The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road

G Adventures · 26 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
26 Days
From AUD $5399
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road

The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road

G Adventures · 26 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

26 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Pack your bags and a serious sense of adventure — you’re about to blaze across four of Central Asia’s wildest and most underrated countries.

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: in Tashkent, Tashkent Your Big Night Out Moment: Almaty, Almaty
  • Tashkent Orientation Walk
  • Free Time in Tahkent
  • Khiva Orientation Walk
  • Free Time in Khiva
  • Bukhara Orientation Walk
  • Free Time in Bukhara
  • Free Time in Samarkand
  • Panjakent Bazaar
  • Marguzor Lakes Visit
  • Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7 Hike
  • Free Time in Shymkent
  • Shymkent Orientation Walk
  • Sayram Su Lake Hike
  • Taraz Orientation Walk
  • Free Time in Taraz
  • Free Time in Bishkek
  • Bishkek Orientation Walk
  • Burana Tower Visit
  • Iskra Village Dungan Family Lunch
  • Shatyly View Point Hike
  • Free Time in Tamga,
  • Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon
  • Barskoon Waterfall
  • Yurt Building Demonstration
  • Karakol Orientation Walk
  • Free Time in Karakol
  • Kaindy Lake Hike Visit
  • Saty Village Stay
  • Charyn Canyon Visit
  • Singing Dunes
  • Almaty Orientation Walk
  • Free Time in Almaty
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hostels (8 nts, twin share), Hostel (6 nts, multi-share), Overnight train (1nt), Guesthouse (7 nts, multi-share), Hotel (1 nt, twin share), Yurt Camp (2 nts, multi-share).
  • 18 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

  • Metro, Private Vehicle, Train, Walking, Overnight Train, 4x4 Vehicle.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

  • Trek to bright blue alpine lakes in Tajikistan’s Marguzor Valley
  • Get sandy at Kazakhstan’s Singing Dunes and swim in Kaindy Lake
  • Learn to build a nomadic yurt from locals in Kyrgyzstan
  • Wander ancient cities like Bukhara Tashkent Almaty and Bishkek
  • Snap pics of wild rock formations in Fairytale Canyon and Charyn Canyon"
The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road

Trip Details

Duration

26 days

Transportation

Metro, Private Vehicle, Train, Walking, Overnight Train, 4x4 Vehicle.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Finishes

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Tashkent

Arrive at any time. In the evening, meet your CEO and new crew that you'll be traveling with in a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner together. Then hit the town for your First Night Out, the chance to get to know your new travel buds!


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - SV Hotel Tashkent
2

Day 2: Tashkent/Khiva

Start today with some breakfast and an orientation walk of Tashkent. Check out the neighborhood alongside your CEO, then head out to explore the city how you'd like! Opt to join a Tashkent city tour or take a day trip to see the impressive Institute of Sun. This evening, climb aboard the overnight train en route to Khiva.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join your CEO for a orientation walk through Tashkent. Get to know the area around your hotel better explore some of this awesome city.Free_time - Spend the day free to explore Tashkent however you'd like!Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
3

Day 3: Khiva

After a full nights sleep aboard the train, choose to have some breakfast in the dining car or enjoy the views as you chug along. Pull into Khiva around noon, drop your bags, then head out on an orientation walk. Spend the afternoon free to explore the city of Khiva however you want. Perhaps visit one of Khiva's most important landmarks, the Islam Khadija Minaret or take a tour of the City Wall.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore a bit of Khiva alongside your group on an orientation walk.Free_time - Spend the afternoon free to explore Khiva.Accommodation - Caravan Inn
4

Day 4: Khiva/Bukhara

Today you are free to explore this incredible ancient city. In the evening, head to the train station to travel to Bukhara. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy the morning free in Khiva.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Kavsar Guest House
5

Day 5: Bukhara

Get a feel for your adventure in Bukhara by starting the day with an orientation walk of the area. Then today is yours to explore the city! Visit some of the incredible Hammams (traditional public baths), or join a guided tour of Bukhara.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - A full day to explore Bukhara is on the docket for today!Activity - Explore the neighborhood of Bukhara alongside your group to get a lay of the land.Accommodation - Kavsar Guest House
6

Day 6: Bukhara/Samarkand

Bukhara, a historic and important stop along the Silk Road, is today a beautiful piece of living history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Bukhara, with its stone alleyways and colorful tiles, will have you feeling transported to an ancient time. Enjoy another day free to explore this beautiful place before taking a train to Samarkand in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Old Town Samarkand Guest House
7

Day 7: Samarkand

The great city of Samarkand was once a rich trading and intellectual center of the Silk Road. Now known for its melting pot of culture and grand architecture, today is yours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend today at leisure to explore Samarkand.Accommodation - Old Town Samarkand Guest House
8

Day 8: Samarkand/Marguzor

This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan. Shortly after crossing the border, stop at Panjakent Bazaar and wander through the stalls of food, clothes and unique finds. Head out and continue the drive to Padrud Village for the night. On the way, we'll visit four of the breathtaking Seven Lakes in the Fan Mountains. These lakes shine with different colors of blues, greens, purples and turquoises. Grab your camera and take in the incredible views.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the colorful Panjakent Bazzar. Walk through the fragrant stalls, delicious local food stands and locally made home goods being sold.Activity - Visit 4 of the 7 lakes of Marguzor and admire the stunning natural beauty of Tajikistan.Accommodation - Marguzor Family Homestay
9

Day 9: Marguzor

After breakfast at the guesthouse, hike from Lake 6 to the incredible Lake 7. This remote lake is only accessibly by hiking and is well worth the trek. After arriving, enjoy a scenic picnic next to the lake before hiking back to the village. This evening, chow down on a well deserved Tajikistani barbecue.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Start at Lake 6 and hike to the majestic lake 7 of the 7 Marguzor Lakes. Lake 7, arguably the most beautiful is reached only on foot. With nothing but rocky mountains and crystal blue water in sight, admire the incredible scenery of Tajikistan.Accommodation - Marguzor Family Homestay
10

Day 10: Marguzor/Samarkand

Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy a free evening to chill in Samarkand.Accommodation - Old Town Samarkand Guest House
11

Day 11: Samarkand/Tashkent

Take a morning train to Tashkent, where it all began! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital city of Uzbekistan. This evening, join your group for a Big Night Out in the city!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - Spend the rest of the day free to adventure through or relax in Tashkent.Activity - Hit the local bars out on the town tonight during your Big Night Out!
12

Day 12: Tashkent/Shymkent

Hop in the van for a trip across the border to Kazakhstan. Drive to Shymkent and join your CEO on an orientation walk of the city before enjoying the afternoon to explore.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Cross the border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Have your passports handy.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join your CEO on an orientation walk to get to know Shymkent, known as the "Green City." With it's rich history and interesting culture, we'll see the lively markets and other must-see spots.Free_time - Spend the afternoon free to explore the historic Silk Road city, Shymkent.Accommodation - Express City Hotel
13

Day 13: Shymkent

Drive to the totally instagramable Ugam Chatkal National Park. Join a fun 16km hike to Sayram Su Lake for a cute lakeside picnic with the crew. Hike Back to Shymkent to relax this afternoon.

Meals included: Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Hike to the beautiful Sayramsu Lake. We'll be hiking to the Lower Nizhniy Sayram Su Lake. It's 8 km one way and the elevation gain is 650 m. Even as a longer hike, this trek is rated as easy to moderate hike, with few steep sections. At the top we will be greeted with beautiful views of Sayram Ugam National Park and the Sayram River Valley.Accommodation - Express City Hotel
14

Day 14: Shymkent/Taraz

Drive to Taraz today. This city is not visited by many tourists now but was once a major rest stop along the Ancient Silk Road. Take an orientation walk around the town then opt to visit the Taraz Museum to see the remains of this historic place.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Alongside your CEO, take a tour of Taraz, one of the oldest and smallest cities in Kazakstan. What this town lacks in size, you'll quickly learn how it makes up for it with its fascinating history.Free_time - Enjoy some free time in historic Taraz.Accommodation - Zhambyl Hotel Taraz
15

Day 15: Taraz/Bishkek

Cross the border into the next Stan. Into Kyrgyzstan, head to Bishkek. Spend time with your crew this evening in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, bidding farewell to those heading off and greeting the newbies!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Cozy Hotel
16

Day 16: Bishkek

Today is yours for adventure through Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. After an orientation walk to get your bearings, spend the rest of the day seeing the city how you'd like. Opt to join a guided tour of the city or learn to make local Kyrgyz dumplings called manti.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join your CEO to get to know the city of Bishkek. Visit notable spots like Osh Market and see the neighborhood. Your CEO will point out restaurants, bars, coffee shops and supermarkets while teaching you how to navigate the city.Free_time - The rest of the day is yours to explore Bishkek.Accommodation - Cozy Hotel
17

Day 17: Bishkek/Chon Kemin

Visit the historic Burana Tower on the way to Iskra Village where we will enjoy a yummy lunch with a Dungan family, a group of Muslim-Chinese heritage. After spending time with the family and digging into the yummy food, drive to Chom Kemin for the night.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy an intimate and delicious local lunch in the family home of a local Dungan family, of Chinese-Hui Muslim minority group. Learn about the history of their migration, their tradition, and then try a traditional Dungan Chinese meal.Activity - Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large minaret, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remain of the 9th century city of Balasagun.Accommodation - Jekshen Guest House Chon Kemin
18

Day 18: Chon Kemin/Tamga

Start today with an easy hike up to the Shatyly view point. Take in the view from above before hiking back down for some free time at camp. Take a dip if you wish in Issyk Kul Lake, meaning "Warm Lake" in Kyrgyz. In the afternoon, visit the famous Fairytale Canyon, Skazka. Walk through the wild rock formations that resemble castles and gnome homes. Then enjoy a relaxing evening on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hike through the gradual hills of Kyrgyzstan up to the incredible panoramic view of Shatyly. On this easy hike, admire the spectacular views all around you, especially of the lake spanning in the distance.Free_time - Enjoy some free time on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake.Activity - On the Southern Shore of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. It's nickname speaks for itself, with natural rock formations that tower like princess castles in faraway lands.Accommodation - YurtCamp tosor Tonya
19

Day 19: Tamga

After breakfast at camp, hike to the beautiful Barskoon Waterfall. I mean, who doesn't love a little waterfall adventure? Then head to Ak Orgo, a G Adventures-supported project that helps bring much-needed job opportunities to the Barskoon region. We'll dig into some lunch then learn how to build a yurt (like the one we're staying in here in Tamga!) Then head back to camp and take a dip in the lake.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hike to the frothy Barskoon Waterfall and watch as the rushing water cascades down the cliff. In addition to the waterfall, we'll see bright red reds and interesting rock carvings on display for us!Free_time - Enjoy some free time for leisure and to swim in Issyk Kul Lake.Activity - Visit the Ak-Orgo workshop, a G Adventures-supported project working to preserve Kyrgyz traditions and create employment opportunities in Barskoon. Observe how traditional yurts are built.Accommodation - YurtCamp tosor Tonya
20

Day 20: Tamga/Karakol

Drive to Karakol this morning and join your CEO on an orientation walk, the perfect way to start your time in Karakol and get to know this city a bit better. Then the day is yours for adventure! Opt to visit the colorful Dungan Mosque, Karakol Market or the impressive Russian Orthodox Church.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend today free time wander through Karakol!Activity - Get your bearings in the great city of Karakol on this CEO-guided orientation walk.Accommodation - Madanur Hotel
21

Day 21: Karakol

Fill up on breakfast before heading out for a free day in Karakol. How about a tour of the city? Or maybe get back out into nature with visits to the spectacular Jety Oguz or Aksu Kench hot springs!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - A full day free in Karakol means a day full of adventure!Accommodation - Madanur Hotel
22

Day 22: Karakol/Saty Village

Cross the border into Kazakhstan, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch along the way. Then climb into a 4x4 vehicle to visit the stunning Kaindy Lake. Grab your camera and get ready for some jaw-dropping views. This evening, connect with local Kazakh culture at our Saty Village homestay.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Jump in a 4x4 vehicle to get off-road in Kazakhstan.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Activity - Be immersed in Kazakh culture during a homestay near the Kolsay Lakes National Park. Eat a traditional dinner and marvel at the mountain range and forests surrounding the village.Activity - Visit the perfectly turquoise colored Kaindy Lake. In this unique lake, you can see spruce trees sticking out of the crystal water. This sunken forest will leave you in awe of its beauty.Accommodation - Zhuldyz Guest House
23

Day 23: Saty Village/Altyn Emel National Park

Get ready to see red... red rocks and canyons we mean! Our first stop of the day is to Charyn Canyon. Full of different shades of reds, oranges, and browns, the beautiful Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Then continue on to Altyn Emel National Park where more red and orange rocks make up this beautiful landscape.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy the views of the beautiful Charyn Canyon. Breathe the fresh air and snap a few photos of this stunning landscape.Accommodation - Algai Quinn Guesthouse
24

Day 24: Altyn Emel National Park/Almaty

Right on the bank of the Ili river sits the beautiful golden Singing Sand Dunes. On a windy day, when the sad moves across the dunes, it produces a low-pitched humming sound, giving it its name. Get your body moving as you trek through the sand. Return to the guest house for a well-deserved lunch before driving to Almaty. Then join your crew and CEO for an orientation walk.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy the chance to see Almaty on this orientation walk led by your CEO.Activity - Wander across the drifting sand at the seemingly unending Singing sand dunes. Hike through the dunes and take in the breathtaking views of snow capped mountains in the distance.Accommodation - Mildom Express Hotel
25

Day 25: Almaty

Almaty is on full display as you get to choose your own adventure through the city. We recommend a city tour to connect with Kazakhstani culture. Then see the city come to life at night on your Big Night Out!


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - A full free day in Almaty is on the docket for today!Activity - See the beautiful city of Almaty light up with lights when we head out for a Big Night Out with the crew. Grab a drink of choice and enjoy the Kazakhstani night life!Accommodation - Mildom Express Hotel
26

Day 26: Almaty

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 $5,399
(Tour only)
Per Person Standard

Duration: 26 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Pack your bags and a serious sense of adventure — you’re about to blaze across four of Central Asia’s wildest and most underrated countries.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Apr 2027

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990