Bishkek to Ashgabat

Intrepid Travel · 27 days

4.8

3 Reviews

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Duration

27 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover Central Asia on this overland journey from the capital of Kyrgyzstan through Uzbekistan, to Tajikistan and Ashgabat.

Highlights

Explore Central Asia – a fascinating mix of ancient Silk Road history, post-Soviet culture and redefined nations living in post-independence.
Learn about the Silk Road and its history at the Registan in Samarkand, the ancient Panjakent City Wall and the UNESCO-protected town of Khiva.
Take in the scenic views of Song Kol Lake and Issyk-kul Lake, where you may see flocks of sheep, goats and herds of horses with their nomadic herdsmen. Stay in a yurt camp nearby and live like the locals have for centuries in these traditional tents.
Spend a night with a local family in Turkmenistan. Be treated to traditional hospitality, gain an insight into the daily life of locals and feast on a delicious home-cooked lunch with a Tajik family.
Rub shoulders with locals and bargain in the bazaars. With your local leader by your side, you’ll learn what’s common and what’s different between these four stans.

Trip Details

Duration

27 days

Transportation

Private Bus, Metro, Train, Overnight Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Finishes

Ashgabat, Kyrgyzstan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek

Salamatsyzby! Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Bishkek. Tomorrow you’ll take a guided tour of the city, so don’t stress if you don’t have time to see much today. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the State Museum of Fine Arts or head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables). After your meeting, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Bishkek

This morning, join your local leader on a guided city tour that showcases the various stages of Bishkek’s history. Visit the Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, and learn about the towering statue depicting folkloric hero Manas. Then, continue to Dubovy Park. Here, you’ll wander the open-air galleries, then explore the century-old oaks along Freedom Avenue. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your own pace – maybe visit the Osh Market and wander through the stalls selling spices, fruits, clothes and carpets.

Included Activities:

Bishkek - City walking tour

Optional Activities:

Bishkek - State Historical Museum (150 KGS)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Issyk-Kul Lake

This morning, watch the beautiful landscape change as you drive to Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at Burana Tower – a minaret that’s the most visible remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun. Then, continue to Don Aryk, where you’ll meet a local Kyrgyz family and sit down for a home-cooked lunch. After, continue to today’s destination – Issyk-Kul Lake. At 170 km long and 70 m wide, the Issyk-Kul Lake is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Your yurt camp for tonight is set up along the south shore of the lake where you'll get a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountains setting behind the lake. Made of felt and tarpaulins on a round frame, yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz people, and this will be your 'settlement' for today and tomorrow.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Issyk-Kul Lake

After breakfast, you’ll head out to Kyzyl Tuu – known for yurt making. Almost every family here is a yurt maker, and the village is known far beyond Kyrgyzstan. Visit an artisan family who’ll teach you 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. The rest of the afternoon is then free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe relax at your yurt camp, jump into the lake or set off on a short hike.

Included Activities:

Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop

Accommodation:

Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Son-Köl

Travel to Song-Kol Lake this morning. This alpine is considered sacred to many Kyrgyz people and one of the best summer pastures for nomadic herders. On the way, stop at Kochkor to visit the local market and a women's felt co-op. The landscape today will change depending on the season, but it is sure to be beautiful no matter when you travel. In the summer, you might see nomadic herdsmen and their families watching over goats, sheep and horses. When you arrive later today, spend some time exploring the surroundings at your own pace. Tonight, fall asleep in yurts set up along the shore.

Included Activities:

Kochkor - Market
Kochkor - Women's Felt Co-op

Accommodation:

Tourist yurt camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Kyzyl-Oi

Travel along gravel roads to the tiny village of Kyzyl-Oi after breakfast. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. On the way, pass large coal deposits and travel along the Kokomeren River, which feeds into the Syr Darya. Then, stop for a picnic lunch on the banks of the river and maybe use your free time to explore the village when you arrive. Tonight, learn how the locals cook their favourite snack of boorsok.

Included Activities:

Kyzyl-Oi - Boorsok Cooking Demonstration

Accommodation:

Guesthouse/Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kök-Bel

Get ready for a full day of driving though beautiful landscapes. As you cross the Suusamyr Valley (a high steppe plateau situated at around 2200 m above sea level) take in the mountainous surroundings, often dotted with yurts. Then, travel along the Chychkan River that cuts through the Tien Shan Mountain Range. Stop here for a while and soak up the beautiful scenery before continuing to Toktogul – a city in Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan, named after a popular poet and musician from the region, Toktogul Satilganov. Later, you’ll arrive at tonight’s accommodation, which is part of the local community-based tourism network in Toktogul.

Accommodation:

Guesthouse/Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Osh

After breakfast, travel to Osh – the second-largest city in Kyrgystan. Located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country, Osh is often referred to as the Capital of the South and is the oldest city in the country. Along the way, stop at Uzgen – an ancient trading town and handicrafts centre along the Silk Road. Although much of the ancient city has been destroyed, the three surviving mosques remain important examples of medieval Central Asian architecture. When you arrive in Osh this afternoon, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Uzgen - Uzgen Minaret & Complex

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Osh

Rise and shine early for a visit to the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyrgyzstan – the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain. For centuries, Silk Road travellers have sought out the mountain's caves and petroglyphs, believing they’d be blessed with longevity and healthy children. Visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Osh. Maybe visit the Jayma Bazaar, where you might pick up an interesting souvenir or two, or maybe take a self-guided tour of the remnants of Osh's Soviet past with a walk to the giant Lenin statue in the city square.

Included Activities:

Osh - Sulaiman-Too Mountain
Osh - National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex

Optional Activities:

Osh - Bazaar - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kokand

This morning, cross the border to Margilan in Uzbekistan – a city along the Silk Road that’s been at the centre of Uzbekistan’s silk production since the 11th century. When you arrive, visit a silk weaving factory and the ikat-silk weavers of Margilan. Here, you can wander through the markets and workshops and learn about every step of the silk production process. Then, meet a potter at one of Rishton’s ceramics workshops. According to legend, ceramic production originated in Rishton in the 9th century when the city became a transit point on the Silk Road. Sit down to lunch at the potter’s home and learn about this ancient craft before travelling to Kokand. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Kokand - home cooked lunch
Kokand - Rishton ceramics workshop visit
Margilan - Itak silk Factory visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Kokand

In the cool of the morning, discover the Khudayar Khan Palace Museum – the palace of the last Khan of Kokand Khanate. The palace, constructed in the late 19th century, is known for its blue, green and yellow tiles on the facade of the building and ornate interiors. Then, enjoy an afternoon free to explore Kokand at your own pace. Maybe see the Friday Mosque, wander through the bustling bazaars or visit the Royal Cemetery. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

Kokand - Khudoyar Khan Palace Museum

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Khujand

Cross the border into Tajikistan this morning. Then, continue to Khujand. Known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the Furthest) and believed to be founded by Alexander the Great, Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe wander around the evening bazaar and barter a good price on fruits and other local produce. Across the market is Jami Mosque from 16th century. If time allows, maybe visit the History Museum or Khujand Fortification.

Included Activities:

Khujand - Jami Mosque

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Panjakent

This morning, start your journey to Panjakent – once the capital of ancient Sogdiana country on the Silk Road. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. On the way, visit Marquzor Lakes – a chain of alpine lakes and local villages. Have lunch with a local Tajik family in the village before continuing to Penjikent. When you arrive this afternoon, explore the ancient city walls and ruins. Archaeologists working on the site have recently discovered more than fifty rooms here! Visit the tiny museum and wander through the foothills of the city walls before enjoying a free night to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Panjakent - Ancient city wall & museum
Lake Marquzor - Tajik family visit with lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Samarkand

After breakfast, take the bus across the border back into Uzbekistan. When you arrive, take a bus to Samarkand. This city is located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road – a vast network of land and sea trade routes, which facilitated the exchange of goods like silk and spices from the second century to the mid-15th century. Later today, follow your leader on a short city orientation walk and see the historic mosques and bustling bazaars. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – your local leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat!

Included Activities:

Samarkand - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Samarkand

This morning, visit central square called the Registan, which features mosques and mausoleums that are true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. Then, continue to Guri-Amir, where Tamerlane is buried, and then the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Visit Shak-i-Zinda – a necropolis that features a series of blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th to 19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. Tonight, you’ll learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration with a local family.

Included Activities:

Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Samarkand - Registan Square
Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit

Optional Activities:

Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum (60000 UZS)
Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory (50000 UZS)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Tashkent

This morning, take the train back to Tashkent. As the largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent blends Russian and Uzbek style, with grand mosques that sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. Enjoy a free afternoon – maybe visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan or wander through the Art Gallery of Uzbekistan. Tonight, why not celebrate this great adventure with an optional farewell dinner!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Tashkent

Today is a free day to relax and recharge in Tashkent. Maybe explore any of the mosques you haven’t seen yet or take a walk among the contemporary architecture. Tonight, you’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the last leg of your epic adventure. After your meeting, why not head out to dinner together to get to know each other.

Optional Activities:

Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan (50000 UZS)
Tashkent - Art Gallery of Uzbekistan (50000 UZS)
Tashkent - Museum of Applied Arts (60000 UZS)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Tashkent

This morning, embark on a city tour to explore Tashkent. Visit the Amir Timur Square in the city’s centre and wander the bustling Chorsu Bazaar. An impressive dome tops the main building here and the market sells everything you could imagine. Explore the decorated metro stations, which were only allowed to be photographed from 2018, and the Khast Imom Complex, which houses one of the oldest copies of Qur'an. Have some free time in the afternoon and maybe stock some snacks for your overnight train tonight.

Included Activities:

Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
Tashkent - City tour
Tashkent - Metro tour

Accommodation:

Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Khiva

Arrive in Khiva mid-morning – many global powers have laid claim to this city over the centuries, from Khans to Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Get acquainted with Khiva on a city tour with your leader. See the incredible blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassa. Explore the Kuhna Ark – the 'citadel within a citadel' that once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century – then, get a view from above from the Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory. Visit the towering Islom Hoja Minaret – the tallest building in Khiva – and explore the Juma Mosque. Wander through the elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors at the Tosh-Hovli Palace and find a good spot to watch the sunset over this ancient city.

Included Activities:

Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
Khiva - Juma Mosque
Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
Khiva - Kuhna Ark

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Khiva

After breakfast today, you’ll have a free day to explore Khiva at your own pace. Home to more than 60 cultural sites, medieval mosques and opulent palaces, there is plenty to see and do in this fascinatingly ancient city. Maybe head to one of the many museums, check out the souvenir shops or wander around one of the craft studios. If you’re not sure where to go and what to see, just ask your leader for tips!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Darvaza

A long travel day today. This morning, say goodbye to Uzbekistan and cross the border into Turkmenistan. After border formalities, you’ll meet your new leader and head on to Dashoguz. When you arrive, visit a local bazaar and stretch your legs. Then, switch into 4WDs and drive on to Derweze – this village in the middle of the Karakum Desert is famous for ‘The Gates of Hell’ – this gas crater is an astounding 70-m-wide, 30-m-deep pit permanently aflame and formally known as the Darvaza Crater. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling in 1971 expecting to find oil, and the ground collapsed. 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 today, they were wrong, and the crater has been burning ever since. When you arrive, take a walk around the crater and learn about the flora and fauna of the desert. Watch the sunset over the flames from your nearby yurt camp and enjoy a picnic dinner

Included Activities:

Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater

Accommodation:

Yurt Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Nohur

Drive to Nohur Village via Ashgabat today, through the desert and into the Kopet Dag Mountains that separate Turkmenistan from Iran. On the way, you’ll stop to stretch your legs and take photos with visits to a mud crater, a water crater and the Yerbent Nomad Village. When you arrive in Ashgabat, stop for lunch and change to minibuses for the dusty winding roads to Nohur Village. When you arrive at your guesthouse in the afternoon, you’ll watch how the locals weave Keteni – a homespun silk fabric. Maybe take a walk to see the distinctive local graves, marked by the horns of mountain goats, and then along the shepherd’s trails that pass by waterfalls and swimming holes. Tonight, you’ll have a traditional dinner home-cooked by your hosts.

Included Activities:

Yerbent - Village visit

Accommodation:

Guest House (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 23: Ashgabat

Enjoy a traditional breakfast in the guesthouse this morning, then head out to learn more about the village lifestyle of local Turkmen tribes. You’ll meet with the residents here who are a part of the Nohur ethnic group, who consider themselves to be descendants of Alexander the Great. Wander around the tribes’ cemetery, overgrown and equipped with the mountain goat horns, and learn about the peoples’ customs, traditions and spirituality. After, visit Gyz Bibi Cave – a place of local pilgrimage. See an 800-year-old Cynar tree – more than 800 years old tree, then say goodbye to the village and head on to Ashgabat. Along the way, you’ll visit a local horse breeder’s farm for a cooking demonstration of Baursaki. Watch the process of frying the dough in oil, then maybe try it out for yourself! Watch how their bread is cooked in a tandoor (a mud oven), then sit down with your host to enjoy some of the treats as you learn about his family and his passion for Akhal-Teke horses – this breed of horse is specific to the region and have a reputation for their speed, endurance, intelligence and distinctive metallic sheen. Later, continue to Ashgabat, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

Nohur - Village walking tour
Geokdepe - Horse breeder visit with bread & snack cooking demostration

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 24: Ashgabat

Take a full day to wrap your head around this desert city on an immersive guided tour. First, visit the ancient settlement of Nisa, built in the 3rd century BC. See the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, built to honour those killed in the Battle of Geok Tepe in 1881, in World War II and in the 1948 earthquake. Then, head out of town to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the 15th century medieval mosque still attracts the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. Wander the Russian Bazaar to see locals doing their daily shopping and maybe taste some samosas, doner-kebabs and sweet melon! See the local Turkmen’s handmade souvenirs and maybe choose something special to bring home. This afternoon, take in the four-pointed martinets of the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. You’ll then have some free time to relax and recharge before an evening visit to the monuments of Archabil Street, including the Neutrality Arch.

Included Activities:

Ashgabat - Anau ruins
Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
Ashgabat - City tour
Ashgabat - Nisa ruins
Ashgabat - Russian Bazaar

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 25: Mary

Rise and shine for the drive to Mary (pronounced ‘Mah-rih’) – the somewhat ostentatious displays of wealth in this city can be traced to the long-running gas and cotton industries. When you arrive, settle into your hotel, then head out to wander through the lively bazaar with your leader. Take drive out to Merv, also known as Margiana or Margush, and enjoy some time exploring Turkmenistan's most recognised site. This sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site is home to numerous walled structures from various periods spread across a 1200-hectare area. See impressive columns smoothed by wind and time at the Greater Kizkala and walk hills that were once the fortress walls of Erk Kala. While not the most impressive visually, Gyaur Kala dates to 400 BC and has a fascinating history. Spend some time exploring these relics of grand empires, then return to Mary for some free time. Maybe visit the Mary Regional Museum. Housed in a palace of white marble, the museum features archaeological displays and exhibitions on traditional Turkmen life and culture.

Included Activities:

Merv - Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
Merv - Erk Kala & Gayur Kala
Merv - Big & Small Kizkala

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 26: Ashgabat

This morning after breakfast, head out to see the local Orthodox Church and take some more time wandering around Mary’s city center, before returning to Ashgabat – the City of White Marble. Arrive late afternoon and head out again as the sun goes down to walk along the promenade with your group. Maybe find somewhere for dinner and celebrate your final night on this incredible adventure.

Included Activities:

Mary - City tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 27: Ashgabat

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you need help with organising a transfer to the airport, just speak to your leader.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $9,885

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 27 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Discover Central Asia on this overland journey from the capital of Kyrgyzstan through Uzbekistan, to Tajikistan and Ashgabat.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Kate

Traveled, September 2023

11/18/2023

Great trip I really enjoyed it & would do it again

5.0

Kathryn

Traveled, August 2023

09/19/2023

More people need to come to this part of the World - come to Kyrgyzstan for the amazing scenery, Uzbekistan for the phenomenal architecture and Turkmenistan because it'll be like nowhere you've been before. And do it with Intrepid as if your trip was anthing like mine, it will have been the trip of a lifetime.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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