morning getting to know this isolated village. Transfer to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. After Lunch at Ak Orgoo, drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol. Stop for a visit at the Prejevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, followed by a city tour. See the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.
Day 6: Karakol
After breakfast take a short drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, located in the footsteps of Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, and visit famous unique red rock formations called “Broken Heart and “Seven Bulls”. Then, hike to the valley of wildflowers and reach a stunning view point overlooking the flower-filled valley. Return to Karakol and have a free afternoon to explore. In the evening enjoy dinner with local family
Day 7: Karakol/Saty Village
Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a Russian 4x4 for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.
Day 8: Saty Village/Almaty
Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrive in Almaty, take a city tour visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Time permitting, opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.
Day 9: Almaty/Dushanbe
In the morning, transfer to Almaty airport and board a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on the Varzob River. Upon arrival enjoy a tour of Dushanbe, visiting the main monuments, museum, and mosque.
There may be more travellers joining the group here. Opt to attend an evening welcome meeting to get to know them.
Day 10: Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul/ Gazza Village
Enjoy a morning drive through the valleys and mountains to Kuli Iskandarkul. Pass along Alexander the Great's lake and go on a short hike to Iskander Darya waterfall. After lunch continue the drive to our overnight stay at a Community Guest house in Gazza Village. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival to Gazza village the group will set out on a walk followed by dinner at local family's home.
Day 11: Gazza Village
After breakfast, embark on a hike alongside Voru River to visit Voru village (one of the old Villages of Fan Mountains). After the village exploration, head back to to Community guest house. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to join a hike to picturesque Khushtarita valley. Have dinner in a community guest house with the group.
Day 12: Gazza Village to Khujand
Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque and Mug Teppe, an ancient citadel fortress stormed by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before continuing the drive to Khujand. Wander the city in the afternoon, visiting the Historical Museum of Sughd, resembling a castle, and the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin.
Day 13: Khujand/Tashkent
Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.
Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan.
Day 14: Tashkent
Spend the day freely exploring this unique bustling city. Check out one of the many museums, wander the streets admiring the modern, Soviet-era architecture, venture up Tashkent Tower (which offers city views from its observation deck), or wander through the bazaar.
Day 15: Tashkent/Samarkand
Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous conqueror who once hoped to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan.
Day 16: Samarkand
Embark on a city tour, visiting Ulugbek Observatory, Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. With a free afternoon, continue exploring the Samarkand sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions.
Day 17: Samarkand/Aydar Kŭl Camp
Travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this, hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases. After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.
Day 18: Aydar Kŭl Camp/Bukhara
Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country, and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family, visit a hammam (bathhouse), or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of this Silk Road city.
Day 19: Bukhara
Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse.
Day 20: Bukhara/Khiva
Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day's journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva, well worth the arduous drive. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.
Day 21: Khiva
Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life here. Wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, bargain with locals at the bazaar, admire the madrassas and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views of the sand-coloured mosques and homes.
Day 22: Khiva/Dashoguz
Spend the morning in Khiva, enjoying your last moments here to experience anything you couldn't squeeze in yesterday, or do some last minute shopping. After lunch, drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border and continue to Dashoguz. Take an orientation walk and opt for dinner in local café, or explore the city and it's Bai Market.
Day 23: Dashoguz/Darvaza
Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kunya Urgench to visit the ancient capital of the Khorezmian Empire. After lunch, continue to the Kara-Kum desert and witness the fiery Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell." This evening, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner and spend the night camping under the stars at a yurt camp.
Day 24: Darvaza/Ashgabat
After breakfast, begin the journey to the capital of Turkmenistan - Ashgabat. On the way, stop near the community of Erbent and admire its golden sand dunes that stretch out to the horizon. On arrival in Ashgabat, spend the evening at leisure. Opt to visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, also known as Gypjak Mosque, and capture the sun setting on the symmetrical minarets and golden domes.
Day 25: Ashgabat
Spend the day exploring bustling Ashgabat. Enjoy a tour of the city in the morning, visiting several city treasures such as the Monument of Independence and the National museum or Neutrality Arch. Afterward, opt to venture to the ancient ruins of Nisa, or continue exploring Ashgabat.
Day 26: Ashgabat
Depart at any time. Departure transfer is included.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Patricia T., - Traveled, October 2023
My first trip was a good experience and several on the tour had done multiple G tours
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Tracy W., - Traveled, October 2023
it's really self explanatory. If someone likes this style of travel, then G Adventures provides it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Tina S., - Traveled, October 2023
I had a great experience, everything went smoothly
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Bradley S., - Traveled, October 2023
Had an absolute fantastic time. Great countries, excellent accommodation. I've been doing these trips for over 25 years and have also been a tour leader myself in Africa. Leila is one of the best leaders/guides/CEOS I have ever had. She was extremely knowledgeable and was able to control the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Jevon S., - Traveled, October 2023
g does a nice job of small group travel including visits to the top sites of a location/area and moving at a good enough pace to see a lot of things on a shorter time frame than if done by an individual (ie removes the stress/energy required for lodging and logistics) that are sometimes draining/stressful particularly in less developed travel destinations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Stephanie H., - Traveled, October 2023
First time travelling with G Adventures and I absolutely loved it - I loved all the inclusions, the vibe of the tour and the companies ethics and values.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Juliana M., - Traveled, October 2023
What a memorable trip with all the experts from G Adventures tour leaders, Anarbek (Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan), Shahbaz (Tajikistan), Ganisher (Uzbekistan) and Arslan (Turkmenistan). Thank you so much for making my Central Asia (5 stans) trip so special with amazing cultural, historical, geographical blends that make this trip so unique from others. Highly recommended trip. One suggestion is exploring Kazakhstan may need one extra day as we only spend 3 days in such a huge country. Julie
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
Helen A., - Traveled, October 2023
The trip caters for people of all ages and all interests. The guides had the expertise to understand and cater for the diverse reasons individuals travel. Developing knowledge of the complex history, geography agriculture and customs of this central Asian region would not have been possible without the planning and operational procedures that the trip entailed. Long driving days gave understandings into the distances and difficulties that the Silk Road travellers faced. Putting new found knowledge into context will further develop with personal research.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
John B., - Traveled, October 2023
G Adventures?s overall trip plan. The accommodations were excellent and transportation provided was spacious making our long drives a bit more comfortable. Our three CEO?s further enhanced our trip experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Brenda B., - Traveled, October 2003
Our trip was well run and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It appeals to all ages and we were delighted with our experience. The only reason I didn't score 10 was there were some minor issues during the lead up to our trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Mary Doreen B., - Traveled, October 2023
Trip to Stans was unbelievable. Enjoyed every aspect of our journey including the challenging high altitude hiking. Food, accommodations and transportation were of excellent quality. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. My husband had his 80th birthday in Turkmenistan surrounded by new friends and a delicious birthday cake arranged by our CEO. We had three different guides and all three were excellent, giving us good information and keeping us safe with good instructions and optional plans. Thanks to Bek, Marifat and Arslan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Noel B., - Traveled, October 2023
This was our second G Adventures trip - both were very well organised and really enjoyable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Gary I., - Traveled, October 2023
it's a great way to meet and see the world
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
John B., - Traveled, October 2023
G Adventures?s overall trip plan. The accommodations were excellent and transportation provided was spacious making our long drives a bit more comfortable. Our three CEO?s further enhanced our trip experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Philip A., - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent tour of Central Asia which was previously completely unknown to us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Mary M., - Traveled, October 2023
Generally good guides and reasonable accommodations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Josephine B., - Traveled, October 2023
I have always found G Adv to offer a style of travel that suits me and to run true to itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Jevon S., - Traveled, October 2023
g does a nice job of small group travel including visits to the top sites of a location/area and moving at a good enough pace to see a lot of things on a shorter time frame than if done by an individual (ie removes the stress/energy required for lodging and logistics) that are sometimes draining/stressful particularly in less developed travel destinations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Perry P., - Traveled, September 2023
Well designed tour, interesting well informed tour guide, good accommodations, professional drivers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Maxine M., - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was amazing - variety of countries and experiences, good hotels, outstanding guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Ellyce B., - Traveled, September 2023
The itineraries are very diverse, your tour leaders are great, the accommodations are almost always clean and well located and you take the hassle out of traveling as a single. I have been happy with almost all of my G trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Tony T., - Traveled, September 2023
The guides provided excellent knowledge, exceptional personalized care in our group setting, hotels, meal choices, cultural activities and hiking experiences were well-planned and safe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
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