Central Asia: Five Stans Express

Intrepid Travel · 24 days

4.4

14 Reviews

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Duration

24 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and 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.

Trip Details

Duration

24 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Flight,Metro,High Speed Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ashgabat, Kazakhstan

Finishes

Bishkek, Kazakhstan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

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 Activities:

Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

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 (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater

Accommodation:

Tourist Yurt Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Konye-Urgench - City tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza
Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Bukhara - Ark Fortress
Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace

Optional Activities:

Bukhara - Chor Minor (4000 UZS)
Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque - Free
Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque (6000 UZS)
Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent - City tour
Tashkent - Metro tour

Optional Activities:

Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan (50000 UZS)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Khujand - Jami Mosque

Optional Activities:

Khujand - History Museum - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Dushanbe – Hissor Fort

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
Almaty - Panfilov Park

Optional Activities:

Almaty - Central State Museum - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Charyn Canyon - National Park

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Guest House (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch

Accommodation:

Tourist Yurt Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Tourist Yurt Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 Activities:

Bishkek - City walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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.

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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $9,495

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 24 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 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

4.0

Michael

Traveled, October 2023

11/02/2023

This is a poorly designed questionnaire. You should have asked what we specifically liked and didn’t like. You should have asked for suggestions for changes in the itinerary. You should have asked what we thought of the other tour guides, namely Igor in Turkmenistan and Nazira in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.

5.0

Vikki

Traveled, September 2023

10/01/2023

A fantastic blend of cities, nature, history & culture. Highly recommended if you have an interest in the silk road & want a trip with a lot of variety but have limited time. I would have loved it to be a few days longer! Our tour leaders were excellent!

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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